Seeking Him

Jeremiah 29:13 "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." What are you allowing to stop you from seeking God with all your heart? The economy, the swine flu scare, what you're going to eat, what you're going to wear? What is most important in your everyday life? The Lord desires for us to seek him first. If we put the Lord first and foremost in our life, then we do not have to worry about the economy, God will supply our needs, we need not worry about the swine flu, God will take care of us, if we put the Kingdom of God first in our life, we need not worry about where we will live, what we will eat or what we will wear, because God knows what we need before we know. Start searching for God with all your heart. Early in the morning pray, seek His face. We seek his face through prayer and studying His word.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have ever lasting life." Praise the Lord that God loved me, with all my faults and failures, so much, that He sent His Son, Jesus, to live in human form, to die on Calvary and to have victory over death, so that I can be saved. Thank You Lord for saving me. Thank You for Your love, your protection and your guidance.

Book Review

The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley This is the first book that I have read that was written by Andy Stanley and if you feel your life is on the wrong path, you must read this book. We sometimes choose the wrong paths in life, in so doing we do not need solutions instead we need new direction. The principle of the path is direction, not intention. Direction determines our destination. When we encounter problems we need to stop and change direction. We are all seeking happiness instead of truth, insight and enlightenment. True happiness only happens when we are on the right path. The right path is found by obedience to the Lord. When we trust in ourselves instead of leaning on the Lord we are walking in disobedience and we are on the path to trouble. We can not always trust our own heart,we need to trust in the Lord. Choosing the best path starts with submission to the Lord. We are to seek and submit to the Lord in every area of our lives. Jesus came to pave the way for us to have a personal relationship with God. God's will for our lives will always line up with His law, His principles and His wisdom. No matter where you are on your journey if you are stuck, stop and ask God for new direction. Through Jesus Christ we can have new hope, new direction and new life.

Book Review

What Does God Expect of Us? The Hole in the Gospel by Richard Stearns. This was a very touching and thought provoking book, one I am glad I chose to read. Richard Stearns exemplifies what Christianity is all about and what selling out to Jesus is. By reading this book, I have reexamined my own life as a child of God and a Pastor's wife and I feel I have many sins of omission. Lord, forgive me for my judgemental attitudes and feelings of superiority, help me to see the poor as you see them. I sometimes look the other way when I see someone in need and just like the book says, I sometimes have felt that the poor are poor because they choose to be, which is not the case in all circumstances.
In an age of uncertainty and living in a society, where most people only think of them selves, this book is a must read for every Christian. We need to embrace the entire gospel and not just pick and choose what feels good. The Great Commission says to "go into all the world" not just our communities. We are to be salt and light, are we?
We need to stop turning our focus inward in our churches and instead demonstrate Christ's love to the world, by helping those that are struggling to survive. How can we comfortably live in our nice houses, while somewhere in the world a child is hungry, naked and in need of medical attention?
We need to become doers of the Word and not hearers only.

Winter

Winter seems to be trying to hold on a little longer here in the hills of WV. It is a cold day and we are having snow showers. It is a nice day to stay inside by the fire and think on the things of the Lord. Our world seems to be in so much trouble. Seems all we hear is bad, sad news, but instead of focusing on the bad and sad, we need to focus on the happy and glad. In a few days we will be recognizing the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus overcame death, hell and the grave and through His shed blood we too can overcome death, hell and the grave. Our happiness lies in the fact that one day we will face no more sorrow, no more pain, no tears and no worries. We can be glad that we have invited Jesus to be Lord in our life. He doesn't promise us a life without troubles but he does promise that He will make a way for us to face and overcome each problem we encounter.

Are you sold out to the Lord?

I heard a message recently about selling out to the Lord and being a slave to the Lord. It got me to thinking, I would rather be a slave to the Lord, than to be a slave to the world. Being a slave to the world, is keeping up with the Jones, always wanting more, more, more and never being satisfied with anything. The world says you aren't successful unless you live in a big house, drive a fancy car and have money and power. In the Lord's eyes we are successful when we find His will for our lives and we seek to do that will. The Lord doesn't care whether we have a big car, a fancy house, money or power. He would rather we seek His power and His kingdom. Are you doing all you can for the Lord? Do you know what His will is for your life? The Bible says to seek first the kingdom of God and then these things would be added to us. If we seek God and are sold out to God, He will give us the desires of our heart, but you know what, we we truly seek God, the desires of our heart changes. We find ourselves wanting more of God and less of the world. Father, help me as I sell out to You. To know what Your will is and to get my will in line with yours.

Book Review

This is Your Brain on Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin The Apostle Paul teaches us that to be filled with joy we need to learn to be content no matter what situation we may find ourselves in. Christ living in us should give us joy but we need to show good stewartship by taking care of our heart and brain. We need to realize that happiness come from within. This book tells us how to care for our brain, how to make it better and how to use it to glorify God. This is a must read for those in the health care profession, those in ministry and those who may be suffering from brain dysfunction or those who have someone in their life that may have lost their joy. Excellent book written in language that you don't have to have a medical degree to understand. Dr. Henslin teaches about chemical imbalances that sometimes take place in the brain. He shows us how the brain is effected by depression, bipolar disorder, ADD, PMS, and other brain dysfunctions, by using a SPECT imaging machine. The book has included a test so you can evaluate your brain. Dr.Henslin proves that if you have lost your joy, it may not be because of sin in your life or the life of your parents. People who suffer brain dysfunctions do not have to feel hopeless, there is hope and healing. Treatment consists of proper nutrition, supplements, herbs, medication, scripture,music, exercise, aromatherapy, cinematherapy,having a support group, bibliotherapy,prayer, anger management and biofeedback. No one treatment is for everyone. The book tells you wish treatments to try, according to which dysfunction you have. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Praise

It is easy to praise the Lord when things are going right, you got that job promotion, a raise, you got a better house, all your bills are paid. But, when you have lost your job, you are being evicted from your house and you have no where to go, do you praise the Lord? In the Bible it tells us to praise the Lord in all things, the good, the bad and the ugly. It is hard to praise the Lord when you don't know what to do, but give it a try. When the bills aren't paid and there is no money coming in, when you are sick and the Dr. doesn't know what your problem is, lift your hands, hearts and voice and praise the Lord. Praise Him for all He is in your life. Is praise a magical cure all? No but the Lord will honor your praises. He knows the condition of your heart. He cares when he sees those hurts and tears. Today, call on Jesus and praise His name.

Spring forward

Sunday at 2 a.m. we are to move the clocks forward one hour. That means spring is right around the corner. Some people while in the process of sitting their clocks ahead also check the batteries in smoke detectors and put fresh batteries in their clocks. As spring approaches, lets purpose to spring ahead in our Bible study, prayer time and meditations on the Lord. Let's take some time each day to quietly sit and listen to what the Lord is trying to tell us. If we are always hurrying and busy, how can we hear His still small voice? As we look around and see the earth began to bloom and blossum take the time to thank the Lord for his beautiful creation. Remember to praise the Lord in all things.

Disappointment

I know no one wants to follow a blog that isn't uplifting and cheerful, but life isn't always uplifting and cheerful. We sometimes face disappointment, discouragement, sadness, loneliness, feelings of doom. Today is one of those days for me, I want to cry to the Lord, "where are You". I feel You have hidden Your face from me. My prayers seem to hit the ceiling and aren't being heard. Psalm 22 1-2 "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? Oh my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent."

Christianity in Crisis 21st Century

Christianity in Crisis 21st Century by Hank Hanegraaf

I am Pentecostal and I was very appalled and saddened at the stance the author takes towards the Faith-movement. Instead of dowing and demeaning why not pray for the movement if you think they are wrong.
This is the first book that I had read by this author and it will probably be my last.
Christianity in Crisis is full of repetition. Hanegraaf must have been trying to follow the rule of repeating something 7 times in order to remember it.
I disagree that the Faith-movement is a cult.
The author seems to be targeting televangelist preachers and taking statements out of contexts. He continuously downs the Faith-movement preachers and teachers by name. I disagree that faith-movement preachers think they are gods. We are suppose to have more power than our Lord did. That is why we have the Holy Spirit.
Does the author believe miracles have ceased?
The faith-movement is a back to the basics movement.
Perhaps, Mark Hanegraaf needs to do further research to learn some of the Biblical truths from Bro. Kenneth Copeland, Rod Parsley, Joyce Meyer, John Hagee and others.
Does Mr. Hanegaaf think that God doesn't speak to us today? God wants His people to be healed and to prosper and Jesus said we would do greater things than He did. No we are not gods, we are heirs of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
I would not recommend this book.
As christians we should not be downing each other but encouraging and uplifting each other.

Psalm 83:1

"O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God be not still."

Do you ever feel like you have lost your first love, your joy, your peace and your enthusiasm?
Do you feel your prayers aren't heard? Do you feel the Lord is silent? Do you feel like there will never be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Is darkness all around you and there seems to be no way out?
Fear emcompasses you?

Father I cry out to you. Psalm 102:1-2 "Hear my prayer, O Lord: let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.

Anticipation

We are anxiously waiting to hear from Austinville, VA. I feel our lives are in limbo, not knowing what we are going to do. Where are we going to live, where are we going to work? I know the Lord says not to worry about these things and I really try not to worry but sometimes I fail. I need to trust the Lord and believe that everything is going to be ok. I am His child and He will take care of me.

Praise the Lord

Last night we had a tornado watch in our area. Praise the Lord we didn't have a tornado but we did have some strong winds. Last nights storm made me think about the Bible story about the stormy night when the Lord told the winds and the waves to be still. We are in the Lord's hands and he will take care of his children. Father, thank you for protecting us last night and everyday. I thank you that you are a loving Father. Thank You that no matter the storm in my life, You will take care of me.

Making Decisions

Moving day will be March 9, unless the Austinville church decides they want Glenn for their Pastor. Not knowing where we are going is nerve wracking at times. I must remember that the Lord is in control and He will make a way. The Lord will make a way where there seems to be no way. He knows our beginning, middle and ending. Lord give me peace, direction and confidence to know that You are with me.

I;30 a.m.

It's 1:30 a.m. and sleep eludes me.. There is so much going on in my mind.
Lord where do you want us to go from here?
When the tears are flowing and our hearts are broken
and we don't know where to turn, words don't seem to come Lord
and we don't know how to pray.
We feel we can't go on Lord and it's Your direction we need, so I am crying out to you Lord,
Where do we go from here?

We need your grace and mercy to see us through, Clarity and direction, answers that can only come from you,
So I am crying out to you Lord, Where do we go from here?

In Your word it says that weeping last for a night but joy comes in the morning, your mercies are new each day Lord, So I am crying out to you Lord, show us where to go from here.

When will we get it?

When will we realize that God is not interested in our programs, or how many verses of scripture we can quote or how much money we give to the church?
He is interested in our hearts and how much we love our brothers, sisters and sinners. He wants us to be more like His Son, Jesus Christ. Sometimes those that can quote the most scriptures aren't the most Christlike. We have to put those memorized scriptures to work. We have to show the lost the love of Jesus.
Our churches need to be hospitals for the lost and not a place of entertainment. I find that in most churches, church members sit, soak and sour. They look at the Pastor each week as if to say, " move me if you can", "make me feel good,".
I believe God is calling us to repentence and to return to our first love.
Join me on my journey as I seek the Lord with all my heart.