Thrive Today

O.D.O.T.

2011-09-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

O.D.O.T.

Author: Angel Thompson

ISBN: 1-4116-3274-5

When a tree falls, does it make a sound? According to the Department of Transportation where we live, only the section that falls on public access makes a sound. Many trees fell after the ice storm and I noticed a certain tree as I took my son to school. Apparently it fell across our road and the Dept. of Transportation only removed the section of the tree that dared to grace the area of public access. It had been cut only inches from the road to where you would not scratch your car if you drove by, but don’t swerve or you may find the end of a tree in your car. The top of the tree lay nestled in the yard across from the woods that housed many pine trees. My thought at first was, “couldn’t they just cut it farther back and pick up the top out of the yard.”

But then I realized, they were restricted from taking debris from areas they did not have access to.

How often do we treat God that way in our lives? It is interesting that we are His temple, a place where He abides, but we restrict Him in areas of our lives, only “allowing” Him “public access”. I don’t think we have a full understanding of what “abide” means. It means to cleave, to stay, to dwell, to reside, to remain. When we ask God to “abide” in us we are asking Him to live with us in the same house. So, if we are His temple, then He abides in us, every aspect of our lives He is there, whether we “put up no trespassing signs” or not, He is still there. You might say that God became the ODOT in our lives. The Omnipotent Department of Transformation.

Brothers and Sisters, do you not realize that we cannot go with God and remain where we are?

How can a marriage survive if we only give part of ourselves to our spouse, and deny access to other areas? Intimacy will never grow. The same is with our God. We are His bride, and we cannot be transformed in Him if we only give Him part of ourselves.

Luke 9:23, states, “...If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”

Hebrews 12:1 states, “...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

No matter where in your life a “tree” may fall, it does make a sound. You could be like the Department of Transportation in my state and risk

having a “tree” impale your life as you restrict Him when you swerve on your journey. Or, you could take down the “restricted area” signs. It is up to you in your walk with the Lord if you will give Him full access in all areas. Only then will you experience the fullness of true intimacy with Him as He expresses His love, grace, mercy, compassion, provision...the list goes on. Abiding in Him does not mean that there will not be pain or problems. It does mean that it allows Him to transform your life to a deeper intimacy than you have ever experienced. That through abiding fully in Him, He may use you for His purpose and that you will get through that day to the glory of our God.

IMPACT Q's. March 28-April 2

2011-03-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

Monday: Assurance of God’s Help Scripture: Psalm 41 Questions: Why do you think David is seeking healing? Why is David confident in the Lord? Why is David not worried about his enemies?

Tuesday: Christian Freedom Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15 Questions: How does God describe a Christian’s freedom? Is this similar to the freedom we Americans enjoy? Why is our Christian freedom important?

Wednesday: Jehoshaphat Reigns over Judah Scripture: 1 Kings 22:41-50 Questions: Was Jehoshaphat a good king? What did he fail to do? Do you think God was pleased with what Jehoshaphat accomplished? Why?

Thursday: Persistence in Prayer Scripture: Luke 11:5-13 Questions: When you ask God for something, do you thank Him? When you are looking for something important, do you invite God to help you with the search? Do you thank God for helping you while you are waiting or searching?

Friday: Elijah Ascends to Heaven Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-12 Questions: Why do you think Elisha clung closely to Elijah? Would you have requested the same thing of Elijah? Why did Elisha tear his clothes?

Saturday: One in Christ Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22 Questions: What has the blood of Christ accomplished? Does this add to your understanding of the phrase “The Prince of Peace? What has Christ’s bringing us together accomplished?

IMPACT Questions

2011-03-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

IMPACT Questions for March 7-12

Monday
A Song of Confidence
Scripture: Psalm 27
Questions: Does God’s presence in your life give you courage? Are you afraid of what other
people might say about you? Do you trust God totally?

Tuesday
A Prayer for Help with Thanksgiving
Scripture: Psalm 28
Questions: When you ask God for help, do you thank Him then and there, or wait to see if He
helps you? Why? Is David being realistic?

Ash Wednesday
The Gospel
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Questions: Since Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, and Paul preached justification by
faith, what did they preach in common in their preaching? What, to you, is the gospel? Do
you share it with others?

Thursday
Within Time or Beyond Time
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5
Questions: What is our temporary “dwelling” on earth? What is the basis of our confidence?
What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight?

Friday
Anointing at Bethany
Scripture: Mark 14:3-9
Questions: What did the woman do for Jesus? Why? Was the criticism of the disciples justified?
Do you think that Jesus’ prophecy about her has been fulfilled?

Saturday
Pilate Hands Jesus Over to be Crucified
Scripture: Mark 15:6-15
Questions: Did Pilate really want to crucify Jesus? Why did the crowd want Him crucified?
Who escaped death because Jesus was crucified?

2011-01-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

Monday: Two Philistine “Gods:” An Ark and Dagon
Scripture: 1 Samuel 5:1-12
Questions: Are you superstitious? How did God play into Philistine superstitions? Why were they afraid?

Tuesday: The Testimony of John the Baptist
Scripture: John 3:22-30
Questions: Why were the authorities comparing John’s baptism with that of Jesus? What kind of purification was being discussed? Was John’s baptism humble?

Wednesday: Samuel as Judge
Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:3-11
Questions: What did God’s people have to do to gain victory? Do you have a false God in your life? Who do Christians have to play Samuel’s role?

Thursday: Simon’s Story
Scripture: Acts 8:9-24
Questions: Was Simon’s conversion real? What spiritual gift(s) do you have, if any? Was Simon repentant when confronted?

Friday: Unlimited Trust
Scripture: Habakkuk 3:15-19
Questions: Is it okay to be fearful of evil even when you trust in God? Do you trust God to the same extent that Habakkuk does?

Saturday: Obedience Beyond the Law
Scripture: Acts 10:1-23
Questions: Was Peter a good Jew, obedient to the law? Did God declare all foods clean from then on? What door to ministry was opened to Peter?

IMPACT QUESTIONS

2011-01-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

Each week our desire is to bring questions for you to ponder and reflect on as you read through the weeks Bible readings. Our desire is more than just leaning "facts" from an incredible book, but that through each reading that your life is impacted by what can be learned in your own walk.

Monday: A Prophet Is Angry with God
Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11
Questions: Why was Jonah angry about God’s grace towards Nineveh? When God chooses to be gracious to your enemies, are you pleased? What’s the answer to God’s question?

Tuesday: Marriage and Death in Families
Scripture: Luke 20:27-40
Questions: How do you feel about this law regarding the death of a brother? If this law were enforced today, would families and communities be strengthened? What is Jesus saying here about the idea of eternal love?

Wednesday: David’s Gentile Ancestor
Scripture: Ruth 4:1-22
Questions: Was Boaz crafty in his effort to gain Ruth as his wife? Is family lineage important? Why? What is the difference between an inheritance and a heritage?

Thursday: The Ascension of Jesus
Scripture: Acts 1:1-11
Questions: What kingdom were the disciples asking about? After the ascension, what were the disciples to wait for? Why do you suppose the angels appeared?

Friday: Restoration Promised
Scripture: Micah 4:6-13
Questions: If they were to be rescued, why did they have to go to Babylon? What was to happen to Israel’s enemies? From Samuel until after the exile, have the Jews ever been without a king?

Saturday: Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar
Scripture: Acts 3:1-10
Questions: Why were Peter and John going into the Temple? Why was the beggar there? What did Peter actually give the beggar? How did the beggar respond?

Inconspicuous Impact Questions August 2 – 7

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Monday – Joshua 8:1-12:24
What special communication was given to Joshua? Why did Joshua build an altar near Ai? Why did the Gibeonites survive? Why did Joshua have to rescue them? What did God do for Joshua that was absolutely unique? What was unusual at Merom? Why do you think chapter 12 repeats stories of previous conquest?

Tuesday – Judges 6:1-8:35
Why did God let the Midianites oppress the Israelites? How did Gideon test the angel? How did Gideon know that God would deliver Israel? Why did God want a smaller army? How did Gideon confuse the enemy? What was Gideon’s sin after the victory?

Wednesday – Judges 13:1-16:31
What did the angel tell Manoah’s wife? Why did the angel return? Was Samson’s marriage appropriate? What made Samson’s riddle so difficult? Was Samson righteous before the men of Israel? What was the real source of Samson’s weakness? How did he take revenge of the Philistines?

Thursday – 1 Samuel 1:1-3:21
Why did Eli think Hannah was drunk? About how old was Samuel when Hannah took him to the temple? Was Eli righteous? Was he a good father? What was the prophecy against Eli? How many times did the Lord call to Samuel before he responded to God? Why didn’t Samuel want to tell Eli what the Lord said?

Friday – 1 Samuel 8:1-11:15
What reason did the elders give Samuel for wanting a king? Why didnt Samuel want Israel to have a king? Why did Saul think that he should not be king? Why did people make a proverb concerning Saul? How was Saul chosen in front of the people? What was Saul’s first victory? Why didn’t Saul have those disloyal to him killed?

Saturday – 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23
What did Saul do to disobey Samuel? Why was this important? Were Saul’s intentions good? Why was Samuel angry? What do we learn about ourselves in this story?

reCAPTCHA Q’s Week: 06.14 – 06.19

2010-06-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

MONDAY 06.14.2010 Exodus 33:1-40:38
The Lord was not going to go with the people into the land? Why? & What changed His mind?
How did Moses see God and live? What was written on the Stone Tablets? What do you notice about the character of God as you read about the building of the tabernacle and that it entailed?

TUESDAY 06.15.2010 Numbers 20:1-13
Who died within the first month of the exodus? Why were the people grumbling and why did God tell Moses and Aaron they would not bring the community into the land that God had promised?

WEDNESDAY 06.16.2010 Joshua 1:1-6:27
Sometimes we just need a little encouragement. Moses had just died, Joshua was to take over. What were the words in the first 6 verses that God spoke to Joshua go give him confidence and security? How do you think that impacted Joshua when he had to speak to the people? What did Joshua pull out of the Jordan? What did God tell Joshua to do when the walls fell?

THURSDAY 06.17.2010 Joshua 8:1-12:24
Again, what are the first words God says to Joshua when he tells him to take Ai? What was Joshua to hold out towards Ai? What people heard of what was happening and deceived Joshua? Did Joshua seek God regarding the “people”? What did they become in the community? What words of encouragement did God give Joshua regarding Gilgal?

FRIDAY 06.18.2010 Judges 6:1-8:35
For 7 years, because of their evil, God gave the Israelites over to what people? He did God send to free the Israelites? He was from a small clan and asked God for something to be sure of what he was asking...what was that? What became a snare for Gideon and his family?

SATURDAY 06.19.2010 Judges 13:1-16:31
Sometimes we just don’t learn. The Israelites again did evil in God’s eyes. Who ruled over them for 40 years? Why was Samson’s hair NOT to be cut? What was God’s purpose for him?

What makes a LIFE COACH? Q’s: Week 05.10 – 05.15

2010-05-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

What makes a LIFE COACH? Q’s: Week 05.10 – 05.15

Monday, 05.10.2010 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
This passage is talking about THE BODY, and how God made us…THE BODY. How he has set us right where He wants us to be. What does it say happens if one part of the body suffers? How should each part of the body respond when one part is suffering? Does it say that one area is greater? Where do you see yourself in THE BODY?

Tuesday, 05.11.2010 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
In the first 3 verses he gives a comparison of character…ability without love. What does he say?
What does he say will cease…yet there is on thing that WILL NOT. What are they and what is it?
When you read the list regarding what love is, take time to truly meditate on those words and your journey with Christ.

Wednesday, 05.12.2010 1 Corinthians 15:1-10
I love this letter that Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. We all need to be reminded at times of our relationship with Christ and what He did for us as we face daily circumstances. I imagine the church in Corinth faced many as we do today. So Paul begins with a reminder…what was it?
Now, this week, take time to be reminded of what the Resurrection of Christ means for you and for all around you.

Thursday, 05.13.2010 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
For some reason this passage sounds so familiar. Maybe it is because I recently read it as I pondered how fragile our lives are. No matter how old we are, I think some of us have this "idea" that we are "invincible". Yet this "tent" is fragile and so temporal. I love this passage for the words bring such hope as we journey in the temporal, awaiting the forever with the Spirit as our engagement ring. Until that day, may we care for the "seams and tears" and weather the storms around us...praising HIM for the rain. As you read this passage…share your thoughts regarding your journey with HIM.

Friday, 05.14.2010 2 Corinthians 6:3-13
What can I say, but to quote a humble man WOW! After you read this passage…share how this empowers you, charges you in your journey! Blessed be YOUR NAME Lord! Take time to make your list of endurance…write it down and pull it out when you begin to feel discouraged.

Saturday, 05.15.2010 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
As you read this passage, what do you think God means when He says that His grace is sufficient? That His power is made perfect in weakness.
Share a time when you have experienced the power of His grace and how that impacted your walk with HIM.

WHAT MAKES A LIFE COACH? Q's

2010-05-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

MONDAY 05.03.2010 Romans 3:9-26
How many of you grew up with knowing the phrase, "The Roman Road"? It was a set of verses that many used when telling people about Christ. In reading this passage it is amazing the verses that surround those "Roman Road" sections that we all became familiar with, like verse 10 and verse 23 in this chapter. Beside the 10th verse, what does it say about people...about all of us in this world?
Does just "being a good person" give us LIFE? Something remarkable is shared in verse 21-26. Where does righteousness come from?

TUESDAY 05.04.2010 Romans 5:1-11
More of the "Roman Road". We see this in verse 8.
What does it say gives us access to God? Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man (vs 7), yet what does verse 8 say? So, here is some incredible power....not only have we been justified by his blood, we have....what does it say in this passage regarding what we have through Christ?

WEDNESDAY 05.05.2010 Romans 5:12-21
Wow! Did you read this passage? It begins with another "Roman Road" verse. You have to love, however, what follows as it talks about sin and how through Christ we were justified. How, with one man's sin, all therefore have sinned, and through one man's obedience...many will be made what? What does it say about grace, righteousness and eternal life?

THURSDAY 05.06.2010 Romans 6:1-14
I remember when I was in Seminary this was one of the passages that our small group studied and memorized the first semester. I can also remember a man sharing with me that he could do whatever he wanted because he could then ask God to "just forgive him". As you think of that comment, read this passage. What do you think about the man's comment and how we are challenged to live?

FRIDAY 05.07.2010 Romans 7:7-25
A true passage of what it means to daily struggle. I remember when gave my life to Christ and was sharing somethings with my counselor and she shared that what I was doing was "grieving the spirit", that what I was doing was sin. I had no idea. The struggle of being saved by grace and living in an unrighteous world. Do you remember the passage not long ago that stated that satan roams around like a roaring lion seeking to devour? This is a daily walk for as followers of Christ, that struggling with sin. Yet there is victory....in this passage, what does Paul share is the victory? What can you claim daily when "sinful nature" stares you down?!

SATURDAY 05.08.2010 Romans 8:28-39
I love that this passage follows the STRUGGLING WITH SIN. It is so easy to be down on ourselves as we face this world daily and what is set before us. Yet this passage is powerful. I urge you to commit it to memory. Take time to list what it says about us in our relationship with God and with our SAVIOR, Jesus Christ. Just as Paul encourages us in our walk with these powerful, truthful words...let's go this week and do the same!

WALKING WITH JESUS Q’S WEEK 4.26 – 5.1

2010-04-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

Monday, 4.26.2010 Romans 8:1-17, Galatians 5:16-26
What did Christ’s death do in regards to the law and righteous
requirements of the law?
What happens to those who live by sinful nature?
What happens to those who live by the Spirit?
What does verse 17 in Romans 8 mean to you in regards to your walk with Jesus?

Tuesday, 4.27.2010 Romans 12
As you read the beginning of this passage, share how God has been
transforming your life? How do you “renew your mind” What do you
think it means regarding not living any longer in the “pattern of this
world”?
This passage has an incredible description of walking with Jesus.
Take some time and list things that you see in this passage in regards
to how we are exhorted to walk.

Wednesday, 4.28.2010 1 John 1-2
What does this passage say about light and dark?
In chapter 2, verse 9 and following, he says some very powerful
things? What are they and how do they impact your walk with Christ in
this world and with whom we walk beside everyday?
How does verse 9 in chapter 2 impact your view of daily walk?

Thursday, 4.29l.2010 1 Peter 5:1-11
This passage is interesting…and challenging for I believe we all
struggle with pride…we can even be humbly proud…which means being
proud that we are humble. What does Jesus exhort us to do in our
walk? Are we alone in this walk? Who seeks to destroy you daily
and will use pride as a means to destroy??? There is hope always in
our daily struggles as it says in verses 10-11 He will…what?

Friday, 4.30.2010 1 John 3:11-24
What is the message we have heard from the BEGINNING????
This passage talks about love and loving one another. In regards to
that, how do we know what love is?
How are we to love, and what does that mean as you walk today with Jesus?
So, as we end this passage, what is the COMMAND?

Saturday, 5.1.2010 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
AH, I LOVE THIS PASSAGE! It is one of my favorites for when the evil
one is whispering in my ear…I quote verse 5….for the Spirit is my
engagement ring. What does he say about the Spirit?
What does he mean, “this earthly tent? Is he speaking of our literal
homes, or our bodies?” He speaks of longing for our heavenly
dwelling…as you walk with Jesus here…do you find comfort and strength
knowing that there is a heavenly place waiting? Talk about that.
Take time to meditate on verse 7-10 and share your thoughts in regards
to your own walk with Christ.

WALKING WITH JESUS Q’s Week: 4.19 – 4.24

2010-04-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

MONDAY 4.19.2010: John 18:1-11
Why did Judas know where Jesus would be?
What happened when Jesus answered “I am he.”?
What are your thoughts regarding verse 9 and it’s meaning?

TUESDAY 4.20.2010: Luke 23:44-24:12
How did the people respond when they saw what took place?
When Jesus died and Joseph asked for his body, what time was it? What day was coming?
What command did they obey even upon the death of Jesus?
Who was amongst Joseph as he took Jesus body and put him in the tomb?
What do you think the significance was regarding the strips of clothing mentioned? In John it describes the face cloth as being “folded and placed aside…separate from the others.”

WEDNESDAY 4.21.2010: Hebrews 9:11-10:18
What a powerful passage. God’s covenant to HIS people….then and now. Was the first covenant put into effect without blood…a blood sacrifice?
What did Christ’s death, His sacrifice, His blood do?
Jesus is our mediator…share what verses 24-28 mean to you in regards to what Christ does for you?

THURSDAY 4.22.2010 Romans 1:18-32
What is listed as God’s invisible qualities seen by ALL mankind?
What has man decided to do, even though they know of God?
As we walk with Jesus, what can we do to keep from following the steps that other’s in mankind have?
Are there areas, as you read this passage, that stand out that you in your own daily walk that has caused distance in your walk with Jesus?

FRIDAY 4.23.2010 Romans 2:5-11
Does God show favoritism?
What does God make clear regarding our life walk with Him?
How will we be judged….those who are HIS FOLLOWERS? How does this impact your walk? What motive are we walking with Jesus…what motive do our actions reflect?

SATURDAY 4.24.2010 Romans 3:9-26
In this passage we read that there is no one who is righteous…not even one. Which means that there is no “good” person. What does verse 11 & 12 say? How does this impact your walk and thoughts? How do you share this with someone who is not a follower of Jesus, but believe that they are basically good? Does keeping the law make one righteous? Where does righteousness come from then?
Read verses 25 & 26 and share your thoughts regarding the powerful words and how they impact your walk with Jesus.

Walking with Jesus...Week 2

2010-04-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

Monday 04.12.2010 Ezekiel 20:5-26

God gave the Israelistes the "Sabbaths" for what reason?

What did it say about the Israelites and their "response" to God....MORE than once?

What did God say about obeying His law?

God kept saying that He wanted to give the Israelites good things so that they may know that He is God. Yet they rejected HIM. What does it say happened so that the people would know that He is God?

Tuesday 04.13.2010 Jeremiah 23:1-6, Isaiah 9:6-7, Zechariah 9:9-10

Who does God say He will rise up to do what is right and just?

Who do you think this passage it talking about? What prophesy was written in these passages? How does this empower you in your walk with Jesus?

Wednesday 04.14.2010 Luke 2:1-20

Who did Joseph "belong to"?

When the angel's went back into heaven, whom did the Shepherds state told them about what had just happened?

When the sheperds saw Christ the Lord....what did they do after they left?

Thursday 04.15.2o1o John 1:1-18

I love this passage of Scripture. When he is saying that the Word was God and the Word was with God....who is he referencing? Who was the WORD? It states that this WORD was with him when he created....so, who was the WORD?

Why did God send John?

Whom did Christ give the right to become children of God?

Friday 04.16.2010 Matthew 9:1-8, Luke 13:10-17

I like these two passages for it shows such a unique characteristic of Christ. His radical means of swimming against the flow of the tide and meeting people at that moment, in that crisis and touching their lives. What day did Jesus heal the woman?

Do you ever get caught up in the moment of "ministry" that you over look a person who is hurting because of the time or the day or the list or the....

Spend time discussing the actions of Christ on the Sabbath. Share the characteristics you know of Christ.

Saturday 04.17.2010 Matthew 5:17-20, Romans 8:1-4

What did Christ say about the law and what He came to do?

As you face today, what do these verses mean to you and your walk with Jesus? 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in sinful man,[d] 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Walking with Jesus… Week: 4.5 – 4.10

2010-04-07T04:57:00.000-07:00

Walking with Jesus… Week: 4.5 – 4.10

Monday 4.5.2010 Leviticus 5:14-19
When I think of the prophesy fulfilled by Christ’s death and what it means for us…I will admit I stand humbled. To think, if He decided to walk away from that, what we would still be doing today. Leviticus is an amazing book of laws and what one needed to do as they walked with God. This passage talks about the guilt offering. What was it that a person must do if they are guilty of sin? What are your thoughts regarding verse 17? What was the purpose of the guilt offering?

Tuesday 4.6.2010 Leviticus 20:7-27
Another powerful passage of scripture. How many of you are thankful for the grace of God, Christ death on the cross and SECOND CHANCES as you read the verses and the punishments? Where in the NT can you find Christ’s gift of a SECOND CHANCE to a woman accused of adultery? As you meditate on this passage, what does it mean for our walk today with Christ? I have heard one person say that he can just do what he wants in regards to choices and just ask for forgiveness later…however, as we read this passage I want to challenge you to read Romans 6 and ask God how you may engraft this into your walk with HIM.

Wednesday 4.7.2010 Deuteronomy 11:13-21
Love and Obey. Before you begin this passage, think about what those words mean to you in regards to your walk with Jesus.
What does God tell the people to do in regards to His words? How can you implement this same thing into the lives your family…into your life as an individual walking with Jesus? Have you experienced His blessing as you wrap your daily walk in His words? How do you do this?

Thursday 4.8.2010 Judges 2:10-19
What happened to the people after Joshua died?
What did God give the people? What happened when that individual died?
Even though they continued to turn, what did God have for them?
Yesterday’s passage discussed the importance of God’s words in ones life. As you read this passage and what happened to the people after Joshua died, what is something we can do for our children and generations now and pass on?

Friday 4.9.2010 1 Samuel 8
When the people demanded a king, who were they rejecting?
What did the Lord say would happen if they cried out for relief from the king they chose?
What did God say the people did since the day he TOOK them out of Egypt?

Saturday 4.10.2010 1 Samuel 15:17-23
There is something to be said for listening, following and obeying. Our children are attempting to learn that daily. We also find that we are still learning daily what that means and the consequences that follow when we don’t. Saul did not follow God’s words, He did “part” of it, and then what he thought would be good. Yet Samuel told him something regarding obedience and sacrifice. What was that? What does this mean to you in your walk with Jesus?

JESUS WHO?

2010-04-07T04:55:00.000-07:00

JESUS WHO? Week: 3.29 – 4.03

Monday 3.29.2010 John 18:19-19:16
What a powerful moment between Pilate and Jesus as they spoke. What did Jesus say would happen if this were His Kingdom? Why did He tell Pilate was the reason He was born, and for what reason did He come into this world?
Why do you think Pilate asked the question, “What is truth?” Have you found yourself there…staring into the face of “God” and knowing He has what you desire. I imagine Pilate saw just that and his eyes were pleading to know not what was the truth of the situation, but THE TRUTH. Where are you with this question in your daily walk?

Tuesday 3.30.2010 John 19:17-42
Remember the question from yesterday regarding Truth? What did Pilate respond with regarding the sign posted above Christ when he was placed on the cross…for you and me? Even on the cross, as He bled for you and me, He was still reaching out and ministering. In what verse can you see this incredible love and attribute of HIM seeing the need?

Wednesday 3.31.2010 John 20:1-21:25
What a day! I love Peter’s response…he was a disciple of energy, boldness and bluntness. Who was the first to ENTER the tomb? When they left, who remained at the tomb? How did Mary know that the one who spoke to her was Christ? In this passage, how many times did Jesus appear to the disciples after his resurrection? When Peter saw him…what did he do? Why do you think He asked Peter 3 times “Do you love me?”

Thursday 4.01.2010 Matthew 28:16-20, Luke 24:36-53
In this passage Christ gives us a GREAT COMMISSION. Do you also see the hope we have? What does He tell us at the end of this passage?
In Luke he tells the disciples that he is going to send them what the Father has promised…what was that?
WALKING WITH JESUS Questions: Friday 4.02.2010 Genesis 3:1-19
Interesting passage….I always find this one interesting. The serpent fooled the woman and she was deceived. He told her that she would not die, yet is that not what really took place? Discuss your thoughts. How did not listening to God have a domino effect in our lives and relationships?

Saturday 4.03.2010 Genesis 28:10-15, 32:22-28
Walking with Jesus…what promise did God give Jacob in his dream? How did Jacob respond?
Chapter 32 is truly a powerful study. We must wrestle, and it is okay to struggle and wrestle with God. Jacob was getting ready to see his brother, the very one that he took the birth right from. He wanted to know that God would remain true to his promise way back in chapter 28. What are you wrestling with as you walk with Christ? Go to Him, talk with Him, trust that He will remain true to His promise to ALWAYS walk with you and NOT LEAVE YOU!

JESUS WHO? Questions for week: 3.22 - 3.27

2010-03-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

MONDAY: 03.22.2010 Luke 10:25-11:13
In this passage it says that a friend got up and gave bread to his friend. Why did the man get up and open the door and give bread?
What does Jesus tell us to do regarding our needs?
What did Mary chose to do before Jesus? What do you think Christ was trying to teach Martha?

TUESDAY: 03.23.2010 John 10:1-42
What type of man is described who enters the “sheep pen” by going over the wall instead of using the gate?
Why do the sheep follow the “watchman”? How do you think verses 1-21 relates to us?
Verses 22-42 bring a sense of peace. What does this section tell us about Jesus and those who follow HIM?

WEDNESDAY: 03.24.2010 John 11:1-44
How many of you remember the woman who poured perfume over the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. In this passage we find who she is and who her brother is.
Lazurus was Mary’s brother. The same Mary who also sat at his feet at the beginning of this weeks readings. Why do you think Jesus wept when he finally arrived?
Here Lazurus has died…who do Martha say Jesus is as she was weeping and mourning? As we read her response in the midst of fear, loss...what can we take away and add to our own walk and life with Jesus?
What did and why did Jesus speak at the tomb??

THURSDAY: 03.25.2010 Matthew 21:1-27
What took place when Jesus entered the temple?
What did Jesus tell the teachers who heard the children praising Jesus?

FRIDAY: 03.26.2010 Matthew 26:17-30, John 13:1-17
Why did Jesus wash his disciples feet? What do we take with us in our own relationships regarding this act?
Did Judas ask if he was the one to betray Jesus?
When did Jesus say he would drink of the vine with them again?

SATURDAY: 03.27.2010 John 14:1 – 16:33
How do the words that Jesus spoke to the disciples comfort you as HIS follower?
In today’s society, people say that “there are many roads to God”, and that it does not matter how they “get there”. Yet, Jesus tells us something different in HIS word. What does He tell us in this passage is the ONLY way to HIM?
In this passage Jesus tells the disciples that even though he is going to Heaven, he is leaving another “counselor” to be with us. Who is that and how does that bring comfort?
Why do you think God “prunes us”? Can we be effective outside of Christ? (Chapter 15)

QUESTIONS: Jesus Who?

2010-03-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

MONDAY: 03.15.2010 John 6:1-15

I really like this passage because it talks about an attribute of Jesus that brings great comfort…especially during these economic days of strife. What attribute do you see?
How many baskets did they gather?
How many months of wages did Philip share would take to fee the multitude of people?
What did Jesus do when he knew the people wanted to make him king by force?

THURSDAY'S: Jesus Who?

2010-03-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

JESUS WHO? QUESTIONS: Matthew 12:1-45

What prophesy was fulfilled in this passage?As you read this passage would you say Jesus did things by the“policies written” or did he reach outside the box to those who werehurting? Take time to list the evidence of Christ’s “reaching outsideof the box”. What are your thoughts about being “radical” andswimming up stream rather than down with everyone else? What does itmean to walk the more narrow path? Do you remember yesterday’spassage? What is one characteristic of Christ in this passage thatmakes you stand back with awe?

WEDNESDAY'S: JESUS WHO?

2010-03-09T19:14:00.000-08:00

JESUS WHO? Questions: Matthew 8:1-9:8

What a powerful passage of faith and Christ's power.

What can we learn about our own faith from the centurion and his response?

In verses 21 & 22 Jesus comments to a follower with these words:

"Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead." What do you think he was trying to tell this man...what do you think he is telling us in passage regarding the cost of following HIM?

List what you see Jesus doing in this passage. List the attributes you see.

TUESDAY'S: JESUS WHO?

2010-03-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

JESUS WHO? Questions: Matthew 5:1-7:29

This passage is packed with the amazing character of Christ and who we are and how we should be.

What does it say we should do before we lay our "offerings" at the altar? Why do you think that is CRUCIAL?

We live in a current time of immense uncertainty. What do you find in this passage about Christ? What about his character brings comfort and hope?

MONDAY'S: Jesus Who?

2010-03-08T16:24:00.000-08:00

JESUS WHO? Questions: John 3:1-4:42

Amazing passage!

What does Jesus tell Nicodemus is the way to SEE the KINGDOM OF GOD?

What was it about the woman at the well's story that prompted other to run to find Jesus; and what happened in her life that day that gave her the courage to go tell?

What does this tell you about the power Jesus can have in your life?

FRIDAY'S: Jesus Who?

2010-03-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

JESUS WHO?
Matthew 3:1-17

It says in this passage that John the Baptist stated that “I baptize you with water for repentance….” What does he say the one who comes after him will baptize us in?

What did Jesus tell John the Baptist about baptizing him?

What does this mean for you and me?

THURSDAY'S: Jesus Who?

2010-03-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

JESUS WHO?

Matthew 1:18-2:23, Luke 2:1-20

There are several prophesies fufilled in this passage.

Can you find them?

List them when you do find them.

WEDNESDAY'S: Jesus Who?

2010-03-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

JESUS WHO?
Isaiah 7:14, 9:1-9 & Luke 1:26-38

Did you know that the birth of Jesus was foretold hundreds of years before?
What did the passage say HE would he called?

In Luke 1 an angel appeared to Zechariah. What did the angel tell him?

In the 6th month God sent the angel Gabriel. Whom did He send him to?

TUESDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Revelation 21:1-27

All I can say about this passage is...well, there are no words...it is ineffable....The place He is preparing for us.

What is the second death and who will face that? Is there a temple there? Who can enter the New Jerusalem?

MONDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: John 5:13-21

Have you ever been waiting to hear an answer to something and you wonder if the person whom you are waiting to hear from is actually working on the situation? Have you ever wondered if God is listening to your petitions because it seems so quiet? In this brief passage it would be easy to miss the promise He states over what is transpiring with the people wanting to "catch" Christ and "persecute" Him. What is that promise?

SATURDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-27T13:23:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: 1 John 1:1-9
1. What purifies us from sin?
2. How do we have fellowship with one another?
3. What is the promise if we confess our wrong, our sin?

FRIDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: James 4:10-17

1. What is the theme of this passage?

2. What will happen if we but HUMBLE ourselves?

THURSDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: James 4:1-9

1. At the beginning of our daily readings in January we talked about God being a "jealous" God. In this passage, did you find another verse that speaks of this?

2. What does He say will happen if we submit to God and resist the devil?

3. What does He say is the reason that we do not have when we ask?

WEDNESDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: James 1:2-18

Back in the gospels, at the beginning of the New Testament, a rich man came and asked Jesus how to get into heaven. He stated that he kept all the commandments. Jesus asked him to do one thing and was to give up everything and follow. The rich man walked away sad because he was very wealthy.

He could not follow up his "faith" with "action". What does the passage in James 1 talk about regarding faith and action? What do you think "action" means?

TUESDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-22T19:15:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
A petition, a promise, an encouragement, a blessing.
Take time to list each that you find in these verses…then, I challenge you to take the time to pray for those in leadership at GCC, for your friends and family…and know that we, too, are lifting you up!

MONDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: 2 Corinthians 1:12-22

I will admit, I love this chapter in 2 Corinthians. The very promise made is something I have actually memorized and have placed it in the back of my Bible near the date I gave my LIFE totally to HIM. As you may know, satan seeks to devour. He has many surreptitious ways of attempting to pull us away from our LORD, and on way is through doubt. As I read this chapter again, my heart is weeping with joy...knowing my "engagement ring" is set firm with HIM.

Can you find the promise? Can you find that promise that TRUMPS any doubt the enemy tries to lay at our feet? FIND IT, CLAIM IT, SHOUT IT...! It's true!

SATURDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-20T20:46:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Romans 10:1-13

1. What is the first desire mentioned?

2. Share the AMAZING promise in this passage.

FRIDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: John 14:25-31

Take time today to meditate on this passage. Make a list of the promises you read in these 7 verses. Engraft these to you heart when you are feeling troubled. Remember...HE IS COMING BACK FOR YOU!

THURSDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS

2010-02-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: John 14:8-14

Verse 12 and following is an amazing section. In no means does this indicate that you can ask for whatever you want and he has to do it. This passage speaks to motivation and His will. He promises something powerful in this section…that you are asking his STAMP of approval. When we ask something in Jesus name, it is not just a neat way to end a prayer…we are asking Him to go to the FATHER on our behalf with a stamp of HIS approval on that request.
What do you think that means for us? How does that impact your requests to Him?

WEDNESDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS...

2010-02-16T17:32:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: John 14:1-7

1. What is the promise Jesus gives us...that small glimpse into what awaits us.

2. Share your heart throughts about this promise.

TUESDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: John 10:22-42

1. What a passage of comfort and validity. I would challenge you to write this on a card and put it on your mirror, carrying it with you when you are feeling doubt. He gives us a promise beginning in verse 27...if you belong to Him. What is that promise?!

2. Just for fun, what does verse 39 say? That truly would have been a sight to see.

MONDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS

2010-02-14T16:44:00.001-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: John 8:12-30

Have you ever tried to validate your stance of who you are, what you have been through, what you believe? You know the truth, but you find yourself standing alone and often times…no one believes. I have found by experience what it is like to stand alone on my own testimony and later those who did not believe my words changed as God stood beside me and “verified” my stance. One day we will stand before God alone. Who will be there to “verify” who you are? Jesus talks about that in this passage.

1. What is the promise He makes in the beginning of this passage?
2. In verse 23 he talks about what happens to those who don’t believe, those who don’t know him…what is that?

SATURDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Luke 18:18-30

1. T or F? Was the Rich ruler trying to earn his way into heaven? How did Jesus respond to him?

2. Why do you think the rich man was sad when Jesus told him what he must do? What was his love?

3. Which verse do you think is talking about the power of God and that salvation is totally the work of God, and that any and every attempt to gain merit to enter heave is futile.

THURSDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES

2010-02-11T17:06:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Luke 12:22-34

1. What does it say can be added to our life from worrying? (verse 25)

2. Verse 30 and 31 talk about what God knows...what is that and what should we do?

3. In verse 32 He calls us something. What is that? How does that make you feel?

THURSDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES

2010-02-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Luke 6:27-36

1. Make a list of what Jesus tells us to do in regards others.

2. What does verse 35 state will happen? How are we to be like our FATHER?

WEDNESDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Matthew 23:1-12
1. Once you read this passage, what do you think the root is that He is trying to teach us?

2. What promises do you see in verses 11 & 12?

TUESDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Matthew 11:25-30

1. There is something incredibly powerful and comforting in these 5 verses. What is it about verses 28-30 that brings comfort? Have you experienced this in your walk?

2. How does one know the Son and the Father?

MONDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Matthew 6:5-15

1. Prayer is how we communicate with our God. Could you imagine going all day and not talking to your parents, your children, your spouse? As you read this passage, take time to reflect on this passage on prayer. What does verse 6 mean to you?

2. The Lord's prayer is actually the "Disciples Prayer." They wanted to know how to pray, so Jesus gave them an example of how to pray and what to pray. Take time to read through verse 9-15. Have a conversation with God...take time to bring Him praise, to thank Him for all He gives you daily, to help you forgive others and that He would protect and guide you. Take time to write a prayer...to HIM.

3. What does verses 14 and 15 mean to you?

SATURDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Jeremiah 29:4-14

1. In this passage the Lord is talking to those in exile. As He tells them what to do and what not to do, He then gives them a promise and shares what He has in store for them. What is that?

This promise is also for us...how does that impact you today?

FRIDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Isaiah 26:1-21

1. A great passage when one needs a sense of peace. This passage is filled with HIS UNBREAKABLE Character. Share your thoughts about verse 4.

2. This passage is a song of praise for God's deliverance. Take time today as you reflect over your life with God, your journey. How has He delivered you? What song of praise can you give up to Him today?

THURSDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES

2010-02-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS:

Proverbs 28:1-28

1. I love the book of Proverbs. It is not like other books in the Bible that takes you on an adventure, tells a story....where the thought begins and ends. Proverbs is a "tossed salad" of sayings of wisdom, guidance, direction. Just when you are getting into what is being said, Solomon shares another "snigglet" of wisdom. As you read this passage I want to challenge you to ask God to show you what "snigglet" He has for you today, something He has in store from Proverbs 28 to "engraft" into your journey with HIM.

WEDNESDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-02-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS:
Psalm 49:1-20

1. What an amazing passage as the psalmist shares about the fate of those who seek after riches in this life, how they have the same fate. Yet there is something the psalmist states regarding the upright. Can you find it?

2. Out of all this we read something unique in verse 15. The psalmist has known what it means to be in troubled times and he is giving and pouring out his wisdom to others, and then he shares verse 15. In the midst of uncertainty what does he share?

3. When you read verses 7-9...does it draw your thoughts to a passage in the NT?

TUESDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE...

2010-02-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

02.02.2010 UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS:
Psalm 34:1-22

1. David says that when he sought the Lord, that the Lord did something. What was that?

2. I love this passage, for it is filled with so many wonderful promises. Take time to write down what your thoughts are as you read this passage. What verse sticks out to you?

MONDAY'S: UNBREAKABLE PROMISES...

2010-01-31T18:23:00.001-08:00

UNBREAKABLE QUESTIONS: Psalm 32:1-11

1. David talks about God forgiving him of his sin when he confesses, but there is another promise seen in this passage that brings comfort. Can you find it? Can you think of times where this promise has been acted out in your life?

2. What do you think verse 9 means?

SATURDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-29T17:46:00.000-08:00

FACE TO FACE QUESTIONS: John 3:1-21

1. What did Jesus tell Nicodemus regarding seeing the Kingdom of God?

2. Who does it say "CAME FROM HEAVEN."?

3. Verse 16-18 tells something powerful, something LIFE CHANGING. What is that?

FRIDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

FACE TO FACE QUESTIONS: Isaiah 53:1-12

1. Don't you love it when you get to read prophecy and know it has happened?! What is the passage talking about? I will give you a hint...prophecy was revealed, took action adn was recorded in the Gospels.

2. Who is verse 6 talking about?

THURSDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-28T18:41:00.000-08:00

FACE TO FACE QUESTIONS: Psalm 23:1-6

1. What does verse 4 mean to you?

2. As you read this famous passage, how do the words, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul..." touch your heart today, especially in a time of uncertainty in our world?

WEDNESDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-26T16:34:00.000-08:00

FACE TO FACE QUESTIONS: Psalm 18:1-50

1. When you read this passage, what do you see as the theme? What is David saying to God?

2. Think of a time in your life....maybe you are in that moment now. Take time today to reach out to HIM, allow HIM to take hold and "draw you out of the deep waters and rescue you." Write a list of praise to HIM like David did.

TUESDAY'S: Face to Face With God

2010-01-25T14:43:00.000-08:00

FACE TO FACE QUESTIONS: Job 42:7-17

1. As we are at the end of the book of Job I want to encourage you to read the middle in order to grasp why the end is so incredible.

As we look at these verses, we see again that God called Job "my servant". I love that phrase for the meaning of the phrase is one who hold a special relationship/place with God, someone who is loyal. I pray that is a phrase He uses for me.

In the last section, what is it that God tells Job's friends to do, and what does Job do for them?

2. What does God give Job, His servant?

MONDAY'S: Face to Face With God

2010-01-24T18:02:00.000-08:00

FACE TO FACE QUESTIONS: Job 1:1-12

1. One could first look at this section of passage and question, "Why?" "What did Job do?" Yet there is something unique and powerful seen in these 12 verses. We see a relationship and POWER. How does God describe Job?

2. In this passage you also see that Satan was given "approval" to do something...however, what does that truly prove about our GOD?!

Beyond just answering the questions, ask God to open your eyes to see something unique that He wants to show you. There is something EXTREMELY powerful in these 12 verses.

SATURDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-23T07:55:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Questions: 1 Kings 19:9-18

1. How many times do we look for the BIG THINGS to see and hear God? How we look to see HIM or hear from HIM in something "earth shattering", when he is whispering. In this passage, the Lord found Elijah hiding in the cleft of, the mouth of a cave. Why was he there? What did God tell him to do and waht passed by before he "heard" the Lord?

2. Who was Elijah to anoint to succeed him as prophet?

FRIDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-23T07:50:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Questions: 1 Kings 18:16-40

1. How many prophets of the LORD did Elijah say were left?

2. How did they prove that GOD WAS THE ONE AND ONLY GOD? (What an amazing thing that would have been to see. Do you remember what God said He was in Exodus...in the commandments?)

THURSDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

FACE TO FACE QUESTIONS: 1 KINGS 17:1-24

1. Another great passage that shows God's character as a Sustainer. List 3 things in this passage that He provided.

2. Do you see Him as your Sustainer? What has He provided for you? I will share one. My wife ended up getting stuck in a ditch on a country road last Thursday. God provided a dear friende to sit with her and help pull her out of the ditch. Our God DOES know our needs.

WEDNESDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

FACE TO FACE QUESTIONS: 1 KINGS 3:1-15

1. Choices. There is something amazing and powerful about this encounter Solomon had with God in a dream. What was it that Solomon asked for?

2. With that precious gift, what else did God give him and what else would he get if he continued to follow God?

TUESDAY'S: Face to Face With God

2010-01-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Questions: 1 Samuel 17:1-54

1. I must admit, I totally love this passage. How could you not, it is one of the most intense fights in history that proves the POWER OF GOD! Now, many of us know the story of David and Goliath...just want to ask a few questions. How many days did Goliath come and yell at the Israelites to send a man down to fight him?

2. We know that the warriors of Israel were terrified. Why did Jesse send his youngest son, David to the front lines? It was also said that Saul would give something to the man who comes forward to fight Goliath and kill him. What was that?

3. So, how do you think David's brother's felt about him being there and talking about waht was going on? Why did you think his older brother responded the way he did?

4. David was not new to battle. Share what he faced in the fields herding sheep and then what happened on this battle field. What does this mean for us in our battle fields? How must we be prepared? How is God preparing you daily? Where do you get equipped?

MONDAY'S: Face to Face With God

2010-01-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

FACE TO FACE QUESTIONS: 1 Samuel 15:1-29

1. This passage touches on two important characteristics and actions that God desires for us to have. What are they?

2. What did Saul do that grieved God, and that showed he did not grasp and make these two actions part of his life? What happened to Saul?

3. What does the statement, "To obey is better than sacrifice" mean to you?

SATURDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Questions: 1 Samuel 1:1-30
1. As you read this story, does it sound like another story where one woman was the rival of another? I will give you a hint: Isaac and Ishmael. Who do you think was the rival of Hannah?
2. I love the fact that we have a God who answers prayer. No matter what, there is always an answer…even if it is no. How did God answer Hannah’s prayer and what was her response?

FRIDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Questions: Ruth 4:1-12
1. In this passage we read about Boaz, he was a kinsman redeemer. A kinsman redeemer is “nearest male blood relative. If anyone from poverty was unable to redeem his inheritance, it was the duty of the kinsman to redeem it.” The Hebrew word for “kinsman” is “goel.” “Redeemer” is defined as “one charged with the duty of restoring the rights of another and avenging his wrongs.” The Hebrew word for Redeemer is also “goel.” In Biblical times, these words were interchangeable. If a man was the redeemer of a family, he must have been a kinsman. And if he was a kinsman, then it followed that he was a redeemer for the family. Back in Ruth’s day, the kinsman redeemer avenged deaths, claimed inheritances for poor family members, and married the widow of a dead male relative. He played a role very similar to the one that Jesus played for all mankind, but for his family. (Rit Nosotro, 2003). In this passage, however there was another kinsman redeemer in line before Boaz. What took place, and how did they “seal” the deal?

THURSDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Questions: Judges 6:1-40
1. Can I hear a GOD IS WITH US yell?! In this passage we begin to read about the story of Gideon. At the beginning we read that Israel once again did evil in the eyes of the Lord. (Have you all noticed through our reading that we have a God who gives us second chances?) In this passage, what was it that the Israelites did that hurt God?
2. I love the patience of God with His people and the ones that He calls to join Him. We are so…well, human. What ways did Gideon ask to know it was the angel of the Lord, and that God would do what He promised?
3. What did Gideon do to the false god’s altar? Was type of “fear” drove his actions?

WEDNESDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Questions: Deuteronomy 13:1-18

1. In verse 3 God says that He is testing you. What is He testing you about?
2. We live in a society today that is “tolerant” of many beliefs and “roads” to God. However, we have already in last weeks readings that our God is a ___________God. (found in the commandments). What do you find is the overwhelming theme in this passage that our God, our Lord wants us to not only have head knowledge of, but heart and action knowledge of?

That He is the one and only __________ .

That He should be the sole object of _____________________.

TUESDAY'S: Face to Face With God

2010-01-11T18:04:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Questions: Deuteronomy 4:32-40
1. In this passage we read God recounting things. What are some words of description of God that you find in this passage?
2. What is the promise He gives at the end of this reading?

It Brings Me Endless Sorrow

2010-01-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

Ahh, its finally here. After all this time, after all these years, its finally here. My high school graduation. No more school, well at least until college in the fall, no more curfew, no more childish high school. Today I'm an adult! What was that the speaker just mentioned, I think he was reciting a poem, something about procrastination "It brings me endless sorrow, I really should stop doing it I guess I'll start tomorrow." Hmm?

You know I've been thinking about that poem for the past couple of days since graduation. Everytime I think about it though, I'm reminded of something else I heard before. I keep thinking of that Easter service my mom and dad made me go to this past Spring. The voice of that minister keeps pounding through my head, how did it go? "Tomorrow may be too late to make a choice, give your life to Christ now, today and accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior" eh, whatever, I have my entire life to live, besides I'm a good person, God wouldn't send me to hell.

Yes! My parents have finally left, and I'm now a college man! I really wish mom wouldn't have cried so much in front of everyone, it was sort of embarassing. Oh well, time to get this ship moving! What to do, what to do. I heard there is a party going on tonight down the street, maybe I should hit that up. Oh well, I have four years to figure this thing out, I'll just go with the flow. Wait, there's that thought again. "I really should stop doing it, I guess I'll start tomorrow." "Now, today accept Him." Where did that come from? Whatever, I've got more important things to deal with.

Whoa! Where did those four years go. It seems like only yesterday mom and dad were dropping me off, now its time to graduate from college. I wonder what the "real world" will be like? Guess I'll find out soon enough, oops they're calling my name. YES!! Degree in hand, watch out world here I come! Wait, why am I thinking back to high school all of a sudden? "I guess I'll start tomorrow" "Tomorrow may be too late, accept Him now" Come on already, it's been four years, why am I still thinking about it?

Man, I have it all. Wife, two kids, big house, good job, lots of friends. I just wish my wife would leave me alone about going to Church and doing, what was that she called it, "getting saved?" The only saving I need is from my golf swing at the next company outing. "It brings me endless sorrow" "Now, today accept Him" Okay, really, I may need to see someone about this. It used to be every few years I thought about what those people said back then, but now it seems like its every other day. Maybe a shrink would know how to make it stop.

I cannot believe my youngest is graduating from college. Boy, how the years have just flown by. I'm retiring in a few weeks with a great pension. My oldest is expecting another one, that will make four grandchildren, the house was just sold, and the ink is now dry on my retirement home on our private beach. Life is good, well except for the fact that all of my kids have followed in their mothers footsteps. They are now constantly bugging me to go to church, get saved. Yea yea yea, "I guess I'll start tomorrow" "Accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, give your life to Him." You know, sometimes I can't remember a simple thing, yet I can remember what all those people said forty years ago.

I absolutely love this new house. Four thousand square feet, my own study, a perfect view, secluded, man oh man, retirement is great. Would you look at the time though, it's nearly midnight, I guess I should be getting to bed. I want to make sure I'm well rested for my nine o'clock tee time tomorrow. Tomorrow...there's that thought again. But there's more this time, "procrastination is my sin it brings me endless sorrow, I really should stop doing it, I guess I'll stop tomorrow" "Accept Him." Hmm? After all these years, I all of a sudden remember what that speaker said. Oh well, tee time awaits.

Hey, this isn't my bedroom, what's going on here?!? What do you mean, you never knew me? I know who you are, you're Jesus. You're the one the minister talked about. You're real, I believe in you, now. No wait, look at all I've done in my life!! Wait no, please, no!

However fictional this character may be, his story is not. We see it everyday, accidents, sudden deaths, so many of the same stories. Eternity will only tell if those people in those stories were saved, if they had accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts before their deaths. However, today, right at this moment, you could seal your eternity. A few moments of your time now for an eternity later. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior and asked Him into your heart, confess your sins, because we are all sinners, and ask Jesus Christ into your heart this very moment.

Keep in mind the poem: "Procrastination is my sin, it brings me endless sorrow. I really should stop doing it, I guess I'll start tomorrow." Someday, and it may come sooner than we anticipate, this life will end. If you continue to procrastinate in your decision to accept Jesus, you may miss your chance. He's calling you, avoid the "endless sorrow" that is being without God for eternity.

MONDAY'S: Face to Face With God

2010-01-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Questions: Numbers 31:1-24
1. This is a fantastic passage because as we read we realize something took place a few chapters back that caused the Israelites to turn away from the Lord. (Ever get excited to know the rest of the story?) What did Moses say that was?
2. As we read, we see that God is a God of vengeance for His people. At the end of the passage the people who were “commissioned” to go and take the vengeance were told to do what?

SATURDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-09T05:18:00.000-08:00

Face To Face Questions: Numbers 14:1-45
1. Ever wanted to bless someone, or have blessed someone and all you receive back is grumbling, or complaining that it was NOT exactly what they wanted? Have you ever missed a blessing? How do you feel when you realize that you are getting ready to receive something amazing, but then you are denied because of the actions of others? In this passage that is what happened. Who were the ones who lost out on the blessing? Who received the blessing? What happened to those who decided that maybe they would now take the blessing even after it was retracted from them?
2. Do you think it is possible to continue to rebel against God continually without negative consequence? How does that consequence affect those in our lives?

FRIDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Questions: Exodus 20:1-21
1. There are many “forms” of fear that cause us to react. There is even a reverent type of fear that keeps us from doing something. When we get near the end of the passage we read about a “type” of fear. What type of fear do you think that is and is it something you have and do experience today? How does this “type” of fear help you grow in your relationship with God?

2. Read over the commandments. Is there one that stands out? Is there one that you have never noticed all that it entailed before? For me it was verse 4 that brought comfort. Journal your thoughts to Him today and what characteristic you see in this passage.

THURSDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

Face To Face Questions: Exodus 16:1-18
1. I love the Lord’s patience with us as we see time and time again with the Israelites, even when they grumbled. As we read about the grumblings of “hunger”, there are two very distinct characteristics of God seen in the beginning and throughout this section of passage. Can you name them?
2. We know throughout scripture, beginning with the foundation of the world and universe that our God is meticulous, and that He does everything to the measure. How was this seen in this passage and how does this characteristic impact your relationship with HIM?

Remember, to view the answers to yesterday's questions, you need to go to the comments from that day.

WEDNESDAY'S: Face to Face with God

2010-01-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

Face To Face Questions: Exodus 12:1-30
1. The book of Exodus is an incredible book where we see God in action for the people He loves. It is amazing how long it took Egypt to finally let His people go. After many plagues, what was the final action that happened throughout Egypt that caused the Pharaoh to let God’s people go?

2. What was placed over the doors to keep the “destroyer” away? Do you see any parallel in your life today in what God has done for His people…for you?

Remember you can find the answers to the following days questions in that days comments.

TUESDAY'S: Face to Face With God

2010-01-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

(To see answers to yesterday's questions, view that days comments. Some answers are subject to your own thoughts and are not posted)

Face To Face Questions: Exodus 3:1-17
1. God knows how to get our attention. I love that about His character. Do you recognize His “out of the ordinary means” of grabbing your attention? Moses was in the desert and something caught his attention, it was a bush in flames that did not “burn”. What does it say the Lord did before He spoke to Moses?
2. When God tells Moses “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." and Moses begins to question God, what characteristics, attributes of God do you see and how does that impact your relationship with HIM today?

MONDAY'S: Face To Face With God

2010-01-04T04:58:00.001-08:00

Face To Face Questions: Genesis 41:1-39
1. When Pharaoh asked Joseph: "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." What did Joseph say, and why do you think he said what he did?

2. The Pharaoh was given a dream in two forms. What was the reason God gave him those dreams? What does that say about our God’s character and how does that impact your relationship with Him?

So You Think

2009-09-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

So you think things are bad huh? So you think things aren't able to be fixed? So you think the bills are stacked too high? Did you know God created the Heavens and the Earth? Do you realize that means EVERY star you see at night? Do you realize that means EVERY living thing you see? God, the creator of EVERYTHING can't help with the bills?

So you think things are bad huh? So you think things aren't able to be fixed? So you think your marriage is beyond repair? Did you know God parted an ENTRIE sea? Do you realize that He did this so His people could escape certain death? God, the only one who can command the waters can't repair your marriage?

So you think think things are bad huh? So you think things aren't able to be fixed? So you think you'll never find another job? Do you know that God walked in the fiery furnace of Babylon with his servants so that not even their clothes were burned? Or that God tamed a wild lion from devouring Daniel? God, the only one who can tame the fires or a wild lion can't help you find another job?

So you think things are bad huh? So you think things aren't able to be fixed? So you think your kid will never turn away from doing wrong? Do you know that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead? Do you realize that Lazarus had been dead for quite a while? Jesus, the only one who can raise the dead can't turn your kid from doing wrong?

So you think things are bad huh? So you think things aren't able to be fixed? So you think your life is such a train-wreck that God won't have you? So you think that you've committed so many sins in your life that God won't forgive you? Do you know that God sent Jesus, His only son to suffer and die on a cross, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life? God, the only one who would give up and suffer so much just so that we, sinners throughout, could find salvation and eternal life with Him. You think He won't have you? You think He won't forgive you?

Everyday we face problems in our lives. Some of these problems are small, while others seem completely overwhelming. There is nothing, I repeat nothing that God cannot handle, if we would just ask. He's waiting, will you take the step?

Anniversary

2009-08-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

All of us have dates that we remember vividly. Sometimes they are good memories i.e. your anniversary, birth of your children. Other memories aren't so good but they are still vivid i.e. 9/11, a death of a close friend or relative. Each memory though has one thing in common; we remember exactly where we were, exactly what we were doing, who we may have been with, etc etc.

I like you have my dates that I will never forget, but there is one date in particular that sticks out above all others. I will never forget this date or the significance of it. What I'm about to say, I have not shared outside of close friends and family. Maybe I was wrong in doing that, I don't know, but some things have happened over the past 24 hours that compelled me to do this.

October 8, 2001. Franklin Roosevelt said in his most famous of speeches; "December 7, 1941 a day that will live in infamy." Well, October 8, 2001 will live with me for the rest of my life. There I was, all of 18 years old, a freshman at Bowling Green State University. There I was at MacDonald Hall, room 301, lying in the top bunk, weeping uncontrollably. How had things gotten this bad? How had I let myself slip so far? I didn't come from a bad family, I didn't walk around with extra baggage. In fact, I came from a very good Christian home, where I was taught morals, and right from wrong. So how did it get to this? How did I get from being a carefree 18 year old, to a weeping mass on the top bunk of my dorm room? I couldn't be this bad could I? I know that the drinking I had been doing getting to be a bit much, but I'm 18 and at college, that's what I'm supposed to do right? I knew I should have been going to class, but I'm 18, and my parents are 200 miles away. Nobody was going to make me do anything I didn't want to do. As I lay there I remember closing my eyes and pleading with God. "Please God, I need you so bad right now, I need you more than ever, I can't do this anymore." "I can't live this life, and fight my battles without you, please Lord save me from this". My heart was screaming out to God, screaming for salvation, screaming for hope, and that's when it happened. That is when I realized without a shadow of a doubt that God was right there with me, that He was not going to leave me or foresake me. Right then and there I realized that no matter what, God, who I had been running away from for so long and toning out for so long was right there with me. You ask "what was this great epiphany you had"? As I lay there, through all the tears, fears, and sickness, I felt it. I felt a warm hand upon my face. A warm hand of a loving father telling me "it's going to be okay son." "Calm down, I'm right here, I'm going to get you through this." In that very moment, the tears stopped flowing from fear. They were replaced with tears of pure joy. Knowing that God the Father had reassured me, me a sinner, a completely unworthy son who had rejected the words of his heavenly father. Me. He saved me. Shortly there after I fell to sleep. I don't know how long I had been asleep for, but at some point I woke up for only a moment. In that moment I saw my roomate, and from out of nowhere I said "Everything is going to be okay." That was it, nothing else and I fell back to sleep. The next day, I saw a couple of friends from the hall. They both made comments on my appearance, telling me that something was different, there was a glow to my face that they had never seen before on me. It wasn't my glow people, it was God's.

I won't lie, now and tell you that everything was roses after that. I unfortunately fell back into some old habits, but when I did there was now a strong conviction in me. I struggled for the next few years, slipping and getting back up. I will never though forget that moment, that day God solidified himself in me, and pulled me out of the depths of complete misery and break down. I am saved by God's grace. I am saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus, by the blood that was shed for our sins on Calvary.

We each have our own story of Salvation, we each know our own struggles, and we each have our own dates that we remember. If you don't have a story of Salvation, please I beg of you, do it before it's too late. None of us knows how long we have on Earth, and to leave this world without knowing Christ is to enter into death. The Lord is waiting for you, it takes only a moment to pray and ask for forgiveness, but it will give you an eternity.

Dustin

Saved My Life

2009-08-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

I know that many of us don't typically think of secular music as a place where we would find an idea for a blog. There is however a song that has been out for the past couple of months that, while secular, has lyrics that can fit very easily into our Christian walk.

The song I'm talking about is called "All You Did Was Save My Life" by Our Lady Peace. I'm sure most of you can see where I'm going with this just by the title, and maybe some of you have even heard the song, so you'll be way ahead of the curve here. Let's look though at what this song's lyrics are. I'll start with the first few lines of the chorus, these are what I feel really caught my attention when I heard this song. The verses are "I'm not dying, all you did was save my life, pulled me out of that flat line, put the heartbeat back inside". Everyone may be different, but when I was saved through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it felt as though I regained something in my life. Yes it took me awhile, and I still struggle from time to time with things, but I have "a heartbeat", a heart that is beating for Christ. Before being saved I was on a flat line path to death, an eternal separation from God, but through the redeeming power of Christ's blood that was shed for us I was literally pulled up out of that pit, or flat line.

The next part of the chorus is, "I'm not dying, all you did was get me through, I owe every breath to you, heart and soul un-paralyzed, all you did was save my life". Can you think back to a time before you were saved, when things seemed just completely overwhelming with no end in sight? Did you get through it, and know that it wasn't you who got through and have the feeling that it had to have been God? I know I've had similar instances in my life, and before I was saved, I knew what I was feeling but my heart just wouldn't move, it was paralyzed. Christ broke that bond that was on my heart, He un-paralyzed my heart and soul. Now I can shout for joy from my heart and soul for Christ! I've been freed from death, and my heart and soul are moving for Christ.

The last part I would like to highlight are the lines "I'm not afraid to see, the devils gone underground, the tightropes been cut down, and I can finally breathe". What is there for us to fear in this life when Christ is living in us? What can we fear to see? Christ broke the chains of death, he freed us from bondage. At one point in our lives we were all afraid to see what may be lurking around the corner, because that thing lurking may have been death, and death without Christ meant an eternity of separation from God. I'm not saying that things will be all roses for the rest of our lives here on earth, things will be hard at times, but we have a blessed assurance that in the end we will be rewarded. All we have to do is believe in Christ, and His death and resurrection. These things all tie in also with the line, "the tightropes been cut down and I can finally breathe". Get saved and breathe in the air people, it feels so much better when you know who your Rock is. I'd say also that the line "the devils gone underground" is pretty easy to figure out. Yes, he may attack, and yes he may try to pull you down, but don't ever forget, when we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, and confessed our sins, that war with the Devil is already won. And there is nothing he can do to stop you.

Trust, obey, believe, and constantly pray is something a cousin of mine always adds to her emails. Keep these things in mind, and thank God for saving your life.

Dustin

"All You Did Was Save My Life"

c.2009 Our Lady Peace

Open Arms

2009-07-13T03:11:00.000-07:00

OPEN ARMS

Recently, I heard a story of a family that went to visit an aquarium. The family had a few small children in it and was really enjoying all the displays. As they made their way through the aquarium they realized their 4 year old son was no longer with them. They began to panic. They contacted the security guard who then locked down all the exits until the boy was found. After some time of searching, the boy was finally located in the arctic display area. Right inside the penguin exhibit. Well, the parents were so overjoyed that their son had been found, and was unharmed. They finished their visit and began their ride back home.

As they traveled some distance from the aquarium they had noticed how quiet there young son had been. They began to worry that maybe this had been such an overwhelming experience that he had been emotionally affected. So the dad pulled the car over and they began to ask their son if he was alright? He nodded, but still did not speak. The mom had noticed that while they were speaking with him his eyes kept wondering to his back pack that he always carried with him. She reached down and pick up the back pack and opened it. Much to her surprise right there in that back pack was a baby penguin. Can you image having to drive back to that aquarium and explain to them it is us again, you remember the ones who lost their son and you had to lock down all the exits. Yes, it is us; well we just wanted to return the baby penguin our son stole from here.

You know God cares for each one of us. He does not want not even one to be lost. Matthew 18:14 says,” In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” Sometimes for us it really is as easy as “turning the car around and going back”, to fix the mess ups in our lives. Other times, it takes a little more to get ourselves turned around, but God is always right there waiting for us with open arms. Go ahead turn around he is right there.

Spread the Word

Tracy

My Peace: Dana Snyder

2009-07-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

My Peace

“It’s okay, honey, I’ll take the dog out.” It is 12:30 a.m. and my husband had just rolled over and whispered those words to me. Not especially romantic, but in light of the fact that it wasn’t the dog whimpering to go outside but instead, it was me whimpering because my knee was on fire with pain, I am eternally grateful that I had someone who was willing to “take the dog out.” And even though I was hurting physically, I was at peace because he was there. How could I be at peace with a throbbing knee propped up on a pillow with an ice bag on it?

I had that peace of mind because I was secure in the knowledge that my husband would take care of me (and the dog). I was also at peace because as I lay there trying to struggle through the pain, I was remembering Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I had been laying there praying for relief from my pain, knowing that if I gave my pain over to Him, He would give me that release. In our human frailty, sometimes we don’t quite succeed in trusting in Him completely (thus the whimpering). In my mind and in my heart, I knew that He would help me. Jesus said in John 14:27 “ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Barbara Johnson is one of my favorite authors and she wrote: Last year when the Women of Faith conference was in Buffalo, New York, my husband and I took a few ours off to visit Niagara Falls. What an extraordinary place of beauty and power God created there! Just a short distance above the falls the wide Niagara River seems so peaceful and smooth, and then suddenly it plunges over the edge and thunders into a roaring current of foam and vapor – a natural wonder that is anything but peaceful. As if the falls themselves weren’t spectacular enough, for more than a century daredevils have been performing all sorts of incredible feats there, trying to win recognition for their courage, if not for their amazing lack of common sense! The most famous of these daredevils was Blondin, who first crossed the Niagara gorge on a tight rope in 1848.

Blondin just didn’t walk across the tight rope strung high over the gorge, however. He pushed a wheel barrow across it too. Another time he carried his manger across on his back. Finally, he carried a pack out to the middle of the high wire. There, hundreds of feet above the churning water, he took out a little wood burning stove, lit a fire, cooked an omelet, and then lowered it on a china plate to the crew of a boat waiting below.

When I heard that story, the image of a man nonchalantly cooking breakfast on a tight rope strung across a gorge created in my mind a vivid illustration of the Christian walk. As believers, we too are tight rope artists, walking Christ’s narrow way that stretches straight and true above life’s churning waters. We know it is not an easy rope to walk, and we know there are other ways to cross the river. But we choose this one, carefully placing one foot in front of the other and easing out over the abyss.

Occasionally we wobble, but we do not fall. Balanced on the tight rope, high above the chaos, we experience an outrageous peace. And this peace is ours simply because of what we take across the high wire. Not a balancing bar. Not a wheel barrow. Not a stove for cooking breakfast. Instead we take the nail-scarred hand of Jesus and step out confidently over the water, knowing that “the Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11).

Barbara hit it on the head. The Lord does give us strength and He does bless us with peace. He offers us a peace that does not require us to be perfect. I can whimper if I want to, knowing that I can come to Him as I am and ask Him to help me. That’s my peace.

Adulterer, Murderer, Forgiven

2009-07-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've written a blog for Thrive. I don't know why it's been so long, I really have no excuse. I hope that in the coming days, weeks, months, even years, that Thrive will thrive again through the love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

In looking through possible subjects for this writing I read Psalm 51. The header in your Bible may be different, but in mine it reads: "For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba." For some background on Bathsheba and David we look to 2 Samuel 11. David had seen Bathsheba from the roof of the palace and sent one of his servants to get her. Now Bathsheba was married to Uriah, a soldier in David's army. Even so, David slept with Bathsheba and she conceived a child. When David learned of this he sent for Uriah, Bathsheba's husband, and attempted to have him go to Bathsheba in order to make it seem as though Bathsheba was pregnant with Uriah's child rather than David's. When this did not work, David sent Uriah back to the other soldiers, who were at war, with instructions to the field commander that Uriah be put on the front line. In doing so David knew that Uriah would be killed and David could take Bathsheba as his wife. David had done these things in secret but the Lord sent a prophet, Nathan, to essentially call David out for his sin.

You may be saying to yourself, this is David? This is the man after God's heart? This is the great king of Israel? Sure is. Before you begin to judge though, let's look into Psalm 51. In Psalm 51 you see David's plea to the Lord. It can be broken down into different parts. In the first 12 verses David is confessing his sin to the Lord. Psalm 51: 3-5 says; "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." Here David is humbling himself before the Lord. He is openly admitting his sin, his trangressions, and his history of sin, even from his conception in the womb. David, the great king. David, who could have whatever he wanted. David, who was hand-picked by God to lead the Jews on earth. He knew his place, and knew where his blessings came from. Also in these first twelve verses we can see another part of David's plea, his requests from God. Psalm 51: 1-2 reads "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." Then in Psalm 51: 6-12 we read further "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. David here is asking for forgiveness. He is pleading with the Lord to look away from David's transgressions and renew him in spirit.

After admitting his sin to the Lord, and asking for forgiveness, David does something that I find the most interesting of all. Psalm 51: 13-15 reads "Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise." Sound familiar? It does to me. David, from my point of view, is essentially making a deal. Get me out of this mess and I'll do this, this, and this. You may continue to think that if you didn't continue reading, because the next four verses are what I was talking about earlier when I said I find the most interesting of all. Psalm 51: 16-19 reads; "You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the wall of Jerusalem. Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar." The reason I find this so interesting is, that David is showing us his true feelings. He is not just trying to get himself out of a mess. He is saying to the Lord, I know offerings mean nothing if they are not given with a truthful, sincere heart.

This all brings me to my conclusion. Today, we don't bring a bull or a ram or a sheep to be sacrificed on the altar as atonement. That ultimate sacrifice was made by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. His death on the cross and resurection paid the price for all of us and for all of our sins. We need to learn something here from David though. David came to the Lord with a humble heart. With a sincere heart and a yearning to be close to God. This is how we should approach our relationship to Christ, with a sincere heart, and a yearning to be close to God. God wants a close personal relationship with each and everyone of us, he wants not a single one of us to die and be seperated from him. He sent His Son to earth to die on the cross and rise again so that we could have that close and personal relationship.

Make that humble, and sincere commitment. God is calling you, be willing to listen and accept His offer.

I was created for eternity…

2009-06-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

Matt and I have been studying 1 Peter. I remember during my college and seminary years studying this book, and yet, I learn something new, something that God points out to me that is crucial at this moment in time, in my walk with Him and others who share that they, too, are followers of Jesus.

It was verse 7 that made my heart stop, but to fully grasp it, let’s also read verse 6 and 8 along with 7 from chapter 1. (Verse 7 is in bold)

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy."

I grew up in a time, in which I find continues to permeate throughout churches, and that is one of “just say the prayer.”, or dare I even type, “Just get baptized.” I can vividly remember during a revival that we were told if we “but come forward and say the prayer than we would be saved from hell.” It was not shared with me or those who were with me that, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

I recently drove past a sign with the photo of a soldier and it read, “We don’t accept applications…only commitments.”

Verse 7 in chapter 1 of 1 Peter is talking about commitments versus applications. I believe there are many out there today, walking around with the application in their back pocket or tucked away in the “did it” file but never made the commitment. In the book of John, chapter 6, verse 60-70, it talks about those who did just that and when they heard what it would mean to commit to following Jesus…”many deserted Him.” In this chapter in the book of John, Christ is telling them and us, “I don’t accept applications…only commitments.”

As I read 1 Peter 1 and camp in this chapter and the verses above, my heart truly cries out in praise, glory and honor to HIM. I don’t have to see Him to know He is here and that He alone is walking with me through the trials I face daily. It is true when it states there is an inexpressible and glorious joy. It is almost…ineffable to describe, but it fills me because I know the goal that is ahead of me and it is far better than all I face here. My salvation in HIM is set with His stamp, His deposit of the Holy Spirit in me when I decided to walk past just the “application” and stepped across the line and committed!

I was created for eternity…nothing this world holds will satisfy!

AThompson

Entry shared with permission from AFF

Sovereign

2009-05-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sovereign-
sover·eign:
"Having supreme authority or power".

O Sovereign Lord

When preparing to write when my turn comes around for Thrive Today, I often struggle with narrowing down what I should write about. I have spent much time in prayer over the last week for the Lord to just use me to pen the words he wants to share. As you begin to read through these words take the time to feel His presence with you.

As I read through the book of 2 Samuel I was overwhelmed with the amount of battles and fighting going on. So much destruction of so many lives. I just kept wondering why this just couldn’t have been done another way? But also what I noticed was the amazing faithfulness that David had in God. David is much like you and I. David sinned, I sin. David didn’t always please God, I don’t always please God. David believed in who God is, I believe in who God is.

I think sometimes we forget that even though we may sin or someone else may sin, that doesn’t mean we don’t have faith or that we don’t believe in who God is. We forget that we still have a sinful nature and sometimes we are willing give into that nature. When that happens we move away from God.

Did you get that WE move away from God.

He doesn’t move~ we do! We choose to move. He waits right there for us to come to Him again. He loves us. He really wants you to
know that right now~ God loves you!

I enjoy the prayer that David has in 2 Samuel 7: 18-29,
take time to read it all, embrace it.

Here are random excerpts from that prayer with comments:
Who am I, O Sovereign Lord…
Who are we really? What is our value with out God?
For you know your servant.
God knows us personally; he knows your needs, your wants & your heart.
…according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant…
God’s will~ allow it to be a part of your life.
God finds you important enough to let you in on things stop being clueless! Seek Him.
How great you are, O Sovereign Lord. There is no one like you and there is no God but you.
Stop moving- be still and know that He is God.
Spread the Word

Tracy Bowling

Mom

2009-05-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

By my count the word mother appears in the Bible forty four times. Eight of those times we are told to honor our fathers and our mothers. So, lets honor those we call mom, mommy, mother, mum, maybe sometimes even grandma.

She was chosen long before you or I were even a thought. Chosen by God to raise a child. God built into her personality the ability to be a mother. She suffered through the pain of child birth, to bring you and I into this world. She lacked sleep to answer our cries. She plugged her nose and smiled hoping that we would be a quick learner. (you know what I mean) She held us and shielded us against the dangers of this world.

As we grew older she presented us with joy to everyone. She told us bedtime stories, and sang lullabies until we were fast asleep. She tucked us in and turned on the night light right after making sure there were no monsters left in the closet or under the bed.

On our first day of school she made sure our tummies were filled up and our shirts were tucked in. As we got on the bus or made our way into the classroom, she took what seemed like a thousand pictures from a thousand different angles, as she watched with a hint of sadness as her little one was growing up fast. She wanted to know everything. How was the teacher? What did you learn? Did you make any new friends? Always interested in every little detail.

As we continued to grow, she was right there. Problem with homework, no problem for mom. You need what done by tomorrow morning?! No problem for mom, at least in our eyes. Baseball, football, basketball, softball, soccer, who was your number one fan? Who was our personal limo driver? Who made sure that uniform was clean, just so you and I could get it as dirty as possible? Yep, you guessed it, mom.

At some point we began to think to ourselves, "hey I'm a very mature teenager, mom just keeps treating me like a kid"! Who did we run to first though with big news? Who was there to comfort us after that big break up? Who still made sure our clothes were clean, and those projects still got done at the last minute? Right again, mom.

Remember when you went away to college or moved out of your parents home. Oh what joy you had. Do you remember though who it was that was crying and giving you that last second advice? Mom. Do you remember who you first went to when something went wrong or whose voice you so longed to hear?

I could go on and on and on with praises for mothers, but I'm afraid I might run out of room. No matter what, everyone has a mother. Maybe she didn't give birth to you, maybe she's not even related to you, but everyone has a mother. Mom, mother, mommy, mum, grandma, will always be that special woman God put into our lives at a young age to watch over us here on earth. No, we don't always get along, and yes there were and are tough times, but she still deserves our deepest respect and gratitude for a job well done. We should all thank God everyday for whoever it is that we call mom.

Happy Mother's Day.

"WHEN THE STORM RAGES"

2009-04-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

In 1991, some friends and I traveled across the States, up to Idaho, into the Rockies and across Canada camping most of the way. I remember being exhausted when we decided to stop in the Bad Lands of South Dakota. We put up our tents, and went to sleep before nightfall. It was in the middle of the night when we experienced why it was called "The Bad Lands". We were in the midst of a violent electrical storm and the area was flooding. My friends tried to wake me, but I was so tired, that I just rolled over and went back to sleep, unaware that the tent was filling with water. With a bit more prodding and encouragement, I was quickly up and we began to move quickly to store our gear and get to safety.

We, and I use the term generally, have become so focused on getting ourselves to safety, that many times we leave our brothers and sisters behind to fight the storm alone.

Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Hebrews 10:23-25 exhorts us to stand with each other, carry one another's burdens, to not stop meeting together and to encourage one another.

In the Bad Lands of S.D., all I wanted to do was sleep because I was tired. My friends knew this, but they also knew I would not have made it alone, so they helped me see the storm.

Take time to reflect on the scriptures above. Is God calling you to encourage someone today as they battle in the storm? Maybe you know someone who is in the midst of the storm, yet they are unaware. Pray for them and ask God to use you to encourage them.

For those of you who are asking, "What if I am the one in the midst and feel alone?" My dear brother or sister, David felt the same and he wrote a Psalm about regarding his storm. Read Psalm 18, and allow God to use the story of David to encourage you.

This section was taken and used with permission from the book, TRUE INTIMACY

Author: Angel Thompson

Published by Unleashing Potential Ministries

ISBN: 1-4116-3274-5

WHAT IS YOUR "WALL OF JERICHO"?

2009-04-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

It has been a year since Joshua was diagnosed with Autism. At that time the world seemed to stop and the future for our son seemed blurry. Today, as I reflect back upon Joshua's journey so far in the world of Autism, I am reminded of another man's battle. They both share some things in common. His name was also Joshua and he was commissioned by God to take the city of Jericho. "Jericho was shut up like a drum because of the People of Israel: no one going in, no one going out. God spoke to Joshua, "Look sharp now. I've already given Jericho to you…" Joshua 6:1,2

So what did Joshua do? He believed and trusted what God said. He knew the character of God and he knew who he was in God. The only thing that lay between Joshua, the people of Israel and Jericho was a wall. God gave Joshua step-by-step instructions on how to conquer this wall.
First: March around the city once with the priests blowing on their horns. He told them to do this for 6 days.
Second: On the seventh day they were to walk around the city walls seven times with the priests blowing their horns. On the seventh round when the priests sounded their horns the people were to, "Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!"
Third: Take the city.

You are thinking, "That's a really nice story, but how does it apply to my life?" Brothers and sisters, we all have walls in our lives. Some walls are in the form of a disorder, like our son's and then there are walls built from the sin in our lives. Do you realize that through Christ we have been given freedom over the "city of death"? "

"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." Romans 6:6-7

Now you are thinking, "What walls?" Those things that keep you from having a full and intimate relationship with the Lord and that keep you from healthy relationships with others. Those walls could be hatred, bitterness, a negative attitude, lusting, coveting, doubting, excessive worrying, pride, greed…to list a few.

So, what are the steps we need to take to fight the walls in our lives?
First: Trust God. If you don't know His character or who you truly are in Him, seek counsel through your Pastor or a Christian Counselor.
Second: Walk around those "walls". How? Spend time reading the Bible, the guidebook to break down those walls. Here are a few: Galatians 5:1; Philippians 4:ll-13; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 8:31-37; 12:3; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 2:12; John 16:33; 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalm 1; James 4:7; Psalm 51; 1 John 1:4-10. Also, continue applying the first step.
Third: Even when the day seems hard and the light seems far away, "take the city"! In other words, claim the victory He has promised you.

"…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

The walls our son faces everyday is a disorder that daily God is helping Joshua fight to break them down through our prayers and therapy.

What are your walls? No matter if they are from a disorder or sin, the same simple steps apply. Trust God, for your life is precious to Him. Walk around your walls through reading His Word and seek Christian counsel, and don't forget to take the city. He has given you the keys.

"Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." Galatians 4:6,7

This section was taken and used with permission from the book, TRUE INTIMACY
Author: Angel Thompson
Copyright Year: © 2005
Published by Unleashing Potential Ministries
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ISBN: 1-4116-3274-5

Forgiveness

2009-04-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

Lets all go on a journey. Come with me as we travel through time. We'll skip over the 19th century, and keep going back. Past Plymouth Rock, past Columbus, flying beyond the Renaissance, the Dark Ages, through the last days of the Roman Empire, and right into the heart of Jerusalem. We find here a man by the name of Stephen.

Stephen, a speaker of truth inspired by the Holy Spirit, is giving a divinely inspired speach to the leaders of Jerusalem. He is speaking the truth to an unbelieving group, a group that is becoming more and more hostile with every word that is spoken by Stephen. Finally, when their rage has become more than they can contain, they take hold of Stephen and drag him outside. Once there they commence to stoning Stephen in view of the public. As he breaths his last breath, Stephen cries out to the Lord "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:60) After pleading for not just himself but also his murderers, Stephen closes his eyes and steps into eternity with the Lord.

Finding this scene of violence to hard to watch any longer we look away, but something catches our eye. We see a man standing to the side of the melee, a man who seems to be important. This man doesn't appear to be very old like the others, yet there are people throwing their clothes at his feet. Finding him to be an intersting fellow and curious as to what makes him so important you begin to follow him and observe him from a distance. What you find makes your stomach turn. You watch as this man goes house to house, dragging out both men and women and throwing them into prison. With your mind filled to capacity with curiousity, you ask a passer-by what the meaning of all this is. He tells you that those people being dragged away are followers of the Way. "They are believers in Jesus," he tells you. Shocked and apalled at the entire scene, you decide to keep following this mysterious and trecherous man as he moves toward Damascus. You don't know why you're following him, maybe you think you can stop him if he goes to another home to drag men and women away for their beliefs.

After walking for what seems like forever, you are thirsty, hungry, and extremely tired. Something happens then that makes you forget all those things. This man that you have been following suddenly falls to the ground. You hear a voice like thunder coming from the sky, but you cannot understand what is being said. You understand this man on the ground though, and can hear him say "Who are you, Lord?" After a few moments the man gets up, but he seem disoriented, like he can no longer see.

Overflowing with curiosity you keep following the man into Damascus. There you find lodging in a home next to this man. For three days you wait and observe. This man eats nothing and drinks nothing for these three days, until another man shows up. Listening in on the conversation, you find that this other man's name is Ananias. You watch as Ananias speaks with this man, and as quickly as he lost his sight you notice that he has regained it. As you keep observing you see that this man is taken by Ananias and baptized. Baptized? You think to yourself. This man that was dragging men and women out of their homes for believing in Jesus, is being baptized? Then you remember something. Saul? No, no Paul? Could this be him? This treacherous, and violent man, who tormented people for their belief in Jesus. Is this who God ordained to spread His word throughout the land? WOW! You think to yourself, WOW!

I write this down, because each and every one of us was once blind like Paul. No, not blind in the sense that we can't see our hand in front of our faces, but blind to the love that Jesus gives freely. We resisted, like Paul, the message that was being sent our way, and like Paul maybe even persecuted some who were trying to send us that message. No, I'm not saying we killed anyone or had them thrown into prison, but maybe we spoke harshly to them or about them. All because they were spreading the truth. And all of us, like Paul, had a turning point. Or maybe someone who is reading this hasn't yet. All I can say is this, become blind to the things of this world and open your eyes to the love that Jesus gives freely. And if you feel as though you cannot be forgiven, remember Paul. For all he did to stop the word of Jesus being spread, God forgave him used him to spread the word further than any other. Amen.

Dustin

Sing From The Mountain!

2009-04-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

As we read through the book of Acts this week I would like you to take time to reflect on something, the boldness of these early Christians. From the Apostles preaching on the day of Pentecost to Paul preaching in Rome while a prisoner because of Christ, we see the boldness in the followers of Christ.

In Chapter 4 we find Peter and John being arrested for preaching about Jesus and the resurrection. In spite of the threats made by the rulers and leaders for them not to preach, Peter and John said they would obey God, not man. When they gathered together with the other believers, they prayed with them. In their prayer they asked God to grant them to speak BOLDLY the word of the Lord.

In chapter 7 Stephen is brought before the council and he preaches Jesus with last breath.

In chapter 13, Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch and spoke BOLDLY when they were opposed by the Jews.

In chapter 14 Paul and Barnabas spoke Boldly for the Lord in Iconium.

In chapter 18 Apollos speaks boldly concerning Jesus.

In chapter 19 Paul preaches boldly in the synagogue.

In chapter 26 Paul speaks boldly to king Agrippa.

And in chapter 28 Paul speaks boldly while in captivity in Rome.

These are examples of how the Gospel was boldly preached by the early Church. We too, can speak about our Lord boldly. We should not shy away from proclaiming Jesus in our homes, in our work places, to our neighbors, to our friends. Are we willing to speak boldly? I hope we are. Maybe we need to pray like they did in Acts 4 and ask God to give us boldness to speak out. When we do, we need to be prepared; at the end of the prayer in chapter 4 the place was shaken!

Paul Brunsman

The continued journey of grasping the promise...

2009-04-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

My greatest mentor was my grandfather. My childhood was not an adventure, it was a battle field. There were moments early on when God gave my brother’s and I a moment of safety in the home of our grandparents. A moment of security before we would enter the unknown battlefield of our parents. I remember when I went to live with them permanently and I will admit my emotions and thoughts were ambivalent, yet over time, especially after college when I entered grad school, did my grandfather’s influence in my life begin to play a very unique roll. I watched him, gleaned from him and learned a great deal about what trusting God meant. What trusting God at His word, meant.

The Israelites were standing at the threshold of the Promised Land. Moses knew that he would not be entering, but that Joshua would lead them across. God gave Moses instructions and reassured him that He would go before them, as He did in the desert for 40 years. That He did not bring them this far to just “drop them off”. That He would be with them. I can imagine Joshua felt a bit ambivalent with emotions of fear and anxiety along with excitement. He would be leading all of Israel into the land without his mentor. Moses shared the words to Joshua in front of the people, the words the Lord had shared with him. We see this in Deuteronomy 30. Did you know that when Moses died and Joshua was getting ready to go into the Promise Land that the Lord, again reassured him. He told him, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
What a calm reassurance Joshua must have felt. The God who took them out of Egypt, who went before them for 40 years in the desert as a pillar of fire at night and a cloud during the day…would be with them always.

So, even though his mentor, Moses was not with him, some one he could turn to for advice or counsel as I am sure he did over the 40 years of wandering…Joshua knew that his GOD would be with them always.

My grandfather witnessed me walk through some pretty rough times in my life. He shared moments with me when he did not know if my brothers and I would survive in our early years of life, and watched me struggle through areas in my life from abuse by others. He watched me make mistakes, which I know brought him pain, and he would in turn celebrated victories. He was there when Matt’s dad died and when Joshua was diagnosed with Autism. Even though my desire was that my grandpa would live to see Christ return, I knew he would not always be with me. Months before he died he said this to me, “What a privilege and compliment when God puts you in a difficult situation implying that He knows He’s given you enough spiritual maturity to handle it.” In other words, “Angel, don’t be afraid of what is in front of you and what you are facing…God is always with you, trust HIM.”

Today, my Lord is not in front of me as a pillar or cloud, but His Spirit lives in me. He is my anchor. His promises and Word are an anchor for my soul. When He says He will not leave me…I know that I can walk into the “Promised Land”…because no matter where I go…He is with me. (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14)

May you know the fullness today of Jesus in your life and may you grasp that He is with you…wherever you go.

Totally HIS,
AT

Do You Hear It?

2009-03-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy Chapters 18-34

In our reading for this week, in Deuteronomy 18-34, I was thinking how difficult coming up with something would be. There are a lot of laws that Moses passed down to the people throughout most of these chapters, and talking about laws doesn’t make for “fun” reading. Then, I got to chapter 34 that talks about the death of Moses and how God showed him “…the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it. ‘” (34:4) and I couldn’t help but think about all the things that Moses did in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. I think about how Moses was able to speak to God, to witness the great miracles that God performed in getting the Israelites out of Egypt and as they traveled for 40 years, the battles they won and the list could go on. Then I read in 34:18 how “…Israel grieved for Moses…for 30 days…” WHY? Why would the Israelites mourn for someone they complained about and failed to listen to many times?

The answer is in 34:10-12 “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt – to Pharaoh and all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.” This is some pretty high praise for a sheep herder (Exodus 3:1), for someone who claimed to be “slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10), for someone who didn’t want to listen to God (Exodus 4:13) All this makes me wonder about all the times that I have failed to listen to God, how many times that I want God to send someone else because I don’t think I am skilled enough to do it. And all God says is trust me because all things are possible!

Are you listening and trusting God? If we only listen and follow Him, what kind of things can we accomplish for His kingdom? If God can use a donkey (Numbers 22:21-31) to accomplish His will, just think of what He can do through those He created in is own image!

Donald & Tracy Bowling

Whose Will?

2009-03-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

We've all heard the term, said the term, thought the term; "Lord let YOUR will be done." Whose will is being done though? Are we truly always seeking the will of the Living God? The Creator of all things, the Alpha and the Omega. Or do we sometimes seek the will of God when it suits us, or worse, seeking our own will but claiming that it's the Lord's will?

In Dueteronomy, we see what can happen when a person or a group of people don't seek first the will of God. The Israelites had been taken out of hardship and suffering in Egypt by God. They had seen great miracles and been given great signs by God. When they had left Horeb, and came to the land of the Amorites, their belief was given a test. The Lord commanded them to go into the land of the Amorites and take it. He even told them what the outcome was going to be, "See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 1:21) The Israelites then sent spies out to check the land, and they brought back good news to the people. Showing them the fruit of the land they said "It is a good land that the Lord our God is giving us." (Deuteronomy 1:25) Even with this report from the spies, and more importantly with the assurance that God had given that they would take the land, the Israelites began to grumble. They became scared and according to Deuteronomy 1:27 "You grumbled in your tents and said, the Lord hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us." When the Lord heard this he became angry, and when the Israelites realized their error they said "We have sinned against the Lord. We will go up and fight, as the Lord our God commanded us." (Deuteronomy 1:41) When they said this though the Lord told them, not to go because He would not be with them and they would lose. Again the Israelites rebelled and went out to fight the Amorites, and they were beaten back by the Amorites. All of this could have been avoided. Pain and suffering from the loss of battle could have been avoided if they had only first listened and followed the instruction and will of God.

Fast forward and few thousand years from the time of the Israelites in the desert and a rewind a couple thousand years from right now to a garden. To a garden at night, where friends slept, and a carpenter prayed. What was it that he prayed that night? What did he say to his Father? What did He know was going to happen to Him? What did He know that He could do to stop it? "Father, if your are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

So I'll ask again, are we as Christians truly following and listening for the will of God? Are we seeking first His will? The will of God, who created us and knows each of our needs. Or are we seeking His will on a part-time basis, and leaning on ourselves for the rest?

Dustin Smoot

Victory In Jesus

2009-03-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

"My life has become a constant struggle"
"I never seem to know what to do"
"It feels like everyone has abandoned me"
"My drinking has gotten out of control"
"The drugs have taken over my life"
"What is the point of all this?"
"Why doesn't anyone listen to me?"
"Why did my spouse walk out?"
"It can't get any worse than this"
"Where can I turn from here?"

"I heard an old, old story,

How a Savior came from glory,

How He gave His life on Calvary

To save a wretch like me;

I heard about His groaning,

Of His precious blood's atoning,

Then I repented of my sins

And won the victory"

"The doctor said it was cancer"

"Mom told me it was something with her heart"

"They said Dad will never walk again after the stroke"

"The say the disease can make you go blind"

"I cant believe my only child is an addict, he needs help"

"Ever since the accident, he hasn't worked." "How can we pay the bills?"

"Her depression is getting worse"

"He just keeps drifting further and further away"

"What am I going to do?"

"Who can I turn to?"

"I heard about His healing

Of His cleansing pow'r revealing.

How He made the lame to walk again

And caused the blind to see;

And then I cried, "Dear Jesus,

Come and heal my broken spirit,"

And somehow Jesus came and bro't

To me the victory"

"All they kept saying was, that its terminal"

"I don't know how some people cannot be afraid of death"

"I wonder what's on the other side?"

"I wonder if there's another life after this?"

"When life ends that's it, isn't it?"

"I'm a good person"

"Why do I need Jesus?"

"I heard about a mansion

He has built for me in glory.

And I heard about the streets of gold

Beyond the crystal sea;

About the angels singing,

And the old redemption story,

And some sweet day I'll sing up there

The song of victory!"

"O victory in Jesus,

My savior, forever.

He sought me, and bought me

With His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory,

Beneath the cleansing flood"

Heavenly Father, you have had this song on my heart for at least the past week. Tonight I felt the need to put it in writing. Whatever the reason was, I don't know. I just ask and pray that your will be done.

Dustin Smoot

"Victory in Jesus"

Written by: Eugene Bartlett 1939

Loving Jesus

2009-03-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Back in Bible times a common prayer for the men to say was, “Thank God that I wasn’t born a Gentile, a slave, or a woman.” Yea, that’s just wrong! In the text today we find an equal injustice. Mary was severely criticized for entering a dinner party, which was against the social customs of the day, to express her love for Jesus. She entered the room and anointed His feet with some very expensive perfume, (It would have been worth about a year’s wages) and then she wiped His feet with her hair. Her most vocal critic was Judas, who would betray Jesus just a few days later.

Jesus makes a very interesting response to this whole situation. He did not become critical Himself, or bend to social pressure and kick Mary out of the room. Instead, He said something very surprising. He said, “leave her alone” and then He went on to say that “you will not always have me” here with you. In other words, Jesus affirmed Mary’s attempt to demonstrate her love for Him. As a matter of fact, the Scripture says that anyone who comes to Him will not be cast out!

We can take this awesome message with us today. Mary used what she had; to do what she could do; while she could do it. Perhaps today we can demonstrate our love for Jesus by using our ordinary circumstances to do whatever ministry it is that Jesus has called us to do. Tomorrow may be too late! Despite what others may think, let’s love Jesus today and show His love to others.

By Guest Writer:
Pat Hartson
Director/NOAH
To learn more about NOAH and what they do click NOAH

What's Holding Us Back?

2009-03-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Joe, the guy who works at the gas station.

Martha, the woman who works at the grocery store.

Tim, the guy in the cubicle next to you.

Cynthia, the woman who delivers your mail.

John, the guy serving you your double latte, frappe, lowfat skim milk, double espresso americana drink every morning. (or for the rest of us just black coffee)

What is it that may be common among these people? Are they thirsting for something?

This past Suday, Matt delivered a sermon that drove right to my core. He talked about reaching out to people, and bringing them into the Church. His example was the doughnut shop employee, and giving just a simple invite. I'm just as guilty as the next person, for not seizing an opportunity when the Lord presents it. To reach out to someone that may be thirsty for something.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus left the area known as Judea to go to Galilee. Along his way he stopped at a well, Jacob's well. While there a Samaritan woman came along and Jesus asked her for a drink from the well. After some discussion, Jesus explained that He could provide her Living Water, that "whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life". (John 4: 13-14) Moving further along, we see that Jesus pronounces Himself as the Messiah to the woman. (John 4: 25-46).

You may be asking yourselves "what does this have to do with reaching out to people"? Let's take a closer look at who this woman was, and where she was from. This woman was a Samaritan. When we read chapter four of John we find that the Jewish community, which is were Jesus was from, regarded the Samaritans as second class, as being unclean. According to study notes, the Jews even went as far as to avoid any Samaritan area when traveling. Jesus, obviously, was different. He knew where he was traveling to, and he knew the thoughts of His people towards the Samaritans. He went there anyways and REACHED OUT, to this woman. As we read further into John we find that in this simple act of reaching out to this woman, she went back to her people and many were saved when Jesus reached out to them. Samaritans, the unworthy, the unfit, the unclean people who were disregarded in their time.

So I'll ask again, what's holding us back? We obviously don't go out of our way to avoid the gas station. We don't think of the grocery store worker as unclean. We don't refuse our mail because of who delivered it. We don't disregard ideas from the person in the next cubicle because we think they're second class. We definitely don't refuse our double latte, frappe, lowfat skin milk, double espresso americana (black coffee) drink every morning. So what is it? What is holding us back from reaching out to these or any other person we come into contact with? What stops us from following the example set by our Lord and Savior? What is stopping us from giving just a simple invite to Church?

In closing, I'll just say again that I'm as guilty as the next person for not doing these things. For not reaching out. Maybe its fear of rejection, maybe its selfishness with my time, I don't know what it is. Starting now though, lets all challenge ourselves to reach out. Lets give that simple invite. Lets all start showing people where they can find that water which they have been thirsting for. A water which never runs out, a water that always quenches a thirst.

Dustin Smoot

Drink from the ROCK

2009-03-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

Have you ever experienced “want”? Have you ever needed something but it was not in reach? I remember one summer I went with my mom and brother on vacation in North Carolina and Tennessee. Beautiful country. On this particular day we had made plans to “hike” up “Grandpa's Mountain.” We had no idea how far this “hike” would take us, and all we took with us were our cameras. Did I mention it was summer and we were hiking up a mountain? After 2 hours of hiking we became very thirsty, however the canisters we carried only had film loaded in them, not water. When we arrived at the top of the mountain…we actually thought there would be some sort of water source…it was truly hard to enjoy the view because of our thirst. I will admit, there was a great deal of grumbling. We longed for water and being the germaphobe that I am, I even thought about tackling a person who had several water bottles just to get drop. We were in “want” of something so common, yet no where to be found.

In the book of Numbers chapter 20, we read about the Israelites grumbling because they are thirsty. This wasn’t the “first” moment of grumbling. They had been wandering for 38 years and were still grumbling. They were given food and drink through their journey and would still get up and grumble, complain, and turn from God.

Let’s set the picture of what is going on here with Moses. He has been wandering for 38 years with this group of people who were on the verge of finally entering the promise land. His sister has just past away and they…again, begin to complain. 38 years God has provided nourishment and water and they are grumbling as if they are going to die with no way of getting water.

Matt talked about parasites that seep into our lives this past Sunday. Do you think they may have had some in their lives, in their souls?

Okay, so Moses and Aaron go to God and He tells them what to do. He tells them to take the staff and SPEAK to the rock to bring forth water.

The next thing we see is Moses taking the glory and then hitting the rock twice to bring forth water. This section has caused more questions and controversy. (which is for another discussion) Listen to what God tells them in verse 12:

"But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."

What a consequence.

In 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Paul speaks about the History of Israel, what happened in the desert and gives us warnings.

As I think of both passages, my mind comes back to what Matt talked about which brings me to verse 12 & 13:

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

Moses allowed a parasite to enter and when he acted on it, it cost him.

I love, however that God tells us that He provides a way out so that we can stand up under it. I love that I am under the grace of God, and because of His grace... that Christ is my anchor, I can STAND UP UNDER IT. I cannot stand firm myself…the Lord God holds me with His strong right hand and pulls me out of that pit.

The Israelites lost sight from the very beginning that their God, our God saved them and had them in the palm of His hand and for 38 years had gone before them in a cloud and pillar of fire, making a way. All they could see is what they thought they “wanted” and were never satisfied.

We were made for eternity, so the things of this world will NEVER satisfy. They drank from the rock and never realized that it was the spiritual rock of Christ. How many times have we drank from the ROCK and walked away grumbling?

A.Thompson

photos by fotosearch.com

Hope Is Within Reach

2009-03-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

Hope is within reach.

You know Moses was really an incredible person. Looking through the Old Testament, he really did some amazing things.

He was close to God. God really liked him, God was close to Moses. Numbers 12:3 said “Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” Now this is God inspired writing saying this! Wow, would anyone ever think that of me? I just don’t think so.

With God on your side who can be against you? Well, Moses had God on his side. His brother and sister were questioning his position, and God took the time to put them in there place. He had to teach them and Moses a lesson. It was hard core, but wow, impacting. Check it all out in Numbers chapter 12.

With God on your side who can be against you? Have you felt overwhelmed lately? Have you questioned your position in life? Let God teach you a lesson. Open His word. Open your Heart and listen to the words of God. Let Him speak to you. Listen to what He has to say:

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you”, 1Peter 5:7
“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace”, Psalm 29:11
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”, Romans 15:13
Find your hope in the Lord, find PEACE.

To inspire our Thrive readers I am going to have a giveaway. Here is how it will work. Leave a comment, with your name and be in the worship service on March 15. I will randomly draw a name from those that qualify. Giveaway prize winner will receive item at the end of the worship service. It is just that easy! Spread the word!

Tracy Bowling

"MY WORD IS MY BOND"

2009-03-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

I am in the middle of traveling and find myself in a quiet place with God and am soaking in all that I can. As I do, I was reminded of something my wife wrote back in 2005, and with her permission I have placed in this blog for this weeks Thrive.

"MY WORD IS MY BOND"

In 1921 my grandfather entered this world. At the age of 17 he married his high school sweetheart and last September 2004 we celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. I had the distinct privilege of watching my grandfather live out his vow to the Lord and to my grandmother, even unto death.

Now, Webster's Dictionary states that a vow is a "promise solemnly, to never leave each other, a covenant, a promise, a pledge."

We make many "pledges", "promises" and "vows" in the course of our lives. From secrets promised in childhood, loyalty to our country as we stand with our hand over our heart, to marriage. When we marry we make a solemn vow to "never leave each other" as long as we both shall live. However, over generations of time we have forgotten what a "vow" really stands for. Our world view and belief is "if it doesn't work for me, find something else that does."
In the book of Numbers, chapter 30, verse 2 we read, "…that when a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said."

I was never more impressed with a young person's grasp of a "vow", until I met Ryan. During the summer of 2004, Ryan came every day to help with puppets during VBS. He made a commitment to be there, and he was. I later found out he had the opportunity to go see the Cleveland Indians play. Now, what young boy would not want to go and see a pro baseball game? Anyone would jump at the chance and would be able to find some "good" reason to go. However, he told his mother that he had made a commitment to be here at the church to help with VBS and he gave up the opportunity. Ryan has learned young in life, as did my grandfather, what a vow truly means.

Take a moment today and reflect, "What is your world view and belief in regards to what a vow is?" Have you viewed a vow as just words and that "if it doesn't work for me, find something else that does"? Or, have you embraced the winding road of life that bring joys and sorrows? As I type this I know that we all have had moments of the first view at some point in our walk, and I can honestly say that the latter is something to be grasped, held onto and to cherish a second chance.

In my 36 years of life I have witnessed a couple who embraced the meaning of a "vow" through their marriage and through their relationship with the Lord, and the joy and love that sprang up from that commitment. I have also witnessed the emptiness search of those who go through the motions of a vow, who later walk away in search of the greener pastures.

Take time this week to go through your Bible and pull out verses that talk about "promise", "covenant" or even "vow". (i.e. 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 4:21; Hebrews 13:5; Joshua 1:5; Isaiah 43:2; Genesis 9:9; Hebrews 9:15). I believe you will find that these were not just words spoken with a "wink", but rather the Character of our God that we hold onto as an anchor in our journey with Him.

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when test and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." James 1:2-4

True Intimacy
By: Angel S. Thompson
Copyright Year: © 2005
All Rights Reserved
Published by Unleashing Potential Ministries
ISBN: 1-4116-3274-5

Are You?

2009-02-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

Second Chances

2009-02-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

Picture yourself watching a courtroom drama unfold.

Opening Statements:

In The Court of The Living God the following charges have been alleged against Dustin Smoot:

Drinking, smoking, filling your eyes with wordly perversions, and poisoning your body with the same. A steady stream of curses spewing from your mouth, anger, jealousy, greed. Running with the crowd, doing what you thought would get you accepted, being disrespectful, hurling insults, willing to fight at the drop of a dime. Taking the Lord's name in vain, not seeking MY will although you knew the Truth. Challenging ME, being angry with ME.

In The Court of The Living God the following charges have been alleged against Jesus The Son of The Living God:

Nothing. No charge could be found against You.

Court's Decision and Sentence:

This court finds that Dustin Smoot is guilty of all charges alleged against him. In light of the finding of guilt Dustin Smoot's sentence is, to be set free. His trangressions will be forgiven and forgotten and he will be given all that is needed to live his life. He will be fitted with the finest armor to protect him from the enemy's attacks, and in the end will be allowed to enter into paradise for eternity.

This court also rules this day that Jesus the Son of The Living God is completely blameless. Therfore it is the court's ruling that you will be taken from Your Throne and placed into a manger as a baby on Earth. From there you will grow and learn to be a carpenter. Afterwards, you will teach My will to the people of Earth, and be rejected in your own hometown. People will scheme against you and hate you because of what you teach. You will be betrayed by one who is thought to be a friend for thirty pieces of silver. You then will be arrested and beaten by your captors while your closest followers run for fear of their lives and deny that they know you. You will then be brought before an Earthly court where your accusers will demand that you be put to death for teaching My will. The Earthly court will see to it that you are subjected to severe suffering and dreadful afflication while being scourged. It will then again be demanded that you die for what you have taught, but this time the Earthly court will allow your death. The Earthly court will see to it that your death will be extremely painful and cause great suffering. Upon your head will be placed a crown of thorns that will tear at your scalp and cause blood to run into your eyes. You will be made to carry a large and heavy cross until you reach a garbage dump on the outskirts of town. There your hands and feet will be nailed to a cross while insults are hurled at you and the people in the crowd spit at you. In the end your side will be pierced with a spear and you will die. You will then be buried in a borrowed tomb, and on the third day you will rise again. After these things are done you will come back to Heaven and sit at your throne. All these things must be done so that Dustin Smoot's sentence may be carried out. Do you Jesus The Son of The Living God accept this sentence, and will you lay down your life so that his may be saved? "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done".

"Not my will but yours be done". WOW! What a statement to be made. To stand in for someone like me, knowing full well what was going to happen. Never questioning it, never saying no. To step in and pay the price so that "Whoever believes shall not perish but have everlasting life".

Thank you Lord for paying such a price. For suffering, dying, and rising again so that I may live in eternal paradise with You. For giving me a second chance.

Take a Risk...

2009-02-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

Over the past 21 years God has challenged my walk. Each year He shows me something new from something old in my life that I may have already experienced or read. I am a seminary grad. I know, that really means nothing. I can remember sitting in the library watching guys who were in seminary…who only appeared to study the word, but I often wondered if they lived it. When I became a “seminary student”, I remember the words I thought and I knew I did not want to be one that sat and only read pages in a book, exegeted the scriptures and debated with others. I wanted to live it, breath it, share it and engraft it to my soul.
So, as I sit here reading about the LAW in Leviticus…not an easy read…there is one verse that hit me. Leviticus 25:23
The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants.

Do you know how POWERFUL that verse is? We all sit and talk about how what we have it not “really” ours, but God’s, yet, do we really believe that, do we really act on that? As I sat and pondered this I was reminded of something that Christopher Write stated in Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament on page 225, about the time of jubilee and what verse 23 entails: “This is what lies behind the detailed laws in the Torah concerning the use of land, preservation of people’s share in it, justice and compassion in sharing its produce, protection of those who work on it, special provision for those who become poor and have to sell it, and all the other specific economic mechanisms designed to sustain an equitable distribution and enjoyment of the resources God has given to his people”

Okay, so how does this apply to us? Have we been missing something? Did you know that as followers of Christ nothing we own is really ours? Everything, everything belongs to God. What does that mean? Acts 2:42-47 states: They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

I’m not saying to “sell everything” and create a communion (that’s not what Acts 2 is stating or Leviticus) What this means, and how this applies is if we see someone who is in need of basic things to live, we have a responsibility to help them. Justin Borger states, coming from the stewardship he has gleaned from Leviticus that we have the fundamental responsibility to redistribute our own personal resources in reflection of the fact that all our belongings don’t really belong to us but to God, who calls us to use them with equity and love.

Wow. How many of you have had Leviticus 25:23 poured over you? I know I have and I have stood in awe every time. How many of you have had the opportunity to pour Leviticus 25:23 unto someone else? I know this concept may be foreign to some and a bit scary as we face some strange economic ups and downs. We all have debt and I am not typing this to say throw all that idea of debt away and go hog wild.

I don’t know your life’s situation. I don’t know where God is calling you to be a Leviticus 25:23. Maybe it is monetary. Maybe food, clothing, time spent with someone…
What I am asking you is to take a risk this week and ask God to show you how to live Leviticus 25:23.

AT

"GET A PIPE WRENCH"

2009-02-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

I have the privilege of being a guest writer this week for Thrive. I do realize that the book for this week is Mark, and I will at some point write a devotion from that very incredible book, however, God has spoke to my heart tonight to share with you something I wrote 4 years ago. Each year as I grow older I have the opportunity to sit, observe and listen to the hearts of people, and I find that not only those who are seeking, but those who have found Christ still have a belief that they must be perfect in order to please God. In order to stand in His presence. Without giving anymore away, I want to share this simple section from TRUE INTIMACY. May you know that He knows you and is waiting for you….scars, baggage and all.

"GET A PIPE WRENCH"
It was a very wet afternoon when my husband and I drove to his mother's house to take hot showers. Our basement flooded with the melting of all the snow, and the water heater was water logged and would not light.

We live in the churches parsonage and with the increase in our family size, we had been considering searching for a home to purchase. As we drove, Matt began to reflect on all the things that needed to be done in the parsonage. Focusing on how difficult it was because we did not have all the right tools, and all it took was one of the elders using his pipe wrench, (something we did not have) to work the sub pump. Then he said, "What are we doing thinking about getting a home? You need stuff, what are we going to do?"

I just looked at him and said, "Get a pipe wrench." We both chuckled.

Sure, owning a home will require having things to take care of it, but if we wait to gather all of those things before we get a home, we will never own a home.

Consider this belief, "We need to have enough money before we have children." With this belief you will NEVER have enough money and therefore will never have children. What about this thought, "I need to have enough money stashed away before I get married." This thought leaves one still single, waiting until they have just enough, but there is never enough. Have you ever heard this statement, "I need to get things right before I give my life to the Lord."
This concept is not found in Scripture, nor did Jesus tell us in the Bible that we need to have our affairs in order before we could accept His gift of salvation. If so, Heaven would be an empty place.

It's in Matthew 11:28-30 where He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

We also read in Romans 6:23, that "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Elisabeth Elliot once said something very profound, "DO THE NEXT THING."
So, why do we live our lives trying to do more than just doing the next thing? I think we have this intense need to try and see beyond the future of the "what ifs" as well as a fear of commitment.

It is okay to step out in faith. Faith regarding a house, even if you don't have all the "tools"; faith regarding children, even if you don't have enough money saved, trust that God will provide. Faith to go ahead and ask her or accept his proposal, knowing that together you will be stronger than if apart; and faith to accept Christ’s gift of salvation even if you bring a lot of baggage. Don't worry he knows what to do with it when you lay it at His feet. Together you will "do the next thing" for the rest of your life.

My profound statement, next to Elisabeth's, "Get a pipe wrench". Don't wait to have everything right before you accept His gift. For one day you will turn around and find that you have missed the Gift Giver.

By Angel Thompson

Reprinted with permission

Section taken from True Intimacy

Published by Unleashing Potential Ministries

ISBN: 1-4116-3274-5