But I Just Can't Change!

Enjoy this guest post from Katherine Swarts and visit her website to let her know you saw her on the Christian Daily Blog!

Do you believe that the Bible is truthful?

Does that include the passages that say you “can do everything” through Christ’s strength (Philippians 4:13, NIV) and that “no temptation has seized you except what is common” to humanity (1 Corinthians 10:13)?

You don't fully believe it if you say, “I can't get rid of my temper/worrying/unclean thoughts—what works for others never works for me!”

I know—the temptation to do so can be practically irresistible. I’ve spent much of my own life whining aout how unfair it is that I have to live with this temperament combined with these circumstances. Implying that my bad attitudes are God’s fault for having made me—and arranged my life—the way He did.

Even once we accept that God knows better than we do, we still complain about the difficulty of changing for the better. Like six-year-olds screaming, “I’ll never learn to ride this bike!!!,” we howl at every fall. We demand instant and easy perfection. We threaten to quit trying if God doesn't change us faster.

And He, ever the understanding Parent, keeps a supporting hand on us and bears with us patiently until we finally learn.

Assuming we don't actually give up. Perhaps when Jesus advised us to “become like little children,” one thing He had in mind was that with children, persistence ultimately wins over frustration. No toddler gives up on learning to walk, however frequent the falls along the way. Few six-year-olds really abandon their bikes permanently. But give children ten years to “grow up,” and a surprising number drop each new venture with the first failure: “I tried, and I can't do it.”

In Christian growth, perhaps the ugliest four-letter word is “can't.” It implies God is too weak to lead us to victory.

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Katherine Swarts is founder and owner of Spread the Word Commercial Writing, a copywriting service based in Houston, Texas. Visit her devotional/poetry blog at http://newsongsfromtheheart.blogspot.com.

Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman with Ken Abraham

I didn't know much about George Foreman before I read this book, other than that he is a retired boxer, the person behind the George Foreman Grill, and has several sons all named George. After reading the Knockout Entrepreneur, I've decided he's someone I'd like to meet.

The book gives insight into Foreman the man by sharing details of his boxing career (he was the only boxer to become the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion for the second time at 45) as well as his experiences in business (not only did he create the George Foreman Grill, but he has a line of Casual Male clothing, a line of green cleaners, and he's been involved in many other business ventures) and that aspect of the book alone is worth the read. But there's much more!

Knockout Entrepreneur is filled with practical advice, encouragement, business insights and more to help entrepreneurs develop a winning mindset while maintaining integrity in all their business dealings.

The style is quick and easy to read. Ken Abraham who collaborated on the book, is a professional in his own right, having worked on ten New York Times best sellers.

Personally, I'd give Knockout Entrepreneur five stars and definitely recommend it.

Preview this book.
Purchase the Knockout Entrepreneur.

Strong Relationships

Enjoy this guest post from Corrie Howe!

“He had no majesty to attract us to him; there was nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53:2

Since the birth of my youngest, nearly eight years ago, I’ve watched with interest the proliferation of reality TV shows dealing with various types of relationships. There are shows about matchmaking, parenting, swapping spouses, roommate wars, strangers on islands and friends redecorating one another’s homes.

When I nursed my infant daughter, I watched a show called Joe Millionaire. The entire show centered on a construction worker’s dilemma over picking a mate from 20 women who believed he was worth $80 million. He constantly asked himself, “Is she attracted to me or my imaginary money?”

A year later a show premiered called “Average Joe.” I didn’t watch it, but the commercials led me to believe the conflict in the show was “Can a physically attractive woman desire a physically unattractive man?”

I don't know about you, but as I reflected upon forty years of relationships, most of my important and long lasting relationships didn’t start from attraction. As I’m thinking about the people I hold near and dear to my heart, I think most of my important relationships stemmed out of common bonds.

My relationships with my parents, brothers, grandmothers, aunt, uncles and cousins started because we shared the same blood, but the fact that I still relate to them is because I grew to understand and love them.

My relationships with my in-laws (on my side and my husband’s side) started out because we share one person in common, but as I started spending time with them, I grew to value and trust them.

I have several relationships from my previous employment. Initially we shared an employer or vocation in common. The fact that I’m still in relationship with them after leaving the company a decade ago means we built something past the original common bond.

From what I can pick up from these TV shows about relationships, there doesn't seem much to keep the relationship together after the cameras stop rolling.

Pretty much all my own relationships which started out with a strong attraction of some sort usually ended with disappointment. There were dozens of men and women with whom I seemed to “hit it off” right away but now I can't tell you where any of them are. Despite the original attraction, we didn’t share common interests or values. Our personalities conflicted. We couldn’t unconditionally accept one another. There wasn’t mutual trust and loyalty....

One year I had Isaiah 53:2 stuck in my head. The Message translation is “There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look.” The NIV says, “He had no majesty to attract us to him, there was nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”

This verse is in the Old Testament in a series of prophecies foretelling the arrival of Israel’s Messiah (savior). The Prophet Isaiah said there was nothing to attract his peers to Jesus, nothing to cause them to desire to know him better. You see, the Jewish people were looking for a King from the royal line of kings to rise up and lead a rebellion reestablishing Israel as a sovereign nation. They weren’t looking for a baby to be born in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes.

I think Isaiah’s words are just as true today. How many times did people introduce me to Jesus and I didn’t desire him. He doesn't have the glamour of Hollywood riches or the excitement of sports fame. When I originally looked at him, I thought a relationship with him meant a lot of “don’ts”...which wasn’t really attractive. It was only after I began spending time with Him and understanding him better that I count him as the most important relationship in my life.

Now, I’m attracted to him because he loves me even though I am not perfect. In fact, he already knows I’m not perfect which is why he died on the cross for my sins. I find him attractive because his death on the cross and my belief in him guarantees me eternal life with God. I find comfort in being able to come to him daily for the things we all look for in relationships – unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Thank you, Lord, for your ways are not our ways. In fact, your ways are much higher than our ways. We confess that we are often beguiled by the outward appearances. You are interested in the heart. Thank you for your precious gift of Jesus, who had no earthly majesty about him, but he gave up his heavenly throne to assume the punishment for our sins. Now when you look on our hearts, you only seen the righteousness of Jesus and we can stand before you unconditionally loved and forgiven. Amen.

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Corrie Howe is thrilled to be able to write about her walk with the Lord today. Typically she writes about her middle son over at Just Because My Pickle Talks Doesn't Make Me an Idiot. While she does weave in how her faith helps her in "the joy in the challenge of Asperger's Syndrome," her primary purpose of the blog is to bring hope and humor into an often hopeless and dark community of special needs.

Something From Nothing

Enjoy this guest post from Cathy Bryant of Word Vessel Blog.

“And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11, NIV)

Sweat dripped from my brow as we finished the demolition of a dilapidated shed and cleared the area for the new metal storage building that would take its place. But as I viewed the amount of scrap wood left over from the old building, I realized we had a problem. What would we do with it? I immediately thought of Dad.

Dad could take what other people saw as junk and make it useful and functional again, sometimes with humorous results. Like the old tractor with a mason jar for a fuel pump and the old Buick whose dome light flashed on every time I stepped on the brakes. I gave him a quick phone call. He would take the wood.

In the year following, Dad made me a coffee table, butler’s table and jewelry box—all from the scrap wood. What we had considered worthless was transformed into useful and beautiful treasures.

It is the same with us.

God can take a life that seems beyond hope or help and turn it into something useful—even valuable. Our lives, once ruined by the stain of sin, were redeemed at a great cost and made clean by the blood of Christ. And God is still at work in our lives, refining us for His purpose and His kingdom.

So the next time you doubt that God can use you, remember the lesson of the old wooden shed. You have been carefully crafted by the Master Carpenter into a useful vessel for Him.

Dear Lord:

Thank You that our lives have purpose. That You can use us, even when we mess up. Thank You for Your grace and the blood of Jesus that makes it possible.

In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen

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Cathy Bryant loves to use her writing for God’s glory. You can visit her at http://WordVessel.blogspot.com where she gives away free Christian fiction every week.

Good Works

Lately, I've been spending my time with Titus... Paul's epistle to him, anyway. (Did you know that Paul called him "my true son in our common faith" like he did Timothy? Titus 1:4.) Anyway, as someone who believes--not in a "works salvation," but in a lived-out faith--Titus 3:8 spoke to me.

Having been accused at one time of belonging to a cult (the Church of the Nazarene), and often being accused of believing in a works salvation, Paul's words to Titus confirmed a deep-seated belief within me. Something that is so foundational to who I am, in fact, that I didn't even realize where it came from. Namely, that "those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works." (Titus 3:8)

If the Word says it, why would I believe differently?

Does this mean Paul advocates salvation by works? Of course not! Read Ephesians 2:8: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.

It means that God expects His children to live as such. Why would we argue with that?

RENEW International: Rebuilding the Catholic Faith

RENEW International is a Roman Catholic ministry that has been working for over 30 years to help over 150 dioceses in the United States find and foster spiritual renewal in the Catholic church.

RENEW International works with each diocese by providing programs and materials to help the diocese meet better serve their communities by encouraging people to draw closer to God in their daily lives. The impact of RENEW International is remarkable. They've already touched the lives of over 25 million people globally.

Christians, especially, those in the United States, have suffered from the "bad publicity" received in the media. Some of it, of course, has been deserved as church leaders from many denominations have fallen publicly. But it's refreshing to know that the Roman Catholic church, who has been hit harder than most, is rebounding. We pray that ministries such as this one continue to bring renewal and restoration to the Church.

The Heart of the Gospel

Enjoy this guest post from Pastor Gary Earls...

The fundamental nature of the heart

I've been relatively healthy all my life yet recently I had a little scare. When walking only short distances my heart would start to pound. It rang in my ears in a similar way to the sound of one of my kids bouncing a basketball off the garage door, which of course results in my yelling "stop it right now"(not that any of you would say something like that). This response of my heart to what in the past would have been such a small demand to function was a little disconcerting. There was even a couple of times where it seemed a rush surged to my head and I became dizzy.

You know the thoughts that might go through your mind at a time such as this, "I'm having a heart attack", or "Lord please don't take me before I have completed what I've been called to do", or simply "man, I gotta get my life straight". Of course during such incidents we are struck with a glaring sense of our own fragility. Life is fleeting and those of us who know Christ often have a true awareness of purpose. We may sometimes feel as if there is not enough time to finish what we've been called to do before the door closes on this life and the door of eternity opens. Let's face it we're always in midst of a transition, some subtle and some not so. However the final transition is something that one might dread yet another long for with anticipation depending on their particular situation. Of course that begs a question that we might ask ourselves, "which one am I?".

It's not my aim in this particular writing to wax philosophical but I guess I have a tendency sometimes to over analyze, especially when it comes to matters of self. Therefore the above also got me thinking about the heart in general. Obviously if our heart quits, for all intents and purposes we do as well, baring mechanical continuation. That's why we have phrases in our culture like, "the heart of the matter", which seems to imply, the very central point or substance of a particular thing. Our physical heart is seen as vital to our existence. Of course there's the brain as well and other vital organs, yet it's not my purpose here to get into a physiological debate let alone an anatomy lesson.

How the Hebrew people perceived Heart

Now I don't know about you but I have a penchant for linking chains of logic together. I started then thinking about how the physical heart represented the foundation of life. To the ancient Hebrew people and in their covenant writings, God's revelation of Himself (the Old Testament to Christians),the heart is portrayed metaphorically in various ways. It can mean the intellect or the emotions. It can also mean the desire or the will. Moreover it can of course even mean courage. Additionally one of the ways that the heart is portrayed to those that God had called to be the bearers of His presence in the earth from ancient times was as the total of someone's personality, who they were in essence. This is metaphorical conception of the heart that I found myself thinking about.

As the physical heart in many ways represents to us the very center and foundation of life, so in a way does the spiritual heart represent the very essence of our spiritual existence. The condition of our heart is representative of the condition of our life before God.

Jesus spoke to that very point in Matthew 15:19-20.

19 " For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. 20 "These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man." (Matthew 15:19-20, NASV)

At this particular occasion the Pharisees and Scribes were upset with the disciples of Jesus because they perceived that they had broken the "tradition of the elders" because they hadn't ceremonially washed their hands before eating. Jesus used this instance as an juncture for teaching in which he pointed out that they were violating the command of God for the sake of their traditions (15:3-6). Ending with this poignant statement,
7 "You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you:
8 'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS,
BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.
9 'BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME,
TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.'" (Mt 15:7-9) NASV (c.f. Isa. 29:13)

The Lord went on to say that it's not what we eat the makes us unclean but that which we speak for our words reveal our hearts. After these rather hardy exchanges of course the disciples came to their master, having been the focal point of the attack and as usual their depth perception was at the time less than skin deep. They were even concerned that Jesus' words had offended the religious leaders. This might have been a valid concern in the culture in which they lived because those very religious leaders could cause a myriad of troubles. You can imagine from the earliest childhood they had been taught in their homes that they were to respect the leaders of Israel.

Jesus instructed His disciples saying,
14 "Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit."
(Mt 15:14, NASV)

To this, Peter the disciples' point man, asked a further question, "explain the parable to us". To which Jesus replied,
"Are you still lacking in understanding also? 17 "Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? 18 "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. 19 " For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. 20 "These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man." (Mt 15:16-20, NASV)

Certainly the disciples had heard the Scriptures all their lives, they of course would have known by rote the various meanings of the phrase "heart" although they may not have been able to enumerate them at that particular time, as with all cultures it most likely was implicit in the context of the statement. Jesus was getting to the "heart" of the matter. It wasn't ceremonial defilement that was of utmost importance but the the sin that was at the very center of humanity. David, Scripture declares, was a man "after God's own heart (1 Sam. 13:14)". This was because David valued God's will above his own and was used in this particular passage to be a contrast to Saul, who had done his own thing because it was expedient at the given moment. It was of the lack of obedience that Saul was removed, and it was because of his obedient heart that David was appointed.

What's the point?

So what's all this about? It was the very heart of humankind that needed changed on an individual level.

The covenant God had spoken these words to the prophet Jeremiah,
9 "The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it? (Jer 17:9, NASV)

Yet the living God would later promise the prophet Ezekiel that,
19 "...I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God. (Eze 11:19-20, NASV)

"They will be My people, and I shall be their God." Do you hear the covenant formula in this statement? This was the promise of the New Covenant in Christ Jesus. The very essence (heart/soul) would change of those that God had called to Himself as they responded to the message of the Gospel.

The heart of the Gospel

What is the heart of the Gospel, the very center and essence of God's message? That's simple, Jesus is that heart. It is His blood that pumps through the spiritual arteries and veins of the body of Christ bringing life giving oxygen and taking away impurities. We had mentioned above that when the natural heart stops the body that it beat within stops as well. Yet the heart of the Gospel, Jesus, will never stop cleansing and bringing life because He is eternal, He is God. We can trust that even if our hearts fail us He never will. If my heart were to stop beating tomorrow I have the confidence that the new covenant life that beats within me would escort me into the presence of God because His life is eternal. This confidence is not based on anything which I have done, but on the sure truth that God is faithful and the blood of Christ paid the price for my sin.

Do you have that confidence as well?

Pastor G.

Never Forget!

The Absolute Truth

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; No one comes to the Father but through me." (John 14:6)

One of the biggest lies of Satan and of the lies of the world is, "You're okay. I'm okay. We can make it on our own."

But the truth is that we're not okay without Jesus. The Bible tells us that "there is none righteous, no not one." (Romans 3:10).

Please don't get so tied up with this world and it's alluring things that those things draw you away from God.

Don't get so tied up with what you want that what God wants for you doesn't matter.

This world doesn't have a permanent dwelling place for Christians. We're foreigners here... only passing through. That's the truth.

Jesus said, " I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am , there you may be also." (John 14:3)

That sounds to me like He's not going to leave us here. Why would I want what this world has to offer when I'm going to that better place with Jesus someday?

Jesus said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me.

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post from my husband and fellow Pastor, Greg Bishop.

This is My Prayer

Bless me, heavenly Father,
forgive my erring ways,

Grant me strength to serve Thee,
put purpose in my days ...

Give me understanding,
enough to make me kind

So I may judge all people
with my heart and not my mind ...

And teach me to be patient
in everything I do,

Content to trust Your Wisdom
and to follow after You ...

And help me when I falter
and hear me when I pray

And receive me in Thy Kingdom
to dwell with Thee some day.

...Helen Steiner Rice

Finally Back Online!

Just a quick note to let you know why the Christian Daily Blog hasn't been updated in awhile... I have been without an ISP for over four weeks! And believe me, it's been rough. ;o) My husband and I just moved to a small town and they are very backed up on DSL installations.

I'm sorry for any inconvenience this has caused you, and I hope you'll get back in the habit of reading now that I'm back online. In fact, why don't you Subscribe in the box to the right so you'll know when the site is updated?

Thanks for reading! Watch for a new post later today.

God Does Know Best

I am human and admit I have gotten impatient with God. I have often made a request and wanted an answer right then and there!

I believe God sometimes answers our prayers with “Wait” or “Not yet” and I can interpret that as Him being silent… Being that He has a complete view of my past, present, and future, He knows exactly how each and every choice or action I make will affect me and impact those around me.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8, NIV)

He hears my prayers and wants to give blessings and show His wonders, yet He knows that what I think would good for me now could really demolish my life tomorrow or a year from now. He doesn’t want to bring anything into my life that would wreak havoc or produce turmoil, and therefore says “wait” or “not yet” for my benefit.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

It would be easy for me to take matters into my own hands and try to make something happen on my own after God says to wait. If I do though, I’m headed for disaster. I must trust His judgment. How can I think I know more than God?

Guest post by Heather Phillips, wife, mother of four, and along with her husband, the owner of Lenoir City Computers in Lenoir City, Tennessee. Feel free to share your thoughts...

Reverent Worship

I know I'm from the "Old School" so I tend to expect reverence when we enter what we call the sanctuary. A place where we meet to fellowship together, to hear the word of God read and expounded upon. A place to sing and praise, a place to testify to the grace and goodness of our Heavenly Father.

Some congregations are quiet, some get rather loud, some sing traditional songs, some sing contemporary songs.To me, it doesn't really matter what your style or methods are as long as God is honored. That's what reverence is.

But reverence is about more than a physical building. Reverence is about our life itself.

Jesus said to the Samaritan woman in John 4:23, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him." (NKJV)

Jesus made this statement when questioned about a place to worship. I've already stated my position on reverence at the place we choose to worship. But consider this: We Christians are the temple of the Holy Spirit. WE are the house He dwells in. When we gather in worship, the Holy Spirit joins us. If we gather for worship.

In our tradition, we say, "It's good to be in God's house today." Consider this, if you will: Jesus is with us all day every day. Why not wake up every day and say, "Jesus, I'm glad you chose to live in me today. Live your life through me and guide me in each step I take." That's reverence.

When we honor Him in that way - with our very life - He will give us a renewed understanding of His wonderful presence. But we must allow Him, and even invite Him, to live through us.

Even our music attests to this belief. Remember the little chorus we sing: "Lord, prepare me, to be a sanctuary..."

My prayer today is this: "Lord, I will be your house to dwell in, live through me."

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post from my husband and fellow Pastor, Greg Bishop.

From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Life from the Inside Out

Nancy Twigg is a Knoxville, Tennessee-based author and friend whose work I've enjoyed for many years. I believe you will, too!

From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Life from the Inside Out
by Nancy Twigg

When most people think of simplifying, the first thing they think of is getting rid of clutter around the home or office. Cleaning out closets and drawers is definitely a part of simplifying, but true simplification goes far deeper than that. Clutter is much more than old magazines, outdated clothes, and kitchen gadgets you never use. Certainly those things are clutter, but from now on, think of clutter as any possession, habit, thought pattern, attitude or activity that fits into one of these three categories:

• Anything you don't need or use anymore
• Anything that doesn't fit or work for you like it used to
• Anything that doesn't add value and meaning to your life as it once did

Under this new definition, clutter is anything that complicates your life and stands in the way of simplicity. In the past, you may have only thought of clutter in terms of stuff: those size 8 jeans you hope to wear again someday or those unfinished projects in your garage. But let me share a secret with you. These kinds of unwanted and unneeded material possessions are only the tip of the iceberg! What about the multitude of commitments that cram-pack your schedule? What about the thoughts that jumble your mind and the spending habits that sabotage your finances? All of these things are clutter too, because they cause chaos and confusion.

When you think of clutter in this new light, you begin to see what a tremendous problem clutter truly is. You will also see that the root causes of this ugly clutter make the clutter itself look tame. Think about it. Why do you say yes to everyone who requests your time and services? Are you afraid that people won't like you if you say no? Do you feel the need to present a Super Mom image to the world?

What about those clothes you hold onto even though you know you will never wear them again? Are you afraid that if you get rid of them you will need them again someday? If you did happen to need them, do you doubt God's ability to provide more? And if you have a tendency to spend more than you can afford, ask yourself why you do that. Are you driven by feelings of discontentment or the need for instant gratification? Are you afraid that if you pass on a sale now you will never find a good price on that item again? These issues go much deeper than just having a messy desk or disorganized pantry. These are issues of the heart.

Clutter is a problem for anyone, but for Christians, it spells major trouble. Clutter does more than affect us physically and emotionally; it affects us spiritually because it keeps us from following Jesus fully. We simply cannot make room for Him when so many other things are in the way. The more we stay focused on the junk of this life, the less time and energy we have to focus on the important mattersGod and His plans for our lives.

Have you ever tried to lug an overstuffed suitcase through a crowded airport? Not an easy task, is it? No matter how hard you try, you simply cannot move quickly and efficiently when you're carrying a heavy load. Think of clutter as baggage, physical, emotional, and financial baggage that weighs you down and holds you back. Clutter is the heavy load that keeps many of us from maneuvering effectively through our lives. Our suitcases are filled with all kinds of deadweight: habits we need to give up, attitudes we've long since outgrown, activities and possessions that no longer serve a reasonable purpose. If we want to lighten the load, we have to get rid of some of the junk.

What keeps you from moving forward at a steady pace in your life? Undoubtedly the things that slow you down are some kind of clutter, clutter you want to get rid of for good. Maybe you struggle with physical clutter around your home. Try as you might, you cannot seem to get organized. Or maybe you want to get a handle on your finances. You are tired of making good money but having nothing to show for it. Or maybe yours is an issue with time. You are tired of living at warp speed. You want to stop running and start living.

Whatever clutter challenges you face, trust me when I say you can learn to clarify your life by putting clutter in its place. I know because I have done it myself. My biggest clutter challenge was not dealing with cluttered living spaces or even cluttered finances. My challenge was to open up my emotional suitcase and go through its contents carefully. When I did, I discovered all kinds of clutter lurking inside. I found worry and doubt. I uncovered a faulty self-image and an inability to set appropriate boundaries. I even found an unhealthy preoccupation with what others thought of me. It was a painful process, but necessary. One by one, I learned to trade in these old clunkers for the more efficient models God offered.

I'm not saying I have it all together. Believe me, I don't. I'm not saying I never face challenges. But I have come to a place of clarity and life is much more pleasant now that I have. Is my life perfect? No, but it is much more peaceful and purposeful. And isn't that what we all want to live in peace as we live out our purpose?

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Nancy Twigg is an author and speaker who loves inspiring women to live more simply. To learn more about Nancy's speaking and writing ministry, visit her online at http://www.keepitsimplesister.com

Article Source: Faith Writers

Seeds in the Garden

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; (Mark 4:26)

I planted a garden this year. In early February, I planted potatoes and onions, and green English peas. In early March, I planted corn, squash, green beans, and watermelons. First, I had to prepare the seedbed, then I had to make the rows, put the seed in the soil, and apply fertilizer. After I labored doing these tasks, I had to sit back and wait to see if the seeds I planted would spring forth from the soil.

The Lord sent a good rain, and some sunny days that warmed the soil. Being kind of impatient, I scratched the earth where I had planted corn, and discovered that many of the seeds I planted were planted too deep. I went to the seed store, bought more seed and replanted.

Early this morning, I went to the garden alone to see how many seeds had sprang forth. Lo and behold, most all of the seeds had produced a plant. I could clearly see the results of my labor! Potato leaves shining brightly, little corn stalks, green beans peeking their small ears through the warm earth, tiny watermelon plants stretching forth to the sun, and peas and squash making their appearance. Most all of the seeds I had planted, from the large potato seeds to the small pea seed, had taken root and were growing! My labor had not been in vain!

This earthly garden gives one a sense of God's presence, and of His infinite wisdom...who but God can grow a plant from a tiny seed? The Bible speaks of sewing seeds, spiritual seeds, into the Lord's kingdom. After awhile, the seed will germinate, if planted in the right kind of "soil", and produce a human plant for God. Planting seeds in a earthly garden is labor intensive. So is planting seeds for a heavenly garden. In both cases, all we can do is labor, and only God can give the increase!

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. (Mark 4:27-28)

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Article © 2008 by Irvin L. Rozier, author of My Walk with the Lord, US Army, Chaplain of American Legion Post 181. Visit his song and video sites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lseFgH7XumU
http://www.youtube.com/user/walkin2e

Article Source: Faith Writers

Edgy humor or sacrilege?

There's a new "comedy" coming to HDNet on April 26. It's called "Sex, God, Rock 'n Roll" and will feature indie rocker Stuart Davis performing "stand up comedy, news, sketches, and music" according to their press release.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that where my faith is concerned especially, I'm very conservative. And I have no qualms about stating publicly that promoting a show about a man with a "twisted mind and a sensitive soul" under the guise of religion troubles me. The title alone by my standards, is sacriligious. There are just some things you shouldn't make fun of. God is at the top of that list.

I know nothing about this man's musical talent, song-writing abilities or personal characteristics. That's not my issue nor my concern. What does concern me is that this is just one more instance of minimizing God's greatness and omnipotence. We can and should laugh at ourselves and much of life, and I do so frequently. But I don't believe there is ever a time we should laugh at God. To do so makes Him seem smaller somehow. How can you lessen the greatness of the Creator of all?

While I realize that not everyone believes or thinks the way I do, when people claim to be "religious" people, I do look for some form of reverence in them. Somewhere. But the title of this series leads me to wonder if there is any to be found in Mr. Davis. And as a pastor and a minister, this is one more on my long list of things I would never watch.

Stay True

Our days are often filled with problems we just can't seem to solve. And we ask... What's going on? What do I do in this situation? Which way do I turn now?

Today, I've already had to deal with more problems than I had yesterday. They seem to pile up. Before I can get this one solved I have three more.

Does that sound like you?

I'm convinced that these trials will make us stronger if we just stay true to God and trust Him to work in every situation. Of course we say "Hurry Up, God!" but if He hurried, it wouldn't always be in our best interest.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, " No temptation has overtaken you except such is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (NKJV)

There's a story about David in the book of 1 Samuel. In verse 37, David gives the reason why he can fight the giant Goliath. "Moreover David said, 'The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine.' " David expressed his faith that God would give him the strength he needed to overcome the giant. And God did.

Stay true and God will give you the strength you need as well. You can count on Him, He has the perfect solution to your problems already in the works. Have a blessed day!

Greg Bishop is a Nazarene minister and owner of Greg's Furniture Service in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Another Day... Another Week

Hope you had a wonderful Resurrection Day celebration! Sadly, we were sick here and plans didn't go as smoothly as we'd hoped. It seems that the enemy fights us when our expectations are high, don't you think?

But we're ready for another day, another week, another chance to serve Jesus and draw ever closer to Him!

Isn't it comforting to know that in the midst of our trials and tribulations, which are simply a part of this life, Jesus will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He's always there for us. I don't know about you, but that brings me tremendous joy - even when life brings me down!

Praying your week is blessed... and I want to encourage you to let me know if there is something you'd like to see here on the Christian Daily Blog. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Or a topic you'd like us to cover?

While we never want to take the place of your local pastor and church family, we know that sometimes the anonymity of the Internet allows for more open sharing, and we invite you to share as you need and as God leads you to do.

We're here for you...

Re-Examining My Expectations

Why can't people just put their turn signal on and think about somebody else for a change?!” That was the recent headline in my brain that sparked a whole series of interesting thoughts and eventually, a new perspective.

I consider myself a generally considerate and courteous person. In the past, I have often found myself puzzled and frustrated when others neglect (what I would consider) even basic courtesies. For example, simple things like holding a door open a moment longer for the person following them into a building, expecting that items in a parked car will be safe and not stolen, counting on others to tell the truth, and of course putting a turn signal on so other drivers know what to expect. Unfortunately, I'm beginning to realize my expectations of the world are too high.

Jesus says:

“In the world you will have troubles, but I give you my peace.”

Part of this peace is understanding that the world will not live up to the “do to others as you would have them do to you” expectations that God commands. Worldly, or carnal wisdom says to look out for number one first. Selfishness is always the natural tendency, unless a Godly wisdom is introduced and applied.

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” (Ephesians 2:1-3)

“That is to be expected” is the new phrase and perspective that I have about the world’s behavior. Although I don't agree, and will try to assert a Godly influence and show a different example with my life, my expectations are now lower for those who are outside of God’s Kingdom. It has given me a new grace and compassion. It has also given me another viewpoint of how large of a gap there is between God’s ways and the ways of this world.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8)

It’s not that we are accepting their behavior (certainly not!), but just realizing that it is the world’s “default setting." Don't get me wrong, my own behavior, attitudes and actions are not always optimum. However, I know that God will finish the work He has started in me! My hope is in the Lord and I have great expectations of Him. I know He is trustworthy and is making all things work out for my good. Let’s consider in our own lives who we may have expectations of who didn't agree to or cannot meet them. The world cannot meet God’s expectations, nor do they understand that they need to (yet). Pray for those around you that they will have a new revelation of God’s love for them and of His glorious purpose and plan for their lives.

Guest post by Krista Dunk of Koinonia Business Women.

The Weight of the Cross

As a writer, I'm always looking for article ideas, so I've set up several alerts on Google to notify me of new entries relating to my areas of interest. One such notification came through today from a news story in the Lehigh Acres Citizen, a local newspaper in Lehigh Acres, Florida.

According to this report, the ministerial association in Lehigh is planning a "Cross Walk" to commemorate Easter and kick off their combined Easter service in the park. Several of the local clergy will be carrying a huge wooden cross through the town, traveling a total of about five miles. Because of the size and weight of the cross, the clergy are considering how to transport the cross, some even suggesting that wheels or rollers be added because they may be unable to bear the cross without them.

Aren't we glad that Christ was able to bear His cross for us? The cross that would ultimately bring the salvation of the world was carried solely on Jesus' back. And while His walk down the via dolorosa (the way of suffering) was only about 1/2 mile, for the most part He carried that cross alone. Yes, Simon of Cyrene was forced to help for a bit, but the weight of the cross which would save humanity was on Christ.

Praise God for His salvation as we move toward Resurrection Sunday. Oh, what a Savior!

Time to Pray

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post from my husband and fellow Pastor, Greg Bishop.

Brothers and sisters, we can see what's happening in our country and around the globe. Morals are breaking down so rapidly that we can't tell what will happen next.

We can't change the whole world, or correct everything that troubles society today, at least not instantly. But we don't have to just lie down and give up.

Regardless of what some people say, this is still a Christian nation! Not to be condemning, but I believe that we Christians have committed the sin of omission.

We have failed to seek the true help we desperately need. The Christian faith in this country is under attack and it's time to earnestly pray. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says:

"if my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land." (NKJV)

You may say " I really don't know how to pray to get the response from God that we need."

Start off by praying that God will help us to be more concerned for our land. Then pray for our leaders, that God will give them open minds to seek His will and not their own.

Be earnest about your prayers. Be passionate about your prayers. God hears and He will answer!

James 5:16 is a good scripture to put to memory for such an occasion as this: "Confess your trespasses to one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (NKJV)

Let's take the time to pray!

Bits of Paper and the Cross

The singing attracts my attention, filtering down silent streets to the doorway I call home. It's an old hymn I remember from my childhood. Annoyed at the early awakening, I stuff my blanket away and limp across the road to the public restrooms. The mirror reveals a mess of grey. Grey hair, grey whiskers, grey stumps where teeth have rotted, grey clothes ingrained with filth. No wonder people avoid me.

Another homeless man wanders in. "It's Good Friday." he says."There's something happening in the square."

I spit towards the hand basin. God only cares about those who gather in cathedrals and wear fine clothes. I don't matter to Him or them. I'm just a nothing and even those who toss coins my way, don't communicate - besides what would they say? "Lovely day, Mr Tramp. How's your garden doing? Been on any trips recently? Have you seen the new suits at Ballantynes?"

I stomp out of the restroom and across the pavement, cold air seeping through ancient shoes. My stomach is grumbling and I decide to head to the square, anyway. Maybe there'll be some food available.

In spite of the early hour, throngs of people fill the area. A cross stands tall in the centre of them; a rough wooden structure with bits of paper pinned all over it. A group stands to the left, singing a familiar hymn.

On a hill far away
Stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering and shame...

I push through the crowd and they drift apart, moving away from my filth. "What's happening?" I demand as I reach the foot of the cross. An elderly woman looks up, face creased behind round spectacles.

"We're remembering the death of Jesus. You do know He died to take away all the bad things you've done?"

"What are all the bits of paper for?"

I can see she's nervous as she pushes a pen and some papers towards me. "They're for writing down your sins. When you're done, you can pin them to the cross as a sign of accepting God's forgiveness."

A beefy man approaches from the right. "Everything alright here, Edith?"

I walk off, breathing insults about hypocrites and do-gooders. The cathedral's a few metres away and although I'm tempted to keep walking, I slouch down against the wall. With a bit of luck, someone will throw some half-eaten food in the nearby bin.

Moments later, I see a figure approaching. He looks to be in his thirties, swarthy, with hair dreadlocked into coarse ropes. I've seen him before somewhere - sometime. As I run through old memories he stops in front of me. "Do you mind if I join you?"

No one has ever asked me that.

He drops down next to me and swings his backpack to the front. "I've got some hot lamb sandwiches." He hauls out a package and hands it to me. "Open it up while I get the juice out."

I'm curious and suspicious. Very suspicious, but hunger wins the battle. I shovel one sandwich after another down my throat with no regard for table manners. "So what do you want?" I ask.

"To spend some time with you."

I laugh, sarcastically. "No really. Why are you here this morning?"

"Just passing through."

"Where're you from?"

"Here and there."

I let out a loud burp after a swig of fizzy grape juice. I wish it was wine, warming my innards and dulling the pain but it's better than nothing. Leaning back against the wall, I look across at my benefactor. "So what's the catch? You doing a newspaper article on drunken bums?"

His eyes smile as he answers. "I told you, I came to spend some time with you."

"No one in their right mind sits on a hard pavement with a tramp." I gesture at the church people, singing, praying, pinning bits of paper on the cross. "Why not go mix with them?"

"I've come to see you."

My mind runs through family members, people I haven't seen for years. Could he be a nephew or a cousin or an old acquaintance?

"I'm none of those."His voice is strong and his eyes seem to penetrate my soul.

"Who are you then?"

"We've met before, a long time ago."

I shake my head. "You look familiar but I can't place you."

He reaches out a hand and as he places it on my shoulder, I notice a deep scar, a sunken gouge by his wrist. "What did you do to your hand?"

"An old injury. Happened years ago."

His touch is tender and warmth flows into my skin, into my body, into my heart. No one touches homeless people unless they want something and I'm used to violence and harsh words. "Who are you?" I ask again.

"We met when you were ten. At the altar in your mother's church."

I close my eyes and something shifts beneath my grime and brokenness. That was the day I gave my life to God. An incredible sense of awe overwhelms me...he isn't, he can't be. I open my eyes but he's gone. The only thing left is a lamb sandwich, a can of grape juice and some scraps of paper and a pen.

For the first time in a decade, hope surges into my heart as I start writing.

---

Guest author Debbie Roome is passionate about writing stories that touch people's lives and point them to God.

Article Source: FaithWriters.com.

Beloved Now We are Called Children of God

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post from my husband and fellow Pastor, Greg Bishop.

At this time of the year we celebrate our Risen Lord. What a joy to know that God, the Creator of the universe, would count us as His children! The verse that really spoke to me this morning is from 1 John 3:2-3:
"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as he is." (NKJV)

I don't know about you, but I wait with eager anticipation of that day. Sometimes I feel so unworthy to be called His child. But I never give up my hope in Him.

Verse 3 says:

"And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (NKJV)
Praise the Name of our Risen Lord! He IS Risen... He is Risen, Indeed!

A Death in the Desert

Studying for a Sunday school lesson I'll be teaching Palm Sunday, I was reading an article by Reuben Welch about the Apostle John. The article referenced a poem by Robert Browning titled, "A Death in the Desert."

I had never read or heard the poem before, but the few lines that were quoted touched my heart so deeply... I got what Greg calls "glory bumps" and still have them when I think of these words!

The poem, written in 1864, details the death of the Apostle, hidden in a cave and tended to by a few who loved him. In the poem, John speaks:

When [my ashes] scatter, there is left on earth
No one alive who knew (consider this!)
Saw with his eyes and handled with his hands
That which was from the first, the Word of Life.
How will it be when none more saith, “I saw”?

What an amazing responsibility to be the last one on earth who truly saw and touched the Lord Jesus, Himself! What a privilege! My heart is so full at the depth of what John had to have felt - the awe and amazement! It comes across so richly in this poem. (I encourage you to read the whole thing for yourself.)

In poem, John continues...

Since I, whom Christ’s mouth taught, was bidden teach,
I went, for many years, about the world,
Saying ‘It was so; so I heard and saw,'
Speaking as the case asked: and men believed.

It would have been an amazing thing to have been with Jesus when He walked the earth. But truly, the next best thing would have been to hear the witness of one of those fortunate ones like John who saw Him, and touched Him, and was taught by Him.

I pray God will help us to be faithful as John was faithful to "go about the world saying it was so, so I heard and saw." Isn't that what Jesus directed to do in Acts 1:8?

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (NKJV)

Guest Bloggers Wanted!

Are you a Christian? Like to write? Then I'd love to see your guest blog post submissions for Christian Daily Blog!

While I can't pay - this is a work of love, not money - I can give you a link to your website or blog if you like. And you will, of course, receive credit for your post and maintain all rights.

If you're interested, read my statement of beliefs and then send me your submission. I look forward to sharing your Christian encouragement with others!

Has God’s Promise Changed?

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post by Sue Oneal, friend and pastor's wife at Sequatchie Valley Church of the Nazarene in Whitwell, Tennessee.

One of my favorite passages of scripture is 2 Chronicles 7:14:

then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land. (The Living Bible)

When I read this passage in context I find that the temple had just been completed and the people had prayed and celebrated the wonderful presence of God. After several days King Solomon sent the people to their tents. The people were happy and joyful because God had been so good to them. Solomon was feeling very proud he had accomplished all he set out to do.

Solomon reminds me of the American people. God has been so good to us. We have fought wars in other lands, but America has been kept safe. We feel proud of our jobs, our security and our ability to take care of ourselves. We now have a generation of people who have been able to satisfy most of their wants and all of their needs.

Since things were so great, why would the people need to humble themselves and turn from their wicked ways? Verse 12 tells us that one night God appeared to Solomon.

God said the temple is really mine and a place for the people to worship me. But verse 13 takes an odd turn. God said...

If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust swarms to eat up all of your crops, or if I send an epidemic among you… (TLB)

What?! The windows of heaven shut up?! Could this relate to our economic situation today?

As I listen to the news and talk with people I realize the pressures that we face as a Nation. The air seems to be filled with gloom and despair. Have we forgotten God’s promises? All through the Bible we find that God hears and answers prayer. As a child of God I choose to look to God, claim his promises, and remember that, come what may, God has the power to heal our land if his people will pray and trust Him.

I can’t close this note without stating that God is fair and just. He not only promised to care for his people if they would pray and seek his face, he gave a warning in verses 19-22 as to what would happen to the people who forgot God. Search out 2 Chronicles 7. It will challenge your heart.

Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace!

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post from my husband and fellow Pastor, Greg Bishop.

It seems there is little peace in the world today. We look at what's going on all over the globe and it's no wonder we're agitated and upset so much of the time.

There are so many scriptures in God's Word that tell us not to worry and not to let our hearts be troubled. Yes, we can be concerned about the things around us, but we are not supposed to let them get the best of us.

The scripture I use and have used for many years is Philippians 4:8:

Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things. (NKJV)

May the God of all comfort give you peace.

Seriously, Christians... "Let not your heart be troubled."

What's Your Calling?

And He said to me: "...you are not sent to a people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, but to the house of Israel." (Isaiah 3:5)

Ezekiel has long been one of my favorite books of the Bible. I love God's call on Ezekiel's life - the fact that he was sent not to an unknown or unfamiliar people, but to his people, the "house of Israel"... the children of God.

Today, the American Church places so much emphasis on "foreign missions," on reaching people in Africa or India or Indonesia that we forget our neighbors next door need Jesus just as much as anyone else!

While everyone is called to share a testimony of Jesus, not everyone is called to do so with people of "unfamiliar speech." Some of us, myself included, are also called to share with the children of God... the Church.

What's your calling? Don't think because you haven't felt God's pull to the mission field or the pulpit that you don't have one! You do. Ask the Lord to direct you as He directed Ezekiel - to those He wants you to share His word with today.

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

My niece shared this with me today. I've never seen it before but thought it was so appropriate! If you know who wrote it, I'd love to give them credit. This is a message every adult should read because children are watching us and doing as we do, not as we say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend influences the life of a child.

How will you touch the life of someone today?

Share this post with someone else. You might make them think about their influence on others.

When Did Atheism Become a Religion?

I was surfing the Net considering what to blog about today, looking at options, when I came across a Christian blog post that talked about increasing blog traffic. It suggested signing up with Blog Toplist. So I clicked on the link which took me to the religion section of this site. Below the religious news sites, a few Islamic sites, and a couple of New Age sites, there were several atheist sites. When did atheism become a religion?

To my understanding, atheism is the lack of belief in God, so how can we call that a religion? Wouldn't it be a non-religion or an anti-religion?

The world is changing too much to suit me. Maybe I'm just getting old.

Tough Times?

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post from my husband and fellow Pastor, Greg Bishop.

The economy looks bad. The cost of almost everything has absolutely soared. Morals in most circles have broken down. Our government doesn't seem to know what direction they're going in. The financial system has gone haywire. On and on it goes.

But if we think we have it bad, just consider this... there are people all over the world who would love to have just one pair of our shoes!

That idea doesn't take away from our struggles. But it should make us think and realize that we're in a country where we have the opportunity to work our way out of most tough situations.

Christians: The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11, "I have learned in whatever state I am to be content." (NKJV)

And please remember when you get to thinking things are too tough that God is on our side. He gives us a promise that I have clung to for years, and maybe you'll want to claim it for yourself.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1Corinthians 10:13)

What a wonderful God we serve!

Plain Speech

I think I'm becoming an activist in my old(er) age. When I was younger, I never cared much about what was going on around me, and I certainly never felt the need to get involved in correcting wrongs and helping others to think clearly. Maybe that was in my pre-Christian days, 100 or so years ago.

But I've certainly changed.

Today, I'm so concerned about the direction America is going that I'm involved in a local Meetup group that grew out of response to Glen Beck's 912 Project.

And today I'm so concerned about the direction the Church is going that I've been researching (and will be reporting) what the Emergent church movement is doing.

I've certainly changed. But I believe it's change for the good.

Jesus was very outspoken about what He knew to be truth. He was actually very outspoken, period. Always in a loving way, but outspoken nonetheless. And I want to be like Jesus. Not offensive, but not afraid to speak the truth in love.

Be prepared for more plain speech coming from this blog. As I said, I've been studying the Emergent and emerging church. There will be more info on that as I know more and can share.

Until then, I encourage your comments and feelings on both of these matters - the state of our country and the state of the Church. And I covet your prayers as I lend you mine. We need to stand strong right now. The days are getting short and our Lord will return soon. Will He find us faithful?

Bend in the Road

When we feel we have nothing left to give
and we are sure that the song has ended.
When our day seems over
and the shadows fall
and the darkness of night has descended.
Where can we go to find the strength
to valiantly keep on trying
Where can we find the hand that will dry
the tears that the heart is crying.

There's but one place to go
and that is to God
and dropping all pretense and pride.
We can pour out our problems
without restraint
and gain strength with Him at our side.
And together we stand at life's crossroads
and view what we think is the end.

But God has a much bigger vision
and He tells us it's only a bend.
For the road goes on and is smoother
and the pause in the song is a rest.
And the part that's unsung and unfinished
is the sweetest and richest and best

So rest and relax and grow stronger
let go and let God share your load.
Your work is not finished or ended
you've just come to a bend in the road.

by Helen Steiner Rice

Are You Growing?

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post from my husband and fellow Pastor, Greg Bishop.

Years ago I had a friend whose wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. They were so proud of their first born child. They watched their daughter as she progressed past the first several weeks of life. She was growing more beautiful as the days and weeks and months passed.

But after a year, this beautiful baby girl seemed to quit growing. They had made sure she had all her normal check-ups and the doctor had said she seemed to be doing fine.

On the next office visit the doctor said, "She'll be okay. Just give her more time."

More visits more of the same -- "give her more time."

My friends were so frightened by the time their daughter was three that they demanded that a specialist be called in. It just wasn't natural that a child would be the same size at three years of age as she had been at one.

The specialist found my friend's daughter had a chemical deficiency in her blood. It was corrected by giving her a regular dose of medicine on a regular basis. The last time I saw her, she was a healthy, normal young girl.

Christians, are we growing?

We should be! To do so, we need the right "medicine."

May I recommend a dose of scripture on a daily basis? A daily devotional book will help (just make sure it lines up with the bible). The pastor who led me to The Lord told me when I first met Jesus, "No one can stay the same. You either move forward or you fall behind."

May I add that if we're not growing, there is a deficiency in our lives. And where there is a lack of spiritual growth the devil has an opening to attack us.

Please... grow in grace and read the Word! The scripture tells us in James 4:7 "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (NASB)

Wonderful medicine to grow on, don't you agree?

The Awareness of His Presence

David Wilkerson, in his daily email devotional, said today, "I have come to believe that my most important prayers are those quiet whispers of thanksgiving that I offer to him all through the day. This keeps me in the awareness of his presence."

Are you suffering with fear and anxiety over the economic crisis? Are you worried about losing your job, your home, your spouse? Have you faced the loss of a loved one recently or know because of critical illness that you will soon?

Whatever the trials of life you're dealing with now, know that you can have peace when you practice the awareness of the presence of Jesus!

It's not that Jesus isn't with us all the time. He is. God is omnipresent - everywhere all the time. It's just that at times we aren't aware of His presence. We don't sense it or feel it.

But by praying continually and focusing more on Him, we can be aware of His presence through every moment of every day. And what a blessing that is!

Seek out the Lord today. Praise Him for all the little things He has done and is doing in your life. And you'll be blessed by the awareness of the presence of the one and only God of the Universe. What could be better than that?

Bearing What We Need to Hear

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post by Rev. Neal Stover, Pastor of South Haven Church of the Nazarene, and my "Spiritual Father" and friend.

I still have many things to say to you,
but you cannot bear them now. (John 16:12)

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Learning what we need to know is a gradual process.

At the present time, none of us can say that we've received all of the truth that the Lord has to impart.

That is why serious study of the Scriptures should be a part of our daily activity. Each day, we need to be adding a little to our storehouse of knowledge.

But coming to a full understanding of God's will involves more than study. Many things that we come across in our study will not "sink in" because we're not yet ready to hear them.

Perhaps we've not experienced the things in life that would allow us to see the real significance of what the Lord is saying.

Perhaps we don't have the desire for obedience that would let us recognize the truth of particular passages.

Or perhaps our study habits are not mature enough for us to penetrate the meaning of certain texts.

There may be many reasons, but the bottom line is that we don't always "hear" what God's word is saying to us.

To His apostles, Jesus said, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now."

These things would be made available to them later on, when they were more ready to receive them.

This illustrates the fact that God is patient with those who are trying to learn.

If we honestly want to do His will, He will see that we have the time and opportunity to learn. He will not ask us to understand more than we're able to receive at the present time.

But therein lies the problem. Often, it is not our lack of ability but our lack of willingness to hear.

As the Jewish proverb puts it, "The truth is not always what we want to hear." And even when the problem is a lack of ability, that lack of ability may be the result of neglect on our part. If we've not made growth in obedience a priority, it should come as no surprise that our understanding is immature and undeveloped.

And if this is the case, we need to repent. We need to set ourselves the goal of greater obedience.

Lord, give me the strength to bear the full impact of the truth as it applies to me. Help me, for the sake of Your glory, to be willing to hear whatever I need to hear. Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.

We are the vessels, the containers, so that the first work
after the new birth is to cultivate the habit of receptivity.
...Norman Grubb

Pastor Neal Stover
South Haven Nazarene

Back on Track

I feel so smart when I do the right thing. Today is a smart day. Let me explain...

In October 2008, I found out I have Type II diabetes. It was a surprise but not a shock since both my parents were diabetic before they died. In fact, both of their deaths were partially attributed to complications from diabetes - a fact which made me truly angry with both of them at the time of their deaths about a year and a half apart.

As such, when I first learned of my diabetes, I got serious about tracking my food intake, monitoring my blood glucose, exercising regularly, losing weight, and reading and learning all I could about diabetes. I felt like if I didn't control this thing, I'd be the biggest hypocrite that ever walked. So I worked hard at it.

Then I began to "cheat" a little. I quit monitoring my blood after meals. I quit exercising as often. I started eating things I knew I shouldn't eat. And because of it, I've gained a little weight back, I've been having frequent headaches, and I haven't had any energy. When my glucose for the last two days registered 138 and 143, I realized that it's time to get back on track.

Have you ever felt that way with your spiritual life? Maybe you started out as a strong disciple - reading your Bible, praying often, refraining from things you didn't need to be involved in, doing what would please the Lord.

Then gradually, you began to watch things on TV you shouldn't watch, or read things you didn't need to be reading, or hang out with people you knew were a bad influence for you. One day you woke up and said... Whoa. I need to get back on track.

I pray that - if you've begun to "cheat" a little in your Christian walk, you will wake up to the truth that you need to get back on track with Jesus.

Just as my need to monitor my diabetes will never lessen, neither will your need for Him. You (and I!) need Jesus just as much today as we did the very first day we met Him. And all we have to do is ask Him and He'll help us get back on track immediately.

Today, I feel smart because I ate oatmeal and a banana for breakfast. That always fills me up and helps me stay on track with my eating plan. And I'll be monitoring my glucose after lunch, just as soon as I ride my bike for 30 minutes. By God's grace, I am back on track. I hope you are, too.

Are You Ready?

Yesterday, I learned of the death of a friend from my former pastorate in Veedersburg, Indiana. John Rahm was a sweetheart who would literally give you the shirt off his back. He loved to laugh and tease his pastor, but he also refused to let me get even a cup of coffee for myself if he knew I wanted one. He was a treasure to be around and will be missed by many.

Coming face-to-face with death always makes me examine my heart. Am I ready to die? Am I convinced that when I do die, I'm going to Heaven to be with Jesus?

My answer is an unequivocal YES! I am ready to die. Not that I'm trying to rush it. It's like the guy who said, I'm ready, but I'm not trying to get a load up to go today. ;o) But being ready is knowing without a doubt that I'll be with Jesus when I die. And I have that assurance.

2 Corinthians 5:8 says in speaking of Christian believers that to "be absent from the body [is] to be present with the Lord." I believe that to be absolute truth. I'm just waiting on the Lord's timing to take me Home. There's still work to be done here. Still souls to be saved. Still loved ones and friends to encourage.

But when my time does come, I have no doubt at all that I'll be ready. Can you say the same?

Jesus Said...

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post from my husband and fellow Pastor, Greg Bishop.

And Jesus said, "Come unto me all ye that... are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

How many times have we complained about our load being too heavy? I know I have many times. It’s the natural thing to do. It’s the human thing to do.

1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for us. This seems like more than natural, and more than human, this seems like it would be Supernatural! And it is.

Jesus knows our weaknesses, He knows our limits, and He knows our needs. Most of the time we, in our humanness, think we have to solve our problems all by ourselves, but it just doesn’t work that way. As Christians, we just need to get out of the way and let the Lord work. We need to give Him our burdens, our cares, our worries, our fears... and trust Him to take care of them.

Is it easy? By no means! But it's crucial to a right relationship with Him.

Church Bloopers - Just for Fun!

We've all seen church bulletin or Powerpoint bloopers that make us chuckle. These have been compiled from various sources - email, online and even our own bulletins!

22 members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs. Marsha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs. Crutchfield and Mrs. Rankin sang a duet, The Lord Knows Why.

Don’t let worry kill you - let the church help.

Due to the Rector's illness, Wednesday's healing services will be discontinued until further notice.

During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.

Evening massage - 6 p.m.

Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please use the back door.

Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on "It's a Terrible Experience."

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.

The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.

The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.

The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister's daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

The music for today's service was all composed by George Friedrich Handel in celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth.

The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.

The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth Into Joy."

The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

Thursday Night: Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow

Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.

Have any to add? Leave a comment!

Escaping “Little Box” Mentality

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post by Krista Dunk, Co-Founder of Koinonia Business Women, twitterer and blogger.

As Christian business owners, we need to both mature, personally, and gain business skills based on the wisdom of God. That process certainly has had its ups and downs, victories and lessons! It will require gaining and escaping certain things, such as traits and mind-sets. One mind-set that holds many business owners and managers back is “little box” mentality. Most of us have a little box where we think all our resources live – all of our skills, abilities, knowledge, finances, opportunities, personality traits, future prospects, talents, etc. Although the little box can hold us back, it is comfortable and familiar. Sometimes we just can’t see beyond its boundaries.

Think about this:

• What limits have you (or others) placed on yourself?
• What limitations do you associate with yourself?
• Which part of who God says that you are, don’t you believe yet?
• Can you set goals without having every detail perfected first?
• Can you visualize an abundant future no matter what your present looks like?
• Can you brainstorm business ideas without limitation?
• Do you recognize resources that are not under your complete control?

Be conscious of whether or not you are placing limits on yourself. What you think you can do (skill sets, knowledge, success potential) is often rooted in your past. People tend to pull from their own ideas and experience about what is possible. How about tapping into what God says is possible!

I’m not assuming to say that you can go out and perform brain surgery today, design a 10-page website or write the next #1 hit worship song. It’s true that no one is good at everything, nor are we supposed to be. Each of us has different talents, skills, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses to work with and that is exactly how God designed us.

Let’s move the box out even a bit further with this next thought...

As a Christian, you are part of the Body of Christ. Romans 12:4-5 says, “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

The Body of believers makes up God’s “church," not a building with four walls. Since you are a part of the Body that is working together, what strengths can you draw upon from the other “members”? You have power to rely on from the rest of the Body!

Let your mind explore that thought for a while and understand the resources available within the Body.

Other people have knowledge when you need ideas. Others have strength when you feel week. Others have found a way out of your same situation before when you are feeling stuck. Others have services and businesses that can assist yours. Others will offer referrals and networking when you have a dry spell. You don’t need to pull from your own ideas (your little box) about what is possible! God doesn’t have any box. In fact, His Word says that “with God, all things are possible”. Take the limits off and bust through that little box mentality! You have Kingdom resources available to you today!

Miracle Online Healing

A few years back, Greg had been complaining of chest pains for several weeks. He kept trying to brush off his concern, taking antacids to eliminate the symptoms. But we were concerned.

Greg's family has a strong history of heart disease. His dad died of a heart attack at age 53, a brother of one at 49, a sister of one in her mid-50's I believe, and four other siblings had suffered some kind of heart-related problems requiring medication or surgery.

Finally, one night when the pain became severe, I insisted he have it checked out. Within minutes we had arrived at the emergency room of our local hospital and were waiting for a doctor to examine him.

Thankfully, they told us his heart looked fine, but they diagnosed him with gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, or acid reflux. Acid reflux is a condition where the stomach contents "reflux" (return) back to the esophagus causing inflammation that can - in the worst cases - damage the esophageal lining, and in the least cause extreme discomfort. The chest pains Greg experienced, which felt like they could be a heart attack, are a common symptom of GERD. The ER physician prescribed antacids and sent us home with instructions to visit our family doctor as soon as possible.

The next morning, we called Dr. England's office for an appointment. As soon as the doctor heard Greg's symptoms, he agreed that he was suffering from GERD and prescribed Prilosec, which at that time was the only medicine available to treat this condition. It seemed a miracle cure.

The chest pains were immediately gone, Greg was able to eat most anything again without undue problems, and we were thrilled that the illness was so easy to treat.

Fast forward five years...

Greg, who is an upholsterer, began having terrible pains in both arms. He managed the pain with Ibuprofen for awhile, but when that started to lose its effectiveness, back to the doctor he went.

This time Dr. England prescribed a prescription anti-inflammatory, but Greg couldn't take it without getting sick, even when he ate a full meal. He switched back to Ibuprofen, but the relief didn't last long enough. He'd be okay for a couple hours after taking a dose, but then the pain would return. We were afraid of the side effects to his stomach since Ibuprofen is known to cause ulcers if used in excess. The doctor ordered x-rays and other tests which revealed nothing unusual. Each time Greg saw him, Dr. England suggested that it could be Greg's work causing the problem. We didn't know what to do since he couldn't quit working.

Meanwhile, the pain in his arms had become so bad that he couldn't even lift his arms over his head. He said it felt as if he had two-hundred pound bags strapped to his arms. The only relief he found came when he was sitting in his recliner in our living room, letting his arms lay limp in his lap. He couldn't do anything without tremendous pain. His arms were virtually useless.

We began to worry that Greg would have to change his line of work. For a 50 plus year-old man, that possibility was terribly frightening. What kind of career change could he make at his age? Who would want to hire him? Along with the pain itself, the stress was becoming increasingly unbearable.

As people of faith, Greg and I had been praying for God to heal his pain. But we then began to pray earnestly that God would reveal a solution to us as to what the underlying cause of the pain was. We needed to know why he was experiencing this pain so we could learn how to eliminate it!

One day I felt a strong urge to look up Prilosec on the Internet. By this time, Greg had been taking the drug nearly six years. I wondered if maybe there was some kind of side effect that could be causing him problems.

Sure enough, on one of the medical sites describing the drug, I found a list of rare side effects. I was shocked to see that it included severe pain in the arms or legs! I called Greg at work.

"You need to stop taking Prilosec immediately!" I told him. Of course, he wanted to know why. The drug had been such a tremendous help in treating his reflux.

I explained what I'd found and printed off some information for him to read when he got home. By that time I was becoming convinced that this could be the solution we'd sought. That night, after reading several pages I'd printed from the 'Net, Greg agreed it was worth a try. He skipped his dosage the next day, and he's never taken another dose of that particular "purple pill" since.

Within two days, the pain had lessened. He could move his arms without hurting and the feeling of carrying around heavy weights began to reside. Within two weeks, Greg was completely healed... No More Pain! We were thrilled, to say the least!

We thank God for directing us to this solution and we know that the Internet is what made finding our answer accessible. Without it, we might never have discovered this little known side effect that even our doctor was unaware of.

The Friend of Sinners

What a thought that Jesus is the "friend of sinners"! To think that the Creator God of the entire universe would choose to befriend a sinner... a liar, or adulterer, or murderer. The One Who was without sin chose to befriend the one so lost in sin she couldn't find her way home.

All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God according to Romans 3:23. But Jesus came to change that! He came that we might live apart from sin, that we might be freed from the bondage and chains of sin - of addiction to sin, of the compulsion to sin - of sin itself, in all its ugliness.

He - Jesus - came to give us free, abundant life without sin. What a thought... what a Savior!

Are You Listening?

NOTE: Enjoy this guest post from my husband and fellow Pastor, Greg Bishop.

The scripture says in Matthew 11:15, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Why do we sometimes feel that we never hear from God?

Let's just explore this question for a minute... Could it be that we're just too busy?

Could it be that we get so caught up in the daily grind that we don't take time out to give God a chance to reach us?

Are we so tired at the end of the day that we have forgotten who gave us this day?

At one time or another I believe we're all guilty of this. How many times have we waited until bedtime, pulled the covers down, crawled in, covered up and started our prayer, "Lord thank you for keeping me today... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ" Then we're not aware of anything until morning.

Listen, God is speaking.

Give Him the best part of your day. Make an earnest effort to talk to the Lord as soon as your eyes open. And then before you start your busy day, go to Him in prayer, speaking what's on your mind and allowing Him to talk to you.

You'll be amazed, if you keep this routine up, what a change you will see, or should I say hear, in the way God makes His presence known to you.

I challenge you to give God your most alert time, whatever time of the day that might be, then listen. He will speak to you through His word and His people and countless other sources. Sometimes our spirit hears a lot better than our physical ears do. But we must not ignore the fact that God gave us our physical ears to hear with. We are affected by what those amazing ears hear.

Three Ways to Reach Out in Love

I'm a big fan of Servant Evangelism - both the concept and the website. If you've never visited there, I encourage you to do so! There are literally thousands of small, inexpensive ways to show the world you care because Jesus cares and to do it with flair. So I'll be sharing a few occasionally as they come to mind.

Here are three to get you started:

Use your computer and printer to create business cards with scriptures, Christian graphics, etc. and your contact information on the back if you want. Attach these to:

• A mint with the saying "God's Love is Mint for You" or "I Mint for You to Know Jesus Loves You!"

• An inexpensive kitchen sponge into small pieces with the saying "Soak up God's Love."

• A stick of gum with the saying "Choose [chews] Jesus" or "Jesus will Stick to You for Life!"

Have other ideas? I'd love to hear them!

Why Should Your Church Have a Website?

• To let people know you exist.
• To show you've moved into the 21st century.
• To find new prospects.
• To share the plan of salvation with those who may never enter a church.
• To share sermons, devotionals, Christian articles, etc.
• To keep the community informed of upcoming events.
• To encourage Bible reading.
• To accept and share prayer requests.
• To let people know more about your pastor(s).
• To provide fun, weekly interaction among members.
• To ofer free games, puzzles, crafts, etc. to your children and teens.
• To provide directions on how to contact you or locate the church for services.

I offer a three page church website design for only $50. At that price, why wouldn't your church have a website?

Contact me to order yours today!

Beating the Indecision Blues

Indecision. It's a paralyzing malady. In the middle of a "What do I do?" attack, we often do nothing. Sometimes that works best because we simply need to "be still and know that He is God." (Psalm 46:10) Too often, however, indecision cripples the progress we could make by choosing a path.

As pastors, Greg and I are often faced with important decisions that affect, not only our own lives, but others' lives as well. There are times when the "demon" of indecision rears its ugly head and hinders us from heeding that still small voice within. So, how do we combat the enemy?

First, we pray. We ask God to speak clearly to us and to help us hear His voice.

Next, we listen to our own feelings. I'm a firm believer in a "gut feeling" - that sense, or intuition, deep within us that tells us what's right or wrong. I believe that's the voice of God's Spirit directing and guiding us as He did Elijah in 1 Kings 19. We just need to listen.

We may also seek the advice of godly counselors. Proverbs 15:22 says "Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established." And in verse 11:14, "in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Seeking advice and wisdom from other Christians can be helpful when we need to make a decision. Sometimes God will reveal His will to us through the words of others. We just need to seek them out.

Whenever we're faced with indecision, the first rule is to remember that - ultimately - the decision is the Lord's. Our place is simply to discover His will on the matter, whatever the matter may be.

Unfortunately, that may take a time of waiting, praying, and seeking His face. But He has promised He will answer. When we trust in Him, His word promises that "If any of [us] lack wisdom... it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

What a blessing to know an all-knowing God has the answer we need for every indecision we face in life!