So many people focus on the presents under the tree when the Christ Child which came is totally left out. So many people during this part of the year go into deep depression. Most of the time it can happen during any part of the year as storms will come to each of us. I once heard a preacher say that if you aren't in a storm just wait a little while and one will hit you. He said you had either just come out of a storm, was in the midst of one or about to have one hit. Jesus did say that in the world we would have trouble but to take heart for He is in the world.
When storms of life hit me I become overwhelmed and can’t see past my pain. As I focus on the storm I feel as if I am sinking from the weight upon my heart. So I have learned to talk to God when I am in the storm. Just last Sunday night I heard a wonderful sermon on storms of life and thought then I might need to share the truth I learned with someone.
The preacher began with the reading of Matthew 14: 22-33. It is the story of Jesus walking on water in the midst of a storm that was tossing the disciples boat to and fro. The preacher said he could preach a whole sermon on prayer from this passage as Peter cried out to Jesus. He said Peter could have prayed a long prayer but he just cried out “Jesus save me!” The preacher said just be real before God. He sees your pain and He sees your hurt and He knows what you are thinking and how your heart is. But then the preacher said I’m going to talk to you about storms not prayer and there are 2 kings of
storms. 1) Correcting Storms that might come from disobedience or messing up. and then 2) Perfecting storms which God will use to build truth into our lives.
This preacher gave us 5 anchors to throw out during the storm. These disciples were instructed by Jesus to get in the boat and go before Him to the other side. It was the sea of Galilee. They encountered a problem or two. First they were 5 miles from shore and the direction of the wind was against them and the darkness of the night kept them from seeing the shore. The preacher said we could focus on vs 22 and know (1st Anchor):God called these disciples to the storm and He calls us to the storms of life. Everything in our lives is sifted through the hands of God to allow happen. He said God is far more interested in our being holy then happy. He is building Jesus into our lives. God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts greater than ours. Jesus said we will have trouble in the world but to take heart for He has overcome the world.
Anchor 2: God’s power protects me in the storm. Mark 6:47 where this same story is told tells us that Jesus saw in the darkest night from the mountain where He was praying the disciples tossing in the sea. That is a miracle as the night was black with no moon yet Jesus saw the disciples 5 miles from shore, tossing in the sea. Jesus sees you and me in the most terrible storms and He prays for us. He sits at the right hand of the Father and intercedes for us to the Father. He sees and cares that we are being tossed within the storm. The disciples were not thrown from the boat or drowned because of the storm.
Anchor #3: Jesus presence comes to me in the storm. Psalm 23 “though I walk through the shadow of death, thou art with me”. Precious words of comfort aren’t they? We have the assurance that no matter what we go through in this life, Jesus is there with us, never to leave or forsake us. Isaiah 43:1-3 helps us to know that when we are in the storm He sees and prays and sustains us.
Anchor:#4 His power sustains me here even in the storm.
John 6:2 says ‘But He said to them, it is I, do not be afraid. Then they willingly received Him into the boat and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” .
Anchor #5 Jesus will give us victory not freedom from attack. He will be our greatest hope within the storm. The wind and waves obeyed Him and became still. He will quiet the waves and the greatest fears within in as we lean on Him during the storm. He will be our strength and He will be our joy. I often try to sing praise in the storm as I have learned that when my soul is downcast if I sing praises to Him who holds me my soul with lift into the arms of Him. Him who cares for me even greater than the sparrow which falls. 1 Peter 5:7 reads “Cast all your anxieties upon God for He cares for you.” I claimed that during a storm, memorized it and used it many times to encourage others.
So as you go through this Christmas season just remember what it's all about. If some storm hits just lean on Jesus and He will get you through.
Keep the Faith,
Mom
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Oh to know the Sweet Aroma to the LORD!
In my daily quiet time this morning I have just finished reading the book of Exodus and began to read the 1st chapter of Leviticus. I was caught up in the beautiful way Moses was always obedient to the LORD. The tabernacle preparations have been completed and the day has arrived to raise it up. Oh what an experience as each piece was erected to the glory of God. So as it was finished, the LORD's Glory came down in the form of a cloud and filled the tabernacle! No one went into the tabernacle. Then the joy of serving the Lord began. The people were instructed how to bring their unblemished offerings that would be burned for a "sweet aroma to the LORD".
There it was over and over in my reading~"the offering became~a aweet aroma to the LORD."
So here enlies the joy! As we serve the Lord our offering becomes our obedience which become a sweet aroma to the LORD and He will show us His glory! I have found this true in my own life.
Not so long ago on a Saturday that God's Provisons (church clothes closet) opened I had read Romans 4 that morning. I had a moment of vs 4 jumping off the page. 4."Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt."
So I went that morning realizing there are many good intentioned folks that believe if they work for the Lord in doing certain steps they will get to heaven. Jesus said I am the Way the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father except by Me! I spoke to the people that came that day about works. About the love of God for them given as a gift not to be earned but to accept by trusting Jesus Christ as their Saviour! I told them in my life before Christ I was a pretty good person and treated other folks well. I went to church everytime the door was open and I made sure my boys were raised in church. Yet for all the good I did I would have split hell wide open if I had died. I asked for anytone who wanted to give a testimony and had one lady who did. Afterwards a man lingered behind and I sat down with him for a while and spoke to him about Jesus love for him. I asked him if he was ready to accept God's gift and he said he wanted to but he just wasn't sure he could do it right then. I told him it was between himself and God and that I didn't want to give him the idea he was to do it for me. I prayed with him and could see he was shaken but reluctant. I told him I hoped to see him in heaven one day and that this was the day of his salvation and it was a choice. God would not force Himself on himl It was a gift that he had to take for himself.
So for my obedience I felt the joy from the Lord and knew my obedience had been a sweet aroma to Him.
You see we are not responsible for the results of our obenient actions, that is up to God. Yet I know that the truth shared with David that day will come back to his mind and God will continue to draw him. Maybe through another encounter with an obedient Christian.
So as my godly husband often says "when you know, you know!" I am real today and so grateful that the Lord showed me how sinful my prideful, arrogant heart was several years back. It is my life goal to walk in His ways and tell others of the hope He has given me! In this life we will have troubles but oh the joy to know Jesus has overcome this world. One day we will see Him face to face and my prayer is that I will hear "well done my good and faithful servant". How about you?
Who are you living for? Your family? Your success in this life? Or the One who loved you and gave his life for You?
Thanks for reading and Keep the Faith.
There it was over and over in my reading~"the offering became~a aweet aroma to the LORD."
So here enlies the joy! As we serve the Lord our offering becomes our obedience which become a sweet aroma to the LORD and He will show us His glory! I have found this true in my own life.
Not so long ago on a Saturday that God's Provisons (church clothes closet) opened I had read Romans 4 that morning. I had a moment of vs 4 jumping off the page. 4."Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt."
So I went that morning realizing there are many good intentioned folks that believe if they work for the Lord in doing certain steps they will get to heaven. Jesus said I am the Way the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father except by Me! I spoke to the people that came that day about works. About the love of God for them given as a gift not to be earned but to accept by trusting Jesus Christ as their Saviour! I told them in my life before Christ I was a pretty good person and treated other folks well. I went to church everytime the door was open and I made sure my boys were raised in church. Yet for all the good I did I would have split hell wide open if I had died. I asked for anytone who wanted to give a testimony and had one lady who did. Afterwards a man lingered behind and I sat down with him for a while and spoke to him about Jesus love for him. I asked him if he was ready to accept God's gift and he said he wanted to but he just wasn't sure he could do it right then. I told him it was between himself and God and that I didn't want to give him the idea he was to do it for me. I prayed with him and could see he was shaken but reluctant. I told him I hoped to see him in heaven one day and that this was the day of his salvation and it was a choice. God would not force Himself on himl It was a gift that he had to take for himself.
So for my obedience I felt the joy from the Lord and knew my obedience had been a sweet aroma to Him.
You see we are not responsible for the results of our obenient actions, that is up to God. Yet I know that the truth shared with David that day will come back to his mind and God will continue to draw him. Maybe through another encounter with an obedient Christian.
So as my godly husband often says "when you know, you know!" I am real today and so grateful that the Lord showed me how sinful my prideful, arrogant heart was several years back. It is my life goal to walk in His ways and tell others of the hope He has given me! In this life we will have troubles but oh the joy to know Jesus has overcome this world. One day we will see Him face to face and my prayer is that I will hear "well done my good and faithful servant". How about you?
Who are you living for? Your family? Your success in this life? Or the One who loved you and gave his life for You?
Thanks for reading and Keep the Faith.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
God will meet you anytime!
I was so grateful for God's timing lately. I phoned someone who was going through a very rough time. God already knew all about it and He knew I'd care deeply. I at once began to pray and prepare for the journey. I asked off Friday and began the journey that would end in seeing God's provision for this person of great need. At the end of the day I was still praising God for all He had done that day. I got to be a small vessel in the whole realm of things but I can tell you that I realized just how much God loves us in every way!
Do you find yourself in need? Or in pain that you can't see past? Turn to God. Cry out very honestly what you feel. God will hear and maybe even send someone just in the nick of time. He may ask you to trust Him as He is great in battle! He will prove to be the faithful friend you need. He will prove to be the Father who cares the most. He will prove that when the storm rages around us, He will be right there to see you through.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths smooth. Proverbs 3:5-6
Gotta close. Keep the faith!
Mom
Do you find yourself in need? Or in pain that you can't see past? Turn to God. Cry out very honestly what you feel. God will hear and maybe even send someone just in the nick of time. He may ask you to trust Him as He is great in battle! He will prove to be the faithful friend you need. He will prove to be the Father who cares the most. He will prove that when the storm rages around us, He will be right there to see you through.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths smooth. Proverbs 3:5-6
Gotta close. Keep the faith!
Mom
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Spirit filled Living
Oh, what a thought. God In You! Living through you. Controlled by God's Spirit. Is it possible to live a Spirit filled life? You would have to desire it. You would have to purify yourself through the forgiveness of Christ Jesus. For His Spirit will not be manefested in a dirty, filty heart. So deny yourself to God who loves you more than anyone else in the world.
Galatians 2:20 reads 'I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.'
What does a Spirit filled person look like? They speak Christ like and are pron to burst into song giving thanks with a grateful heart. A Spirit filled person is humble and submits to one another. Last but not least, a Spirit filled person has victory in warfare for they lean not upon their strength but the Lord's. For greater is He within me than he that is in the world.
I recently learned the differnce between quincing the Spirit and grieving the Spirit. "Quince" is not doing what the Spirit prompts you to do. "Grieving" is doing what the Spirit tells you not to do. That was quite a revelation to me! So as I ponder what being filled with the Spirit, somthing stirs within me that I could have such a wonder! So I have been praying of late that this very thing would happen, not that I would just be filled to overflowing with His Spirit but that His Spirit would be poured upon me to speak boldly Jesus Christ gospel to a dieing world around me. For it is only in His power that I will stand with His Word flowing from me.
So I leave you with this question. How much do you want to know God? Draw near and He will draw near to YOU. Be careful or you just might be filled with His Spirit to overflow into other lives around you!
Thanks for reading these words and remember--Keep The Faith!
Galatians 2:20 reads 'I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.'
What does a Spirit filled person look like? They speak Christ like and are pron to burst into song giving thanks with a grateful heart. A Spirit filled person is humble and submits to one another. Last but not least, a Spirit filled person has victory in warfare for they lean not upon their strength but the Lord's. For greater is He within me than he that is in the world.
I recently learned the differnce between quincing the Spirit and grieving the Spirit. "Quince" is not doing what the Spirit prompts you to do. "Grieving" is doing what the Spirit tells you not to do. That was quite a revelation to me! So as I ponder what being filled with the Spirit, somthing stirs within me that I could have such a wonder! So I have been praying of late that this very thing would happen, not that I would just be filled to overflowing with His Spirit but that His Spirit would be poured upon me to speak boldly Jesus Christ gospel to a dieing world around me. For it is only in His power that I will stand with His Word flowing from me.
So I leave you with this question. How much do you want to know God? Draw near and He will draw near to YOU. Be careful or you just might be filled with His Spirit to overflow into other lives around you!
Thanks for reading these words and remember--Keep The Faith!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Who do You live for?
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is not longer I who lives but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 3:20
Who do you live for?
I am reading in Acts where the church of Jerusalem is under persecution yet God's truth spreads and large number of people are coming to the LORD. How does your life affect those around you? Do you see God working and join Him with the passion of Christ? Do those around you see your life and know who you live for?
"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Hin of whom they have not heard?" Romans 10:14
We must pray that God will passion us to share our faith with others! Jesus said "You will be my witnesses" . . .
Who do you live for?
Would others believe your answer? How can we live for Christ each day?
It is only in absorbing God's Word and allowing His H. S. within you to lead you in living for Him that we can succeed. For apart from Christ we are nothing yet as we surrender our very lives to Him He will abide in us. Our desires will become the desires of Him who lives in us. God's truth will make you free!!!
If you desire to live for Christ yet find the road to be difficult just remember there are those who have gone before and call to us the way. Read God's Word and know He will meet you there for His Word is alive to any who seek Him!
Hey! Thanks for reading~
Keep the Faith
Opal
Who do you live for?
I am reading in Acts where the church of Jerusalem is under persecution yet God's truth spreads and large number of people are coming to the LORD. How does your life affect those around you? Do you see God working and join Him with the passion of Christ? Do those around you see your life and know who you live for?
"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Hin of whom they have not heard?" Romans 10:14
We must pray that God will passion us to share our faith with others! Jesus said "You will be my witnesses" . . .
Who do you live for?
Would others believe your answer? How can we live for Christ each day?
It is only in absorbing God's Word and allowing His H. S. within you to lead you in living for Him that we can succeed. For apart from Christ we are nothing yet as we surrender our very lives to Him He will abide in us. Our desires will become the desires of Him who lives in us. God's truth will make you free!!!
If you desire to live for Christ yet find the road to be difficult just remember there are those who have gone before and call to us the way. Read God's Word and know He will meet you there for His Word is alive to any who seek Him!
Hey! Thanks for reading~
Keep the Faith
Opal
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Who are you living for?
What kind of question is that? Well as we reflect on Father's Day let's just remember to be a Father means someone is following in your footsteps. Who are you living for? The answer is so important because of those little footprints within yours. Do they see you or the One you follow? Do they see you fall down and then get back up? What do they know of your inner strength? Have they ever heard you pray? Would they believe that God is #1 in your life? I have heard it said that children believe love = time and yet I believe that may be partly true I must confess that love should at least point them towards their own personal relationship with God one day. God even gave us a good scripture to tell of the importance we should take for the little footprints within yours. So if you want to know God's perspective, stop and read Deut. 11:13, then skip to verses 18-20.
Oh, By the way--HAPPY FATHERS DAY to those who are . . .
Walk the Walk for it matters who you are living for!
Oh, By the way--HAPPY FATHERS DAY to those who are . . .
Walk the Walk for it matters who you are living for!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
This side of heaven
God has given Bobby and myself a new ministry. It happened one day while I was surfing the internet for different gospel tracks. I came accross an address IBS.com and cliked on to it. Then I was looking at all the different ways they had to reach out to the lost. WOW! I came to a site that had 300 doorhangers in a box each with a gospel of John, an evangelistic track and a welcome sign. I called Bobby in to see it and his Spirit within jumped in a huge way! He immediately saw a vision of a map of FC and then saw a marked path just as you might find at the back of your Bible if you looked at a trail that Paul had traveled.
So we ordered our 1st 300 and began to bag all the 300 doorhangers each week; Then take them out, hanging them on the doors, praying ahead of time for the folks who might read their contents. We questioned what hanging doorhangers might do, but thanking God for allowing us the opportunity to serve Him. Afterall it is not what we do but what God can do with our little. So we hung those 1st 100 on that first Sunday. During the next week, Bobby spoke with a young lady who had rec'd one on her door. She was from CA and had never been in Church or heard that God loved her. She read everything in the bag and told Bobby that she was going to get a Bible and begin to read it. She thought everything in the bag spoke to her in a very special way So Bobby took a Bible to her. We don't know what is going on within the 600 houses we've already hung door hangers on, but God does.
This is what we wrote on a 4 X 6 card that we tape to the outside of the doorhangers. We believe God gave of each word:
(We put a sm picture of Jesus knocking at the door in the top left corner). These are the words written:
"We don't know you or what is going on in your life, but we know who holds the answers and He cares for you.
We believe we are hanging this on your door out of obedient hearts to God.
Won't you begin to read the contents of this bag allowing God to speak to you heart.
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (that's you and anyone) believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
God is no respector of persons, He loves us one and all.
We have prayed for you.
Your friends in Christ, Adult 1 SS Class & Hometown Missions.
First Baptist Church, 507 N Rosser, FC
(Look at the picter, Jesus is knocking, who will let Him in?)
So just allow God to work through you to touch others. After all He has given us all we need to do what He desires for us to do. Jesus said "Follow Me and I will make you Fishers of Men." Matthew 4:19
So we ordered our 1st 300 and began to bag all the 300 doorhangers each week; Then take them out, hanging them on the doors, praying ahead of time for the folks who might read their contents. We questioned what hanging doorhangers might do, but thanking God for allowing us the opportunity to serve Him. Afterall it is not what we do but what God can do with our little. So we hung those 1st 100 on that first Sunday. During the next week, Bobby spoke with a young lady who had rec'd one on her door. She was from CA and had never been in Church or heard that God loved her. She read everything in the bag and told Bobby that she was going to get a Bible and begin to read it. She thought everything in the bag spoke to her in a very special way So Bobby took a Bible to her. We don't know what is going on within the 600 houses we've already hung door hangers on, but God does.
This is what we wrote on a 4 X 6 card that we tape to the outside of the doorhangers. We believe God gave of each word:
(We put a sm picture of Jesus knocking at the door in the top left corner). These are the words written:
"We don't know you or what is going on in your life, but we know who holds the answers and He cares for you.
We believe we are hanging this on your door out of obedient hearts to God.
Won't you begin to read the contents of this bag allowing God to speak to you heart.
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (that's you and anyone) believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
God is no respector of persons, He loves us one and all.
We have prayed for you.
Your friends in Christ, Adult 1 SS Class & Hometown Missions.
First Baptist Church, 507 N Rosser, FC
(Look at the picter, Jesus is knocking, who will let Him in?)
So just allow God to work through you to touch others. After all He has given us all we need to do what He desires for us to do. Jesus said "Follow Me and I will make you Fishers of Men." Matthew 4:19
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Isn't He Wonderful
I have committed to memorizing scripture to always have a word in my mind when the occassion arises. Yesterday I wrote down a verse and today as I was saying it over and over I suddenly felt an wonderful awareness that Jesus was with me. I began to pray the verse back to Him and then began to understand what it was saying. Here is the verse:
1 Corintians 1:5 In Him in every respect you were enriched in full power and readieness of speech and complete knowledge and illumination.
So as I prayed acknowledging to our Father God that as I abide in Jesus Christ I will in every respect be enriched in His full power! I will be ready for speech with His full knowledge and will illuminate Him!
Wow! How Awsome is that! I am taking that as a promise! If I abide in HIM I will have His full power! His full knowledge and readiness to speak! Not to leave the best for last to say I will illuminate Christ!
Jesus said we would be His witnesses but He also said I will send you the Comforter. God's Holy Spirit abides in us! So why should we not illuminate Christ? It can only be that we choose to illuminate ourselves at times.
Let us not grow weary of the race but abide wholly in Christ who will enrich us with all that we need to be the very witness He has called us to be!
Keep the Faith,
In His service,
Opal
1 Corintians 1:5 In Him in every respect you were enriched in full power and readieness of speech and complete knowledge and illumination.
So as I prayed acknowledging to our Father God that as I abide in Jesus Christ I will in every respect be enriched in His full power! I will be ready for speech with His full knowledge and will illuminate Him!
Wow! How Awsome is that! I am taking that as a promise! If I abide in HIM I will have His full power! His full knowledge and readiness to speak! Not to leave the best for last to say I will illuminate Christ!
Jesus said we would be His witnesses but He also said I will send you the Comforter. God's Holy Spirit abides in us! So why should we not illuminate Christ? It can only be that we choose to illuminate ourselves at times.
Let us not grow weary of the race but abide wholly in Christ who will enrich us with all that we need to be the very witness He has called us to be!
Keep the Faith,
In His service,
Opal
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Many kinds of trials
God is so great to meet us in His Word. Wow! I want to share something I realized this morning with you. As I went to the nursing home yesterday to visit a girl I have befriended who has had a stroke I listened to a preacher on 97.1 FM. I thought of two preacher friends. I called both but only one answered his phone. This young preacher (on radio)said the higher the calling the harder the trials but the closer the walk. There will be mountain top experiences and there will be valleys. God is God in the sunshine and in the darkest night. He is God of the mountain and He is God of the valley. I believe there is a song that goes something like that.
James 1:2-3 says ‘My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
I thought Patience, huh? But this morning as I was studying my Bible study, the reading the Word was the parable of seeds in Luke. As I finished reading the parable the last verse hit me hard! Luke 8 vs 15 says of the true believer: ‘But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the Word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. There was that word again. Patience. What can I understand from James and Jesus’ words?
I believe patience is many things such as perseverance in the long suffering of trials. Trying to keep the faith in the midst of turmoil. Waiting on God’s timing to understand His Will for our lives. Trusting God as we wait on answers for tomorrow.
I believe bearing fruit with patience means waiting on God for He is the only one who draws men to Himself through His Son. We can’t run ahead and pass up what it means to have patience. We have to live and breath through many trials to produce the understanding of patience. Waiting for God’s greatness. Watching for God’s greatness and joining Him even when it means the world will hate us. After all, the world hated our Lord, Jesus Christ.
When everyone around you hates you or when all fall down, will you stand for Christ?
He suffered for us so we might count it pure joy to know His suffering.
Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble but take heart for I have overcome the world.”
Keep the Faith. Stay on the path and don’t let anyone push you off!
Your friend in Christ,
Opal
James 1:2-3 says ‘My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
I thought Patience, huh? But this morning as I was studying my Bible study, the reading the Word was the parable of seeds in Luke. As I finished reading the parable the last verse hit me hard! Luke 8 vs 15 says of the true believer: ‘But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the Word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. There was that word again. Patience. What can I understand from James and Jesus’ words?
I believe patience is many things such as perseverance in the long suffering of trials. Trying to keep the faith in the midst of turmoil. Waiting on God’s timing to understand His Will for our lives. Trusting God as we wait on answers for tomorrow.
I believe bearing fruit with patience means waiting on God for He is the only one who draws men to Himself through His Son. We can’t run ahead and pass up what it means to have patience. We have to live and breath through many trials to produce the understanding of patience. Waiting for God’s greatness. Watching for God’s greatness and joining Him even when it means the world will hate us. After all, the world hated our Lord, Jesus Christ.
When everyone around you hates you or when all fall down, will you stand for Christ?
He suffered for us so we might count it pure joy to know His suffering.
Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble but take heart for I have overcome the world.”
Keep the Faith. Stay on the path and don’t let anyone push you off!
Your friend in Christ,
Opal
Monday, March 24, 2008
Used by God
Hey everyone have you ever heard my testimony? It changes each time I give it because I am growing in the knowledge and grace of GOD. If you want to listen to my testimony I gave on
Easter Sunday, 2008 you can go to the following site:
www.fbcfc.org
Then click on a word from the paster here
You will begin hearing the music man, Bro Alan Smith but if you forward to 8 minutes you will begin to hear my testimony. Try it then tell me what you think?
Easter Sunday, 2008 you can go to the following site:
www.fbcfc.org
Then click on a word from the paster here
You will begin hearing the music man, Bro Alan Smith but if you forward to 8 minutes you will begin to hear my testimony. Try it then tell me what you think?
Monday, February 11, 2008
Glorify God
Have you ever noticed the passion of someone who has been touched by the Glory of GOD? It is an awsome thing to witness. I heard a man last night who said he knew he was called to preach because he experienced his greatest joy when he could get in front of people and tell them God's truth. The Bible says lift up the Glory of God and God will lift you up. Christ Tomlin is a wonderful example of a life that is glorifying God. He sings of God's greatness and His amazing grace. Not too long ago we hadn't heard of this man. He was a front singer for Casting Crowns. He is short in statue but He has been lifted high by God whom He glorifies!
Someone who is passioned for God's glory is Spirit filled. For Spirit filled people are committed to glorifying God. I was so thrilled to sit in our car as our daughter in law prayed to accept Christ. It was a prayer unlike anyone I had ever heard. She wanted Him to come into her life and change her for His glory. She told Him she wanted to live a life to His glory!
Last night a man stood preaching way past the alotted time for the service. No one moved for we were on the edge of our seats hearing the Word of God that I pray has changed me forever! He spoke of glorifying God in our lives. Giving glory to God in all that we do and say.
He gave 3 ways a Christian can give God glory and then one way of the church .
1. You glorify God when you live a life of faith. He brought up 4 ways Christians live the Christian life. 1-"feel it" 2- "figure it out" 3-"frustrated" 4"by faith"
2. We glorify God when the passion of our heart is to know God!
Do you really want to know God better? Do you want to believe God and stand on His promises?
3. Who ever offers praise glorifes God! Teach us how to praise you more, O God!
Then he spoke to the church--The church glorifies God when there is unity and love one to another for the body, not just for a select few.
A person who glorifies God is humble in His presence. A person who glorifies God is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
I want to end by saying our prayers need to be to the glory of God. In everything we pray we must pray that the answer will bring glory to God.
This man wasn't raised in Christain home. His father was alcoholic. He was nineteen years old when he got saved. He prayed for four years that his Dad would get saved so his Mother would not live in hell. Yet he didn't get saved. He went to have supper with a godly man who had a 5th grade education. After supper he and this man went into lving room to talk. He asked them man to pray with him for his father. He began to pray that God would save his Dad for his Mom's sake and the older man touched his shoulder and told him God wouldn't save his Dad for his Mom's sake. He told him that he must pray that God would be glorified in his Father when God saved him regardless if his Mom ever lived in or out of hell on earth. This young man got on his knees before God asking Him to show him how to glorify Him. He is not in his 80's yet God is still using him to preach to His Glory!
Humble yourself before God to His glory and He will bless you with His riches blessings!
Belive God and stand on His promises!
To His Glory forever and ever!
Opal
Someone who is passioned for God's glory is Spirit filled. For Spirit filled people are committed to glorifying God. I was so thrilled to sit in our car as our daughter in law prayed to accept Christ. It was a prayer unlike anyone I had ever heard. She wanted Him to come into her life and change her for His glory. She told Him she wanted to live a life to His glory!
Last night a man stood preaching way past the alotted time for the service. No one moved for we were on the edge of our seats hearing the Word of God that I pray has changed me forever! He spoke of glorifying God in our lives. Giving glory to God in all that we do and say.
He gave 3 ways a Christian can give God glory and then one way of the church .
1. You glorify God when you live a life of faith. He brought up 4 ways Christians live the Christian life. 1-"feel it" 2- "figure it out" 3-"frustrated" 4"by faith"
2. We glorify God when the passion of our heart is to know God!
Do you really want to know God better? Do you want to believe God and stand on His promises?
3. Who ever offers praise glorifes God! Teach us how to praise you more, O God!
Then he spoke to the church--The church glorifies God when there is unity and love one to another for the body, not just for a select few.
A person who glorifies God is humble in His presence. A person who glorifies God is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
I want to end by saying our prayers need to be to the glory of God. In everything we pray we must pray that the answer will bring glory to God.
This man wasn't raised in Christain home. His father was alcoholic. He was nineteen years old when he got saved. He prayed for four years that his Dad would get saved so his Mother would not live in hell. Yet he didn't get saved. He went to have supper with a godly man who had a 5th grade education. After supper he and this man went into lving room to talk. He asked them man to pray with him for his father. He began to pray that God would save his Dad for his Mom's sake and the older man touched his shoulder and told him God wouldn't save his Dad for his Mom's sake. He told him that he must pray that God would be glorified in his Father when God saved him regardless if his Mom ever lived in or out of hell on earth. This young man got on his knees before God asking Him to show him how to glorify Him. He is not in his 80's yet God is still using him to preach to His Glory!
Humble yourself before God to His glory and He will bless you with His riches blessings!
Belive God and stand on His promises!
To His Glory forever and ever!
Opal
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Foundation of Encouragement
Today, February 3, 2008 I had the priviledge to hear the Word spoken. I heard something that got my attention. I tried to take notes but couldn't write fast enough. I sat on the edge of my seat hungering for each word of truth! I want to share with you a story from the Bible about King David. He was living for himself, not inquiring of God. He was in battle against some tough folks and he went to the Philistines for support. The Philistines were the arch enemies of his people (he had slain their giant at the age of 15) yet he wanted their help in war. While he was busy cuddling up to them the Amalekites had come to his land and burned down the city, taking all children and wives captive. David and his fighting men come upon scene and the Bible says they wept until they could not weep anymore. The people were in state of hoplessness and they turned against David desiring to stone him. David was distressed. Now we come to the verse that got my attention. 1 Samuel 30:6 "But David stregthened himself in the Lord his God."
David was all alone. No one to encourage him. His loyal men wanted to stone him. Yet the Bible says he strengthened himself in the Lord his God. After he was encouraged by God he sought God's advice.
4 priniples to Encourgament for your soul:
1. Seek God first! Get alone with God. Cry out to God (He already knows your thoughts and heart)
2. Seek somebody who knows God--godly people living for God.
3. Claim promise of God from God's Word. Keep reading and studying God's Word every day.
4. Make the choice to praise God in everything.
Paul & Silas were two guys who were beaten to pulp, put in stocks and guarded heavily in prison. At midnight when their bodies were raked with pain they chose to pray and praise God.
Two more principles to live by and I am done:
1) Fight every battle in your Christian life on your knees.
2) Never make a major decision in your life without getting a promise from God.
God's Word is alive and breathing truth. Read it and believe God! There is not measure to His greatness.
Keep on the path,
Opal
David was all alone. No one to encourage him. His loyal men wanted to stone him. Yet the Bible says he strengthened himself in the Lord his God. After he was encouraged by God he sought God's advice.
4 priniples to Encourgament for your soul:
1. Seek God first! Get alone with God. Cry out to God (He already knows your thoughts and heart)
2. Seek somebody who knows God--godly people living for God.
3. Claim promise of God from God's Word. Keep reading and studying God's Word every day.
4. Make the choice to praise God in everything.
Paul & Silas were two guys who were beaten to pulp, put in stocks and guarded heavily in prison. At midnight when their bodies were raked with pain they chose to pray and praise God.
Two more principles to live by and I am done:
1) Fight every battle in your Christian life on your knees.
2) Never make a major decision in your life without getting a promise from God.
God's Word is alive and breathing truth. Read it and believe God! There is not measure to His greatness.
Keep on the path,
Opal
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Are you good enough?
Let me just share a story of man who might have feared he wasn't good enough but had the courage to make his voice heard. It is a story back in the time of Jesus when Jesus and his disciples had been in Jericho and as they were departing being followed by a large multitude a blind man raises his voice. He crys out "Jesus, son of David have mercy on me"! There were those in the crowd that said "Be quiet!" There were those in the crowd who totally ignored him. But this man, named Bartimaeus, would not listen to others for he was desperate. He cried out even louder, "Son of David have mercy on me!"
Do you think Jesus heard this man? Do think Jesus thought he wasn't good enough. Afterall this was a blind man who couldn't even see whom he was calling. Yet, Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to him. Jesus asked Bartimaeus "what do you want me to do for you?" He answered "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." Jesus said your faith has made you well. Then as Bartimaeus received his sight his life changed in that instance~he followed Jesus on the road!
There are many whom God puts in our paths that the crowd might say "Be quiet!" or just ignore but Jesus hears and through us Jesus tells them "Your beleif has made you well."
Are you good enough? The Bible tells us that God does not desire for anyone to perish and He showed His love sending Jesus to walk in obedience even to death to show that love. For Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
So to answer is God loves you, Jesus died for you and God raised him up to say Love never fails. Are you good enough? Jesus is waiting for you to cry out to him. Jesus stood still and commanded he be brought to him.
If you know Jesus He is waiting for you to hear the crys of others and respond in His name.
Will YOU?
Do you think Jesus heard this man? Do think Jesus thought he wasn't good enough. Afterall this was a blind man who couldn't even see whom he was calling. Yet, Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to him. Jesus asked Bartimaeus "what do you want me to do for you?" He answered "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." Jesus said your faith has made you well. Then as Bartimaeus received his sight his life changed in that instance~he followed Jesus on the road!
There are many whom God puts in our paths that the crowd might say "Be quiet!" or just ignore but Jesus hears and through us Jesus tells them "Your beleif has made you well."
Are you good enough? The Bible tells us that God does not desire for anyone to perish and He showed His love sending Jesus to walk in obedience even to death to show that love. For Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
So to answer is God loves you, Jesus died for you and God raised him up to say Love never fails. Are you good enough? Jesus is waiting for you to cry out to him. Jesus stood still and commanded he be brought to him.
If you know Jesus He is waiting for you to hear the crys of others and respond in His name.
Will YOU?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Do you carry a burden or two?
We all have things in our lives that can bring us down. We all have times when life overwhelms us. Where can we go for relief? Where can we go for rest?
I'll tell you what works for me. There is power in prayer! There is a song that says there is power when I'm on my knees. When I focus on Jesus and what He does for me I find a song begins to form within. I begin to praise Him and thank Him that He walks beside me every day and all the way. I praise Him that God is in control. I look back to remember that God has proved faithful to watch over me thus far. Because I can see yesterday I can live in His grace today knowing, believing with full assurance that He will watch over me today. There has been times I was uncertain about tomorrow. I didn't know where the money would come from to pay bills or to buy grocerys. But just as my heart would become anxious if I focused on God's faithfulness thus far I would begin to trust Him for tomorrow and before you know it that song would rise within me as I praised Him. I have learned to watch for His greatness for He delights to manifest Himself to us as we pray believing Him, leaning on His promises from His Word. I have seen His greatness and read of His love and know He holds me each day.
Do you have that kind of exsistence? That kind of peace? Peace only comes from leaning on Jesus, believing and praising Him in the storms of life. Jesus said in this world you will have troubles but don't worry, I have overcome the world. Praise God I can look at Peter in the New Testament seeing him walking on the water towards Jesus. For as I look at Peter he taught me to look to Christ. For only in focusing on Jesus can we over come all that pulls us down.
Keep the faith!
In His Service
Opal
I'll tell you what works for me. There is power in prayer! There is a song that says there is power when I'm on my knees. When I focus on Jesus and what He does for me I find a song begins to form within. I begin to praise Him and thank Him that He walks beside me every day and all the way. I praise Him that God is in control. I look back to remember that God has proved faithful to watch over me thus far. Because I can see yesterday I can live in His grace today knowing, believing with full assurance that He will watch over me today. There has been times I was uncertain about tomorrow. I didn't know where the money would come from to pay bills or to buy grocerys. But just as my heart would become anxious if I focused on God's faithfulness thus far I would begin to trust Him for tomorrow and before you know it that song would rise within me as I praised Him. I have learned to watch for His greatness for He delights to manifest Himself to us as we pray believing Him, leaning on His promises from His Word. I have seen His greatness and read of His love and know He holds me each day.
Do you have that kind of exsistence? That kind of peace? Peace only comes from leaning on Jesus, believing and praising Him in the storms of life. Jesus said in this world you will have troubles but don't worry, I have overcome the world. Praise God I can look at Peter in the New Testament seeing him walking on the water towards Jesus. For as I look at Peter he taught me to look to Christ. For only in focusing on Jesus can we over come all that pulls us down.
Keep the faith!
In His Service
Opal
Saturday, January 5, 2008
It Matters Who You Are
God in His awsome love called us to be His people. Those who are called followers of Jesus Christ. God set us apart for Him. To be different from the world. To be His witnesses of His great love and mercy.
Why does it matter who we are? How we live? Did you know that Noah was the 10th generation from Seth who was the third son of Adam and Eve? Abraham was the 10th generation from Shem which was the son of Noah. Noah had three sons that were saved by the flood yet only one family, Shem's was written about in detail. Why? Because God set them apart to be His people and He was to be their God.
How did 10 generations to 10 generations live for God? Because they did not live as the world yet they lived in the world. They were different in what they pursued. In Deut. chapter 11 God's desire is that we love the LORD GOD and serve Him with all your heart and soul. He promises to be your God and to stay beside you forever. In this chapter God tells us to tell our children as they rise, as they lay down and as we go on our way about Him so that they will love and serve Him with their whole heart and soul.
So it matters who we are and how we live for those generations following us will only know God if we live and tell them how great He is! And He is Great! In every way.
If you want to know what would happen if you don't tell others of His greatness go to godtube.com and listen to the video "A letter from Hell".
Why does it matter who we are? How we live? Did you know that Noah was the 10th generation from Seth who was the third son of Adam and Eve? Abraham was the 10th generation from Shem which was the son of Noah. Noah had three sons that were saved by the flood yet only one family, Shem's was written about in detail. Why? Because God set them apart to be His people and He was to be their God.
How did 10 generations to 10 generations live for God? Because they did not live as the world yet they lived in the world. They were different in what they pursued. In Deut. chapter 11 God's desire is that we love the LORD GOD and serve Him with all your heart and soul. He promises to be your God and to stay beside you forever. In this chapter God tells us to tell our children as they rise, as they lay down and as we go on our way about Him so that they will love and serve Him with their whole heart and soul.
So it matters who we are and how we live for those generations following us will only know God if we live and tell them how great He is! And He is Great! In every way.
If you want to know what would happen if you don't tell others of His greatness go to godtube.com and listen to the video "A letter from Hell".
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