Hebrews Chapter 12: Whew, what a lesson!

So, a good friend of mine was giving me his Christian expertise and insight into a problem I was having with patience. He guided me to Hebrews chapter 12 and, believe me, I GOT THE MESSAGE! If I may paraphase God's holy Word: It basically said that if Jesus can face horrendous opposition and sacrifice his body to abuse, pain, and finally death....we don't really have a lot that we can seriously complain about, do we? A little patience with the things we don't understand and the annoyances in our lives seems perfectly appropriate. God's will WILL be done and we are just too human to see the big picture. God is the alpha and the omega..He was present at the beginning and is now and will come again (Revelation 1:8)....we are only here for a very short period of time and wouldn't have a better perspective than Him, huh? Food for thought! It sure helped me this week! Thank God for friends.

Satan is Like a Football Coach

What an analogy! I heard this analogy recently: Satan watches us, studies us, tries to find our weaknesses just like an opposing football team. If we don't play a little defense, we can be overcome in a heartbeat and Satan goes to patting himself on the back. When we feel guilt, obsession, self-pity or selfishness...Satan is watching and ready to make his play. BUT...we can play a little offense, too! The Bible tells us if we command Satan to go away, he HAS to go! (James 4:7) Isn't that refreshing?! Stand strong in your faith this weekend and pray constantly that you may hear God's strategy plan in your ear! It's the Heaven's Heroes against the Satan Snakes...and I've got my bets on the Lord! AMEN!

So, this isn't original, but I heard it on 91.1fm this morning and thought it was too good not to share! The preacher told a story of a little boy who was asking a bodybuilder how his muscles got so big. The bodybuilder replied that he spent hours and hours lifting weights. The boy asked, "And what can you with your muscles?" The bodybuilder responded, "Well, it's easier to show you," and began flexing his muscles in various poses. The boy was quiet...and then said, "So, you spend hours and hours building your muscles just to pose for other people?"
The preacher tied this in to his message, stating that he hoped we did not "go to church, read Bible verses, join in charity functions, etc. just to pose for other people." What food for thought!! Spend the rest of your day working to give back to God!

Have a Little Faith

Lance and I (Jennifer) just finished reading "Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom, and we highly recommend it! It is a short book, only 247 pgs on small pages, but is filled to the brim with inspiration and insight for our spiritual lives. It is a true story of the author, who is asked by his childhood rabbi to write his eulogy. This story draws Christians, Jews, and all religions into harmony with each other. I'm sorry to admit this, but I normally don't care to read a book where the author is a different religion than me. I usually wouldn't give it a chance. I have enjoyed all of Mitch Albom's books (he is the author of Tuesdays with Morrie), and I'm telling you, this book is NOT about religion, it's about FAITH. FAITH of two men that are completely different and yet just as strong in their faith about God. It's moving and I hope you'll love it as much as we did! I plan on letting a friend borrow the book this week, but if you are interested in borrowing it...let me know! They also have it a Wal-Mart. As you go into this week, have a little faith that God is going to take care of you if you'll only let him in the driver's seat. LOVE from us!!

Our sanctuary for Christmas, Jesus' birthday...it was so beautiful! Hope you loved it, too, Jesus!

Nell Hard: a woman with the love of Christ and church burning bright in her heart. A true enthusiast of God!

Hmmm...food for thought

The Bible that is falling apart belongs to someone who isn't.

New Year's Resolution: Let's devote more time to God's Word this year instead of focusing on our own. Guaranteed to be life-changing.