Voice Of Truth

Casting Crowns has an awesome song; “Voice of Truth”. It’s a powerful song, and for those who don’t know the song, I have listed the lyrics at the end of this entry. It gave me the inspiration for this next story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jennifer stared at her husband in confusion, he always had the tendency to mumble when he talks. “What did you just say?” Mark looked her right the eye, “I said I was just let go from my second job.” Jennifer was flabbergasted, they just told him he was the best investment they made. “What happened?”

Mark sat down on the couch, disgusted and tired. “They said that I ran a test wrong. But I did exactly what my supervisor told me to do. I don’t understand why they did that, I thought I was doing good there.”

“Baby, that’s not something we can concentrate on right now. God removed you from this job for a reason. Personally, I am so happy that you no longer work there. I feel safer knowing you are going to be home with me, you were working too much and tired. I was scared all the time for your safety.” Jennifer said with determination.

Mark had been working overnight in a retail store that was two hours away. “I mean, we need this job. What are we going to do now, Jennifer?”

After some thought Jennifer finally responded. “We need to move into my parents house. We can’t afford this rent anymore.”

Mark looked at her with such hurt in his eyes, “We can’t. We just signed the lease, they won’t let us out of our contract.” Jennifer looked at her husband in disbelief, “How do you know that? You don’t know what could happen baby. Maybe you should call and talk to them.”

Mark looked dejected and sad, it hurt her to see her husband like this. “God, give me the right words to say to him.” Jennifer prayed silently. “Baby, this is a good thing that happened.” Jennifer moved closer to her husband, “You were getting so tired and cranky. You were missing out on a lot of things because of this job. Now, you can live at least little more. We can now finally go to church during the week, you know how much we missed that.” Jennifer was trying so hard to make her husband feel better.

“Its these stupid bills we have. I have to find a second job so that we can pay off these bills and start a family,” her husband looked at her with such determination.

“Baby, lets just pray right now. We need to pray and ask God for wisdom and peace,” Jennifer said. Mark looked at her in disbelief, “I can’t pray right now, you need to pray.”

Jennifer’s heart sank, “OK honey.” They prayed together for a few minutes. Fearing for her husbands walk Jennifer said, “God is allowing this to happen in our lives for a reason. We need to just sit and wait on Him. Baby, this just means that God has something a million times better waiting for you. He will bless us if we have faith in Him alone.”

Jennifer got up from the couch. “You can’t let this get you down. If you do that’s letting Satan win. You have to have faith even when things look grim.”

“But what about children? I want us to have kids; I want you to be a mother. But now we have to wait again to try for kids.” Mark looked at her as if to challenge her. But she understood all too well that Mark was losing his faith again. She walked back over to him, and sat right in front of him.

“Baby, who says we can’t try while in my parents house? Who says I’m not pregnant now? If we start trying at my parents house, it will be okay. I won’t have the baby that day. We will have time to pay down the debts and find a home. Baby, look at it this way. Now you finally have time to study and pass for your certification. There ya go! That’s probably why this happened! God wants you to be certified in March!” Jennifer said with great faith.

Mark stood silent. Jennifer got up to call her mother. “Where are you going?” Mark asked. “To call my mom, so she can pray for us about the moving out thing. We would probably need someone to come and take our place in order for us to move out without penalty. So she can pray for us.” Jennifer said walking to the phone.

“Hi Mom.”

“Hey sweetie. Whats up?”

“Mark was just fired from his second job. They gave him some lame reason.”

“Oh no. We’ll definitely keep you guys in prayer.”

“Mom, we are going to need to move in with you guys. We can’t afford this rent without his second job - so please pray for us as we talk to the rental office.”

“Okay, will definitely do that.”

Jennifer talked a little while longer with her mother, while Mark sat patiently waiting for an answer. “Well?” Mark said as soon as she got off the phone. “My mom said that she would talk with my Dad, but that she doesn’t think it would be a problem to move in with them.” Jennifer felt such a peace come over her. “This is what God wanted us to do. Move in with my parents. Accept help.”

Mark looked at her, “I feel like such a failure. Like I’m less of a husband cause I can’t provide for you.” Jennifer sat on the couch next to him, “You are the best husband this woman could ever ask for. Don’t think that. That is just Satan messing with your head.”

Mark put his head in his hands, “This is just too much to handle. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t take this.”

Jennifer hugged her husband and said, “You are not supposed to handle this. You are supposed to give it to God. He is the only one that can handle this. Remember right before we got married how we dedicated our marriage to God? We prayed that our marriage would bring total and ultimate glory to Him. This is how God is going to be glorified. When we are at the bottom of the well and there is no way out but to call AND WAIT on Him. God is going to be glorified through this baby. That is why we must go through this. If we have faith in God, He will definitely bless us.”

“God give us your grace so that we can get through this. Help us Lord.”

Mark hugged her back, “We gotta have that faith.”

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth.

Oh, what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I’m in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he’s holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I’ve tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
“Boy, you’ll never win,
you’ll never win.”

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says “do not be afraid!”
and the voice of truth says “this is for my glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they’d have had the strength to stand

But the giant’s calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I’ve tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
“Boy you’ll never win,
you’ll never win.”

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says “do not be afraid!”
and the voice of truth says “this is for my glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don’t seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says “do not be afraid”
And the voice of truth says “this is for my glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
‘Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are

Something Odd

There has been something on my heart lately; and I just honestly couldn't place what it was. It has been bugging me since New Year's Eve. I've just been discombobulated, for lack of a better word. My spirit has been unsettled...don't know why. I just have this feeling like something huge is going to happen this year.

Have you ever had that feeling? Just knowing that there is something huge that going to happen and there is nothing you can do about it. Now here's the thing....what could it be? A million things have been going through my mind. Is it that I'm going to get pregnant again? Is it that the economic crisis is going to really adversely affect Dave and I? Is it about my book that I'm writing? Or is it something huge is going to happen to America?

Then it hit me....like a brick to the face. [SIDEBAR: I am going to break my rule and start talking about Politics here]. I really think that we are not going to get out of this crisis...things are just going to get worse. I think, no let me change that....I know that something is happening to America. Can't put my finger on it, but something is happening that we are not going to recover from. Whether it be as Daniel-In-The-Den says in his latest blog entry: A New Year Prediction or just the economic crisis reaching even lower. Just something.

It hit me this morning: I was floored when the TODAY show had a Scientologist on the show defending their religion. When someone in the Christian faith could not do so. They would edit it or interrupt them. There have been many times that people of faith have been seen as the crazy ones, the ones who "leave their brains at the doorway" - and we are not allowed to defend ourselves. I'm not saying that I want people to be able to defend themselves on TV - we have the Lord on our side who needs TV's right? I know God works in mysterious ways....its just so sad to see how crazy we have gotten.

Sorry to rant like this but.....everything is totally screwed up.

I Bring You Good Tidings Of Great Joy

It was Samuel's turn to watch the sheep that night. He took this job begrudgingly; it was a horribly boring chore to him, no glory in it at all. He wanted to be like his friend Aaron - a blacksmith's apprentice. Now that was an exciting idea - working with fire and metal was a man's job. Not caring for sheep, this was insignificant - it affected no one.

He took a deep breath and looked at the other shepherds. They all were sitting at attention, making sure none of their sheep wandered too far. All of Samuel's sheep were asleep, and he was fighting sleep himself. "I cannot fall asleep again, father will have my hide." Samuel said aloud, while trying to keep himself awake.

"Samuel, one of your little ones is getting away," one shepherd yelled to him. He quickly got up to grab the sheep. "Toda Raba, Marcus!" Samuel said with the lamb in his arms. Samuel was grateful for the flocks being close.

Marcus shook his head and laughed, he remembered being so young and foolish. He walked over to Samuel and laughed out loud, "I have been your father's friend for too long to..."

Out of the corner of Marcus' eye he saw a man in white walking toward them. "Who..." before Samuel could finish, a bright light shone all about them. In fear they ran back to the others.

"We must protect the sheep. Come; let us gather in a circle to protect them." The men scurried around the flocks to protect them from this invasion.

Meanwhile, through all this action - the sheep did not move. A peace had come upon them. The bright light and stranger did not scare them, or move them. They stayed still as if under some sort of witchcraft.

Fear crept into Samuel's heart, "We are going to die for these ridiculous sheep!" Sweat poured down his face as his heart began to beat faster with the stranger getting closer. Out of fear for his own life, he shrunk behind Marcus for protection. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this [will be] the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (Luke 2:9-12)

All the shepherds fell on their faces, praising God.

Then there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:13-14) The angels disappeared as quickly as they had appeared.

"We must go quickly," Marcus said, "We must see the Saviour." All the other shepherds agreed.

"But what about the sheep? We cannot take them all, and we cannot leave them here alone." Samuel said with concern.

All the shepherds looked at each other in agreement, "Of course! What shall we do?" asked one; "We must vote to see who stays," said another. "I will stay," Samuel said. "I need to show my father I am responsible."

All the men turned to look at Samuel. "Ha! I am not leaving my flock with him!" said one, with others in agreement. "Calm down everyone. We are not leaving anyone behind. We will take all the sheep with us. We are going to meet our Saviour, who wants to miss that? I don't think the sheep will mind seeing our L-rd".

"But...but, that does not make sense..."Samuel started to say; but Marcus stopped him.”What is wrong with you my friend? Do you not understand what just happened? The Messiah is here! Who cares about anything else?"

Samuel did not understand where his fear came from, so he remained silent. All the men gathered their flocks together and traveled to the City of David.

"I don't believe this. What are we all doing? What if this was not real? What if this is a trick?" Samuel asked himself silently. His father always taught him to believe in the Messiah coming, but this cannot be it - the Messiah would never be in a manger...would He?

The shepherds finally arrived to Bethlehem. "Wait here, I will find out about this Child." Marcus quickly ran into town to find the right place.

"Our Saviour has finally arrived!" The men started to dance and praise God again. "How do we know this is THE Messiah?" asked Samuel, "What if this is a trick?"

The other shepherds laughed, "Foolish boy! How could you say that?" asked one shepherd, "Were you not there tonight? Did you not see? Did you not hear?" The man did not wait for his answer and continued dancing.

Samuel made up his mind that he would have to see to believe. Marcus ran back smiling and laughing. "I saw Him....it was...no words can express...you must come....you must see for yourself." He led the shepherds to the other side of town.

Samuel had never seen Marcus like this before, and it worried him. Has this man been bewitched? Samuel said a silent prayer, asking for guidance - but heard nothing.

They arrived to a barn and Marcus turned to all and said, "Come meet Him. Come meet Jesus."

Samuel walked in to see a young mother and father staring wide eyed at them in wonder. He smiled faintly at the baby and stepped out. Marcus went after the boy, "What are you doing? You must meet Him."

"Marcus it’s a baby!" Samuel yelled out loud, “A baby! How am I supposed to think it’s the Messiah? In a MANGER? That cannot be Him."

Without a word, Marcus took the young boy by the elbow, "What are you doing Marcus? I am not going in there." Marcus brought him in. "Go meet Jesus."

Samuel kneeled down next to the manger and saw the Child. As Samuel reached down to touch the baby's face, Jesus grabbed his hand. Tears filled his eyes as he understood finally. "Messiah." was all Samuel could say as his eyes were opened. His King was finally here.

Luk 2:20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

The Laugh Heard Round the World

Joseph pushed the hair from Mary's sweaty face as he checked on her; the child was coming soon, if not now. If he didn't find a place to stay, she would be having the baby in the street. He continued to rush from Inn to Inn trying to find a place.

"No more room" was the constant reply. Fear crept into his heart as he tried to find a warm place. "Ahavah, please stop. I cannot go on any longer," Mary clutched her belly as the pain started again.

Joseph stopped the donkey right in front of the last place in Bethlehem. He went in to talk with the Inn Keeper.

"Please Abba, help me." Mary prayed silently as she waited for her husband to come back. The donkey became restless and started to move. Mary cringed at the movement.

"There was no room for us in the Inn, but the Inn Keeper had mercy and will allow us to stay in the stable for the night." Joseph did not like the location, but it was better than letting his wife be shamed by having this child in public.

He gently pulled the donkey along to the stable. As they reached the stable, a young slave boy came out to show them where to stay. "Please bring the mid-wife to us quickly. The baby will be coming soon."

Wide eyed, the young boy shook his head in obedience and ran to get the midwife.

Joseph bundled up the straw trying to make a decent bed; Mary couldn't help but smile at the care he took of her. After he covered the straw with a blanket, he helped Mary lay down. "They are starting again," Mary could no longer hold in her agony - she screamed out as the baby started to come.

Joseph not knowing what to do prayed; "Abba, please bring the midwife soon. I do not know what to do." Tears streamed down his face as he feared he would lose his wife. "Oh, Ahavah please, I cannot take this. Make the pain stop. I cannot take this!" Mary screamed out again as the baby began to show.

Joseph was shocked by the change in his wife's demeanor. He felt hands pick him up. He turned to see the midwife had come. "Thank..." but before he could finish she had pushed him out the door.

"She is fine. I will come and get you when we are done." She turned and closed the door. Joseph fell to the ground and did what he knew God would want him to do. Pray.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Make this pain stop. I cannot do this anymore!" Mary was distraught. This was not normal, it couldn't be. It hurt too much. "Something is wrong!"

"Hush child. Everything is fine. You will get through this as the women before you have." The midwife shook her head, "This was a young girl, and therefore she was going to be a complainer. This was going to be a hard night," thought the midwife."You must listen and do exactly as I say for this baby to be born. Everything will be fine as long as you do as I say."

Mary nodded her head and prepared for the pain. "Now when you feel the pain again, I want you to push." Mary did as she was told.

She did not hear much else, but she did feel that release. She tried to sit up to see her baby, the one to be called Jesus - but the midwife's slave pushed her to lie back down. Fear quickly crept into her mind; "I want to see him. I did not hear him. Is the baby okay?" she asked the midwife.

Silently, the midwife knelt down and handed her the most precious gift. A son. He fussed a little, but did not cry out loud. As soon as he was in Mary's arms, the world stopped. He looked at her and smiled. Mary could not hold back the tears. "Hello, Jesus. I've been waiting to meet you."

"I cannot believe this," said the midwife, "this has to be the first birth I have ever been a part of that the child did not scream out. In truth, it sounded like he laughed." Mary smiled at her, “It’s because he is special."

The midwife shook her head as she opened the door to let Joseph in: "Come meet your son."

Joseph ran to Mary's side. "Come meet Jesus."

Selah

My Hero...

To my readers, these two entries were about that day through my eyes. I dedicate this story to my mother who saved someone's life that day. She's my hero.

!!!!!!!!!!! I must warn it gets a little graphic!!!!!!!!!!!


"Where’s Dad?" Jessica asked.

"I don't know," her mother replied. "I tried to call him, but couldn't get through. I waited a little, but decided to walk to the ferry with Mary-Ann." Mary-Ann was her mother's 67yr old co-worker who lived down the street from them. Her mother went upstairs to shower off the dust.

"We gotta keep trying to call Dad," her brother finally broke the silence. He picked up the phone and continued trying.

While they waited for their mother to return, they continued to watch the news stories in disbelief. Jessica kept repeating to herself; "This can't be happening."

Their mother finally came downstairs and sat down with them.

"Ma, what happened?"

Their mother looked at them both with such sadness in her eyes. "I need a minute. Just a minute to stop and regroup."

Jessica watched as her mother put her hands on her face and sobbed so hard her body shook. It scared Jessica how hard her mother cried.

After some time, her mother looked up at them both. "I'm sorry about that. It’s just....the things that I saw..." her mother stopped.

"Mom, tell us what happened." Jessica said foolishly.

"Well, when it all started, we all heard a loud boom. It was so loud and so close we all figured that the Windows Around the World Restaurant had some sort of accident. Our fire & evacuation warden told everyone to get out. I asked her what had happened, all she told me was 'I don't know. All I know is I don't feel safe in here.'

"So I grabbed my bag and walked out the door. I didn't even think to grab my sneakers; I thought we would be back upstairs after a while. I called your father and we told each other just to get home. Thank God we left.

"I walked slowly with Mary-Ann, as she was having difficulty walking due to her breathing problems. We walked down the street to your fathers building and waited." Her mother stopped to wipe her eyes, "I tried calling your father, but only got through once. I left him a message saying I was waiting for him in front of his building. After a few minutes, I looked up at the Towers and saw what looked like clothes falling from the sky. I thought maybe people were getting hot and throwing their clothes out the windows; but as I took a step closer I saw that it was people." Their mother started to cry again, this time her children joined with her. "Oh my God, what must they have been thinking to jump out of a window and take their life...." she trailed off.

After a minute of silence and tears she continued, "I decided to walk to the Staten Island Ferry with Mary-Ann. When we got a couple of blocks away, the second plane hit the other tower. Mary-Ann kept repeating that the building was going to fall on us." Her mother took a breath.

"I kept telling her 'No, they're not going to fall, Mary-Ann. They were built to withstand things like this'. It was the Lord who kept me so calm during that whole time, all I kept thinking was that I did not want her to have a heart attack.

“Mary-Ann was telling me to leave her; she kept saying that she would understand if I ran off without her. But I told her, 'Mary-Ann we are going to get to the Ferry together. There is no way I am going to leave you here alone. Now let’s keep walking.' As soon as I said that there was a loud noise, like an airplane engine right next to us.

"I turned around to see this huge plume of smoke coming straight at us. I told Mary-Ann to cover her face completely with her sweater; I grabbed her arm and we kept walking. I covered my mouth and nose to keep the smoke out. It was so thick I could not see anything in front of me except this pair of black pants. And I followed those pants until we got to Battery Park." she stopped and looked at both her children.

"That was definitely the Lord guiding us, as I could not see a thing. Literally all I saw was a pair of black pants. Once we got to Battery Park, I wanted to thank the person and tell them we were following them, but I could not find anyone wearing those pants. It was as if they disappeared. God was really with us that day." Her mom sat back on the couch, watching her children as if she had never seen them before.

Xavier and Jessica looked at each other in disbelief and in unison said; "I can't believe this is happening."

They all hugged and said a prayer for their father.

At 2:00pm they received an odd phone call.

Xavier answered the phone, "Dad?"

"No, it’s your cousin Tati. Can I talk to your mom?"

Xavier handed the phone to their mother and gave a look of confusion to Jessica. "Who’s Tati?"

"Oh, that’s Dad cousin. I thought she lived in Puerto Rico, how did she get through?" Jessica asked.

As their mom got off the phone, she gave a small smile to them, "That was your dad's cousin Tati. She said that she talked to Dad. He's okay. He's in New Jersey walking home."

"How did he get into New Jersey?" Jessica asked.

"I don't know, but I'm guessing he's going to have an interesting story."

They continued to watch TV and wait for news from their father. Around 5:30pm, Jessica got a call from their father. "Dad, is that you?"

"Hi, tell your mother to meet me at the Bayonne Bridge. They’re not letting any cars over, so I will be walking across. She needs to leave now, I'm about to walk across now." her dad instructed. Jessica relayed all this news to her mother who ran out the door.

An hour later their father was home changed, hugging his children and retelling his story.

"Well, as soon as I got off the phone with your mother I went down stairs with my boss Katherine. I waited several minutes and tried calling mom’s cell phone." They figured out that her mother and father just missed each other by minutes.

He continued, "After a few minutes of no answer, I figured mom started to walk toward the ferry. I decided to take the Ferry to New Jersey with Katherine as she lived in New Jersey and could give me a ride. As we walked toward the ferry, we turned a corner, and heard the towers collapse. I froze as I heard the noise that sounded like an airplane engine right over head; and I said to myself 'How could I leave without her?' Please forgive me for leaving without you," he asked her mother tenderly.

"No, don't worry. It's okay. We were all confused." her mother took his hand in hers.

Her father continued, "Well, I wanted to go back to look for you, but Katherine said it would be impossible, dangerous and that we should keep on going. When we finally got to the Ferry, we met up with 2 other people. A father and daughter from Staten Island. We ended up travelling with them the entire time. We got on the last ferry out of New York. When we got to New Jersey, Katherine's husband was there to pick us up. He drove us as far as Hoboken, there the man, his daughter and I walked to Jersey City where they had parked their car. As we were walking I got a call from Tati, screaming and crying asking me if I was okay. I told her I was and had her call you guys. Did she?" Her dad asked.

"Yeah she did. I was confused, I thought she got the wrong number," Xavier said.

They laughed for the first time that day. Her dad continued, "When we arrived at the Bayonne Bridge we were kept from driving across, as they didn't know if anymore attacks were coming. After waiting a bit, the guard agreed to let us walk across the bridge. And now, I'm finally home. Thank you Lord for protecting us all."

God worked mighty miracles that day.

Jessica's friend from college worked on the 96th floor of one of the towers in one of the investment firms there. Her friend was never late to work; that morning she woke up an hour late. As she arrived in New York, the first Tower was hit.

A co-worker of Jessica told the story of how her father, who never called out of work a day in his life, called out sick that morning.

Jessica's uncle was a Police Officer in New York. He was late to work that morning as well. If he had gone into work on time, he would have been one of the first responders on scene.

A woman was trapped in the collapsed building underneath so much rubble. She was barely alive when she heard someone calling out for survivors. When she responded, a hand came through a small opening. He said his name was Ralph, and that he would hold her hand until they got her out of there. She explained that if that hand wasn't there...she would probably have given up and died. But she fought to stay awake, to meet her rescuer, her new found friend. But when she got out, there was no Ralph there. Actually there was no Ralph in that team who rescued her. They told her, no one was holding her hand at all.

God saved many people that day, and worked many miracles throughout that day.

I wrote this as a reminder for everyone. Please remember to tell those you love, how you feel about them. Don’t go to bed angry, you don’t know the future.

Be kind to those around you. Never forget.

Psa 20:7 Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Pain that encompasses all

She could not hide the pain in her eyes. Was she hearing the doctor right? Miscarriage? Did I kill my baby? "God Almighty make him wrong," she prayed silently.

The doctor left the room and she got up, her sweet husband took her in his arms and said "I'm so sorry honey". She held it in no longer....she fell into her husband's strong arms crying. "He could be wrong, that baby could be okay," he said with such faith. She pushed him away and got dressed. "I killed my baby."

"Sweetie, you didn't. No, don't think that; stay positive. You don't know what's going to happen - you could still be pregnant. Have faith" She continued to get dressed and wiped her face. They walked out the door together.

As they got into the car she decided to call her mom. She dialed the number as her husband called out sick from work. She felt her body calm down, "I will have faith. The baby is fine." She recalled a story her grandmother told her about a woman who bled heavily during her pregnancy, and still had a healthy baby.

As her husband got in the car her mother answered the phone, "Hello" her mother’s calm, comforting voice caused her to start crying again. "The doctor said...the doctor said...he said...he said...", "What’s wrong sweetie?" her mother asked with concern. She couldn't bring herself to say her baby was gone...so she handed the phone to her husband.

"The doctor said that she will most likely have a miscarriage this weekend." She didn't hear the rest. "Why God? Why? What did I do wrong? Is it because of my weight? Is it because of my eating habits? Is it because of my asthma? What did I do wrong?" She kept asking herself the same questions over and over, crying. She shook her head and said with determination: "The baby is still there. I will give birth to this baby and give God all the glory. This will be a miracle that will totally give glory to God. I am still pregnant, the doctor can't know everything."

Her husband handed her the phone again: "Your mother wants to talk to you". He started driving home.

"Hi mom."

"Hi baby. Do you want me to come over? Your dad and I want to come over."

"No, its okay you don't have to come. I know you have plans."

"Do you want to see me?"

"Yes." She started to cry again this time harder. She handed the phone back to her husband. She couldn't handle it anymore. She shut down.

Silent the rest of the ride, she kept saying to herself: "The baby is still there. I will give birth to this baby and give God all the glory. This will be a miracle that will totally give glory to God. I am still pregnant, the doctor can't know everything."

They arrived home. She stood up to get out of the car and felt it. She felt the pain that would never leave her for the rest of her life.

"Oh my God."

"What happened? Are you okay?" Her husband quickly rushed to her side. "It's happening."

They walked slowly into the house and confirmed what she just felt. She called the doctor who told her the same; "I am so sorry but you are having the miscarriage right now." She hung up the phone and cried her heart out. She buried her face in her bed a screamed: "NO!!! GOD NO!"

Through her heart wrenching sobs she told her husband what the doctor told her and what she felt. "I'm so sorry" was all she could say to him; over and over she said "I'm so sorry". He held her and began to cry with her. "Stop it, it's not your fault," he repeated to her. It was the first time she ever saw him cry.

"I'll be right back," he said.

She lay down in bed waiting for her husband to come back. After he was gone for more than 15 minutes she walked around the house to find out he was outside crying. "Baby come back inside, don't leave me alone."

"Go lay down baby, I'm coming inside now." She waited for him as he walked back into the house. "Why did you go outside?" He looked like he was crying.

"I went to call my dad and let him know."

"And to cry right?"

"Yes," he admitted. She looked at him with great concern; "Baby, please don't push me away. We need to be together in this. We need to cry together. We need to mourn together."

"Ok, I promise. I won't leave you again," he said.

When they walked back into the bedroom, she held her stomach as the pain started again. She cried so hard she fell to her knees and had difficulty breathing. Her husband, picked her up and held her. "Baby, you need to calm down. You need to be able to breathe." He started to rub her back for a little bit.

"I need to lie down," she said.

They lay down in bed together holding each other for what seemed forever.

The door bell rang. "My parents are here. Come on." She told her husband.

"I don't even want to see them. Why did they come? I just want to be here with only you."

"They are here to help us and comfort us, come on." She slowly walked out to answer the door.

When she opened the door, the first face she saw - was her mothers. Her mother’s eyes held such compassion it caused her to cry again. "It's okay. Go ahead and let it out." As her body shook from the sobs, her mother cried with her.

1Cr 12:26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with [it]; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with [it].

Be Still...

Hey all, I've been suffering from a bad case of Bronchitis so I've had no time (really brain power) to write something. So here is an awesome devotion for today from Streams In The Desert by L.B. Cowman.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Is there any note in all the music of the world as mighty as the grand pause? Is there any word in the Psalms more eloquent than the word "Selah," meaning pause? Is there anything more thrilling and awe-inspiring than the calm before the crashing of the storm, or the strange quiet that seems to fall upon nature before some supernatural phenomenon or disastrous upheaval? And is there anything that can touch our hearts like the power of stillness?

F0r the hearts that will cease focusing on themselves, there is "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Phil 4:7); "quietness and trust" (Isa 30:15), which is the source of all strength ; a "great peace" that will never "make them stumble" (Ps 119:165); and a deep rest, which the world can never give nor take away. Deep within the center of the soul is a chamber of peace where God lives and where, if we will enter it and quiet all other sounds, we can hear His "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12).

Even in the fastest wheel that is turning, if you look at the center, where the axle is found, there is no movement at all. And even in the busiest life, there is a place where we may dwell alone with God in eternal stillness.

There is only one way to know God: "Be still, and know." "The Lord is in His Holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him" (Hab 2:20).

All-loving Father, sometimes we have walked under starless skies that dripped darkness like drenching rain. We despaired from the lack of light from the sun, moon and stars. The gloomy darkness loomed above us as if it would last forever. And from the dark, there spoke no soothing voice to mend our broken hearts. We would gladly have welcomed even a wild clap of thunder, if only to break the torturing stillness of that mournfully depressing night.

Yet Your soft whisper of eternal love spoke more sweetly to our bruised and bleeding souls than any winds that breathe across a wind harp. It was Your "gentle whisper" that spoke to us. We were listening and we heard You, and then we looked and saw Your face, which was radiant with the light of Your love. And when we heard Your voice and saw Your face, new life returned to us, just as life returns to withered blossoms that drink the summer rain.

Set Me Free

Powerful song

Humbleness is what I long for...

Phl 2:1-4 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Humility...that's a huge buzz word these days. What does it mean to be humble? Literal definition: To be meek, not proud. Its not in our nature to be humble, I definitely know its not in my nature. You have to remember, one of the first things we are taught in school as kids is to be proud of your accomplishments, look after your own and look after yourself..because no one else will.

Pride, which is the antithesis to Humility, has been around for a while. Remember, Lucifer was thrown out of heaven, because of his pride. 1Ti 3:6 (speaking of those in leadership at church) ...not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. (Emphasis mine)

Pro 16:18 Pride [goes] before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Pride is harmful to your soul. I know and love someone who is very prideful, he thinks he can handle anything that comes his way. Right now, he has no relationship with the Lord. He told someone close that: "he is tired of talking to someone who won't answer back"...he was talking about God.

Now, I know what you would think automatically, that's not a sign of pride. You would be right, its not. Its a sign of giving up, a sign of anger - hate even. But it started out as pride. It started out that he thought he was better at handling everything, better than God.

This young man started out wanting to know God, wanting to have that fire burn within him...but he let pride get in the way.

It was something simple, something that is normally over looked: he was proud of himself, or his accomplishments. So proud.

It didn't take long for the pride to turn to confusion (Why didn't God answer me the way I wanted Him to?); then the confusion to turn to despair (Why isn't God answering me?); and the despair to turn to anger (Fine, I will do it...since God doesn't have time). Then the anger turns into hate (I refuse to talk to someone who won't answer me).

Pride is going to keep you from having a great relationship with God, no it will keep you from having a relationship with God. Period.

There are no in-betweens with sin, you can't have it both ways (be prideful and serve God). As it says in Matthews 6:24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon..."

Pride = loving yourself.

Humility = loving JOY (Jesus, Others, Yourself)

Luk 14:11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

God's Holy Temple

Here are some questions to challenge you today and everyday:

1Cr 3:10 -17 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation [with] gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on [it] endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which [temple] you are.

These set of verses talks about what you do or have done with your life. Its a challenge and a reminder. Are you living it for the Lord? or are you living it for yourself? OR are you the type of Christian that is living below the radar?

You have the foundation (Jesus Christ), but what have you done after that? Have you been a witness? Or Have you stayed living your life the way you want to?

How have you built upon the foundation of your life which is Jesus Christ? Have you built praise-worthy things or have you built earthly things?

Here's a thought for ya: Will it pass the fire test? After all is said and done, will it matter in Heaven? This is an excellent challenge to all Christians; I know its a great challenge to myself.

vs 16 & 17 say:Do you not know that you are the temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which [temple] you are.

Many take this verse to mean literally (IE: that you can't get a tattoo)...but it applies to your spiritual life. You cannot let other things "push God off of the throne in your heart" (IE: TV, children, spouse, work). Defiling the temple would be letting something else rule your heart besides God.

More Faithful Friday

Blessed Assurance


His Eye is On The Sparrow


Via Dolorosa (an old one!) Wow I haven't heard this song in a while!


How Great Thou Art


We Shall Behold Him


"I've Just Seen Jesus" By Larnelle Harris And Sandi Patty

Faithful Friday

I know that a usual meme for Friday is Funny Friday. Well, with all that is happening to people lately, I think we need a day to remind us to be faithful. God will provide.

I think we should start with the always awesome Newsboys:


Mercy Me


Casting Crowns


Interesting skit by Silent Witness Mime troop in 2007. Its a kinda cool, basically what spiritual warfare is all about.


Who: Journey Church of Atlanta Creative Worship Team
When: March 30, 2008.
What: Body Worship to Casting Crowns - East to West.
Why: So that we may bless others with our God-given abilities. Worshiping Him with all our hearts, minds, and strength....in order to bring glory to God.


Casting Crowns


It is Well With My Soul

What is Happening People?

I decided to make this into a series. There is a lot happening in our world that should be addressed!

Teens and Sex

Last week in church, I was talking with a teenage girl and her mother. And all the teen talked about was having a boyfriend; how she wanted one but only the ugly guys want to go out with her; how she thinks its because she's so tall that boys don't ask her out. Oh by the way...she's only 14. She is 14 years old worrying about boys. I tried talking some sense into her, but she wouldn't listen. Her mother didn't stop me...but she wasn't agreeing with me either. What is up people?!

Putting aside the fact that she is 14 yrs old, I firmly believe that girls (or really any female at any age) should enjoy their youth, then later they can think about having a relationship with the opposite sex. I spent much of my teenage years and the beginning of my adult years worrying about boys. Was I pretty enough, Was I funny enough, Was I smart enough? And when I was rejected (or just didn't have a special guy), I would put myself down. Then, when I finally "had" a boyfriend, I changed myself to be the girl that he wanted.

I didn't get to live at all. My relationship with the Lord suffered so greatly. I mean look at that last paragraph...it just wasn't me!

Finally, God gave me that "smack upside the head"...He opened my eyes. I can't say exactly what happened, but my eyes were opened...and I became sad. I was sad because, I didn't let myself live. I didn't get to experience all the great things someone at that age does - because some dumb boy hurt my feelings...or I was acting like someone else. I don't want that to happen to anyone else.

What we need to do is talk to our kids. We need to stop ignoring the problem...and get down to it! I live in Maryland and heard the other day...that a 10yr old girl just found out she was pregnant. People this problem is not going to go away - it's only going to get worse! Be honest with your kids! If you are...please let me give you a round of applause! But if you are not...if you think your kids are old enough or they know better - please, please, please talk to your kids now.

Once you start talking...you will be surprised at what happens. They are will start talking back. Teenagers are a handful (boy is that ever an understatement); I know sometimes you just want to walk away and let them make their own mistakes. Please don't.

Please remember that if your kid is acting out...it's because they need some attention.

Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

Lifehouse Everything Skit

Oh my goodness, everytime I see this skit....I get a tear in my eye. That God could love someone like me...even after all I have done.....no words. Pardon me while I watch again. For those who don't know this was a skit done in 2006 at Winterfest in Knoxville TN.

Being a Worry wart...

Goodness gracious am I ever the worry wart. I have a bad tendency to worry about a lot of things...not everything mind you - but too much none-the-less. This is a huge battle for me - it's something I have been working on since I was...well, able to drive. Worrying. Doubting. Fear of the Unknown.

There is not one person in this world who can say: "Nope, I don't have that problem. I don't worry about anything. My life is grand!" Seriously people, can't you hear yourself? That's a load of garbage! If you are over the age of 10...you worry - it may not be a lot but you do.

There are SO many things that are out of our control, so many things that can go wrong...how can you not worry? You worry that your dinner is going to be less than par for your in-laws; or that you wont be passing that last final exam so you can graduate; or you worry that you will get the bus late and miss your doctors appointment; or not worrying that you wont be able to pay the rent/mortgage. You see? There is always something out of your control, and therefore there will be always something to worry about.

I say this because...you are not alone. I am right there with ya!...unfortunately we all are in some way shape or form.

Matthew 6:25 - 31 says: "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, [will He] not much more [clothe] you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day [is] its own trouble." (NKJV)

This is a perfect answer to the problem of worry. Its Gods promise, that He will never leave you or forsake you - that He is always there for you. If the birds in the air have something to eat...how much more will you have? If the lilies of the field are adorned so beautifully, how much more beautiful will you be, being a child of God?

Take this time right now to look back at your life. Go through each little detail and you will see God providing for you...even in the smallest ways. Remember that day you were starving and had no money to buy food...and all of a sudden you find a $20 bill in your pocket? I have personally seen God work mighty miracles in my life just like that...God is awesome isn't He?

Wait...what is that you ask me? "I have memorized that verse and still I worry about everything!" Not a problem, again we are all human. But I will respond to that statement by saying:

Phil 4: 6-7 says: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

These verses are a help-mate, if you will, to Matthew 6:25-31. It continues to say that you should give God everything...all your requests, all your worries. Pray, seek Him out. Ask God why, go ahead I dare ya - cause He will answer you. Tell Him your scared, tell Him you can't take it anymore. Tell Him everything. What He wants is for your to get to the point of: "I can't take this anymore Lord! What should I do?" Then and only then are you ready to stop.

Phil 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

Get ready to stop.

I went to Word Of Life Bible Institute several years ago, and in one of my classes I was taught by a man name Phil Moser (awesome teacher!). He said to memorize this verse and every time you started to worry (or have problems with your thought life), concentrate on these words! These 8 words are the basis of right thinking. He came up with the awesome idea to put these 8 words on a stop sign and memorize them! Post them up in your room (or wherever) and that way you can memorize easier by seeing them constantly. Here is an example:

During this scary time, I can not imagine anyone who is not worrying. I hope this helps you, as it helps me everyday. God Bless!

Strong Tower...

Cool video from Kutless....LOVE THEM!

The Lost One

Have you ever wondered what the prodigal son was thinking on his walk back home? What was his father thinking when he saw him? I always wonder about that....here's my take on it.

The Lost One

Aaron was hungry; he had been walking for what seemed like hours. He had taken this long dirt road a million times, but never like this. He was on his way home after years of living the way he finally wanted to - doing what he wanted, when he wanted. But now...now he held his head in shame as he walked home.

Everything on the road held a memory, a wonderful memory that only caused him pain now. There was the tree that he and Isaac would study under; there was the old barn that Abba built for the neighbors. This was harder than he thought. "How am I going to do this? What if I get rejected?" He stopped in his tracks. "What if I cannot go home? Where will I go? No," Aaron said out loud, "I will not let that happen. I must...I must beg him to let me be a servant." Aaron continued walking and thinking; "What am I doing? He's never going to accept me. I spent all of his money on harlots!" He stopped walking again.

Aaron looked at the sky, and then looked at the ground. It was full of pointy rocks, dirt and dung.

"That's it! I will get down on my knees and crawl to him; I will show him how pathetic I know I am!" He continued his walk of shame. He rounded the corner and looked down the road to his childhood home. The place that brought him warmth and comfort as a child only made him feel cold and alone. He strained his eyes to see a little man running down the road to him. "Is that my Abba?" He fell to his knees.

Abba was walking outside the house praying, as he always did at this time, for his youngest Aaron. Aaron was the rebellious one, the one who gave Abba the white hair - but no matter what Aaron did, he still loved his son greatly. Aaron left some time ago, wanting to do his own thing - Abba did not agree...but he knew he must let him make his own choices.

He never heard from Aaron directly, but knew he was OK - at least until the famine hit. No one had seen or heard from his youngest son in quite some time. Abba was fearful that he would never see his youngest again, so he did the best thing he could do...he prayed for him. He had been praying for Aaron since he left, but found himself praying even more now. "Please save my son" was all he could muster. Tears would fill his eyes, and it would hurt to speak...but he would never stop saying: "Please save my son".

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a man walking down the road. He felt immediate pity for the man, as he was covered in filth. It seemed that man had not eaten in some time....wait isn't that? He moved closer and squinted. His heart swelled as he realized "THAT'S MY SON! THANK YOU LORD!" He ran as fast as his old legs would take him. It was his son, his lost prodigal son.

Luke15:20-24 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring [fn] out the best robe and put [it] on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on [his] feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill [it], and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

Have you ever thought: "I can't become a Christian....I've done way to many horrible things." I know I have thought that, I was right there thinking:"God will never love me after what I have done." But you see this parable is a great picture of God's undying love for us. Earlier in the story, Aaron took his inheritance and spent it all on "prodigal" living. He did what he wanted, when he wanted. He knew he disappointed his father, he knew the shame that he brought upon his family - that's why he came back with the intention to become a servant. But his father had other ideas.

Luke 15:7 says: I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. God wants you and only you; He does not care what you have done, who you were or where you have been. He cares only about you. He wants you to see what He has to offer you.

He has this huge gift of salvation waiting for you to accept.

Or are you that person who says: "I can't become a Christian yet, I am having way too much fun right now." Take a look at those verses; the prodigal son thought that way too - but then came the famine and out went his wealth. You obviously think that there will always be an opportunity to accept Christ; but I have one thing to ask you...Who said you were promised the next 5 minutes?

Romans 3:10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one;
Not even me! I would never, ever claim to be righteous. I am a sinner saved by Grace. You see ALL HAVE SINNED. Yes even you reading this thinking, "I'm a good person. She's not talking to me". So sorry my friend, but I am talking to even you.

Romans 3:23 ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...
Again, ALL HAVE SINNED! I know that there are some who say: "But I do good things, that's good enough." Well to that I answer with Eph 2:8&9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (emphasis mine)

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sin brings death plain and simple. Even those little white lies you tell ("Oh Mrs. Johnson, that is a lovely purple feather hat"...yea you know what I'm talking about). And the death it speaks of is spiritual death.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God loves us so much, that before we even could even accept Him...He sent His son to die for us.

Romans 5:6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

John 10:17-18 Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.
Jesus rose from the dead, so that you may have eternal life through Him.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Jesus offers us eternal life, through Him alone. There is nothing that you or anyone else can do to get you to heaven.

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
We must accept God's gift of salvation by faith alone.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Once we confess our sins, He will forgive them. No matter what they are, Christ will forgive you as long as you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord over your heart.

Romans 10:13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."
This says "...calls upon the name of the Lord.." but it does not mean simply saying Lord! It means saying Lord save me, I am a sinner. I confess my sins to you and accept you as my saviour. Come into my heart I pray.

Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [Shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Once you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour....nothing can separate you from His love. Nothing.

The Know-It-Alls in your life...

Have you ever come across a person who claims to know it all? No matter what the subject, they know the answer to it. And don't even think you can challenge them...uh-uh, they will sit/stand there and argue with you. You must realize that they are the smarter ones...that they are better than you! Yea, Right.

I've known a few people like that in my lifetime - all high and mighty. I laugh about it now, but back when I knew them, all I wanted to do was 'smack 'em upside the head' - as my mom would say. The last thing I wanted to do was...be nice to them. The idea of being a servant to them in anyway was perposterous! I would even go to the point of avoiding these types of people. As I have grown in the Lord, I have learned to deal with people like that. The best way really is to 'kill them with kindness'.

Phl 2:5-8: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, [and] coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to [the point of] death, even the death of the cross. (NKJV)

Such great verses to live by and really concentrate on when you come across the know-it-all. Jesus, the Son of God: "did not consider it robbery to be equal with God" (NKJV) or "did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped" (NIV). The one person who does know-it-all humbled himself by becoming an 'average joe'. He knew the extent of His power but He knew He had to be the servant of all. He took the form, of a bondservant [Definition - one who is a servant to pay off any monetary debt] so that we could live. So that we could gain eternal life.

In this day and age, everything is about self. How will this help me, or how can I benefit from that? Why am I friends with this person, what are they going to do for me? With all these temptations, we need to keep these verses close to our minds and hearts. I know I do.

We will always come across those people you want to 'smack upside the head'; but instead be a servant to all. Kill them with kindness. :o)

Material Possesions

Phl 3:7-8
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Awesome verses that everyone should live by. All earthly things should be considered less important in comparison to the cause of Christ. Look at all the things which make you what you are and compare them to Christ. Do they bring glory to Christ or to you? Do your clothes magnify the Lord or bring bad attention to you? Does your talk glorify God or your "gossip buddies"? Does your music bring praise to His name or change your demeanor?

If it brings glory to anything else other than God, then these verses are not really working in your life. Everything should bring glory to Christ...if it doesn't it should be counted as loss. Knowing Christ is greater than any worldly thing.

God's Glory

With all that Dave and I are going through, we have really been immersing ourselves in the word. Obviously because of this we are really being blessed and I wanted to share with you something that we read.

1Cr 1:18 - 31: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ["I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,] [And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."] [fn] Where [is] the wise? Where [is] the scribe? Where [is] the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks [fn] foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called.] But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--that, as it is written, ["He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."] [fn]

These verses are great reminders of Gods Sovereignty! In the previous verses (1:10-17), Paul chides them for the divisions that were occurring. People were starting to divide the church based on who was taught or really brought to salvation, by which teacher (Paul, Apollos, Cephas or Christ). Because of that fact, the following verses are Paul trying to explain to them how foolish man is compared to God.

There was a widespread misunderstanding of the Gospel message during this time. Paul was trying to show them it's not mans wisdom or cleverness that brought them to Christ, but rather it's holding/keeping them "back". You see in verse 23 it says: "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness", the Jews and the Greeks could not (or really cannot) understand because the things of God are spiritually appraised or examined (2:14). Meaning that God is the only one who can grant wisdom. God is the only one who can "save someone".

Also, during this time Greek philosophy was "running rampant". Men were just basically full of themselves, believing they knew everything - even the bible. Which translates to the people were trying to make the bible their own, by using their "earthly wisdom" to put the bible into their own words. Because of this, there was sin growing in the church. People are prideful; they tend to look up to those who are the strongest or wisest. Paul was telling them: The wise men are foolish and those who look to the wisdom of wise men are foolish as well.

Therefore God uses the complete opposite (weak or foolish) to bring all Glory to His name which therefore would break the pride of the prideful. If He did use those who are proud (or strong or whatever) He would not get the glory. Jer 9:23-24 "Thus says the Lord, 'Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises loving-kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in those things' declares the Lord."

Everything is done to glorify God...EVERYTHING! No matter what you are going through, God is faithful. I know that I needed to desperately hear that. I know I need to hear about God's grace and faithfulness. God is mighty and powerful. I pray that this has blessed you as it has me