Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Friday, December 11, 2015
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Monday, October 19, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
In Christ Alone I'll Stand
This post is for a special lady. Thanks Christy for all you do.
"There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand:
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand."
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand:
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand."
Friday, October 9, 2015
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Friday, October 2, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Newsboys - Guilty - Standing For Christ (Official Music Video)
Brand new from NEWSBOYS GUILTY - STANDING FOR CHRIST
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Friday, September 4, 2015
Monday, August 31, 2015
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Monday, August 24, 2015
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Amazing Grace
Like you never heard it before.
_Amazing Grace featuring Wendell Bell from Kool Bell on Vimeo.
The guitar player is my Brother-In-Laws Father.
_Amazing Grace featuring Wendell Bell from Kool Bell on Vimeo.
The guitar player is my Brother-In-Laws Father.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Freedom From Religion
This subject continually gets pushed too far by those with evil intent. Whether the intent is self gratification, or drawing attention to themselves with attacks of the innocent Christians in the world, the base of these are evil/sin.
Our founding Fathers wrote a Bill of Rights and our Constitution to protect the public from our own government, and any would be attackers(read lawyers) of our everyday pursuit of happiness. Included in this was a separation of Church and State.
To understand the reasoning of the founding Fathers of our Constitution we must look at why this issue was important to them.
In England the head of the Catholic Church had great political power. Enough to "advise" the King as to everyday policies, and even in legal matters that affected the country. Using the prop of the Church's status to do evil, was prevalent in those days.
Knowing these things, our founding Fathers included the separation of Church and State. The intent was to keep any one individual from becoming so powerful as to rule/advise on legislation or law that would effect the the public. They were being awarded the election of Representatives to facilitate self government. There was no reason for a Papal adviser.
The intention was never to keep prayer out of our schools, away from our athletic events, and certainly not to create watchdog groups to tell us when we can pray, how we can pray, or to whom we should pray.
Simply, it was to keep one person from becoming so powerful, that their wishes would become law.
How important an issue was this? It was listed first! My emphasis for this post lies in a simple, yet stern statement: or prohibiting the free exercise thereof
To all those who wish to tell us when we can worship/pray, please leave us alone. If you continue to push us, the fight for our rights will turn ugly. Remember God gave Israel the army to conquer the ungodly and create the State of Israel.
We as Christians know God has not left us alone. It's time you realize that we are not alone, and you really don't want to be found fighting against God.
God bless each of you.
Our founding Fathers wrote a Bill of Rights and our Constitution to protect the public from our own government, and any would be attackers(read lawyers) of our everyday pursuit of happiness. Included in this was a separation of Church and State.
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.To understand the reasoning of the founding Fathers of our Constitution we must look at why this issue was important to them.
In England the head of the Catholic Church had great political power. Enough to "advise" the King as to everyday policies, and even in legal matters that affected the country. Using the prop of the Church's status to do evil, was prevalent in those days.
Knowing these things, our founding Fathers included the separation of Church and State. The intent was to keep any one individual from becoming so powerful as to rule/advise on legislation or law that would effect the the public. They were being awarded the election of Representatives to facilitate self government. There was no reason for a Papal adviser.
The intention was never to keep prayer out of our schools, away from our athletic events, and certainly not to create watchdog groups to tell us when we can pray, how we can pray, or to whom we should pray.
Simply, it was to keep one person from becoming so powerful, that their wishes would become law.
How important an issue was this? It was listed first! My emphasis for this post lies in a simple, yet stern statement: or prohibiting the free exercise thereof
To all those who wish to tell us when we can worship/pray, please leave us alone. If you continue to push us, the fight for our rights will turn ugly. Remember God gave Israel the army to conquer the ungodly and create the State of Israel.
We as Christians know God has not left us alone. It's time you realize that we are not alone, and you really don't want to be found fighting against God.
God bless each of you.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
The World Does Not Revolve Around You
Every Sunday that we serve at Church of the Highlands, no matter what campus or what team, the team leaders all have a team huddle at some point during the day. For our Production Team, it happens between our 9:30am and our 11:30am services. Yesterday, I served as the Director for all three of our Sunday experiences. As part of my serve, I have the privilege of leading our team huddle. On Saturday, as I pondered what message I wanted to deliver to our team, the phrase "it's not about me" kept coming to mind. I searched for some scriptures and other information to help make my point, and not make it a "sermon" (given we only have a short amount of time). In Googling information, I happened upon a devotional for the day from Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. His devotion was entitled, "The World Does Not Revolve Around You". I would like to share those words of encouragement with you as well:
“Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” (Philippians 2:4 TEV)
There’s an old Chinese Proverb that says, “Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.” The Bible talks about this as well: “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own” (Philippians 2:4 TEV).
That is such a counter-culture verse. Everything in our culture conditions us to think first of ourselves. We don’t think about other people naturally. That’s something we have to learn to do. We naturally think about our needs, our desires, our goals, and our ambitions. As a result we have millions of people disconnected because they’re only thinking of themselves and not anyone else’s needs.
During about a two-hour period when I was recently watching TV, I saw three commercials with the same by-line: “You deserve it.” “Buy this shampoo! You deserve it.” “Buy this expensive car, because you deserve it!” We are taught that we are the supreme value in life.
Let me teach you two very basic truths about life. First, the world does not revolve around you. You’re very special in God’s eyes, and you were created for a purpose—but the world does not revolve around you. If you want to know how much you’d be missed, stick your hand in a bucket of water and pull it out, and see what kind of hole you leave. It fills back up pretty quick!
The second truth is this: God has promised that when you focus on meeting the needs of other people, he will meet your needs. Why? Because he wants you to learn to be unselfish. He wants you to learn to be loving and generous like him. Part of being considerate of other people’s needs is making allowances for their faults and not expecting them to be perfect (Colossians 3:13). You’re not perfect, so why should you demand it of anybody else?
Proverbs 17:9 says, “Love forgets mistakes” (TLB). When you are trying to make a connection with someone, you don’t have to be blind to that person’s faults. You just choose to overlook them. Great friends are good forgetters. They don’t rub it in; they rub it out! They are more concerned with the other person’s needs.
http://rickwarren.org/devotional/english/the-world-does-not-revolve-around-you
“Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” (Philippians 2:4 TEV)
There’s an old Chinese Proverb that says, “Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.” The Bible talks about this as well: “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own” (Philippians 2:4 TEV).
That is such a counter-culture verse. Everything in our culture conditions us to think first of ourselves. We don’t think about other people naturally. That’s something we have to learn to do. We naturally think about our needs, our desires, our goals, and our ambitions. As a result we have millions of people disconnected because they’re only thinking of themselves and not anyone else’s needs.
During about a two-hour period when I was recently watching TV, I saw three commercials with the same by-line: “You deserve it.” “Buy this shampoo! You deserve it.” “Buy this expensive car, because you deserve it!” We are taught that we are the supreme value in life.
Let me teach you two very basic truths about life. First, the world does not revolve around you. You’re very special in God’s eyes, and you were created for a purpose—but the world does not revolve around you. If you want to know how much you’d be missed, stick your hand in a bucket of water and pull it out, and see what kind of hole you leave. It fills back up pretty quick!
The second truth is this: God has promised that when you focus on meeting the needs of other people, he will meet your needs. Why? Because he wants you to learn to be unselfish. He wants you to learn to be loving and generous like him. Part of being considerate of other people’s needs is making allowances for their faults and not expecting them to be perfect (Colossians 3:13). You’re not perfect, so why should you demand it of anybody else?
Proverbs 17:9 says, “Love forgets mistakes” (TLB). When you are trying to make a connection with someone, you don’t have to be blind to that person’s faults. You just choose to overlook them. Great friends are good forgetters. They don’t rub it in; they rub it out! They are more concerned with the other person’s needs.
http://rickwarren.org/devotional/english/the-world-does-not-revolve-around-you
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
First
I am not sure that I had heard this song before this morning, or maybe the words just struck a chord with me today. The song is entitled "First" by Lauren Daigle.
I listened to the lyrics and as soon as I got to work, I Goggled the lyrics because of a phrase in the song. This particular phrase was a phrase that Pastor Alan Pedrum spoke at Day 10 of 21 Days of Prayer (at Church of the Highlands). That phrase was "Before I bring my need, I will bring my heart."
His message was to inspire/encourage us to get close to God so that He would get close to us. If we seek a closeness with Him, our physical needs seem to become trivial. And those that aren't trivial, we become aware that "He's got this!".
Here are the lyrics (**)
"First"
Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
Before I lift my cares
I will lift my arms
I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment
Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
And seek You
First
I wanna seek You
I wanna seek You
First
I wanna keep You
I wanna keep You
First
More than anything I want, I want You
First
Before I speak a word
Let me hear Your voice
And in the midst of pain
Let me feel Your joy
Ooh, I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment
Before I speak a word
I will bring my heart
And seek You
First
I wanna seek You
I wanna seek You
First
I wanna keep You
I wanna keep You
First
More than anything I want, I want You
First
You are my treasure and my reward
Let nothing ever come before
You are my treasure and my reward
Let nothing ever come before
I seek You
First
First
I wanna seek You
I wanna seek You
First
I wanna keep You
I wanna keep You
First
More than anything I want, I want You
First
First
I listened to the lyrics and as soon as I got to work, I Goggled the lyrics because of a phrase in the song. This particular phrase was a phrase that Pastor Alan Pedrum spoke at Day 10 of 21 Days of Prayer (at Church of the Highlands). That phrase was "Before I bring my need, I will bring my heart."
His message was to inspire/encourage us to get close to God so that He would get close to us. If we seek a closeness with Him, our physical needs seem to become trivial. And those that aren't trivial, we become aware that "He's got this!".
Here are the lyrics (**)
"First"
Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
Before I lift my cares
I will lift my arms
I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment
Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
And seek You
First
I wanna seek You
I wanna seek You
First
I wanna keep You
I wanna keep You
First
More than anything I want, I want You
First
Before I speak a word
Let me hear Your voice
And in the midst of pain
Let me feel Your joy
Ooh, I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment
Before I speak a word
I will bring my heart
And seek You
First
I wanna seek You
I wanna seek You
First
I wanna keep You
I wanna keep You
First
More than anything I want, I want You
First
You are my treasure and my reward
Let nothing ever come before
You are my treasure and my reward
Let nothing ever come before
I seek You
First
First
I wanna seek You
I wanna seek You
First
I wanna keep You
I wanna keep You
First
More than anything I want, I want You
First
First
(** Writer(s): Lauren Ashley Daigle, Paul Mabury, Hank Bentley, Jason Ingram, Mia Fieldes
Copyright: Flychild Publishing, Sony/ATV Tree Publishing O.B.O. Upside Down Under, Sony/ATV Tree Publishing, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing O.B.O. Open Hands Music, Open Hands Music, Upside Down Under, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing O.B.O. Flychild Pubilshing, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing )Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Mission Statement #Prayers4Players
Our group would like for everyone to know our purpose, our mission if you will.
We came together because of the vision of our leader Christy Guined. Her idea was to pray for the overall well being for all of our student athletes. We started with the Auburn Football team, and rather quickly added every Auburn sport.
Shortly thereafter, we asked via social media for volunteers to join our little group, and the response has been overwhelming. Yet, there is plenty of room to double, triple, our prayer warrior numbers.
The idea is have every school in our country with a prayer group. High School, Jr. High School, Community Colleges, it doesn't matter. Every single one of these kids need our prayers.
Won't you come join us?
Simply contact Christy on twitter @tatershell or email AUTigerBloggin@gmail.com
Our mission statement:
We are a group of people committed to praying for student athletes. We do not pray for victories on the field, but for victories in the students' lives. We are focused on praying for the safety, well-being, health, continued education, and spiritual lives of the student-athletes. We believe that prayer is the best way to support the athletes.
Our focus verse:
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
We came together because of the vision of our leader Christy Guined. Her idea was to pray for the overall well being for all of our student athletes. We started with the Auburn Football team, and rather quickly added every Auburn sport.
Shortly thereafter, we asked via social media for volunteers to join our little group, and the response has been overwhelming. Yet, there is plenty of room to double, triple, our prayer warrior numbers.
The idea is have every school in our country with a prayer group. High School, Jr. High School, Community Colleges, it doesn't matter. Every single one of these kids need our prayers.
Won't you come join us?
Simply contact Christy on twitter @tatershell or email AUTigerBloggin@gmail.com
Our mission statement:
We are a group of people committed to praying for student athletes. We do not pray for victories on the field, but for victories in the students' lives. We are focused on praying for the safety, well-being, health, continued education, and spiritual lives of the student-athletes. We believe that prayer is the best way to support the athletes.
Our focus verse:
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Stay Grounded in Biblical Truth
These days the news is full of horror stories. From those headlines we see the needless acts of terror. Sometimes it's a religious belief that drives the murder of our fellow man, other times the murders are carried out for greed.
We are killing each other in record numbers when you discount the times of World Wars.
From those that are yet unborn thru every age class, we are slaughtering the innocent.
Jesus told his disciples that terrible times were to come. In those times, his messengers would be hated by those who do not know him and keep his commandments.
He told them to keep the faith and guard against the evil.
We are killing each other in record numbers when you discount the times of World Wars.
From those that are yet unborn thru every age class, we are slaughtering the innocent.
Jesus told his disciples that terrible times were to come. In those times, his messengers would be hated by those who do not know him and keep his commandments.
He told them to keep the faith and guard against the evil.
Yet he left them hope.
Make sure you stay grounded in Biblical truths. Love one another spiritually. Treat each other with kindness and compassion. Most importantly, keep the faith in the face of these transgressors. Your Father in Heaven will reward you at the appointed times.
God bless.
Monday, August 3, 2015
Friday, July 17, 2015
#Prayers4Players
 |
| Prayer circle |
There is a special group of people I am blessed to call my friends. They are prayer warriors, but not the kind you'd think.
As I write this we are inside 50 days until our next football season starts. Our group known as #Prayers4Players, has and will continue to pray for the many athletes across our country. High School, college, and professional. Baseball, football, Volleyball, Softball, and Gymnastics are all included. Indeed, we will pray for players of any sport.
We don't pray for wins and losses.
We pray for their overall health.
We pray that each athlete will become a child of God. We pray that their grades, if they are in school, will be at the forefront of their achievements. We also pray for their safe travels to and from each event.
The best thing about our group? You can join in on the fun. All you have to do is tweet to @tatershell and mention the hashtag #Prayers4Players, and we will happily add you to our group.
There is not a fee, there are not any requirements to join. There will not be any paperwork to fill out.
Your faith affiliation is not going to be asked, you only need to pray.
Please join in on the fun.
God bless.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Friday, June 12, 2015
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
No One to Speak for Me
"And He
[Jesus] said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish
openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human
race]."1
I vividly recall how, when visiting the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC—a profoundly sobering experience—how deeply I was moved when reading the words credited by some (but disputed by others) to Martin Niemöller:
First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.
The plan to kill Jews today may be even more destructive than in the Holocaust. I say this because President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran has expressed doubt that the Holocaust ever happened.2 He has also declared openly that he wants Israel wiped off the map, and it appears that in the not too distant future his country may very likely have nuclear weapons—a frightening thought as an ever increasing number of extremist Muslims are determined to kill not only Jews, but Christians, Americans and other Westerners, and pretty much all who refuse to convert to their evil form of radical religion. Their barbaric philosophy is "convert or have your head cut off."
We Christians know that the only hope of the world is the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, but what will we Christians do about it? Will we again remain silent as so many did for so long during Hitler's reign of terror? I was also horrified to learn that we Western countries refused to allow Jews to immigrate to our countries even when we knew what Hitler was doing. Consequently, six million Jews were sent to the death chambers.
According to a survey of Christians in America by the highly respected Barna Group, only 29% of Christians see the need to explain their faith with non-believers—which is down from 39% [more than] a year ago.3
Perhaps more than ever we need to take seriously Jesus Christ's last commission to His disciples to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone everywhere." Never before has this been as possible as it is today.
May every one of us ask God daily to use us to be an effective witness for Jesus.
I vividly recall how, when visiting the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC—a profoundly sobering experience—how deeply I was moved when reading the words credited by some (but disputed by others) to Martin Niemöller:
First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.
The plan to kill Jews today may be even more destructive than in the Holocaust. I say this because President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran has expressed doubt that the Holocaust ever happened.2 He has also declared openly that he wants Israel wiped off the map, and it appears that in the not too distant future his country may very likely have nuclear weapons—a frightening thought as an ever increasing number of extremist Muslims are determined to kill not only Jews, but Christians, Americans and other Westerners, and pretty much all who refuse to convert to their evil form of radical religion. Their barbaric philosophy is "convert or have your head cut off."
We Christians know that the only hope of the world is the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, but what will we Christians do about it? Will we again remain silent as so many did for so long during Hitler's reign of terror? I was also horrified to learn that we Western countries refused to allow Jews to immigrate to our countries even when we knew what Hitler was doing. Consequently, six million Jews were sent to the death chambers.
According to a survey of Christians in America by the highly respected Barna Group, only 29% of Christians see the need to explain their faith with non-believers—which is down from 39% [more than] a year ago.3
Perhaps more than ever we need to take seriously Jesus Christ's last commission to His disciples to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone everywhere." Never before has this been as possible as it is today.
May every one of us ask God daily to use us to be an effective witness for Jesus.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Monday, May 18, 2015
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Friday, May 8, 2015
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Monday, May 4, 2015
Friday, May 1, 2015
Monday, April 27, 2015
Friday, April 24, 2015
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Do You Believe In Easter?
Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio,
Texas. She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will
Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as
people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.
One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was
because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room,
there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking
to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of
introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns.
Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of
Easter and many times people would be saved.
Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head
nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking
her blood pressure. Edith began by saying, "My name is Edith
Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"
Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you
believe about Easter?" Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts,
going to church, and dressing up."
Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and
finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet.
I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting
room."
After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and
when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you
so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"
Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the
patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back
and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live
very long." Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are
you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just
told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and
my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate
Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my
ticket!"
Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this
Edith Burns is!"
Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the
office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office
opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called
Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the
hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so would you make
sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need
to know about Easter?"
Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that
room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that
floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they
started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis
Cross, the head nurse.
Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith
because she was a "religious nut." She had been a nurse in an
army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the
original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard,
cold, and did everything by the book.
One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick.
Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot.
When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said,
"Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying
for you."
Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't
work. I'm not interested." Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have
asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."
Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will
never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.
Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith
would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying
for you."
One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room
like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith
said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today
is your special day." Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked
everybody here the question, 'Do you believe in Easter?' but you
have never asked me."
Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to
wait until you asked, and now you have asked." Edith Burns took
her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the
death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that
Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"
Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart,
and I do want Jesus in my life." Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed
and invited Jesus Christ into her heart.
For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room,
she was carried out on the wings of angels.
Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you
know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said," Why Edith, it is Good
Friday." Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy
Easter Phyllis!" Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross
came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the
flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up
to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy
Easter.
When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big
black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There
was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up
Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on
John 14:2 "In my Father's house there are many mansions. I go to
prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to
Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away
every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow,
nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things
have passed away."
Phyllis Cross took one look at that body, and then lifted her face
toward heaven, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, said,
"Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!" Phyllis Cross left Edith's
body, walked out of the room and over to a table where two
student nurses were sitting. She said,
"My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"
Author Unknown
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Friday, April 17, 2015
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Motion Night in Auburn
We are so excited to have Kari Jobe with us tomorrow
for #MOTIONNight! Students, join us at Auburn, Grants Mill
(Birmingham-Main Campus) or Riverchase (Pelham) for an amazing night of
worship and an inspiring message from Pastor Mark Pettus! Parents,
you are welcome to attend with your student, but we appreciate you
understanding that priority seating will be given to students. The
Theater at Grants Mill will be open for overflow!
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Friday, April 3, 2015
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Monday, March 16, 2015
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Monday, March 9, 2015
Friday, March 6, 2015
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Breakfast of Fighters
by Every Man Ministries
| We, men, are at war – an epic spiritual battle. With every sun rise, a new threat awaits. Unforeseen bombs will be lobbed our way. Fiery darts will be aimed at our character. Other weapons are fashioned to blast our armor. Organized legions are positioned to break through our walls. You and I are fighting the good fight of faith. Since this is one fight you simply cannot afford to lose today without grave consequences the question becomes one of health – your spiritual health. So let’s start with breakfast shall we? How do you load up to win? I’m not talking about a carb load. I’m talking about the “bread of life” and the “living water” that deliver first food to a man of God both for short-term power and long-term rewards. I think many of us fall into a morning routine that starts with jolt of caffeine, reviewing Facebook posts and scanning the news. We can easily overlook the battle being waged while we bury our nose in the sports pages. Is that feeding your mind and spirit with proper preparation and spiritual nutrition to face an antagonistic culture, a deceptive flesh, and seasoned enemy? In Colossians 3 we get a glimpse of how to live and what to focus on, to “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (The rest of the chapter offers practical advice as well.) Men need to re-calibrate how we think, and establish the correct vision for the day. And it starts in the morning. That’s how Jesus did it. That’s how David did it. That’s how we should do it. If focusing on Jesus, “seeking first the kingdom of God”, is truly our top priority in our life then we need to put him first in our day. After all, it’s a privilege to meet with the Creator of the universe, Savior of our souls and Lord of life. So here’s the how, who, what, where, when and why to eat the Breakfast of Champions. HOW When we wake up, we need to develop a ravishing hunger and thirst for God.
It’s counter-intuitive to think of “who” to eat. But Jesus said if we feed and drink of him, we will not hunger or thirst -- both metaphors for spiritual nutrition for our souls.
Our morning routine should begin with reading the Bible and praying. You may also review daily devotionals, like the one we provide here, which provides added interpretation and application from the Word of God.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When we rise up, we should set our hearts and minds “on things above,” expecting God’s presence in our lives, before focusing on our agendas, to-dos and relationships.
Prayer is simply talking to God about whatever is on your mind. Ask Him for help, share your burdens honestly, even angrily. Therefore, you may want to retreat to a location free from eavesdroppers, distractions and temptations.
A morning started with the breakfast of champions is a morning that’s re-calibrated, prepared for the battles ahead and for a future in heaven.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” -- Ephesians 6:10-18 *As the founder and president of Every Man Ministries, Kenny Luck’s experience as the men’s pastor at Saddleback Church helped him to create the blueprint for a men’s ministry. Tools, tips, and resources are at men’s fingertips with the Sleeping Giant program. Watch Kenny’s teachings at EveryManMinistries.com. |
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Monday, February 23, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Challenges: Loving the Sinner
It's the hardest thing to do, for me at least. This whole "Love thy neighbor as you would love thyself" commandment from God. Which, by the way was told to us by Jesus Christ himself, is one of the two most important commandments given to us.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.- Matthew 22:40
How do you look at the person who just killed your family member, and not feel the anger? I'll probably never know. I am talking about the person who intended to kill, not the accidental circumstances.
My first thought is to kill that murderer instantly, and rid the world of his kind. Let them explain to God what they did.
Yet murder is but an act of sin.
With all my heart I despise the very act.
What about the other soul, the other person we are talking about here? You know, the murderer. How exactly are we to feel about them, when we isolate the sin from the sinner?
It is the same for every sinful situation we face in our daily lives. All who live in this life, live in sin. From the Gay couple in our neighborhood, to the man and woman living as husband and wife down the street, but are not married. To the accountant that is skimming off the books at his place of business.
As Christians we can not condone any sinful act. We can not support the existence of any sinful act. We must however, understand that sin happens, everyday. In our lives as much as the lives of others. We are forgiven, so we must forgive.
Like it or not, the political endorsement of many of these sinful acts is going to happen. 1John Chapter 2 verse 16 says:
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.- Matthew 22:40
How do you look at the person who just killed your family member, and not feel the anger? I'll probably never know. I am talking about the person who intended to kill, not the accidental circumstances.
My first thought is to kill that murderer instantly, and rid the world of his kind. Let them explain to God what they did.
Yet murder is but an act of sin.
With all my heart I despise the very act.
What about the other soul, the other person we are talking about here? You know, the murderer. How exactly are we to feel about them, when we isolate the sin from the sinner?
It is the same for every sinful situation we face in our daily lives. All who live in this life, live in sin. From the Gay couple in our neighborhood, to the man and woman living as husband and wife down the street, but are not married. To the accountant that is skimming off the books at his place of business.
As Christians we can not condone any sinful act. We can not support the existence of any sinful act. We must however, understand that sin happens, everyday. In our lives as much as the lives of others. We are forgiven, so we must forgive.
Like it or not, the political endorsement of many of these sinful acts is going to happen. 1John Chapter 2 verse 16 says:
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
It's not our place to judge the sinner, for we have not been judged. However our faith judges the sin, and therefore can not condone it's existence.
Your challenge is to love the sinner, as God and his only begotten son love us. Forgiveness we must find in our hearts for the sinner, or our own soul is in jeopardy.
I would love to hear your comments on this matter.
God Bless
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Monday, January 19, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Saturday, January 3, 2015
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