“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.” --1 John 3:18
What are we doing? Sitting comfortably in our church with our safe activities while there are tons of hurting people out there searching for comfort and contentment. Some don’t know Jesus and need His saving touch on their lives. But some do and have drifted away from seeking HIM. Instead of continuing to be judgmental of their mistakes lets get the plank out of our own eye called looking the other way because of our self righteousness, which is nothing but a bunch of crap if you ask me. None of us are perfect, no not one! From you who sit in church every Sunday unwilling to reach out to the hurting on the street corner getting high on the hardest stuff they can possibly find just to ease the hurt, all the way to the murderer sitting on death row awaiting his sentence. Jesus died for him too… not just you! So Wake UP Church and let’s start making a difference in our hurting world. Let’s start loving people as Jesus would, shining HIS light to their dark worlds. There is an answer that this world is seeking. God created us to want more out of life than what we have. We are not supposed to be content. But instead of seeking another relationship, substance or church, we need more of JESUS. He is the only one who can FILL us up! He doesn’t need us but HE WANTS US! It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done or haven’t done… Jesus is waiting on YOU! So stop feeling sorry for yourself and start seeking HIM and feeling sorry of those you haven’t reached out to. Let’s start with getting our hearts right with God ourselves so that when He is ready to use us we will be ready to minister to those hurting and dieing people out there! There are so many of them just searching for the answer…JESUS!--Christi
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
God's Call
“As a man thinks in his heart, so he is.” (Proverbs 23:7a – italics mine) The call of God on an individual’s life is much more than a momentary event… it is a call that requires a daily transformation and renewal of lifestyle. In order for one to accomplish the plan of God for his life, the appetite of the soul must be one that is wholesome.
There are many different arenas in today’s society in which the mind could be flooded with unhealthy images, information, and even instructions for living. The Apostle Paul said it best when he admonished the church at Colossae to “Set their minds on the things above; not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2 – italics mine) The believer must control what he or she allows to enter the mind; and in doing so, continuously guard their heart.
Why is it that many Christians struggle today to stay focused? Could it be that the garbage and filth of this world has begun to penetrate the mind? Could it be that Satan, “the Prince of the Power of the Air” has filled our airways and televisions with media that appeals to the senses, but carries consequences along with it? If indeed this is what is happening, one must learn and follow the escape route, which leads to liberty and a life of freedom and complete joy in Jesus Christ.
What is the escape route? Heed the words of Paul to the church in Rome: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) One is never more like Jesus than when he begins to see through the eyes of Christ and thinks as He does.
Clay's 1st Position Paper. (I, Christi, thought it was too good to not share it!)
There are many different arenas in today’s society in which the mind could be flooded with unhealthy images, information, and even instructions for living. The Apostle Paul said it best when he admonished the church at Colossae to “Set their minds on the things above; not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2 – italics mine) The believer must control what he or she allows to enter the mind; and in doing so, continuously guard their heart.
Why is it that many Christians struggle today to stay focused? Could it be that the garbage and filth of this world has begun to penetrate the mind? Could it be that Satan, “the Prince of the Power of the Air” has filled our airways and televisions with media that appeals to the senses, but carries consequences along with it? If indeed this is what is happening, one must learn and follow the escape route, which leads to liberty and a life of freedom and complete joy in Jesus Christ.
What is the escape route? Heed the words of Paul to the church in Rome: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) One is never more like Jesus than when he begins to see through the eyes of Christ and thinks as He does.
Clay's 1st Position Paper. (I, Christi, thought it was too good to not share it!)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
One Day
One Day Lord I will be with YOU!!!!
WOW- wouldn’t you agree we are so distracted in life because of junk that takes us father away from the sweet Lover of our Souls! We get so caught up everyday in the same old stuff- selfishness really! Whether it is our own selfish ambitions or another’s; our focus gets shifted from seeking Him above all else and all others. Nothing else compares to HIM! So why do we do it… walk away from Him for some temptation… or simply not taking time to spend with Him- then before we know it our day it through?
I don’t know about you, but I love to get caught in HIS presence! Just being involved in doing something, then before I know it—My Savior is calling directly to my heart. For me many times it is through a song (as now). But He just starts showing me that I’m missing out by doing what I’m doing, instead of getting alone with HIM. If I am smart enough at the moment to abandon all else, and be still before my LORD-- His endless kindness blesses me! He wants to spend time with us, more than we realize. I’ve come to see that He too wants to bless us more than we even desire to be blessed! WOW-- what a thought! When we see that bird sitting outside our window singing, it’s HIM calling us to sing to Him too and just enjoy the perfect creation He has made. When we sit on a beach and watch the massive ocean crash to shore before our eyes, yet not sweep us sinners away, that’s Him showing us His powerful and loving hand. When we look at His detail and perfection of a newborn baby, He is showing us His gentle creativity. And the fact that not one is the same, but instead uniquely designed individuals, made with a specific purpose (see Psalm 139). He is AMAZING and AWESOME! (I praise you with my whole being sweet LORD!) How does He catch your attention? Do you look for Him or listen for Him? Or are you like me, where to many times we let life distract us too much that we miss the moment? What stirs your heart? That is Him showing you more of Himself!
When He opens up the sky—I don’t know about you but I get so overwhelmedly excited to think about this day… when He will wipe away our tears, anger and fears… when all our dreams will come true… when we trade answers for confusion because we will be with HIM! Thank you MY SWEET JESUS that you are coming back for me! The last breath we take here on this earth is not the end of the story, but in fact only the beginning! Are you ready?
~Christi
These thoughts stem from Zoe Girl’s song, One Day.
WOW- wouldn’t you agree we are so distracted in life because of junk that takes us father away from the sweet Lover of our Souls! We get so caught up everyday in the same old stuff- selfishness really! Whether it is our own selfish ambitions or another’s; our focus gets shifted from seeking Him above all else and all others. Nothing else compares to HIM! So why do we do it… walk away from Him for some temptation… or simply not taking time to spend with Him- then before we know it our day it through?
I don’t know about you, but I love to get caught in HIS presence! Just being involved in doing something, then before I know it—My Savior is calling directly to my heart. For me many times it is through a song (as now). But He just starts showing me that I’m missing out by doing what I’m doing, instead of getting alone with HIM. If I am smart enough at the moment to abandon all else, and be still before my LORD-- His endless kindness blesses me! He wants to spend time with us, more than we realize. I’ve come to see that He too wants to bless us more than we even desire to be blessed! WOW-- what a thought! When we see that bird sitting outside our window singing, it’s HIM calling us to sing to Him too and just enjoy the perfect creation He has made. When we sit on a beach and watch the massive ocean crash to shore before our eyes, yet not sweep us sinners away, that’s Him showing us His powerful and loving hand. When we look at His detail and perfection of a newborn baby, He is showing us His gentle creativity. And the fact that not one is the same, but instead uniquely designed individuals, made with a specific purpose (see Psalm 139). He is AMAZING and AWESOME! (I praise you with my whole being sweet LORD!) How does He catch your attention? Do you look for Him or listen for Him? Or are you like me, where to many times we let life distract us too much that we miss the moment? What stirs your heart? That is Him showing you more of Himself!
When He opens up the sky—I don’t know about you but I get so overwhelmedly excited to think about this day… when He will wipe away our tears, anger and fears… when all our dreams will come true… when we trade answers for confusion because we will be with HIM! Thank you MY SWEET JESUS that you are coming back for me! The last breath we take here on this earth is not the end of the story, but in fact only the beginning! Are you ready?
~Christi
These thoughts stem from Zoe Girl’s song, One Day.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sassy Cherish
Having fun...
Teething in a cute way!
CHEESE!
Playing bashful....yeah right...not Cherish!Clay back 2 LU!
As most of you know, Clay has started back to school through Liberty University's Distance Learning Program. He certainly has a full plate right now with family, ministry and school! I am so thankful for and proud of him. I write this to ask for all of your PRAYERS! He needs them more now than ever with these challenges demanding ALL of him.
And know that when he finishes and heads to Lynchburg, Virginia to walk at graduation... we might just have to charter a bus for everyone to come celebrate with us!!! We love you all and thank you for your encouragement and especially for your much need prayers! We are firm believers in the power of Prayer! We know our God hears and longs to bless and protect HIS children.
Sweet Sisters
Precious Moments!(Check out Cherish's teething paci.)
"I think I'm BIG!"-Cherish
"I think I'm BIG!"-Cherish
I love this one of Chas peeking out while covering her sissy from the "pretend" rain!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Snow Babies
We had SNOW on the Youth ski trip this year and Chastity loved it. Cherish on the other hand wasn't too sure about it. Other than it being Freezing (she is like Momma and prefers to be able to move in the warmth), I did have her slightly unable to maneuver being bundled and too big boots! So she wasn't quiet able to play in it.
Chas and her excitement with the Fun snow! Thanks Lord!
Chas started making snow balls and running with it after Momma and the camera.
Her snow balls weren't quiet accomplishing her goal...so here Daddy is giving her Snow Ball 101.
Chas' Snow Man that her & Daddy made! (She was quite proud of it.)
My Sweet Snow Baby...bundled!
Couldn't you just squeeze her!
Okay Mom...I'm getting over the cold thing!
Thanks Nana for coming and helping out with the girls!
Chas and her excitement with the Fun snow! Thanks Lord!
Chas started making snow balls and running with it after Momma and the camera.
Her snow balls weren't quiet accomplishing her goal...so here Daddy is giving her Snow Ball 101. Chas' Snow Man that her & Daddy made! (She was quite proud of it.)My Sweet Snow Baby...bundled!
Couldn't you just squeeze her!
Okay Mom...I'm getting over the cold thing!
Thanks Nana for coming and helping out with the girls!Monday, January 14, 2008
Wholey Clean
Being Made WHOLE! Thank you in advance for what you are going to do Sweet Lord!
A Woman Healed -- Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48
If I could just press my way through this madness… There are so many distractions in life that hinder us from approaching our Savior. Are they worth it? I mean really, for us to sacrifice our being by His side. Yes the friendships, advice and encouragement of others is essential. However, being in the presence of Jesus is crucial to find healing and an effective purpose in life. We can seek the “fix” from others and never experience the power of His healing. Whether it is from another person or source, none compare to Him.
OH if we could just touch the hem of HIS garment... He could stop the flow. What is flowing in your life that is hindering instead of flourishing it? Here this woman had suffered twelve years of bleeding, spent everything she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. Yet finally she said, “If only I may touch Jesus’ clothes, I shall be made well.” Nothing is too difficult for HIM! How desperate are you to be made whole? His love can heal our soul.
He will feel your touch! So many would say, “how could He even know?" They saw many there, but He saw one! Jesus was in a crowd of people most likely being bumped and touched many times, yet when this woman came believing that she could be healed, He felt His power go out to her touch. Back in those times, anyone touched by a woman who was bleeding would be made unclean. However, when she touched Jesus, He made her clean!
But her being healed is not the end of the story… The scripture makes it clear that her body was healed at the time she reached out to Him, but that was not enough for Jesus. She was more than a hemorrhaging body to Him; she was a woman in need. Jesus wanted her to approach Him (as He does us). She came to Him trembling with fear, fell at His feet and told Him and everyone the whole truth. Jesus then responded by calling her daughter (she is the only person He addressed as daughter), confirmed she was healed and sent her away finally in peace by also healing her soul.
Oh HE is so irresistible. We would let nothing hinder us if only we realized that He is truly willing to pour out HIS power into our lives. He wants to reach down pick us up and heal us, meeting each and every individual need. He will be there and TOUCH us when no one else will. And then we will know we have been made whole!
For those of you who know me, you will realize that I relate to this story much more than the surface of this entry. I am currently on my way through the madness both physically and emotionally —so please pray with me as I’m reaching out to touch the hem of HIS garment. I know I need His powerful healing and that He is both willing and able.--Christi
These thoughts stem from Nicole C. Mullen’s song, One Touch.
A Woman Healed -- Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48
If I could just press my way through this madness… There are so many distractions in life that hinder us from approaching our Savior. Are they worth it? I mean really, for us to sacrifice our being by His side. Yes the friendships, advice and encouragement of others is essential. However, being in the presence of Jesus is crucial to find healing and an effective purpose in life. We can seek the “fix” from others and never experience the power of His healing. Whether it is from another person or source, none compare to Him.
OH if we could just touch the hem of HIS garment... He could stop the flow. What is flowing in your life that is hindering instead of flourishing it? Here this woman had suffered twelve years of bleeding, spent everything she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. Yet finally she said, “If only I may touch Jesus’ clothes, I shall be made well.” Nothing is too difficult for HIM! How desperate are you to be made whole? His love can heal our soul.
He will feel your touch! So many would say, “how could He even know?" They saw many there, but He saw one! Jesus was in a crowd of people most likely being bumped and touched many times, yet when this woman came believing that she could be healed, He felt His power go out to her touch. Back in those times, anyone touched by a woman who was bleeding would be made unclean. However, when she touched Jesus, He made her clean!
But her being healed is not the end of the story… The scripture makes it clear that her body was healed at the time she reached out to Him, but that was not enough for Jesus. She was more than a hemorrhaging body to Him; she was a woman in need. Jesus wanted her to approach Him (as He does us). She came to Him trembling with fear, fell at His feet and told Him and everyone the whole truth. Jesus then responded by calling her daughter (she is the only person He addressed as daughter), confirmed she was healed and sent her away finally in peace by also healing her soul.
Oh HE is so irresistible. We would let nothing hinder us if only we realized that He is truly willing to pour out HIS power into our lives. He wants to reach down pick us up and heal us, meeting each and every individual need. He will be there and TOUCH us when no one else will. And then we will know we have been made whole!
For those of you who know me, you will realize that I relate to this story much more than the surface of this entry. I am currently on my way through the madness both physically and emotionally —so please pray with me as I’m reaching out to touch the hem of HIS garment. I know I need His powerful healing and that He is both willing and able.--Christi
These thoughts stem from Nicole C. Mullen’s song, One Touch.
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