Last weekend I traveled home to be with my family. Upon arriving my dad told me that he had a special task for me. He said I want you to put a basketball goal together for me. I thought to myself Huh... No problem. I had put countless goals together in my lifetime. So this one was going to be super easy. Well this one was not your ordinary nail your rim and plywood to a pole deal. He had a retractable goal that was broken down in to countless pieces. But again I said I got this. I started pulling out parts and putting stuff together. After about 2 hours I found that I was not even close to having this goal together. One of my dad's employees came by and offered some help. " He asked" where the instructions were? I told him they were somewhere under the trash pile. You see I don't like to use instructions. He found the instructions and after about an hour we had the entire goal up and we were shooting baskets. I believe most Christians today try to live out a Spirit-filled life without the God breathed instructions that has been given to us as a gift. Thanks Dr. Charles......
____________________________________________________________ Psalm 119:

9 How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. 10 I'm single-minded in pursuit of you; don't let me miss the road signs you've posted. 11 I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt. 12 Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. 13 I'll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; 14 I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. 15 I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you've done it. 16 I relish everything you've told me of life, I won't forget a word of it.


Oftentimes, though, many of us set that manual aside, opting to use our own instincts instead. After hours of frustrating attempts, we may finally turn to the instruction book, which the manufacturer intended us to use from the start.

In life, the Bible is our guidebook. But how often do we place it aside and lean on our own understanding, instead of trusting God’s design for how we should live? The consequences are far more devastating than a few wasted hours trying to build a train set or program a television. Failure to heed the Bible’s instructions can lead to broken relationships, failed careers, poor finances, and a directionless life in general.

The Lord blessed us with this instruction manual for a number of reasons. First, He desires to instruct us on how to live a godly life. Second, He wants us to know Him more intimately. And third, He wants to prevent sin in our lives.

Psalm 119:9 says we can keep our way pure by “living according to [God’s] word” (niv). As we read His “instruction book” each day, the Holy Spirit works in our heart, and we grow closer to the Lord. Then, life’s daily trials will seem less daunting because we’ll have the truth of Scripture to guide us.

Hence, my friends lets live Spirit filled lives with Godly guidance..........

So its been a very long time since I have blogged. I stepped back from writing in my blog. Although I didn't write in my blog I still continued to write whether in my journal or to friends. I have had a lot of good questions asked. For now on if there is something you need to ask direct. Please feel free to ask at gregdavis@abohg.org.
So I have been learning about surrender. So what does a life that is totally surrendered to God look like? You have to surrender both your external life and your will to God. Oswald Chambers lesson on surrender has helped me out tremendously.
The greatest crisis we ever face is the surrender of our will. Yet God never forces a person’s will into surrender, and He never begs. He patiently waits until that person willingly yields to Him. And once that battle has been fought, it never needs to be fought again.
So I'm still battling with surrender. Or shall I say I'm not winning the battle because I haven't fully surrendered. Sure I've done some external surrender. God looks deep into a person's soul. He knows us better than we know ourselves. We can't fool him even the slightest. Oh yeah we can mask ourselves around friends and even family, but when we look in the mirror we realize that God is not mocked or fooled. So what am I saying? In order for me to surrender completely I must lay my selfish will, wants and desires down. I must abandon my self will. How does this look?............................................

Surrender for Deliverance. "Come to Me . . . and I will give you rest" ( Matthew 11:28 ). It is only after we have begun to experience what salvation really means that we surrender our will to Jesus for rest. Whatever is causing us a sense of uncertainty is actually a call to our will— "Come to Me." And it is a voluntary coming.

Surrender for Devotion. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . . " (Matthew 16:24). The surrender here is of my self to Jesus, with His rest at the heart of my being. He says, "If you want to be My disciple, you must give up your right to yourself to Me." And once this is done, the remainder of your life will exhibit nothing but the evidence of this surrender, and you never need to be concerned again with what the future may hold for you. Whatever your circumstances may be, Jesus is totally sufficient (see 2 Corinthians 12:9 and (Philippians 4:19).

Surrender for Death. ". . . another will gird you . . ." (John 21:18 ; also see John21:19 ). Have you learned what it means to be girded for death? Beware of some surrender that you make to God in an ecstatic moment in your life, because you are apt to take it back again. True surrender is a matter of being "united together [with Jesus] in the likeness of His death" ( Romans 6:5 ) until nothing ever appeals to you that did not appeal to Him.

And after you surrender— then what? Your entire life should be characterized by an eagerness to maintain unbroken fellowship and oneness with God.

Today I will address a friend's comment. The Christian life is not an easy tucked away life. It does get rough sometimes. The joy that comes from having a relationship with Jesus will never be surpassed by any other thing in this world. It takes work though we are not perfect people. In fact we are far from perfect. The kool thing about that is that we have a perfect Savior. We have to lay down our selfish lives to Him in order to allow Him to live through us. This is not easy because our flesh (our nature) does not want to give up or give in. By nature we want to rule our own lives. Left up to ourselves we will screw up every single time, Every single time....... Why wouldn't you want to let a perfect Best friend, who is more than capable of taking care of you, have his way in your life. I promise you there is no one like Him. Jesus I confess to the world that there is no one like You. There will never be another one like You. You are my Best Friend.......

Jesus is the best friend we will ever have. He has all the qualities that make someone a good companion.

He accepts us. Jesus died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) and offers salvation to us just as we are. All of our sins are forgiven the moment we believe in Christ. Furthermore, God adopts us into His family and sends His Spirit to dwell within us. The Spirit’s presence is a sign that our acceptance by God and our adoption as His children are permanent benefits.

He hears us. Jesus serves as our high priest in heaven. He listens to our prayers, represents us before God, and intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:34). Human friends and family may ignore us, but Jesus never will.

He understands us. During His life on earth, Jesus encountered the same type of hardships and challenges we face. He had few material possessions and no place of His own. People asked for His help day and night, so there were constant demands on His time. He experienced the pain of being misunderstood by those He sought to help—and of having His motives questioned by the authorities. What’s more, He can identify with those who suffer physically, as He endured the agony of crucifixion.

He gives us wise counsel. Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to guide us into truth. As we meditate on Scripture, we will receive insight, direction, encouragement to persevere, and warnings for our protection.

A relationship with Jesus satisfies like no other. Is He your best friend?

This week I have heard God's voice so clear. Don't get too excited on that yet. When God speaks its always good for us. Sometimes its not easy to receive or swallow. I spoke in my blog Monday that I had forgotten my purpose. This week God also reminded me that I had lost sight of of a significant treasure that I had been blessed with. Faith in the Savior........... I was blessed today by the book of Matthew. Here is just a glimpse: What do you treasure? And what is your greatest treasure.......?
___________________________________________________________________
5 As Jesus entered the village of Capernaum, a Roman captain came up in a panic and said, 6 "Master, my servant is sick. He can't walk. He's in terrible pain." 7 Jesus said, "I'll come and heal him." 8 "Oh, no," said the captain. "I don't want to put you to all that trouble. Just give the order and my servant will be fine. 9 I'm a man who takes orders and gives orders. I tell one soldier, 'Go,' and he goes; to another, 'Come,' and he comes; to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." 10 Taken aback, Jesus said, "I've yet to come across this kind of simple trust in Israel, the very people who are supposed to know all about God and how he works. 11 This man is the vanguard of many outsiders who will soon be coming from all directions - streaming in from the east, pouring in from the west, sitting down at God's kingdom banquet alongside Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 12 Then those who grew up 'in the faith' but had no faith will find themselves out in the cold, outsiders to grace and wondering what happened." 13 Then Jesus turned to the captain and said, "Go. What you believed could happen has happened." At that moment his servant became well._____________________________________________________
What do you consider your most prized possession? A house, car, boat, or cash would likely be high on most folks' list. But even treasures and luxuries won't bring lasting satisfaction—why else do so many men and women keep trading up and adding to their collection? Sadly, in the race to have "better" and "more," a lot of people overlook the most valuable asset of all: faith.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen"—and this corresponds to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. Faith isn't something we can work to obtain; rather, it is a gift from the Lord.

Consider the power that God makes available. Jesus said that faith as small as a mustard seed—one of the smallest seeds in existence—enables us to do miraculous deeds (Matt. 17:20). In the book of Acts, for example, we see that the apostles' belief led to numerous healings (3:1-8; 5:16). And Matthew's gospel tells us that through a Canaanite woman's faith, her daughter was freed from demonic possession (15:22-28).

Trust in Christ is even more than an avenue to miracles; it is the way to salvation. The Bible states that there is nothing we can do to achieve eternal security in God's kingdom; we are saved only by His grace, through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).

The best way to move forward is by first receiving life's greatest gift—faith in the Savior. Romans 10:9 says to "confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, [and] you will be saved." Salvation and abundant life are found nowhere else.

Yesterday I studied Psalm 150. I needed a boost. A pick me up. I was feeling away from God. I'm reminded to always remember the mountain top experiences of life, to help you make it through the valleys of life. I was in a funk yesterday. Struggling, struggling, what a day. The scriptures reminded me that I'm created with purpose. We are created to worship God. Our lives are given as a gift to us to bring glory to God. We are to offer our lives back up to God. I realized that I was in a funk because I had for gotten my purpose. Thank you Holy Spirit........Created by a Special God....Yahweh!!!!!!!!

The Lord has made us a special people in order that we may fulfill a special purpose. Isaiah 43:21 says, "The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise." An integral part of worshiping the Lord is proclaiming His greatness.

To praise our Father is to applaud Him for who He is and what He has done. This involves the release of our emotions, which frees us to express unrestrained adoration of the Lord. When someone loves another person, the most natural response is to speak highly about the cherished one. In the same way, those who love Christ find that praise comes easily to their lips.

Praising the Lord is good for us. In our self-centered society, people are primarily interested in getting their own needs met. Sadly, this same attitude has infiltrated some churches. But God doesn't want us to come to church concerned only about ourselves. Praise lifts our eyes to Christ and fills our hearts with the contentment that eludes us when we focus exclusively on personal needs and problems.

Although praise and worship are usually associated with church services, they ought to characterize us wherever we are. Some of the most intimate and precious experiences of worship can happen during times spent alone with God.

If you find that your praise lacks vitality, tell the Lord you want to learn to extol Him with your whole heart. The focus of worship is the key. Remember how God has cared for you, and look for daily evidence of His hand on your life. Then tell Him how great He is.

I love what Charles said today about Salvation. Resinate on this one:
Faith in the Lord Jesus is the very key of salvation. He that has it has life, and he that has it not has not life. Nothing whatever beside this faith is necessary to our complete justification; but nothing whatever, except this faith, will give us an interest in Christ. We may fast and mourn for sin, and do many things that are right, and use religious ordinances, and give all our goods to feed the poor, and yet remain unpardoned, and lose our souls. But if we will only come to Christ as guilty sinners, and believe on Him, our sins shall at once be forgiven, and our iniquities shall be entirely put away. Without faith there is no salvation; but through faith in Jesus, the vilest sinner may be saved.

Last night was amazing at group life. I know I say that every week, but it was. And you know I'm bias when it comes to growing as a believer (Community). Well I debated about even blogging this week because of life challenges and struggles that I have been facing. I blogged on Monday and I had 2 people to leave me messages that they had received Christ. To God be the glory, Its not about me. My point is that God can use anyone no matter what they are going through if they yield to His leading. I'm just little old me. Enough rambling. This week has been tough. Honestly its been one of the toughest weeks in a while. In the mist of my trials and tough times I have drawn closer to God, and The Holy Spirit has produced fruit in my life. Friends if you want to be more like Christ, If you want the abundant life that Jesus speaks of, you will have to go beyond complacency. So I read and studied Proverbs 3 today. Took notes from Charles Stanley's devo's. It came alive to me when I read it in the message version. God wants our lives to be yielded to Him. Yielded and surrendered we can impact the kingdom of God and live abundant and fruitful lives. I won't promise you that it is easy. In fact I'm going to tell you up front that its not going to be easy. I've suffered a few things in life. I say without an inch of doubt that the joy Jesus has given me has well surpassed any struggle. And just think He says the immeasurable joy He has give me now can't hold a candle to what He has in store for us as believers.


God has created us with a longing to know that our presence in this world counts. He also designed us to find the fulfillment of that desire through His Son Jesus Christ.

Dependence on the Lord is central to an abundant life. Trusting Him with all our heart means giving Him control over our families, finances, jobs, and everything else. Today’s passage emphasizes how essential trust is to a fruitful life: we are cautioned against being wise in our own eyes and warned twice not to lean on our own understanding (3:5, 7).When faced with decisions, it is tempting to gather information and choose the answer we think is right. However, we can’t know all the facts or predict with certainty how others will respond. But our Father is omniscient. He “reads” our hearts and perceives every thought (1 Chronicles 28:9). No aspect of our life escapes His notice (Psalm 11:4), and He cares about everyone. That’s why He alone is certain which decision will be best for our circumstances.

The abundant life also involves acknowledging the Lord in all we do. Speaking about Him is just part of what it means to give Him recognition. As His children, we are to have a marked resemblance to our heavenly Father—in thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Our priorities are to reflect His, and our plans should fit with His purposes.

Life becomes fruitful as we surrender ourselves to God and carry out His will. By allowing His Spirit to live through us (Galatians 2:20), we will find our lives characterized by significance and satisfaction.

Wow!!!!! Wow!!!!! Wow!!!! is all I can say after this weekend. I totally took the sermon series we are doing at church lightly. God spoke to my heart in a big way. See we are doing a series on end times and prophecy. I had a good understanding of what Jimmy was going to be preach on. God took my heart by surprise. We focus on the second coming of Jesus Christ this week. I won't butcher the message you can click on the Journey tab on my blog to hear the message. God spoke to my heart with so much conviction Sunday. It was as if God was having a personal talk with me while Jimmy was preaching. 2 years ago we did a series 30 days to live. Up until this weekend no other series had hit me like that. This one got a hold off me and has not let up since. The question was asked: What would you do different and How different would you live your life if you knew for certain that Jesus was coming back today? These 2 questions cut deep into my heart. It was at that moment even before we read the parable of the ten virgins that I was broken before the Lord. He revealed so much emptiness, and just stuff that I had allowed to cloud my heart and vision of God. I had become complacent. My heart was overwhelmed yesterday. I took so many notes. I realize that I do not live each day as if Jesus could come back at any moment. Again not butchering this weekends sermon, The stage is set for Jesus to return. No other prophecy has to take place.Jesus could come back this very moment. Are we ready for that? Are we being watchful and awaiting the return of our Groom? So how do we live in preparation for the return of our King and Groom? Don't be mistaken The Bride Groom is coming!!!!!!

The Preparation

First, receive Christ as your personal Savior. If you have not done so already, ask Him to forgive you
of your sins and yield your life to Him. Jesus died on a cross to pay your sin debt in full. Those who don’t
take this important first step will be separated from Him for eternity.
Second, re-evaluate your lifestyle. No one can tell you if you are on the right track to earning
heavenly rewards. You could be living a godly, righteous life filled with genuine love, peace, happiness,
and selflessness. Or your life might appear holy to others but be insincere or hypocritical. If you honestly
take stock of your motivation and actions, however, the Holy Spirit will bring any problems to light. Ask
yourself, What is at the center of my life? What do I think about the most? Is Jesus Christ in the midst of
my conversations, my motives, my conduct, and my thoughts?
Third, reconsider your priorities. Is your primary goal in life to please the Lord? Or has pleasure,
certain friendships, your career, or financial success become your focus? Paul wrote, “Therefore, we have
as our ambition, whether at home [with the Lord] or absent to be pleasing to Him” (2 Cor. 5:9). Check
your motives to be sure that something other than God is not consuming your attention and energy.
Last, renew your commitment to godly living and faithful service on a daily basis. Begin each day
by giving control of your life to Jesus Christ. Allow Him to work through you to touch the lives of others.
Each morning, decide to live that day for Him in every area of your life. If you will do this consistently,
God will give you satisfaction and peace, use you to impact the lives of others, and prepare you for your
predestined appointment with Him.
I encourage you to yield control of your life
to God on a daily basis. Seek to please Him with
your friendships, at your job, with your family,
and in your leisure time. Faithfully place the Lord
at the center of your life. When our predestined
appointment comes, may you and I hear Him say,
“Well done, good and faithful servants.”

I'm praying that God uses our study that we are doing this week. Its about brokenness. I want to put my attention on it all week. I believe that its essential in life to be broken by God. I believe that it is a process that strips worldly things from our life. I have been broken by God several times. Each time my faith matures and I become more intimate with God. When I'm broken I see myself as who I really am but realize that God sees me as who I can be. He refuses to leave me comfortable and content,with a regular life. He created us for so much more. I have become cold in this broken state that I'm in. I have taken back control of my life. Last year God used the process of brokenness in my life. I can honestly say that it was the closest I had ever felt to Him. Since last year I have become comfortable with existing and my simple christian life. I want more..... I want more.....God wants more of me.... So how does that happen? I must decrease in self, surrender my will, in order for Him to will His life through me. Brokenness...........................
2 Corinthians 2:7-9
7 so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. 9 For to this end also I wrote, so that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.

No one enjoys heartache. Yet God uses pain to mold His children. Although wonderful, happy times feel great, times of suffering tend to produce growth.

Brokenness is God’s way of dealing with the part of us that wants to act independently of Him. He targets areas that hinder His purposes. Then skillfully and lovingly, our Father arranges circumstances that will allow us enough discomfort to realize our dependence upon Him.

The apostle Paul experienced this. After being saved on the road to Damascus, he still needed spiritual growth in order to be most effective for Christ. Therefore, God allowed some type of affliction, which the apostle termed a “thorn.” Three different times, he pleaded with the Lord for its removal, but the thorn remained. Remarkably, Paul’s response was gratitude. Even more, he wrote, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Like Paul, we can dislike suffering and yet still be confident that God is growing us. His purpose is that we walk in intimate oneness with Him and serve effectively according to His purpose and will. To accomplish this, He has to break us of our rebellion, resistance, and self-will.

If you truly desire to live for Jesus, trust Him enough to pray, “Lord, more than anything else in life, I want to live for You. Please break me of any areas that are not in complete submission to Your will.”

I received so many thoughtful comments in my blog over the Easter Holiday. Thank you all so much. I love to hear what God is doing in other people lives. I joy in God with you. Yesterday's worship service was amazing. I thought my heart was going to explode when we watched this video, http://vimeo.com/1371841.(That's My King!) It was a great way to finish passion week. So what's next. What do we do now? Many people gave their lives to Jesus this weekend. If you did you received a gift that can never be taken away. You can never lose your salvation. I know this doesn't sit well with people but God gives perfect gifts and we didn't do anything in the first place to receive salvation. We just had to accept what He did and gave.
I woke up this morning with some old temptations that I knew through the power of the Spirit had been defeated. Satan wanted to remind me of my past. I say to all believers new and old: Satan is defeated you are born again and you have the victory through Jesus Christ over sin. Does that mean we will not sin, Oh no. We will sin until Jesus comes back again. We should sin less. When unconfessed sin is present in our lives it breaks the intimacy with God that we have.

Sin can shake our faith in eternal security. God promised that anyone who believes Jesus Christ died on the cross for his or her sin will live forever in heaven (John 6:40). But because unconfessed sin creates a barrier between the Lord and the believer, it short-circuits faith and assurance.

When a believer confesses wrongdoing, the Father forgives and cleanses His child (1 John 1:9). But by failing to admit to sin, a Christian will experience estrangement from God. He or she may feel unworthy of the Father's love and can even struggle with a sense of rejection. Ask people in this situation if they are certain about their eternal future, and you'll probably hear, "I used to be." Sometimes they will go so far as to tell me that they are no longer saved—but that is impossible. While we can lose our assurance, we can never lose our salvation or our place in heaven.

Too often, people mistake the Lord's chastising hand for confirmation of their lost condition. "God wouldn't put me through this if I were saved," they'll say. Actually, the opposite is true. The Father disciplines those whom He loves, so correction is proof that we are His children (Heb. 12:6-7). Chastisement is His way to guide the wayward believer back into fellowship with Him.

Jesus is our Advocate before God. Like the high priests of ancient Israel, He atones for our sins through sacrifice—His death on the cross. We can't sin our way out of His grace. The minute we confess our wrongdoing, estrangement dissipates and assurance comes flooding back into our hearts.

Our King Jesus, on this (Good Friday) Gave His life on the Cross for you and me. What would you say to to Him if you had a chance to talk to Him face to face. What thoughts come to your mind when you imagine standing in front of the Man who sacrificed everything so that we could have abundant life. This morning as I pondered this in my heart I became overwhelmed in His presence. At that moment I fell to my knees. I thought that I was going to cry out and pray but I found myself speechless....... No words, No sounds..... I started thinking about what the gift of salvation means to us. So with the help of Charles Stanley here are the 5 things that flooded my heart and brought me to complete silence.......
Jesus' shed blood redeems believers (1 Peter 1:18-19) knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.. This means that we are purchased from a life of slavery to sin. Furthermore, we receive forgiveness—the wrongs of our past, present, and future are totally washed away (Eph. 1:7-8). In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace ….. which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight….. For the rest of eternity, God views His children through the "veil" of Christ's blood, which makes them pure and holy. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is declared no longer guilty (justified—Rom. 5:8-9) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. and brought into relationship with God (reconciled—Col. 1:19-22). For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— This unalterable change in status from sinner to saint happens the moment a person receives Christ as Savior.
The final word, sanctified, describes the life-long maturing process that begins when a person trusts in the Savior (Heb. 13:12) Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. . A saint is set apart from the rest of humanity for the purpose of making him Christ-like. Through discipleship, testing, and teaching, God "drains out" our old self and pumps the life of Jesus into our heart and life.

Today I'm just free styling. I should be writing this on my Honesty blog page, but it is only by God's grace and for His Glory that I'm able to share straight from the heart. For years I have called myself a believer. It wasn't until a few short years ago that I found intimacy with Christ. I have ran from God my entire life. In the process of running I have hurt countless people. I'm ashamed at the way I treated people in my past. People would say on the outside looking in "Not you man" but yes me. I had a chance to confront and sit down over a cup of coffee and ask someone that I wronged over 12 years ago to forgive me. To my amazement they had forgiven me years before and gave it all to God. We talked and cried for hours. I literally saw a picture of God's Grace so clear yesterday. It was as if God was saying this is what I did for the world. I forgave all the sins and wrongs that the world has ever done, is doing right now, and will do in the future. He loves us in spite of our imperfections. Oh How He Loves you and me....... I regained a friend for life yesterday that's for sure, but the key relationship that was restored was my relationship with Jesus. I know you are saying right now that Greg you talk about your relationship with God everyday. I do. I do, but relationships grow and mature. I'm on a amazing Journey with Jesus. I'm far from perfect. I make mistakes all the time. The road gets bumpy from time to time. As my friend said yesterday life happens. This week means everything to me. As I said in my blog yesterday I take this time every year to realign my life and pray that God works on my heart. To watch, see and feel Him at work yesterday was amazing. He literally rocked my world..........Passion week pulls everything together for me in my life. God is my Rock..... This week exhibits the greatest Love ever shown. God knew when He created us that this week of passion would happen. On this very day He broke bread and drank wine with the 12 disciples. Representing the blood of the New Covenant. I hope this week is significant to you. If not I plead with you to open your heart to Him. Let Him in. Behold He stands at the door and knock. Open up and let Him in. It doesn't matter what you have done. No sin is too great for God to forgive. In fact He has already forgiven you as my friend had forgiven me. You just have to accept it. Today is the day. Salvation is here. Passion week is so significant to me. Start asking God what your next steps are. It may be just to find a church this week. Go visit. I promise you it will start an amazing journey.
Today was me just being honest. Its not about me. Its all about Jesus. Just say yes to Him..........

As I look back on my life and I think of what this week means to me and to the life of a believer my heart is filled with so much gratitude. I'm forever thankful for the Cross. Passion week is what we have named it at Journey. I can't imagine what Jesus felt that night in the garden of Gethsemane. Our finite minds can't come close to imagining what He went through for us. My sins carried Jesus to the Cross. The way I try to live out my life apart from being Spirit-filled carried Him to the Cross. Man I'm so selfish, Yet His Grace, Love and Mercy reached down from heaven and extended the greatest gift (invitation) ever. He bore the sin wait of the world on His shoulders. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus marvelous is the name. Don't wait until the day of judgment to exalt Him. Exalt Him today. Today is the day. He is worthy. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for you and I.

Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus journeyed into the deepest pit of despair hours before His crucifixion. In the garden of Gethsemane, He repeatedly prayed that "the cup" would pass away (Matt. 26:39). Christ was staring into a chalice of wrath and judgment that must have made His soul recoil (Is. 51:17). Mankind had filled it with the most depraved and evil deeds and thoughts they could conceive. According to Scripture, Jesus Christ did not just die for our sins; He became our sin (2 Cor. 5:21). The holy, perfect Lamb took on Himself all that was vile and dark.

Furthermore, Jesus knew the consequences of accepting mankind's evil. God's holiness prevented Him from being in the presence of sin. Therefore, the Father would have to separate Himself from the Son. Jesus had always enjoyed perfect oneness and relationship with God. To contemplate a wrenching rejection and separation must have been terrifying.

There was no question that Jesus would do God's will. He would become sin and be separated from the Father, if that's what was required to save mankind. For a while in the garden, He pleaded for another route to our redemption. However, when it was clear that the Father's answer was "No, this is the only way," Jesus obediently sacrificed Himself.

Jesus Christ sacrificed more than His life. He exchanged perfection for wickedness and holy union for separation. The Savior did this so we could be transformed into righteous men and women with an eternal future. No wonder all of heaven exalts Him (Rev. 5:11-14). We must do the same.

So people always ask how do you keep intimacy with Christ. Many believers long to have intimacy with Christ and long to keep it when they have it. One way I have found to do that is to keep your heart at the foot of the cross. This is where it begins and ends. The cross was the plan from the beginning of man's creation. When God made us He knew that He would Suffer this tremendous pain. His love for us is so immeasurable. Daily I have to give myself a heart check. Time after time I have to re-evaluate my heart. My daily strength is not in myself or my will-power. As believers we must never forget the Cross. I usually take time out this week before Easter to focus on the cross. The gift of the Cross means everything to me. For the believer it keeps us close to God's Heart. This Easter take some time out to relish in the love of the Cross. What a wonderful Lord and Savior. (1 Cor. 1:18-31)
Consider how illogical Jesus' crucifixion looked to first-century observers. The Romans, who were concerned with power, probably wondered how a mighty God could allow enemies to kill Him. The Greeks valued wisdom and no doubt thought, There must surely have been a better way than the cross! And the Jews, who longed for victory over oppressors, probably felt bewildered to see Jesus humbly let Himself be brutally killed.

Yet, what seemed foolish was actually a brilliant plan. Through the cross, the Lord powerfully revealed His character. First, we see His unconditional love in dying for those who sinned against Him (John 3:16). Second, His righteousness is apparent—only the perfect sacrifice of His own blood could satisfy the penalty for sin. Third, He shows His faithfulness by redeeming us at so great a cost. And fourth, Jesus demonstrates power by conquering sin and death.

In addition to all this, the cross exposed and disarmed Satan (Col. 2:15), who no longer has authority over Christians. Though he can tempt and try followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit is there to strengthen and guide believers to victory.

One last benefit of God's remarkable plan is that we are eternally secure because of the price Jesus paid. That gives us hope and confidence about our future.

Though the cross seems absurd to those who don't understand, God's children know it is the Father's wise design. We have assurance for today and security for tomorrow only because of this amazing event that occurred over 2000 years ago. We have no need to fear, but every reason to hope. Charles Stanley

I love reading comments on my blog. Yesterday I read one that made me want to just reach out and give the writer a hug. Life is not easy. If you are a believer its gets tough. We have the assurance of our salvation and that Daddy Abba Father has got our back no matter what. Brother we all mess up everyday. I'm probably a bigger mess up than most. The difference between us and someone not born again is just that. They haven't accepted Jesus as there Lord and Savior. Once you accept Him it is then by faith and your trust in Him. He has done the perfect work. He has given the perfect gift. We just have to accept it. Once we accept the gift we must live in the freedom and authority that we have. We can't live a sinless life. That's impossible. You can live a life with less sin........ Galatians 5 gives some insight.
Have you ever felt like quitting the Christian life? Perhaps you have tried to be the kind of person God wants you to be. You've established a consistent quiet time with the Lord, reading the Bible and praying. But still you seem to have one struggle after another. So you think that you might be missing something—or that maybe this life isn't all it's cracked up to be. Let this be a comfort: many believers, myself included, have toiled through a period of defeat.

The key to living a life of joy, peace, and victory is found in Galatians 5. Notice that I did not say a life without conflict or one free of temptation, trial, or heartache. Those are part of the human condition. But we can triumph through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In fact, today's passage makes clear how vital it is for believers to live a Spirit-filled life. When a person trusts Jesus Christ as Savior, he or she is saved and steps from darkness into light. But believers do not then just stand around. As followers of Christ, we fall in step with the Holy Spirit, who teaches us to stay on our feet when we are wobbly, to move uphill without tiring, and to stand again after we have fallen. We rely upon Him as our strength, guide, and comforter.

Does getting through a defeat feel more like crawling than walking? Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is right with you, and He has all the encouragement and power necessary to get you on your feet again. The Christian life can't be lived alone—rely upon God's Spirit to escort you each step of the way.

One of my readers reminded me of what it means to have purpose. I will continue to blog. She reminded me of something else also. I used to have doubt. I use to try to earn God's grace and mercy. It wasn't until I studied grace and mercy that I came to realize that there is nothing I can do to earn or increase God's grace in my life. Friend when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior you have Him. It is then up to us to let ourselves go and give Him all of us. Don't doubt Jesus' perfect work that was done on the Cross. In ourselves without His Spirit living in us we will never be worthy.... we live, we exist with purpose and never ending Joy.....All Because Of His Grace.....

James 1:17-18

The Lord's character is often distorted by the world. To unbelieving eyes, God can appear as a harsh ruler who is quick to condemn any disobedience. Somehow that false view has infected our churches as well. There are believers who approach the Lord as if He were a stingy old man doling out shreds of love, grace, and forgiveness. But spiritual poverty is not the Father's plan for His children!

At salvation, we received every good gift that God intends to give us: forgiveness, redemption, righteousness, a place in His family, and much more. There is a misguided notion among some believers that the Lord's grace to us increases as our faith matures. If that were accurate, we would be earning His blessing though works. The truth is that spiritual growth broadens our capacity to recognize and enjoy His grace in our lives.

Sadly, plenty of people feel unworthy to enjoy the Lord's blessings. Thankfully, we do not have to merit His goodness, because none of us would be able to do so. In fact, Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores the fact that God operates on the basis of His grace rather than our works. Think of how big, wide, and deep His love is—He adores, blesses, and showers us with grace because He wants to and not because we earn it.

Our heavenly Father is not stingy. He opens His hand wide to pour out grace upon us. Instead of sampling meager bites of His Word and His presence on Sunday, we ought to devour whole "meals" every day. Follow the psalmist's advice to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (v. 34:8).

Last night's small group was amazing!!!!!! I'm so blessed to be apart of this group. It is an absolute honor. We started our first week of study on the Holy Spirit. Our theme and highlights last night were centered around trust. After all if we are going to live extraordinary lives and allow the Holy Spirit (The Forgotten God) to work in us and through us we must trust Him. I'm seeing so much maturity and growth come out of this group. Spiritually they challenge me each week. My personal opinion is that if you are not in community you are missing out. Well back to our theme. All night our talk kept bringing us back to trust. Some further along than others. I was so blessed hearing the praise reports of the group for what God has been doing in their lives. I love it when you just get it. They got it! They really got it! So what did they get? Like Paul: they are learning the secret to being content yet to have a Spirit-filled life.(Phil 4:11) No matter what the circumstance, trial, problem, trouble, or issues you are facing you can always trust God no matter what. God's promises will never let you down. You can bank on God's promises. He will never fail you. So I hung out in Psalm 37 this morning for a while. It totally blessed my soul. Thanks Charles Stanley......

Psalm 37:1-10 ( I read the whole chapter it was so what I needed)

Throughout Scripture, we are admonished to trust in the Lord. When times are good, this doesn't seem like a difficult task. However, when trials arise, it is much more difficult to rely fully upon Him.

Yet it is always important for us to place our trust in the living God, especially when everything around us seems to be falling apart. That may well have been the situation that inspired the writing of Psalm 37.

Notice that in today's passage, the psalmist mentions several times that we should not fret (vv. 1, 7, 8). Distress over a situation is the opposite of trust, and fretting has ill effects. For one thing, it can take a toll on physical and emotional well being. Another problem is that feeding worry can lead to evildoing: by attempting to manage the situation quickly in our human way, we may miss God's best solution. A third consequence is that others may not enjoy our company, so we could lose our effective witness for the kingdom.

What, then, is the antidote for worry and stress during a difficult time? Absolute trust in Christ. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." This means we are to lay all our burdens at His feet, believing that He is good, loving, and in control.

When trials arise, do you run toward the Lord? Or do you try to handle things yourself? He who created you can handle any difficulty and pain, even when it seems overwhelming. What He desires is your surrender and trust. It is in His arms that you will find rest for your soul.

Let me just say Jesus is Awesome!!!!! I was hanging out with a friend a few nights ago and we got into a big discussion on God's compassion for sinners and how do they know how to hear God's voice calling them. I got my answer a few days ago. It came in the second part of my blog. God is a comforter to all. He has so much compassion. He doesn't have a respect of person. He doesn't look at man's outer appearance. He looks at man's heart.
I met up with an old friend/co-worker a few nights ago. In the world's eye and friends around him would say that he has it going on and everything is going his way. He is successful and I put up the four fingers as to say "Quote"..... But as always you know I love just plain honesty. After fighting our way through a few smoke screens I manage to ask him a few questions. (1) Rate your relationship with God on a scale from 1 to 10. 10 being you are just head over hills in love with Him and you trust Him no matter what. (2) I ask him was Jesus no# 1 in his life. Now of course I'm asking myself these same questions and I do several times throughout the day. He confessed!!! He repented!!!! He gave his life to God that night!!!! We talked for hours upon hours. We just hung out and marveled at how Awesome Jesus is. He is The Comforter of Sinners as well as born again believers.........

John 8:1-11

We expect a loving heavenly Father to care for His children when they are hurt, persecuted, or misunderstood. But you might be surprised to realize that God comforts believers even when they have sinned.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save anyone who believes in Him (John 3:17). Consider His response to the woman whom the Pharisees dragged from an adulterous liaison and dropped at His feet. Her accusers wanted the offender stoned to death. But instead of taking up a rock, Jesus offered her forgiveness. The Lord did not defend her actions or completely erase all consequences of her choices. However, He did offer her compassion and an opportunity to turn her life around: "Go. From now on sin no more" (John 8:11).

God understands our human frailty. And even before we do wrong, He knows the poisonous harvest that we will reap from sin. We certainly want a lot of comfort when we are suffering from our own foolishness. A loving God does not abandon His children at their hour of great need—His Spirit wades into the mess we have made. He offers to guide us out of the pit, soothes our broken heart, and provides reassurance that He is always close by.

Sinning against the Lord makes us feel unworthy of His care and solace. Yet God's forgiveness is based on His great mercy rather than our conduct. If Jesus Christ sacrificed His life to save you from your sins, then He certainly will love and comfort you, no matter what.

I'm looking forward to wrapping the first week's study guide on the Holy Spirit tonight. I have already learned so much. More than just learning I believe my relationship with God has gotten more intimate.
I was talking to a friend last night and they sounded so down. That's the way our enemy wants us to react in tough times. Friends we don't have to walk around defeated. The battle has been won and we have absolute victory in Christ Jesus!!!!
We have Hope.......
1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Hope is both a strong belief and the anticipation that something good is going to happen. When our goals are not achieved, we may experience discouragement, which over time can turn into depression and even despair—the absence of hope.

How can we remain optimistic in the face of unmet expectations? First, we're to remember the reason for our confidence: our relationship with Jesus. At salvation, we were born into a living hope (v. 3)—God made us a "new creation," and we are no longer in bondage to the old sin nature (2 Cor. 5:17 niv). His Spirit lives within us. We have been made co-heirs with Christ, and our true home is in heaven with Him. Nothing can alter our familial connection with the Lord.

Second, to maintain a positive outlook, we must spend daily time in the Scriptures. Romans 15:4 says that the Bible was written to give us encouragement and hope. The Psalms can be especially helpful in difficult times because they express the feelings we have and also tell us about the comfort available from God.

Third, we rely on the Lord's faithfulness. Trusting in Him will never disappoint us because all of His promises are yes in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20).

Believers should not react to trials as the world does. We're to live by faith—"being sure of what we hope for " (Heb. 11:1 niv). When circumstances overwhelm you, shift your focus to the Lord. Read the Scriptures to find encouragement, and be reminded of what is yours in Christ (Eph. 1:3-8).

I had a small window of study time for my group studies last night. Looking forward to taking a break today and getting back into it. We are doing a study on the Holy Spirit the forgotten God. It is important that we realize who the Holy Spirit is. He is God. He was always present (Even in the creation of all things). My point again is not to get theological, but to tell you that this same God wants to come live in side your heart. He wants a personal relationship with you. What a gift!!!! Now what does it take to receive this precious gift? Faith......
I believe faith is given then developed. God gives us faith. Faith in the sight of a carnal world is not understood. Your friends that don't operate in faith will not understand some things you do and go through. I'm thankful for friends that not only understand but are walking by faith through tough times along side of me. It is only by grace that we are able to walk by faith and overcome. God is so amazing!!!!! So what is your next step? My friends are praying for me, because I honestly don't know what God is preparing me for. I just know and trust Him completely. Keep walking in the spirit by faith in God........

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance ; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise ; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Abraham is one of the people in the Old Testament who have had a great impact on my spiritual walk. In his life, I see the necessity of living by faith.

Separation is oftentimes a part of our development as Christians. Before we can take on something new, the Lord may ask us to let go of something we already have.

In Genesis 12:1-3, God told Abraham he was going on a journey that would require leaving his country, his people, and his father's household. Obedience meant saying goodbye to relationships and things dear to him. The only family that traveled with him were his wife and nephew; the life he knew in his homeland was left behind. But this godly man did not hesitate. His strong faith enabled him to say yes.

Moving ahead in the midst of uncertainty can be another aspect of following the Lord. Abraham was told to travel without knowing his destination. Try to imagine explaining to friends that you're moving away but have no idea where you are going. This lack of detail did not stop Abraham. Unwavering trust in his heavenly Father enabled him to answer the divine call wholeheartedly—even though specific details were lacking. Abraham was spiritually ready to answer affirmatively when God called.

Following God requires living by faith, which means: trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us (John 16:13) when we don't see how all the pieces fit together; believing that God always works for our good (Rom. 8:28) and His glory; and desiring to please our Father. Will you be ready when He calls?

It has been a while since my last blog. My work picked up and I had to step back from a few things. I have missed blogging. I had to start back today. Its been a tough and trying time for myself and some of my friends. Life has been hitting us from all angles, (But God)..... God has brought me through some tough times in life. My life right now is in rebuild. He's preparing me for what He is preparing me for. What I have learned is that when we are going through tough times we have to realize who God is. So who is God to you? Is He your source? Friends hold on to God's unchanging hand. His power, His might, His strength........ God is a comforter. He knows exactly what you need. Trust in Him, Surrender and give it all to Him. At church we are going through a series on the Holy Spirit the forgotten God. This falls right in line with what God is speaking into our lives. Open your ears and heart. Don't miss what He is saying. Draw nigh, and seek God while He can be found. In your darkest hour the Lord will show-up. God has a lot to say about comforting. Us comforting one another, but ultimately He is the Comforter....

2Corinthians 1:3-7
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation ; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer ; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.

Look up "comfort" in dictionary.com or another reference, and you will read a definition like this: "Something that promotes a state of ease or provides freedom from pain and anxiety." But God's Word has a different solution when consolation is needed: the indwelling Holy Spirit. In Greek, He is called parakletos, which means "he who stands at one's side; he who comes to one's aid." Believers don't have to seek outward remedies or distractions to ease their mind, because help is available within.

Even before the Spirit was sent to indwell believers (John 14:26; Eph. 3:16), Scripture identified God as the one who comforts His people (Isaiah 40:1; 49:13). The Lord personally provides consolation and reassurance because no one knows our hurts the way He does.

I like this anonymous quotation: "When we have gone into the furnace of affliction, His hand is on the thermostat and His eye is on the clock." God lets us pass through hardship to make us stronger believers, wiser servants, and more humble people. But He stays right by our side through the entire experience, sustaining us and limiting the intensity and duration of our distress. The Holy Spirit's reassuring whisper to our heart gives more comfort than the solace of family or the encouragement of friends.

People who fail to understand the true source of comfort try to escape their pain. They seek out pleasures, material wealth, or drugs and alcohol to soothe their heart. Only God can offer lasting relief from the crushing pressure of heartache. He even brings joy into periods of mourning.

So I was hanging out with a good friend the other night. Our conversation kept getting deeper and deeper. The question came up: How do you view the world? And with that type of view of the world how do you keep peace and joy? There is only one remedy to keeping true peace and joy in a chaotic world as we live in. But God........
So I believe that the world is in turmoil. Each generation gets more selfish. We are believing more and more that we can live without God. Theology teaching is not my main goal in my blogging. Pointing people to a loving God is what I shoot for each time I write.A quick thought: How would you feel if you died and you made it to heaven. Everything people had told you was true. You had everything you could ever desire. No more sickness,pain, suffering. Money issues solved.You also had eternal life. All of this but you find out God is not there. How would you feel? Most people would be ok. Some would be cool with that.Would you? How we answer this one question could tell a lot about the condition of this world. But God......knowing our condition gave His life for us All....
He is a loving God. He wants to have a personal one on one relationship with you, But we have a huge problem. We are born in the sin nature flesh and world. But God...........

Romans 3:23-24

All people sin against God. When man was created in the garden of Eden, he had a choice to obey or disobey the Lord. At that time, there was only one thing that was off limits, but Adam and Eve chose to partake of the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:3-6).

Since then, the entire human race has been poisoned by sin. The daily bad choices we make are only symptoms of the bigger problem—our sin nature. But God is so perfectly pure and holy that sin cannot enter His presence. Therefore, we come into this world with an "inherited" condition of separation from the Father.

Scripture states that sin's punishment is eternal death, and there's nothing we can do to correct the problem. In other words, left to fend for ourselves, we are doomed. Each of us desperately needs redemption.

So God, in His amazing love for us, sent His only Son as the solution to our problem. Fully man yet fully God, Jesus lived a perfect life and then gave His life for our sake. He deserved glory but instead took our sin upon Himself and endured excruciating suffering and separation from His Father. Why would He submit to such torture? Christ took our place and our punishment. He allowed Himself to die a criminal's death on the cross to save each of us. Three days later, He rose to life again, conquering sin and death.

Jesus, in His love, overcame our dreadful fate and offered us eternal life instead. This free gift is available to you. Simply believe that Christ is Lord, He died on the cross for your sin, and He rose from the grave. Don't wait to accept this great salvation—commit to following Him today.
Help from Charles Stanley...

So I have several friends who are going through some type of trial. Life was going smooth and then circumstances just hit them. Of all the trials that we identify with one thing has been certain. God allows doors to both open and close in our lives. God is faithful with all of His promises. We should praise Him and draw close to Him regardless of the door that we are standing behind. If doors are open JUMP in and give Him all the glory. If your door has been shut for a moment keep standing, keep praying, keep the faith. Its not for us to decide. My friends have exemplified great faith and by their faith my faith has been strengthen. It has been through the Power and the Faithfulness of a Wonderful Loving God that we have been and able to stand. His grace is sufficient in all circumstances. Open your heart to Him today.....Great devo's from Dr. Charles Stanley.

Act 16:5-10

Facing a "closed door" can be extremely frustrating. The apostle Paul knew exactly how that felt. On his second missionary journey to share the gospel in Asia, he repeatedly found the way blocked by the Holy Spirit. Eventually the apostle was stuck in Troas with the sea before him and closed doors behind.

How strange it must have seemed to Paul that God would prevent him from spreading the gospel. But he knew this wisdom from the book of Proverbs: The Lord will make a straight path for anyone who chooses to trust God rather than himself (vv. 3:5-6). Instead of getting angry or trying to force his way into new territory, Paul got on his knees.

The Bible does not record how long he and Timothy lingered in Troas, but we can be sure that the apostle did not move until the Lord revealed the entrance to a new mission field. Christians in a period of watchful waiting should view the situation as a chance to seek not only God's purpose but also His guidance. This is the time to ask the Lord why He has barred the way forward—perhaps the timing is wrong or we need to deal with unconfessed sin. Whatever the reason, we must be sensitive to the Spirit's leading. We want to be ready for the door that will open.

When an opportunity is blocked, God has a reason. And He is providing love and protection, even in your disappointment. The Lord is also keeping His promise to work everything for your good (Rom. 8:28). When one door has closed, a greater one is about to open. Be wise and watch for it.

So I had an amazing hike with a friend yesterday. The weather was great. God's country was incredible. Our conversation was God centered. From start to finish we rolled and let the Spirit of God have His way. Out of all the conversations we had this one stuck out most. We wrestled with a question. It was: How do you keep your faith renewed in God and how to sustain a up close and personal intimacy level? God is so amazing! It didn't take long for Him to answer our question. His ears are always open for His Children. He longs to hold you close and to keep you fresh and Renewed.........
Thanks Charles Stanley.

Deut. 10: 12-13
12 "Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the LORD'S commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good.....


• First, have assurance that God keeps every promise. The Bible contains an amazing number of guarantees for believers, including wisdom for the asking, God's constant presence, and peace when we focus on Him.

• Second, anticipate the Father's response. In other words, prepare for what He will do because of your confidence in His promises.

• Third, be aware daily of His involvement in your life. By spending time in the Word, prayer, and meditation, you will become sensitive to what He is doing.

• Fourth, pray boldly because you are God's child (Heb. 4:16). Approaching the Father in such a manner isn't a prideful confidence, but an overflow of your assurance in Him.

• Finally, obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is the true test of your belief—in fact, the Bible says that without action, faith is dead (James 2:17).

Can you sense that your life is progressing and you are maturing into Christ's likeness? Or do circumstances and character traits seem to hold you back? God promises to continue making His children beautiful throughout their lives. You can resist Him or cooperate with His gracious work in you.

Wow! It seems like forever since I have actually blogged. I took a mini vacation drove to the beach and spent some quality time with my family. It was a well needed time away. I had an awesome time. Today I took some time to reflect on my life as a child of God. I'm doing a group study this week on the life of Paul. The first few times we see Paul/Saul in the bible he was not a delight at all to God. Infact he probably was making God sick to his stomach. He persecuted the church of God. Then we looked at Saul's tranformation into Paul on the road to Damascus. Immediately after Paul's conversion he start preaching and proclaiming the name of Jesus. The very name he had been kicking against. Paul devoted the rest of his life to serving God.
Here is a sample of How this made me reflect. I have sat in those seats of position both against God and for God.
Everyday is not going to be a cake walk. If you are totally surrendered the journey road is not going to be straight. There will be bumps and curves along the way. Blessed be the name of the Lord you will have Joy unspeakable Joy if you learn this passage: Mat 11:28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
We can bring Him delight. He loves us so much. Oh how He loves you and me....
Thanks Dr. John MacArthur.

Perhaps you haven't given much thought to how you can bring joy to God, but Scripture mentions several ways. Luke 15:7, for example, says, "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." Verse 10 adds, "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Repentance brings joy to God.

Faith is another source of joy for God. Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." That's the negative side of a positive principle: when you trust God, He is pleased.

In addition to repentance and faith, prayer also brings God joy. Proverbs 15:8 says, "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight."

Righteous living is another source of joy to God, as David acknowledges in 1 Chronicles 29:17: "I know, O my God, that Thou triest the heart and delightest in uprightness." Solomon added that those who walk blamelessly are God's delight (Prov. 11:20).

Repentance, faith, prayer, and righteous living all please God because they are expressions of love. That's the over-arching principle. Whenever you express your love to Him--whether by words of praise or acts of obedience--you bring Him joy.

Doesn't it thrill you to know that the God of the universe delights in you? It should! Let that realization motivate you to find as many ways as possible to bring Him joy today.

Its Friday, sorry I have not been blogging as much. I have been studying, reading and getting ready for the next chapter(JUMP) that God is taking me through in my life. First things first please be in prayer for me this week. My study group has double with such an awesome group of people. God has really blessed me with great friends who want to be totally surrendered. That is awesome!!! Next hopefully I will be able to take some time out to start putting my book together.
Enough about me, because you know that it is all about Jesus. Small group wrapped up our final study on (JUMP) Fear vs Faith. Let me tell you it ended with fire. I felt so convicted and compelled to be closer to God. What an awesome time we had. If you are not in community growing with others I'm going to be straight up and honest with you, you are missing out. You will never live out and up to your full potential until you partner with other believers in community. I believe that with all my heart. I came out of this series thinking about decisions. Those that I have made in my past, Those I have to make today and Those that are in my future. I realize that I can not take back past decisions, I can decide today to make wise choices based on past choices, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams. Enjoy and Savor the greatest gift ever given. God Himself...............

Psalms 119:103-105
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Have you ever chosen a certain path, only to find yourself regretting that decision later? Life consists of a series of choices, some as small as what to eat for dinner, and others with eternal impact.

Facing these crossroads can seem overwhelming, but Scripture offers guidelines to give us confidence and direction. Therefore, as decisions are imminent, we should keep the following in mind:

First, God promises wisdom to His children who ask with faith (James 1:5-6). His Spirit also resides within believers and is available for guidance. Too many Christians try to weigh the pros and cons themselves, and they miss out on the magnificent help from the all-knowing One.

Second, we should delve into the Bible, asking God to open our eyes to His truth and His way. The Lord promises that His Word never returns void (Isa. 55:11). And if we memorize and meditate on Scripture, He will bring the truth to our minds at the appropriate time.

Third, we are wise to be aware of our mental state as we approach decisions. The acronym "H.A.L.T." stands for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired—four states in which we will likely make poor choices. It is well worth waiting until a better time when considering options.

Our choices determine our direction, so consider carefully how you make decisions. Scripture is clear that we see dimly (1 Cor. 13:12); God alone sees the "whole picture." It is vital, therefore, to rely upon His wisdom, truth, and direction every time we select an option before us.

So I have been studying suffering for Christ and the Glory of God for over a year now. I'm in one of the toughest battles of my life at this very moment. When this battle first started I almost felt like throwing in the towel. A matter of fact, It brought me to my knees and I haven't in a spiritual since come up yet. I guess you can say that I'm in the valley. Yet I have seen God be so faithful in this huge storm that I'm in the mist of. This battle has brought me close to the heart of God. I would not, could not, can not live without Him. I was reminded just yesterday about my purpose in life. I am created by God and for God. Two people wrote me to tell me that they had surrendered there life to Jesus after spending some time reading my blog. That is the greatest news one could ever hear. I celebrate with you both today. I'm overwhelmed with joy for you. I know that they will not spend eternity apart from the Creator and ruler of lights. God is so awesome. What is amazing is that He allowed them to Hear His voice. Its grace upon grace given to those that hear His voice. He called them to Himself. We that are believers have been called out by God. So after you surrender nothing magical about life takes all the pain and struggles away. He gives you an inner peace to endure the pain and suffering so that you can identify with who He is. When you endure and your faith matures you realize that God is All.
I was blessed with this weeks lesson from Journey. It was what I needed. If you missed it click on the journey tab on my blog.
I love a good battle. The story of Gideon impresses me way more than the latest movie out 300. Read about it in Judges 7:1-8. Thanks Charles Stanley for you insight.
If you are surrendered to Jesus you are in one of 3 places: In a battle, just finished a battle, or one is coming your way. Take heart knowing that God is with you no matter what. We are victorious and overcomers though Christ. Please continue to lift me up before God. My prayer for us all today is that we find complete joy in Jesus. If you are filled with the Joy of God I pray that you be stayed in His Joy. Nothing can compare to the Joy of the Lord.........Be encouraged.....

The story of Gideon offers scriptural guidance for times when the odds are overwhelming and defeat seems imminent. No matter what your challenges are, the Lord is able to demonstrate His awesome power and deliver you.

God uses difficulty to build faith. Gideon was willing to believe God and go up against an army four times larger than his own. Trusting the Lord is a process which must be learned through experience. At times God takes the people He uses and places them in impossible situations—in that way, they discover that He is faithful. We may prefer to acquire faith by reading a book, but the Lord knows that the best classroom is a place of utter helplessness.

God may require us to do what seems unreasonable. The Israelites were already outnumbered, but the Lord instructed Gideon to reduce the army to a mere 300 men. That made the odds 450 to one! Although God's ways may seem illogical to us, His wisdom and power are far greater than ours, and His plan can be trusted.

God leads us to do that which brings Him glory. The army was now so small that its men could in no way take credit for the victory. The Lord delights in demonstrating His awesome power and glory through our weakness and inadequacy,

Consider life's challenges as opportunities for the Lord to build your faith and prepare you for ministry. He uses those who are willing to obey Him even when the task seems illogical or impossible. And He takes pleasure in showing His faithfulness to those who trust in Him regardless of the situation.

I had an amazing time at group study last night. You would know it, some of the very things that we talked about were in my devotional today.Almost 600 years before Jesus came and gave His life for us and made away for our heart to be made new, Ezekiel wrote about it. The message in Ezekiel is astounding!!! Charles Stanley helped me pull just a facet out of this abounding passage. I had a lot of conversations at group life last night. Two stood out that made me appreciate where and why God has me at this point and at this time of my life. I'm amazed to see people renewed and hungry for God's word. Its rare to find that now a days. It takes me back to when I first realized that I could have a personal relationship with God.It was like a huge bright bright light bulb went off in my head. All my life it was about what I could do to make Him love me more, then I discovered that there was nothing I could do.... He completely did the work at the cross....I only had to believe that with absolute trust in Him and surrender my Heart to Him.
Sorry for my rambling I'm bless to be where I am. I never take God's grace for granted.

Ezekiel 36:25-28

25 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean ; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. 28 "You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers ; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.

The Lord wants to give each of us a "heart of flesh" so that we will be pliable and responsive to Him. When touched by the finger of God, a tender heart yields to the pressure and assumes the form He desires, much like a lump of clay that allows the potter to determine the shape of the vessel.

To aid in this process, God has sent the Holy Spirit to indwell each believer and awaken responsiveness in him or her. By yielding to the Spirit's promptings with ready obedience, the heart becomes increasingly tender and sensitive to His leading. The Lord is able to impart greater understanding of His Word to a soft heart because it has faithfully accepted and obeyed previous teachings.

Any resistance to God will result in hardening. But those who are accustomed to intimacy with Christ—which is the result of submission to Him—will be quick to deal with sin and return to the place of obedience and blessing.

People with tender hearts stay closely connected to the body of Christ, seeking to build up and encourage others in their walk of faith. Such individuals are not only receptive to what God wants to tell them; they are also teachable, in that they are willing to listen and be corrected by others.

This week when you read your Bible and pray, let your heart be soft toward the words of God. As He pokes His finger into each hard area, listen to His instructions, and rely on the Spirit's power to help you yield and obey. Let Him shape you into a beautiful and useful vessel.

My prayer is like David in Psalms 55. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. I believe once you are saved that you are always saved. That's not an issue in my life. Sometimes the cares of life blocks our intimacy with Christ and also creates noise that keeps us from hearing God's voice. We need to invite His presence in our lives daily. Trust Him today with everything. Don't be afraid to jump in completely. Give Him your all. Leave nothing behind. Move forward and don't look back.
On this journey of life I have heard the voice of God and reacted several different ways.
I have ran, disobeyed, avoided, procrastinated, blocked out God's voice. I think the worst thing that I have ever done when I heard God's voice was harden my heart. The period of my life when my heart was harden was the absolute most scariest time I have endured. Oh most people didn't recognize what I was going through. On the outside I still looked like I had it all together. Thanks Charles for this devotion today. I'm forever thankful for God's grace and mercy. His long suffering for me.

God repeatedly calls to His children, but the condition of each heart determines the result. Those with soft and tender hearts hear His voice and yield to Him in obedience, but those with hard hearts resist His warnings and instructions. Surprisingly, upon hearing the same voice, some believers are motivated to a deeper and more obedient relationship with the Lord, while others reject and refuse Him.

Since hardening is a slow process that's often accompanied by rationalizations and excuses, the danger signs may not be readily recognized. How do you respond when the Lord speaks to you through His Word, your conscience, or messages based on Scripture? Carefully consider the following characteristics of a hardening heart:

• Insensitivity or resistance to what God says

• Refusal to put yourself under His authority

• Disobedience to what you know the Lord is instructing you to do

• Justification of sinful conduct

• Resistance to the reproof of others

• Preoccupation with the things of this world (career, relationships, possessions)

• Little interest in spiritual matters

• Absence of private devotion (Bible reading and prayer)

• Avoidance of public worship (gathering with other believers)

A hard heart does not have to stay in that condition. If you have discovered any of the above traits in your life, begin today to return to the Lord. Ask Him to give you a new heart to know Him (Jer. 24:7). Remember, He specializes in making all things new (2 Cor. 5:17).

Another honest day for me. I need God's Word more than I need life. It sustains me. Romans 15 was incredible to read today. God's Word is always amazing. I admire Paul and his life how he allowed the Person of Jesus Christ to speak in his life and through him. God used him to write a love note to us like no other can. God's word is such encouragement. If you are not reading it daily you are missing out on so much.
I took some time out yesterday after I spent some time with a dear friend. Just me and God. I was snowed in. God had me right where he wanted me. I can honestly say that it was one of my best days I have had in a while. Totally Awesome!!!!!

I think it goes well with my devotional today........

Whatever things were written before were written . . . that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. —Romans 15:4


Paul wrote, “Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). In the life-changing wisdom of the Bible, we have a personal message that tells us what God desires for us to be and what He desires to be for us. He has given us His written Word so we “might have hope” as we face the issues of life. Out of gratitude, let’s read God’s written message—and watch it change our lives.

Cling to the Bible; this jewel and treasure
Brings life eternal and saves fallen man;
Surely its value no mortal can measure;
Seek for its blessing, O soul, while you can.

God speaks through His Word to those who listen with their heart.

Today I stand in Awe before the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross of Christ is God's one and final testimony to His Awesome, unconditional love for us no mater what. He longs to hear your voice. He longs to spend time with you. He longs to be intimate with you. He is truly way more Awesome than we could ever ask, dream or imagine with our finite minds.
God exalted Christ "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet" (Eph. 1:21-22).

"Rule," "authority," "power," and "dominion" are designations for angelic beings, whether good or evil (cf. Eph. 6:12; Col. 1:16). In His incarnation Christ was made lower in rank than the angels that He might suffer death on our behalf (Heb. 2:9). Now He has "become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they" (Heb. 1:4), and the Father commands all the angels to worship the Son (v. 6).

But Christ's rule extends far beyond angelic beings. In Ephesians 1:21 the phrase "every name that is named" is a general reference to any form of authority--whether angelic or human, eternal or temporal. Now and forever Christ is the Supreme One! Ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).

The implications of that truth are staggering. For example Christ precedes the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20, the heart of Christian evangelism and discipleship, with this significant statement: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."

Ultimately your evangelism and discipleship efforts will bear fruit because they are backed by the authority of Christ Himself. Does that encourage you to seize every opportunity to share Christ and His Word with others? It should!

Be faithful today, realizing that you represent the One in whom lies all authority.

Nothing can stop His purpose!! Just say yes.(More to be added to this blog feel free to do so)

Today its just me and God. I'm just going to be honest. Can I be? Thanks for saying yes. Life is a journey. Mountain top and Valley low experiences. If it wasn't for God's grace I honestly do not know where I would be. No this is not testimony time. I'm thankful. I don't deserve this life. I don't deserve life at all, but because of Jesus Christ I have life and because of Jesus Christ my life is full. Ten years ago I never would have imagined that I would be where I am today. If I was a heavy gambler I wouldn't have dared to bet you how my life and the current circumstances have played out. Through it all I hear a song of my past ringing out.
(I still have joy) after all the things I've been through Jesus is still my Joy. What an amazing Friend He has given me by given me Himself. God's says that if you lose something in my name for my sake you will gain so much more. It is only through trials, pains, and suffering that I can identify and call Jesus my very best friend. There is no one that can do you like you Him. Some would look at my life and say what a mess you have endured. I look at my life and though I have just crossed (still in ) one of the most driest deserts I have ever faced, and see God's footprints ever so carrying me. I am totally dependent on God. I know without a doubt that I can not, will not make it without Him. Click on the devotional tab in my blog. You will see the devotion that encouraged my soul today. (Upper Room)


Jesus said, "I have come in order that you might have life -- life in all its fullness."
-John 10:10 (TEV)

By His grace are we saved!!!! Today I found an insert from the quotes of Spurgeon. It was wrote by a lady name Karen. It was special to me because it resinates with my spirit. Our very purpose in life is to bring honor and glory to God. He allows us the freedom of choices. With that being said our way of living out our lives should be lived out with a question......What is the wise thing to do?..... In light of our past and present circumstances and in light of our future goals and dreams.
If we are honest with ourselves we are pretty selfish people. Me being the chief. We think about our self pleasures a lot. Needs, problem, satisfaction, fulfillment, has become the main focus of not just the world but even in churches today. Its not about us......Its all about Him. We were created with purpose. We have a destiny. I believe that the ultimate goal in life should be to always seek, serve and bring honor and glory to God.

“That grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.”

(2 Corinthians 4:15)

Many people think the main reason God saves people is so that He can keep them out of hell, or so that they can experience His love or lead happy lives. But all those reasons are secondary.

God saves people because it is an affront to His holy name that someone should live in rebellion against Him. That people experience salvation is not the main issue with God – it is His glory that is at stake.

The apostle Paul said of Jesus, “God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:9-11). Salvation is for God’s glory.

God is glorified when people believe His gospel, love His Son, and accept His diagnosis of their greatest need, which is forgiveness of sin. You certainly benefit from God’s provision of salvation, but you exist for the glory of God.

First of all, thanks John for keeping up with me. I was putting together some study information over the last couple of days. Good to know that you are missed. I love to read the comments and know that people are actually growing and learning. I like wise learn from you all. I just believe that God works through His people to bless and help others. Well today in my early morning devotions my soul was fill with Joy as I read about the difference between joy and happiness. I have lived off happiness and off joy. The joy of the Lord well surpasses any earthly happiness. Listen to what I gathered from a few authors about this Joy. The greatest author who writes about Joy is the Joy giver Himself (God).

Psalm 40:16
16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, Jehovah be magnified.

Though some people use the terms happiness and joy interchangeably, there is a vast difference in their meaning. Both cause a pleasant emotional response, but the former relies entirely upon circumstance. As soon as difficulty arises and pain intrudes, a person ceases to be happy. On the other hand, joy is a gift from God that enables believers to find hope and peace—even when life seemingly falls apart.

At times, however, even Christians live joylessly. Sinful behavior, of course, is one reason. But there can be other causes, too, including regret about past failures, fear of future mishaps, or a pattern of discontentment that's ingrained in one's personality.

If you are a follower of Jesus but lack gladness, take a moment to remember who Christ is—and who you are in Him. To begin with, you are saved eternally, and your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. The love of almighty God is unconditional, and His indwelling Spirit will never abandon you. He understands everything that you face and promises to provide for your needs.

When you stop to consider the amazing blessings that are yours in Christ, gratitude will likely overwhelm you. Sadness concerning circumstances may still endure, but the joy of the Lord will carry you through even the deepest pain.

Amid the ups and downs of life, does God's joy sustain you? Or do trials leave you hopeless and discontented? Our Father offers a higher way of living—not without pain but with strength to endure. Continually remember the vast treasure you have in Him and His promises.

"On Joy"

"Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures." —Thomas Aquinas

"Joys are always on the way to us. They are always traveling to us through the darkness of the night. There is never a night when they are not coming." —Amy Carmichael

"Joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian." —G. K. Chesterton

"Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross. It is an unknown word and thing except as He has sway within." —Samuel Dickey Gordon

"If there is joy in the world, surely the man of pure heart possesses it." —Thomas à Kempis

"Joy is never in our power and pleasure often is." —C. S. Lewis

"If you have no joy, there's a leak in your Christianity somewhere." —W. A. "Billy" Sunday

"There is more joy in Jesus in 24 hours than there is in the world in 365 days. I have tried them both." —R. A. Torrey

Jesus promised His disciples on the night Judas betrayed Him, “Your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22). Remember that joy is the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Let’s ask the Lord to help us look beyond our sorrowful circumstances and encourage our hearts by the vision of joy that awaits us (Heb. 12:2). — Vernon C. Grounds

You alone, Lord Jesus, can true joy impart,
For You know the sorrow of the human heart;
You came here from glory many hearts to win
And in love for sinners suffered once for sin. —Anon.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that’s always in season.

In my devotions today I learned about the peace of God. I know that true peace can only be found in the Cross of Jesus Christ. Peace with God is different from the peace of God. They both are very important. My prayer today is that God's peace will invade our lives. Jesus spoke of this peace in John 14:27 to His disciples just a day before He was crucified. Listen to what He said:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Peace with God comes when you give your life to God. Salvation gives us peace with God. What we need in life is the peace of God. Listen to what Paul wrote.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all ...
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ...
If I'm going to have God's peace in my heart, I must accept His view of my current circumstances. Do you believe that?
We must rest in His love and power to see us through it. Not of our own strength but His.
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love
God-those whom He has called according to His plan. ...
When I accept God's view of my circumstances I hold to His promise that nothing will separate us from Him.

Psalm 119:165 tells us how we can enjoy the peace of God.
Those who love Your law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble.

God's word is essential. Our soul and heart needs Gods word more than our body needs air.
Our act of servitude is a response of God's love. We should never grow tired. But some do. How does one become tired of doing God's work.
We must do everything in the strength of the lord. We must remind God of His promises to us. He is forever faithful. We must walk, live and do our lives in faith.
I've had a peace about life since I was young. I'm blessed to know that God has been actively working in my life since I was born. Though I deviated off life's journey many times He was always there for me. Carefully guiding me to the place where I am today. Last March I received some tough news about the lost of a real close love one. He lived such a modeled life before God. When He died I didn't question God, I trusted God that His view of the circumstances were perfect. I realized God had called him home. I can honestly say that I experienced the peace of God in this situation. I thought that I was closer to God than I had ever been. Until July I was given the worst news that my heart had ever received. Its is by God's Grace and only by His grace that I was able to endure this news. If it was not for the peace of God this last year I would not had made it. Never would have made it. God is so so so Awesome!!!! Never take Him for granted. Well as you can see I really want you to find both peace with God and the peace of God.
Just say yes......