December 25

Luke 2:12
"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."


I have never thought about this before, but we see manger scenes all over at Christmas, but who has one in their house at Christmas to represent what Christmas is all about. Maybe as Christians we should place a manger right beside our Christmas tree and leave it empty till Christmas morning. Then we everybody gets up to get their gifts, they can see the greatest gift that we could ever receive, that baby in a manger. May we all be challenged to start a new tradition and let others that come into our houses see what we truly believe!

December 24

 John 1:9
There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.


In all the anticipation of Christmas coming, we have that anticipation also found in the Bible of the Hope that is for us. We must remember that Christmas is celebrating the birth of Christ. In this verse we were reminded that the true Light was coming, and this Light was Jesus. He came to us in the human form, born of a virgin and also born in a lonely stable, a simple birth but  a not so simple Savior! He deserved a glorious telecast of just how great and magnificent this birth was going to be, that this was true royalty, but to the world he came at the right time, unannounced to most. Today we still see people walking around that still don't even know that He exists. What are we to do about it? We are to let others know that there is a true Light, His name is Jesus and He is here just for them. Be the lighthouse to shine so that others may be drawn to the Light. Introduce them to the Light so that they can understand and find that Hope that was sent to them.

December 23

 Revelation 21:20
the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

This is another example of God's Jewelry Box, but in more detail. The Bible is full of gems just waiting to be discovered. These jewels were created by God to remind us of His glory, I think showing just how majestic He really is. As beautiful as all of these stones may be, they will be nothing compared to Him. May you enjoy the creations around you and realize that this is just a taste of what is to come!

December 22

Ecclesiasted 6:1
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun and it is prevalent among men--

So often I think people forget about this verse, almost like saying, if we can't see it, then we don't believe it. Well people Satan is alive and well and he walks around using the "Christians" and the non-Christians both. There are times that the easiest way I can explain to others is - don't get mad at the person who has offended you, realize that the enemy is Satan and he is using that person to steal your joy. The sad thing is that Satan is using everybody that he can get his claws in to, and yes sometimes that is Christians. We just always have to remember who the enemy is, it makes it alot easier to handle this way. The sad thing is that many churches are filled with people who are letting the enemy use them, and sadly, they don't even recognize it! So be aware that the enemy is real. He will do his best to get his claws in you and use you for his glory. Stand firm and remember to call upon the name of the Lord, Satan cannot stand in HIS presence.

December 21

Proverbs 4:4
Then he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live;

These are words from a father to a son, but this applies us all and they are words from our Heavenly Father! As Christians, our heart should want to hold fast to His words, we should want to keep His commandments, because He has given us a promise when doing so - we LIVE! Of course one day we will physically die, but we will live eternally with Him. When we hear our father speaking, we should strive to listen to Him and do as He says, so that we may bring honor to His name. When we go against what He says, we are disobedient and disrespectful to Him. Keep this in mind in all that you do.

December 20

 I Thessalonians 4:17
Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.


This is one of those verses that gets me excited. This talks about the coming of Christ! We have hope in this world, that there will come a day that we will get to see the Lord, that is if we have placed our faith in Him and trusted Him as our Lord and Savior! If we are living when He comes back this is going to be a glorious sight! My favorite part is we shall always be with the Lord. We need to think about that a little more sometimes, how will it be then? We were created to worship. What do we do here on earth? How often do we worship? Yes, not often enough. It's time we start practicing a bit more in our worshipping! So take time, crank up the radio, listen to His words and sing them back to Him, yes that is worship. When you see something that makes you smile, let Him know, that is worship. Pick up that Bible and listen to His words, yes that is worship. Don't just expect your worship to be on Sunday or Wednesday, make it happen every day of the week!

December 19

Jonah 3:5
"Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them."

In Jonah we know that he spent time in the belly of the whale for being disobedient to God. Now we see that Jonah has gone to Nineveh and is doing what God told him to do. Because of him being obedient, the people believed in God. This makes me wonder about us, are we doing what God has called us to do? Are we sharing Jesus with others so that they are believing in Him? We must do what God has called us to do and spread His word so that others will come to know Him. This verse shows that when we are obedient to do what He has called us to do, we will see results!

December 18

Titus 2:5
"to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."


Sensible - having, using, or showing good sense or sound judgment
Pure - untainted with evil; innocent
Kind - of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person
Subject - being under dominion, rule, or authority, as of a sovereign, state, or some governing power; owing allegiance or obedience
Dishonored - disgrace; ignominy; shame
I know that as women sometimes we just don't want to be told what to do, but these are wise words given to us. To be sensible, we need to think before we speak. I know how easy it is to say something before you think about it and it will get you in trouble. Workers at home, I don't think it means that we are to stay at home, I do think that if we can we should, yes sometimes we have to work, but we do have a role at home to do so that we can show our children what their responsiblities are in the home also. To be pure, we need to not be vicious, spiteful or hateful (and we all can be). To be kind, well that goes back to the pure, be need to learn to treat others as we want to be treated. Being subject to their own husband, its a tough one to take when looking at definition, but I will stick with allegiance, we are subject to the authority of our husband, but it is when he loves us like Christ loves the church is when it will be natural to us. God's plan is that our husband is the leader of the home, and that is what we are to let him do, don't fight him for this right that God gave to the husband. When we say I do, our husband is the man that we have allegiance to, I think that it goes deeper in this verse when it says to their own husband, stay with yours and don't look to line up with somebody else's husband! Dishonored, again, I think that if we go back and think about everything we do before we say or act upon it, we will think twice about it. If we truly say that word, "Would Jesus do what I am about to" before we did it, then we would not dishonor the name of the Lord.

Wise words are given to use for a reason. We need to act upon them so that we can be pleasing in the sight of the Lord.

December 17

Revelation 3:19
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.


I think we forget that we do get disciplined by the Lord because He does love us. We often think it could be just punishment for the wrong we have done, but that is not all of it. If He didn't love us, He wouldn't care. He wants us to do right, and when we are doing anything but that, then He can do only what is best for us, to discipline us. How else are we going to learn? When He does discipline us the next part is clear in this verse, repent. Let God know that you are sorry for what you have done, but to repent doesn't mean just saying your sorry, it means to turn from that sin and don't turn back to it! Thank God for showing you His ways, don't get mad at him for getting caught. God has called us to a life that is different from those around us, it's time to start living like Jesus is your Lord and Savior.

December 16

Proverbs 30:33
For the churning of milk produces butter,
And pressing the nose brings forth blood;
So the churning of anger produces strife.
 
My thoughts are sometimes when things are "pressed" we see good results, such as the butter from milk, and sometimes it's not so good, as the nosebleed. We have to be careful in all things, so that when we are pressed, we don't see the strife. Yes I know (personally) that anger will creep into your life, but you have to learn to get beyond that or you will have turmoil in your life, you will spill out things into others lives that are not good. Sometimes you are going to have to learn to forgive even when that person has hurt you doesn't ask for it.  So the best way to handle "being pressed" is trust in God! Sometimes He can press us to - He wants to see what will come out of us. So think about it, and be careful of what you are letting come out. First think about how you are coming across to God - are you making Him smile or frown? Next think about how you are coming across as a Christian, would anybody else want to be like you?  Great things can come from your life, it's what you choose to "spill" out.

December 15

2 Chronicles 17:14
This was their muster according to their fathers' households: of Judah, commanders of thousands, Adnah was the commander, and with him 300,000 valiant warriors;


I had never heard the word muster before my son went into the Navy. After that I would be talking to him and he say, gotta go, have to muster. So he explained - take roll, give account for. So now when you read this verse you will know what muster is. They were giving account. It even neater to me to see that this verse is talking about warriors, so now I need to dig deeper and see if they just applies to a term used only for those in the military...
as found on Dictionary.com...

mus·ter   /ˈmʌstər/ Show Spelled

–verb (used with object)
1. to assemble (troops, a ship's crew, etc.), as for battle, display, inspection, orders, or discharge.
2. to gather, summon, rouse (often fol. by up ): He mustered all his courage.
–verb (used without object)
3. to assemble for inspection, service, etc., as troops or forces.
4. to come together; collect; assemble; gather.

–noun
5. an assembling of troops or persons for formal inspection or other purposes.
6. an assemblage or collection.
7. the act of mustering.
8. Also called muster roll . (formerly) a list of the persons enrolled in a military or naval unit.

—Verb phrases
9. muster in, to enlist into service in the armed forces.
10. muster out, to discharge from service in the armed forces: He will be mustered out of the army in only two more months

Very neat to see a term that given in the Bible used for the terms of today. Awesome seeing the Bible in everyday life!

December 14

 Joshua 4:6
That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?


What comes to mind even more for me, is what are our stones in our lives that our children may ask about. Can they see something evident in our lives that they will ask us, what does this mean? I want my children to see my faith so evident and strong, that they will ask, what makes you like you are? So my reply can be - I am different because of Jesus Christ. I serve the Lord, I don't apologize for my convictions and I will stand strong (like the stones) for what I believe in. They did not get to see the old me, but the people who knew me before knew that I lived to please me and me alone. I am no longer that person because I placed my faith in Jesus Christ and I have trusted Him as my Lord and Savior. I heard Him say, "Old things are passed away, you are a new creation". I do not want people to see me doing the things that I did before, because they would see the old me. There is something different in my life and His name is Jesus. I want to introduce my friends to Him, so that they can now have the peace and joy that I have because of Him. I know that if I died right now that I would spend my eternity in Heaven. Believe me, the night I gave my life to Christ, I was fully aware that if I had died right then, I would have busted hell wide open. My prayer is that you know where you stand with Christ and you have a stone that others will see and ask, What does that stand for?

December 13

Ephesians 1:6:
"to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved."

How many times do we truly think about Christ? Just who He is, just what He means to us? He was God's Son, His Beloved. For those of us who have children, we understand that bond, our flesh and blood. We don't think about how awesome God is, He gave His Son for us. We definitely don't deserve to be snatched out of the pits of hell, because without Christ we were headed straight there, but God loved us so much He sent His Son to die for us. I don't know if I could give any of my children for somebody else. I don't know that I would die for anybody outside my family. We need to be more thankful and praise God more because we take what we have way too lightly. I hope you can wrap your head around how much God loves you. As His child, we too are a treasure to Him. Today may you feel His presence, His arms wrapped around you and hear His voice saying - my child, I love you too, please don't ever doubt that!

December 12

Luke 2:12
"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and
lying in a manger."

Today we went to see Ethan's Christmas play at school, and this was what the play was about, The birth of Christ. I am so thankful that I live in an area that has a principal that says, share Jesus until we have to stop! The play brought in Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Ethan sang the second verse of Away in a Manger. Then the shepherds came in, a star, the angels and the wise men. After they were all in place two of the little angels came to the front and Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus also stood in front and the angels sang, "Happy Birthday Jesus". I just cried! A little boy then came front the back with a birthday cake and set it in front of them. It was incredible.

My prayer is that others who were there will see the read meaning of Christmas. That God sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. He sent Jesus by the way of Mary and placed Him in a manger for us! Remember that if it had only been you or me, God would have still sent His Son just for us.

Share the meaning of Christmas with others, and this year, buy a birthday cake for Jesus and sing to Him! This Christmas can mean more to you than ever before.

December 11

James 1:19
This you know, my beloved brethren But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

Great words for us to listen, ponder and act upon. For me this is probably the hardest. I always have something to say about the subject of converstation. I am trying to apply this verse more often. Quick to hear and slow to speak. Sometimes I may not be saying anything at all, because I am also working on that slow to anger bit.

When somebody is speaking to you, what are they really trying to say? Sometimes we may need to look deeper into what is being said. You know what general converstaions are, but sometimes people can be crying out for help or saying one thing hoping that you will see the real truth behind it. I think that is why we need to be quick to hear, to really listen. Often we just half way hear, speak what we think and go on.

I think that we need to be slow to speak because when you say something, that is it. You can always apologize for what you have said, but the damage can already be done. You really can't undo! So again, be slow to speak - what are the words of your mouth going to do to the person in front of you? Sure it may make you feel better for getting it out, but don't be damaging - some things are better left not said.

Slow to anger...that is one to work on. Again listen to what is being said to you. Is that person just trying to make you mad? Sometimes yes, and why? Because Satan wants to steal your joy and he will use other people to do that. Take a look at the person, don't get mad at them - just let the devil know - it will not work! He cannot have your joy and you don't have to get mad (at least not at the person). Ask God to rebuke Satan and place your thoughts back to Christ so that you can be a reflection of Him. Then when your words do come out, others can see the Jesus in you!

December 10

Acts 7:9 "The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him,"

I seem to talk about bad things happening to people alot. But why I do this is to remind them to remember that no matter what you go through and sometimes it seems really bad, that God is with you. I just want you to always remember that He is here! I know that sometimes we feel far away, but that is because we have taken our eyes off of God. We must turn and look back and see that He has been there all the time. Something bad may be happening right now and you don't understand why. Just know that God is here, He knows what you are going through, and we may not like it, but He is allowing it to happen. Sometimes He wants to see just how much we are going to trust Him and count on Him to get us through. Thank Him for another opportunity for Him to show Himself to you! You have been chosen and He is with you!

December 9

Jeremiah 17:5
Thus says the LORD,"Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD."

This just makes me sad. We know that we serve a loving and just God and for those who choose to live a life separated from Him, their life will be cursed, and they will receive the penalty from living that way. That penalty is hell. The great news is that you don't have to be cursed. You can turn from that cursed life and turn to Jesus. Placing your faith in Him and trusting in Him as your Lord and Savior will keep you from that separation, giving you an eternal home. My prayer is that we will be able to recognize who those people and we will share the Good News with them so that their names won't be the ones that come to mind when we read this verse.

December 8

Psalm 21:11 Though they intended evil against You And devised a plot, They will not succeed.

For me this is where we are reminded that as God's children, we are going to be okay. We know that things may come against us, but it will be okay. Just remember that even Jesus had people plotting against Him. We may not be put on the cross and hung for it, but there will be times that we probably feel that way. Do not get discouraged! Thank God that He has chosen you to walk through this trial and know and believe that He will get you through it. He wants to grow you and use you, even when we don't feel like we need to grow any more, we must trust that He will make us better and stronger! Hold on to His Word and know "They will not succeed!"

December 7

Proverbs 1:6
To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles.

This makes me smile, after all this is sort of what blogging these verses are for me. It's reading it and trying to figure out what it says to me, then I share with you. There are times that it may be clear and others times that you have to dig a little deeper. Glad that God made it that way - we don't need plain and simple all the time! We should all be looking at these verses and seeking to understand them better, I would love for you to share with me what each verse you read means to see you. Sometimes you may see it completely different from me, I would love to know!

December 6

Proverbs 12:5
The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

Oh how this verse hits home to me. I now that when those thoughts are running through my head that are positive, uplifting and encouraging, that they are coming from the Lord. I also recognize that those negative thoughts that are coming through my head are not from the Lord, which means only one thing, they are from Satan! I was even sharing with Chris that sometimes when we are talking that I get quiet just because of that. The thoughts that are processing in my head are not always what they should be, and I know that if they flow out of my mouth, that they will do damage that can't be taken back. I can apologize, but the damage will still be done! I always flash back to the Lord telling me "Old things are passed away, you are a new creature in Christ." So when negative words are spewing out of my mouth, I am not a reflection of Christ, Who is now in me. Do you get where I am going? There will always be a battle, we must focus on Christ, which will therefore allow us to have the mind of Christ and we will be a reflection of Him. When we feel the not so nice thoughts and feelings start to arise, that should be a sign immediately to change our thoughts to the Lord, so we can get refocused and reflect Him. What are others seeing in you?

December 5

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

I truly believe that some people are going to be shocked when they get to heaven, and I even question that when and say if they get to heaven. Yes we have many denominations, and several may worship in a way that we may not agree with, but who are we to say that they are wrong? All I know is that a religion will not get you to heaven. It's placing your faith in Jesus Christ and trusting Him as your Lord and Savior is what gets you there. Just because you are a member of a church will not get you to heaven. I think many people are banking on their name being on the church roll, when they need to realize that if your name is not written in the Lambs book of Life, then you are not going! We have a lot to learn and the best way to learn is to get in the Bible. The truth is written in His Word!

December 4

2 Corinthians 5:6
Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--

While we are here on this earth we are absent from the presence of God, but we must always remember that the Lord is with us in Spirit. He is here to guide us, comfort us and walk with us, but we must let Him do just that. He doesn't come to us unless invited. So take that time to make sure He is with you wherever you go. Don't just say "I know He is with Him, invite Him, talk to Him, take time and spend with Him". Thank God for the time you have here on earth to be with your earthly family, but make sure that you know when you pass from here, that you will spend your eternity with God! Even though you may think you are going through hell right now on earth, if you do not know Jesus, then this may be the only heaven that you get to experience.

December 3

2 John 1:12 Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made full.

Sometimes a letter just will not cut it, you need to see a person face to face so that you can see their expression or even know that they are getting what you tell them. I know that when my mom was going through her cancer and I disagreed with how she was not making lifestyle changes, I wrote her a letter, because at that time, she was not listening to my words face to face, but oh what joy to see her face when she realized that the words I had been writing about were so true. Seeing her face to face when she came to know Christ, definately made my joy full. Share good news with others, even in writing, but take that time for a personal touch too. Not only does God want to bless the other person, He wants to bless you too!

December 2

Daniel 6:5
Then these men said, "We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God."
Wouldn't be wonderful if this was the only fault that somebody could find against us, that there was nothing wrong with us but that we loved God so much that we served Him and Him alone! Oh to be a Daniel. But how many times do we let "stuff" get in our way of serving? Very often, if we answer honestly. May we today be like Daniel and let others see Who it is that we serve, and may we show them God in all that we do!

December 1

Genesis 1:11
Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.

I think I forgot to look up the first verse that started with a T last month, so you have it now. It is incredible to think about God's creation. That He made it to not only reproduce as humans, but in all other things, plants, trees, animals... He gave us so much to enjoy that I think sometimes we overlook just what He has done for us. We should get excited when we see new growth, we should be reminded of the great things that God is creating for us, and we should also remember that we too can be like a seed. We should grow and produce fruit that is pleasant to others too. We can give that fruit back to God and let Him bless us again, and help us to spring forth later. As you eat something, think about where it all came from, where it started from, realizing that it all started in the garden with God. He created it just for you and for me, so that we could enjoy. Take time to thank Him for what He created just for us and what He has given us and blessed us with.

November 30

Ecclesiastes:6:1
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun and it is prevalent among men--

So here is the warning..but not everybody is evil, we just know it is there and can be acted out. Sometimes we find that hard to believe and we are so easy to judge (I know that I am). We should always be willing to give a person a chance and then let them prove us wrong. Try today to see the good in others, it's too easy to see the bad. And even if the bad pops us, remember that God loves them, He died for them, and at any given moment we too could be in their shoes and need forgiveness too. Who are you going to look like more today - evil or Jesus?

November 29

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November 18

Matthew 10:32
"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven."

This is a very important verse. God does not call undercover Christians. We are to let others know Who God is and what He had done for us. Because of Him we are who we are. How often do we let others know that we have been snatched from the pits of hell because of Christ? Do we let others know that we serve a risen Savior and that we are living for Him? Today as you come in contact with other people, ask yourself "Does this person know about My Jesus?". Remember you may be the only Jesus anybody ever sees. Give Jesus something to brag to His Father about!

November 17

Luke 11:5
Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves;

Today I looked for a verse that said friend, because it's my best friend's birthday. This verse is fitting for me because I know if I went to my friend's house at midnight and said I needed three loaves, Leigh would give me four. She is a true friend! I know that any moment of any day, that if I called and said that I needed her, she would drop it all and be there for me! I told her a week or so ago that I have known her longer than anybody else that I can remember outside of family. I am thankful that 38 years ago, she yelled across the street to me and ask me if I wanted to come over! I miss her tremendously and love her like she is my own sister! Thank you God for letting us not only be across the street neighbors growing up, but becoming best friends. My prayer is that everybody has the friend in this verse, that they know if they need three loaves, they will receive it! That is what friends do!

November 16

Proverbs 15:13
A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.
This is one of the truest verses that I have ever heard. But I can't help but add, some will never see that we are so sad because of the mask that we wear. We can't let others know that we are hurting, or so we think. God knows it all and He is there, the will help restore the joyful heart, though sometimes it doesn't seem as though it is possible or that it will come soon enough. Hang in there, help is on the way and He comes in the form of Jesus Christ. He can give you peace, comfort and a joyful heart, are you ready to receive? Just reach out and do that - receive it.

November 15

The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.
Rev. 22:23

This too is another wonder of God. It's really hard to comprehend how this is going to be, but we just have to believe that this is so. It just goes to show that God is so magnificant that we can't even understand. This brings the song "I Can Only Imagine" to mind. As the time changes and it gets dars so early its amazing to think that there will be a time when there will be no more darkness. How awesome! God will be all the light we ever need!

November 14

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November 11

I John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Today we remember those who have done just that for us. We have men and women that have gone into the military to protect us. We do not tell them often enough how much that truly means to us. Today I say THANK YOU for giving your life to protect me and my family. Many have lost loved ones in the military, my prayer today is that God would give them peace and comfort. For those who are serving today, my prayer is that God would protect them and continue to give peace to the families as they are away. We serve a great nation, and even better we serve a great God! Today I also thank Him for sending His son to die for me so that I may have eternal life with Him.

November 10

Romans 1:12
that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.

There are times in our lives that we need to be around other Christians. We need to draw strength from them, especially when we are down and don't seem to have anything left in us. If you are down you do not need to be around negative people, so put yourself around positive people and draw strenght from them! It's great to have good friends!

November 9

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

How many times have we heard the Lord say this, and we throw up our hands and say "send me"? We do just that and after a while it seems that we let life get in the way and back off from doing what God has called us to do. So now as you read this verse, hear God say just that. And throw your hand (and mine) back up and say "Send me". Let's go do what God has called us to do! He has great plans for us!

November 8

Acts 2:41
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

We had a baptismal service at our church last night, nine were baptized. Next month there will about 10. It's a very special service and though it is not original with my husband, he has been doing it this way since we were introduced. Each candidate sits before the congregation and the people in the audience get to tell the candidate what he/she means to them. It's a great affirmation and a way to make the baptism very special and memorable. We have seen one person come to know Christ because of a baptism service before!

Baptism is the next step after salvation for someone to show that they have trusted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Baptism does not save you. It's a representation of that old self going into the cleansing waters and coming up a new creation! Old things are passed away! If we are doing our part as Christians and sharing the gospel with others, then the baptismal pools in the church would keep the waters in them often. Are we doing our parts to make sure that this is happening?

November 7

November 6

November 5

Matthew 1:1
The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

This is the first topaz in the New Testament. This verse goes back to show us that the genealogy of Jesus is important. Sometimes we are not all proud of the people who have been in our families, but they are still our family and important. When studying the genealogy of Jesus you get to see that these people were not perfect. There are liars, cheaters, adulterers, murderers, etc... very imperfect people, just like us and sometimes even worse it seems. But these people are very important. It just shows that God uses imperfect people to make sure that His plans are carried out. God can use us all if we are just willing to surrender to Him. No matter what you have been through, God loves you and cares for you! Please don't ever forget that! You are special to Him and there is nothing that you can do that will make Him love you less. If it had only been you on this earth, God still would have sent His Son to die for you, so that you could have eternal life with Him.

November 4

Genesis 1:2
The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

This is the first Topaz in the Bible. It's hard for us to think about there being absolutely nothing here. But I think sometimes in our lives we feel as though we are there. Alone, in darkness, there being a void all around us. But as we see in Genesis, we must remember that God is always here, always moving, always working. He is doing this just for us. So when you get to that point of feeling void, remember God is here, look up - into the Heavens and KNOW that God is with you. He is here! Call out to Him and allow Him to let you see the beauty of the creation that He created just for you. Walk back into the earth, knowing and trusting that God is going to get you through!

November 3

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

This is one of my favorite Bible verses. The night I got saved this is one of the verses that came back to me. God just reminded me that my old things (drinking, cussing, smoking...) were to be put away, I was a new creation! If my friends were to see me living as I was before I got saved, they would not see the Jesus in me. To me if I had continued to do those things, I believe they would have seen a distorted vision of Jesus. I wanted them to see that there was something different in my life! The difference is Jesus!

November 2

Proverbs 10:30
The righteous will never be shaken, But the wicked will not dwell in the land.

This should be good news on Election Day! We have our fare share of good and bad politicians, but we must realize that they are in office because of God. He allows them all to get into place. Maybe its for us to focus on what we need to focus on - none of them can save us! We must realize that when all seems lost (as in our country) that we do have hope. We are not to get discouraged! Remember WE WIN!! Yes it may look as though the wicked ones are prospering, but it is only for season. And remember, they will not be where we are in the end! Hang on, Hope is on the way! Don't get discouraged, Trust in Him!

November 1

Psalm 116:4
Then I called upon the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I beseech You, save my life!"

And what peace I have because I know that the day I called upon the Lord, He did just that. He saved me, He snatched me from stepping into the gates of Hell! I know that if I died today that I would spend eternity with Him in Heaven! My prayer today is that you have that peace too! It's the very best decision that I ever made!

October 31

October 30

October 29

October 28

Psalm 118:25
O LORD, do save, we beseech You; O LORD, we beseech You, do send prosperity!

My first thoughts of hearing "do save" make me think of salvation. But the psalmist has been saved and needs to be saved of something else. When he says "do send prosperity", he is wanting more out of his life. Prosperity: a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition, esp. in financial respects; good fortune. So even back then people struggled with many of the same things that we do. They didn't have the huge financial debts that are easy for all us to accumulate, but they did struggle. So today, I will claim to the verse that the Psalmist prayed and believe that God does want more for me, He is the only one that can make it happen. First of all we must not be stupid and realize that the messes were made by us. Ask God to forgive you for not being responsible with what He has blessed you with, and know that with Him - all things work for good. His blessings will come.

October 27

Psalm 104:24
O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions.

Sometimes I don't think we think about God's works are all around us. At this time of the year, we do get to see God actually showing off. The colors that He has created and spread throughout the trees right now is sometimes just breathtaking (well at least to me). I enjoy seeing what He has made for us. Even in the simple things, and look beyond that. Everything that is around us is part of God at work! Thank God for His work (you have family, a home, food...). Everything we have is because of Him. Enjoy His creation.

Just last week I drove up at work and this is what He had just for me to enjoy. I don't know if anybody else noticed, but I did! And I thanked Him for sharing it with Me! He chose me to share it with. I was blessed!! I was reminded that He is here with me, just as He was in the Old Testament when He showed up in a cloud!

October 26

Psalm 119:76
O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant.

My word that I need more than ever is "Comfort", comfort that can only come from God. He can heal us of all the hurts and disappointments that have come in our lives. He is the one to help restore. Don't forget that comfort will come when we cry out to Him. He wants to be there, and He stands waiting...waiting on us to call upon Him. He has great things in store for us, and whether we like it or not, He has allowed everything that has happened to us for a reason. Embrace it all and know that His ways and plans for you are still His plans and ways. He will get you through it all.

October 25

October 24

October 23

October 22

October 21

Psalm 25:2
O my God, in You I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies exult over me.

There is a reason that the psalmist had to say do not let me be ashamed. It just natural sometimes for us not to share what God has done for us, or even to encourage others at time when we should for Him. I don't think its wrong ask God to take care of our enemies either. We first should realize that they are out there, sometimes even taking the form of another "Christian" but we also must realize that they, whether Christian or not, are letting Satan use them in ways that are not pleasing to God. Remember "WE WIN"! So when that enemy is near, remember that God already knows it, and He will be beside us all the way. Just remember to stand firm in the Lord, speak His words and Trust in Him! It's not wrong to ask for Boldness from God - receive it and use it!

October 20

October 19

October 18

October 17

October 16

October 15

October 14

October 13

October 12

October 11

October 10

Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend.

There are many smells that bring back memories and they do make us smile. Just as the scripture says there is something awesome about time with a friend. There are times when we need a friend to talk to and confide in and it's sweetest when you know they are that true friend. Sure I have friends, but I have only a few that truely know me. It's probably sad that I so guarded in friendships, but for me that is okay. Being a preacher's wife limits me to lots of things, but those who know me best know that I am faithful and trustworthy. Those who are my truest friends are the same, sad that there have been some along the way that I thought were friends, but time made the difference, it was only for a season and when it was convenient for them. All I can say is it's their loss. Now back to the scripture, be honest and truthful with your friends, always turn them to what Jesus would do, and even if they don't like hearing what you say, they know that this is what they needed and it will mean everything to them.

October 9

October 8

October 7

John 1:40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

We have to keep this in mind when we are sharing Jesus with others, that not everybody will follow Him, but there is hope that one will. I have heard the stastic that it takes a person being invited to church seven times before they say yes and come to church. So don't get discourged. God said to plant the seed, share His word, invite others and leave the rest to Him. Don't give up. After I got saved, I shared Christ with my mother for 15 years before she realized that she needed a Savior. I never gave up and I trusted God that He would work in her life, until then I would share and live a life that she could see Jesus in. When she came forward that Sunday morning before Easter in 2000, she told Chris that she wanted to know Christ like Chris and I knew Him. That was the greatest compliment ever. So keep on doing what you are doing, you will make a difference!

October 6

Mark 4:35
On that day, when evening came, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side."

Are we ready? Are we willing to go with the Lord when He says to go over to the other side? It's not easy, but I do know that when He says, you just go and leave the rest to Him. It's not always going to be easy, but I promise God has a blessing in store for you. Even after I got saved, I never dreamed that God would say, I have plans for you, to leave your family and go where I need you, but He did and we did, and I don't regret any of it. As I said, there are days that it was rough, but God gave me strenght to walk through, and I have grown in ways that I am sure I never would have grown if we had not gone. We need to get out of our comfort zone and learn how to trust God and God alone for all things! He is awesome!! When He says, "Let us go", remember He is going with you, and do what He says!

October 5

Proverbs 5:9
Or you will give your vigor to others And your years to the cruel one;

This verse is in the midst of verses that talk about immorality, when we do not seek to follow God, this is what will happen to us. As I have said before, if we are not following God, then we are following someone else. This verse tells us who, the cruel one and yes that would be Satan. When we do not walk and talk with God and keep our focus on Him, the cruel one will creep in and take over out thoughts and tempt us to give in to our desires. We must guard against it and stay in God's Word!

October 4

Psalm 3:1
O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me.

It just seems that some days and weeks can apply to this verse. And our best solution is to do just what the Psalmist did, Cry out to God. Admit that we cannot handle this on our own, and let God have it - He can handle it. I think sometimes we may even over exaggerate too and realize that there may not be that many, but there are times that it does seem like the whole world is against us. In these times, we must remember who is FOR us that makes it much easier to go through! There is nothing that we can't handle when God is on our side. So rejoice when there is opposition, the odds are that you are doing something right!