By no means am I the only one to write on this topic, and yes it is after Thanksgiving, but as we are told in the Bible, “we are to the thankful at all times” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

I cannot say with full certainty how anyone is or has been doing during 2020. Though we share in words and delight in various exchanges, I, being a human myself, know how much a person can hide within themselves, their true and solo pains. Not that this is inherently bad, just in a year that is already whack-a-doodle, I (myself) don’t want to add to people’s burdens, with something that perhaps is fleeting within my own mind space.

Alas, in month 10 of quarantine and the final month of 2020, which sidebar: the jokes that hindsight is 20/20 and that 20/20 is excellent vision seems just downright ridiculous considering the year; I think I have been the most consistently thankful to God that I have ever been. Though days are repetitive and sometimes so are my prayers, I end this year seeing things a whole lot different than how it started. God provides for us so much that we truly don’t need but want in order to make our lives “better” or “more comfortable”, but what value do things have when there are people who aren’t going to spend forever with the Trinity?

A downside of so many repetitive days has brought an invasion of my mind focused on past failings for sure. Not just I, but my husband and my mother have had to struggle with things from the collective years of our lives coming into our memory, taunting us, and reminding us of sins long forgiven. What I focus on when those times come is a simple truth, without the mighty hand of God, I would not have made it through. I am thankful for Him sparing my life and leading me to this time and place, albeit not ideal by normal standards. There was a time when I longed to be around my mother, to get to spend time with her as death has always seem to hang over her, but God in His mercy has granted us time together. Well her story from start to what will one day be her end if nothing but a testimony to God, but it is not the time for me to go into that now. 

But in this time of Covid, continued times of lock-downs, isolations, and whatever else may come (because really can we ever even go back to life like before?), open yourself up to see what all God truly has done FOR you instead of all that we have had to seemingly “give up” for the sake of saving others physical lives. Ask Him to show you what you can do for Him, for His kingdom in this season of the world, or in preparation for whatever lies around the next turn the world takes. Remembering that you, being a child of God, are ultimately safe and secure, for it is written:

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and
they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father,
who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
I and the Father are one.”
John 10:27-30 (NIV)

If you are not yet counted as one of His sheep (bka saved aka reborn), but want to know more information you can find it here.

If you need prayer or someone to talk to, there is someone waiting to speak to you (you can text or call): 1-877-800-PRAY

Peace, love, and blessings to you through our Savior, Jesus Christ. 💙

Though the election is over and the next president has been set (Kamala and Biden did give quite the hopeful announcement address last night), I wanted to share this message, Policies, Persons, and Paths to Ruin, by John Piper. Though I mailed in my ballot in mid-October, it speaks in ways that I cannot, why I too didn't choose either of the two mainline candidates when I put forth my vote for President. The message is still relevant for now and in the future, may you read it with an open heart and mindset upon the Lord, His Word, and His kingdom. 

Please, love, and blessings to you, through our Savior, Jesus Christ! 💙

The prophet Jeremiah, whose writings are quoted in snippets all over social media, had this full doctrine charge to say, well not he, but the Lord God used him to speak these words to the people (Judah), but is very applicable to us today. It establishes who we, the people are, in relation to a Holy and just God. One that is above our ways (Isaiah 55:8), yet we try to put Him in a box of our own design. 

This is one of the many places that bring up the deceit of humankind and our feeble see-saw nature. Examples are shown through-out the Bible, from Cain and Able to the Israelite nation wondering 40 years, to Judas. We are born into a fallen world and therefore born into sin. You don’t have to teach a child how to lie, it is a trait that we, as humans, seem to just pick up. Unchecked emotions and selfish-nature can cause “the best of us” to do something we would not have normally done in a clear headspace, and no one can deny it. Henceforth a “temporary insanity plea” would not even exist. Right?

This is one of the things that keep people from accepting the truth of the gospel. You/me/we may be considered good to a world around us and un-needing of a savior, but what does “being good” look like to this world, in our current time or place, when there is so much backwards in our society that is openly tolerated (abortion, racial injustice, the mockery of God, etc)?

We are not holy on our own accord, only the Trinity is, and He (the Father) sent His Son (Jesus Christ) to Earth (100% man, 100% God) to make a way back, so that He (the Father) might look upon us a holy (Hebrews 10:10).

The law was originally given to the Jewish people to set them apart and reveal their sins. The first of those laws, the Ten Commandments were given as an original moral guideline, since cultures were engulfed in ungodly practices, witchcraft, child sacrifices, and the list goes on.

When I look at my own life, I can see how even I allowed the good and evil switch to take hold at times, it always starts out small at first, but can have a nasty grasp if left unaddressed.

Do I say *awesome humans* and mean it? I do, we were all handcrafted and created by God, the same God that stitched together the universe, but we are in desperate need of a Savior to be reconciled back to Him.  

Do I say this to *trigger and upset you*? I write it in hope that if there is anyone whoever reads this that doesn’t have a personal relationship with Abba Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit of God, that it might lead them to that choice. Or strengthen believers in their own walk with the Trinity. There is so much false doctrine going around, and it is very important that we search the scriptures ourselves, and ask God for wisdom and guidance. 

The Bible is not all sunshine and roses, and yes, God is Love, but let us not forget about His plan, which does include all who oppose Him being sent to an eternal, never-ending, tormenting fire for all eternity. 

This is serious business and I do not know how much time any of us have left, but today is a great day, to accept Jesus Christ into your life, as King, Lord, and Savior, and start your own communion with the Trinity.

Love, peace, and blessings to you through the Savior, Jesus Christ. 💙

If you never read anything else ever on this blog, I urge to at least listen to this message, “Jesus Rose From The Dead .. So What?” by Michael Youssef. It is one of the best teachings I have ever listened to.

Seriously.

Ever.

I urge you to check it out, it is less than 30 minutes, and I can assure you that you will be blessed by the words, the truth of the message that is never changing, and all powerful.

Check out the sermon on LTW's website here.

Corresponding verses are as follows ->

1 Corinthians 15:1-9 (The Resurrection of Christ)
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day pin accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Dear Reader -
May you be blessed with the fulness of the presence of the Holy Spirit as you go through-out your days. May you stand firm in the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ alone, and be fearless in your efforts to make Him know to all. In Jesus name ♥

[Person] Hi.
[Me] Hi, do you know God loves you?
[Person] So how are you doing?
[Me]I am well, yourself? Do you know that Jesus died and rose again, so that you might be reconciled back to the Father?
[Person] The weather sure has been crazy.
[Me] It has, do you know that we are all going to end up in one of two places, either heaven or hell?
[Person] Well, it was nice talking to you.
[Me] Likewise, just be sure to be on the watch, have you noticed no one really talks about the antichrist anymore?

Though this is not based on an actual conversation, it is one that portrays how I feel as of late aka ALL I WANT TO DO IS TALK ABOUT FATHER, SON and SPIRIT! Why? Because there is a world around us struggling, going buck wild if we are to get a little 90’s up on here and the TRINITY is WORTHY TO BE PRAISED!

I turned 30 in January, and honestly, I am a little shocked I made it this far. Did I test some boundaries along the way? Yes. May I test some boundaries in the future? Perhaps. #WorkInProgress Yet, I will say that this year has been the best one yet, and that is all due to the Father, and He alone is also the reason I am still here upon this planet. Never did I think I would be any way sort of evangelical, and I am keen to not use that word now, but I heard a message (paraphrased below) within the past few months and it just stuck with me.

If you had the cure for cancer, wouldn’t you share it with the world? Then why, are we as believers, who know the remedy to CURE the SOUL for ALL ETERNITY so apt to keep it to ourselves?

Well?

The speaker followed up with the notion of us being fearful, but ….

So, I am inclined to think about the disciples .. about Paul .. of all the believers (missionaries, preachers, teachers, etc)  in the past 2,000 years .. all is required of us is to be willing to be used for His kingdom .. God will handle the rest. 

In what seems to be, at the time of it happening, an almost crippling blow to my psyche  (perhaps I am the only one), I have been known to (on occasion) not pick the right choice when it comes to a pitfall area. Of course, this could be a thought-process, an action or just a simple phrase, but it is sort of “thorn in the side” that we all carry with us (something we struggle/have struggled with in our lives or a pattern per say).

So I feel a bit stick on stupid when I realize what I allowed to play out. Something I may have had “under control” (with God’s help) for months or even years, but a situation presents itself, if which a part of me (perhaps even realizing it) says “let’s just see where this goes”. Of course with all choices, there is always an after effect. It may be nothing tangible, just something that sticks in your memory bank, but nonetheless are we not glad that God’s mercies renew every morning (Lamentations 3:23) and that we know – that He knows – we are not perfect (Romans 3:23)?

I am.

Likewise, I am grateful that He is always apt to forgive us (1 John 1:9) and very much thankful for the correction and help with the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). You see, over the past few months I have really began to understand how God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8), and what is labeled as “right vs wrong” in society does not always line up with “right vs wrong” in God’s eyes (Ephesians 6:12). So it is important to look toward Him for the answers, rather than the people around you.

This world would have you believe that some people are more deserving than others, that those who have the most wealth are the better man/woman, that you should seek to cast out those who are in need of help (various forms), that you should look out solely for yourself and  a host of other things. However, each of the ones mentioned here are directly in contradiction to what the Bible says.

Jesus himself was an outcast, labeled from some as a loon, who sought to break down on all of the barriers of class within society walls, who sought and wanted nothing more than to please His [the] Father and share the message of truth to all those who would listen.

So in the same token of being stuck on stupid to your own devices, don’t be stuck on the stupid of this world aka Satan’s playground. Regardless of where you were born, how you were raised or what you have done/experienced that may make you feel like some sort of rag-a-muffin, you were created with a divine purpose by God Almighty and He wants nothing more than to see you accomplish what you are meant to.  

As I have said it before and won’t quit saying it, we are all beautiful, special and loved.

One day this world … all of our trials/pain … we won’t even remember, so may we each do our part sharing the TRUTH, so that we might all be together in eternity, peaceful + pleasant and praising the King.   

“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth, ”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelations 21:1-4

Now, I'd like you to check out this track, a musical melody that just radiates this message in a personal way we can all appreciate/relate to. Try to listen and not feel a little tug-tug on your heart strings (aka it's not possible), ONE CREATION:ONE FAMILY:ONE LOVE! 

!Happy Sunday Everyone! 

(or happy –insert whatever day you are reading this-)

In thanks to the prompting of a Veggie Tales story, I found myself taking a gander at a place I haven’t been in a while [aka the Old Testament]. Of course there are a few verses, here and there, and everyone loves the Proverbs and the Psalms, but sure before the free salvation offered through Jesus Christ came, things were a bit different, so yes the old testament can seem a bit “rough” at times. However, it is in the roughness we find how God really can move!

What am I on about you ask? Well, let me share a little story of truth and awesomeness with you.

So Joshua led the Israelites after Moses died (Moses wasn’t allowed to see the Promised Land because he disobeyed God and hit the rock more times than God said, so unfortunately he had to pass on before they made it there  - no fear though He is rocking it in heaven). The first place they came upon was Jericho (as you read Joshua you learn that God gave them many kingdoms aside from this initial one), however this land, which God had given to His Chosen People, just so happened to be within and in a stone wall casing. Of chose the people of Jericho weren’t just going to hand over their city, so what where the Israelites to do?  Well, Joshua asked and God answered in the form of a heavenly messenger.

Very specific instructions were given to the whom, the line order and such, but to sum up for 7 days the Israelites where to go around the city, on the 7^th day they were to go around the city 7 times and during the last go around sound your trumpets and when you hear that everyone yell and the city shall be yours.  It sounds a little too good to be true right? It wasn’t, Joshua and the Israelites did has God had commanded and the walls came tumbling on down. The city was theirs for the taking. By taking however, God had strict rules over this. Everything was to be burn (Less Rahab and her family to protecting the spies), the silver and gold was to be collected and put in the house of the Lord.

However, this is not exactly where the story ends. You see, although God had brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, parted the red sea before their very eyes, provided them manna from the heavens to eat during their years of wandering the desert (in an estimated like 7 mile radius because they kept disobey God) and though they had all just seem a miraculous task done, someone disobeyed God and stole some of the precious metals for their own. Alas, when this was discovered (through the Israelites being beaten by a smaller army when they went to take over the next “kingdom” and Joshua petitioning of the reason to God) the man and his entire family was stoned and burned to death.

Points of reference:
God can do anything, He will perform great miracles for You in order for His kingdom to be glorified.
Even if what God tells you to do sounds a little crazy, pay no attention He knows what He is doing.
Do not disobey God, though we have the free redemption through Jesus Christ (aka can you imagine in this day and age if you had to slaughter a firstborn lamb for all your sins?), that does not give us a license to act as we will. This wrath that is shown here is likened to that which will be for those who do not accept Jesus as savior. We preach that God is a God of love, and this is true, but there will come a time, where-as God’s wrath will be poured out and the One who came and died for us will hand out judgments.

Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for giving us Your holy word as instruction, as a guide in which we might read – meditate upon and share with others, so we might have a better understanding of You, Your will and what this all is about. Though not everyone believes in You, we know the truth, that there are one of two places that each man will end up at, heaven or hell. We pray for everyone, from our loved ones to the people we do not know, that they one day embrace the truth of Salvation. Mend our broken hearts, broken bodies, broken minds and fill us with a peace that only You can provide. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen. 

SiC!

So, who would be your favorite biblical person (aside from Jesus of course)? Mine would have to be Paul, of course if you have read some of the other devotionals or have been reading for a while, you may have picked up on that or even seen me say it before.  Hooray repeating and consistency!

Continuing on, while browsing upon the great social network invention Pinterest I saw a pin which was most disheartening to me. It read “Your God-fearing Facebook updates do not cause me to forget the godless –bleep- you were in high school”.  Ouch. Well someone woke up on the wrong side of life when they wrote that. Thank goodness that God doesn’t hold onto hatred like that or we’d all be doomed eh? Of course, dear person who wrote this, I am going on a limb and say you aren’t a God-fearing person now or you wouldn’t be showing hate like that on someone anyways. So, prays for you and all the people who ripped it along the way. 

So was I personally a “Godless” anything during high school? Nope not really (but I didn't have no halo over my head either), but I mean I can say without a doubt my walk now is stronger than it was back then (and common sense), so with all that one becomes a different person over time (with all the great additional ups and downs of life thrown in). Yet why must we remember things in ourselves and others that God has forgotten and that should be (us) /is (God) forgiven? Insert pseudo psychological evaluation but it is some sadistic means of torture I think, we already know that the evil one can play nasty tricks with our mind (bringing up memories we’d rather keep buried) and when he can’t win (or even when he does) at succeeding to cave into our torment, he extends our gaze to those around us. THIS is why I like Paul, time and time again, if God can love + use for His glory + betterment of ALL mankind a super mega killer of believers than ANYONE can be forgiven of what they have done / may do.  BAM! 

So yes, you may have lied with every movement of your tongue or had an adulterous span or you may have cheated someone out of money or even killed someone (or any of number of things you can think of), but guess what … you haven’t done ANYTHING that is too far out of reach that the GRACE OF GOD cannot find you and FORGIVE you for YOUR SINS if you believe.  And once they are washed away, they are done. You are made WHITE AS SNOW and God does not remember your transgressions. 

That’s truth. So let go and let God; not only of your own transgressions, but others as well. We live in a world that is FILLED with hate, what we need is a whole lot of PURE, TRUE, UNCHANGING LOVE for one another up in this space.

Be You. Be Beautiful. Be Love.

Now check the tunes (please) ->

Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to you tonight and THANK YOU for forgiveness. We deserve not on our accord, but through the death and resurrection of Your son, the Perfect One, Jesus Christ. By whom alone ALL men come to You or they don’t come at all. May You remove the hatred from our hearts, minds and lives Father. Fill us with peace, love and understanding. Have us act towards others, as You act towards us. We thank You for all things. In Jesus name, ><>

SiC <3

I suppose it has been about a month since I have given an official update to the happenings of *LoveIs*, so I am happy to report that people are still getting fed both physically and spiritually.

What’s up with the lack of details you may be asking? Well that is just something I am dealing with in my own thoughts as I never want to relay information and have it come off as flashy, prideful or what-have-you as all things that are accomplished are by God alone (and He knows what all is being done). My want is solely for His love to be shared and to be able to continuously help (and encounter) more people (I seek no personal recognition). However, I will continue to post photos and updates on occasion just not the weekly in-depth recap that was happening as of previous (for now). However, if you are curious on an individual level, feel free to contact me and we can chat about it!

Many thanks to the rather large donation of female clothing that has been handed off to Mercy Community Church, as well as the toys and other items which were given to the Atlanta Union Mission. Should you have anything such as clothing, toys, etc (in the GA area) and don’t know what to do with them, I will happily find a home for them!  

So what else has been in my thoughts as of late concerning the ministry? This quote from Mother Teresa (should the internet prove reliable when it comes to such), “Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.” What a powerful thought if one puts it into actual practice, not just for those “in need”, but everyone. Would you yell at Jesus? Would you slander Jesus? Would you roll your eyes at Jesus? Well, surely some people would (as there was an entire group that agreed He should be sentenced to death - man, mob mentality super sucks), but yet I would say that vast majority of people would not. So the next time someone is annoying you or you have some unjustified negative thought about someone you see across a room or (especially if) even if you see someone in need, take a second glance, replace their face with the face of the Perfect One and see what takes hold.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’  

They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. ”

Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV)

SiC <3 

It was either Andy Stanley or Tony Nolan who once tweeted something along the lines of, “teach from your own shortcomings and you will never run out of material”. How true this statement is! During Memorial weekend I said to my mother, “I feel if someone has read my devotionals through-out the years, then they know me. I can recall the exact feeling - the experience which was about when I reread past writings that led me to share such. I have never much been one for outright personal testimonies, but in their own right, the writings are such”.

To God be the glory.

Without the recollection of Paul’s testimonies and life changing experience, I feel in part I would be a different person. Commonly I speak and write of him as a leading example of God’s true forgiveness and grace, remarking to how if one can make a complete 180 from mass hunting and killing Christians to living on the run FOR God, who are we to say we cannot be used? Right? Even David, who was truly the apple of God’s eye, made a very bad choice one day and allowed lust to shatter his focus, yet God still loved him and did not just throw him out with the tide. Jesus befriended a prostitute and saved her from death, as it is here He remarked, “Ye without sin, cast the first stone”.

Through the Bible we are taught of God’s grace, love and sufficient nature for our lives. We see examples of people “like us”, who stumble and fall, yet are again redeemed or not, depending upon their ultimate choice (repentance or continuation).  We are given an example by the upmost High, who came in the form of a little baby boy, to how which we might live, love and honor God. Yet how many of us actually spend time reading the word of God? If you believe, like I know to be truth, the book is more than just stories and words upon a page; it is the handpicked and chosen collection, straight from God. We spend countless hours on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, G+, YouTube and various other sites, while reading one or two verses (or even a chapter) of the Bible before bed and count it a job well done.

WRONG.

Is God a different God from the time of David, Paul and Mary? No, but we are different “children”. Where as the one thing they cherished, spending time with God, meditating on His word, we seem to have traded it in for … well, an idol in the form of electronic entertainment and vapid information.

Of course you may be saying, “Well Hollie, aren’t you in fact on the majority of the sites listed and are you  not in fact posting on an online blog”? Yep, truth to be told and let me just say don’t think something I write isn’t applied back to me in some fashion (henceforth the start of this entry), nor did I say “burn all the computers, iPhones and PS3’s”, keep calm and read on.

So how do we become more like David – Paul – Mary and Jesus in our insta-age? It’s simple; literally allot more of your time to God. Sure, you may work a combined 9 hour day including getting grub … perhaps pop your headphones in and listen to some sermons, read the Bible on your lunch break … likewise to and from work put on some Godly tunes (might I suggest the new The Hurt & The Healer CD by MercyMe, it is amazing) and get your vocal praise on … turn off the computer, video game, etc for an hour at home and straight up read and meditate upon the word of God, keep a prayer journal or even wake up a few minutes early to start your day off by reading some of the “good book”. Do you know that there are people that read the entire Bible (yes, entire Bible) every year? Heck, I am twenty eight years old – have been reading the Bible since I was a tot and I don’t even know if I have read every verse there is in there. Of course, those are just some of my own starter suggestions, surely if you start with one God will begin to lead you with all He would have you to do. :)

Whatever you feed will grow, whatever you starve will die.

Dear Father,
Thank You for giving us Your word, that it might bring in us wisdom, contentment and peace. May You bring upon an awakening of Your people Lord. May we see where we are, where You have brought us from and where this world is headed. May we read and study Your word so that we might know Your promises and may we CLING to them. We are sorry Father God for putting things in front of You, filling our lives with things “of the world”, instead of giving due focus on Your will for our lives. We pray for the peace of Israel Father and for all those who are (and will be) persecuted because of Your name. In the name of Yeshua, ><>

SiC <3

So the stage has been set ….

One day long ago someone (or more than one someone) hurt you and while you have in your heart have sincerely forgive said people(s), to be around them is not your first idea of fun. Yet, a circumstance has presented itself where-as the aforementioned are linked to a happening of some significance and your presence is required. What perchance do you do? Well, if you are like me, initially you may have an emotional panic attack, retorting inwardly (or to a confidant) that your appearance should be requested, not demanded – that you are an adult now and don’t have to take orders from no [bleep] one except God, all the while you see-saw in your head-space about how unfair the whole situation is. Yet, then you realize exactly what thoughts are going through your head. Valid, very valid … no one can make you do anything you wish not to do, so what will you do?

 You, if like me, proceed to carry forth as with this crossroad as with all decisions in your life (or at least you try to) and you talk it over with God. It never will cease to amaze me how speaking to God eases one being, communing with the Father, the creator of all things truly does bring things into perspective.

So you ask yourself, not what would Jesus do, but what DID Jesus do …
Jesus, the Son of God, taught, traveled and ate with, even washed the feet of, the man who was set to betray Him and hand Him over to be crucified. Jesus never showed anything but love to Judas.  

Ouch, conviction eh?

So now you may be saying to yourself, He is the Son of God though, how can I even begin to do the same? (As this part was given to me after my own revelation of the above from wise counsel), by means just as Paul wrote about his when referring to his “thorn of the flesh” that God would not remove.

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

So what does this mean? It means that the GRACE of the Almighty is ALL that is NEEDED for ANY and EVERYTHING we must encounter, that means sickness, broken hearts, imprisonment, showing compassion to those that have wronged us, etc … 

We have all read the verses, now we must just start living the word – we must have faith that what we read, speak and teach is true. We have been called to be a light unto a broken world (which is on a rapid spiral down into the uttermost pits of decay).

Do not lose heart though friend, family member in the kingdom of Jesus Christ – should there be a time (or times) in which you stumble; we are all works in progress in this lifetime!

Dear Heavenly Father – We thank You so very much for giving us Your word, for allowing us to hear and read the stories of the saints that have gone before us. For allowing us so much knowledge into who You are and who You want us to be. Allow us to grow stronger in You Lord. Allow us to rid ourselves of any malice we have toward other people and show everyone the same love in which You have shown us. In the name of the Perfect One, Jesus Christ, ><>

SiC <3

Have you ever had a moment, just a brief snippet of time in which you wonder, “Does God really got this?” It perhaps may come (most often) in a time during unseasonable weather in your life, it may be just a passing thought or to some it may dwell in the mind for hours or days. What do you do if you find yourself in this slump to get yourself out? Redirect your thinking and boldly proclaim that God is STILL in control in the name of Jesus, and those thoughts will flee from you. I know from experience however, sometimes it is easier said than done, so below is a cliff note (if you will) of some biblical examples to where God had it; and if He had it way back then, had it all of your life, had it enough to wake you up this morning, then He surely will have it still in the future (since He is never changing, after all). J

Sarah, wife of Abraham, who was promised a child by God (initially in Genesis 15, again in 18), but got impatient, so had her maidservant give birth to a child (chapter 16), only to ->
“And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken, For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham was a hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.” Genesis 21:1-2

Moses and the freed Israelites, being chased by some less than happy Egyptians, came upon a body of water ->

“And Moses stretched out his hand over the seal and the Lord causes the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on the right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and His horseman. And the Lord said unto Moses, stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” Exodus 14:21-23, 26

David, being just a youngling, was charged to fight in some face to face combat with a Philistine giant names Goliath ->
“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou has defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee and I will give the carcasses to the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And David put this hand in his bag, and took thence a strong, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead and he fell upon his face to the Earth.” 1 Samuel 17:45-46,49

Job, a man who had it all, lost it all and got a lot more after all ->
“But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse the to they face. [Jobs sons, daughters, livestock, etc were all wiped out] Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground and worshiped, and said Naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord give and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. [Job took on some physical ailments of unsightly proportions, a lot of conversation with friends, a lot of chatting with God over a significant time span] And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friend; also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 1:11,20-22;42:10

The Savior of the World through a little virgin girl and the helper in which we delight in ->
“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary they wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall the light of life. Jesus sayeth unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you of things to come.” Matthew 1:20-21; John 8:12,14:6, 16:13

God’s got a plan. He has had one and it will always be the same. What is the motivation and root of His plan? His divine LOVE for His creation and the desire to have EVERY ONE OF US reconciled back to Him, through the redemption found only through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Of course, we sometimes divert and change the game (for our own lives), but God knew what we would do before we took our first breathe. Seek Him, seek His will – first and foremost and I can assure you, though there will be tribulations (as that is the temporary “punishment” so to speak of doing a good job for God, courtesy of the evil one), but yet in those quiet moments, that use to be filled with negative mental houndings will come peaceful serenity, in which the Creator of all things and you are one, where as all you can do it thank Him for all He has, is doing and will do.

Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for this life in which You have given us. Some may be bakers, some may be waiters, some are panhandlers and some are wall street investors, but yet and still You created us through Your love and count us each as special as the other. May we delight in You heavenly Father, may we cling to You not only during times of distress, but in ALL moments. May we allow the Holy Spirit to search us Father, and we charge to remove anything that You find unclean in our lives. May with each passing second, each hour, every day, we become more of the person that You desire us to be. May we not think of just ourselves dear Lord, may we please learn to view ALL of our fellow human nation, the same way you view us, with love. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ ><>

SiC <3

What a blessing social networking sites can be! The below was found upon from the In Pursuit Tumblr page. Not on Tumblr? Then check out Taylor via Facebook, Twitter or Google+. May God continue to bless you Taylor, as you seek to spread knowledge and love in His name; and crave to know Him  more and more with every passing moment!

Decision Making and God’s Will

The imperative foundation for making life decisions: the only thing we are perceptively in control of is our love for God and His purposes. Be free of selfish ambition and self-centeredness; then we have a proper frame of mind to respond God’s will. We think that God owes it to us to show us, but the scriptures reveal that despite the burden placed in our hearts, the normal practice is for God to hide the path as to reveal your priorities. Dig some ditches for God to fill with rain; Make plans, but make them in pencil. God has every authority. He directs your steps.

Wait vs. Work

I love my Minor Prophets class at Liberty University. These thoughts must be credited to Dr. Fowler; he undoubtedly is an enlightened man of God.

Some background info here: The Hebrews were looking for their temple to be rebuilt as Cyrus had decreed. With Cyrus’ death, and Cambyses’, the heir to Cyrus, lack of interest in the Jews well being, the Jews were led to take matters into their own hand. They sent a letter to Darius, who took the throne after Cambyses, and asked for him to institute the lost decree of Cyrus to rebuild the temple.

1 In the second year of Darius the king, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came by the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying,

2“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘This people says, “The time has not come, even the time for the house of the LORD to be rebuilt.” ’ ”

3Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying,

4 “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?”

5 Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways!

6“You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes.”

7Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways!

8“Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the LORD.

Haggai 1:1-8

The issue is this: the Hebrews have a misconstrued eschatology. They have adopted the notion that the proper response to the eschaton, God’s plan, is to wait. It is imperative that we realize part of the human response to the eschaton is to work.

It is a misunderstanding of how God works. Everyone knows God can open doors, but there should be no hindrance in waiting for God to open them. Their logic is not unreasonable; it is just artificial. In Hebrew, the word “wait” is active not passive, in the sense of pursue. It is a faith word that acts, not a faith word that sits. We must take initiative to bring about the blessings of God: dig a ditch, wet some wood, cut some timber.

What were they waiting for? What was hindering them from building the temple? So often we get wrapped up in waiting for God, when God is simply waiting on us to get up and do something! I know that carries odd theological implications, but that is not the point; it is the perception we carry. We talk about missions; we talk about the will of God; but what good is our future for God if we aren’t presently living for God?

We are the remnant. We are the ones who care about our faith, but that does not make us unsusceptible; we put our things in front of the things of God just as much as the next sinful human being. The reason we do not do courageous things, is because we are afraid. We are ruled by our fears; we are frozen by the unknown. So go into the mountains and cut timber. Do no be afraid; God is with you. Build God’s house.

SiC <3

This is probably the first of many to come, but a combination of the “WaxNotNeeded” devotional and the *LoveIs* ministry updates. As it is written below, is in general how it was spoke for the people who attended today.

In Ezekiel 3:17-21 God spoke to Ezekiel and charged Him to carry out His will by letting the people (house of Israel) know they were in the wrong. We all have one thing in common, well we have many things, but this is something we all could do without. What is it? Biased opinions and judgments based on our own past and that which has been taught to us. Everyone has them, but yet we are called to not judge others, as it states in Matthew 7:1-2.

Who alone knows what is right and wrong for every person? God, so let Him be the one to determine in a person’s life what they should change, not you. Of course, as Christians we do get the general basis of good and evil, but does that discernment not more so come from the Holy Spirit then from ourselves? What used to be right, now is wrong and what used to be wrong, is now right. Prime example? Speaking about God. Who ever thought that we would see the day when prayer was taken out of school. When people were asked to keep quiet about their faith and trust in Jesus, rather than boldly proclaim it and have group discussions that Honor the Creators name.

So do not go upon one another, based off of your own thoughts and feelings, but allow God to work – allow God to be the judge of your fellow man and PRAY FOR THEM. For if someone is doing something you find wrong (let’s say drinking, example only as it is one that is debated among the denominations), but yet it is written that we are ALL sinners – and if all sin is on the same level to God, well … we are pretty much all in the same boat eh? Can I get an AMEN for GRACE? Judgment divides people. Judgment created (to some degree) the many, many denominations and various “sects” all under the title of Christianity. Judgment as it is written, is better to be left in the hands of the perfect One, for He has no blame – nor basis of self-righteousness, He is put pure good. 

Does this mean to say that if God has placed on your heart to speak to a person about something that is “unclean” in their life you ignore Him? By no means, as it is what Ezekiel was called to do, but GOD told him to do it, He did not go about it on his own accord.

////

Recollection, shared words and show-n-tell from Little 5 Points today ->

Don't allow ANYONE to get in your way for what you are called to do for God. Sometimes in can be the same people who are called to stand by your side that won't understand 100% what you have been called to do.

Don't sweat the petty stuff! 

Hand Made Palm Frond Cross w/ Rose, a
gift from a nice young lady (aka SISTER IN CHRIST)
who attends the Sunday gatherings. 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

We come to You today to thank you for another day. Thank You for each breath You allow us to breathe. May we use that breathe to carry out Your will and be a leading example to others. May we cling to You during all times and thank You continuously for all which You have done. In the name of Jesus ><>

SiC <3

[Disclaimer on above post :: Please note I am in NO WAY saying to negate Biblical doctrine, this is more so about personal viewpoints learned over the years in which "may not be" Biblical doctrine. I mean in years past there were movements against how "all rock music" was satanic .. sorry but there is nothing satanic about Project 86 or Demon Hunter, they ROCK OUT with their CROSS OUT for the Almighty with EPIC drum beats, angelic vocals and superb guitar riffs] 

I present to you this week for guest post *VBS*, Andy Stanley, a son who is blessed and anointed to speak and spread the word, just like his father! You can follow him on Twitter and/or watch live services (or visit old ones) on the North Point Community Church website.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

SiC <3 

Lookie who is back! That would be Mr. Dewey for sure. Seems the doctors wanted him to stay in for another few weeks, but he said “no go”. Everyone was super delighted to see him for sure! He says THANKS EVERYONE, for the prayers <3 

Scene : Wal-Mart Check Out
Man : Miss, that sure is a lot of deodorant
Me: Yes, Yes it is.
Me: Oh wait, I mean it isn’t all for me though, I don’t stink THAT bad. I do this homeless ministry in Little 5 Points.
Man: Oh ok, that explains it (smile).

Also, lesson “from the inside” – (to those who have never been locked up) it seems that ladies deodorant, in fact, is stronger than a man’s (for really real). Interesting! So ladies don’t hate if you come upon a guy smelling like tropical breeze, he is handling his own!

The Big Black Pot...Where turkey hot dogs go to die (I mean bathe, in hot water). :)

Awesome Sunday, great message on Salvation, of course when I heard the start a glimmer hit my eye and heart, in light of yesterday’s devo. Had a slew of people there for service and hot lunch, most memorable quote of the day, “You know what I have been coming up here for 15 years. I have seen people try to shut this ministry down, and to others (outreaches) they have been successful. However, when you have a willing servant, aimed to stand strong in Gods will, you (it) won’t be moved!” Amen!

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

SiC <3