"Mustard Seed Faith"

By Zoe

Although the mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds in agriculture, it is able to grow into a large tree, sometimes in even the most adverse conditions.The Parable of the Mustard Seed can be found in the New Testament in Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:18-19. This parable was told by Jesus. The parable describes the mustard seed, which is the smallest seed that was planted. The seed then grows and becomes a great tree in which birds can perch in it's branches. The tree which grew from the tiny mustard seed now provides security and shelter.

Just as a mustard seed can grow into a great tree that provides security and shelter, even the tiniest bit of faith can drive us to accomplish great things with God's help. Without God's help, we are relying on our strength alone to tackle our every day challenges. Before we know it, fear creeps in and hinders our confidence and self-esteem. Fear hinders our faith. Fear keeps us from fully experiencing JOY and from living our life to the fullest; it gets in the way of our dreams, our goals, and our potential. Faith and fear don't go together.

Definition of FEAR: to be afraid of, worried about or expect something (something bad or unpleasant)...Synonyms of fear: WORRY, STRESS, CONCERN, BOTHER.

That said, "What are you afraid of? What is your fear?"

What is holding you back from saying something, from writing something, from a dream, from receiving a blessing, from loving someone or "receiving" love, from forgiving someone, from smiling, from believing, from doing something you have always wanted to do - an art class, a trip, a hobby, dancing like nobody's looking, singing like nobody's listening, learning to play an instrument, going camping....I don't know...whatever it is, what is stopping YOU?

Did you know that the word BELIEVE is a verb? BELIEVE is "faith in ACTION".

Definition of BELIEVE: to accept or regard something as true; to have trust in the ability or worth of something or someone.

Dare to BE....Dare to BELIEVE....Just DARE!!
All you need is FAITH as big as a "MUSTARD SEED"

BELIEVE and let God do the rest!!

Father God, would You increase my FAITH today? Please replace my FEAR with FAITH. Keep me mindful that you did not give me a spirit of fear, "but one of power, love, and sound judgment" (2 Timothy 1:7). Help me to TRUST You - to BELIEVE - with full ccnfidence that You will take care of the rest. Amen and thank You Lord!!

"Created On Purpose, For A Purpose"

By Zoe

JEREMIAH 29:11

God has a plan for your life. Be assured that everything about you was intentionally created that way. God designed you exactly as you are on purpose, FOR a purpose. He wants to use you and bless you in an AMAZING way. He has given you a voice and, as Pastor Myron says, "You stop talking, you lose!".

Pray for REVELATION!!... Our Almighty God will give it to you!!

Lifting you up - yes, YOU, the one reading this post!! Lifting you up in the name of Jesus, that God will give you some revelation today. And that even when you may not understand what God is revealing to you, that you will choose to RECEIVE it, to seek wisdom and understanding about it, and to rise to the occassion. You were "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) in His image, created with a special purpose and "plan" (Jer 29:11).

Father, please RENEW the strength of your children when they are feeling weak and RESTORE in them the JOY of Your salvation when discouragement creeps in. Please do not let our emotions get in the way of YOUR plan and YOUR mission. Thank You Lord. In the name of Jesus, name above ALL names, Amen!!
 

A Beautiful Song

By Martin

There is a beautiful song by Aaron Shust called "My Savior My God".  The song starts with the words, "I am not skilled to understand, what God has willed, what God has planned."  It is a wonderful song.
I decided not too long ago that I wanted to learn to play that song on the guitar.  So, I found a youtube video made by Aaron himself on how to play his song.  I started learning to play it about a week ago.  I feel like I am getting further along in the playing of the song.  Last night, I was playing what I know of the song to Zoe.  She could definitely hear the song coming to life. 
Zoe made a decision that she would like to learn to play an instrument before the year is up.  So, when I got up to do something she picked up my guitar.  I had the youtube video on and she began her attempt to play the song.  Once I showed her the key notes to get the intro, she was excited and began playing those notes over and over again.
Isabela decided she wanted to play as well.  Unfortunately, she wanted to play on the same guitar that Zoe was playing.  She suggested that Isabela get her own guitar, but she didn't want to do that.  It was more of an attention thing.  So, she got on the drums; which are quite loud.  Zoe and I decided to go out on the deck to play; we could not hear over the drums.  I agreed and grabbed one of my other guitars.  That way I could show Zoe the chord structures that Aaron uses in the song.  Samuel came outside with us to play.
After a while, we decided to go back inside because it was time to get ready for bed.  Almost immediately after walking through the door, I could hear the song playing on a guitar.  I was holding one of the guitars and Zoe was holding the other.  Neither of us were playing.  I looked on my tablet to see if the youtube video was still playing; but it wasn't.  I looked at Zoe as to see if she heard it as well.  I ran upstairs to see if possibly something was on upstairs.  But, nothing was on upstairs either.  During this time, I kept hearing the song.  The song played probably three or four times and it was just the introduction.  I heard it most downstairs where we had been playing it.  I came back downstairs and looked at Zoe.  I said, "We have a ghost!"  She said, "I know we do."  I added, "Well, it's good that it likes to play Christian music."
I sent a text message to many friends and family members about our encounter.  But, this was not our first encounter with a spirit.  Last year, Zoe and I had our picture taken in our kitchen.  In the background, you can clearly see a black figure.  The figure looks as if it is trying to get out of the picture.  Too late!  :)  We are not worried because we know we are protected by God and His Angels.  We also find it a great relief to know that the spirit that lives in our home loves Christian music.

"Radical Love"

By Zoe

 

God's LOVE is a radical kind of love. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

I have a 3-year-old son, Samuel. As I read John 3:16, I find myself asking the following question, "Would I give up Samuel, my one and only son, as a sacrifice in order for the sins of the world to be forgiven? Would I freely give Samuel up to take a punishment he does not deserve so that everyone who believes will receive the gift of eternal life?"....Wow...I don't know that I would. God didn't even think about it, He just did it because He loves us all so much....He gave His One & Only Son & by doing that He started a Love Revolution!!

We were created by Him & for Him, to be in relationship with Him & one another.

LOVE is the reason we are here. Have you received His gift of LOVE?

You need to know that whatever you've done, whatever keeps you up at night because of guilt, fear & shame....you are FORGIVEN.

God did not give His One & Only Son for His children to live in captivity. He did not give His One & Only Son for His children to live in fear.

 
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Son that our sins may be forgiven. Thank You for the gift of salvation & eternal life. Please replace my fear with FAITH. And may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Your name I pray. Amen."

Men of Courage or Integrity?

By Martin

            There is a song out by Casting Crowns called Courageous, used in the movie by the same name.  If you haven’t seen the movie Courageous, I would highly recommend that you see it.  It is a great movie!! 

            But, I am not talking about the physical courage.  Sure, in the movie they are police officers and they have to show courage in the line of duty.  Or, the man who fended off the would-be auto thief to protect his son.  I understand the physical courage that men need, but that is something that is built into us instinctively.  No, the movie was really about having integrity.

            “Where are you, you men of courage?”  Men of courage are everywhere.  We were designed by God to willingly die for our family.  It went along with the theme of the movie, I get it.  But, it was more like, ‘Where are you, you men of integrity?’  It doesn’t have the same ring to it, but it encompasses more of what he was trying to say.

            In the movie, the main characters made the decision to resolve to be the best men they could be; beyond reproach.  Of course, just as in our sinful nature, one of the men was unable to keep to the pledge.  And that is the problem that we all face every day.  To do what is right, even when no one else is looking, and even if it is frowned upon.

            It is so easy to fall prey to our sinful nature.  We make excuses for it.  And, we even find ways to justify our actions so we may continue to do them.  Why?  Because we are merely carrying out our sinful nature’s desire.  That is where I ask, “Where are you, you men of integrity?  It is easy to muster up the courage to stand-up to a bully.  But, it’s not so easy to say no when we really want to say yes.  It’s not so easy when you know no one else will find out.  ‘It will only be this one time!’  It’s never just that one time, is it?

            Will you be the one beacon of light in the dark night?  Or, will you be a whisper in the storm?  It is easy to do what it right, when it is the in-thing to do.  But, are you willing to do what is right when it could cost you your job?  Your friendship?  Your marriage?

            I challenge you, that for the rest of the summer you resolve to be a man of integrity.  Commit to do what is right….always and not just when it is convenient or easy.  Commit to not looking the other way because you want to get along.  Commit to being the man God has called you to be.  Be a man of integrity.

“A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

“So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9

“Have I not commanded you: be strong and courageous?  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Father, I pray for every man who reads this to be a man after Your own heart.  I pray that when faced with a difficult decision, that you will be with them.  Father, guide our steps and decisions.  We are the heads of our household, and we will choose to follow you.  Lord, please help those men who are struggling.  The men who know it is wrong, but don’t know how to stop it.  How to face the problems that have been created.  Be with those men who are lost and considering suicide as a way out.  Father, you know our hearts for you created us.  You know what we need to be the best that we can be.  Give us your guidance that we may know which way to go.  We cannot lead when we ourselves are lost.  So Father, please be with us that we may correct our ways, to lead our families, and strengthen our nation. 

I love you Father and I thank you for the gift of eternal life.  I know it won’t be easy, but I also know that I won’t have to go it alone.  Thank you Father for being there for me, especially when I didn’t deserve it.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

"Where Is Your Focus?"

 

"Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength;

they will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary;

they will walk and not faint"

~ Isaiah 40:31

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise that as we trust in You, our strength will be renewed. Please help me to keep my eyes fixed on You today and to be in constant communication with You. Encourage me in my failures, teach me humility in my victories, and give me wisdom to receive the blessings that You have in store for me today, as it is Your desire to bless Your children. Remove from my focus anything that is not from You, for You, or about You. In Jesus' name, Amen and thank You Lord.