April 29

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
1 Corinthians 9:24 NAS

So what is it that we are running for? Sometimes we don't even seem to care, we just want to win, no matter who we push out of the way to get there. Yes, we want to win, but we should be considerate of those who are around us. Is it worth it if we have done everything we could to "hinder" the people around us on our way to the finish line, just so we are the ones that look good in the end? Are they going to say when you win, that you were a worthy opponent and it was an honor running with you? This may not really go with the verse, but this was the thought that came to mind after reading it. Just sharing what I think!

April 28

Do not touch my annointed ones, And do my prophets no harm.
Psalm 105:15

Ever really thought about this one? I guess being the pastor's wife, I have. I have often seen pastors get raked through the coals and it breaks my heart. So far we have been truly blessed but Chris has friends that I can't even imagine having to go through what they have been through. My thoughts are always, well they will get what is coming to them for trying to destroy God's man. Sad to say it is mostly words that people use to destroy them, and even sadder is that the people don't even realize that they are being a tool of the devil. They call themselves Christians, but when they are in the midst of destroying a man, they are going extremely opposite of God's word. Take God's words to your heart, think about them and hide them in your heart so that you and I may not sin against God.

April 27

(sorry - I worked 12 hours yesterday)

Do not be wise in your own eyes, Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:7

At some point we all say that we are wise, we know what to do, when to do it and how to do it, and we have a tenancy to take our eyes off the Lord and take control of the reins ourselves. When eyes are off of God, it is easy to get caught up in the world and even do ungodly things. When we seek the Lord in our decision making, even for the little things in the day, then we are sure to not go wrong. Know that God wants us to consult him, to realize that if we don't keep Him in mind, we may just be making wrong decisions. We may not think we are doing what it is called evil, but if it is not pleasing to God, it might as well be evil.

April 26

Do not quench the Spirit;
I Thes. 5:19

Do you realize that you/I can actually be the one to quench the Spirit when we are having church? We can, we need to be aware of what we bring into the church before the service starts, we can actually be responsible for how the service flows. How many times have you been in a bad mood before church or just fought with somebody and then you get into church and wonder why you didn't get anything out of it. When we go to church we should have the same attitude as we do when we get ready to sit down with a friend and visit. You welcome that friend, they can see on your face that you want to be there and you want to spend time with them, so do that! Don't be responsible for quenching the Spirit in church. There have been times that I gone into a church and wondered just what was going on, I didn't feel that God was even welcomed in the church. We don't want to be that kind of church, we want others to feel the presence of the Lord, we want to them to spend time with God and know that is was great to be in the house of the Lord. Shake off those wrong feelings, better yet, give them to God so that He can work in and through you. Spend quality time with God, don't push him away.

April 25

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Provers 3:3

This is one that I had to think about. Why were the words kindness and truth put together? Then the thought of gossip came to mind. Think of how many times things are said about somebody, are they kind or even true for that matter? People will take something that they have heard and run with it, telling others what they have heard and little by little it gets bigger and bigger and no doubt, it gets to the point of destroying that person that it is told about. A rumor is not kind and most of the time it is not true. I think that is why we are warned about this, it is so easy to get caught in this one and sometimes not even realize it. When somebody is "sharing" information about another person with you, may you remember this verse. If it is not kind and true about the person it is spoken about, make sure you wrap it around your neck so that it may not leave your lips and may you write it on your heart as reminder for you to pray for the person that it is being spoken about and for the person that is telling it. May you seek to be kind and true in all that you do.

April 24

"Do not let them depart from your sight, Keep them in the midst of your heart."
Proverbs 4:21


At the beginning of Chapter 4 see wee that this instructions from a father. We should remember what our parents say to us but this goes much deeper,this is from our heavenly father. In verse 20 it says "Give attention to my words", there is no doubt that we are to keep God's Word close to us. How else are we going to get to hear what He has to say to us? We should have a Bible at close range always. When you are happy, pick it up. When you are sad, pick it up. God always had something for us. This is where we can find peace, joy and love. And if you don't have one near you then sing praise songs, most of what we hear are God's words put to song. For us to grow as Christians we have to be nurtured, feed daily on the word of God, listen to His music, this is the best way for you to keep a good attitude, a good spirit, and for you to just enjoy your day. Always remember that your attitude is actually a choice, you can choose to be in a bad mood or you can choose to be happy. I don't think that you can stay in a bad mood when you are taking in God's word. What do you choose today?

April 23

"Destruction and misery are their paths,"
Romans 3:16

Now this chapter is talking about the world, not Christians. It describes the very nature of a lost person. Now somebody may not be destructive as in tearing down buildings but they are still trying to destroy the name of Christ. When I think of misery being their path, it takes me back to my mom before she became a Christian. She believed she was saved because she joined the church and was baptized, but she did not live the life of a Christian. She would always say "I know the Lord and He knows me, but it may not be just like you." Well my prayer was that God would make her so miserable that she would know whether or not she was His! And guess what - it worked. After she got saved we were talking about it, and she told me that she would sometimes come home from work and be so miserable. I laughed and then told her that had been my prayer for her. She told me it worked! I think that those who do not know Christ are miserable, they don't have the peace of God in their lives and they truly don't know what to do. My challenge to you is to watch people, what do their faces show? Are they happy, sad, miserable? Maybe you need to be praying for somebody to be miserable enough that they realize where they stand with the Lord. Yes it took several years, but to see that prayer answered was incredible! Continue to show the love of Christ to them, so that one day that person will say - "I want to know God like you know God!"

April 22

"Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere".
Luke 9:6

Departing was obviously after meeting up with the Lord. We must realize that we meet up with the Lord when we got to church and we must be doing the same thing when we leave. We must share the gospel, but do we? How many people have you even spoke to that you mention God in your conversations? Seems when a person is going through something rough we tend to mention that we will pray for them, but is that enough? I don't think so. I know that I am not doing my job, but we must all realize that an opportunity is in front of us each time that we walk out the door. We don't even think about using the word healing anymore but it's time to get over that and start believing who God really is and trust that he will heal those who are sick, we have not because we ask not! Today make a difference for Christ, be His voice, there is a whole world out there who does not know who He is. Remember you may be the only Jesus that someone sees today.What are they going to see?

April 21

Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
Galatians 3:5 NIV

I knew what I wanted to share this morning and I had to search for the verse to go with it. I wanted a verse about Miracles. I know of four miracles that I would love to see happen: One for a friend that is trying to get pregnant, another for a friend that is awaiting an adoption, another is for my friend that has a 10 year old niece - Julie Ann, that may be facing cancer and also a 15 year old - Jade that is in hospital with 10 doctors studying her not knowing what is wrong . I know that God is still in the miracle working business. I also know that our prayers are for what we believe is best but sometimes they are not what God's plans are. So my prayer is still asking for a miracle but also asking God to wrap His hands around these people today. God has three hands that came to mind last night and these are what kind I am praying for: Healing Hands, Blessing Hands and Loving Hands! May He wrap these hands around the people that I am aware of and for others that are going through any issue right now that they just don't understand. I serve a Mighty God who loves us and wants to use us for His GLORY! May you feel God's presence in a mighty way today.

April 20

"Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you."
Deut. 3:22

As you go about your day keep this in mind. God has great plans for you and all He asks of you is to seek Him an all that you do. I think the word "them" can be your nerves so do not fear them! Do not be afraid of what may come, doors are opening up this very moment. May you have peace as you embark on a new beginning. Know that you have a friend who is praying for you and not only do I want the best for you, but God wants the best for you - He is fighting for YOU! How can you go wrong with us in your corner? Remember that you are somebody special, because God didn't take time to create junk! There may be something in your life that is to big for you to handle, but it is not too big for God - give it to Him and let Him handle it for you.

April 19

April 19

'Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.
Lev. 19:31
 
We live in a world where this just seems natural. Why do I say this? Well we have many people that may not go and pay for these services, but they do pick up the horoscope and check to see what they have to say, you can get your daily horoscope sent straight to your e-mail. Not only that but there are so many shows on television that are about this, not to mention witchcraft. People just seem to find this fascinating, but as fascinating as it is, you can get sucked in pretty quick, then you can't see where anything is wrong. Several times it is mentioned in the Bible to stay away from this, the reason, it is unhealthy for you. If you are seeking out anything other than God to give you guidance, then you are not trusting Him. God is the one to trust day to day for helping us. Instead of the horoscopes each day, turn to God each day. He has great words of encouragement for you!

April 18

Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
Proverbs 3:29

Its true to look around and see that others may have more than you, they seem to be enjoying life more than you, they take all these trips and the economy just doesn't seem to be effecting them in any way. We know that we wouldn't do anything evil to them but don't you think that harbouring thoughts about all of it is just as bad? We do damage to ourselves when we take our minds and thoughts off God and place them on other people. Sure the grass always looks greener on the other side, but guess what - you would have to mow it there too! You really don't know the struggles that they may also be going through. How many of us put up fronts sometimes just to make it look like we don't struggle in areas? They may be doing the same thing. Instead of being envious of them, pray for them, thank God for blessing them, and thank Him too for blessing you - if we were to take an inventory of what we have, we would realize that we are truly blessed, more than any monetary value could be placed on. Our greatest reward is knowing that when we die we are spending eternity in heaven with God. Those people that may have it all down here on earth and may not know God and what they have here may be their only treasure they will ever have. Maybe we should seek to see where they stand with the Lord so that they to can be blessed as we are!

April 17

Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
III John 1:12

tes⋅ti⋅mo⋅ny
   /ˈtɛstəˌmoʊni, or, especially Brit., -məni/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [tes-tuh-moh-nee, or, especially Brit., -muh-nee] Show IPA
–noun, plural -nies.
1. Law. the statement or declaration of a witness under oath or affirmation, usually in court.
2. evidence in support of a fact or statement; proof.
3. open declaration or profession, as of faith.
4. Usually, testimonies. the precepts of God.
5. the Decalogue as inscribed on the two tables of the law, or the ark in which the tables were kept. Ex. 16:34; 25:16.

This should make you think! What is our testimony? Yes we have the testimony of our salvation, but it also goes beyond that. What are we saying to others all the time, do they see us as being a true follower of Christ? Do they see us as real? It's awesome to hear good things, and lately we are seeing God work all around us, but is He using you and me to do His work? Just think about it. What more can we do so that others will see and know that we are doing God's work. We may have our open declaration of faith, sure they know what we believe, but do they see that evidence to support it? Be real in all that you do. May your testimony be strong and true, so that when it is reported about you that they hear it is a good testimony.

April 16

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
Isaiah 40:21

Immediately I knew what this verse was talking about, but we have to remember that not everybody has grown up in a home that goes to church, even if it was occassionally. This should be a reminder to us that there are people that live among us that have no clue to the greatness of God. Better yet, they don't even know who God actually is. You will hear me say over and over that we are His mouthpiece. Not everybody is going to pick up a Bible and read it to find God. So many people are out there searching for an answer, and most don't even realize that they are searching. Be the lighthouse for God, let your light shine so bright for Him that others are drawn to you, they want to see what it is that you have that they realize they need. We know, we have heard, but it is time for us to step up and let others know about Christ and let them hear about Him through us.

April 15

Destroy them in wrath, destroy them that they may be no more: That men may know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth.
Psalm 59:13

This would seem to be just so easy, a quick fix to all the sin in the world. For me, somebody who doesn't have grace and mercy, I be like wham - your gone! But we serve an awesome God, who loves people that are making wrong choices and doing wrong things, and always giving them just one more chance, knowing that these people were also worth dying for. I need to remember that these people God loves just as much as He loves me and even though He could just take them out of this world, He will leave them here, and who knows, He may just be calling me (and you) to be the very one to help show this other person Jesus.
So today, instead of getting aggravated when you see somebody doing wrong, extend grace and mercy to them, let them know that you serve a loving God that cares for them, that wants them to do right,and that wants them to know the Lord. You can be a warrior today, not to destroy but to rescue one from the enemy.

April 14

Do not trust in a neighbor ; Do not have confidence in a friend. From her who lies
in your bosom Guard your lips.
Micah 7:5

This verse comes from a chapter talking about Isreal's moral decine but oh how well it fits in todays society. It's amazing to see how somethings have not changed in centuries.
At first I was thinking this is easy, but then I realized I am that type of person, I don't assume that everyone can be trusted. Then I got to thinking, why do we get this warning? It is because many people are not trustworthy or could this actually be a warning to others about us? I know that we want to think that we can trust everybody but that is not the case today. We are to be wise, listen before we speak, watch others, see how they communicate with others. We should be slow to speak and most important, we are to guard our lips. More damagae can be done with words than anything else, we can destroy people by what we say about them and the same can be said of us, we too can be destroyed by somebody else's words.
Just be careful of those around you, listen to what they are saying about others, sometimes if they are that easy to talk about others, then they are doing the same about you. And be more careful as you speak, always think about what you are saying, is somebody watching you to see if you are trustworthy?
I do believe that we all need friends, they help bring us joy when days seem to be unbearable, but we must be careful, there is a reason that we are told to be careful.

April 13

Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land, one rumor comes this year, another the next, rumors or violence in the land and of ruler against ruler.
Jeremiah 51:46
  
Once again we are encouraged! I must say that living in the ministry is tough, and this verse is comforting because those rumors do come. Even when we know that they are not true, it is still easy to lose sight of the One who is in control and let those rumors control us for a while. We start to worry what will happen when others believe this rumor to be true. God wants us to step back, take a deep breath and once again, place it all at the foot of the cross. Give it to Him and let Him handle it. There have been so many times that it just dwindles away when it is placed at the foot of the cross. We are not supposed to worry - so don't!

April 12

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you a crown of life.
Rev. 2:10
 
We are all going to suffer that is evident. But we also must remember that we are not alone; God is with us all the way, no matter what the outcome of our suffering is. The thought that came to mind for me is that we must step boldly into suffering. Realizing that we can go through this battle because of Christ. He has been there and conquered! We are reminded of that today. Jesus paid it all so that we too will be victorious, so just tell satan - Bring it on! We are more than conquerors through Christ who gives us strength.

April 11

Do not make friends with an hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered or you may learn his ways, and get yourself ensnared.
Prov. 22:24-25
 
 
Now think about this one, people do tend to associate you with the people that you hang around. Do you want someone to misjudge you? The warning continues to also tell us that if you stay around that person it is easy to become like them. Haven't you ever been around a person that is negative all the time, after a while you seem to find all the bad in the surroundings instead of the good? Place yourself around positive people, better yet, be that positive person. When you are in the word, positive will be flowing from you. You won't be negative or become that hot-tempered person. Always remember positive in - positive out! When you have good things coming in your mind and heart that is what will be flowing out of your mouth and out of your heart.

April 10

Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.
Psalm 79:8
 
This makes us wonder what the sins of our own father could be that could be held against us, but then as parents we can also think about that same sins we have done that could be used against our children. Other times it is written that the sins of the father will be passed down through the generations. We must realize once again that a spiritual battle is going on. Satan wants to make sure that the children will follow their fathers in the mistakes, but we know that God wants the very best for His children and when those children become His, they can overcome the stronghold that has been placed on a family. This should make us drop quickly to our knees in asking God to forgive us for the ways we have lived in the past and have that mercy on our children, that they will make the wise decisions to follow Christ and not the world. The obedient living that we do right now can make a difference in the life of our children and our grandchildren. May they see something in us that points them to Christ in all that we do.

April 9

(sorry this didn't get posted yesterday - when I tried to post the computer would shut down)

"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
2 Kings 6:16

 
What words of encouragement to us, even now! No matter what battle we are going through, we have to remember that we have more on our side. God has placed angels around us to protect us, to minister to us, so we have nothing to fear. We can face any battle that is going on because Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. We may feel defeated at one point but just remember that in the end WE WIN! Hang in there and remember that you are not alone. Not only is God your comforter and protector but He has placed earthly friends beside you to help you go through the storms too. Let them know what is going on so they can pray for you and help to encourage you.

April 8

"do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:"
Ephesians 1:6

Paul took time to thank God for his friends, the new believers. We should also do the same. We have seen so many come to Christ and than that seems to be it, we tell them how much we love them, how excited we are for them and then we go about out business. We need to be more like Paul and pray for the new Christians and really those that have been believers for a long time. Just as Paul we should pray for wisdom and understanging for them. We should most of all pray for their protection from Satan. He is going to go after the new ones harder than ever. We need to the the ones praying for that hedge of protection around them and lifting them up to the Lord! Pray that they will hear God's voice and seek to listen and do His will. And most of all, when you see them doing something for the Lord, let them know that you see them growing! We all love to be encouraged, but new believers need to know that they are doing someting right. Today not only be an encourager but pray for the new Christians that you know. Be more like Paul today. You will be blessed.

April 7

Do not trust in princes, In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.
Psalm 146:3

I wrote this gem five years ago...I can't help but think of all the people who are mourning the death of the Pope. Many people think that he was their way to heaven but they have just believed in a lie.  You may go far here on earth because of how good you are but it won't get you into heaven. I have been amazed at watching these people who looked to him as their savior.
Here at home we had also lost a very dear friend this week. I know for sure that Miss Lucy is in heaven today because of her faith in Christ. She trusted in God for her salvation and because of that we have assurance the she is standing before God right now, rejoicing in Heaven!
There in only one person to trust for Salvation and His name is Jesus!

I just had to share this one today, it still means the same to me as it did then. This week were are reminded of what Christ did on the cross for us. Take time to think about Him and what He did for us so that we could spend eternity with Him. There is only one Savior and His name is Jesus!

April 6

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
I John 4:1
 
It is sad to think that there are people in the world trying to pass themselves off as men or women of God. Any time we hear someone preaching it is up to us to make sure they are speaking the truth. Listen closely, are they pointing us to Christ? Do they mention Christ? Take notes, go back and read the scripture to make sure what was said was right. If this were not important we wouldn't have a warning about it in the Bible. Ask God to help you know the truth - He will help you.

April 5

Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
James 3:11

Many questions were ask around this text where the answer is no. These questions are to make us realize that we are like the source. What flows from us can be two things, this fountain can be our mouth or our actions life. We can’t be “fresh and bitter”, what comes out of us should be fresh. When we are spewing anything bitter it definitely is not from God. We should keep our focus on what is good and right, and try to be that fresh water at all times. We do have control over our actions and our words, let’s keep them under control. You just never know when somebody is standing beside the fountain and wondering what kind of water is in it. Can they get the wrong idea?

April 4

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
Psalms 19:2



If you read before this verse you know better when the writer is talking about. 1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
We seem to forget that each day (and night) God has something for us to experience with Him. It can be very simple as in enjoying the blooming trees and flowers, hearing the birds singing their praises, watching a stream flowing, crossing the lake, many things are there for us to see just how nature declares His majesty and His beauty. He is right before us and we don't even see that He is there. When the sun is going down and it turns to night, look up to the skies, there are days that His setting sun paints us a picture of beauty this is just simply incredible. Another breathtaking sight for me was going into Cincinnati from the south side, coming over the hill and seeing the city in the lights was just incredible for me, and we have to remember - who created those lights? So take time in the simplicity of the day and the night to realize that God is here with us, at all times, just waiting to show off for us and for us to realize that He is here.
I am including pictures I took of the sunset one day just after we moved here. I titled the album - God painted me a picture... Look for Him today. Let me know where you find him!

April 3

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Romans 12:19
 
Sometimes we may not take revenge on a person but we do tend to hold a grudge against them. I think this scripture can apply to that too. There are times when somebody will hurt our family or us and we must put that behind us, recognize who the real enemy is and go on. As I have said before, many times, even Christians let Satan use them to tear down others, and you will be in that path. Realize that is Satan attacking you and instead of getting mad at that person, just let Satan know, he cannot steal your joy! Believe me, this is how I have had to handle many situations. God will also deal with these people in how they treat others so remember that. Keep holding your head up, treat those people how you would really want to be treated and let them see Jesus in you! God will handle the rest! Trust Him.

April 2

Deliver me , I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me , and the mother with the children.
Genesis 32:11

Wow - in the King James Version this is the first diamond that I found. "Deliever me" - what a term we use so often but maybe not in those words. But we all feel like we need to be rescued and we call out to God. It may not be our brother that we need to be delivered from but we all know who to call out to! Sad thing is that in today's world even those who are not religious call out to God to rescue them in their time of need. It's okay to call out to God, but don't let that be the only time that you seem to talk to him, when you think you need Him. He desires a relationship with you and He wants to spend time with you daily! We were created to spend time with Him, so do it! It can be reading His word, singing along in the car with Praise songs, or just taking time to enjoy the beauty around you and letting Him know it! Spend time with Him, there is nothing greater than feeling the presence of the Lord with you.

April 1

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him.
Pr 26:4


As always we must be careful of what we say. We will have people coming to us and inquiring of us about a situation and we must not always tell of what we know. We may know something that could bring another person down, but we must not give that information out. We don't want to be like those who are damaging to others. It's easy to recognize that a "fool" can be dressed in the nicest clothes and seem to have the best intentions, but recognize and be slow to speak.