Happy Independence Day

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Happy Independence Day!

May today serve as a reminder of what it took for this nation to win its freedom, what it has taken to retain that freedom and especially now, what it will take to keep that freedom in a confused and vengeful

environment.

After years of war and the deaths of many, our forefathers gathered and signed the Declaration of Independence.  It was the beginning of a new life for them and remains so for us.  The freedom won was not only political freedom but also freedom in Christ.

Perhaps, we take that for granted.  If that is the case, we need to remind ourselves of the thousands of young men who have given their very lives to assure that freedom for you and me.  They willingly went to war and paid by giving their lives for the freedom that we take for granted!

We also live in a world where what was good is bad and what was bad is now good.  A world where our personal “rights” overrule what is moral and good.

Maybe this year as we go about our lives, we can reflect on what our independence truly means and what it is worth to us.  As the grill cools from the barbeque and the fireworks end, thank God for the freedom we have enjoyed for so long and pray that we can hold on till the day Christ returns.

Below is just the ending of an article I found from The Southern Illinoisan.  It was much longer but this ending struck true with me.  I hope it does with you too.

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

Every Day is Independence Day for Christians

Provided By The Rev. Biff Mooree

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”  — Galatians 5:1, 13

In this life, flesh and spirit will always be at war. Daily we’re deceived by our own fleshly desires. We look out for our own interests. We run after the interests of “Me, Myself and I.”

Yet God still loves us and calls us and leads us to follow Him. We do this by daily repentance, sorrow over sin, daily confessing our sin, and daily understanding that God, for the sake of His Son, Jesus Christ, has forgiven our sins and no longer holds any of them against us. This is true freedom.

For Christians, every day is Independence Day.

Why, How and What

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Happy Monday!

“You must start with why before you can begin with the how and what.”

“One of the most important parts of the Daniel Plan’s Focus Essential is to know your motivation, or why you must get healthy.   Without an underlying clear sense of motivation, it is much harder to stay the course in good times and hard ones. But once you know why you care, why you must be healthy, your motivation literally provides the fuel for staying focused. Ask yourself why you must be healthy. Is it to live in God’s will? To have greater health and mental clarity? Or to be a great role model for someone you love? What’s your why?” Rick Warren

It sounds like we are moving back a few years but bear with me.  Read this again and think about how many ways this applies to our lives.

One of the essentials of life is focus!  Stop and think about it.  From learning to take our first step, to saying our first word, we have to focus.  Throughout every year of education, we need to focus.  When we start a career, a marriage, a family or anything that we want to succeed, we need to focus!

“You must start with why before you can begin with the how and what.”

So, why??  Why do you want to be healthy?  Why did you want to walk, talk, learn, succeed, be happy and make someone happy?  What is your ultimate goal?

When you know that goal, we have to determine “how”.   Just knowing we want to do something doesn’t get us to that goal.  We now know why but we have to determine how.  How do we accomplish what we desire?  If we really want something, it almost always requires something of us.  Go back to why.  Are we willing to put forth the effort that it may require?  Do we need to further our education or possibly get an attitude adjustment?  If we want it to happen, how hard are we willing to work for it?

Finally, determine exactly “what” you want.  You now have the tools – the focus, the “why” and the “how”, but now “what” do you want?

At this point in my life, my main goals are to be an example for my family and to please my Heavenly Father.  I fail at both too often but am so thankful that they all forgive me and love me anyway.

Giving all the glory to God.

Pray unceasingly!!

Lois

Time To Go Home

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Happy Monday!

We have just returned home from vacation.  It was a little longer than normal and took some dips along the way.

Some changes to our plans had to take place but the vacation went forward.  After spending a couple of wonderful weeks with family, it was time to get ready to return home.

The morning that we left, I was thinking that it had been a wonderful visit but it’s time to head home.  That’s when it occurred to me that our life is that way.  We were never meant to remain on earth forever.  If we are really blessed, we will have had a wonderful time in our time here but it’s time to go home!  Home to be with Jesus and all of our loved ones who went ahead of us.  We will finally reach the climax of our earthly life and move on to our eternal life in Heaven!  I look forward to that glorious day! Maybe our homegoing will be natural or maybe Jesus will come to collect His bride and all believers will go together.

Will you be ready for that day?  The gate is narrow but so worth the trip.  I love family reunions and that will be the ultimate reunion!

Meanwhile, enjoy every day and follow God’s commands. Spread the word so others may go too.  Give God the glory for all you have and as always –

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

Sermon on the Side of the Road

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Happy Monday!

 I have a great deal of respect for the young man who wrote this.  He was pastor of the church my mom and dad went to for many years.  They loved him and loved his children like their own grandchildren.

Not many pastors affected my dad but Brother Jason did.  He loved him and he really “heard” him.  Brother Jason spoke at both mom and dad’s funerals.  My family was honored and pleased, knowing how happy he made our parents.

How many opportunities have we had to see a sermon on the side of the road?  Or maybe the coffee shop or even the gas station.  We certainly need one there these days!

This reminds me to look around.  Be aware of all the opportunities, whether it is to help someone or, maybe, see a sermon.

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

 

Sermon on the Side of the Road

Psalm 46:1-3

 Faith Chapel Free Will Baptist Church

Pastor Jason Roberts

 I recently saw a sermon. I didn’t hear the sermon, but I saw it…

I was driving North on Jan Howard Expressway, it was pouring rain, and there was a man walking on the side of the road. At this point, you are probably thinking that the next thing you’ll read is how I generously stopped and picked the man up. Well, that would be very nice of you to think that, but that’s not what happened.

Actually, the man had an umbrella. But what caught my eye was that the man wasn’t using the umbrella. It was fully opened, forming a nice little dome that could have been protecting him from the rain, but rather than holding it over his head, he was holding it at his side. I thought that strange, and long after I had passed, I looked back in my rear-view mirror and still, he was carrying the umbrella at his side. It was pouring rain and the umbrella was at his side.

And there it was… a sermon on the side of the road. I thought how ridiculous it was that the man had the very thing he needed to protect him and rather than using it, he carried it at his side. But then, my thoughts turned inward. I thought of how ridiculous it is that we sometimes do the same thing, facing the obstacles and storms of life with the resources that God has given us carried at our side rather than utilizing them.

I’m confident that everyone reading this has a BIBLE in their home. In fact, most of us now have a Bible app on our phone. So, literally, we have God’s Word at our side, or at least close by. Yet, we often try to find the answers elsewhere and attempt to face life’s challenges without it. It’s as if we are standing in the pouring rain with our King James umbrella ignored at our side.

And how about PRAYER? We have the privilege and invite to call upon God at anytime from anywhere. I promise you, there is power in prayer, and yet, we carry it silently at our side when we should be crying out to a God that is able to help us!

And the HOLY SPIRIT. As Jesus was going away, he promised to leave us a helper, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s role in our lives is to give peace, comfort, joy, strength, guidance, etc. I know that every believer has the Holy Spirit within them, but I think we sometimes take the Holy Spirit out of our heart and place it in our pocket. “If I get to the place that I can’t handle it on my own, I’ll pull the ol’ Comforter out of my pocket.” Why? Why wait? We need this Helper every day, every hour. It’s okay to use the umbrella.

GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1). He is near. Please hear this… tragedy doesn’t mean the absence of God. That’s not to say He caused it, but it certainly doesn’t mean He is gone! If it is raining on you now, look in your hand. See that? It’s the umbrella God has given you for such a time as this. Open it up. Lift it up. Use it up. That’s why it is there.

Thank you ridiculous man on the side of the road. I needed the reminder.

 

 

Harboring Offense – Lysa Terkeurst

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Happy Monday!

Sometimes little things creep into our heart and mind.  Something so small we hardly even notice it.  Unfortunately, that little thing can take root and grow very quickly until we are buried in resentment, fear or bitterness.  Do you know who it hurts?  Us.

Other times, there may have been a big offense.  Those are the times we need to assess the situation closely.  Possibly the situation can’t be changed and all you can do is walk away.  Many times, it is a misunderstanding and can be resolved.  There are times though that we have to weigh the circumstances and forgive.  That is the hardest one of all.

Do you remember the WWJD fad?  There were bracelets, signs and various other things.  My point is just that.  What Would Jesus Do?

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

 

Lysa TerKeurst

Holding onto a little bit of offense, a little bit of unforgiveness, a little bit of resentment might not seem like that big of a deal.

But Scripture tells us that if we go through this life harboring bitterness toward others and even God, we’re actually defiling many. (Hebrews 12:15) This is because bitterness isn’t just personal . . . it’s corporate. It leaks out like liquid acid onto every person we touch.

Bitterness often wears the disguise of other chaotic emotions. The grudge that feels increasingly heavy inside of us. The desire for the ones that hurt us to suffer. Frustrations with God for not doling out severe enough consequences. Seething anger over the unfairness of it all that grows more intense over time. Covertly recruiting others to our side under the guise of processing or venting.

Sadly, undealt with bitterness can end up ruining our relationships and our witness.

But if we will choose to pursue unity and peace within the family of God, letting Him sweep our hearts clean of bitterness through the process of forgiveness, we can become a sign to a broken and hurting world of what is to come in Christ. Our lives can point them toward the forgiveness and reconciliation they need that can only be found through Jesus. This is because the Church is the visible representation of the “already” of Christ’s Kingdom on Earth and the “not yet” of the final consummation of Christ’s return.

Please know this isn’t a message about justifying, allowing, or ignoring abuse or injustice. But when we give evidence to the inner workings of Jesus by trading anger for kindness, resentment for compassion, and bitterness for gentleness and forgiveness… it splits this cold world wide open with the warmth of Jesus.

Not one person who sees it walks away unaffected.

 

Perfect Peace – Becky at So Very Blessed 

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Happy Monday!

 This summer has begun with a bang!  Very busy and on the go.  Even though I know better, sometimes that busyness begins to interrupt where my focus should be, on Jesus.

Worse yet, my devotion times get discombobulated and so do I.  When that happens, the calm peace in Jesus, that I enjoy so much, falls by the wayside…

It’s easy enough to see it coming, I get cranky and always behind.  My patience is long gone.  That’s when I know it’s time for a “peace” tune up!

Back to sunrise devotions on the porch.  My favorite time and place, other than sunrise over the ocean.  There is just something so amazing watching God’s awesome creation and artwork!  It literally pulls the stress from me.  When I add in the Word of God and ponder on it, I realize I have overcome the enemy once again.

That’s what he does, he snatches our peace before we even realize his presence.  He whispers to our subconscious that life is unfair.  That, my friend, is an immediate wakeup call!

Be aware and be certain!  Love your God with all your heart, your soul and your mind!

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

 

 Becky at So Very Blessed <becky@soveryblessed.com>

​Perfect peace.

That’s been my goal this week.

There are a bunch of practical tips that can help you experience more peace.

Deep breaths

Less screen time

Bubble baths

Gentle stretching

Carving out time for conversations with dear friends

And that kind of peace feels really nice…to an extent. But what about the perfect peace?

A peace that touches your heart on a deeper level than you can even comprehend. The kind of peace that is available in even your most stressful moments.

The type of peace that can only come from the Lord.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

This week, I chose to memorize this verse from Isaiah as my first step on this quest to experiencing perfect peace.

I’ve been writing these words again and again in my prayer journal, reciting them out loud, and drawing swirly letters to help the words sink into my mind and into my heart.

And it’s working.

It’s not a quick fix, but I can’t even tell you how many times this week I’ve started to get pulled away from that peace with distractions, frustrations, and busyness and had these words whispering their Truth to gently call me back….keep your mind steadfast….trust in the Lord…stay anchored to Him…He will keep you in perfect peace.

I haven’t memorized Scripture in far too long and I’m so glad I came back to it this week. God’s Word never returns void.

Write it.

Speak it.

Draw it.

Sing it.

​Journal it.​

Do anything to keep God’s Word at the forefront of your mind and as the anchor for your soul. 💜

Blessings,

Becky

Pieced Together – Terri Groh

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Happy Monday!

 Do you ever read something and think “Wow.  Wish I had thought of that!”  That’s how I felt when I read the analogy of the quilt and the church, written by Terri Groh with Alliance Women.  I have never thought of it like that but it’s so true.

We, the church, are like a quilt, a patchwork of people sewn together into a beautiful creation that is the Body of Christ.

I think that is beautiful.  Which piece are you?  We each have some unique gift or gifts!  Each piece is critical and cannot stand alone.  Put all those beautifully created squares together and the “quilt” will be priceless!  God is our master artist and He does such beautiful work.

I think I will go check on my quilt piece.  I need to see if it is up for such a beautiful work of art.

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

 

Pieced Together

Terri Groh – Alliance Women

I have sewn for years, both for pleasure and for business. As I have honed my craft, I have learned that I dislike sewing quilts. They are too time-consuming for my personality; however, I enjoy the beauty in little bits of cloth intricately sewn together. It especially amazes me when I see a quilt that is entirely hand-stitched together. I can appreciate how much time is involved in piecing together some of the more intricate patterns.

Quilts remind me of the Church. The Church is made up of a patchwork of people sewn together into a beautiful creation that is the Body of Christ. Each person has a unique combination of spiritual gifts, personality, and talents that by themselves are interesting and useful, but when each unique design is skillfully pieced together with the others, the end result becomes something spectacular.

Some have been given the gift of teaching or prophecy, others are gifted in administration, and still others have the gift of prayer. Some are encouragers, and others love to serve. Individually, we can make a difference in our small circles of influence, but corporately, we are able to make a difference in the world. No one is more important than another. In fact, if one piece is missing, it leaves an empty space in the pattern.

God, the master artist, has pieced us together into a beautiful tapestry. No matter your gifts or personality, you are needed. One person’s gift cannot stand alone. One person’s gift cannot meet all needs.

1 Corinthians 12:18-20 says, “But now God has placed each one of the parts in one body just as He wanted. And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? Now there are many parts, yet one body.”

Each part of the body is necessary and important. The hand or foot doesn’t work without the head. The tendons can’t hold up the rest of the body without the bones. The veins can’t send blood throughout the body without the heart.

As I looked around the congregation I belong to one Sunday, I saw some people praying for someone going through a health crisis while others were busy using their gifts serving and attending to the business matters of the church. There was laughter from many, and there were tears from others. No one was being ignored, and all felt connected. It made my heart sing. Because we are individual members of one Body with Christ as the head, we all need each other, and that makes the Church a beautiful masterpiece.

Three Truths

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Happy Monday!

This really hits home and I am ashamed to say I have been here.

I have been in situations where I called out – where are you God?!  I have begged and I have pleaded, but I forgot to ask God, what is YOUR will?  What do YOU want me to learn from this situation?

If God created me and the entire universe around me, how can I not get it through my head that He is my provider??  I see what I believe that I need right now, HE sees my entire life and eternity!  Sometimes what I think I need isn’t what God KNOWS is best for me.

Father, forgive my assumption that I might know more than You about what I need.  Lead me down the narrow path of YOUR truth!  Help me understand just how much You love me and want only the very best for me.  Thank you for Your provision and unconditional love.

In the precious name of Jesus,

Amen

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

 

Three Truths – Lysa Terkeurst

There are 3 truths we can remember when we’re facing a disappointment and questioning God’s goodness through it all:

1. God is our provider.2. God’s provision is always what we need but not always what we want.3. God’s provision protects our heart. Our desires have the potential of corrupting our heart.We might not understand why He does or doesn’t allow some things to happen. But, oh, sweet friend, may we choose to trust Him and let that be the lens through which we process our circumstances.May we see how God isn’t trying to break our hearts but rather make us ready for what He sees just ahead.

Feel Good Foods

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Happy Monday!

Have you ever thought about all the different ways that what we eat can affect us?  Sometimes, I forget and sometimes, I guess I just don’t always want to remember…

It’s not just our weight and our health that are affected.  Food even affects our mood!  Certain foods can make you feel more relaxed and lift your mood.  They also help you feel better and improve your thinking process!  Here are just a few and they happen to be some of my favorites.

Sugar-free dark chocolate: Chocolate is made from cacao beans.  The beans contain hundreds of healthy properties that promote a healthy cardiovascular system, better focus and improve your mood.  One better known property is phenylethylamine (PEA), a chemical released by your brain when falling in love.

Dark, leafy greens are full of magnesium which encourages relaxation, decreased pain and even better sleep.  Try raw spinach, chard and kale for a real boost.

Salmon, mackerel, tuna and other high-quality proteins satisfy you, balance blood sugar and provide the necessary building blocks for a healthy brain.  Spreading these proteins out multiple times throughout the day will help your brain produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, focus and pleasure.

Another of my favorites is walnuts.  Walnuts are a powerhouse for the brain, and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient that supports healthy brain cells.  These fatty acids also support a positive mood, a good night’s sleep, better memory and more.

Saffron is the final one that I want to mention.  Saffron has been used for many centuries as a culinary spice, digestion aid and mood–boosting aid.  Saffron may promote healthy levels of serotonin in the brain.  Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being.  Unfortunately, it is known as the most expensive spice in the world.

So, there you have it!  A few pearls of feel-good knowledge.  Eat and be happy!

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

Put on Your Armor

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Happy Monday!

I have been trying to think of anyone I know, who isn’t being attacked either physically, spiritually or emotionally and sometimes from every angle!  The enemy must be getting really worried.  Time is growing shorter and however he can pull us away or distract our focus from God is what he will be doing.

I try to begin each day with “Not today, Satan!  Get out of my house, my marriage, my health and the lives of me, my family, my friends and my church!”  That’s a routine I picked up after seeing the movie “War Room”.

Our Ladies Bible Study group is about to finish up the study of “The Full Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer.  What a timely study!  It’s time to take up our armor and be diligent about wearing it.  This is WAR!

First, Priscilla tells us we need to strap on the Belt of Truth – Satan is a master of deception, the father of lies.  He is out to steal, kill and destroy.  In order to overcome his evil and deception, we need to gird ourselves with God’s Word.  Hold every choice up to the light of God’s Word and see how that choice lines up.  Light exposes and overcomes darkness.  God’s Word is always reliable, Holy and never changing.  The Belt of Truth is also the support system for the second piece of armor.

Next, we want to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness – Priscilla describes Righteousness as being “upright living that aligns with God’s expectations”.  Needless to say, if you are being attacked, you need to guard all of your vital organs.  So, if we are to strap on the Breastplate of Righteousness, we need a system to protect our upright living!  We need the Truth as a base for living in God’s will.  Truth affirms God’s standard but if we don’t align your life with it, what good is it?

We don’t want to forget our Shoes (Gospel) of Peace – Without God’s Peace, we open the door to doubt, fear, worry and the darkness that Satan wants so badly to insert into our lives.  You may not see Satan but he is very real!  A Roman soldier’s shoes, like an athlete’s cleats, has hobnail or little spikes coming out of the bottom of the sole.  This allows us to keep a stable grip in an unstable environment.  A firm footing in our lives.  We require a firm footing in order to avoid all the distractions and harm Satan throws at us.

A key part of our armor is the Shield of Faith – According to Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”.  A key thought on Faith, in this study, is action.  If you have Faith, but never use it, what good does it do you?  James 2:20, 26 say:” 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”  We cannot earn salvation with good works but as Christians, we should be excited to serve God and others!  The more we strengthen ourselves against the schemes of the enemy.

It’s time then to slide on the Helmet of Salvation – Satan is after our minds.  The theological definition of salvation is “deliverance from sin and it’s consequences, believed to be brought about by faith in Christ.”  So, if we wear our deliverance from sin, from our faith in Christ, every day, Satan is going to have a hard time gaining control of our minds.  A helmet protects our heads.  A helmet of Salvation protects our minds.  Salvation isn’t only for our eternal hope.  That redeems us.  When we apply salvation though, it restores, and protects us daily from all the attacks from the enemy.

Lastly, we need to take up our Sword of the Spirit – Ephesians 6:17-18   “17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

 Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois