Set Apart

Relying on God is no easy task. You can't just say, "Oh today I feel like relying on God." No, it doesn't work like that. God puts circumstances into our paths to make us rely on Him. But even then it is difficult to rely on God. Why? The world puts roadblocks in our way. There are psychiatrists doctors, friends, antibiotics and drugs which make us "feel" better. But in truth they hinder us from casting ourselves into the Lord's hands.

When I was going through many health issues, I would rely on man-made stuff first, and God would be second. If I would start to feel my body reacting to something I ate, I would just open a pill bottle and put my special machine on my stomach. I wanted the pain to go away as soon as possible and these things I used, had real results.

But in doing this, I deprived my Father his favorite pastime, to listen to the pleas of his daughter rise to heaven and to answer them. And even when I prayed my mindset was not correct. 'If God doesn't touch my stomach, I can just do this and it will feel better.' I was blinded by the medicine labels, so to speak.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul reminds us that God puts circumstances in our way so He can deliver us from them! But we need to rely on Him and not on worldly things.It's hard, because everywhere a Christian turns there are ads for this new medicine, success stories of the new shrink in town, or hidden messages in movies which project how drugs make you forget your troubles. It is a tough battle to rely on God when Satan has put so many other things in our way. But it is a battle worth fighting because we receive an eternal reward.

Posted in: on Monday, November 10, 2008 at at 9:29 AM 3 comments  

I wrote this with in minutes of the announcement that Obama is our next President.
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"Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America." At these words spoken last night America erupted, some people with joy and some with fear. I was sitting on the couch and reacted immediately with a prayer. "God have mercy on America!"

I sat numb as the television screen showed thousands and thousands of ecstatic Obama supporters screaming and crying with joy in their victory in Times Square. All those voices blended together pierced my heart; it sounded like a new born baby's wail. Tears ran down my face unhindered as I realized that America's next leader will allow the shameless murder of thousands and thousands of unborn children. Again the cry rose from my heart, "God, have mercy! Have mercy on all those precious babies who will be killed! Please God..."

John McCain, his wife Cindy and the Palins (I'm sure we'll see Sarah again in the future) by his side, gave a speech to disappointed supporters in Arizona.I was struck by his humility. He was so sincere and humble; urging unity and congratulating Mr.Obama graciously.

I feel a satisfaction that America has elected an African American President. Though I strongly dislike and disagree with most of Barack Obama's beliefs and policies, I realize that this election has finally bridged a great and unfair divide between races. It is an amazing day historically for America, and conservatives are needlessly stubborn if they do not realize this.

What now? Will Barack Obama be a socialist leader who attacks America's traditional values? Is he the friend of terrorists that some have made him out to be? Only time will tell.

I am so aware this is a crucial time for Christians in America. We need to pray for our country and new President. We must be sure to stand up for life as it is obvious that our new President won't.
We must place our hope and trust in Jesus. So many Americans have put all their hope and trust in a man who, just like you and me, is a sinner and will make mistakes; setting themselves up for major disappointment. America needs to realize that Mr. Obama can't bring about the most important change we need; Jesus can.

Posted in: Heidi, Member on Friday, November 7, 2008 at at 9:31 AM 1 comments  

Growing up in church, there's a sameness. Singing the same songs, listening to the same announcements, hearing the same sermons, talking to the same friends afterwords. The same ol' same ol'.

But then on one of the handful of same Sundays someone will walk into church that no one would expect to be there. Now, often, no one will say it, but there will be whispers and unconscious thoughts of "Whoa...their....different..."

Usually, the difference, in our eyes is not good. Sometimes it's skirt length, sometimes it's tattoos, sometimes it's the color of the clothes they wear and sometimes it's a spiked six inch Mohawk. We act as a judge and jury in our mind toward one person over their simple appearance.

Now tell me, what would God say about this?
"Well...uh...we're supposed to love each other, no matter what but...they are like.. REALLY strange/scary/weird looking!"

You've heard of the saying, "You can't judge a book by it's cover", right? It pretty much rings true. God says, "Men look at the outward appearance,but I look at the heart".

You don't know WHO that person is at all by their clothes. Yes, you can tell what colors they like maybe or what band they adore, but really, all of that is superficial. To ACTUALLY get to know them you should try talking to them. Through conversation you will see glimpses of their heart and attitude. And in this way we are exemplifying one of God's characteristics,to care.

I'll be the first one to say accepting people as they are and loving them no matter what they dress like or even act like CAN be difficult, when everyone else around you isn't. I encourage you to really TRY to get to know people before you deem them off as something their possibly not. And to love them and accept them as God

Romans 15:7 "Therefore accept one another, just as Christ has also accepted us to the glory of God."

Posted in: Annie, Member on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at at 9:24 AM 3 comments  

I accepted Christ into my life when I was 12 years old ( No I don't remember the exact date and time, sorry). For a year I studied my Bible earnestly wanting to know how to serve God better. It was a joy and a privilege. Then it became boring. The Bible lost it's spark. It wasn't alive to me anymore. Meeting with the Lord everyone morning was no longer a privilege. It was a chore. A boring. Boring. Boring. Chore. Prayer lost it's power too. So I feel away and sought my pleasure elsewhere. One thing lead to another and before I knew it I was up to my head in sin. I stayed that way for 3 years. Three wasted years. Little spiritual revivals would come and last a short time and then I would fall away once again.

About two months ago I became fed up. I wanted to serve my God and leave everything behind but I felt powerless to do so. Something was missing. I knew for a fact that I was a Christian. God still worked in my life when I let Him. I prayed and prayed for hours and tried to read the Bible with that same enthusiasm as I had when I was a new Christian. But it was futile. God felt distant. I felt discouraged and powerless. Powerless. That word best defined my state. Willing but powerless.

Last night I told my Mom about everything that had been going the past few months. She said she was pretty sure she knew what I was missing. The Holy Spirit. I'd gotten to know the Spirit a lot more by observing him work through other peoples lives so I instantly agreed with her. So she gave me the above message by Terry Virgo to listen to.

I listened to it and it was phenomenal. It answered all the questions I had, had about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I was ready! My plan was to wait until Sunday when my brothers and sisters could lay hands on me. But God had other plans.

About the point in the message where Terry goes into to detail about speaking in tongues I grew more and more excited. At the end of the message while I was praying along with Terry, God spoke to me, probably the most clearly he has ever spoken to me. He said: "The next thing that is going to come out of your mouth will me praising me in tongues." So I stood there for a little bit. Then...I opened my mouth. What ushered forth was nothing short of heavenly. I couldn't understand a word and I didn't care. The illustration of rivers of living waters flowing from your mouth is about as close as you can get. It's just unexplainable. Praise God! It was the most amazing experience in my entire life.

After I stopped praising Him in tongues I grabbed my iPod and ran upstairs to my iPod dock prepared to sing praises to the Lord! Haha I'll never forget what the Lord said to me. He said: "No, sing your own song to me in tongues." And I did. It wasn't much of a song. More like a rap of sorts but I know it pleased Him so much to hear it!

Wow! Hallelujah! God is amazing.

Posted in: Carter on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at at 9:11 AM 2 comments  

"Heidi! I told you to come down stairs a hour ago! Get up now!" I hear this regulary as I sit up and stumble out of bed with my eyes more closed than open. That moment on my day is stuffed with babysitting, school, chores, school, and more school. In the rush to get everything done I often forget the most important part of my day. By the time I realize what I've forgotten I'm exausted and ready to fall into a good night's sleep.

Yesterday I sat down and asked my self this question:
"How can I battle for Quiet times with God?"

First I need to realize that I desperately need to read God's word every day. I don't know about you, but when life gets busy I start to throw unecessary things out the window. I need to understand the truth of Matthew 4:4 "Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

I often wonder why I lose my faith and seem so weak. Romans 10:17 says "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. "
Ohhhh...I'm starting to understand this.

How am I going to apply this? Here's my battle plan.

*When I wake up, take a few minutes to pray; commiting my day into His hands, and read a psalm. The psalms are prayers and praises to the Lord that always turn the eyes of my heart towards Him.

* Have a long quiet time while I'm on my lunch break.

*Finish my day with spending some time memorizing scripture. Right now I'm working on Romans chapter 5.

*Ask for help. I need Godly friends to encourage and remind me. Please, when you talk to me ask if I've been having my quiet times.

I'll end with one of my favorite scriptures about God's word.


Psalm 19:7-11

The law of the LORD is)perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.

Posted in: Devotions, Heidi, quiet times on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at at 9:17 PM 1 comments  

As I was searching YouTube a few days ago I stumbled upon a song video, and below that video was a comment from someone. The song incidentally was "Jesus Loves You" by Stellar Kart. Now, normally I bypass the comments, usually because there is nothing worth reading in them most of the time but I came upon this while skimming:

"even if he is realo. (not saying he is or not)

im sure he wont want every1 to give him everything we have woked fr.... "

The second half of the comment really got to me. Right off the bat I thought,"Are you KIDDING?! He wants EVERYTHING!".

Then what Jesus' said in Matthew 6:24 came to mind:
"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other;you will be devoted to one and despise the other.(NLT)

The sum of it is, all or nothing. You can't give God only certain parts of your life, while clenching on to the rest for your own use. An example of this could be music. If you did not include God in your choices in that particular area, then which Master would you be serving in that?

God wants it ALL. I'm not talking bits ,pieces, slices or squares, I'm talking ALL. Complete and total surrender of you're entire life to Him.

If you haven't made that step already,to make Christ your Master over you're entire life, I encourage you ask a pastor, a friend who you know is a strong Christian, or one of us for that matter! We would love to share our Savior's life with you and lead you to Him!
:)

Posted in: Annie, Member on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at at 12:24 PM 0 comments  

It's amazing how much time we spend making a to-do list, and exactly how many people follow that list? Well if you are like me, you make your to-do list, feel proud about how organized you are, then fail to follow it.

But when I'm thinking of my many uncompleted lists, I'm reminded of how God will always complete his list for me. And he doesn't care if it "clashes" with my schedule or not. Because compared to His great plan, getting to a movie on time is not even close to a good excuse.

I was running around doing errands with my Mom, and we were talking about my week, or I was. And I was ranting about how much I've had to do this week. I personally love being busy, but this week had been challenging for me. Being sick while being busy doesn't mix that well, but it pushed me to trust in God's sustaining grace, and to find peace in him. Getting off subject here, sorry.

But as I was saying what I had planned for the next couple days, my Mom just looked at me with a smile and said, "That sounds like a good plan, but don't you know God's planning to make it rain?" This made me stop, most of the stuff I had planned was outside. How would that work? It wouldn't, I would be forced to forget all about myself and my life, and to see that God was going to water His Creation. And as I write this, guess what the weather is doing? Raining.

James 4:13-24 says, "Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."

And with that note I encourage you to hold loosely to your plans, because God will most likely have his way with you.

Posted in: Savannah on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at at 4:30 PM 0 comments