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Friday, December 27, 2013

Start 2014 Off Right

I attend Church of the Highlands (a Multi-campus non-denominational Church). Since this Church launched, the first 21 Days of each new year has been designated as "21 Days of Prayer & Fasting." Every weekday morning, at every campus, members gather at 6:00am to pray & worship. The reason behind the "21 Days" is related  to the belief that you can create or break a habit in just 21 days.

Prayer is your communication device with God that allows you to have a two-way conversation and hear what He has to say about the direction that you need to go or the things that He has in store for you. It is your medium to express your thoughts and concerns to Him, although He is all-knowing. The "fast" is somewhat of a misnomer. There are those that will do a literal fast of foods. The purpose if a fast isn't a diet tool. A fast is to take the focus off of "worldly" things and re-align your thoughts and desires on heavenly things. There are people who do a media-fast. The premise behind fasting is replacing those things that have become more important or more consuming of our time that belong to God. Fasting is between you and God. You know what things are robbing God of His place in your life.

Let's start 2014 off with refocusing our time. If you would like to check out a service from the comfort of your home, the services are streamed live online at www.churchofthehighlands.com. 





Monday, December 23, 2013

The Dignity of Man

(By Coach Joe Gibbs - GamePlan for Life: Two Minute Drills)

Do you ever go through seasons when you just don't feel like your life counts for very much? Everything seems about as pointless as a first-quarter NBA score in November. People treat you with less interest than a flight attendant's lecture on oxygen masks and exit doors.

But what's easy to forget at times like these is that your value is not something other people can assign to you. They don't get to grade this. You have been given great worth by your Creator. Your significance is inborn.
Think of the dignity you possess, merely by being a product of God's design. You're able to reason and make choices. You can appreciate beauty and feel emotion. You have the ability within your reach to bless others, to extend your influence and impact into another person's life.

You have even been given the privilege of communicating with your heavenly Father—a right he wasn't obligated to offer you, but one he freely extends because of his rich, abiding love for you. Everything about you has been "woven together" in his all-wise mind and heart. Each day of your life has been "written" down by the one who made you. (Psalms 139:15-16). That's how valuable you are to him.

Instead of being bombarded by all the ways life has mistreated you or what a mess you've made, make this a day to celebrate what God has invested in you. You are worth far more than you realize.

Pray this prayer: I do get down on myself a lot, Lord. I have a hard time imagining that you love me. Would you remind me today? I could really use that. 

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Talking With God

 " I have someone to talk to. I have something I need to read. I have an awful lot to learn." - a sinner

 We have someone to talk to, even when it appears the whole world is ignoring us. God listens to our words, and our thoughts. 

 We have the greatest story ever written, and the book of life in the same coverings. The Holy Bible is God's word and he speaks to us through this.

 We must humble ourselves, and open up our minds and hearts to accept the word of God. Only then can we truly learn about his love, and talk with God.

Keep these in mind as you go about your Christmas season.

Friday, December 13, 2013

The God Gamble: Betting It All

From:  Every Man Ministries

When a simple handshake “bet” between friends on Sunday’s game becomes an overpowering, heart-racing compulsion, you might want to check yourself. Whether it’s a roll of the dice, flip of a card, a big game or a number in a race, too often the pleasure of a possible big payoff costs more than your hard-earned cash.
It’s no great surprise that gambling is popular among millions of Americans. Vegas was built on “donations.” As much as $5 billion is spent on gambling in the United States every year. Yet, I offer serious caution against gambling. Unfortunately, the odds are against you and it leads to a destructive, behavioral addiction. A simple search online about “gambling addiction,” surfaced this:
With every bet, gambling releases dopamine in the brain, the same neurotransmitter triggered from drug or alcohol use. Gambling addicts all too often experience financial ruin, accruing tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. The cycle spirals downward quickly as many addicts turn to crime to payback debts and afford the next rush. The destruction leads to despair and eventually gambling addicts have a high rate of attempted or successful suicide.
Gambling’s effects on the family are also sobering. Families of people with compulsive gambling are more likely to experience domestic violence and child abuse. Children of problem gamblers are at significantly higher risk of suffering from depression, behavior problems, and substance abuse.
In Proverbs 22:26-27, which was written by the wisest man in history, King Solomon explains the risk of gambling this way:
“Don’t gamble on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, hocking your house against a lucky chance. The time will come when you have to pay up; you’ll be left with nothing but the shirt on your back.”
 
The God Gamble
Gamblers might like to learn that God offers a “bet” of His own, and it’s the ultimate gamble. In Psalm 52:6, the word “bet” is synonymous with the word “trust” which puts a new spin on gambling. However, the God gamble doesn’t come with a low, moderate or high risk choice. It’s all or nothing.
  • Trust God for Everything -- Trusting in something or someone, other than God, to meet your needs takes more faith than faith in God. Because that means you are willing to trust something else instead of the Creator of the universe, author of life and the savior of your soul which was paid for through the sacrifice of His own son’s life. However, believing in God and His son, results in forgiveness of your sin, a relationship with the Almighty who calls you “friend,” eternal life in the Kingdom of God and a rich and rewarding life on earth.
  • Bet Your Life on Jesus -- Living a life of faith is the greatest risk and rewardproposition. In Mark 8:35, Jesus said to bet it all on Him. “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
  • Joy Is In Your Job, Not in the Jackpot -- In Deuteronomy 15:16, the Bible says “For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.”
  • Put God to the Tithe Test -- in In Malachi 3:10, God promises to pour out blessing if you put Him to the “tithe test” saying, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
Trusting in money, and gambling as a means to provide meaning, joy, excitement, fulfillment is a recipe for disaster. Instead, trust God to meet those needs, and reserve your thrills for the Kingdom not cash.
*Kenny Luck is the president and founder of Every Man Ministries. As the men’s pastor at Saddleback Church in California, Kenny has found the proven way to improve men’s ministries around the world. Sleeping Giant is this blueprint, and gives men the tools they need to lead and understand their own men’s ministry. Watch Kenny’s teachings at EveryManMinistries.com.
 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Unwrapping His Christmas Presence


Unwrapping His Christmas Presence
Renee Swope (Proverbs31.org)
"The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us')." Isaiah 7:14b (NLT)
Plans for the perfect Christmas danced in my head. Almost everyone from my side of the family and JJ's side would be coming to our house at some point between Christmas and New Years. We'd never hosted Christmas dinner, and I was looking forward it.
But, somewhere in the midst of all the preparations, I got tangled up in Christmas lights and unrealistic expectations. By the time everyone got here I couldn't wait for them to leave.
It all started when my husband and sons petitioned for blinking colored lights on the tree. We don't do colored lights on the tree. I am a "white lights" kind of girl, I insisted.
But JJ decided our decorating decisions should be a "family activity" that year. Who was this man and why had he not brought this up in pre-marital counseling? I wondered.
The control freak in me started to freak out. Don't get in the way of my perfect Christmas with white lights that make me and my home feel peaceful.
I'd dreamed of this day for years and wanted to have the perfect house, perfect menu, and perfect table settings. But hope was dashed the night before guests arrived when I couldn't find festive cloth napkins and it dawned on me that I didn't have a big enough pan to cook a turkey in.
When Christmas came, I had a house full of people but an oh-so-empty heart.
As I walked through my living room picking up wrapping paper, I wondered why my dreams of the "perfect Christmas" hadn't come true. Many of the elements seemed to be in place: kids playing together, grandparents on the couch snoring to Christmas tunes, and grown men playing sidewalk hockey in the driveway. We'd lit Advent candles and set out the nativities. Still, something was missing.
Trying to escape the holiday noise, I went upstairs to my bedroom. Taking a deep breath, I opened my Bible to read the Christmas story in Luke chapter 2. Slowly, I let each word remind me of that first Christmas night and God's promise that came true in Bethlehem. " ... And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger ..." (Luke 2:7 NIV).
A cross-reference led me to Isaiah 7:14b: "The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us')." (NLT)
Closing my eyes, I pictured Mary wrapping baby Jesus up. Her hands carefully folding each corner of cloth, like a precious gift. That's when I realized what had been missing. In the hustle and bustle of creating the perfect Christmas, I'd neglected to unwrap the most important gift of all, the gift of Immanuel, God with us.
Bowing my head, I opened my hands and my heart to God's presence. I invited Jesus to bring calm to my anxious heart. To bring His perspective to my expectations and to help me enjoy the gifts of my family waiting downstairs. Simply pausing to acknowledge and thank Jesus for being with me brought peace to my heart unlike anything white lights and perfectly cooked turkey could ever bestow.
It ended up being the perfect Christmas after all.
Dear Lord, no matter how busy life gets or how lonely I feel this Christmas, I want to unwrap the gift of Your presence. Help me see You, hear Your voice speak to my heart, and pay attention when You lead me with Your peace and perspective. I seek Your purpose in all of my plans. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
© 2013 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Hillsong Playlist

Here is a wonderful song list from our friends at Hillsong via YouTube. Enjoy this soothing collection of modern gospel music.


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Thanksgiving

I was reading a devotional entitled, The Treasure of Thrown-Away Food by Lysa TerKeurst.  I pulled a small section from it because it spoke to me about how, at Thanksgiving, we gather with family and friends and have huge spreads of food that is usually 10 times too much for the number of people that gather.  Maybe, during this season of "Thanks-Giving", we should consider the true meaning.  Here are the words she wrote:


Noticing something for which to be thankful no matter the circumstance.

Pausing to acknowledge this something as a reminder of God's presence.

Choosing to focus on God's presence until His powerful peace is unleashed.

Will we be a noticer? A pauser? A chooser? A person of thanksgiving no matter what circumstance we're facing?

I find this truth about the power of thanksgiving over and over in Scripture. What was the prayer Daniel prayed right before being thrown in the lion's den and witnessing God miraculously shutting the lion's mouths? Thanksgiving.

After three days in the belly of a fish, what was the cry of Jonah's heart right before he was finally delivered onto dry land? Thanksgiving.

How are we instructed to pray in Philippians 4:6 when we feel anxious? With thanksgiving.

And what is the outcome of each of these situations where thanksgiving is proclaimed? Peace.

Powerful, unexplainable, uncontainable peace.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7 NIV).

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Kutless - Run

I think this song carries a very powerful message. God is asking us to run to him, not to the cares and worries of the world around us. Quit getting lost or hid in the pursuits of the world, and give our Heavenly Father control of the things in your life. You will have less grief and strife knowing that whatever problems arise, GOD is there with you. He wants to be with you.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Caring Vine

**Editors Note: It is not every day that you find something so valuable, that you want to share it with the whole world. We here at CTC believe that GOD has placed us here for a purpose. Read this letter I received and see how this wonderful person found her calling.



Caring Vine                                                                  (website: caringvine.com)
Caregivers Connection for Encouragement, Support and Help




I’m the middle child of a middle-class family born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I have an older brother and a younger sister. I chose to go to Auburn University mainly because of the friendliness of the people and the CRAZY, awesome spirit of the fans there. Best decision I ever made in my life. Ok, I guess the 2nd best decision!!
After graduating from AU with my accounting degree, I moved back to Atlanta. I did accounting for quite a few years – but still didn’t feel like I was in “my place.” I was actually in my upper 20’s when I realized that there was more to life than me – that life didn’t revolve around me. Shocking – I know! A David Meece song spoke to my heart one Thanksgiving night – “He is the Reason.” If you haven’t heard it – you need to listen to it. I realized that I was a sinner and I could be saved! In a nutshell, I realized that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came down to earth - lived, died and rose again to save those who believe. I asked Jesus to be lord of my life and my savior. THIS is the best decision I ever made! After a few years, I felt God tugging at my heart to go to seminary to learn more about Him.
At the time, I believed he was calling me to be a Christian counselor. Yet, after a semester at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) in Fort Worth, Texas – I realized that I had more of a love for the Old Testament than I did psychology classes. So, after speaking to some advisors and professors at SWBTS, I switched my major to MDIV-Master of Divinity with a concentration in chaplaincy. After receiving my degree, I was a chaplain resident and enrolled in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at a hospital in Fort Worth. As much as I was blessed to be involved in people’s lives during very critical moments – I didn’t feel chaplaincy in a hospital setting was for me. I just wasn’t sure what direction I was to take in my life. It’s interesting looking back now and seeing where I’ve been – I can see God weaving his way in my life – but as you are going through it – you don’t see it – at least I didn’t.
I worked as a Business Administrator at a large church for another six years in Fort Worth. During the last three years there, I took on a part-time position that ended up being the best part-time job I’ve ever had – I was an usher for the Texas Rangers! I haven’t made that clear through this piece – but I love sports. My two favorite teams are the AUBURN TIGERS and the TEXAS RANGERS. I’ve always felt that the type of chaplaincy that I would love – is sports chaplaincy!! In fact, that is how I viewed my part-time job as an usher – getting to know people around the ballpark – as well as being able to watch the team AND GET PAID! That was awesome! J Sports for me has always been a great stress relief – no matter what was going on in my life – or with the team!
All this time – God continues to mold me. I still didn’t feel like I was where I needed to be – but I was growing and loving Fort Worth. However, I knew it was time to get back to Atlanta - mom and dad were starting to have major illness issues … and my nieces and nephew kept growing older – funny how that works. So, I moved back home.
Since 2007, I have had a variety of positions. I struggled continually with feeling that I was not where I needed to be. Yet now that I look back on it, the people I met during those times, what I learned as I struggled with finances, and the skills I obtained along the way have been immeasurable.
Then life as I knew it changed in an instant. My mom was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. I’d never even heard of esophageal – but I had heard of cancer. My two years of being a chaplain in Fort Worth had gotten me up close and personal to the people – and the effects of the disease. My family and mom’s friends were devastated. Mom didn’t get a good prognosis. She couldn’t have surgery. So, we proceeded with an aggressive treatment plan of chemo and radiation. There were many difficult and traumatic times through her treatment. Yet, we saw many miracles throughout the process. There were many trips to my parents’ house, nights in the hospital, intensive care and rehab center, scary alone times and trips to the chemo and radiation treatment centers.
Mom actually beat the cancer – and we had a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday with the family in 2011. We are so thankful to God for that time. Yet, in January following that holiday season – in fact, a day after dad’s birthday – mom went to the hospital due to complications from the treatments she had received. She died the end of January 2012 at home – with my sister and me by her side.
Now there is dad. First of all – he is five years older than mom. So, there are issues just due to his age – but he also has some challenging health issues himself. We’ve been coasting as best we can since mom’s death. I won’t lie – it’s been very difficult. All along, we’ve been wondering – what are we going to do when dad can’t handle things on his own? I realized – my sister has her family and my brother is not in the position to help with dad. I knew that it probably would be me becoming his primary caregiver. How was I going to do that? Finally, earlier this year – it became evident that something needed to happen – at least begin the process of being ready to care for my dad.
That’s a daunting thought – when you know you have bills to pay yourself and you don’t know exactly how you will handle them and care for another – where do you go for encouragement, support and just know-how? We knew a big project that will need to happen is to de-clutter my dad’s house. So – I’ll need to figure out the process – of what is junk, what is to be kept, what can be donated and finally what can be sold – say on eBay. That means learning how to use eBay, and PayPal, and how to ship large items. Every time I began to think about what needed to be done or will be needed to be done – I thought about processes that needed to be learned. Maybe you can hear and possibly feel the stress in these lines.
In addition to de-cluttering my dad’s house – I’ll start driving him where he needs to go. I’ll begin going with him to the doctor’s office. Thankfully, I already have been handling the bill paying and reconciliation portion of his accounts. I’ll need to understand his medications he’s taking and when he’s taking them.
There are just so many issues facing caring for others – especially the elderly – and we don’t know the answers and we aren’t sure where to get them. Thinking about all of these different issues is when we began to get the idea to begin a business – that can help provide encouragement, support and help in finding solutions for others in the same position. Caring for elderly – especially parents – seems to be very prevalent and it is going to only get to be a bigger issue. Between medical questions, financial issues, distance of family members from each other, time factor, grief issues, work schedules, organization or de-cluttering issues – there are just so many things to think about that cause issues for people caring for loved ones. Through it all you feel alone, helpless and lean towards hopelessness if you aren’t careful.
It has been overwhelming for me to think about myself. So – after getting sick myself from worrying about it - I realized – I can’t do it all and I can’t come up with all the answers. But, God can. I am – we are – to seek him. Nothing has been a surprise for him. He will give direction and wisdom of how best to use Caring Vine to help other caregivers in the same position we find ourselves. So, rather than waiting until I figure out all of how Caring Vine will be used – I felt God nudging me to begin – to step out in faith by posting my devotionals. Seeking God in the process. Then, other resources, blogs & services will evolve as we learn them ourselves. I hope you will join me in the journey – let’s encourage, support and help each other. Thanks for caring! God bless you and your loved ones.    Carol
Why the name Caring Vine?
Caregivers: Many of us have the privilege of caring for others in our profession and/or our family. We may be prepared for this task – or not. Caregiving can sometimes be a daunting, tiring, thankless and grief-filled responsibility. We can’t and weren’t meant to do it alone. We are here to encourage, support and help you.
Vine: Who is the vine? Jesus Christ. He is our life-producing and empowering source of hope. We will seek God for guidance, instruction, direction, encouragement and hope as we provide resources and services to you.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Atheist In Alabama

I read this article on AL.COM today and it broke my heart.  I know that you cannot "brow-beat" someone into believing in God & Jesus or make them go to Church.  But continuing to love them, respect them and show them the love of Jesus and treat them the way Jesus would want us to treat them.  We have to leave the "heavy lifting" to Him!!! If we do as he commanded us, He will take care of the rest!!!

Atheist In Alabama

Micah Stamply - The Corinthian Song

Mandisa: Stronger - Official Lyric Video

Amy Grants "Simple Things"


Monday, November 4, 2013

The Hit Parade Continues

This song we feature today comes from the heart. I was inspired to start this blog because of this song. The truth behind the song is unmatched by man. Only divine inspiration can create songs like this.

Let us know what songs moved you in your walk with Jesus. You never know when they might move an unsaved soul to walk with us.



GOD bless.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Bethel Music- Draw Near ft. Jeremy Riddle on the Hit Parade

Who Am I - Casting Crowns (w/ lyrics)

Give Me Jesus - Jeremy Camp (with Lyrics)

This was the first song offered as a favorite. A beautiful, poetic song of faith and strength. Thanks Johnathan and GOD bless.

What's Your Favorite Song?

 It's not  an original idea, but we here at CTC want to hear from you. Hit us up on Twitter @AUTigerBloggin or on Facebook at our page.

 Simply tell us your favorite song, or songs. Don't be afraid to share, the fun is in revealing. Any of the songs we have not highlighted here on CTC will be added to posts in the very near future. 

 I'll start by telling you that my favorite two are "What Faith Can Do" by Kutless, and "Born Again" by Newsboys.

 Lets make a hit parade of great Christian music!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Monday, October 28, 2013

Jars of Clay - Fall Asleep [Official Video from "Inland"]

Jars of Clay - "Inland" [Official Lyric Video]


It is a great honor that this group is following our humble Christian blog and twitter account under @AUTigerBloggin. God blesses each of us differently with the same love immeasurable.  


Made to Worship

Made to Worship
By Coach Joe Gibbs (Two Minute Drill Game Plan for Life)
The challenge of sharing Jesus with another person can be frightening and intimidating. But there's at least one hurdle that's already been jumped for you: people are naturally wired to worship.
We see it when even a slumping slugger, who's failed to perform up to par all year, smacks a three-run homer late in a postseason game to swing the series back in their favor. Fans erupt in the home stadium, many of them bowing with both arms extended, honoring their hero.
Paul and Barnabas, two of the first Christian missionaries, experienced something similar while ministering in a city where the crowds became amazed at their power to heal. Word soon spread to a pagan priest, who began untying the sacrificial bulls and handing out ceremonial wreaths to anyone wanting to worship these men as gods. Hearing of this, Paul and Barnabas went ballistic: "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, humans like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God" (Acts 14:15). Worship didn't need igniting that day, just redirecting.
So when sharing your faith, don't think people aren't wanting to believe that something greater exists than what they see around them. You just be bold enough to show them Jesus. Let him draw them to salvation in the one true God—the one their soul truly longs for, the only one worthy of worship.
Pray this prayer: Father, I pray for new boldness to share your Son, Jesus, with those who come my way. Help me not be deceived into thinking they're not already hungry for what you alone can provide.

Friday, October 25, 2013

He is The Great I AM

I absolutely love this song. We all go through phases in our lives where we might start to question our own faith. It's because we are sinners, and weak. No shame in that, it's who we are. This song reminds us that he is the great I AM.
And through him we can overcome all.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Overcomer by Mandisa

This song has such a great message. Listen carefully to the words, they will inspire you.
Mandisa has worked with such greats as Toby Mac, clearly she is a talent, and GOD works through her music.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Prayers Needed

CtC Friends,

My dear friend Katie has had a terrible tragedy. A few weeks ago, she delivered a 1 lb baby at 24.5 weeks pregnant. Katie has some serious medical conditions herself, but was able to deliver her older son with no major problems. Katie was in extreme distress and she spent time in ICU herself after delivery. On Sunday, the baby, 'Christian Michael' passed away. Please keep my friends Katie and David and  big brother John in your prayers. They are precious people. Katie is still physically struggling. She just recently was able to walk up some steps. Please pray for peace for their hearts and physical healing for Katie. They are having a celebration of life tomorrow in their home church in  North Carolina. I will share any updates, but please be praying for Katie, her husband David and their son John. Katie was my first friend in college and she met David shortly after. I have been friends with them for almost 20 years. They mean a lot to me.

Thank you all,
Christy

Friday, October 4, 2013

March! by Hart Strong

Lighting Up Cater Hall for Breast Cancer Awareness

God Whispers


I am sitting here watching Elizabeth Smart tell her story on NBC. I remember when she was kidnapped. I was mesmerized by the story. The picture of her in the yellow jacket they posted everywhere when she was kidnapped looked SO MUCH like my younger sister that I was immediately drawn to the story. I felt connected to her family, as strange as that might seem.

 I prayed for her right away. God spoke to me in one of the most honest REAL ways ever- "She is ok. Keep praying for her."  I prayed for her faithfully. I did almost every day. I don't tell this story to tell about ME but to tell about God's hand of mercy.  I prayed for her, almost daily. I talked to my friends. I asked them to pray. Many of them told me they thought she was probably dead. The thought did creep into my mind, but God kept reminding me of what He said. There were days in the months after that it slipped my mind. I remember the day she was found. That morning, I remembered praying for her when I know I hadn't prayed for her in a few days. My friend Kelly called me and asked if I was watching the news. I said no. She told me to turn on the TV. I complied and my jaw just about dropped. Kelly reminded me how I had insisted she was okay. I thanked Kelly for calling me and watched the story of her rescue.

I wanted to write this to say that when God speaks to you in that little gentle whisper, He is speaking to your heart. The power of prayer is an amazing thing. I just wanted to share my story of a time when I felt God spoke directly to my heart and assured me directly.  Believe His Word and His Voice- no matter how crazy the world  gets.

Christy

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Kutless: You Are Everything

For every thing you face in life, there is a an answer. Jesus Christ assures us that he is with us always. Wherever two are gathered in my name, there I am also.  Jesus is everything we need. Thanks to Kutless for such a beautiful song.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Take A Knee

(Joe Gibbs - Game Plan for Life - Two Minute Drills)

Some football players, when they break away for a go-ahead score or cause a key third-down sack, want to be sure they get their full ESPN's worth—the dances, the struts, the jerky moves they've been saving up for just such an opportunity.

Then there's the other approach—the guy who rips off a long touchdown run, flips the ball back to the referee, and trots to the sideline without all the show and the secret handshakes. He lives by this code: Don't act like it's the first time you've ever seen the inside of the end zone. Look like you've been there . . . like you never expected to be anywhere else.

When Jesus returns, you can be sure there will be a lot of people doing a lot of tap dancing, trying hard to prove why their occasional big plays should be enough to earn them a spot on his team. But eventually, "every knee" will bow, "in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians2:10-11). That's when the people who'd already humbled themselves before him on earth will have no hesitation taking a knee and giving him praise in heaven. It'll be like they've been there... like they never expected to be anywhere else. And where they'll be thankful now that there's no more penalty for excessive celebration.

Pray this prayer: Lord, I don't want be someone who only bows to you when they have to. I bow before you today, on this side of heaven. I want to go ahead and start getting good at this.

Jeremy Camp - Walk By Faith (+playlist)

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Wait With Patience

Wait with Patience 
By Joyce Meyer

Many people want change, but they don't want to go through the waiting process. But the truth is, waiting is a given, we are going to wait. The question is, are we going to wait the wrong or right way? If we wait the wrong way, we'll be miserable; but if we decide to wait God's way, we can become patient and actually enjoy the wait. 

It takes practice, but as we let God help us in each situation, we develop patience, which is one of the most important Christian virtues. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. It's developed only under trial, so we must not run from difficult situations. 

As we develop patience, the Bible says we finally feel completely satisfied, lacking nothing. Even our relationship with God involves progressive changes. We learn to trust Him in a deeper way by going through many experiences that require us to wait longer than we'd like. 

Trust me, the waiting may be hard, but it will make you stronger. The benefits that patience brings are certainly worth any uncomfortable wait! 

Pray this prayer: God, I want to change and grow deeper in my relationship with You. I understand that this means developing patience, but I know that I will grow stronger as You develop patience in me.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Friday, August 23, 2013

Birthday?

Did someone say there was a birthday today? Really? Who knew today was +Klell Lawrence birthday?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY & AND BIG WAR EAGLE TO YOU MY BROTHER!!!!

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Pray for Matt Pitt

When you have little or no accountability in ministry, the enemy will use every means to derail what looks to be a successful witness for Jesus.  Unfortunately, Matt Pitt fell victim to that enemy.  His ministry become more about Matt Pitt and all the perks that fame could garner and less about the call on his life to live and witness for Jesus. Pray, that while he is once again in his "Basement", Matt meets Jesus and is reminded that it is not about "Matt" but all about Jesus!!

When it becomes more about "ME" and less about God!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Moses' Encounter


Moses' Encounter
(Click the link to the video)
(Sermon by Pastor Chris Hodges - Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL - 08/15/2013)

Moses came up with all of the excuses he could to avoid the call God placed on him.


1. (Moses said) Who am I?
(Exodus 3:11-12) But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
 (Moses had to) Overcome condemnation.

(Titus 3:4-5) But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

2. (Moses asked) Who are you?
(Exodus 3:13-14) Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”
(Moses had to) Overcome doubt.

(Jeremiah 32:17 NASB) Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You.

3. (Moses said) What if they?
(Exodus 4:1) Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?”
(Moses had to) Overcome fear.

(Romans 1:16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

4. (Moses said) I have never.
(Exodus 4:10-12) Moses said to the LORD, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
(Moses had to) Overcome reluctance.

(Hebrews 11:6) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.