In His Word Wednesday- Life in Christ

(Psa 65:1) O God, it is right for us to praise you in Zion and keep our promises to you,
(Psa 65:2) because you answer prayers. People everywhere will come to you
(Psa 65:3) on account of their sins. Our faults defeat us, but you forgive them.
(Psa 65:4) Happy are those whom you choose, whom you bring to live in your sanctuary. We shall be satisfied with the good things of your house, the blessings of your sacred Temple.
(Psa 65:5) You answer us by giving us victory, and you do wonderful things to save us. People all over the world and across the distant seas trust in you.
(Psa 65:6) You set the mountains in place by your strength, showing your mighty power.
(Psa 65:7) You calm the roar of the seas and the noise of the waves; you calm the uproar of the peoples.
(Psa 65:8) The whole world stands in awe of the great things that you have done. Your deeds bring shouts of joy from one end of the earth to the other.

All of Psalm 65 is beautiful, and I encourage you to read it.

I know I am not the only one to thing, what if I gave God up right now? What would my life be like? Well, I always get the same answer. What can I do? What can I do in comparison to what MY GOD can do? I look at my imperfect existence and I don't want this forever! I want to live in a PERFECT EXISTENCE with GOD!

The Earth cries out, the mountains move through HIS prompting, the sparrows are fed, and WE ARE FORGIVEN ALL! Who DOESN'T want to serve an AWESOME GOD who promises all of this AND MORE?

If you don't know about God and who He is, don't be afraid to ask! It is NEVER too late. No matter what we have done. No matter where we have been. Nothing that has happened before in our lives matters. NOTHING! And that is a promise! Not by me, But my awesome God. All are forgiven, we just need to come to Him and ask. Asking does take some humility but, we can do it. Push that pride aside. Push that FEAR aside. I have to do this DAILY. And each time, He washes me clean of all sins.

In turn, I TRY as hard as my Earthly body can to serve Him and tell of His great love and forgiveness.

If you want to be a child of God, if you want His promise of being His Forever, If you want to be forgiven every sin, pray this today:

God, thank you for being there for me today. I am sorry it has taken me this long to come to you, but today I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that you love me. God, please forgive me for all of those things that I have done before. I am sorry for those things, and I don't want those hanging over my life anymore.

Thank you for your love and please help me to feel you in my life today. Help me to strive to be a better person, the person YOU want me to be. Thanks for all you have done and all you are about to do in my life. I love you! ~Amen

If you prayed this prayer today, and you want to talk to me, e-mail me HERE. Or if you need us to pray for you, leave a comment. But talk to SOMEONE. Let them celebrate with you that TODAY is the start of the rest of your life in God.

To see more encouragement and prayers, go HERE.

In His Word Wednesday- Gentle

I was trying to think of words that should describe a woman of God. Gentle came to mind, so I did a search on my "E-Sword" (great program, look it up and get it, it's probably free!) and that brought up several verses I think we should look at!

Deu 32:2 "My teaching will fall like drops of rain and form on the earth like dew. My words will fall like showers on young plants, like gentle rain on tender grass. "

His words and his teachings will not beat someone over the head??? No! They fall like gentle rain on young vegetation... NO heavy driving rain. I thought that verse was awesome. I don't remember hearing that before. What does this mean? It means we need to bring God's Word to people (YOUNG plants, TENDER grass), and we need to do it in a loving, nurturing sort of way, as to not beat the soft plants down, but to nourish them and give them what they need! Awesome...

Pro 15:1 "A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up. "

I think we all know what this one means if we really let it sink in. I know in times when I get upset (***gasp!***), I don't think about using gentle words, I want to yell until I am FINALLY heard! But, I have also found that when I do stay calm(er), and use those gentle answers, others pay attention. But, when I get mad, others get mad real quick!

Pro 31:26 "She speaks with a gentle wisdom. "

This is the Virtuous Woman here. She speaks with gentle wisdom. Not just running her mouth, to hear her own voice, or to be "heard". She has gentle wisdom. She chooses her words, and uses them in a manner that God finds so beautiful!

Mat 10:16 "Listen! I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snakes and as gentle as doves. "

Jesus was here preparing His disciples to go out and preach the Gospel. We still need to be this way today! Because we DAILY are living in amongst the wolf packs. So we need to be cautious as snakes , but still maintaining the level of gentleness that God requires of us.

There are lots of great verses about gentleness in the Bible. OR take any quality that you would like to work on or NEED to work on, and study up on it!

For more encouragement, visit Megan HERE. And join us in encouragement and prayers!

In His Word Wednesday- God Cares for Us

Around where I live, there are high numbers of unemployment. There are loads of people who need help. There are people who instead of going to college, went and made easy money in trailer factories. I had family who had done this, the economy here was great. Now the bottom has fallen out, and there have been bank robberies in local towns, people turning to drugs, because their hope is gone, and actually more people, it seems, have been coming to church.


Proverbs 10:3 "The LORD will not allow a righteous person to starve, but he intentionally ignores the desires of a wicked person."

My parents are in the trailer factory "boat". My dad luckily was able to find a job though. And this verse has been true for them, as well as many others in my church. God takes care of His people! If you love the Lord, and are willing to do and GO where He wants you to, then He will be faithful and take care of you. He will not let you starve! But, if you know that the drugs you are getting into is not good, if you know stealing from a store is only going to give you money for today, and then tomorrow comes and you have to do it all over again. Well, God will not bless that life. HE WANTS TO THOUGH!

My prayer today, is for people who have been without jobs and don't know what to do for their families. God does answer prayer about this! We have seen people recently get jobs after a while without a job! God is good.

Let us remember too that God will never let us starve, as long as we continue to follow Him!

So, how are you doing this wonderful day? Do you have something you want to share, or prayers you would like to have others pray for? Go HERE, and let your needs be known!

In His Word Wednesday

Philippians 3:13-17 " Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us."

When something good happens to us, we tend to think how happy we are and try to think how we can continue to make this "happiness" happen.

But in Paul's words, DO NOT THINK YOU HAVE MADE IT ON YOUR OWN ! The only way these great things have happened in our lives is through Christ! If we press through life with God pulsing through every vein and all marrow in our bodies, we WILL always have God's love.

Does that mean only good things will happen to us? NO! Bad things happen also! And will happen even with Christ in our lives. He actually allows bad things to happen. Because He loves to see us suffer? NO! There is a song, and forgive me I can't think of the singer, but she sings (and I am probably paraphrasing), "If we never saw Midnight, we wouldn't appreciate the morning". Meaning, if nothing bad ever happened in our lives, would we still fall down on our knees in front of Him? Would we still see the awesomeness of all that He has done, and praise Him for it?

To be honest, if nothing bad ever happened in MY life, I might almost think that I didn't NEED God. Wouldn't you?

Paul knew that very well also. Not only did he have some good things in his life, but he mostly had bad! His life on this earth was filled with tribulation, and it probably hardly ever happened the way he thought it should!

So, let's take his words and imitate him as he imitated Christ. Let's take the good AND the bad, and just roll with it. Because we know how the story ends! We know Christ will win, and if we trust Him and strive to be like Him, we will be standing beside Christ when He celebrates the victory!

To see more encouragement and prayers, go here, for more In His Word Wednesday.

In His Word Wednesday- Sin

Sin.

Why is it SO HARD for us to keep ourselves from sin? From sinful thoughts? Why is there always that nagging thought that maybe we shouldn't step out in faith because we might get hurt? Why is it we doubt ourselves when we want to call a friend who may need encouragement?

Why do we have 'that still small voice' but then we also have another voice... one that makes us doubt things that could potentially be a working of God?

One word for that 'other voice'. SATAN.

This is reality here folks. We know that there is a God. And we know He is the Ruler of all things, and the Maker of all things. He KNOWS all things! But, Satan is also there. And he wants to further HIS OWN kingdom.

How does he further his kingdom? Making us second guess ourselves. Making us open our mouth when the Lord tells us to keep them shut.

Satan has a BIG MOUTH.

Heb 11:32-34 "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. "

1Peter 5:8 "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. "

Have you eve noticed that Satan has no power but his mouth? He can't DO ANYTHING without people. And he has to try to convince us to do things for him.

Beth Moore has a great study of the Fruits of the Spirit, "Living Beyond Yourself". And I would like to highlight a point she makes in one of her studies:

She says we need to look to Daniel for an example (Dan. 6:3-11).

• Get down on your knees and pray.


• Give thanks to God.


• Persevere in the things God has taught us to do.

So, if we are in doubt where the message is coming from, wait until you KNOW you hear God's voice. I think God would rather wait on us to be sure we heard HIM, rather then think we heard Him, and act on things that the lion wants us to do...

Let's shut the lion's mouth.

For other words of encouragement, God's Word and prayers, go and see In His Word Wednesday HERE.

In His Word Wednesday- Sweet Smelling Aroma

2Corin. 2:15 "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing..."

Aroma is defined in a couple ways. Here is one I found, and thought appropriate. Aroma- a distinctive odor that is pleasant .

If we are to be an "aroma" for Christ, are we over the top? Are we in people's faces? Are we pointing fingers? Or do we keep secret what we know? DO we just hope that people will notice Christ in us? The "aroma" is distinctive. That means people will take notice, like there is "just something about them!". And it is "pleasant"- pleasing, agreeable, or enjoyable; giving pleasure.

Are we enjoyable? DO we give others pleasure by just being around them?

As a woman, we need to restrain those lips (Prov. 10:19), we need to be ready with a good word (Prov. 12:25) and a wise tongue (Prov. 12:18). We need to keep our answers soft (Prov. 15:1) and our words sweet (Prov. 16:21, 24). Remember~ idol chatter, leads to poverty (Prov. 14:23). SO keep busy doing the Lord's will!

All of these verses and more, I have highlighted in my Bible in pink. Everything in Pink in my Bible is for me, as a woman. So then, when I flip through, I can be reminded to look at each of those words and be reminded what kind of Aroma I am to be as a woman.

For other words of encouragement & prayer requests, join us IN His Word.

In His Word Wednesday- Reaching People for Christ

I am not a super out going person. I consider myself an introvert, and actually have anxiety about getting in front of people, or meeting new people! So, how is it that I, a Christian woman, a Women's Ministry Leader, a member of my church Worship Team, Nursery Director, and Elder's Wife, am I supposed to witness to people? I really am shy until you get to know me (or until I get to know YOU!).

For all of these roles, I have to step it up a little and trust that God will give me strength. And reading this also helps:

Tit 1:6-9 "A spiritual leader must have a good reputation. He must have only one wife and have children who are believers. His children shouldn't be known for having wild lifestyles or being rebellious. Because a bishop is a supervisor appointed by God, he must have a good reputation. He must not be a stubborn or irritable person. He must not drink too much or be a violent person. He must not use shameful ways to make money. Instead, he must be hospitable, love what is good, use good judgment, be fair and moral, and have self-control. He must be devoted to the trustworthy message we teach. Then he can use these accurate teachings to encourage people and correct those who oppose the word."

Although this is about Elders in the church, this SHOULD apply to us all. They were looking for some good people to be an example of who God wanted His people to be, and notice it says nothing about teaching or preaching. It is talking about Godly BEHAVIOR. We don't have to be great teachers to be used by God. Our ACTIONS are what speaks the loudest to others!

So, let the love of GOD be spread through every fiber of our bodies. Let every cell sing to the KING! Our lives should be through and through in love with God.

How do we achieve this??? Ever hear of the kid's song, "Oh, be careful little ears what you hear. Be careful little eyes what you see. Be careful little hands what you do." ??? THAT is how we achieve our lives being saturated with God. We don't watch questionable movies or TV shows, we don't listen to non-Christian radio or teachers, we don't look at magazines that would give us ungodly thoughts, and then don't put your hands in motion to doing ungodly things.

1Co 10:31-33 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God. Don't cause others to stumble, whether they are Jewish, Greek, or members of God's church. I try to please everyone in every way. I don't think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved."

You want to know how to win people for Christ, start with permeating your whole self with the sweet smelling aroma of our God and Father, Jesus Christ! People WILL notice!

To find more prayer requests, encouragement, and more of God's Word~ go HERE and share! Link up!

In His Word Wednesday

Join us and link up (HERE) with verses or prayers. This is a great way to link up and have others share in prayer requests!

Today, I have more prayer requests! Thank you in advance for your prayers.

• I asked, last week, for prayer for Max & Becky. Max has been diagnosed with an inoperable cancer on his brain. Well, last week his wife was taken to the hospital, she wasn't feeling well. They found out while she was there that she also has cancer, in her bladder. And they have given her a few weeks to live. These people have been taking care of their granddaughter, who is 13. Please pray for this family.
• Also, my grandpa's brother (my second uncle???), his name is Cecil. He lives in California, and has been given a few months to live. he has cancer in his pancreas and somewhere else (sorry, to many people with cancer to remember....). Please pray for him. He (younger) wife doesn't want to "play nurse" as his health is starting to fail very quickly. And he has one son, and his son is taking this very hard. He has come home from college to be with his dad.
• Also, pray for my aunt Deb, she also has cancer. She lives in Pennsylvania. She has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She will never be rid of it, it is incurable, but there is alot she CAN do to keep it from flaring up. Please pray for her. Her blog is also HERE if you would like to see what has been happening in her life since October of last year.

Thanks for all of your thought and prayer for these people. Cancer is something that no one wants to deal with but, in one way or another, we will all have to deal with it someday. But one thing we can be sure of is God. And He will never leave us! And never give us more then we can handle.

Prayer- In His Word Wednesday

Prayers have been on my heart alot lately. There is just so much to prayer for. Sickness. Need. Jobs. Patience. There seems to be many people that are getting cancer, that I know. And we may not understand the illness or the situation, but I know the one thing I CAN do is pray.


Psalm 28:2 "Hear my prayer for mercy when I call to you for help, when I lift my hands toward your most holy place."


Psa 102:1-17 " A prayer by someone who is suffering, when he is weary and pours out his troubles in the LORD'S presence. O LORD, hear my prayer, and let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in trouble. Turn your ear toward me. Answer me quickly when I call. My days disappear like smoke. My bones burn like hot coals. My heart is beaten down and withered like grass because I have forgotten about eating. I am nothing but skin and bones because of my loud groans. I am like a desert owl, like an owl living in the ruins. I lie awake. I am like a lonely bird on a rooftop. All day long my enemies insult me. Those who ridicule me use my name as a curse. I eat ashes like bread and my tears are mixed with my drink because of your hostility and anger, because you have picked me up and thrown me away. My days are like a shadow that is getting longer, and I wither away like grass.

But you, O LORD, remain forever. You are remembered throughout every generation. You will rise and have compassion on Zion, because it is time to grant a favor to it. Indeed, the appointed time has come. Your servants value Zion's stones, and they pity its rubble. The nations will fear the LORD'S name. All the kings of the earth will fear your glory. When the LORD builds Zion, he will appear in his glory. He will turn his attention to the prayers of those who have been abandoned. He will not despise their prayers."

God hears all prayers, and in His timing He will answer them. We need to remember to lift those people up in prayer in our lives that need it.

Yesterday, I got a monthly calendar book at 75% off. I got it because I had read about another woman who took a similar calendar and kept track pf all of the prayer requests. She also kept track of prayer she wanted to make sure were made on that day, like each day she prayed for a different child. I have also added our pastor, and his wife to pray for during my week. I have added our Women's Ministry, and of course I remember my husband in prayer. ( I don't remember as much anymore, unless I write it down!)

This week some of my special prayers are these precious people:

• Lila, this older lady from our church loves the Lord with all of her heart. She had back surgery on Monday, and is doing well, but needs our prayers
• A couple named Max & Becky. Max was recently diagnosed with having a tumor on his brain and given a year to live. He has been taking care of his wife Becky, who has also been hospitalized, because of her health. They also take care of a 13 year old grand-daughter, that needs our prayers.
• A couple name Bob & Carol, from our church, are going to go see their daughter in Colorado, who is a single mom and has been having seizures. They are hoping to bring her back to the Lord during their visit.
• My aunt Deb, who has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She will never get rid of the cancer, but she can help slow it considerably. Pray that the cancer slows to a stop. She is in her early 50's and she has 2 boys, and a husband.

Thank you for all of the prayers that you lift up for these precious people. Thanks again Megan, for being obedient to God's calling for you to have this on your blog! Go HERE to see more encouragement and prayers.

In His Word Wednesday

Megan at Daily Essentials has started a new thing called "In His Word Wednesday". This is where people like you and I loving and believing God, can share our prayers, find encouragement and hear God's Word. Go HERE to see other that are participating or to add a prayer yourself! This isn't a debate on theology, this is solely for encouragement and to have others lift your up in prayer, if needed.

I have a prayer request today that needs so major prayer. I had a woman who came to me that is contemplating divorcing her husband of 30 years, she also has a man who is tempting her with his affections, a man that is not her husband. She says she believes in God, but she also follows astrology, and has some other mental issues. This woman needs prayer to do the right thing. Please help me pray for her. She is EXTREMELY tempted. Oh, she also has a "counselor" telling her, there is nothing more in her marriage to work for, it's over.

She needs our prayers. I have tried to counsel her as far as I can with God's Word, and I have also tried to get her to go to a Christian Counselor, but I think she is going to break her appointment.

Thank you for all of the prayers that will be lifted up in God's name for this woman. Thank you for joining me in crying out to God that she will not be tempted, and fall into a horrible trap. Thank you sisters.

PS-- Megan also has a giveaway going on right now! Go HERE and enter for a great smelling spring candle!