Redeemed For a Purpose

Beautiful Sunday Morning

2010-05-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

It is so beautiful this morning! Clear blue skys, cool spring temps, and the promise of a warm afternoon. I took my cup of coffee out to the back deck and just soaked in God's creation! What a wonderful way to start the day...

Our Tobiosho Japanese Maple, which was planted last fall, has survived the winter and is in full leaf. You can see the Fall color HERE.

My daughter's favorite Gerbera has surprised us with two new blooms! ( I thought it was a gonner.)

Even the pansies from last year's dish garden have miraculously appeared from the neglect of winter and were greeting me with faces upturned to catch a ray or two!

God's word tells us in Psalm 19: 1-4a, that God's creation is a testimony to all people everywhere!

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

I hope you can get outside & enjoy God's world today!

Be Blessed, Chris

Where's your focus girl?

2010-04-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

God gave me one of those "aha" moments in my quiet time this morning. I am using a daily devotional by Sarah Young, "Jesus Calling". It has been a real blessing. The devotionals are short, but always just what I need to hear.

This morning, it was all about where we place our focus. I loved the author's analogy!

Just as a spinning ballerina must continue to return her gaze to a certain point to maintain her balance, I must keep returning my focus to Jesus during my day to maintain my balance! Gaze too long at my worries or circumstances, and I become dizzy & confused.

Thank you Lord for being the unchanging One!

~Hebrews 12:2

"The King & I"

2009-04-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

The “King & I” retreat was wonderful. 57 women, young & old, met for a time of teaching, praising & revival. We laughed, cried, hugged, prayed, sang and learned what it truly means to be a daughter of the King!

Our speaker, CJ Rapp is a beautiful woman, both in countenance & grace. The words she brought to us were convicting, comforting, based in scripture, and for me, life-changing. I could have spent a week listening to what God had laid on her heart for us! I learned that she had been in regular contact with our Women’s Ministry Director and that she had asked about each woman who was attending and had prayed for us! Is it any wonder that God uses her in such a mighty way?

I am still reflecting and praying about what I received from the Lord this weekend. But one thing I wanted to share was so moving, such clear illustration of our worth in the eyes of God.

As CJ was teaching on man’s creation, in God’s likeness from the dust of the earth (Genesis 1:27 and 2:7) she knelt on the floor before us and created one of the most powerful images I have ever seen.

To paraphrase CJ:
“Picture God kneeling to the ground, scooping a handful of dust and lovingly forming a ball that was to become Adam’s head. Then he carefully sculpted eyebrows & eyes, a nose, a mouth then ears. As a parent adores gazing their child, God continues to form Adam’s body, his arms & legs. When He has finished His perfect design, He takes Adam’s face in His Hands and breathes the breath of life into his nostrils. As Adam opens his eyes, the first thing he sees is the face of pure love, his God & Creator!”

This struck me like a lightning bolt! My heart was so filled with joy, awe & thanksgiving!

Thank you Father for using CJ to give me a small glimpse of your boundless love!

And CJ, thank you for allowing God to use your words to touch me so deeply!

Lord, how greatly you filled my heart and increased my understanding of your love for me, this weekend! Thank you for giving me a new sense of self-worth, for loving me just as I am. Help me to believe that I am beautiful in your eyes. I promise to guard my heart so that when negative self-talk or hurt feelings try to shake that belief, I will remember that You knew and loved me before I was formed in my mother’s womb. Thank you for the greatest gift of all, my salvation! How glorious, that one day, I will look into that same face of pure love! In Jesus’ precious name, AMEN!

Women's Spring Retreat

2009-04-21T05:49:00.001-07:00

I am so busy & very excited!

I have been preparing for our Women's Spring Retreat for several weeks. Now it is crunch time! The retreat starts Friday evening. This, alongside my full-time job and my Tupperware Business, and I am meeting myself coming & going!

Our theme this year is "The King & I". Our speaker, CJ Rapp will be speaking about what it truly means to be a daughter of the King of Kings. I have been praying that God will transform my heart, and that the women of our church will be drawn closer to Him and to each other.

I have been responsible to prepare the retreat booklets and name tags. I am pleased with them. The booklet is 28 pages and contains everything from the scheule information to the devotional on Psalm 139. The name tags are so cute and have a little bling too! (We ARE Princesses, after all! *Ü* )

I thought you might like to see a photo of the booklet cover and one of the name tags.

I would be so grateful if you would take a minute to pray for our retreat and for me. May God do a mighty work this weekend!

Thankfully, Chris

Sanctified Sunday

2009-04-19T03:46:00.000-07:00

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
(Psalms 143:8 NIV)

I wish you a blessed Sunday in your homes and churches! Chris

Photo for Fun!

2009-04-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

My daughter Melissa and I had our photo taken at Church yesterday. I thought you all might like to put a faces with the names...

I am a very lucky mom! Melissa is a wonderful young woman who loves her Lord and serves as a Sunday school teacher for our 2nd -3rd graders.

She quit a very good job with the state to move home and finish her BA so that she can be a teacher. She graduated Cum Laude last May. Now, she is about 4 weeks from completing her credential work. Not the best of times for a brand new teacher, but she is confident God will lead her where she is meant to go!

She is such a blessing to me!

Thankfully, Chris

Easter Blessings!

2009-04-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

Matthew 28:6 NIV

Hallelujah! Jesus, my Savior lives!

Lord, I thank you for my own salvation & I pray that many will come to know your saving grace in my own church and in churches around the world this Sunday! Holy Spirit, urge them to come. Preachers, "tell the old, old story of Jesus & His Love"! In Jesus' precious name, Amen!

Dear friends, I wish you and your families the blessings of Easter, Chris

Fphoto Friday

2009-02-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

Today is my first time to participate in Fphoto Friday, hosted by Natalie at "Married To The Preacher". Thank you Natalie, for the opportunity to participate!

This is a photo of our long driveway out to the main road. I drive it day in and day out. I never noticed how beautiful & peaceful it looks. Until one day, when a young women knelt on the asphalt with her camera and took this photo!

I wonder how much more beautiful & peaceful our world would look if we viewed more often "from our knees"?

Blessings, Chris

I'm Back!

2009-02-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

Have you missed me? *Ü* I have not posted since the beginning of November! Loooong story, which I will attempt to make short enough to not bore you all to tears!

Life gets very busy for my family in November. My daughter & I both have birthdays, then comes Thanksgiving and the preparations for the Christmas season. I really did mean to post at least a couple of times...

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, I ended up at the hospital with a severe "female" problem. They did a biopsy, sent me home with medication which helped a great deal, and told me I would hear from my Gynecologist after Thanksgiving. You know that sent me to my knees! And on the Friday after, I did hear from him, but not with the news I wanted. I was told that I had endometrial cancer. The biopsy cells were grade 1 (the least active & invasive) and that I would need to have a complete hysterectomy.

Between my own family, friends & my church, there was a whole lot of praying going on! I can't tell you how many cyber-friends were praying and church prayer lists I was placed on. I am so thankful for all these wonderful saints who were willing to pray for someone they'd never met in person!

On January 6th, my very sweet, skilled (and handsome) surgeon, Dr. Mahavni, performed the hysterectomy. I prayed that morning that my Lord would be standing beside him, guiding his hands. I know He was there! My cancer had not progressed beyond the uterus. The hysterectomy was all that was needed. No chemo, no radiation! Hallelujah!

I am living breathing proof that God answers prayer! And even if the outcome had been different, I had the "peace that passes all understanding" about God's care and love for me, whatever the situation.

This has not been the most pleasant experience physically. But what I have learned about Jesus and my relationship with him has been a true blessing!

It is 5 weeks post-surgery. I am feeling mostly well and looking forward to getting back into the swing of things! That includes posting regularly here.

I am starting the Beth Moore study of Esther this Wednesday night. I always learn so much in our Women's Bible Study. I'm sure I'll have lots to share!

Dear Lord,
Thank you for my salvation!
I praise & thank you for restoring my health! Help me to be mindful of this precious gift in all I do, eat & drink. Thank you for the work you have done in my life over the last few months. Help me to continue to draw closer to you! Please send special blessings to all those who prayed for me and are now praising with me! Help me to become a prayer warrior, always ready to pray for the needs of others. Allow me to be a blessing to any who have similar health issues. Use this blog to reach and care for others!

In Jesus precious name, AMEN!

Have a blessed day! Chris

A Wonderful Read!

2008-11-20T07:51:00.001-08:00

Every Thursday I participate in "Thankful Thursday" over at my Refining Life blog. It is such an inspiration to make the rounds of the participating blogs and have my heart filled by what is shared on them!

This morning, one of the bloggers, Jeanne at "Backyard Neighbor", shared a story that is just too good not to share. Give yourself a blessing today! Go read: God Lives Under the Bed.

You did good Jeanne, really good!

Have a Christ-filled day! Chris
©

Just For Fun!

2008-11-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking it is time for some fun!

My cousin Terri keeps my email "inbox" full of all kinds of interesting & sometimes silly things! This morning, she sent me these Church Signs. They made me smile. I hope they do the same for you!

Blessings! Chris

Take Comfort!

2008-11-05T04:53:00.000-08:00

No, I am not happy at all with the outcome of the election! I believe our country has elected the wrong candidate, and is headed for more difficulties than we have had in the last 8 years!

That being said, I was so comforted by Beth Moore's LPM (Living Proof Ministries) blog, that I have to share it with you! This post certainly puts the events of yesterday into the proper perspective!

Click HERE to Read and Rejoice!

Heavenly Father, we praise you as the King of the universe, far above our earthly leaders! We know that all power is yours and that your hand is upon our country and our lives. We pray that you will give our country's leaders the wisdom and courage to stand for what is right. Help your redeemed ones to "walk in the light" in all circumstances, remembering that you will never forsake us! In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.

Thankfully, Chris
©

A Call to Prayer and Fasting!

2008-11-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Sisters in Christ,

Tomorrow, the direction that our beloved country will take for the next 4 years, will be decided. We must all get to the polls and vote. Me must vote "with prayers attached"!

But more than that, we must FAST and PRAY! Each of us individually, and as groups of believers, must confess and ask God to forgive the sins of our nation. Pray that our land be healed. Pray for revival in our pulpits and churches.

Make time to call upon the Lord for our nation's salvation. Ask God to do a mighty work, to show the world that we are STILL a country founded on God's principles. Gather in groups and together lift our nation in prayer for it's leadership.

Fast one meal, or two. Fast until the polls have closed.

We must reclaim our country for God! We must honor the forefathers who secured liberty for us! We must leave a Christian legacy for our children and grandchildren! We must continue to be the "light" in this old world!

Pray Dear Ones! Pray as you have never prayed before!

Dear Father, we are in such a mess! Our nation is in jeopardy of turning away from you. We have often neglected to hold fast to your Word for guidance. We have become lazy and ineffectual in leading our country down the true path of righteousness. Lord, please forgive our sins and heal our land! As each and every Christian walks into the polling booth tomorrow, I pray that you would touch their heart and lead them to vote for the government & leaders that will uphold life & liberty, marriage & family, and most of all, honor Almighty God! I ask in Jesus name. Amen

Prayerfully, Chris

I am going to see Beth Moore!

2008-10-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how excited I am! Beth Moore will be in Stockton, CA on June 26 & 27, 2009! I have already registered my daughter & I to attend. It will be such a privilege and a blessing to be in the presence of Beth and her team. (I can hardly wait to hear Travis Cottrell perform.)

You see, it was a Beth Moore bible study on The Psalms of Ascent, that helped to soften my heart and lead me back into fellowship with the Lord and into church. After years of neither of us attending any church, my daughter found Bayside Church of Lincoln, CA. There, she began to grow in her Christian walk again. She and the women of the church began to pray for me. Although she asked me to visit church with her many times, I just didn't want to go. When she asked me to attend a women's bible study with her, I couldn't believe I said "Okay"! Of course, God had been working in my heart, and with all those beautiful women praying for me, I had to say yes.

During that study, which was unlike anything I had ever attended, Beth's teaching truly touched me! She brought God's word alive for me again. I remember while watching one of the videos I thought to myself, "Lord, this feels so good to be in your word, to be in fellowship with these women!" I knew that night that I couldn't go my own way any longer.

I am so thankful for my daughter's faithfulness to God & to her mother. I am thankful for Beth Moore's ministry and for what it has brought to my life. I am thankful for those sweet Christian women who prayed for me, and welcomed me and still uplift me today! Many of them will be attending the Beth Moore event with us! Isn't God just so good?

Most of all, I praise God for his righteousness and I am so very thankful that he seeks his lost & wounded sheep and welcomes them home to his fold!

Heavenly Father, thank you for raising up great preachers and teachers who proclaim your living word! I pray for blessings upon these "workers in the word", their churches, ministries and their families. Lord, our country is in sore need of more like these! Men & women who can help to turn us from the wide way and lead us in the narrow path of righteousness, so that you can heal our land. Thank you for Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross! In His name I pray, Amen!

In Christ's Love,
Chris
©

I Fear For Our Nation!

2008-10-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

I am so distressed about this election!

In previous elections I have always voted my Christian conscious, believing that even if the "other" candidate won, God would preserve our country. But this year, I cannot say I have that confidence! What has happened to the hearts of our people? I cannot see how God can continue to bless our country. We have lost our way and I don't see much hope in either candidate.

As Christians, it is urgent that we gather at the throne in unceasing confession & prayer!

These verses from 2 Samuel, chapter 7 (KJV) contain a wonderful promise and a dire warning:

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

19 But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;
20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.
21 And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?
22 And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

Please join me in praying for our nation as we approach this election!

I usually write a small prayer at the end of my posts. Today, I am going to include a prayer for our nation by one of our country's most beloved pastors.

Billy Graham prayed:

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!"

Prayerfully, Chris

Confession

2008-10-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

Reading God's word and praying at the start of my day is something I have neglected. I am asking good to help me make it a habit that will be with me for life.

My bible study this morning was such a sweet time! Our small group study in Psalms 23, "StressBusters", is good stuff! This week, we are studying and reflecting on the the ways the Lord restores our souls. As I read through the suggested verses, what a blessing this passage from Psalms 32 was to me!

1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

Psalms 32: 1-5 NIV

Was there ever a time as a child when you disobeyed one of your parents rules? Can you remember the guilt, fearing they might find out? It was such a heavy burden - your little heart so heavy that your relationship with Mom and Dad was "broken"! Then, when you finally confessed to them and were forgiven, you didn't have to carry that burden any more. You were restored into a good relationship with your parents. It felt so good! Even if there was a punishment coming your way, you knew that you were loved and that it wouldn't be too much for you to bear.

This is the same opportunity we have with our heavenly Father! Just imagine it! The God who breathed life into us, is available to hear our confessions, forgive us and bring us back into a close, loving relationship with Him! When our "bones are wasted" and we feel the hand of God heavy upon us, we only have to confess in order to have the guilt of our sin lifted! And, whatever "wage" we have to pay for our sin, we have God's assurance that He is there to help us through it!

Just as a child who tearfully tells of their wrong-doing at a parent's knee, and is lovingly forgiven, we can approach the throne of our Savior, tell Him of our sin and have it covered by Christ's blood - forgiven, forever!

Heavenly Father, I praise you for your mercy to us! I thank you for sending Jesus to be my Savior, to die for me, to pay the price for my sin! Thank you for the gift of confession - for the joy of guilt lifted and for providing a way for me to come back into fellowship with you. Help me to walk in your way today. In Jesus name, Amen

Blessings for your day! Chris

The Voice of The Shepherd

2008-10-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Last night, as we were studying Psalm 23 in our StressBusters Bible Study, I was led to consider the roles of Shepherd & sheep more closely.

One of the ways I enjoy bible study is to follow the reference notations in my bible, which often helps me have a clearer understanding of what I have just read. Then, I sometimes go to the concordance & read all about a subject. In this case, our study guide sent me to read in John chapter 10. As I read verses 1 through 5, I gained a new insight into the protection that the shepherd provides his sheep.

1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:1-5 NKJV

By reading & studying God's word, we do learn to recognize his voice. We are able to "hear" Him when he speaks to us, nudges us. But it also means that we can tell when the voice is not our Shepherd. When the false prophets call to us, we are able to recognize that the voice is NOT of our shepherd.

Then, this morning as I opened my Beth Moore "Praying God's Word Day By Day", what was her subject? (Hebrews 4:12-13) That if we stay in God's word and obey, we have assurance that we will be able to discern deception, and be able to turn away!

Is that a coincidence? Nope. Obviously, God is dealing with me on this subject. I have been neglectful of my quiet time in God's word. If I truly want to make Jesus the shepherd of my life, I need to recognize his voice.

Do you need to recommit to a daily time in God's word? When is your favorite quiet time? How do you like to study? I'd love to hear from you!

Father, I praise you as king of the universe! I am so thankful that you love me so much that you would shepherd me through this life and on to a home in heaven with you! I confess that I have been neglecting my time in your word. I ask forgiveness and your continued blessing on my study & reading as I commit to a regular time with my bible each day! Thank you for my salvation! In Jesus name, Amen

Blessings for your day, Chris

Sanctified Sunday

2008-10-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

Friday morning's sunrise as the clouds of first rain

of the season rain begain to gather.

22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

24 “ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“ Therefore I hope in Him!”

Lamentations 3:22-24 NKJV

Oh Happy Day!

2008-09-29T04:29:00.000-07:00

Today we begin our new all-church Bible Study. It is titled "StressBusters - A Fresh Look at Psalm 23". I am looking forward to the new things God has for me to learn from this familiar Psalm. It is an 8-week study and each Sunday, Pastor will be preaching on the same theme as the week's study.

I have joined a new group of women for this study. I will miss my regular study group on Thursdays. But, I wanted to be sure that there was a Monday night study so that my daughter could attend. We have always attended Thursday nights together, but this is her student teaching year and she has a class on Thursday evenings. So I volunteered to lead a group. I am fairly new to my church, so this gives me the opportunity to get to know some of the other women better. A win-win...isn't God good!!

This is the first time I have lead a Bible study, and I am praying that God will make it an edifying experience for me as well as for the other girls. We will have 9 women in the group, so it is a good size for giving everyone the chance to share. I know that we are going to have a blessed time in God's word and fellowship!

We are begin this first week by starting our prayer lists, passing out the study materials, and with a dinner, and get acquainted time. I am taking chicken enchilada casserole, a cake & raspberry iced tea. Veta, my co-leader and I decided we would provide the food for this meeting and then ask the other girls to bring snacks each week, in turn.

Are you in a Bible study group? What are you studying now? I'd love to hear about it!

Father, thank you for the opportunity to meet together and study your word! I recognize that it is a freedom that some do not have. Show us how to live lives that honor you. Teach us to lean on you for our needs and to take our fears and burdens to the cross. Help me to be a blessing to the women in my group and to listen with a soft heart so that I can learn from them. I don't know the needs of all these ladies, but help me to serve them with grace and love. I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings for your day, Chris
©

One Scientific Study I Can Help With!

2008-09-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

I logged into the internet this morning & the Yahoo splash page headline read:

What Happens When We Die?

It was accompanied by a photo of a "spirit" apparently leaving a body. The subtitle was even more provocative; "Scientists explore the biology behind out-of-body experiences to see if something continues". You can read the article HERE.

It seems that a doctor and his colleagues at the Human Consciousness Project, are beginning a 3-year exploration "out-of-body" experiences. The study, involves 25 major medical centers in Europe, Canada and the U.S.

I am pretty sure I can save them a bunch of money and a whole lot of time!

Gentlemen, you need look no further than the nearest BIBLE! One passage in particular: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment," Hebrews 9:27 NKJV

God's word clearly shows that "something continues" after death! It is our eternal soul.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the effort & dollars that will be spent on this study could be used to reach people for Christ?

We believers have to be vigilant and prepare ourselves with God's word to dispel the never-ending stream of "scientific" & metaphysical hooey that is cast upon unsuspecting humankind from all directions! Judgement is real, people need to know that!

Prayer wouldn't hurt either! Can you imagine what this team of researchers might discover if they were bombarded with prayer? ...the way, the truth, the life... John 14:6 NKJV

If you are concerned about where you will spend eternity, click HERE to learn the Good News that God has a plan for you!

Heavenly Father, I pray that these researchers might find YOUR truth as they conduct this study. May they come to know that men have souls that will spend eternity in Heaven or Hell, after death. I pray that each person involved will choose an eternity in heaven by accepting your Son's precious gift. I thank you so much for my own salvation! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Blessings for your day! Chris
©

The Light of the World

2008-09-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

I was sitting on the back deck with my husband last evening. It was dark but still comfortably cool. There are spotlights on the almond trees in our lawn and they up-light the trees and foliage this time of year. In winter, when it is dark so early in the evening, the light on the bare branches can be a beautiful sight in the darkness.

As I sat there in companionable silence, I was struck by how the light shining on our trees is so much like the light Christians bring into this dark world.

Christ told the multitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew5:14-16 NKJV

As Christians, we are told to let our Christ-light shine, that men may see our good works and glorify God.

Are you walking in the Word daily, living the love & light of Jesus for all to see and desire the same for their lives? We have something the world wants and needs, a Savior.

Or are you professing to be a child of God and behaving in a manner that is not Christ-honoring, by not being courteous, or by being unkind when things don’t go your way?

Where is your light? What message are you giving to unbelievers?

When there is darkness all around, our eyes go toward the light. The apostle John said of Jesus, “This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.” John 1:7 NKJV

As you go about the business of living, you walk among many more lost people than those that are redeemed. Because of the dark in which they live, your light will attract them. They will be helpless but to turn toward the light.

Are you prepared to tell them the “GOOD NEWS”? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to prod you to speak of God’s love and salvation plan when the opportunity arises?

Are you living an example for your fellow Christians? Can they look at you and be guided, edified or comforted by your light?

Where is your light? Are you seeking those opportunities? Does your heart ache for the lost?

The light shining in the darkness brings comfort & security. ”But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 NKJV

Our “light” can present the gospel to the unsaved without our uttering a word. We, who walk in the light, delight in fellowship with Jesus and with other believers, need to have a heart for lost souls. Christ’s blood was shed for all mankind. Our light needs to shine for them as well!

Where is your light? Is it set on a lampstand to help guide a lost one home?

Lord, I pray that my life will become a reflection of your light, a beacon to lost souls, and an encouragement to my fellow believers. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

If you have never accepted Jesus as your savior, you can do it now. Click HERE to learn how.

Blessings for your day, Chris

The Bible Way to Heaven

2008-09-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

I cannot start this blog without praising and thanking God for my salvation!

I was utterly lost. Outwardly, my life "looked" good, even successful. But inside, my heart was dark, I couldn't find my way to peace & satisfaction, no matter how I tried. I knew I was missing something. I don't remember ever asking God for help. But he knew my need and sent that help anyway.

He brought a wonderful Christian woman into my life. She invited myself & my young daughter to church. Though I hesitated, I finally consented to go. She picked me up that morning and took me to a small Baptist Church. It was not the church she attended, but one that was close to my home, with a young pastor who was, and still is, on fire for the Lord!

That day, for the very first time, I heard the Salvation message. I knew that I was lost and could not save myself. I understood that I was redeemed, purchased with a price, and that I only needed to accept God's gift to have eternal life in heaven. I did not accept the gift that day. But within a couple of weeks, I asked Jesus to come into my heart, to save me from my sin, and to take me to heaven when I die. As utterly lost as I had been, in the instant I prayed that prayer, I was utterly saved, eternally secure in my Savior's love! Praise God!

If you died today, are you sure you'd go to heaven? Here's the Bible way to Heaven:

1. Recognize your condition.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
No one is good enough to go to Heaven on his own merit. No matter how much good we do, we still fall short.

2. Realize the penalty for sin.

For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
Just as there are wages for good, there is punishment for wrong. The penalty for our sin is eternal death.

3. Believe Christ died for you.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Christ's great love for us was shown when He died on the cross to pay our sin debt.

4. Trust only Christ to be your Savior.

But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).
Everlasting life is a gift purchased by the blood of Jesus and offered freely to those who call upon Him by faith.

Let us help you word a prayer. (Realize it's not mere words that save, but your faith in Jesus Christ.)

"Dear Jesus, I know I'm a sinner. Please forgive me for my sins. Jesus, come into my heart and save my soul. I am placing my trust in you, and you alone, to take me to Heaven when I die. Thank you for saving me, Jesus. Amen."

If you prayed that prayer, you are now a child of God. The first thing you should do is tell someone, confess your new faith. I'd love for you to leave a comment so that I can praise God & pray for you.

Next you should find a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching local church, where you can be baptized and begin to grow & serve the Lord.

God Bless you!

Chris