Much More than Amazing

God's grace is much more than amazing to me.

A couple of months ago I was told I had multiple ovarian cysts. The largest being 3+ cm. Anything over 2 cm is considered to be high risk for cancer or at the very least for surgery to remove the cyst. I prayed constantly for God to remove the cyst and to let them resolve as well as asking others to do the same.

The morning of the test, I prayed one final time for healing from God. As I lay on my bed after finishing my prayer just before drifting back off to sleep, I felt a calming sensation through the middle part of my body. I knew it was God answering my prayer. I woke up a couple of hours later and left for my test.

After a few days I reseived my results back and talked to the nurse at the doctor's office on the same day. The test results showed that all of the cysts including the larger one were completely gone.

My limited wisdom doesn't allow me to fully understand the possibilities of God's grace. I know I am undeserving of the grace he shows yet he continues to hear prayers and answers them. I praise God and am thankful to God for all that he does.

Helping Others

Each day when I am out driving to do errands I see more and more people holding signs that read, "Homeless. Please help." There are more faces associated with those signs than ever before. The look on their faces are different than before. There is a visible look of hopelessness on some of their faces than ever before. There is a look of longing and searching on their faces than ever before. This has given me a different feel for Christmas this year.

Could the look of longing and searching on faces today be the same look of longing and searching that were on faces that first Christmas? What do we do this Christmas season in response to this look? How do we show Christ through us to all the worried, to the hopeless, to the homeless? How can I as one person do much at all?

There is so much pain, so much suffering. I do not have the wisdom to have the answers. I do not have the resources as one person to provide all these needs. This realization can be overwhelming and discouraging.

But I do have is the power of prayer to ask God to show me what to do, where to begin and show me step by step what he would have me do. I have the power of God to give me courage to make some small difference to some. I have the power in his Word to share with others.

God sent his only begotten Son to us to give us salvation. He showed himself to others through Christ. It is time for us to let God be shown through us to others as well. Buy someone a meal, give someone a tract and share the gospel while they eat that meal. Show compassion. Give a sincere smile and pray with those who need help. Let them know someone cares enough to pray everyday to the only one who can provide their needs.

Please join me in these ways in your own life to do what God would have you to do for these people. If we all use the power of prayer, the power of God, and the power of his Word to help others this Christmas season, we will all make some small differences, but they will add up to be a significant difference.

Christmas

It's the Christmas season and more and more we find ourselves missing the simplicity of the way Christmas used to be - spending time with family and friends while putting the emphasis on Christ birth. I miss the simple Christmas with not many presents, singing carols around the piano in front of the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate, and rejoicing in what God had done for us.

This year we have decided to keep Christmas simple once again. We decided to spend more time with family and friends, singing carols, baking homemade candies and deserts and sharing them with the ones we cherish so much. God has done so much for us.

We all seem to have lost the meaning of Christmas by turning it into a day to focus on ourselves and what we want to get, what we get, and what we didn't get. Christmas is about Christ and Christ alone. Join us this Christmas in turning the focus of Christmas back to Christ instead of ourselves. We will all buy gifts and give gifts, but the greatest gift of all has been given - Christ. Nothing we can give or get can compare, no matter how hard we try.

What Do You Think?

This week my teenager had an assignment to interview everyone in our household, asking them, "What does America mean to you?" She asked. We answered. She responded by saying that she couldn't quote us exactly. She had to change the wording because the instructions for doing this assignment included that she could include nothing that would offend anyone else. In case you are wondering what our response to the assignment question was, here goes:"America to us means that we have the freedom to live where we choose, the freedom to get an education, also the freedom to read our Bible and to spread the gospel without fear of death."

Obviously we had a long conversation about why this was, in our opinion, not the right thing to do. I instructed her to write the quotes exactly as they were told to her even if she failed the assignment. I told her I would be more proud of her for failing the assignment than I would if she were to pass with an A+. I also told her this was an opportunity God had given her to let her light shine for him and the rewards he would have for her would by far outweigh the best grade she could possibly receive for the assignment. I reminded her that scripture tells us to place God above man and to not be ashamed of the gospel.

Everyone thinks we have to be tolerant towards others beliefs and that mentioning the gospel or God is being intolerant. What they don't realize is that God is more tolerant than any of us could ever be. Even though people are turning their backs on him and want to remove him from everything, God still is withholding his anger from us, being patient with us, giving us chance after chance after chance to accept him. I feel such sadness and compassion for those who do not realize that God is the example for tolerance. Tolerance doesn't mean that we shouldn't try to teach others about God, it just means that we have to keep giving the chance to hear the truth of the gospel to others. Not to adopt their false truth for ourselves.

Are You Worried?

Everyone we come in contact with voices their worry about their economic situation. Most are struggling paying their mortgage, rent, credit card bills, light and phone bills, groceries, medical bills, along with all the other costs. Most say they have nothing left after paying everything and some say they don't have enough to pay all that they owe.

The Bible says we are to trust in God to provide what we need. We also have a responsibility as believers, if we are more financially able, to help those who do not have enough. I know it is difficult to let go of what you have worked hard to gain. But it is also hard when you sit down with coupons and sales papers trying to figure out how many different grocery stores you will have to go to, which coupons to use at which store to get the most out of them you can, and still not be able to get the groceries you need. Some believers struggle with these situations daily. It can be tiring, discouraging, and at times embarrasing.

We need to follow Jesus' example of compassion to help those fellow believers when they need us. In scripture Jesus often reached out to others because he saw their need or heard their cry. They didn't have to ask for help. He just helped.

Are you worried how you can afford all that you owe? If you are, keep praying for help. God is faithful and just. He knows what you need before you ask. Be faithful to him and in your belief in his promices.

If you aren't in the situation others are in, are you listening to God when he asks you to help? Don't turn your back or walk away when God is asking you to do for others. You may be the one God is using to answer their prayers. Don't fail this test he may be giving you. Be faithful to him to be his light.

Back To Work for Christ

We have missed knocking on doors to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are now moved in and are looking forward to continuing what we feel God has called us to do - spread the gospel one door at a time. It is always such a blessing to see someone have questions and come to Christ. There is nothing more worth while. Jeff has a heart for the children and teens to hear the gospel. His energy in this area is inspiring to me.

Please pray that God will work and prepare those we are to talk to. Pray for revival in hearts of many, not only in this area, but everywhere. Pray for disciples to be born with a fervent desire to reach others. Pray for teens to understand the importance of staying in his Word and how they are so desperately needed to be a beacon of light to other teens. These things wil change our homes, our towns, and our world.

Finally Moved In

We are finally moved in to our new location. Most everything is in place inside the house with the exception of a few things we have yet to get. Now comes the moving of the lawn articles. God gave us the energy we needed to complete this phase of moving. This weekend will be some well needed rest. It is very quiet here and very dark at night with no other houses around us. Thank you to all that helped with the move, it was a blessing to us.

God Is Good!

I recently got the results of my cat scan back. I do not have pancreatitis. I instead have a cyst. The doctor has told me it appears to be benign. This is good news. After a couple of months, I will have an ultrasould. I am told that sometimes these cysts resolve themselves after a few weeks. Please pray that in December it will be gone. Also, please pray that our financial difficulties resolve also. We have used a portion of the money set aside for moving to help pay for medications and medical bills. We will be moving the weekend of October 24th. We're not quite sure how we can afford all the expenses with deposits and first months rent but we are confident that God will provide. He is always so good to us and has never let us down or never left us lacking for anything.

The prayers you have offered up on our behalf are much appreciated. We see God working through your prayers. A transformer blew in our neighborhood on Friday and our television was getting no power. We tried it in several different outlets but still no power. We tried several different times on Saturday morning but still no power to it. We ran some errands, came home, and was told the power had gone out again while we were away. Immediately we started checking other appliances. Jeff tried the television again for some reason and it amazingly came back on, but this time with a better picture than it had before. We don't know how it came back on except God resolving the problem. What a blessing. He can do anything.

Thank you for your prayers, calls and encouragement. You are a blessing to each of us.

Testimony

I have had several to ask me of my testimony lately. I know some are reading the blog so I thought I would put it on here for the ones that do read:

"I was saved at the age of six. I knew who Jesus was and believed that he was the only Son of God born of a virgin, died on Calvary for my sin, and rose on the third to day. I prayed the sinners prayer and believed it with all my heart. But, it wasn't until later in life I started to develope a relationship with him. I turned my entire life over to him. I gave him control of everything. I repented of my sin. Since that time I have seen relationships mended, a marriage that was virtually over renewed and made better than I could have ever hope for, seen family members saved, finances made available when I needed it, and have peace and comfort that I never knew was possible. I still have difficulties but now I have the assurance that Christ is with me to help me through and that I am not alone anymore. He has given me a sense of excitement that is renewed daily. He suprises me daily to meet my needs even before I know I need them. Everyday I learn something new about him and grow to love him even more."

There are a lot of things that I have seen done that has been impossible for us to do on our own. But with God all things are possible to those who believe. This is my God that I believe in so desperately. My constant daily prayer is for you, if you haven't turned your life over to Christ to do so. He's waiting. He has miracles in store for you as well.

God's Grace

God's grace is amazing. Everytime we turn around we see God in everything. We yearn to know God more and more everyday. We stay in his Word. We meditate on it. We look for him in all situations, decisions, and for all directions. It's like being a child, knowing that great suprises await you just because you are a child and because your parent loves you. Each morning we awake searching for God with the expectations that God will reveal himself anew. Sometimes it is suttle. Other times it is just right in front of us. Sometimes it makes us smile just knowing it is him. Sometimes it takes our breath away and the only thing we can do is stop what we are doing and thank him right then and there. There are no words that we can use to express how wonderful a relationship with him can be. There is no way you can know this relationship until you completely surrender to him. If you haven't surrendered your life to him, we encourage you do so as soon as possible. It is joyous to see others filled with excitment that can only come from him.

Thank You For Your Prayers

I would like to thank everyone for their prayers. Today has been a really good day. I got the reports back on all my blood tests. They were all negative and showed no signs of pancreatitis. Also, I didn't take any medication today - even before I ate and have had no pain or discomfort at all. I praise God for hearing mine and your prayers to take this pain away I have been having. Once again he has proven he listens to prayer and answers. God is the only one I trust for healing. He is always faithful when you put all your trust in him.

Also, just as a side note. Most of you know that we are moving. We have been wondering how we could afford living room furniture since we now need it for an extra den. God has been extremely gracious to supply us with the outside buildings Jeff needed for storage along with all the extras he has supplied us with as well. Last night a lady we know and had done painting for called us and said she had living room furniture which she no longer could use and asked if we would like to have it. Just another gift from God that he gave without us asking. It matches perfectly and is in excellent condition. God astonished me in the way he works. He suprises me everyday.

Encouragement

It seems as though most people we talk to lately are having difficulties which range fom financial problem, stress, having enough time to accomplish what they need to do, taking care of the health issues of loved ones, raising their children, or dealing with everyday issues in the economy.

We need to encourage one another. We need to offer our help. We need to let others know they are not alone. Eventhough we may be struggling in some areas, there are other areas that we are strong at that will help them. We all face financial struggles but we have to realize that we are to help others if we need to, whether it be financial help, encouragement, support, or pitching in to help physically.

KJV Amplified: Luke 20:35

In everything I have pointed out to you (by example) that, by working diligently in this manner, we ought to assist the weak, being mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive.

We should work diligently, constantly, with strong determination to continually, constantly use whatever we have to assist others. God works this way with us, never fails, never grows weary, to provide whatever we need. We should strive do the same for others.

Update on Beverly

I went to the doctor today to see what the problem was I had been having with severe pain when I eat. The doctor seems to think I have pancreaitis (I probably didn't spell that right). I'll have to have a CAT scan later this week to determine what is causing it. It could be a left over stone from when my gall bladder was removed that was in the duct that has just now moved into the pancreas, or a blocked duct. But there could be something else. Please pray that God resolves this pain for me. I would really rather use the time it will take to get this resolved to focus on God than to focus on myself.

Thanks For Your Concern

This week I have been suffering with stomach problems. It seems as though a marinating sauce with Portabella mushrooms was the cause for severe stomach pain I experienced Wednesday evening into Thursday. The symptoms seem to have somewhat disappeared but I sill have pain every time I eat. I have to say this is quite uncomfortable. I praise God that he doesn't allow more than we can take. But, I am doing much better now. Hungry, but better.

Thank you for asking how I am doing since you found out. Thank you for your prayers especially.

Update on Gracie

I just received a phone calling telling me that little Gracie has gone home to be with the Lord. Her fight is over but she fought a good fight. Her life accomplished much. The time she had here brought family members together, it brought some back to looking to God who hadn't in a long time and brought others looking to God for the first time. The time she had here made it possible for many to hear the Gospel and for others to share their belief in God. Pray that her family find comfort in knowing that she is now with her Lord and is no longer suffering.

Please Pray for Gracie

We have mention in church prayer requests for a six month old baby girl, Gracie Jean. We have special requests for her now. This precious baby has been in the hospital since she was born. She was born without the right side of her heart. She has undergone many surgeries, been on life support off and on. Yesterday she underwent a very difficult surgery to enlarge the arteries in her heart. Her survival rate was 10%. Yet she survived the surgery. She is fighting today but the next 24 hours are crucial. Gracie only weighs 10 pounds at six months old. Her oxygen level concentrations are low. Yet somehow since the surgery they are very slowly increasing. God is not finished with Gracie yet. Please join us in prayer to lift Gracie up to God to do a work in her that would stop nothing short of a miracle.

Priorities

Things are very busy for us right now. We don't have a lot of time to sit and relax while trying to move, working, Biblical Counseling class, daily chores, managing my Mom's property, our daughter's school work, church, bible study and prayer time. We just have a lot to do.

Several have suggested that it is time for us to give us some of the things we are doing to make the load a little lighter on us. We are tired. But yet we realize God has given us all these things to do. We believe he has entrusted us with all of these responsibilities. We also believe that when God fills your plate so full, he will provide you with all you need and enable you to complete them all in a way that is pleasing to him.

We also believe if our main priority is to stay focused on God - putting Bible study, prayer, church, staying on top of the Biblical Counseling classes as a way to serve him in the future - he will provide us with the time, energy and rest to complete all the other.

Yes we are tired, but not weary. These things are ours to do. We have to do them all as if each one is the only thing we have to do.

Col: 3:23 "In whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord, and not unto man."

Unexpected Suprises

We are constantly amazed at the things God does. How he suprises us with something when we aren't expecting anything and it multiplies several times with extra blessings. How this totally astonishes us. At times it leaves us breathless. Just because we know it is all God. There is nothing else that can make such things happen. It makes us stand in awe of God and His never ceasing power and wonder.

When we see God working in our own life in situations like this, sometimes it can be scary and overwhelming, just because we know God is leading and preparing us for something but we have no idea what it is. There is no way we can try to figure out what He is leading us to. We can only let Him lead us and be faithful to follow His directions, whatever it is He is leading us to.

We can't describe the feeling we get when God gives us these suprises. It is overwhelming joyful, with excitment and amazement. There is nothing we can compare it to. We have said earlies in another post and also several times throughout the years of knowing God, "You can never know the awsome wonder and power of God until you surrender everything over to him and trust in Him alone. But once you do ... Hang on ... Hold your breath .... Let Him lead ... and enjoy the ride.

Provision

I wasn't planning on doing a post today. However, it has been laid upon my heart after our pastor at Southside has started a series about being confident in God no matter what life throws at you.

Many times during conversations with others, we are asked, "Why does God let so many things happen to the ones we love?" I have never been able to know exactly what to say in response. Last night after evening service while pondering what our study was on, I read several chapters in 2 Corinthians. I suggest reading Chapter 4 and 5 over and over again.

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KJV (amplified):

2 Corinthians 4:8-18

We are hedged in (pressed) on every side (troubled and oppressed in every way), but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;

We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted (to stand alone); we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;

Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the (resurrection) life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies.

For we who live are constantly (experiencing) being handed over to death for Jesus' sake, that the (resurrection) life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh which is liable to death.

Thus death is actively at work in us, but (it is to order that our) life (may be actively at work) in you.

Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken. We too believe, and therefore we speak.

Assured that He Who raised up the Lord Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and bring us (along) with you into His presence.

For all (these) things are (taking place) for your sake, so that the more grace (divine favor and spiritual blessings) extends to more and more people and multiplies through the many, the more thanksgiving may increase (and rebound) to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outter man is (progressively) decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being (progressively) renewed day after day.

For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory (beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisions and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!),

Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but tot he things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.

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Many times we as just humans think to ourselves we don't deserve the trials and tribulations especially when we are (in our minds) doing what is right or trying our best.

Christ always did what was right (by God's standards). Christ suffered ridicule, scoffing, mockery, was laughted at and spit upon, was beaten and bruised, suffered anguish, endured shame and death on the cross. Knowing this, how could I possibly think that I am somehow deserving enough not to have to suffer the things life throws at me?

This can be hard to swallow when things aren't going just right in our lives. To sit and remind ourselves that what we endure is nothing compared to what He endured. We can be thankful and praise God that Christ did his suffering for us. We can be even more thankful that also as Christ was resurrected and is with God the Father that we too will someday be resurrected and be in his presence for an eternity.

No more pain. No more crying. No more ridicule. No more stress. No more pressure. No more fear. No more worry. No more...... No more.......

Christ lived, suffered, died and rose again. I am extremely thankful to God that part of his plan for me is that I too shall live, suffer, die, and rise again.

Serious! To Be or Not To Be

I had a conversation this week with someone I've known for a long time, but haven't seen in several years. They commented that I had changed so much and questioned my reasons for not reverting back into my old self at least while I was in their company since (as they put it) they would only be around for a very short period of time.

The only reasoning I had for them was, when you give your life to Christ it is not to be taken lightly. It is something you have to be serious about 24/7. Not just in some aspects of your life but in all of your life. Yes, we will still fall short at times. We won't be perfect all the time. But, Christ already knows we will fall, but he is faithful and just to forgive us when we do. But, that doesn't mean we have a free ticket to use his faithfulness to us to just "take time off" from being serious about our walk with him. We also are to be faithful. We represent his faithfulness. We represent the committment he has to us through our committment to him. The only difference is we don't deserve his faithfulness but he does deserve ours. If we receive his faithfulness when we are so undeserving, then we owe a greater debt of faithfulness to him who does.

Isn't it wonderful to know that God can use instances such as this to make us remember just how much he has done for us, what he has brought us out of, and where he has brought us to.

Building Your Confidence

I have been blessed by spending more time in the Word this past week. Scripture has made it ever the more clear to me that confidence in God's promices is what God expects of us. It is not enough to simply believe what he promices. We have to be certain, without a doubt, that what God says he will do, HE WILL DO.

We have to be sure, steadfast, continually, habitually keeping ourselves fixed on the confidence of what he says to be true; regardless of the oposition that comes against us or the circumstances we find ourselves in on a daily basis.

It is not enough to tell others we believe in God's Word and display that belief when others are around. We have to have that confidence when no one else is around. When more expenses arise than we have money to pay them, when you face difficulties that arise out of the blue, when someone you trust hurts you, when you feel lost or all alone for whatever reason, AND you still trust in God with confidence and faith because he has promiced you he will provide for you, he will guide you and show you the way, he will comfort you and bring you peace, and that he will NEVER leave you or forsake you.

When you stay focused regardless of what is around you, when you don't give up on a ministry when it gets tough or you get criticized, when family puts you down for spending time in the Word, when you are ridiculed for not watching the show on television that everyone else wants to watch and you stand up for why it's not going to be watched in your home, when your child aggitates you and you take the time to explain biblically why they are wrong in a loving, caring manner instead of ranting and raving, when neighbors or extended family can't understand why you have changed so much; AND you still stay focused on God's promices without missing a beat, this is when you show your confidence.

Showing your confidence when you least expect others to be watching, at times can be the times when this confidence is most seen by others. When unexpected circumstances occur, others seem to be watching more than normal. Others know your confidence when it is business as usual. It is when a pipe wrench gets thrown in you can show how much confidence you truly have. This is when you can witness at your best.

What does your confidence meter read during difficult times? If you aren't sure, ask others around you. I'm pretty sure they will be able to tell you.

Confidence in God

Recently we have experienced some trials within our family, mostly financial trials. We are human and show concern about circumstances when they arise. We discuss how we need to change the amount going out based on the amount we have coming in.

Our pastor in recent weeks has been preaching on the confidence we have in God in such times. The focal point that got us searching our own hearts that he brought us is: "How can we not depend on God for our everyday needs but we are willing to depend on him for such a thing as our salvation?"

He pointed it out and drove it home to both of us that God knows our needs even before we know them. This really hit home with us. I guess you could say our pastor stepped on our toes just when we needed him to.

I thank God for the boldness for pastors reminding us of such truths that we often tend to forget. I know at least for us, we need our toes pinched every so often. It is good for us. It is needed for us. We depend on it from our pastor. Such things as this we count as blessings.

Needless to say, once again God has graciously supplied everything we needed eventhough we feel as though we deserved absolutely nothing. Isn't it delightful how God knows when you need reminding of some things before you know you need the reminding?

Reaching Those Who Seem Unreachable

Recently I have been made aware of a section of our own town who seem to be unreachable. Not because they lack the ability to be reached, but it seems as though because of some of the circumstances they are in, or that surrounds them, makes reaching out to them difficult or undesirable. One might say it makes them slightly fearful to undergo such an outreach if you have never been involved in any such before.

Several days before I was made aware of this, I have been going over and over 2nd Timothy 1:7 in my head, even to the point where I would wake up at night saying this verse again and again: "For God hath not given us a spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Also, for reasons unknown to me the verse of 2nd Timothy 1:8b, "but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God."

I am filled with an overwhelming desire to teach these whom God have laid on my heart. To show them God as I see him. To love him as I love him. To want to please him as I want to please him. To depend on him as I depend on him. To let God fill them with the desire to reach others as he has filled me.

Just as recently as last night, Jeff has also revealed that God has shown him there is a need in this same area and is asking God for direction as to what he would have him do.

Please pray for us as we wait on God to direct us in this matter.

VBS Concluded

VBS at Southside Baptist Church concluded last night with Family Night. We had a great time. Children had a great time memorizing Bible verses, arts and crafts, outside activities, dance, snacks and of course the Red "C" finaly. There were several visitors. For us it was encouraging to see several neighborhood children who attended nightly we had visited with several weeks ago along with their parents for the conclusion last night.

It was also encouraging to see new faces with excitement about learning God's Word. The lessons they learned thoughout the week were: God Is Real, Jesus Is God's Son, Jesus Is The Only Way, The Bible is God's Word, Let My Actions Show What I Know.

God blessed the efforts of all who were involved in this years VBS.

Hard Decision

Recently it has come to our attention that our teenager is seemingly not paying much attention to material learned during meetings at church. We have been pondering the questions:

"Is the material not challenging enough for her?"
"Is the teacher not giving the material in a manner to keep her attention?"
"Is our child turning away from excitement about God's Word on her own?"

Our next step after pondering these questions was "What should we do?"

"Should we question the material?"

Answer: NO. The material is Biblical. The problem is not there.

"Should we question the manner the material is presented?"

Answer: NO. Teachers volunteer of their own time to teach our children. It takes a lot of time to prepare on their time to teach each lesson. This approach would not be edifying to the teacher and it would be very discouraging to the teacher. This approach would not be Biblical.

After eliminating the first two reasons, the conclusion is the problem is with our child. We came up with this answer:

She is a teenager, therefore she desires and needs to be with her friends at church, while at the same time we as parents have to make sure she is paying attention to the material taught. We have decided that she shall remain in Sunday School with her friends. But, during morning and evening service she shall sit with us in the congregation while taking notes. Occasionally an exception during evening service she may sit with her friends but not more than once a month. Wednesday evenings she shall be with us during Bible Study after her current class has finished the series they are currently in. But until that session ends she will have to be able to give details about the lesson afterwards.

Our decision, needless to say, is not real popular to our teenager at the current time. But, as we have explained to her, God has given us charge over her and it is our responsibility to make sure she knows God's Word. Also, we have to answer to God for any lack on our part to ensure her knowing God's Word. She understands and is not rebellious about it but still we know she is not happy about it. Obedience is a good thing.

Sometimes it is scary when we have to set guidelines for our teenagers. We fear they will rebell and turn totally from the way we are trying to lead them. But, if we pray for guidance, depend on God to control the situation and don't waver from what we know is right God will work it out.

Thank You

We are extremely appreciative of the encouraging words we receive from others about Outreach. Often at times, we do not show the appreciation we should. We would especially like to thank other church members who often give encouragement. People we visit, friends and family also encourage us to continue knocking on doors to give the Gospel. The words and hugs they give us mean so much to us. Often at times, it is truly needed and helps keep us motivated. I encourage you, if you are serving in any ministry, to often let your appreciation known to others who encourage you.

Compromise vs. Staying Focused

Do we stay focused on the passion God has put in our hearts for the ministry he has called us to or do we compromise to keep all happy? This is the question we have faced recently.

Staying focused and keeping our eyes on Christ is what we have strived to do. Not diluting the importance of the passion God has given us regarding winning souls to him. Keeping the time dedicated to learning about him and his Word to just that, time to learn.

At times, this does not make us very popular. However, we are told in the Bible to not be discouraged when we are faced with opposition. The Bible encourages us to stay strong, stay focused, and to continue in the faith regardless of situations or opposition. Christ was faced with opposition and persecution for not compromising to suit others. We will continue to follow Christ's example.

VBS

This Saturday kicks off the VBS at Southside Baptist Church for this year. We will kick off with a Luau at the church property on Highway 97 just past the airport next to the L&L store. It should be a great time of learning God's Word and just old fashion fun. Free hotdogs, chips and snacks for all.

Pray that this year will be especially blessed. In recent years there hasn't been much parcipitation, as we have been told. Nonetheless, we are "preparing for rain" and are confident that God will make it a success. We have been in prayer, knocking on doors with handouts, advertising, and speaking to a large number of children and their parents in our neighborhood over the past two months. All have responded positively.

For us this VBS isn't about adding numbers to our church, it's about adding souls unto God. Come and join us this Saturday at 6:00.

Study Time

It is such sweetness for us to be able and to have the privledge to study God's Word. The more we study the more we know God. The most favorite time of our day is when we study God's Word and spend time in prayer. These times bring us such peace and we depend more and more on God for all things. Each time we study and meditate on scripture it brings more security, faith, patience, compassion and leaves us longing to learn more. The more we study and learn the more we realize that there is so much more to learn from the scripture. Eventhough we spend a great deal of time studying and meditating on God's Word we know that it is impossible to learn everything scripture teaches. The most we can do is to spend what time we have in this life learning what we can, as much as we can and savoring the sweetness of God's Word and praising God for this precious Book He has given to us that gives us so much direction, comfort, promice for things to come. But, more than that sharing what we learn with others so that they too may know God personally. This is our expected and reasonable service to God.

Scratching the Surface

Last night I went out to sit in my carport for about half an hour while having a conversation on the phone. When I came inside my dog was jumping up and down like he was so excited I was back. Being slightly annoyed at his energy late in the evening I asked my dog, "Why are you so excited to see me? It's not like I've been gone for hours." To my amazement my sweet daughter walked into the room explaining to me that since one year to us is like seven years to a dog the time I had spent outside, which was half an hour, was the same as three and a half hours to our dog. My daughter had obviously put some thought and meditation into the fact that she had learned.

Even though I had heard the fact of one year being equal to seven years to a dog. I never thought past that fact. How many times do we read our Bibles and accept what we read and believe what we read but just the surface of of what we read is as far as we go? Scripture tells us we are to meditate on the Word. Maybe if we spend more time meditating on what we read in the Bible we will do far more than scratch the surface and will grow in the Word and closer to God.

Preaching of God's Word

It has become exceeding more necessary of stressing the importance of listening to God's word. In my favorite links we have included some of our favorite sermons from pastors and evangelist we trust in preaching God's Word. We encourage all to listen to these sermons. These sermons have been a great help in learning and understanding scripture on a deeper level. Please leave a comment concerning any sermons you may listen to. We hope they help you grow in your walk with God.

Pew Warmers

I just got a new book by Gene Jackson called The Pew Warmers:Thorns Among The Wheat. I read an exerpt from the book on -line This book is written by a local person and is observations of how church participation has changed in his years in the ministry. It is available at a local store and on-line as well. Some of the subjects include; practice of religion as traditions within the church, the absence of Biblical teaching in churches, two lifestyles of church goers, motivations behind attending church,, and church goers unaware that they are unsaved.

I haven't started reading the book as of yet but I am sure that I will post my comments about it when I am finished. If you have read this book please let me know what you think.

Time With God

We spend a lot of time thinking about and discussing what we learn in Bible Study on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings. We both confess that we pray multiple times during the day. I have gotten to the place where I even ask God what to do in every situation and for every decision I have to make - even the simpliest of things. We look forward to each and every time we have extra Bible Study sessions. We have changed the types of movies we watch and the music we listen to. I don't think we have turned a radio in any of our automobiles from Christian music for the past four years. God has changed us so much. When we look back to how we used to be, it is almost inconceivable how we could have been that way. We don't discuss how we were before God changed us unless it is to witness to others what incredible things God has done for us. At times I get so overwhelmed and am filled with such emotion from what I see God do. He has been so good to us eventhough we don't deserve anything he does for us. We have problems to deal with just like everyone else, but now we have a peace within us knowing that God is in control. We're so glad he's in control. We're never alone. As long as we depend on him, he will never forsake us or leave us. We pray for the ones that don't depend on God in this way. You never know what God will do in your life until you surrender to him fully. If you want to be totally amazed and astonished, I pray that you too will surrender to God and let him show you all the plans he has planned for you once you do. Once you accept Christ as your Savior, pray and ask forgiveness of your sins; Hold on...Enjoy....Praise Him for all that he does. Stay in the Bible...Learn about Him....Trust Him....Submit yourself unto Him...you won't be disappointed.

What Does It Take To Get To Heaven?

I knock on doors every week to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I always ask, "What are you depending on to get you to Heaven?". I get a variety of answers. Most of the time, sad to say, it is not the same thing that the Bible says. I also ask, "If you were to die today, are you 100% sure that you would go to heaven?". Again, sad to say, most of the time the answer is they are less than 100% sure.

We need more people knocking on doors who know what the Bible says about salvation. Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin, died on the cross to pay for our sins, was buried and was raised the third day and is in heaven seated at the right hand of His Father. We need more people to spread this news that if we confess our sins to Christ, ask for forgiveness and repent for our sins, and ask Christ to be our Savior that we are made new creatures - and best of all - that Christ is coming back for us so we also may be in Heaven with Him and therefore escape the wrath of God and all the things that will come upon this earth.

If you believe these truths, are you knocking on doors? Are you spreading the gospel even if you are unable to knock on doors? Do you show the gospel in the way you live your lives? Do people who don't know you able to tell you are a child of God when they meet you?