Jesus did not need a Press Release...

January has been a very exciting start to a new year. Personally it has been chock full of interviews and meeting new people. It has kept me pretty busy considering I am at the beginning of my reign as Mrs. Kentucky International 2010. During this time I have also pondered how much has gone into announcing who I am, not only to those in my local community and but to those living in my whole state of Kentucky.


In Matthew 9:35 - 36 it says,

"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."

Jesus, did not need a Press Release!



The multitude knew where Jesus was and where he was going. If they did not find Him, the multitude would search for Him. Even times when He wanted some quiet time with His Father they would find Him. If they did not want Him for His healings, they would at least want to hear Him teach. It is more than obvious by His word that He was always about doing His Father's business.



To know, that our Savior was moved with compassion, shows me that people were attracted to Him for the love that made up who He was. Have you ever been weary and scattered? I have actually felt like that a few times these past few weeks. Making sure my small Public Relations team has my scheduling confirmed, speaking engagements, appointments, thank-you notes written. With all of the planning it can be pretty overwhelming, and on top of that I am running my household of 16!

No wonder our Savior had compassion on the multitudes!

Even now He has had compassion on me and I have known that! So why is it that you and I keep going 100 miles per hour to make sure we meet our goals? Why is it that we are so concerned that our timetable does not get out of whack? I was thinking also that to Him we must look like silly sheep without a shepherd. He must look down and smile at us with that sweet love that is so overwhelming just like He did the multitude in the book of Matthew.

His compassion attracted the multitudes! What is so attractive about us that people will come and try to find us? I want to so much to be like Jesus! Don't you? So, right now I have Press Releases that have to be written to tell a nation who I am, but what about those people who personally know me, do they see Jesus in me without the Press Release?

Close and Personal:

1. Do you need a Press Release to let people know who Jesus is in your life?


2. Have you ever felt that overwhelming compassion and love from Jesus that has made you stop in your tracks?


My dear Lord Jesus, help me be like You. Help me be loving and compassionate to this hurting world. Help to stop long enough to notice. I love you Jesus! Thank you for your gentle reminder of your consistent love and guidance in my life!

The Promised Highway...

Upon thinking that 2010 is here, I wanted to share a promise from our Savior Jesus Christ for us as believers! I don't know about you, but 2009 was one of those years that will never be forgotten! As a family, we were talking and sharing the challenges and the victories of 2009.

Through our family sharing with one another about all the Lord has had for us this past year the Lord laid it upon my heart to remind each of us of the road that we will eventually be on for eternity! I hope it will encourage you and give you umph as it has me! Remember the Road of the Redeemed!

In Isaiah 35:1-10 it says the following to us so let's read on!

"The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it. The excellence of Carmel and Sharon They shall see the glory of the Lord, The excellency of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees, Say to those who are fearful-hearted, Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing, For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water; In the habitation of jackals, where each lay, There shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there, and a road. And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness, The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others, whoever walks the road, although a fool Shall not go astray.

No lion shall be there, Nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; It shall not be found there; But the redeemed shall walk there.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

I don't know about you but I can't wait to be on that Highway promised to us His redeemed!

Close and Personal:

1. Have you ever read this passage?

2. Will you remember this as we go throughout 2010?

My Dearest Savior, Thank you Lord for your sweetest reminders of where our hope is and our eternal rest will be with You in joy and happiness! May we keep You and Your promises close to us as this new year begins! Father may we be mindful to remember that our trials and tribulations that we will encounter are just temporary in comparison to "The Highway of the Redeemed!"

We love you Lord Jesus!

The Ghost and the Darkness

The Ghost and the Darkness is a 1996 thriller film about the Tsavo man-eaters, two lions who attacked the builders of the Uganda-Mombasa Railway in 1898, killing about 35 of them, and the subsequent hunt to kill them.

These lions were so quick and ferocious that every attempt to kill them failed. The men dubbed the lions “the Ghost and the Darkness” because of their notorious methods of attack.

1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to;

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

This movie reminds me of how sin can swiftly crawl into our lives as believers and followers of Jesus Christ. Bitterness and resentment is like the Ghost and the Darkness in our lives.

Fourteen years and 22 kids later I was confronted head on with those two sins which almost destroyed our beautiful family. The lions from "The Ghost and the Darkness" when attacking the builders would come in from any angle at any time, without notice. Bitterness and resentment are equally the same way!

In ministry and helping families all these years we were not prepared to what happened in our own home recently. There was an explosion that caused all of us to examine our hearts before our Savior!

Why am I being so transparent?

Explosions happen in the best of families but what do we do with it is what is very important.

Reinforcement was needed and it came in from everywhere just like it came when the Ugandans could not kill the lions in the movie! My husband and I traveled for about 45 minutes to Barren River State Park where we began our journey of being honest with one another for the very first time!

We not only had to be honest about the bitterness and resentment that was ailing him for all those years but I had to admit my own fear of trusting him.

Sounds pretty messed up, huh?

That is what I love about our Savior, He is willing and ready to begin picking up broken pieces and gluing them together again if we obey and trust Him!

In the movie the Ghost and the Darkness the lions were killed but it took a very special strategy and it was after killing 35 of the men. Bitterness and resentment was in the process of doing the same thing in our lives. Killing us little by little and pretending that it was not there. Bandaging a wound really without healing it. Does it make sense?

Getting home and sharing our hearts we saw forgiveness and restoration begin to take place. Recognizing the Ghost and the Darkness played a major part of our healing. Recognizing it and laying it down also brought some junk out of our kids’ pasts that needed to be dumped! The picture of that day will never be erased from my memory.

Philippians 3:12-14 tells us “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Satan did not win his ferocious battle against our family! Something good has happened and that good came about because we serve a Great and Mighty God! I am asking each one of us to search out our lives to see if we keep bandaging our past hurts, holding grudges, unforgiveness, resentment, and bitterness. I will let you know it will show it’s ugly head when you least expect it just like in the movie when the Ghost and the Darkness would slide right around the corner!

Close and Personal

1. Do you think because you don’t talk about things that you have dealt with any past hurts?

2. Are you bandaging your pain?

3. The Ghost and the Darkness in your life, do you see it or do others?

My dear Heavenly Father I just want to tell you thank you all over again for loving us as you do. You have been such a longsuffering Savior and Friend! I pray for all my sisters that will read this today Lord that they will not allow any Ghosts and Darkness to enter into their lives but rather that they will recognize the enemy and be prepared as a good soldier in Your army! Lord, use me in whatever way You want me to used by You! I love You so much my Lord and my Savior!

A Modern Day Esther...

Esther 4:16 says,

"Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will go to the King, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!"

The story of Esther has always been one of my most favorite stories in God's Word! It is a story of courage, boldness, faith, and influence. Esther was a courageous Queen who stepped in and risked her own life for the lives of her people!



During this last month I have had the privilege of meeting a beautiful young Esther of today named Rifqa! This exceptional and courageous young woman has also risked her life for her Savior and those who will follow after her! She has lit a fire under me to be bold no matter what the circumstances are or how frightening and lonely it might get.




These are a few of the similarities I found between Esther and my sweet sister Rifqa. Esther was called out from all the Jewish young women to become the queen. Rifqa was called out as a very young woman of 17 to leave her earthly family to serve her Savior Jesus Christ. Esther and Rifqa both chose to use their influence for good and to extend God's kingdom on the earth and eventually in eternity.


Esther possessed leadership qualities which you see manifested in God's Word. Rifqa, because of her leadership qualities, was able to get on a bus to find a safe haven. I can only imagine how frightening it must have been for Esther to leave everything behind and stand in the presence of the King. Rifqa left all behind to go by herself to somewhere she had never been, knowing she could die in the process.


Esther accepted God's will. Rifqa quoted Esther 4:16. Esther was confident of God's providence. Esther 4:17 says, "So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him." Rifqa trusted that the Lord would guide her and provide for her needs. Esther was also active in mobilizing her staff in prayer and fasting. Rifqa encourages us to do the same on her behalf and others who are going through the same kind of persecution.


This is what I know. Esther and Rifqa are both my sisters in Christ. One is with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and has left her mark here on this earth through God's Word. Rifqa is still with us and is in the middle of a huge battle! She has shown an enormous amount of courage for a young woman of today. She is courageous and self-sacrificing. She is clever and beautiful. She has been used by our Savior to bring the gospel all over the world in her effort to be able to be free to worship and obey her Savior Jesus Christ!


We know the end result of the life of Esther and how she saved her people. Like Esther, Rifqa courageously formulated her plan even if it meant dying in the process. In the court she has learned to prepare herself spiritually, as was evident, in her prayer life and in fasting! You can see the Lord's guidance in her life by the way she carries herself in words and actions.


Esther is a reminder of God's Sovereignty. God used her beauty, her intelligence, as well as her remarkable, fearless faith to accomplish His will. Through her obedience, Esther became a true star for the kingdom of God.


Rifqa awaits her fate but she awaits with peace and knowing that He is Sovereign and a great and mighty God whom she longs to serve in freedom! Rifqa has become an example to so many young people that have the freedom to serve Him without the fear of dying. She has taught the older believers to do something for His kingdom!


These two beautiful and courageous women should be so ingrained in our lives that we will be courageous ourselves and be bold in our journey! We need to stand in the gap for the defenseless and the fatherless! To obey Him no matter the cost! To run our race knowing that He knows what is on the other end!

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." James 1:27

Close and Personal:

1. What has He called you to do?

2. Have you done anything to help your young sister, Rifqa?

3. Esther and Rifqa are our examples of women of courage, but are you an example to those around you?

Our dear Heavenly Father, I come to you today with a broken spirit asking your to intervene in a great and mighty way for our sister and your daughter Rifqa! Lord, she loves you so much as did Esther. Will you, my Savior, in your majestic way let her be safe where she can continue to worship you freely? Father may we trust you in your response knowing that you know what is the best thing in our lives and may we always know that you don't want to hurt your children, but you want the very best for us! Thank you Lord for Esther and for my dear young sweet sister Rifqa and may we not forget that Rifqa is fighting for her life each and everyday! May we not be blinded by the things of this world that we don't even remember to pray for her and to help her fight the good fight!

Be of Good Cheer..

Recently I was listening to a message that totally caught my attention. The message itself was a message to encourage us to have unshakable faith! During the message there was a phrase that just stood out and has been with me ever since.

The phrase was this that was said by our Savior Jesus Christ, "Be of Good Cheer!" Wow! Our Savior said that! I want to just name some of the scriptures I have found with that beautiful and encouraging phrase that I hope will encourage you through out those days when things don't necessarily seem so pleasant.

In Matthew 9:2 we find Jesus with the paralytic and when Jesus saw their faith, He said to him, "Son be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you." Do we realize why we need to be of good cheer? Jesus gave His life for us that we should be joyous because we don't earn our salvation but that He freely gives us the faith to believe in Him! We were chosen!

In Matthew 14:27 the disciples were in the boat in the middle of the sea and they notice someone walking on the sea and they were frightened. Our Savior speaks up and says, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." Jesus Christ the beloved never leaves us even in these turbulent times. He is telling us not to be afraid when we don't know the outcome of any of our situations we are confronted with. Don't be afraid He says! What a comfort to us.

In John 16:33 our Savior is kindly reminding the disciples that He has overcome the World. They are being reassured by verse 33 where it says "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." What a great reminder to us that when we are being put through the ringer either at work or wherever we are to "be of good cheer, pilgrims!" He overcame the world through His death, and resurrection. He arose victoriously from His stronghold. Jesus reminded the disciples that the world would bring them tribulation but the He would bring them peace. This was an encouraging statement of peace for even us!

In Acts 23 we find Paul being almost mauled and killed by the mob. He is then forced into the barracks where our Savior appears to Him and says these words: " Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem so you must also bear witness at Rome." Can you imagine being in Paul's place? Our Savior is saying to Paul not to worry and not to just look at your circumstances for you are going to be okay! That had to be a pretty scary proposal after everything Paul had suffered. Reading further you find Paul thanking the Lord in every situation!

In Acts 27:22 there is a very terrible storm in where Paul and all the sailors were fearing for their life but an angel of the Lord appeared to Paul again and told him to take heart (be of good cheer) there will be no loss of life among you but only of the ship. Have you ever been in the midst of a hopeless situation and you hear His small voice that says to be of good cheer I have overcome everything? In the storms of life He reaches out His hand and you hold on to it knowing because of His promises that He will lift you up! What a great and faithful friend!

Disillusionment, pain, and sorrow will always be here on this earth but my phrase to you this month is, "Be of Good Cheer!"

Close and Personal:

1. When have you been afraid? How did you handle it?

2. Have you thanked him for Him rescuing you?

My dear sweet and loving Savior, I just want to tell you thank you for cheering us on! Thank you Lord for letting us know through your precious Word how much You want for us to know that you have overcome everything! We are just passing through and that everything in this world is temporary! We love you Lord and thank you, thank you for loving us this much!

My Peas and Carrots Desert Experience...

Accepting a business invitation to travel from Kentucky all the way to San Diego, California we were in great anticipation knowing that our Savior was in the middle of it all! Have you ever been in the middle of great plans and excitement but still are pricked by the Holy Spirit that maybe, just maybe, you should not fledged forward? I felt that way, but never mentioned it to my sweet family that was heading on the trip!

We were on the "Road Show" to the beautiful city of San Diego! It was only 8 of us from our large family that were going along with some of our business associates who were also believers. The Lord sweetly reminded me of His precious words during our trip as things began to develop.

Our family continued reaching out to people on the road and not only sharing our business, but sharing Christ through music and our lives! It was awesome and exciting for all of us to see our Savior working! Have you ever thought that everything was alright and everyone was on the same page and only to later find out you were totally wrong?

Both instances I faced last month.

Ephesians 4:1-6 "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

On the day we were heading back to Bowling Green from California, it was a very hot day, one I will remember till we see our Savior face to face. We were asked to find our own way home, grant it, we had two vehicles that didn't belong to us with our two weeks worth of luggage in them!

Scrambling to find our way back we were left at the Greyhound Bus Station like castaways! Sitting in that small station, in the heat of the day, we all looked at each other and just praised Him! It was 117 degrees in Blythe, California!

Did I cry?

Yes!

Did I understand?

No!

Did I know my Savior was in control?

Yes!

Were people watching?

Yes!

Genesis 50:20"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."

My mind kept thinking that according to His word there is nothing new under the sun, therefore, there is a story similar to mine in His Word. The only story similar to what we were going through that kept jumping in to my head was the story of Joseph and his brothers in which Joseph was abandoned in the desert!

This desert experience in my peas and carrots series is truly one of the best things that has happened in my Christian walk. It opened so many doors for us in business and ministry. Our family had the pleasure of sharing with so many people of all different cultures, and parts of the world. The rich and humble alike! They all need Christ! We met people that loved the Lord and they blessed us. Our new friends were an encouragement to all of us! It opened our eyes to the needs of many out there in the search of life.

Sisters, I share this real life story with you to encourage you to continue in fervency to Him in what He has called you to do. Situations that might arise don't always make sense but trust Him explicitly. Take a breather and remember His promises for they fail not!

Psalm 69:13-15 But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, Hear me in the truth of Your salvation. Deliver me out of the mire, And let me not sink; Let me be delivered from those who hate me, And out of the deep waters. Let not the floodwater overflow me, Nor let the deep swallow me up; and let not the pit shut its mouth on me. Vs. 17 And do not hide Your face from Your servant, For I am in trouble; Hear me speedily."

Close and Personal:

1. Have you been in a situation where you new something was not quite right but chose to ignore it?

2. Have you noticed that our Savior is so patient with us even when we take a wrong turn?

My dear Heavenly Father, I just want to tell you thank you for your many ways of getting our attention and never giving up on us! You are such a kind and loving Savior and Friend. Father may we never forget where we came from and how you kept us from any harm coming to us. Thank you for never abandoning us even when we failed you!

Admonish one another in peace, joy and hope

"Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge able also to admonish one another." Romans 15:14

We believers have the solid hope on the Messiah' return. He is the solid Rock on which we stand. The fullness of joy and peace comes through believing that He is and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him alone.

Our continual belief toward and in Him fills us with peace - for He is our answer to all things pertaining to this life and the life to come.

Do you want joy and peace in this life? Then get your eyes off your circumstances and back on His promises found throughout His written word!

This very simple admonition reminds me of the chorus to a well known hymn; "Turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face and the things on earth will go strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

What kind of fruit will our seeking Him in joy and peace produce? Hope that continually overflows! (Romans 8:24-25)

This biblical hope has nothing to do with earthly ends such as retirement funds, always perfect circumstances or material gain but rather, that we will reign with the Messiah always! This becomes our hope beyond the grave too!

Our key verse in Romans 15:14 deals with admonishing one another so the we are "full of goodness and filled with knowledge." Often times, we see the work of admonishing in the light of confrontation of sin. But, in this case - we admonish each other as a reminder of what we already have in Christ Jesus!

Admonishing one another takes on a very loving aspect that produces in the hearer a peace, joy and hope:

It is parental. (1 Corinthians 4:14-16 and Ephesians 6:4)

It is historical. (1 Corinthians 10:11)

It is spiritual. (Colossians 1:28)

It is confrontational (1 Thessalonians 5:14, 2 Thessalonians 2:14 and Titus 3:10)

The whole goal of admonishing one another should always be motivated by the desire to see the hearer have peace, joy and hope!

We though, can be very opinionated and not very loving either! Sometimes, we introduce traditions into our admonishing one another instead of focusing on the goal of seeing our Lord's sweet face one day!

I had always been raised in a very conservative home where only old hymns were sung. But, as I grew older and wiser in the Lord and His word, I came to realize the peace, joy and hope I had in Christ had nothing to do with the style of music sang but rather - the overflow of our Lord's promises established in my heart!

Imagine this mind set in the light of Romans 15:13-14. People sometimes build there ministry objectives on vain man made traditions versus the building up of one's peace, joy and hop

e built upon God's spiritual admonishments!

Close and Personal:

1. Have we had to admonish someone but decided not too because you thought it was not your "calling?"

2. Are we being motivated to admonish one another in order to produce guilt or to produce joy, peace and hope?

"My dear Heavenly Father, I just want to thank you for your love and kindness to us your children! You never cease to amaze me at the longsuffering you have had towards me your daughter! Dear Lord will you give us a love for the brethren and even those that are different than us and may we keep you in the forefront of our lives! We love you Lord and I can't wait to see you! In the name of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen."

In Him,

In Him,

Bearing one another's burdens...

Romans 15:1-6 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me. For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We the church and disciples of Jesus Christ are encouraged in His Word a life of self-denial and considerations of others above ourselves! This does not come natural, does it? It is specifically referred to the stronger believer toward the weaker brother. Ouch! How often in my Christian walk I have thought only of myself knowing that if it is okay for me to do it the "others" need to get over it! Again, ouch!

The word "bear" is the same word used of Christ bearing His cross in John 19:17. Bearing with one another exemplifies Jesus' sacrificial love towards us. How often do we lose our cool with each other in an attempt to being selfless and putting ourselves on the back burner? Using my home as an example, I run into situations like these it seems every day. Considering we have thirteen in our home, it is bound to happen that one of us will be self centered at one time or another. I have the six girls on one side and the five boys on another! Just imagine!

Noticing that I have been put in this position by Jesus I have to ask for strength in my walk as I deal with all these different aliens in my home including myself! Creating an atmosphere of thankfulness is one of the first things I have realized that is very important in my own walk even when there is no end to "mom" from about 11 different voices and that is without mentioning my wonderful husband!

Literally, one day I sat down at my large farmer's table with my hands on my face and smiled and never responded to the never ending questions coming my way. At one time in my heart I thought, "Calgon take me away!" Right then, I came under conviction and began thanking the Lord for each one of their lives!

A genuine consideration for the concerns and needs of others promotes harmony and unity within the family of Christ. It brings glory to Him! As women we get confronted with putting ourselves last and making sure everyone else has everything they need. One of the strengths in our lives as Godly women is the evidence we show in the willingness to focus on the needs ofothers and our desire to foster a spirit of genuine harmony among God's family!

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Galatians 6:2 Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Vs. 10 Therefore as we have opportunity let us do good to all especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Close and Personal:

• Have you created an atmosphere of gratitude in your home and your family in Christ?
• What do you consider to be to carry someone's burdens?

Dear Father, I just want to tell you thank you for your sweet reminders on how you bore that cross on our behalf! You laid down your life willingly for us, heavenly Father, and I just want to tell you thank you again! Help me to live a life of caring for others and putting their weaknesses before my wants! I love you, Father!

Commitment

Mother's Day luncheon at my home I sat in amazement watching all of my 13 kids serving me and honoring me as their mom! Whether my kids came to me through natural birth or adoption their love and commitment was still the same!

The story of Ruth reminded me of my home that weekend! Ruth's statement of commitment in Ruth 1:16 & 17 says, "But Ruth said: Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me."

The commitment was really towards the God of Naomi but He used Naomi to be the mother, mentor, and the earthly vessel in Ruth's life! Ruth willingly gave up her earthly family, her heritage, and her name to become Naomi's daughter! Ruth left her pagan homeland on her own initiative, despite the protest of her mother in law, in order to come under the wings of God. Ruth offered herself first to Naomi and ultimately to God.

Ruth had no attachments or loyalties to Naomi, per say, but she did so love the God she loved! This is what bonded these two women together! God's word says that Ruth clung to Naomi! That means that nothing could come between them!

A foundation of purposeful love and the outworking of devoted deeds set Ruth's commitment apart from verbal cliches and the whim of momentary emotions.

Ruth's story remains even today! My family is living proof of such a heart warming story! As I was watching my sons and daughters on that beautiful day two weeks ago I realized that the circumstances, events and situations were not that much different than those of Ruth's! They left the gods of their biological parents, wealth, comfort, cars, religion and all for a missionary calling that could only come from Jesus Christ!

My kids willingly accepted an unsettled future and bound themselves to the God we serve! They made a commitment to Jesus Christ and that is what was very obvious on Mother's day! Thinking on that day brings such a joy on my face knowing that my kids who so much served me and sacrificed of themselves to honor me on that special day had an uncompromising commitment to my Savior Jesus Christ! That makes me the wealthiest mom in the world!

Matthew 16:24-27 "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man will come in the glory of His Father with His angles, and then He will reward each according to his works.

Close and Personal:

1. Who are you committed to?

2. Do you let others, situations, or circumstances dictate your commitment to your Savior?

3. What have you left behind to serve your Savior wholeheartedly?

Dear Father,

Thank you so much for letting us read the story of Ruth! Knowing that we would need to read it over and over again to realize that to live fully for you is not always the most comfortable or accepted by others! May we remember that you gave your home in Glory to come down to live in this wretched world! Thank you Father for your sacrifice and your love and kindness to us!

In Him,

My Savior

Did you know that almost half a year has gone by already? Recently, as I was taking a very small break during my ever so very busy schedule in the Bateman household, I came to realize that the older I get the faster time goes by!

As memories of my life were flashing back and forth, the thought of my Savior Jesus Christ consistent love for me overcame me with so much emotion and gratitude!

This has been a long journey with Him. One thing has always remained the same and that is Him! The Rock!

Don't get me wrong, He has had to deal with this stubborn and unwilling vessel many times yet He never gave up on me, ever! He is forever faithful, kind, loving. He is my shelter and my best friend.

All along that highway of up's and down's, persecutions, criticisms, murder of my dear father, rape of a daughter, death of children, divorce, loss of closeness of family, loss of home, loss of best friends, remarriage, step-parenting, death threats, adoption, time of refreshing, and right now a time of loveliness in Christ, He has never moved and remains the same!

What a friend! What a Savior!

2 Samuel 22:32-35

For Who is God, except the Lord? And Who is a Rock except our God? God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places."

You see my Savior knew I was that vessel that needed a lot of breaking and pruning for me to lay everything down at His feet in order to focus on Him and Him alone. He loved me that much! He sought after me! The awesomeness of this truth overwhelms me at times as it did a few days back during my break!

2 Samuel 22:47-50

The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my salvation! It is God who avenges me, And subdues the people under me. He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your Name.

"My Savior Loves my Savior Lives"

...I am not skilled to understand, what God has willed, what God has planned. I only know at His right hand, stands One Who is my Savior. I take Him at His Word and deed. Christ died to save me this I read. And in my heart I find a need. For one who is my Savior. My Savior loves! My Savior lives! My Savior is always there for me! My God He was! My God He is! My God is always going to be! Yes live and die and let me breathe ....

Close and Personal:

1. Is He your Savior? Your best friend?

2. Have you taken time to sit and ponder on all that He has brought you through?

3. Have you shared it with others as an encouragement?

My dearest Savior, I want to take time today to exalt you your Holy name! Thank you Lord for knowing me forever! Knowing that I would have to be a broken vessel before realizing how much you wanted my total attention and devotion, my Lord! I love you, my Savior!

In Him,

“We Know” all Things Work Together for Good…

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Over the years, this beautiful verse has been applied to just about every circumstance and groups of peoples imaginable. And yet, for all its beauty and profound eternal promises – its truths promises apply to the children of God alone!

The “we” of verse 28 are the “saints” of Romans 8:27:

“And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for WE know not how to pray as WE ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for US with groanings which cannot be uttered; and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the SAINTS according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27

We saints “know” that ALL things work together for good too. Followers of Jesus Christ count the cost of discipleship and know Jesus says:

"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 10:38-39

Loving God means laying our lives down for our Savior! We are challenged to maintain steadfast trust in God, even amidst trials and suffering:

"Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" Rev. 2:10

The great promise of Romans 8:28 is that God will “work all things good” for those of us who love Him! He rules over and through every tragedy and infirmity cause by sin's presence in this world - to accomplish His purposes in the lives of those who love Him and who have responded to His call.

We saints also “know” that God, in His sovereignty, works all things out – even when we cannot see how. Listen to what Israel’s ancient prophet Amos declared long ago:

"For behold, He who forms mountains, And creates the wind, Who declares to man what his thought is, And makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth-The Lord God of hosts is His name" Amos 4:13

God is God and we are not.

We saints also know that we are “called according to His purpose” also:

"Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." II Timothy 1:9

That is us!

According to His purpose means just what it says. That removes us completely out of the picture, doesn't it? He has laid out for us foreknowledge, calling, predestination, and justification. We can trust Him!

"For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God." II Corinthians 4:15

There are some experiences that He has allowed me to clearly see at the start of it. At other times, I was not sure why it was happening. Still other times, I remain clueless to His purposes in working out the “good” He promises.

Nevertheless, because He has total control and I “know” this truth - I praise Him!

I “know” that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose because He loves me and I too, love Him:

“Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God. And we know and have believed the love which God hath in us. God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him. Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world. There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love, because he first loved us.” I John 4:15-19

Close and personal:

1. Can you go back in your lives and see His hand taking you places that you could not have planned out beforehand?

2. How might you view Romans 8:28 from now on?

"Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for always knowing what is best for us! Help us to always remember that you are great, and majestic! You created this universe so how could we ever doubt that you know what is best for us! Forgive us Lord for those times in our walk where we doubted! Thank you Father for reminding us that "all things do work for good!" I love you, Jesus, my Savior, my redeemer, and my Great I am!"

In Him,

Great Expectations...

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

The past few days I have slowed down a little in my normal daily routine because either by old age I hurt my back or pulled something during my exercise routine!

Don't you love it when our Savior slows us down? This is what I have been pondering for the last few weeks. As I struggled with what to write about, God brought me back to my study in the book of Romans - just in time to share with you!

God beautifully and perfectly reminds each of us who know Him that all His adopted children suffer in this flesh – but it is temporary and not to be compared to our eternal perfect state!

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." II Corinthians 4:16-18

Great Expectations is the expectation of us seeing our Savior face to face, at which time we receive our glorified bodies too! Wow! I don't know about ya’ all but I am getting pumped and overly filled with uncontainable joy just pondering these things! I can't wait for all the physical pains and the signs of old age to disappear. I also am anxiously awaiting that day when there will b no more separation between brothers and sisters in Christ!

“But if we hope for what we do not see we eagerly wait for it with perseverance." II Corinthians 4:25

Our journey passing through in this world can get tedious, difficult and sometimes, pretty lonely too. I think of the Apostle Paul when he stated:

"At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them." II Timothy 4:16-17

Our apostle Paul’s life is an example of steadfastness. There is another example too, King David of ancient Israel. All of David’s closest friends abandoned him in his time of need. Above all we have is our Savior Jesus Christ - who also was left alone during the darkest hours leading up to his death on Calvary's tree. We women of God can find much comfort from these examples, even during our own times of disillusionment.

"Yet in All these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37

Note: The operative word here is “ALL” – in every situation!

What if you have already reached the point where you just think it is no longer worth it? Our Savior understands this too!

“And He searching the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:27

God is constantly reminding each of us that our hope is not in this "earthen vessel” but rather, points to our “Great Expectation!”

"And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever Amen!" II Timothy 4:18

Recently, our family was faced with some heartache in ministry and a situation that did not make sense to us by human eyes. We knew without a shadow of a doubt though, that we have been called here to our current place of residence. Why would the Lord bring us 800 miles to “nowhere” and then, to proceed to stop us “dead on our tracks?""

“Jehovah is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works.” Psalm 145:17

Great Expectations! That is it! Our Savior works in ways we don’t always see or understand – but, He is constantly opening new and awesome avenues we could have never understood or see before hand! That is why we don't lose heart and why we persevere.

Not everyone has a Christian woman’s “Great Expectations though. A very well known Hollywood actress, Playboy model and fitness guru, Susanne Sommers, recently declared her willingness to down 40 pills a day, take physical injections and submit to “going under the knife” in order to maintain her looks. She vows to do these things until she in 100. Sadly, this beautiful woman does not possess the “great expectations” of a Godly woman who possesses beauty inwardly. She could though…

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according the the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4-7

Let’s make sure our mind is set on the truths of God’s eternal promises to all who love Him. For He alone is become our God of “great expectations!”

A song to share: Dc Talk “Heaven Bound”

It is a love from above not of this world Kinda profound, a trump will sound And all God's children are Heaven Bound

God has promised us a home in glory Trust in Him A trump will sound And all God's children are Heaven Bound.

Close and Personal:

1. Do you remember a time in your journey when things did not make sense at the beginning later found out that God had all things under His apt control all along?

2. Where do you find your Great Expectation?

“Dear Heavenly Father I want to thank you today for you being with me during times when no one else was. Thank you for your longsuffering. I also want to thank you Lord again teaching us that you have all things under your control and whether we understand when things happen we know that you allow everything in our lives for our very best! Thank you for loving us that much, my Savior and friend!”

In Him,

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Faith Conquers All...

I have been studying the Book of Romans for a while now. Each time time I read from this awesome book, I learn something new and incredible! This book is full of gold nuggets… that is, if we take time to take in what God is trying to teach us! I have been going over chapter five of Romans for two weeks now.

I believe the Lord is telling me through His word to encourage you:

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith in this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

The peace mentioned in verse one is much more than the absence of conflict but rather, the unspeakable peace for those who have experienced that new relationship with Jesus Christ.

For those who have not this saving knowledge and a new relationship with Jesus – they remain awaiting the day of His impending wrath.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness." Romans 1:18

Paul goes on to say:

"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:7-8

Our relationship lost by our all being born into sin, is restored through faith in Christ, which banishes all enmity between we and He. The result is the unexplainable peace we now have - especially during times of hardship and tribulations.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we don't have to go to a mediator to have total access to our Heavenly Father. In verse two it makes it clear that we stand in His presence and He is available and immediate to hear us when we speak to Him.

I don't know about you sisters but these truths brings even more joy and peace to me. He is indeed, a harbor and place of shelter against the storms of life and coming judgment. What about you?

As we respond to tribulations by rejoicing in them we gain eternal rewards too! It is the proper response to our tribulations that really matter to our daily Christian walk. Tribulations don't always mean tragedies but it can mean additional stresses or pressures as we journey the Christian walk day to day.

In verse 3, we are reminded to glory our trials. Why? Because these tribulations produce perseverance - meaning we don't give up but rather, pressing on to something greater with God’s power to help us to do! Paul is encouraging us to endure the hardships and life's difficulties because it produces character too. Character learning to walk with grace under pressure and is another part of our Christian experience. Through all these things, we are being purified through and through.

I remember when my kids were younger, I would read a character building book to them that helped their realizing just how God builds character in their lives. Thinking back of some of the different characters gleaned from the bible, individuals such as David, Samson, Zacheeaus, Deborah and more, became real-life examples. These wonderful saints still are there for our examples too!

When we finally grasp some of these basic truths found in the scriptures; coupled with the testing and trials each of us face day to day, we emerge victorious! We possess "hope" which is based on the eternal love and power of God. This same Hope is our one day, making to our eternal heavenly home with our sweet Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

I was so excited to grasp this as I have really been digging in these few verses. What an encouragement it is, to know that what we go through and how we handle each hardship is building in us character, perseverance, peace and hope!

He is working in us what we don't know we even need! The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to endure and persevere though… so as we are building our character we look forward to the day we see our Savior face to face too. We wait to hear these words from our Jesus Christ:

"Well done thy good and faithful servant."

Romans chapter five and in fact, all of God’s Word is really helping me to understand and to handle the day to day crisis we might face as wives, mothers, and daughters.

If we decide to question our Savior, it should not be.”Why?”, but rather, “ What?”

This nugget you might want to carry with you as you walk this journey in life!

Close and Personal;

• How do you handle the day to day crisis?
• Do you make a point to remember through out the day where and what is our hope?
• Have you been thankful for "character building" techniques that our Savior has used in your life?

Dear Lord,

Thank you Father for your many blessings and love you have for us your children! Thank you Father for choosing us. Lord, I want to take this time to specifically thank you for using the tribulations we face in this world to build into us perseverance and endurance in our Christian walk. As we have experienced this in our lives we have a peace that reminds us of our eternal hope Father. I am here to tell you Thank you and I love you!

Join Elaine daily at her personal site.

Could this be the Year?

1 Thessalonians 5:1 “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.”

Could it be this year that our Savior returns? I have been hearing this since the early 70's. Books were and still are, coming out with dates predicting our Savior's return. In God's Word it states that we won't "know the time or the day but He will come as a thief in the night."

I clearly recall the movie “Thief in the Night” which petrified me in my early days walking with my Savior Jesus Christ. I was always making sure of my salvation - many, many times over again. I did not want to die and end up in hell! I wanted to know for sure that I would be with Jesus if I died or if He took us home at that coming rapture of the church!

God promises by His own Word that no one can pluck us out of His hands! Thank God!

What an encouragement to know that our Savior loves us this much and that His Word is Truth and never changing! When I began again to doubt, I remember that most beautiful passage found in my Bible:

God declares, ”There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

This should make us want to jump for joy and shout “Hallelujah!”

God declares, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief, you are all sons of light and sons of the day." 1 Thessalonians 5:4

Years have gone by since I started hearing about the return of our Savior. Time has flown by since those first days of my walk with Jesus but the scenes of that movie, “Thief in the Night”, stills burns in my mind and heart.

Does this happen to you too?

As we usher in the coming new year, we might be tempted to begin letting our guards down and vacillating in our convictions. This is why it remains an imperative to keep our whole armor on.

God declares, "”Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” I Thessalonians 5:6

Lord, help me to avoid the tendency toward not watching for His soon return. I don't want to grieve Him by my actions or thoughts on that Day! Clearly, we will be constantly fighting off the old nature till He does come and take us home but one thing we are assured, He is coming!

God declares, "He who testifies these things says, Yes, I am coming quickly, Amen. Yes, come, Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:20

Are you ready to meet Him? If you are then He has a beautiful promise for you and I:

"“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep we should live together with Him.” I Thessalonians 5:6

Sisters, did you read that great news? God did not appoint us to wrath makes me so thankful that He chose me to eternal life through the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

What do we do with these incredible words of promise to all who are His adopted?

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11

There are times when I am just not as bold to speak these wonderful words to others. God knows this too and in fact, gave us Paul's example of what to do... pray to God the Holy Spirit for boldness!

"But I ask, not being present, that I may be bold with the confidence which I think to be daring against some, who thought of us as walking according to flesh." II Corinthians 10:2

During this holiday season and continuing into the new year, let's stay awake, remain sober and watchful for His soon return! Share these thoughts with others today! Comfort one another so that, even the unbelieving can know where the hope within us comes from and who He is!

Could it this year my friends?

Close and Personal:

1. Are you ready to see our Savior Jesus Christ face to face?

2. If you are not ready what can you do to get ready?

3. Are we using this holiday season to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to prepare for His coming for us His bride or are we pre-occupied with personal pleasures and the gifts to each other that will soon perish and be forgotten?

"My dear Heavenly Father, I want to take this time to tell you I love you! I love you because you first loved me and sent your son to die for me even if I was the only person on this earth you would have still died for me! Lord, to know this but to live this is totally two different things so Lord please help me to live today as you are returning today! Lord, give me boldness as you did Paul to tell others to get ready because He is coming back! Lord thank you this time we have to be with our spiritual families,family and friends and may we keep you in the center of everything we do! We love you, my Savior and King!"

In love with Him,

Join Elaine daily at her personal site.

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When our own Become Prodigals

Lately my Savior has been nudging me concerning those adult children in my life that are presently on a wilderness excursion! I have been thinking on the parable of the prodigal son, it's content and the response of our Savior toward all Prodigals.

The story of the lost son is found in Luke 15:11-32. We read that the youngest son demanded his inheritance from his father. Later on in the story we find him eating with the pigs.

Vs. 17 "But when he came to himself, he said, "How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! Vs. 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, vs. 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."

I too, have some of my own who demanded their inheritances. They, as well, have become prodigal, though they have the foundation of God's Word learned when they were very younger. Life has not been easy for any of them so far.

As adults though, it was their decision to take the path of a prodigal. As parents, we are confronted with our children's life decisions. Do we chase them? Do we say no when they want or need something?

We have our answers in the Prodigal story of the Bible. We never do see the father chasing the son and begging him to come to his senses but rather we see this response:

vs. 12 "So he divided to them his livelihood. Vs. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living."

The father granted the demanding son what he asked for. It may be that the father was earnestly praying to our Savior as he handed his wayward son what he asked for. I have been there before. Not always handling it as that father did but, I have come to realize that our children don't belong to us anyway. Rather, they are lent to us from our Savior . They are with us until the Lord removes them, either as a prodigal, marriage or ministry calling. Sometimes, even by death itself.

I also have learned that there is a reason why we have the Prodigal story in His Word. The Lord loves us so much and He knew we would have "Prodigals" in our lives too. He left us that story so we could learn from it and not ignore its wisdom. It is God's way of showing us how to properly handle a situation similar to the prodigal.

The father did not go after his son. Nor, did that father but rescue him while his beloved son wallowed in the mud of wickedness either. He didn't send a servant to give him money to help with either his needs or his wants. As you read vs. 20, it becomes apparent that the father was always looking out the door to see if and when his dear son would come home again. He must have been there daily praying earnestly for his lost and wandering son.

I too, have thought about these things. I pray daily for our own "Prodigals".

But, do I sit at home thinking of ways to come to their rescue? No. My efforts will not bring that son or daughter back home again.

The lost son, according to vs.17 says that "he came to his senses in other words he took the first step towards repentance."

That prodigal son or daughter has to come to the personal realization that he or she has sinned first against the Heavenly Father and He alone. And, when true repentance comes from that type of realization, the prodigal will not return with more excuses or bitterness. No. He or she returns totally broken and humbled too!

In vs. 19 he asked to become "a hired servant."

King David, when confronted with his own wicked actions, repented immediately. He went on to write these words in Psalm 51:4... "Against you, you only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight."

A prodigal who is truly repentant and sorry will have those words pour forth from their lips to God directly.

When the father saw his son coming over the horizon, it was then that he ran to him (contrary to Jewish custom of that day) and had compassion on him. In vs. 20 it says, "he fell on his neck and kissed him."

The father did not sit there and badger his son with questions and that famous "why?'

Rather, in vs 22 it says that he, "Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. and on vs. 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found."

The next thing that happened? They had a party of thanksgiving!

When our prodigal comes home again, we too, will know how to respond. The Lord Himself has shown us what true repentant looks like and you will be able to discern it as it comes to pass with your own prodigal too. Love your son or daughter unconditionally. Don't waste time asking the "why's" but now the "what's." What now? What do we do from here? Isn't that how our Savior is with each of us? He just wants our heart. He wants our coming back home to Him. He forgives and seeks just as the Prodigal son's father had.

So great is our Father's excitement over the return of one of his lost ones!

Being confronted with your own prodigal situation can be an unexplainable pain. Suffering over the tragedy of a "wilderness prodigal child" is not fun or easy. The prodigal story is God's example to we parents and our comfort too. Placing our prodigal in the hands of a merciful God brings about a "peace that surpasses all understanding."

I wrote a letter to one of my own prodigals and now, I wish to share an excerpt of it with you. Remember, our Savior knows things and each outcome too. He simply asks us to trust Him and do as He instructs. and obey Him. Read on...

Prodigal, Jesus loves you so much.

Prodigal, He died for you on that cross and He has never given up on you, ever!

He never gave up on me and I was the worst of all sinners.

I was that one that would have been stoned Prodigal but He showed me mercy, forgiveness, and grace.

I have seen the worst of Christians turning against me and everyone talking about me including those closest to me.

Prodigal, remember David when he said in Psalms 51, "against you only have I sinned." He was still named a man after God’s own heart.

Prodigal, it is not to late for you to completely give your life to Jesus. It is never too late!

Prodigal, if you are saved you are a princess to the King of Kings. Your body is His temple for the Holy Spirit is in you. How can our members be entangled with impurities and then say we are "okay?"

We can’t sweetie... I tried it too. I know what I am saying to you is real and true. My heart has been towards seeing my Savior face to face Prodigal and it hit me tonight as something fierce and scary what if something happens to you and I will not know if I will ever see you in heaven?

Prodigal, I am crying as I am writing you because you are in a wilderness and only Christ can help you.

Our Heavenly Father is the father in the "Lost Son" parable. He is waiting with unconditional love and compassion for us to come home. The letter is His Word and He is waiting for you to open it. His Word, the Bible is where we will get our wisdom that we need to deal with our prodigals and loved ones.

Keep watching over the horizon as we pray for each of our prodigal's to come home!

Close and Personal....

1. Have you blamed yourself for having a prodigal?

2. If you have gone after that prodigal do you now understand why we should not?

3. Have you had a prodigal come back to Him and also asking your forgiveness? How did you handle it? Were you like the father in the story or were you like the brother?

"My dear Heavenly Father, I want to tell you thank you for not ever giving up on me. I was once that prodigal daughter lost in the wilderness. While I was in that path of destruction you waited for me and prayed for me to come home. Thank you Father, for teaching me through your Word what it is to have love and compassion towards our wandering young adults. Thank you Father, for loving each one of us! May we depend on your strength and hold on in obedience to your truth knowing that you will work all things for our good. I love you Lord Jesus and I know that you will protect our children as they wander too. May you help me to be ready with open arms to welcome them back to you first and then us! Thank you for what you are going to do!"

In Him,

Join Elaine daily at her personal site.

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Family

It just happened today that I was thinking of our family and the many different nationalities that are represented in it. That got me thinking of how many different scriptures can be found in the bible about what family really is according to our Savior Jesus Christ.

In Luke 8:19-21 It says the following,

"Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. And it was told Him, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.: But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it."

It is startling to see that response from our Savior, Jesus Christ. I think of how many denominations are out there representing the Christian Church and how confusing it must be to those who don't know Jesus Christ. Denominations have their own set of traditions, laws, sessions, beliefs but in God's Word and through out His Word He says:

John 17:20-21 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one as You, Father are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that you sent Me."

How is the world going to know that Christians are united in Spirit and in truth if they observe separation of those who say they belong to Christ? How is it that we so freely put other believers under the law when in Galatians God speaks against that?

Listen to what Titus 2:11- 15 says,

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purity for Himself His own special people zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”

My sisters and brothers in Christ I hope that each one of us will search our own hearts and trust His Word alone. The Holy Spirit lives inside each one of us as believers. He, the Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher and He does go to our Father for us.

In 1 Corinthians 2: 12 it says,

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. vs.16 says For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?”

But we have the mind of Christ. Each one of us who know Him!

All of this leads to this conclusion. Since we have the Holy Spirit and if you are in God's Word He will convict us as His children to live righteously before Him. Listen to Him and obey Him for He loves you more than family or those who set themselves in authority over you as a Christian.

There is so much more my heart wants to say but I will trust Him above everything else and I will trust that those who are "stuck" in traditions for pleasing men rather than God; that you will search His beautiful Word and begin living in freedom instead of bondage which doesn't come from our beautiful Savior Jesus Christ!

Close and Personal:

1. Have you given the thought of who your real family is?

2. Has the Holy Spirit convicted you of how we can be so entrenched in tradition that we don't reach out to other believers that are not in our own Sunday service?

3. Have you ever thought of after leaving your building on Sunday morning going to another church down the street and just saying hello to another fellow believer?

"Dear Heavenly Father we love you! You love us and we thank you for that! You are so long suffering and I often wonder what you must think of us sometimes when we don't pay attention to those who are not in our own buildings on Sunday mornings. Help us to be loving and kind to all who are your children and are believers in Jesus Christ so the outsiders may not have any malign thing to say to us! Thank you again my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for who you are and for dying for us! In Your precious Son's name, Amen!"

In Him,

Join Elaine daily at her personal site.

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Imagery of the Psalmist

It is amazing that the more you study God's love letter, God's Word, you realize how little you know. That happens to me all the time!

Recently, I decided to begin a study of the book of Psalm.

What a beautiful book of mercy, grace, hope, encouragement and peace it is.

We find these images of God. He is our Shield, Rock, King, Shepherd, Judge, Refuge, Fortress, Avenger, Creator, Deliverer, Healer, Protector, Provider and Redeemer. These are just a few!

When we think of the book of Psalm we always remember Psalm 23 because it is used so often in times of trouble and heartache as an encouragement to us as believers.

I have learned is not only an anchor to us as believers, but is also where we see the majesty of our Savior Jesus Christ who deserves all the praise for eternity.

We see the images of God and how He sustains us. Come with me as I share some of His Images and the verses with them.

1. God is our shield. Psalm 3:3,

"But you, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head."

This is a Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom, his son. That was the confidence David had in Christ for He was a shield about him. In Ephesians 6:16 Paul is describing the shield of faith as providing our protection against the power of evil. Nevertheless God is our Shield.

2. God is our Rock.

Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer."

This is after one of David's song of gratitude. The Lord is that to us. He has been the Image of a Rock in my life many times. I think back a few years ago when one of my daughter's was raped and how He was the Rock that kept me together during that horrific time. I Praise Him for being my Rock and my Deliverer!

3. God is King.

Psalm 5:2 " Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God. For to you I will pray."

Do we realize that we have access to a King; the King? My friends, it is not a King, but the King of Kings! Alleluia! He is! He reigns! Vs. 3 "My voice You (King) shall hear in the morning O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You. (King) and I will look up."

4. God is our Shepherd.

Psalm 80:1 "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You Who lead Joseph like a flock; You Who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!"

God is the Shepherd of His people. God was called on as a Shepherd to His people. He is also our Shepherd in 1 Peter 5:4 "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." He is our Chief Shepherd!

May we remember these are the Images of our Best Friend. Our Best Friend as we go through our days as moms, wives and women dealing with our daily routines and schedules. When we hear "Mom!" or when we are supposed to be somewhere and our little one decides to mess up his diaper or when one of our teenagers reminds us he has to be in a school meeting in about 10 minutes.

God and His Son Jesus Christ is our Shield, Rock, King and Shepherd! He is all of these descriptive personal nouns in our lives as believers! What a strength it is to know that we are princesses before our King!

Close and Personal:

1. Walking with the Lord as long as some of us have, do we forget these images of God?

2. Do we recall a time in our lives where He exemplified these images that are mentioned in Psalm?

3. Which Image of God spoke to you?

My dear Heavenly Father how majestic is your name! How excellent is your name! You are the King of Kings, you are our Shield, Rock and our Chief Shepherd! May we walk as your princesses in our life here on this earth that when we see you, oh Lord we might not be ashamed! We love You our Savior! Thank you for being Who you are!

Join Elaine daily at her personal site.

This past Sunday I had the privilege of hearing "The Shepherds" in concert. They were amazing! Debra Shepherd wrote music to Psalm 27 and I want to leave verse 1 with you.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?"