Happy New Year

New Year....this is the beginning of anything you want it to be. Page one of a 365 page book. How will you write it? This year...laugh more, worry less. Be YOU and don't try to be a copy of someone else. Realize life is short, say "I Love You" to those you care about. Reach out to help someone in need. Live life not looking for what others can do for you, but have a heart searching for what you can do to help others. Enjoy the little things. Read more. Complain less. Have a closer walk/relationship with God, depend on Him and lean on Him this year more than ever before. 

Strive to be the best you can be. Surround yourself with people who truly care about you, and let go of those who don't. Learn to let go, and let God take control this year. Know that 2016 will have valleys as well as mountains. Embrace the trials, for they will help you grow. 

As we look toward the new year, there are many people in this world who will be focused on making a New Years resolution... You should ask yourself; are the things you are resolving to do worthwhile? Do they have an eternal impact? 

Let us consider what we SHOULD be resolving, or committing to this new year. 

First, let us make sure we are saved. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. (Psalm 31:5)

Then, if we are certain of that new life in Christ, let us commit to His direction in our lives. Commit thy way unto the Lord; (Psalm 37:5)

Finally, if we are certain we have accepted His gift, and are willing for Him to direct our lives, let us commit to doing the things that please Him in the coming year. Commit thy works unto the Lord, (Proverbs 16:3)

God Bless and have a fantastic New Year!!! 

~Elizabeth~

Sharing the reason for the season

I love Christmas! It is such a great reminder of when the son of God became man and dwelt among us! And it is such a great opportunity for sharing the gospel! Week before last, we had our missions conference here in Brazil.  And my eyes were once again opened to the need of sharing the gospel to everyone!  I think that we all get used to hearing our pastors preach the same messages about how we need to tell people about Jesus, and that people are dying around us and going to hell. But I don’t think that it actually enters our mind that hell is FOREVER! If hell only lasted a hundred years, there would be some comfort for the people there. Or if it only lasted for a million or a billion years there would be some comfort for them, because they would know that someday there would be an end to their torment. But it’s not like that. There is no end. There is no comfort. That’s heart wrenching!  Most people think that being a missionary is about leaving your country and going to tell people across the oceans about Jesus. They fail to see that the greatest mission field is all around them! The people all around you are going to that awful place, and most of us are doing nothing about it. I’ve heard it put like this, “Not telling people around you about Jesus, is the same as you sitting in a firetruck that is parked right outside of a burning building, and you do nothing about it. You just sit there and let the people that are inside burn. You have the answer, you have the salvation that they need, but you simply blind your eyes of their need for salvation.” That means that our unsaved loved one’s future is up to us. Are we going to share with them the wonderful news of salvation? Or are we just going to sit in our firetruck and let them burn? Obviously before we can share the gospel, we must first make sure that our heart is right with the Lord. How can he use a dirty vessel?  Again, the Christmas season is such a great opportunity for sharing the plan of salvation. Because it all started with that little babe lying in a manger. I hope this was a blessing to someone and an encouragement to share the gospel! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!  

Matthew 1:21 “ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 

Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

{Anna}

{Thankfulness}

Today is Thanksgiving! I can't believe it's already here! Although always be thankful to God, this is a special time to remember the many blessings we have. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18- "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 

Psalms 92:1- "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High." 

When someone gives us something or helps us, it's important to say thank you to them, but it's very important that we don't forget to say thank you to God also. Sometimes we just say "thank you" out of habit...but do we actually stop to think about where that blessing came from? What it meant? What it took? 

James 1:17- "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comets down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." 

I want to share with you a little rhyme I found online....(sundaychildrensfocus.com) 

"As you go through life make this your goal; look at the donut and not at the hole" 

Let me explain what this means...If I gave you a donut, you'd be pretty happy right? (Everyone loves donuts) But wouldn't it be sad if you focused your attention on the hole in the middle and just complained about the hole, instead of being thankful for the donut I gave you? If you did that, you'd be drawing your attention to what *isn't* there, rather than what *is there*. Sadly, some people go through life focused on what they're "missing", and they never really notice the good things that they do have. 

For instance, let's say you went to church with a brand-new dress on, and you were so thankful for your new dress. But then another person walked into church and she had on a new dress and new shoes...then you start thinking about her dress and her shoes and complain that you only had a new dress and not new shoes as well....do you see what's happening? Your attention is being re-focused to what you *don't* have rather than what you *do have*.

So our little rhyme about looking at the "donut and not at the hole" can remind us to see the many good things in life we do have. That's important to do as we go through life, and it's especially important for us to do at this time of Thanksgiving. 

1 Chronicles 16:34- "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy ensure that forever." 

I hope this was a blessing to you! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!! 

{Elizabeth} 

In the world, but not of the world

Did you ever play that game “which is different?” when you were a kid? Where you have to look at a set of pictures and find out what things are different in each of them? Well, thats kind of what its like being a christian, or a missionary. People are constantly looking at our lives and trying to see what is different about us. 

I am blessed to have been raised on the mission field. But with this, it meant that I would be different wherever I went. On the field I am different because I am considered to be “the outsider” (even though I was born and raised here), and when I go back to the States I am different because I wasn’t raised there, and I am a MK. But this made me realize that that must have been what Christ felt like when He was on earth 2000 years ago. And this leads me to a question, why are we so scared of being different from the world? After all, Christ did come all the way to earth to save us from our miserable state, to set us free from the bonds of hell, and saved us with his marvelous grace so that we would be different from this lost world. I think the answer is pride, and self consciousness. We are scared of what others might think of us. We are bombarded day after day on the internet, and on social media, and on the streets, and in magazines, with what the world says we should dress like or act like. And we don’t want to lose face with our peers. The worst prison that people live in is fear of what others might think. If we are not careful with all the things we see and hear each day, we start wanting to become like the world. And the Bible tells us that that is how Lot fell. 2 Peter 2:7-8 ”7-And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8- (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds.”  Sometimes what we don’t realize is that everything around us is influencing our spiritual life. First we start by just looking, then we start wondering what it would be like to go to those parties and to dress like that and to do those things, after all, they do it and nothing happens to them!! Well, thats the part where we start making excuses for why we can do those things, and before we know it we are off in sin, and with a broken heart. As my mom always says, “All that glitters isn’t gold.” And sin isn’t all that its cracked up to be. And what we fail to realize, is that God has called us to such a higher calling, then just being like everyone else. Everybody can be like everybody else, but being different, well, that takes courage, but it also speaks highly to the people who are around you. God’s desire for us is to be different, and to shine as lights in this world. 2Corinthians 6:17 “Where fore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,…”  Then comes the question, “Why should I be different?” And here is the answer, young lady God has made you so very special, and you carry a very important treasure inside of you! 2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” And his purpose for your life is that you would share that treasure with the world through the power that is in Him.  And don’t be shocked, if when you do decide to take the “high road” if people around you start noticing it, or start commenting on it. The bible says in 1Peter 3:15 “ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give and answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”   And this next verse that I will share with you is such an encouragement to me. John 15:18 “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” That verse for me just makes it a whole lot easier to go through life. When people look at you ugly, just remember that verse. They’re not mad or angry at you, they are mad or angry at the one you have living in you. 1 John 3:13 “Marvel not, brethren, if the world hate you.”  Hold your head up high, be willing to be different. Remember you are a daughter of the King, so act like one! 1Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a ROYAL priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous LIGHT.” 

{Anna}

Pride and Patience

Hey everyone!! Elizabeth here :) Miera, our other blogger, is unable to continue with the blog. However, I will still be posting, and I will be announcing the replacement blogger soon! :) 
In the meantime, a very sweet lady from my church was so gracious to let me post one of her devotionals she did at a Bible study not too long ago. I hope it's as much of a blessing to you as it was to me!! 


For me personally, I have a very hard time being patient. I was raised as an only child, and was used to things running my way. I wasn't a brat, I didn't demand or expect things, my parents always  asked my opinion and let me make decisions. Usually small things like what resturant we ate at, or  what activites we did. I as I grew older I got used to telling people how things should be done and was under the opinon that I was right.  Most of the time I could persuade poeple ( especially my parents) to see things my way. So when I became an adult, and got married, things became very hard.  My husband didn't see things as I did, and didn't want to do everything that I wanted to do. Sometimes he wanted to eat somewhere different or watch a guy movie instead of a chickflick. Unfortunately it offended me, because afterall, my choices and desires were the right ones.
Not all of us have had the same upbringing. Not all of us were only children, but all of us, in some form, believe that we are right and entitled to happiness. We get so upset if anyone else dares to treat us poorly. If we are driving and someone cuts us off, or honks at us, we are outraged. We think "how dare that person treat me like that" or "I'm running late, they'd better get out of my way". I think that our lack of patience with others is because we are brimming with pride. We are so full of selfish pride, that we feel no one should ever cross us, or be rude to us, or make us wait. As Christians, the worst pride is our self-righteousness. We see ourselves as "higher up" than other "sinners". We might not struggle with a certain sin that they do, therefore we are better. That is , as long as we don't acknowledge the sin we keep hidden, like pride.  We become outraged if someone at church steps on our toes, or if we don't get praised and reconized for something we did that was great.
Luke 18:10-14  "10- Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11- The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12- I fast twice in the week,  I give tithes of all that I possess. 13- And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14- I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Here the Pharisee is so proud of his righteousness, and boasts about how great he is. His heart is full of himself and swelling with pride. He wasn't there to please God, he just wanted others to see how he kept all the rules and lived an outwardly perfect life. Verse 14 tells us that the sinner went away justified, because he humbled himself.
To be patient, we must let go of selfish pride. We have to humble ourselves, and put others feelings before our own.  Leviticus 19:18 "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord."  1 Corinthians 13:4 teaches that love is patient. "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up" Charity which is love, is long suffering and patient, it's kind and not proud.
Patience is a virtue we must ask God to help us cultivate. We cannot witness and show others God's love, if we are huffing and puffing, or slamming doors because things aren't going our way. The definition of patience is - the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset.
When others get snippy with us, or things aren't how we want them to be, we need to stop ourselves from biting back. We need to see ourselves as the sinners God saved. He always stays patient and loving with us, no matter how much we fail him. We are grateful of His mercy and grace to us, but the minute someone irritates us, we lose our tempers and our testimony. We must show God's love to others, by loving them with His love. His love is patient and forgiving. Give others the patience you would want to be shown.

-Amy 

~WHEREVER YOU ARE~

 -Are you standing at a crossroad

Wondering which road you should take?
And you're dreading
The decision
And a possible mistake
But the will of God won't lead you
Where the grace of God can't keep you
You will never be out of His care
Remember that the Lord's already there

(chorus)
Wherever you are
Wherever you're going
God is right there beside you
Seeing and knowing
Wherever you go
He already knows
What lies ahead and what's behind
You'll always find that He's never too far
From wherever you are

-You are waiting
To hear thunder
And see lightening in the sky
Oh, but God can
Work His wonders
Through a still small voice inside
Just keep listening and learning
And continue on your journey
Following the One who is the way
He's the only road you need to take

By: Joyce Martin McCullough, Harrie McCullough, Joel Lindsey

{This Is The Promise}

{I never said that I would give you silver or gold
Or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold
But I did say you'd never walk through this world alone
And I did say, don't make this world your home

I never said that fear wouldn't find you in the night
Or that loneliness was something you'd never have to fight
But I did say I'd be right there by your side
And I did say I'll always help you fight

'Cause you know I made a promise that I intend to keep
My grace will be sufficient in every time of need
my love will be the anchor that you can hold onto
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you

I never said that friends would never turn their backs on you
Or that the world around you wouldn't see you as a fool
But I did say like me you'll surely be despised
And I did say my ways confound the wise

I didn't say you'd never taste the bitter kiss of death
Or have to walk through chilly Jordan to enter into rest
But I did say I'd be waiting right on the other side

And I did say I'll dry every tear you cry

'Cause you know I made a promise that I've prepared a place
And some day sooner than you think you'll see me face to face
And you'll sing with the angels and a countless multitude
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you

So just keep on walkin', don't turn to the left or right
And in the midst of darkness, let this be your light
That hell can't separate us and you're gonna make it through
This is the promise, this is the promise I made to you}

(This is the promise- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF8H5BWY6_M)

2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise..."

2 Corinthians 1:20

"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."

Titus 1:2

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"

                                     

Im so thankful for all the promises of the Lord! There will never be a day that i will say "God, you promised and lied to me". The Lord ALWAYS keeps his promise. As the country preacher said, "The Lord is a perfect gentleman. He says His word and He keeps it." <3

{Miera}

 

*Soul-Winning*

Some people think that soul-winning is just something the church group does on Saturday mornings. It's true....that is soul-winning, but it goes beyond that. God calls us to reach others with the Gospel. (Mark 16:15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.") Notice how the verse says "all the world" People also tend to think that reaching souls for Christ/soul-winning means being a missionary in a foreign field. But wait...it says ALL. That means right where you're at too. This means your neighbors, relatives, coworkers, people at the grocery store, the grumpy business man you pass on the street. They all need Christ too. We have the Good News, the Blessed Hope, the answer to all life's problems: Christ. Why can't we share it with others? 

D.L. Moody once made a commitment to never go to bed until he witnessed to at least one person. He was said to have gone out at night   SEARCHING for someone to witness to. What if we were that fervent? What if we took soul-winning to that level? 

•Proverbs 11:30

•Matthew 5:16

•Romans 10:14,15

•Luke 14:23

{<Elizabeth>}

{Getting Used To The Dark}

Hey everyone! This week we have a special treat for you! We've asked our really good friend, Hannah, to guest post for us!! She's an amazing young lady with a true heart for God! Hope yall enjoy! :) 

**Getting Used to the Dark**

I love America. I was born in the good ole South, raised partly in the beautiful and rugged west, and then brought back to the South when I was 11. I love what our flag has stood for in ages past; I love the freedom I have. America is a great nation. This nation was born and founded upon Christian principals, although the founding fathers may not have been doctrinally the way I am, God was a major part of the United States in the beginning. Over the years though, something has changed. America has drifted from her Christian heritage. She has changed from “One Nation Under God” to a nation who wants to ignore God and everything He wants. 

Even worse, than our country moving away from her Christian heritage, are the Christians themselves. They no longer have a blush. Wrong doing, aka sin, is no longer unacceptable; in fact if you say anything about it, you are automatically labeled as “judgmental”. In fact, I have found myself (when hearing about current events in the media) saying “nothing surprises me anymore”. Think about that statement; how sad is that? Some things should be shocking! Why do things no longer surprise us? We are getting used to the dark. 

What do I mean by “Getting used to the dark”? Throughout the ages, dark has been a symbol of evil and light was a symbol of good. In the Bible, God is light and “men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.” America is full of darkness and sin. It can be likened to being in a room where the light is on. Suddenly the light is turned off which results in temporary blindness. After a while, something is different. You can slowly begin to make out objects in the room. Why the sudden change? Your eyes are getting used to the darkness. The same thing is happening in America and all across the world. Christians used to light this country up with the light of Christ. Now, they are slowly fading, and becoming numb to the things of the world. We are getting used to the dark.

God commands Christians to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Christ is our light and it is through us that He shines in this world.  If we don’t live like Christ and shine for Him then how is the World ever going to know Him? It’s time for Christians to once again let their light shine before men! It’s time to be different from the world, not blend in and not be quiet, but boldly stand for Christ. As the song says “We must return to the values we lost, Before this country we love is totally lost” (We Want America Back). 

There are two things that will turn this country back to God:

1. Prayer

2. Real and true revival

(Notice I didn’t say a politician. People need to stop putting their trust in a politician to change the country and start begging God turn to the country around. Prayer changes things)

As a Christian please take time every day to pray and ask God for revival all across the nation (and believe that it can happen, because it can). 

*Hannah*

-REVIVE US AGAIN-

Revival. Revival. Revival.
The word has been burning inside of me. I long to see revival now more than ever before. It burdens and breaks my heart to see America in the shape she is in, but there IS hope! I believe that we can see revival again in this nation.

My Pastor, Ralph Sexton Jr., has been preaching a lot on revival. I'd like to share some of his points with you.

For REAL Revival:
        We need to reinvest
           We need respect
              We need reverence

 If we want revival in our houses, in our churches, in our cities, in our nation, in our world, it must begin with us... with you and with me.

If we are gonna see revival, it has to start with me. It has to start in MY prayer life, in MY daily devotions, in MY relationship with Christ, with MY soul winning/witnessing.

If you can, please go watch this service on revival! http://livestream.com/tbcavl/events/4100774  (scroll down to 6/10/15 service) It will bless and encourage your heart.

I’m hoping in my next post to talk about one of the first steps in my personal revival. My prayer life. I can never see a move of God and a great revival in America if I cant pray for it.


{Miera Cooper}

Christ's Love Has Been There All Along

I just love this song!!! It really reminds me that no matter what you go through, God's been there all along! I hope it's a blessing to you!!

All Along:

Time just drifts away and as I look back on the years, memories of happiness and bitter tears. Through it all there was a common thread that cannot be ignored. You were there teaching me to be Your servant, Lord.

All along, God's hand has been guiding me, shaping my life to be a beautiful song.
All along, He's led me through things that He knew would make me strong.
Christ's love has been there all along...

Every joy and pain have a reason of its own, now I realize that I was not alone.
The changing seasons of my life were not left up to chance. Lord, I know You were working to fulfill Your plan.
All along, Your hand has been guiding me, shaping my life to be a beautiful song.

All along, God's hand has been guiding me, shaping my life to be a beautiful song.
All along, He's led me through things that He knew would make me strong.
Christ's love has been there all along...

Tomorrow when I turn around and I look back at today, I will understand Your purpose and my thankful heart will say...

All along, God's hand has been guiding me, shaping my life to be a beautiful song.
All along, He's led me through things that He knew would make me strong.
Christ's love has been there all along...

By: Rebecca J Peck and Mark Lanier 

{Elizabeth}

-Bent out of shape-

Even though injustice and mistreatment is a part of life, I get bent out of shape when I'm mistreated. 

My only hope to get "unbent" is to mediate on the attitude of Christ. 

Philippians 2:5-8 

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not to robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

Being God, he was called the devil. 

Being loving, He was hated. 

Being innocent, He was crucified. 

Being King of Kings, He became a servant. 

Being blameless, He took our blame. 

Being sinless, He took our sin. 

If Christ can be so mistreated, so disrespected and treated so worthless.... If Christ can can go thru such mistreatment, I can surely get over my mistreatment which is not near how he was treated. 

There's a song that goes like this:

{He turned the other cheek, in a spirit quiet and meek. As a sheep before her shearer, so was he. 

And by holding back his strength, He was anything but weak. 

Just as Isaiah said He'd do, He turned the other cheek}

Matthew 5:39 

"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." 

Matthew 5:44 

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" 

God bless! 

     {Miera Noel}

**The LORD is my Shepherd**

The LORD is my shepherd;
        Perfect Saviour 

I shall not want.
       Perfect Salvation

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
       Perfect Rest

He leadeth me beside the still waters.
       Perfect Refreshment

He restoreth my soul:
       Perfect Restoration

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
      Perfect Guidance

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
      Perfect Protection 

For thou art with me;
       Perfect Company

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
        Perfect Comfort

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
        Perfect Provision

Thou anointest my head with oil;
        Perfect Consecration

My cup runneth over.
        Perfect Joy 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
        Perfect Care

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
        Perfect Destiny

~Author Unknown~

God Bless!! :)

{*Elizabeth*}

-Serving-

Do you ever get so caught up serving you forget why you're serving? Who you're serving? I have. I get like Martha.... 

Martha was known as a hospitable homemaker. She always took care of her company and served them best she could. She believed in Jesus with growing faith. She had a strong desire to do everything right. Martha was a great person!! But, as always, there are strengths and weaknesses in a person. 

Martha's weakness was mixing up her priorities. She got too busy with serving, small details, and trying to get everyone to agree with her priorities, she ended up neglecting her guest.... Jesus. 

(I get like that sometimes.)

Are you so busy doing things for Christ that you're not spending any time with him? 

Don't let your service become self-serving. 

Don't get so distracted and so focused on the work that you don't have time to fellowship with the Lord. 

Jesus did not blame Martha for being concerned with household chores. He was only asking her to set priorities. 

Service to Christ can degenerate into mere busywork that is totally devoid of devotion to God. 

There is a proper time to listen to Jesus and a proper time to work for him. 

God Bless Y'all! :) 

      {Miera Noel} 

~Be the Moon, Reflect the Son~

I saw a sign the other day that said, "Be the moon and reflect the Son," and I thought it would make an excellent thought for a blog post.

First, let us think about some of the sun's characteristics.

• The sun provides light in the dark.
• The sun allows us to clearly see.
• There would be no life without the sun. 
• The sun is available to the entire world for free; (nobody has to pay for the sun.)

That's great, now let's look at some of the Son's characteristics.

• He provides light in the dark. (John 1:5)
• He enables us to see things more clearly; (John 9:39)
• We cannot have eternal life without Him. (John 1:4)
• He is available to the entire world, for free. (John 3:16)

Our job is not to be the light for people. Jesus was the light, the only light they need. Our job is to simply reflect that light in the darkness of this world. That is the light that people need to see. (Matthew 5:16 and Acts 13:47)

The moon will never be as bright as the sun, just like we will never be as bright as the Son. Remember that light is obvious. We know when something is lit up, especially in the dark. (As a matter of fact, the darker it is, the more obvious light should be.)
The darker this world gets, the more obvious our light should be.
The question is, what will you do with the light of Christ? Are you reflecting His light? Are you hiding it under a bushel?
Get your shine on :)

I pray this helped you in some way!
{*Elizabeth*}

-Why We Don't Give Up-

Perseverance, persistence, the prize! The Christian life was never promised to be an easy way to live; instead, Paul constantly reminds us that we must have a purpose and a plan because times will be difficult and satan will attack. But We never persevere without the promise of a prize- a promise God will keep. 

[1 Corinthians 9:24-27] 

The purpose: run to get the prize. 

The plan: discipline your body, training it. 

The prize: an eternal prize. 

[Galatians 6:7-10]

The purpose: run with purpose in every step. 

The plan: live to please the Spirit.   

The prize: everlasting life. 

[Ephesians 6:10-20]

The purpose: don't get tired of doing good. 

The plan: use every piece of Gods armor to resist the enemy. 

The prize: still standing firm after the battle. 

[Philippians 3:12-14] 

The purpose: don't give up. 

The plan: forget the past; press on to reach the end of the race. 

The prize: the heavenly prize for which God calls you. 

[2 Timothy 2:1-13]

The purpose: preach and teach the good news. 

The plan: endure suffering as a soldier, and don't get tied up in worldly affairs.

The prize: we will live with Christ; we will reign with Him.  

{Miera Noel}

Think Before You Speak

Is it True? - Proverbs 8:7, Proverbs 12:19
Is it Helpful? -1 Thessalonians 5:11
Is it Important?- Proverbs 15:4, Psalms 119:172
Is it Necessary? -Proverbs 21:23, 1 Peter 3:10
Is it Kind? -Proverbs 31:26, Psalms 34:13

We can use our tongues in many different ways. Everyday we have to CHOOSE whether we want to use it for good or bad. The Bible has a LOT to say on the tongue, so it's obviously important, right? Your words affect people more than your actions. James 3:5-6 says "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." 

So, what are we using our tongue for? We can use our tongue to discourage, lie, gossip, hurt people, backbite, or show anger and displeasure...OR we can use it to encourage, comfort, Praise God, and tell others about Jesus Christ.
We need to purpose in our heart to use our tongue to Glorify God. Psalms 35:28 says "And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long."

I hope this was in some way a blessing to you!
         {<Elizabeth>}

-Love-

Valentine's Day is approaching fast. Loves in the air, and everyone is thinking of that special someone in their life. There are some great love stories I've heard and some I've witnessed. 

But I have a favorite I would like to share...

When I think love, I think of a man who was bruised, bleeding, torn, suffering, and broken. Nails pierced through his hands and feet into a cross. A crown of thorns pushed on his head, tearing, and ripping the flesh. They tore him of his garments. They spat on him and smote him. They mocked his name. He was stricken, despised, and rejected. This man was completely abused and beaten.... And he did it all for me. 

That is love. 

Jesus went through the most horrific torment just to save me and you. He knew others would reject him. He knew others wouldn't want to accept his free gift offer. Yet he did it anyways. 

Isaiah 53:5 

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

His love for me is a love indescribable!  He knew I'd mess up, he knew I would fail him, he knew I would make mistakes, he knew where'd Id been... Still he loved me anyways. He picks me up when I fall, he forgives me when I mess up, he helps me when I make mistakes. He loves me!

Romans 5:8 

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 

I'm so thankful for the love of Christ!!!

                  {Miera Noel}

Press On

Today I thought I'd share one of my favorite songs with you! :) I hope it encourages you as it did me! 

Press On 
Seems like every other day
We see someone slip away
From the paths of righteousness and truth
But we must keep pressing on
Till the fight down here is won
There's a crown of life awaiting you!

Chorus:
Press on! Heaven's not so far away
Press on! To the everlasting land of endless day
Press on! Through the power of God's amazing grace.
The time is drawing nigh
To bid this world goodbye.
Very soon we'll see our Saviour face to face.

There are times I'm feeling down
Seems I'm often losing ground
In the battle of life from day to day
But my loved ones who have died
Echo hope from the other side
And it seems I can almost hear them say:

God Bless!!! 

  {*Elizabeth*}

-Beauty-

Okay.... 

Beauty. When I think beauty the first thing that comes to mind is appearance. 

As awful as it is, that's what comes to my mind. (I'm working on it, okay? ;p) 

If you know me even the smallest bit, you know I am all about the big hair and hairspray, and I'm a firm believer in mascara. (I have crazy little eyes, yall.) 

But today I wanna look past the foundation and eyeshadow. Sure those things are nice, and it's okay to wear makeup. 

But I wanna go deeper. I wanna look at real beauty. What's on the inside. 

I myself have a problem being more concerned about my outward appearance and looking acceptable for others, rather than looking on the inside and being acceptable in Christ's eyes. 

And really, unless you're a lady, you don't know how difficult it can be sometimes living in a world that constantly tells you to better yourself in your looks and appearance. You see girls walking down the street looking like a magazine, and have perfect everything. Including plenty of guys to choose from. While you're sitting there with a messy bun (not the cute kind) and a hoodie on looking like a hobo running to Joanns to do something crafty like an old single lady. 

It's hard yall. H a r d. 

You just wanna go give them all your baby fat and see how they like it. Haha!

Well have you ever wondered why guys like that girl? She's pretty. Skinny. Who wouldn't right? But no amount of makeup can hide an ugly heart or attitude. Those girls attract those guys cause that's all they care about. And those guys only care about her physical appearance. 

We don't really wanna be that girl. 

So today lets talk real beauty.

What does Christ see when he sees you?

Is all you have pretty hair, when you should have a pure mind? 

{Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8}

Is all you have pretty lipstick, when you should have kind words?

{Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14 

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. Proverbs 15:1-2} 

Is all you have a gorgeous bag, when you should have a giving heart? 

{Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him him; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7}

Are more worried about having pretty nails, than having helping hands?

{She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20} 

Are you too busy trying to fit in, rather than stand out?

{Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:13-14} 

These are just a few things, the list goes on and on. I wanna strive to be beautiful on the inside, and pleasing to my Lord. 

The Lord doesn't look at our outside appearance, he looks on our heart. {1Samuel 16:7} 

So...

What does Christ see when he sees you?

God Bless! 

    •Miera Noel•

Have a Vision

Are we asking God every day to use us? God has a purpose for our life!! We need to have a vision, have a focus! Our Church recently had a missionary to Malawi, Africa come through, and he preached on having a vision for the Lord. It really helped me and I wanted to share a couple things with you...

                        Jeremiah 1:1-15

1) See something- have a vision. 

2) Set out to get it- don't just sit there and daydream about it. You won't get anywhere just thinking and talking about it. Put it into action. 

3) Select some help- know that you can't do it alone. 

4) Sacrifice and pay the price- "Do your giving while you're living, so you know where it's going" 

Luke 6:38a "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." 

5) Stick with it until the job is complete- Don't be a quitter. Keep with it. Don't stop until you drop. 

6) Saturate it with Prayer- 1 Thessalonians 5:17. 

I pray this helped you in some way as it did me! God bless!! 

    {<Elizabeth>}