I have always had a "secret" desire to BE a missionary. To me, a missionary is a person who travels outside of the US to tell people about Jesus, help build churches in areas of poverty, and many other related things.
Each time a missionary comes to speak at our church it is brought back up in my mind that I would just LOVE to go "sell all of my possessions and follow Him" to the ends of the earth.
Well... recently we had an awesome family at our church, Beau and Rachel Barton, who are living in Mexico (http://www.freedom-ministries.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=57) came to share all of the wonderful things God is doing in and through them there. Those thoughts started back up in my mind again. This time, I did something different... I began praying for God to CLEARLY speak to me about what these thoughts mean in MY life. Because our God is faithful to show us what we ask for, He spoke to me in a clear voice...
"You ARE a missionary!" "Your mission field is in Selma, Alabama!" "Do not waste time.
Continue in the mission I have put before you!"
Wow! Thank you, LORD!! There are so many ways the enemy can sneak into our minds and try to distract us from what the Lord has put right in front of us. I am called to be a missionary right here where I am! In fact, I was called here from another place. Just because I'm not out of the country doesn't mean this is not a place for missionary work. Therefore, I will never have to wonder again if I am in my true calling. I know that I am! Now, I can concentrate on the person God wants me to be. Hallelujah!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Talents...
Yesterday in our College/Career SS lesson we looked at "The Parable of the Talents" in
Matthew 25:14-30...
"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
I have found myself intrigued by the "talent" for some reason. The talent is equal to 75 lbs. With the price of gold today, that's $954,840.00! Wow! That's a lot of cash to just hide in the ground! This parable uses money as an example that we can relate to. But, what God wants us to see is that He gives us spiritual gifts that we are to go out and put to work for HIM. They are ALL to be used in furthering HIS KINGDOM. When we obey by doing this, we will be given an abundance and allowed the pleasure of further work for Him. But, if we just sit on them, or hide them in the ground, we will stand before our God in judgement for those actions!
God gives these gifts to us according to our ability. Then, as we grow in our relationship with Him and use these gifts according to His purposes, He will give us more to use! It's really very simple... USE IT OR LOSE IT!
What gifts or talents do you have that you have not used to bring glory to God?
Have you been busy trying to use gifts or talents that others have?
Have you hidden your gifts or talents in the ground?
It's kind of a tough lesson, I know. But, one worth pondering.
Let's pray:
Dear God, thank you for trusting me with the many gifts and talents that you have given me. Please open doors and show me the way to use them to further your kingdom. I am sorry that I haven't used them to the best of my ability, but I ask now, Father, that you give me another chance to bring glory to your name. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Matthew 25:14-30...
"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
I have found myself intrigued by the "talent" for some reason. The talent is equal to 75 lbs. With the price of gold today, that's $954,840.00! Wow! That's a lot of cash to just hide in the ground! This parable uses money as an example that we can relate to. But, what God wants us to see is that He gives us spiritual gifts that we are to go out and put to work for HIM. They are ALL to be used in furthering HIS KINGDOM. When we obey by doing this, we will be given an abundance and allowed the pleasure of further work for Him. But, if we just sit on them, or hide them in the ground, we will stand before our God in judgement for those actions!
God gives these gifts to us according to our ability. Then, as we grow in our relationship with Him and use these gifts according to His purposes, He will give us more to use! It's really very simple... USE IT OR LOSE IT!
What gifts or talents do you have that you have not used to bring glory to God?
Have you been busy trying to use gifts or talents that others have?
Have you hidden your gifts or talents in the ground?
It's kind of a tough lesson, I know. But, one worth pondering.
Let's pray:
Dear God, thank you for trusting me with the many gifts and talents that you have given me. Please open doors and show me the way to use them to further your kingdom. I am sorry that I haven't used them to the best of my ability, but I ask now, Father, that you give me another chance to bring glory to your name. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Condemnation vs. Holy Spirit Conviction:
10\24\2008
Well this is my first blog...I wrote it few weeks back and couldn't figure out how to get it on here...and I work on computers for a living...I know right. Anyway, I'll just be dropping a few lines from time to time to share some of the things God deals with heart about. God bless.
Hosea 6:3-4 says this: Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord, His going forth is established as the morning, He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth.
“O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, and like the early dew it goes away.
It is a miracle to me how God is faithful even when we are weak and faithless. Even when we turn away from him, he never stops pursuing us. Though our faithfulness is like a cloud that fades away, he is like the morning, never failing to come even after the darkest nights.
I remember that for a time in my life, especially during my teenage years, that I struggled fiercely with a thing that many, many people, both young and old wrestle inwardly with. A thing, a feeling, a thought pattern that can and will absolutely become a destructive force in an individuals life if not recognized, understood, and dealt with. This…thing is deadly. It crushes hope, destroys dreams, it makes it impossible to know peace and worst of all it separates us from God. This thing is not an addiction. It is not some deviate sin. It is not something that most would even be able to recognize. It slips into the unwary hearts of our young people and grows up, stronger inside of them with every mistake, every sin, every failure; with every judgmental word and pointing finger…with every stone thrown from the unwitting hands of fathers, mothers, even brothers and sisters in Christ. This thing is self-condemnation, and it is not from Christ.
There is a distinct line between condemnation and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. God’s word tells us that He (Jesus) did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
One of the greatest advances in my relationship with Christ came in a moment when the Holy Spirit revealed to me the difference between self-condemnation and conviction and the reasons that self-condemnation is not from God, but instead is a tool used by Satan to trick God’s people into becoming self destructive and separating themselves from Christ.
This trickery works in a sly and devious way. It creeps into our minds when we sin and fall short of the glory of God and tells us that there is no hope. It whispers to our hearts to give up. It tells us that we can’t pray because we are not worthy. It says how dare you ask for forgiveness, you’re abusing his grace. It tells us we will never overcome, that we will always be bound by this sin.
I found that when I slipped up in some area of my life I would feel so bad, and be so hard on myself that I would literally distance myself from God. I would not pray or lift my hands in worship at church because I felt like a hypocrite. The more the guilt ate at me the further I felt from God until at times I fell into long periods of spiritual darkness…but when God showed me his grace…I mean when he gave me the understanding of his grace…what a miracle, what a change! Oh God thank you for your grace…for your word that says “For it is by grace we have been saved through faith and this not of ourselves, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD, so that no man can boast.”
God has sent a word to break the bondage of condemnation upon his young people and open eyes to the deceptions of the enemy. He whispered a secret to my heart that he now whispers to you. When you fall get back up, keep pressing on. Say within your heart I will not let this keep me from pursing God. Pray all the harder, get into his word even deeper. This is a time to strengthen and renew your heart so that next time you may stand because you are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.
Well this is my first blog...I wrote it few weeks back and couldn't figure out how to get it on here...and I work on computers for a living...I know right. Anyway, I'll just be dropping a few lines from time to time to share some of the things God deals with heart about. God bless.
Hosea 6:3-4 says this: Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord, His going forth is established as the morning, He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth.
“O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, and like the early dew it goes away.
It is a miracle to me how God is faithful even when we are weak and faithless. Even when we turn away from him, he never stops pursuing us. Though our faithfulness is like a cloud that fades away, he is like the morning, never failing to come even after the darkest nights.
I remember that for a time in my life, especially during my teenage years, that I struggled fiercely with a thing that many, many people, both young and old wrestle inwardly with. A thing, a feeling, a thought pattern that can and will absolutely become a destructive force in an individuals life if not recognized, understood, and dealt with. This…thing is deadly. It crushes hope, destroys dreams, it makes it impossible to know peace and worst of all it separates us from God. This thing is not an addiction. It is not some deviate sin. It is not something that most would even be able to recognize. It slips into the unwary hearts of our young people and grows up, stronger inside of them with every mistake, every sin, every failure; with every judgmental word and pointing finger…with every stone thrown from the unwitting hands of fathers, mothers, even brothers and sisters in Christ. This thing is self-condemnation, and it is not from Christ.
There is a distinct line between condemnation and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. God’s word tells us that He (Jesus) did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
One of the greatest advances in my relationship with Christ came in a moment when the Holy Spirit revealed to me the difference between self-condemnation and conviction and the reasons that self-condemnation is not from God, but instead is a tool used by Satan to trick God’s people into becoming self destructive and separating themselves from Christ.
This trickery works in a sly and devious way. It creeps into our minds when we sin and fall short of the glory of God and tells us that there is no hope. It whispers to our hearts to give up. It tells us that we can’t pray because we are not worthy. It says how dare you ask for forgiveness, you’re abusing his grace. It tells us we will never overcome, that we will always be bound by this sin.
I found that when I slipped up in some area of my life I would feel so bad, and be so hard on myself that I would literally distance myself from God. I would not pray or lift my hands in worship at church because I felt like a hypocrite. The more the guilt ate at me the further I felt from God until at times I fell into long periods of spiritual darkness…but when God showed me his grace…I mean when he gave me the understanding of his grace…what a miracle, what a change! Oh God thank you for your grace…for your word that says “For it is by grace we have been saved through faith and this not of ourselves, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD, so that no man can boast.”
God has sent a word to break the bondage of condemnation upon his young people and open eyes to the deceptions of the enemy. He whispered a secret to my heart that he now whispers to you. When you fall get back up, keep pressing on. Say within your heart I will not let this keep me from pursing God. Pray all the harder, get into his word even deeper. This is a time to strengthen and renew your heart so that next time you may stand because you are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Receive the Blessings!
Malachi 3:10 says...
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
As Christians, we are more than commanded by God to give back to him a tenth of our increase. We are invited to "test Him in this." God does not like to be tested. He wants us to believe in Him based on our faith and knowledge secured by His Word. But, here, when He speaks to us about giving of our tithes He specifally tells us that it's okay to test Him in this. He will gladly prove His word. Which means, if you are giving your tithes, you will see the blessings poured out so much that you will not have room enough for it! But, also means if you are not giving, He will still prove His word! So, be careful, when you test Him. He doesn't change His mind or His promises!
Now, about the blessings. Many Christians complain about not receiving blessings and the have been "tithing faithfully for years." What they fail to realize is that blessings come in many different forms...not just CASH! Therefore, we should always be on the lookout for these blessings and ready to receive them! They may be something as simple as a friend offering to pay for your drink or a meal. Maybe someone offers you something that you don't even realize you need at the time. The Bible tells us to "delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." After I became a Christian and began to "delight myself in HIM" I realized that He had changed the desires of my heart too. I no longer desire to be rich and successful, but to go wherever He calls me to go and do whatever He calls me to do. Not only does He give me the desires of my heart, but He also puts those desires in there based on the plan He already had for my life from the beginning.
So, the moral of the story is to receive the blessings that are put right in front of you! Be on the lookout for them and THANK HIM for giving them to you! The cash will come when you NEED it! You can test Him in this. I have!
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
As Christians, we are more than commanded by God to give back to him a tenth of our increase. We are invited to "test Him in this." God does not like to be tested. He wants us to believe in Him based on our faith and knowledge secured by His Word. But, here, when He speaks to us about giving of our tithes He specifally tells us that it's okay to test Him in this. He will gladly prove His word. Which means, if you are giving your tithes, you will see the blessings poured out so much that you will not have room enough for it! But, also means if you are not giving, He will still prove His word! So, be careful, when you test Him. He doesn't change His mind or His promises!
Now, about the blessings. Many Christians complain about not receiving blessings and the have been "tithing faithfully for years." What they fail to realize is that blessings come in many different forms...not just CASH! Therefore, we should always be on the lookout for these blessings and ready to receive them! They may be something as simple as a friend offering to pay for your drink or a meal. Maybe someone offers you something that you don't even realize you need at the time. The Bible tells us to "delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." After I became a Christian and began to "delight myself in HIM" I realized that He had changed the desires of my heart too. I no longer desire to be rich and successful, but to go wherever He calls me to go and do whatever He calls me to do. Not only does He give me the desires of my heart, but He also puts those desires in there based on the plan He already had for my life from the beginning.
So, the moral of the story is to receive the blessings that are put right in front of you! Be on the lookout for them and THANK HIM for giving them to you! The cash will come when you NEED it! You can test Him in this. I have!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Are you slow to anger?
James 1:18-20 speaks to us in a mighty way!
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
What does it take to set you off? I know, for me, sometimes it does not take much! It seems like satan always knows which "buttons to push" with me to make me slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger. But, the simple truth is that, as I grow in the Lord, I am able to recognize these temptations for what they are and who they come from. Then, I am able to work toward the ultimate goal of becoming CHRIST-like. Another thing worth noting is that it is easier to know God's truth when you study it more and become more familiar with this "Christ-likeness."
Jesus was angry at times, but He never sinned. He directed His anger at unrighteousness and sin. And we, as Christians, have the right to be angry under these circumstances. But, not at the person who hurt your feelings or is driving 20 miles per hour in front of us on the freeway!
Ask yourself, "Am I slow to anger?" Pray. Ask God to reveal to you the situations that need improvement and how to overcome them. You will notice that He is faithful and will do just that. Your angry actions will become shorter and shorter until finally you will notice that they no longer exist!
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
What does it take to set you off? I know, for me, sometimes it does not take much! It seems like satan always knows which "buttons to push" with me to make me slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger. But, the simple truth is that, as I grow in the Lord, I am able to recognize these temptations for what they are and who they come from. Then, I am able to work toward the ultimate goal of becoming CHRIST-like. Another thing worth noting is that it is easier to know God's truth when you study it more and become more familiar with this "Christ-likeness."
Jesus was angry at times, but He never sinned. He directed His anger at unrighteousness and sin. And we, as Christians, have the right to be angry under these circumstances. But, not at the person who hurt your feelings or is driving 20 miles per hour in front of us on the freeway!
Ask yourself, "Am I slow to anger?" Pray. Ask God to reveal to you the situations that need improvement and how to overcome them. You will notice that He is faithful and will do just that. Your angry actions will become shorter and shorter until finally you will notice that they no longer exist!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Holy Bible...old stories or NEW?
I am realizing more and more each day that things have not really changed that much since the days of the Bible! I can relate, or see relations, to many different people and circumstances that God put in the Bible for us to learn by. I was reading my friends blog, thirstyfortruth.typepad.com, this morning. She does different studies about the women of the Bible and today was part 2 of Eve in the garden.
We can relate to Eve so much! Satan came to her and presented sin to her in a way that she could not resist! He made is sound like she must partake in it to prove that it was okay because God would surely want her to have knowledge! Then, she not only sinned herself, but persuaded her husband, Adam, to go along with it as well. The thing to see here is that she (and Adam) justified their actions based on a little, tiny LIE that they heard. They knew that they weren't supposed to do it, because GOD commanded it of them, but somehow they justified in their own minds that it was okay and nothing would really happen to them if they did!
Is there something in YOUR life that you do, no matter how small or insignificant it seems, that you KNOW in your heart God has commanded you NOT TO DO, but you have justified it somehow, calling it a "gray area" of truth? I can think of a couple in my life! But, the tough part is figuring out how to stop! God wants us to seek HIS advice, and HIS leading in all situations! That's what I will do! HE will show me the way!
Let's pray... Heavenly Father, I come to you today with a new revelation in my heart. God, show me where I fail You and teach me how to "present myself as blameless and PURE!" I desire to be just like You and I know that You are the only One who can show me the way. Thank you for all that you have for me. I humbly repent and ask Your forgiveness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
We can relate to Eve so much! Satan came to her and presented sin to her in a way that she could not resist! He made is sound like she must partake in it to prove that it was okay because God would surely want her to have knowledge! Then, she not only sinned herself, but persuaded her husband, Adam, to go along with it as well. The thing to see here is that she (and Adam) justified their actions based on a little, tiny LIE that they heard. They knew that they weren't supposed to do it, because GOD commanded it of them, but somehow they justified in their own minds that it was okay and nothing would really happen to them if they did!
Is there something in YOUR life that you do, no matter how small or insignificant it seems, that you KNOW in your heart God has commanded you NOT TO DO, but you have justified it somehow, calling it a "gray area" of truth? I can think of a couple in my life! But, the tough part is figuring out how to stop! God wants us to seek HIS advice, and HIS leading in all situations! That's what I will do! HE will show me the way!
Let's pray... Heavenly Father, I come to you today with a new revelation in my heart. God, show me where I fail You and teach me how to "present myself as blameless and PURE!" I desire to be just like You and I know that You are the only One who can show me the way. Thank you for all that you have for me. I humbly repent and ask Your forgiveness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Pure Joy!
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds... James 1:2
PURE: "Straightforward; unaffected"
JOY: "State of happiness"
PURE JOY: STRAIGHTFORWARD, UNAFFECTED STATE OF HAPPINESS
We know that God works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him. Therefore, WHEN we face trials of many kinds, we are to "consider it PURE JOY." Which, by definition, is a straightforward, unaffected state of happiness! We all face trials of many kinds every day. From the smallest to the largest, we are to consider them all pure joy, not just the ones that are easy to be happy with. Sometimes, God allows us to see the outcome of the trial right away, making it easy for us to have joy in it. But, more often than not, we do not see the benefits of it and our human nature allows us to be angry, sad, frustrated, depressed, or any of the other emotions within us. As we seek a closer relationship with Christ, HIS Spirit living within us guides our emotions so that we can instantly realize that we should give every situation over to HIM and find UNAFFECTED HAPPINESS in it. We cannot let anything affect this happiness. Not other people, other situations, others outcome in the same situation...nothing!
God is bringing our family into "full time ministry" in our lives. Often, from a world view,
"full time ministry" sounds like "poverty!" But, HE is showing us every single day that, when we trust HIM, and give it all to HIM, nothing could be further from the truth! We have PURE JOY in this life that we are pre-destined to live. Not that we do not fail HIM occasionally! Believe that we are not perfect and certainly can, and do, fall for the lies of the enemy and fall short of His Glory. It is a constant effort on our part to "conform to HIS image" and not the ways of the world. We have to be constantly on the "lookout" for those fiery darts of the enemy and know where they come from and how to overlook them and look to HIM!
Let us all remember that Christ directs our lives and He is always in control, even when things are seemingly hopeless. He gives hope to the hopeless and strength to the weary.
Stay in HIS TRUTH! See... Isaiah 40:31, Romans 5:3-5, Romans 12:2
PURE: "Straightforward; unaffected"
JOY: "State of happiness"
PURE JOY: STRAIGHTFORWARD, UNAFFECTED STATE OF HAPPINESS
We know that God works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him. Therefore, WHEN we face trials of many kinds, we are to "consider it PURE JOY." Which, by definition, is a straightforward, unaffected state of happiness! We all face trials of many kinds every day. From the smallest to the largest, we are to consider them all pure joy, not just the ones that are easy to be happy with. Sometimes, God allows us to see the outcome of the trial right away, making it easy for us to have joy in it. But, more often than not, we do not see the benefits of it and our human nature allows us to be angry, sad, frustrated, depressed, or any of the other emotions within us. As we seek a closer relationship with Christ, HIS Spirit living within us guides our emotions so that we can instantly realize that we should give every situation over to HIM and find UNAFFECTED HAPPINESS in it. We cannot let anything affect this happiness. Not other people, other situations, others outcome in the same situation...nothing!
God is bringing our family into "full time ministry" in our lives. Often, from a world view,
"full time ministry" sounds like "poverty!" But, HE is showing us every single day that, when we trust HIM, and give it all to HIM, nothing could be further from the truth! We have PURE JOY in this life that we are pre-destined to live. Not that we do not fail HIM occasionally! Believe that we are not perfect and certainly can, and do, fall for the lies of the enemy and fall short of His Glory. It is a constant effort on our part to "conform to HIS image" and not the ways of the world. We have to be constantly on the "lookout" for those fiery darts of the enemy and know where they come from and how to overlook them and look to HIM!
Let us all remember that Christ directs our lives and He is always in control, even when things are seemingly hopeless. He gives hope to the hopeless and strength to the weary.
Stay in HIS TRUTH! See... Isaiah 40:31, Romans 5:3-5, Romans 12:2
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
God is in control!
As Christians, many of us may feel as though the fate of our nation has been somehow "changed" by the results of this year's election. But, let's remember, God knows things about our future that we do not. There is NEVER a time when He is not in complete control of everything! Sometimes, His way is not what we think it's going to be. I am thanking Him for our new president and, as His Word tells us...
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1
Our authorities ARE ESTABLISHED BY GOD. So, now it is time to pray that our new authority hears and obeys God's truth! And, trust that he will. As long as we know that we are doing all that we are called to do...
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
It is wonderful to know that God is in control and not me! I would mess it up every time!
Love you all,
Melanie
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1
Our authorities ARE ESTABLISHED BY GOD. So, now it is time to pray that our new authority hears and obeys God's truth! And, trust that he will. As long as we know that we are doing all that we are called to do...
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
It is wonderful to know that God is in control and not me! I would mess it up every time!
Love you all,
Melanie
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A Vision
Every ministry that comes from God begins with a vision. This vision represents the hope of glory given to God through the ministry. It represents the revelation that God will use the ministry to complete the task that has been given to those involved. It is a glance into the spiritual realm to foresee the outcome. God wants to use Purified Ministries to reach the souls of young people across the world! Our vision from God is simple... share the power of the Holy Spirit with those in our paths. God is real. He is alive. He created us to live out His parental dream for us. All we have to do is say "Yes, Lord! We will ride with You!" He will take care of the rest. And, through this act of submission to the Holy Spirit we will experience all that God has for us while here on this earth and, finally, spending an eternity basking in HIS GLORY!
Please pray for Purified Ministries, that we will have clear minds, open eyes, and open ears.
To GOD be the glory!!
Please pray for Purified Ministries, that we will have clear minds, open eyes, and open ears.
To GOD be the glory!!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Simple or Prudent?
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 14:15,
"A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps."
Have you ever sat down with God and asked Him to show you what your true beliefs are? Or, have you gone through your life as a Christian believing what others tell you to believe? I think we have all started out our walk with God trusting that our church family knows everything and that we should just follow in their footsteps. Most things are very easily determined. Like, it's easy to know that God does not want us to murder, lie, cheat, steal, lust, or covet. He wants us to 'serve Him and others' and He wants us to 'love our neighbor as ourselves'. But, what do you tend to do when someone speaks "truth" into your life and it just doesn't feel right? That's where God, the Holy Spirit, comes in. Acts 1:5 tells us, "For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." The word baptized means to cleanse spiritually; initiate or dedicate by purifying. So, when we receive the gift of salvation, we are purified by the Holy Spirit in our spiritual beings. Therefore, God, the Holy Spirit, living IN US guides our steps and thoughts. When something is said or done that you have an uneasy feeling about, that is more than likely the Holy Spirit nudging you to take the time to "give thought to your steps."
I hate to use Halloween as an example, but that's what is on my heart at this time. For 17 years I have had an uneasy feeling about Halloween and it's symbolism. Again, God, the Holy Spirit was speaking to us, not necessarily what He would say to everyone. I'm not the one to make that decision. But, for our family, it was not the right thing to do by "celebrating" or "participating" in what we believe to be "fruitless deeds of darkness." We believe that the powers and principalities of darkness (hell) are roaming around on this night in more abundance than usual. They want to kill, steal, and destroy! This is their night, their big NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY! We tend to want to believe that all the spooky things we've heard about demons and satan are just stories, but they are very real. When we become Christians, our spirit is consumed with God's Holy Spirit and physically, spiritually, and emotionally cannot feel good about being a partner to such unholy things. It is my personal opinion that ALL Christians have this uneasy feeling, but rather choose to ignore it like I did for so many years. And, that's okay! God will purify us all in HIS TIMING! Anyway...all that to show that the Holy Spirit, living in us, guides our steps and allows us to choose for ourselves what is right and what is not. Pay close attention to that small voice inside your head that gives you an undeniable uneasy feeling. Recognize it for what it is, pray that God will speak to you in a clear voice with no distractions from the enemy. He will show you what your personal beliefs are! Choose to line your entire being up with those things which are of God and not of this world. Sometimes it makes us feel like we are different from everyone else, but stand firm in your faith. We are called to be imitators of Christ. We cannot accomplish this task if we are not in tune to His voice. If you don't think you hear from God, pray. Ask Him to reveal things to you in a more clear manner. He will do it. He loves you and will show you HIS ways.
"A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps."
Have you ever sat down with God and asked Him to show you what your true beliefs are? Or, have you gone through your life as a Christian believing what others tell you to believe? I think we have all started out our walk with God trusting that our church family knows everything and that we should just follow in their footsteps. Most things are very easily determined. Like, it's easy to know that God does not want us to murder, lie, cheat, steal, lust, or covet. He wants us to 'serve Him and others' and He wants us to 'love our neighbor as ourselves'. But, what do you tend to do when someone speaks "truth" into your life and it just doesn't feel right? That's where God, the Holy Spirit, comes in. Acts 1:5 tells us, "For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." The word baptized means to cleanse spiritually; initiate or dedicate by purifying. So, when we receive the gift of salvation, we are purified by the Holy Spirit in our spiritual beings. Therefore, God, the Holy Spirit, living IN US guides our steps and thoughts. When something is said or done that you have an uneasy feeling about, that is more than likely the Holy Spirit nudging you to take the time to "give thought to your steps."
I hate to use Halloween as an example, but that's what is on my heart at this time. For 17 years I have had an uneasy feeling about Halloween and it's symbolism. Again, God, the Holy Spirit was speaking to us, not necessarily what He would say to everyone. I'm not the one to make that decision. But, for our family, it was not the right thing to do by "celebrating" or "participating" in what we believe to be "fruitless deeds of darkness." We believe that the powers and principalities of darkness (hell) are roaming around on this night in more abundance than usual. They want to kill, steal, and destroy! This is their night, their big NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY! We tend to want to believe that all the spooky things we've heard about demons and satan are just stories, but they are very real. When we become Christians, our spirit is consumed with God's Holy Spirit and physically, spiritually, and emotionally cannot feel good about being a partner to such unholy things. It is my personal opinion that ALL Christians have this uneasy feeling, but rather choose to ignore it like I did for so many years. And, that's okay! God will purify us all in HIS TIMING! Anyway...all that to show that the Holy Spirit, living in us, guides our steps and allows us to choose for ourselves what is right and what is not. Pay close attention to that small voice inside your head that gives you an undeniable uneasy feeling. Recognize it for what it is, pray that God will speak to you in a clear voice with no distractions from the enemy. He will show you what your personal beliefs are! Choose to line your entire being up with those things which are of God and not of this world. Sometimes it makes us feel like we are different from everyone else, but stand firm in your faith. We are called to be imitators of Christ. We cannot accomplish this task if we are not in tune to His voice. If you don't think you hear from God, pray. Ask Him to reveal things to you in a more clear manner. He will do it. He loves you and will show you HIS ways.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Why we choose not to celebrate Halloween...
It's that time of year again. For the most part, Christians struggle with this holiday every year. Then, pushing aside all of our beliefs for one night, we trudge through the night of "tricks and treats" asking forgiveness the next day. That's exactly what we have done for many years. The small voice inside our heads, which IS God, was telling us that we should not have anything to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness (satan), but rather EXPOSE THEM, Ephesians 5:11. Now, I'm not saying that everyone who dresses up and goes out on Halloween is bad. I'm saying that, as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit in us to guide us in our everyday lives. He tells us individually when we are against His word. Our convicitions have led us to a place of complete submissiveness to Christ. We are certainly not perfect, nor are we comletely "purified", but our heart's desire is to be like Christ, to become PURIFIED!
For us, Halloween represents a day that is set aside in the spiritual realm to celebrate satan and his followers. It is a night where people once celebrated the dead, and still do! Not those cute little children dressed up in cartoon character costumes running around your neighborhood yelling, "Trick or Treat", but the ones in the world who choose to put satan as their god, instead of Christ. Our war is against the powers and principalities of darkness, not against people. We cannot stand by and watch little minds begin to think that ghosts and goblins are cute and funny. THEY ARE NOT! They sneak into our everyday lives and they have come to kill, steal, and destroy us! They do not want us to focus our thoughts on Christ, but on the worldly things. Originally, people dressed up in costumes in order to pretend to be demons, so that they would blend in with the dark world. As imitators of Christ, why would we want to pretend to be demons? Now, I don't think that "Pooh Bear" or "Cinderella" looks like a demon, but could it be that we are teaching our children that we need something more than Christ to come against satan? I don't know. But, I do know... As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD...24/7...365! No exceptions! I urge you, therefore, to research this holiday for yourselves and PRAY, asking God to show you what your own convictions are. Also, whether you "celebrate" or not, pray on this night AGAINST THE POWERS OF DARKNESS.
It is our prayer that the powers of darkness be flooded with the light of Christ this October 31st so much that they would not be able to penetrate it! God, continue to show us each and every day of the year what YOUR desires are for us as Christ followers. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
For us, Halloween represents a day that is set aside in the spiritual realm to celebrate satan and his followers. It is a night where people once celebrated the dead, and still do! Not those cute little children dressed up in cartoon character costumes running around your neighborhood yelling, "Trick or Treat", but the ones in the world who choose to put satan as their god, instead of Christ. Our war is against the powers and principalities of darkness, not against people. We cannot stand by and watch little minds begin to think that ghosts and goblins are cute and funny. THEY ARE NOT! They sneak into our everyday lives and they have come to kill, steal, and destroy us! They do not want us to focus our thoughts on Christ, but on the worldly things. Originally, people dressed up in costumes in order to pretend to be demons, so that they would blend in with the dark world. As imitators of Christ, why would we want to pretend to be demons? Now, I don't think that "Pooh Bear" or "Cinderella" looks like a demon, but could it be that we are teaching our children that we need something more than Christ to come against satan? I don't know. But, I do know... As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD...24/7...365! No exceptions! I urge you, therefore, to research this holiday for yourselves and PRAY, asking God to show you what your own convictions are. Also, whether you "celebrate" or not, pray on this night AGAINST THE POWERS OF DARKNESS.
It is our prayer that the powers of darkness be flooded with the light of Christ this October 31st so much that they would not be able to penetrate it! God, continue to show us each and every day of the year what YOUR desires are for us as Christ followers. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Our First Event!!!
Our Board of Directors has officially decided upon a date for our very first event! No specifics on the event are given at this time, but it will be held DECEMBER 31, 2008!! Please continue in prayer with us as we seek God's leading... more info to come.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Purified!
What does it mean to be "purified?"
The dictionary defines the word purified as:
to become pure, free from evil (sin), to rid of foreign or objectionable objects
To become purified we must search within our souls, not our flesh. Our flesh will never become purified because of sin in the world. But, our soul, THROUGH CHRIST, can become purified more and more each day. When we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, His Holy Spirit enters our soul and begins the purification. We then have the ability to be PURE and FREE FROM SIN, but because we have a human nature within our minds, it's difficult to become purified until the day of CHRIST JESUS, when we no longer have the flesh. The closer we become to Christ, the more we will become purified. If you have a sincere desire to be like Christ, you will begin to be more and more like Him and, therefore, become PURIFIED!
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 1:22..."now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." So, it means that we can only obey the command from God in Matthew 22:39 to love our neighbor as ourselves by obeying the truth! Of course, the TRUTH is the Holy Bible, nothing more, and nothing less.
The Bible also tells us in Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
We know that we all sin, probably on a daily basis. There are sins in the Bible that are plain and simple for us to understand, but there are also some "gray areas" that only the Holy Spirit can reveal to us individually. You will see and feel this in the form of conviction. Please do not confuse "conviction" with "guilt." You will not receive guilt from the Lord, but a peaceful feeling of conviction that you should stop doing something or even start doing something. One way that I can discern the voice of the Lord from the voice of my flesh (satan) is that the Lord will speak to me in a calm, peaceful way, and in the first person, such as "I really should quit doing this." It will never feel condeming or guilty, but convicted. When I know my flesh is speaking, I will hear it in the second person, such as "You should really quit doing this." It will be more like revelation in your mind that you have the ability to stop or start whatever it is that you need to stop or start. This all sounds very confusing as I even type it, but I hope that God can reveal it to you in a very clear way.
Before I quit, one final thought...
Satan cannot hear what you think or say in your mind, but only what you say and pray out loud! Keep that in mind when talking to God! Satan loves to listen to your prayers and use them against you!!
Love to you all,
Melanie
The dictionary defines the word purified as:
to become pure, free from evil (sin), to rid of foreign or objectionable objects
To become purified we must search within our souls, not our flesh. Our flesh will never become purified because of sin in the world. But, our soul, THROUGH CHRIST, can become purified more and more each day. When we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, His Holy Spirit enters our soul and begins the purification. We then have the ability to be PURE and FREE FROM SIN, but because we have a human nature within our minds, it's difficult to become purified until the day of CHRIST JESUS, when we no longer have the flesh. The closer we become to Christ, the more we will become purified. If you have a sincere desire to be like Christ, you will begin to be more and more like Him and, therefore, become PURIFIED!
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 1:22..."now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." So, it means that we can only obey the command from God in Matthew 22:39 to love our neighbor as ourselves by obeying the truth! Of course, the TRUTH is the Holy Bible, nothing more, and nothing less.
The Bible also tells us in Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
We know that we all sin, probably on a daily basis. There are sins in the Bible that are plain and simple for us to understand, but there are also some "gray areas" that only the Holy Spirit can reveal to us individually. You will see and feel this in the form of conviction. Please do not confuse "conviction" with "guilt." You will not receive guilt from the Lord, but a peaceful feeling of conviction that you should stop doing something or even start doing something. One way that I can discern the voice of the Lord from the voice of my flesh (satan) is that the Lord will speak to me in a calm, peaceful way, and in the first person, such as "I really should quit doing this." It will never feel condeming or guilty, but convicted. When I know my flesh is speaking, I will hear it in the second person, such as "You should really quit doing this." It will be more like revelation in your mind that you have the ability to stop or start whatever it is that you need to stop or start. This all sounds very confusing as I even type it, but I hope that God can reveal it to you in a very clear way.
Before I quit, one final thought...
Satan cannot hear what you think or say in your mind, but only what you say and pray out loud! Keep that in mind when talking to God! Satan loves to listen to your prayers and use them against you!!
Love to you all,
Melanie
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Shall I pass the test?
Today, I received a special verse from the Lord. It was Deuteronomy 8:2 which says,
You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
I will be 40 years old in January. He speaks this to me letting me know that everything that has happened in my life leads to a very special moment after 40 years. God has been leading us to this moment for a long time. I believe what He is about to trust us with is such an AWESOME thing, that I sometimes find it hard to believe that He would trust us with such a task. He wants to use us to further His Kingdom! What a responsibility! I cannot even fathom that He would "Send me!"
I can't wait to see what all He has in store for our family through this ministry!
God is Good! All the time!!
You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
I will be 40 years old in January. He speaks this to me letting me know that everything that has happened in my life leads to a very special moment after 40 years. God has been leading us to this moment for a long time. I believe what He is about to trust us with is such an AWESOME thing, that I sometimes find it hard to believe that He would trust us with such a task. He wants to use us to further His Kingdom! What a responsibility! I cannot even fathom that He would "Send me!"
I can't wait to see what all He has in store for our family through this ministry!
God is Good! All the time!!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Spirit of Rejection?
We have all felt rejection in some form in our lives. Whether it be from a friend, relative, or co-worker, it never feels good. Let it be a goal in our lives to be sure that others do not feel rejected by us! Often we don't even realize that we are inflicting others with the spirit of rejection.
Rejection can begin in the womb. Maybe you, or someone you know, is facing an unwanted pregnancy. We should remember that EVERY life is a gift from God, no matter what the circumstances are here on earth that led to this life. God sends all babies to earth for a purpose and we should always remember that. So, always rejoice in the miracle of a baby. The Bible says, "before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." God creates life BEFORE he allows us the awesome opportunity to nurture it here on earth. If we focus on the circumstances, instead of the blessing, by believing that a baby is not wanted, then we are allowing satan to bring a spirit of rejection to that child that could possibly affect him or her for life.
Another way we can bind this spirit of rejection is by welcoming everyone into your circle of friends instead of making them feel like you belong to a "clique" that they are not welcome in. When a new person comes to church or school, be sure to talk to them and make them feel comfortable. Show them around and get to know the person...just like you would want them to do if you were the new one! It's so difficult to go to a new school or church, especially when you don't know anyone. And, if you already suffer from fear of rejection (most of us do!!) it's almost impossible to overcome if you are rejected by that group of girls or guys that all hang together, cutting up and having fun. And, remember that just because someone seems "different" than you, we are all created by the same God and in HIS image.
Please let us know if you need help in this area. There are so many small things we can do to make sure everyone feels welcome. May we all strive to be more like Jesus! He was drawn to the "different" people of this world and desired to minister the love of His Father to them!
Rejection can begin in the womb. Maybe you, or someone you know, is facing an unwanted pregnancy. We should remember that EVERY life is a gift from God, no matter what the circumstances are here on earth that led to this life. God sends all babies to earth for a purpose and we should always remember that. So, always rejoice in the miracle of a baby. The Bible says, "before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." God creates life BEFORE he allows us the awesome opportunity to nurture it here on earth. If we focus on the circumstances, instead of the blessing, by believing that a baby is not wanted, then we are allowing satan to bring a spirit of rejection to that child that could possibly affect him or her for life.
Another way we can bind this spirit of rejection is by welcoming everyone into your circle of friends instead of making them feel like you belong to a "clique" that they are not welcome in. When a new person comes to church or school, be sure to talk to them and make them feel comfortable. Show them around and get to know the person...just like you would want them to do if you were the new one! It's so difficult to go to a new school or church, especially when you don't know anyone. And, if you already suffer from fear of rejection (most of us do!!) it's almost impossible to overcome if you are rejected by that group of girls or guys that all hang together, cutting up and having fun. And, remember that just because someone seems "different" than you, we are all created by the same God and in HIS image.
Please let us know if you need help in this area. There are so many small things we can do to make sure everyone feels welcome. May we all strive to be more like Jesus! He was drawn to the "different" people of this world and desired to minister the love of His Father to them!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Our Heart's Desires
Several years ago, God spoke a mighty word to both of us at the same time. At that moment, our ministry here on earth became more clear to us than ever! The word was from the book of Isaiah, chapter 6, verse 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!"
Each of us , separately and together, made the lifelong committment to follow God anywhere He wanted to take us in order to walk in His perfect will. We never had to ask what He wanted us to do. We just knew! He wants us to speak His truth! He will provide the means and the circumstances to share with the world the most precious gift we have ever received as well as helping others discover their purpose in life. You see, our purpose here on earth is not being a good husband, wife, mother, father, daughter, son, or even the best at our chosen career. It is to worship and glorify God, and to share with others what He has allowed us to see! The Bible tells us to "delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Delight means to have great pleasure. Pleasure means to gratify or to please. So, in a nutshell, we should please God in EVERYTHING we do and then He will give us our heart's desires. Of course, we have also realized that when we are doing everything within our power to please God, sometimes our heart's desires change. Or, rather, we realized that our TRUE heart's desires are different than we thought they were! God gives us our heart's desires, but He also creates the desires of our hearts! So, if the desire of your heart is a certain career, you know that God put that desire there for a reason; not just to be that person.
For example: I (Melanie) knew many, many years ago that my heart's desire was to be a teacher. So, because I wasn't really seeking God's purpose for my life at the time, I didn't really understand the full consept of "being a teacher." It's not going to college, getting an elementary education degree, and teaching children in the worldly sense of it. It's DAILY, moment by moment, teaching others the wonderful, life-changing things I have learned over the years. I don't always "get it" at the moment, but He always shows it to me. Yes, at the moment, I am a teacher! I teach Kindergarten at a wonderful, Spirit-filled, Charismatic Episcopal Church School. I love every minute of it! Whether this is God's ultimate plan for my life is unknown at this time, but I know that He is faithful and will show me each and every day what He wants me to do. At this time, I feel as though every single thing I have been through up to this point in my life is coming together to be used for this very purpose! It is the most AMAZING thing to see everything come together after all these years of not really understanding how and why things happen the way they do! Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Maybe I have "babbled" a little, but it's just so exciting to be in God's will and allowing Him to take over my life! Sometimes I can't stop talking about all the great things He has done for me. There is never a time (now) that I doubt His will for my life. I am so greatful that "he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!" Phil. 1:6
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!"
Each of us , separately and together, made the lifelong committment to follow God anywhere He wanted to take us in order to walk in His perfect will. We never had to ask what He wanted us to do. We just knew! He wants us to speak His truth! He will provide the means and the circumstances to share with the world the most precious gift we have ever received as well as helping others discover their purpose in life. You see, our purpose here on earth is not being a good husband, wife, mother, father, daughter, son, or even the best at our chosen career. It is to worship and glorify God, and to share with others what He has allowed us to see! The Bible tells us to "delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Delight means to have great pleasure. Pleasure means to gratify or to please. So, in a nutshell, we should please God in EVERYTHING we do and then He will give us our heart's desires. Of course, we have also realized that when we are doing everything within our power to please God, sometimes our heart's desires change. Or, rather, we realized that our TRUE heart's desires are different than we thought they were! God gives us our heart's desires, but He also creates the desires of our hearts! So, if the desire of your heart is a certain career, you know that God put that desire there for a reason; not just to be that person.
For example: I (Melanie) knew many, many years ago that my heart's desire was to be a teacher. So, because I wasn't really seeking God's purpose for my life at the time, I didn't really understand the full consept of "being a teacher." It's not going to college, getting an elementary education degree, and teaching children in the worldly sense of it. It's DAILY, moment by moment, teaching others the wonderful, life-changing things I have learned over the years. I don't always "get it" at the moment, but He always shows it to me. Yes, at the moment, I am a teacher! I teach Kindergarten at a wonderful, Spirit-filled, Charismatic Episcopal Church School. I love every minute of it! Whether this is God's ultimate plan for my life is unknown at this time, but I know that He is faithful and will show me each and every day what He wants me to do. At this time, I feel as though every single thing I have been through up to this point in my life is coming together to be used for this very purpose! It is the most AMAZING thing to see everything come together after all these years of not really understanding how and why things happen the way they do! Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Maybe I have "babbled" a little, but it's just so exciting to be in God's will and allowing Him to take over my life! Sometimes I can't stop talking about all the great things He has done for me. There is never a time (now) that I doubt His will for my life. I am so greatful that "he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!" Phil. 1:6
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Rejoicing in Heaven!
One word keeps coming into my mind...REJOICE!
It means to "TAKE DELIGHT OR TO BE GLAD!"
Luke 15:7 says...I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
God and the Heavenly angels will take much delight if ONE SINNER truly repents of his sin and turns away from it!
So, I am reminded that the goal of PURIFIED! Ministries is to provide a means for this to happen...and if only ONE sinner repents...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! God will rejoice with us! Hallelujah!!!
It means to "TAKE DELIGHT OR TO BE GLAD!"
Luke 15:7 says...I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
God and the Heavenly angels will take much delight if ONE SINNER truly repents of his sin and turns away from it!
So, I am reminded that the goal of PURIFIED! Ministries is to provide a means for this to happen...and if only ONE sinner repents...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! God will rejoice with us! Hallelujah!!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Unity!
Over the past few months, as we have prepared our hearts for PURIFIED! Ministries, God has been constantly speaking to us about UNITY. We have known that we would play an awesome role in promoting unity within our community and the body of believers. God is always so great to show us these things in our lives almost daily. One way He showed us confirmation is the unity service held at our church this past Sunday evening. It was our first to attend and what an awesome experience in the presence of our Lord! We can't wait until the next one in December!One of the things God has brought to our heart is that somehow TABERNACLE OF PRAISE fits in to this wonderful puzzle God is helping us put together! The congregation of TOP is a wonderful, loving, Christ-centered body of believers with our same goal in mind...to love the Lord, their God, with all their hearts, souls, and strength! For we know "love binds them all together!" Col. 3:14 It is simply amazing to watch God work all things together in our lives for the good. We can't wait to see what God has planned for this ministry!
Friday, September 12, 2008
A Time of Preparation
The Holy Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:11-13,
11 Itwas he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to beevangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people forworks of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faithand in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the wholemeasure of the fullness of Christ.
If you are living on this earth, you canbe assured that God has a purpose for your life while you are here! One ofthe things all Christians are equipped to do is to share the Good News of theGospel of Jesus Christ with others. This may be something as simple asliving a life of purity in an effort to allow others to see the light of Christbeaming out of you. People are naturally curious and desire what othershave that seem to make them happy. This also could be that you are toserve Him publically by getting out there in the world and sharing your faithwith others. Satan would have you believe that it is a very difficultthing to tell others about Jesus. But, in actuality it can be veryeasy. All you really have to do is pray and ask God to help you share andto give you opportunities to do just that. He will gladly work throughyou!
PURIFIED! Ministries could be a place Godwants you to have one of these opportunities. Please unite with us inprayer as we seek God's will for this ministry. We are looking forward toseeing God "show up and show out" in this world. This is a TIMEOF PREPARATION in the heart's of those He will use to further his kingdomthrough PURIFIED! Ministries. Pray with us that God will open eyes, ears,and hearts of those He wants involved and allow us all to come together in unityas we take this journey together. If you think you may be interested inhelping out in ANY way, please contact us. There will be so many ways toserve our Lord through this ministry in the near future. But, either way,please pray with us. The prayer of a righteous man is is powerful andeffective! James 5:16
God Bless You!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Purified! Ministries...in the beginning (get ready to read a book!)
Where to begin?
Scott accepted Christ into his life at a young age while attending Calvary Assembly of God with his family in Selma, AL. He knew that God had a special plan for his life. He has always felt a burden on his heart for those younger than him and always knew that leadership was a God-given gift that would be used in his life to further God's Kingdom.
Acceptance of Christ in your life, while it is the most important decision you will ever make, is simply not enough! God created us to worship and glorify Him. In order to do that, you must give over your entire life to Him. So, in EVERYTHING WE DO, we must worship and glorify HIM. That's easier said than done! God takes us from the moment we ask Him to come be in charge of our life, and molds us into the servant that He wants us to be. Sometimes we are stubborn and do not learn everything in a few days, weeks, months, or even years! But, praise God that He doesn't ever give up on us and He uses EVERYTHING that happens to ultimately bring glory to His name! Hallelujah!!!
As an adult, Scott re-committed his life to following Christ. This is when he began to see all that God has in store for him. He was given the spouse and children that God had set aside for him, resulting in a God-fearing, evangelical family committed to serving our Lord and Savior. In February of 2006, Scott and his family accepted a strong call on their life to FULL TIME YOUTH MINISTRY. With no idea what was ahead, we walked the aisle in our home church, Hillwood Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL, to make this commitment public before God and our congregation. Then, we sat back to wait to see what God had in store. We always thought that we were to just pray and wait. Soon after, God began showing us that sitting and waiting is not at all what He intends for us to do! He expects us to "take the ball and run with it!" That is exactly what we did. We began praying for God to open doors that HE wanted open for us to be able to serve Him ANYWHERE He called us to...AND to close the doors HE wanted closed. This allowed us to be sure we took the ball and ran the right way!
Today...
God sent us back to our home town of Selma, AL (which is somewhere we said we would never return to - be careful what you say!). About a year and a half earlier, the Lord gave us a word from the Holy Bible, 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!"
We began specifically praying for God to SEND
US! He gave Melanie a vision in the form of a dream that He would send us
to "Crosspoint" and this would be where He would reveal His ministry
to us. We didn't really know what that meant at the time. We knew it
was a church, but we did not have a Crosspoint Church in Huntsville. There
was one in a nearby town called Crosspoint, but we never felt a desire or
leading to go there. So, we kept praying. One day, while home to
visit family, we were at a gas station about to pull back out to Dallas
Avenue. We both looked up and saw THE SIGN! Yes, Cooper Memorial
Church had changed it's name to Crosspoint Christian Church! We were
stunned! At the same time, we looked at each other and said, "I am
not moving back to Selma!" As you can tell we were still being
stubborn! Over the next year, a series of events led us to realize that we
were moving back to Selma! In June of 2007 Scott, reluctantly, went to
spend a week in Selma to look for a job. Within a day, Scott had a job
(for both of us!) and a house. He came home that weekend and we packed up
and moved ONE WEEK LATER! GOD MOVES FAST!! Of course, there is
much, much more to the story, but this blog entry has become a book already, so
details later!
We currently attend Crosspoint Christian Church in Selma and are starting a new ministry for college age young adults called C4, which will serve as a ministry to Purified Ministries.
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