Saturday, December 31, 2011
Reading the Bible through each Year is a Blessing
Each year my husband and I read the Bible through using Bible Pathway, a devotional commentary that helps us better understand what we read.
This is a my 24th year of reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Reading God's Word through each year has blessed my life. The Bible reveals the Will of God for our life and how to be sure that Heaven will be our eternal home.
We completed another year of reading the Bible today and look forward to starting over again tomorrow.
God's Word is a "light unto our path and a lamp unto our feet." Be fully prepared to face the future. Spend precious time this year reading the Bible each day. Your life will never be the same!
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Christmas is....
Christmas is the most joyous time of the year as families and friends get together to celebrate the birth of Christ.
I’ll never forget going to see my first live nativity. Surrounded by our family, Christmas was extra special for us. It was a cold, rainy night as we all sat huddled together on a bench watching the Bible come alive.
Gabriel visited Mary, announcing the most glorious event of human history. “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you like a shining cloud” (Luke 1:35). Then shall come a miracle above all the miracles humanity has ever known—the birth of Jesus Christ.
We sat in awe as the live donkeys, camels, cows, and other animals surrounded baby Jesus as he lay in the manger.
Under the magnificent, bright shining star, the Magi bowed to the baby as they presented their treasures of gold, incense, and myrrh. Christmas begins here in the manger as the story of Christ’s birth unfolds. Just as the Magi bowed down and worshipped Him may our hearts be prepared every day to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God had not forsaken Mary. He knew exactly where she was, and she was exactly where He wanted her to be.
Jesus was born a child of destiny just as each one of us. May we never forget the Christmas story and share it with all of our friends.
I’ll never forget going to see my first live nativity. Surrounded by our family, Christmas was extra special for us. It was a cold, rainy night as we all sat huddled together on a bench watching the Bible come alive.
Gabriel visited Mary, announcing the most glorious event of human history. “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you like a shining cloud” (Luke 1:35). Then shall come a miracle above all the miracles humanity has ever known—the birth of Jesus Christ.
We sat in awe as the live donkeys, camels, cows, and other animals surrounded baby Jesus as he lay in the manger.
Under the magnificent, bright shining star, the Magi bowed to the baby as they presented their treasures of gold, incense, and myrrh. Christmas begins here in the manger as the story of Christ’s birth unfolds. Just as the Magi bowed down and worshipped Him may our hearts be prepared every day to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God had not forsaken Mary. He knew exactly where she was, and she was exactly where He wanted her to be.
Jesus was born a child of destiny just as each one of us. May we never forget the Christmas story and share it with all of our friends.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Getting Motivated
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Zig Ziglar stated in his Get Motivated Workbook, “I truly believe that you can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
Does motivation really help? Mr. Ziglar said “Motivation gets you going, but habit gets you there.”
There are several reasons to stay motivated. (1) Because you are a Christian, you have something to say that enriches lives. (2) You struggle with the same problems others do. As you relive them on paper, you not only help others, but you also find a better understanding of yourself. Hearing what others may be going through inspires me to help them.
Make motivation a habit.
Zig Ziglar stated in his Get Motivated Workbook, “I truly believe that you can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
Does motivation really help? Mr. Ziglar said “Motivation gets you going, but habit gets you there.”
There are several reasons to stay motivated. (1) Because you are a Christian, you have something to say that enriches lives. (2) You struggle with the same problems others do. As you relive them on paper, you not only help others, but you also find a better understanding of yourself. Hearing what others may be going through inspires me to help them.
Make motivation a habit.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A Good Attitude Requires Discipline
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:5-7
The greatest example we have is our Lord and how he lived. No matter where he went he always stopped to talk with others no matter where they were in their spiritual life, or even if they were not Christians.
Are you secure in who you are? Do you like yourself? Spend time taking care of you—as your life is important to God and who you are depends a lot on how secure you are in what you accomplish with your life.
Submit yourself to authority – read books about attitude – One of my favorite books is Winning Attitude by John Maxwell.
Having a good attitude requires discipline.
A Prayer for Today
Father, help us to choose each day to be filled with your love, peace, and joy. Our attitude will show that we have spent time with you.
The greatest example we have is our Lord and how he lived. No matter where he went he always stopped to talk with others no matter where they were in their spiritual life, or even if they were not Christians.
Are you secure in who you are? Do you like yourself? Spend time taking care of you—as your life is important to God and who you are depends a lot on how secure you are in what you accomplish with your life.
Submit yourself to authority – read books about attitude – One of my favorite books is Winning Attitude by John Maxwell.
Having a good attitude requires discipline.
A Prayer for Today
Father, help us to choose each day to be filled with your love, peace, and joy. Our attitude will show that we have spent time with you.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Write the Vision
“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run who readeth it.” KJV Habakkuk 2:2
The Christian writer takes to his/her computer with ideas from many resources. My husband and I love to travel. We went to VA Beach several years ago with our son and his family.
We climbed the Cape Henry Lighthouse, one of the oldest historic lighthouses. This was a topic for an assignment I wrote for Warner Press publishers.
One of the first magazine articles I had published was written after an interview. While listening to the radio, I heard a testimony and thought it would make a great magazine article. I called the radio station and received permission to interview the individual. Starlight magazine later published her story.
Ideas for magazine articles are everywhere, and the periodicals to write for are just as plentiful. Do you have a personal experience story to share? Or, if you don’t have any material from your own experience to write about, consider interviewing interesting people around you and writing their stories.
What magazine do you read on a consistent basis? Your familiarity with these publications and the types of articles they publish give you some needed background. Study these magazines and know what kind of articles they publish. Take time to cut out those articles you may need for later resource material.
Some of the magazines I have written for are Pentecostal Evangel, The Upper Room, Devo'zine, Light & Life, Pathways to God, and Woman's World.
The Christian writer takes to his/her computer with ideas from many resources. My husband and I love to travel. We went to VA Beach several years ago with our son and his family.
We climbed the Cape Henry Lighthouse, one of the oldest historic lighthouses. This was a topic for an assignment I wrote for Warner Press publishers.
One of the first magazine articles I had published was written after an interview. While listening to the radio, I heard a testimony and thought it would make a great magazine article. I called the radio station and received permission to interview the individual. Starlight magazine later published her story.
Ideas for magazine articles are everywhere, and the periodicals to write for are just as plentiful. Do you have a personal experience story to share? Or, if you don’t have any material from your own experience to write about, consider interviewing interesting people around you and writing their stories.
What magazine do you read on a consistent basis? Your familiarity with these publications and the types of articles they publish give you some needed background. Study these magazines and know what kind of articles they publish. Take time to cut out those articles you may need for later resource material.
Some of the magazines I have written for are Pentecostal Evangel, The Upper Room, Devo'zine, Light & Life, Pathways to God, and Woman's World.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Are You Ready - Repost from Rachel Hauck
I read this on author Rachel Hauck’s blog Friday and asked her if she would grant me permission to reprint it for my blog. She graciously said “Sure!”
So, below is a direct reprint, with permission.
Are you ready? He is coming! by Rachel Hauck, Sunday, March 20, 2001. (reprinted with permission)
The Friday of the Japan earthquake and tsunami I had an overwhelming sense while driving to meet friends for lunch, "He's coming! He. Is. Coming!"
Excitement met with expectation met with, "Wow!" My spirit rejoiced while my mind search for all the reasons I should be afraid. I mean, have you read Revelation? Yeah, it gets ugly.
I'm not a pretrib rapture believer. There's no Bible to support it. There are 150 chapters in the Old and New Testament dealing with the second coming of Jesus. They point to the Church partnering with Him, praying for His kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.
Yet I know as evil increases, so will the glory and light of the Lord. The book of Revelation is the book of Acts supersized.
Isaiah prophesies this:
"For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples;
But the LORD will rise upon you
And His glory will appear upon you.
-- Isaiah 60:2
We have a job to do. It will be completed when Jesus returns. We are His partners on the earth, boots on the ground and our prayers and intercession will wage war against the evil rising on the earth
The Spirit and the Bride say come! Revelation 22:17. (We can't say come if we're not here.)
The buzz this week is Rob Bell's new book, “Love Wins.” I've not read it yet, but will when it releases. But I've read quotes and discussed the book with others. There's an idea that a loving God won't send anyone to hell.
“We send ourselves to hell by not believing in Jesus.” So says Bell.
While God the Father is loving eternally, Bell forgets about the Father-God who is also eternally just. Is Bell thinking deep about the Father's heart. Bell asks, "Would He send anyone He claims to love to hell?"
To which I gaze at the Cross. The Father loved and continues to love Jesus and look what He asked Him to do.
That's the point. Jesus and the Father loved each other and US so much, Jesus submitted to the Father's plan of redemption.
If you don't receive it, you receive the result. Wrath. Which includes a fiery hell.
Here's what Jesus says, "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Here's what why I'm writing this blog. Do your own prayer and study on the second coming and on hell. Expand your resources and above all, read the Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. Hang around like minded men and women who are interested in the truth, not affirming theology. There's a lot of bad theology out there.
John 14: 26: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
1 John 2:27: "As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
Hard times are coming. Our faith, our hope will be tested. Unless we are rooted and ground in Him, we just may falter.
Know Him. Know Him.
You can View the article online...
RACHEL HAUCK is a graduate of Ohio State University, and is a former software trainer. She published her first novel in 2004. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband.
Thank you, Rachel, for allowing me to share this with my readers. It sure made me stop and think.
So, below is a direct reprint, with permission.
Are you ready? He is coming! by Rachel Hauck, Sunday, March 20, 2001. (reprinted with permission)
The Friday of the Japan earthquake and tsunami I had an overwhelming sense while driving to meet friends for lunch, "He's coming! He. Is. Coming!"
Excitement met with expectation met with, "Wow!" My spirit rejoiced while my mind search for all the reasons I should be afraid. I mean, have you read Revelation? Yeah, it gets ugly.
I'm not a pretrib rapture believer. There's no Bible to support it. There are 150 chapters in the Old and New Testament dealing with the second coming of Jesus. They point to the Church partnering with Him, praying for His kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.
Yet I know as evil increases, so will the glory and light of the Lord. The book of Revelation is the book of Acts supersized.
Isaiah prophesies this:
"For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples;
But the LORD will rise upon you
And His glory will appear upon you.
-- Isaiah 60:2
We have a job to do. It will be completed when Jesus returns. We are His partners on the earth, boots on the ground and our prayers and intercession will wage war against the evil rising on the earth
The Spirit and the Bride say come! Revelation 22:17. (We can't say come if we're not here.)
The buzz this week is Rob Bell's new book, “Love Wins.” I've not read it yet, but will when it releases. But I've read quotes and discussed the book with others. There's an idea that a loving God won't send anyone to hell.
“We send ourselves to hell by not believing in Jesus.” So says Bell.
While God the Father is loving eternally, Bell forgets about the Father-God who is also eternally just. Is Bell thinking deep about the Father's heart. Bell asks, "Would He send anyone He claims to love to hell?"
To which I gaze at the Cross. The Father loved and continues to love Jesus and look what He asked Him to do.
That's the point. Jesus and the Father loved each other and US so much, Jesus submitted to the Father's plan of redemption.
If you don't receive it, you receive the result. Wrath. Which includes a fiery hell.
Here's what Jesus says, "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Here's what why I'm writing this blog. Do your own prayer and study on the second coming and on hell. Expand your resources and above all, read the Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. Hang around like minded men and women who are interested in the truth, not affirming theology. There's a lot of bad theology out there.
John 14: 26: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
1 John 2:27: "As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
Hard times are coming. Our faith, our hope will be tested. Unless we are rooted and ground in Him, we just may falter.
Know Him. Know Him.
You can View the article online...
RACHEL HAUCK is a graduate of Ohio State University, and is a former software trainer. She published her first novel in 2004. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband.
Thank you, Rachel, for allowing me to share this with my readers. It sure made me stop and think.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Arise to Excellence
“But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31
What does it mean to excel? An outstanding or valuable quality--not perfect; but focusing on being the best you can in every area of your life. Seek and ask God to show you how to excel in your home, your job, in your writing ministry--what ever He has called you to do.
Get involved with other Christians, prayer groups, choir, etc. Find out what others are doing for Christ—be a role model for Jesus Christ—Love one another and pray one for another.
Obey the Holy Spirit within you—Listen to His voice—Go where He guides. He led me to go back to college after being out of school for 30 years. I felt awkward but obeyed and received my degree in Theology in 1995.
How can we strive to achieve the best God has for us?
A Prayer for Today
Lord, guide us as we pursue excellence—help us to guard our heart and stay in touch with our inner feelings.
What does it mean to excel? An outstanding or valuable quality--not perfect; but focusing on being the best you can in every area of your life. Seek and ask God to show you how to excel in your home, your job, in your writing ministry--what ever He has called you to do.
Get involved with other Christians, prayer groups, choir, etc. Find out what others are doing for Christ—be a role model for Jesus Christ—Love one another and pray one for another.
Obey the Holy Spirit within you—Listen to His voice—Go where He guides. He led me to go back to college after being out of school for 30 years. I felt awkward but obeyed and received my degree in Theology in 1995.
How can we strive to achieve the best God has for us?
A Prayer for Today
Lord, guide us as we pursue excellence—help us to guard our heart and stay in touch with our inner feelings.
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