Sat, Aug 16th - 2:04PM

UNCHANGING GOD

HEBREWS 1:10-12

The foundation of our faith is the truth that God is unchanging.  He has the same character and principles He had when the prophet Malachi wrote the words, "For I, the Lord, do not change" (Malachi 3:6).  In fact, since before He spoke the world into being, God has been exactly as He is today.  This understanding is essential for believers who desire to live the successful Christian life.

If we believe that God, like man, was in a state of change, much of our faith would be pointless.  Why pray to someone who may or may not still be answering?   If that were the case, then we would wonder:  Serving the Lord might yield fruit, but it might not.  We can get into heaven as long we never make God angry, but does He still get upset over the things that bothered Him in the Old Testament, or does He now have new sources of irritation?

What an exhausting life believers would lead trying to keep a fickle God happy!  Sadly, many people do become tired tryng to be perfect Christians.  Rather than geting theologically grounded in God's Word, they are living as they think the Lord desires or following the lead of other people of faith.  One difficult experience can knock the unprepared believer off his feet.

In order for the Lord to lay a solid faith foundation in our lives, we must study the one whom we serve.  Through the Scriptures and our experiences, we learn how God responds to different circumstances, we recognize His methods and purposes for discipline, and we witness His rewarding of righteousness.  More than that we inevitably realize that He is always the same loving Father.

With God's Love,

Lois

Fri, Aug 15th - 12:20AM

      ~~Keys To Spiritual Maturity ~~

Spiritual growth is not a sprint but a lifelong journey.  By examining the condition of your soul, you can accurately determine where you are on the path and make changes to enchance your development.  There are two key areas in which you can measure your progress.

FIRST, evaluate your time spent in Bible study.  Growing believers have a true desire to study the Scriptures.  Christians committed to developing a stronger walk place a high priority on digging into God's Word.  Turn off the TV, and tune in to how you can apply the Bible's wonderful truths.

SECONDLY, how sensitive are you to your own sinfulness?  In the past, you may have been unwilling to forgive or slow to deal with anger.  The mature believer is quick to respond to the Holy Spirit's prompting about confronting sin.

For true and significant growth to occur, you must be honest about the area that need improvement.  In this way, you'll become more Christlike in character and develop into the person God created you to be.

With God's Love,

Lois

Wed, Aug 13th - 7:30PM

WE NEED TO SHARE OUR HOPE

ROMANS 12: 1-3 -- I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2...And be not conformed to this world: abut be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3...For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. kjv

Jesus Christ came into the world to be a substitute sacrifice for mankind. He had a powerful ministry performed numerous miracles, and laid a strong foundation for the church. But His primary purpose was to die for our sins. Jesus’ death satisfied the just demands of God, who declared that the soul who sins must die (Ezekiel 18:4)

By taking our place, the savior cleaned our hearts of sin and guilt, making us worthy to enter God’s holy presence spiritually (while we are on earth) and physically (when we arrive in heaven). We have the assurance of future with Him. And we also have hope for the present, because the Bible promises that God will protect us and provide for our needs. But the Father is not satisfied simply with our coming to faith; He desires that we be the human expression of Christ to the world ( 1 Peter 2:12 ).

God gives us the Holy Spirit, who begins the work of renewing our minds to make us like Jesus. When we follow God’s Word and the Spirit’s guidance, our thought life transforms from selfish to righteous. And since our thoughts are what control our attitudes and actions, those change too. When we are thinking as God does, we appear to others as confident and courageous Christians.

A relationship with the Lord means not only salvation and renewal, but also a future and a hope ( Proverbs 24:14). Jesus is the only “sure thing,” but people cannot know that unless they learn about Him through our words and actions. We need to share our hope!

With God's Love,

Lois

Tue, Aug 12th - 10:21PM

OUR HEAVENLY HOME

REVELATION 21:22 - 22:6

Movies often include scenes of people arriving home.  Delighted to be back, they rush through the front door and gaze at all that is familiar.  The aposte John's vision included glimpses inside our future home, New Jerusalem. The things from our abode will be missing?  But what replaces them will be infinitely better.

First, John told us he did not see any church building, "for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22). No longer will the family of God in Christ be seperatd by denominations.  Next, the apostle reported there will be neither sun nor moon to shine upon the city, "for the glorly of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb" (Revelation 21:23).  There will be no need for electricity, flashlights, or candles!  Third, the gates of the city will always be open.  Unlike the present, locks will be unecessary in our heavenly home.  Nothing impure will ever enter that future residence..sin is banished, and only holiness dwells in the heavenly place.  Death and decay will also be absent.  Neither nature nor mankind will ever suffer again from these.  The abundant life in Christ will be a perfect reality there, as pain and suffering cease to exist.

At the center of the holy city are the throne of Almighty God and the Lamb.  Present in this city will be all those who have received spiritual life through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  Next time someone asks you where your home is, explain that you have two..one you live in now and a future one given to you by your loving heavenly Father.

With God's Love,

Lois

Tue, Aug 12th - 12:52PM

HOW EXCELLENT (PRECIOUS) IS THY LOVINGKINDNESS, O GOD!   THEREFORE THE CHILDREN OF MEN PUT THEIR TRUST UNDER THE SHDOW OF THY WINGS.
                                 ( PSALM 36:7 KJV )

   
       You, my friend, are very important to God!   He loves you
   more than written words can say.   So today I will share a
   poem that I received in my email, for it states
   it much better than I.   It is titled:

                                  The U in JesUs

                Before U were thought of or time had begun,
                God even stuck U in the name of His Son.
                And each time U pray, you'll see it's true
                You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
                You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
                For U, He was born; that's why He came.
                And His great love for U is the reason He died.
                It even takes U to spell crUcified.
                Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand,
                He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

                The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
                and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
                When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension,
                He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
                "Go into the world and tell them it's true,
                That I love them all - Just like I love U."
                So many great people are spelled with a U,
                Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
                It all depends now on what U will do,
                He'd like them to know, But it all starts with U.
                                                 --- Author Unknown

       Therefore, why not tell others about His Great
   Love, and share with them all He has done for "U" as well.
   

LUKE 15:7 -- I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT LIKEWISE JOY SHALL BE IN HEAVEN OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH, MORE THAN OVER NINETY AND NINE JUST PERSONS, WHICH NEED NO REPENTANCE....KJV

I'M SURE SOME HAS READ THIS BEFORE, JUST WANTED TO POST IT AGAIN.....HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY IN THE LORD...

With God's Love,

Lois

Mon, Aug 11th - 11:46AM

A MAN ON THE RUN

JONAH 1:1-17

The prophet Jonah went to Tarshish in an effort to escape from the presence of the Lord and thereby avoid a God-given assignment. Probably none of us would book a flight to a distant land in order to escape from God’s presence. Nevertheless, good people actually try to run from God in many different ways and end up experiencing the miseries of Jonah.

While running from the Lord, the prophet over looked some essentials that we should all keep in mind. In the first place, he incorrectly assumed that fleeing from God would release him from having to obey God. He probably never imagined how persistent the Lord can be when He calls us to a duty station Eventually Jonah found that it is impossible to run from God successfully--His love will pursue us, even to the depths of the sea in order to conform us to His will and His plan for our lives. God simply will not be deterred by our slippery disobedience.

Jonah had also overlooked the fact that the direction of disobedience is always downward. The Scriptures tell us that the reluctant prophet initially went down to Joppa. There he found a ship and proceeded down into it. And the next thing you know, he is plunging down into the depths of the sea--even down to the roots of the mountains. (Jonah 2:6).

When one runs from God, there is no hiding place, even in the bottom of the sea. Our whole life is always visible to the Lord. So instead of trying to flee His presence, welcome it.

With God's Love,

Lois

Sat, Aug 9th - 10:34PM

MAJESTY

To God be all the glory
To Him be all the praise.
He is the Lord Almighty,
The great Ancient of Days.

Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Existing Three in One.
He is the great Jehovah
Who sits above the sun.

The Lily of the Valley,
The Rose of Sharon, too;
Eternal, Wise and Powerful,
There's nothing He can't do.

He's Bread, to all who hunger,
Water, to all who thirst;
The Stone the builders rejected,
The Last, also the First.

Light in a world of darkness,
The Door, for us to come in,
The Way of true Salvation,
Perfect Sacrifice for sin.

Ore death He is the Victor,
He's our soon coming King.
He rides on the wind,
Even the waves obey Him.
Righteous Judge of all the earth,
Ruler of the universe.

by Gertrude Jefferies

Sat, Aug 9th - 12:29PM

Fri, Aug 8th - 10:00AM

Thu, Aug 7th - 3:10PM

SOFTENING YOUR HEART

How does God make His presence known in our lives?  This question has no simple, "one-size-fits-all"  answer.  However, there are several general ways in which God reveals Himself today.

For example, God may wake you from a deep sleep in the middle of the night.  Many times, I have sat straight up in bed, knowing for certain that Jesus was right there with me, giving me answers to some serious questions of the day.  Did I see Him or hear a voice? No.  But did I know He was there? Absolutely.

Also, God makes His presence known by giving instantaneous guidance.  Step by step, decision after decision, God leads us where He wants us to go.

Quite often, He shows Himself by giving such a clear word that you know for certain it was from God.  How many times have you been reading a Scripture passage when SNAP!--it seems as if a light comes on in your mind?  Then immediately you understand some new truth or the solution to a hard decision becomes clear.

Furthermore, God reveasls Himself in the tragedies of life.  Can you think of some time when you were so sorrowful that you couldn't even move?  What happened?  Somehow, you found the strength  and courage to go on, no matter how much it hurt.  Where does that strength come from?  It comes from the One who is always within, always empowering.  All we have to do is say, "Lord, I need you at this moment." And, He is there. He's always there.

With God's Love,

Lois J.

Wed, Aug 6th - 10:49AM

TRUST GOD -- MATTHEW 11:28-30

THE GREAT INVITATION --V28... COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND, I WILL GIVE YOU REST. V29...TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU, AND LEARN OF ME;  FOR I AM MEEK AND LOWLY IN HEART: AND YE SHALL FIND RET UNTO YOUR SOULS.  V30...FOR MY YOKE IS EASY, AND MY BURDEN IS LIGHT.

What a comfort it is to know that, as Christians, we put our faith in a God who truly loves us.  Divine love, however, is only one of three reasons we can trust God with our lives.  He is also perfect in wisdom and absolutely sovereign.

Because God sees the big picture and knows all of the facts, He has infinitely more wisdom than we do.  In His Word, He promised to make our paths straight when we trust Him. (Proverbs 3:5-6 --Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  v6...In all thy way's acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Jesus told His disciples that not even a sparrow would fall without God's consent ( Matthew 10:29 ...v30...But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. v31...Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows).

He also told Pilate--a prominent Roman official--that he was powerless to order the crucifixion without the Fahters's approval (John 19:10-11).  God has always rmained 100 percent sovereign over everything that happens, from a little bird's safety to the extradordinary events at the cross.

Peace accompanies the realization that our Father has perfect love, infinie wisdom, and omnipotence.  When you understand who He is, you don't have to worry about what He does......

God bless! With a great and wonderful day...I pray all is well ....Lois J

Tue, Aug 5th - 9:44PM

1Corinthians 16:8-9 --- What an exciting time this is to be alive and serving the Lord!  Think about the unparalleled door of opportunity that stands wide open before us to reach the entire world for Jesus Christ--it is tremendously motivating and inspiring to be able to participate in delivering the Gospel to so many people. The apostle Paul must have felt the same way when he wrote the Corinthians and told them of "the wide door for effective service" that the Lord had opened for him in Ephesus. (1Corinthians 16:9)

God is like that.  He is opening doors for each of us all the time.  Every day, we wake up to a new opportunities to affect others for good.  When we follow Jesus, we begin to understand that doors do not just  swing ajar as we approach them; every opportunity signifies that Someone has gone before us to open that door.  The question is, Will you walk through the doorway or keep to your own path?

Today we have unprecedented technological capabilities and can transmit the Gospel broadly and effectively.  The door is wide open, providing expanded opportunities to participate in the primary task of the church and the kingdom:  the redemption of mankind.

As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are all under a commission.   (Matthew 28:19-20) We have been given the assignment from almighty God to get the Gospel to every person on the face of the globe.  It is not a matter of choice: we are under obligation.  In times like this, we should be asking where we personally fit into God's plan.  We can't afford to sit back and act as if this job were intended for only preachers and missionaries.    We may have all kinds of reason why we think that we are not qualified, but it is time we got past our excuses.  We can read and study the Bible and then begin to share it with others. You have the Savior in whom you believe, and you have received eternal life from Him, so you should be able to talk about Him.

We stand before an open door.  Are you willing to step through it?

With God Love,

Lois

Tue, Aug 5th - 6:03PM

UNITY IN CHRIST

ROMANS 15:1-6

1.  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  v2.  Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to  edification.  v3.  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The Reproaches of them that Re-proached thee fell on me.  v4.  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.  v5.  Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus;  v6.  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In His Love,

Lois J.

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Mon, Aug 4th - 10:37PM

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

MATTHEW 10:32-33

Life demands proof.  Sometimes it seems as though no matter what we say, people simply will not believe us without some definite verification.  Did you know that you already have the needed evidence to back up the most important news in the world?  That news is the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the proof is your own personal testimony.

Every single believer has a irrefutable account of how Christ saved him from sin.   It is dishearting when people downplay their faith story as boring or "ordinary."  How could this story ever be ordinary?  This is not some narrative about how you spent your day; we're talking about a supernatural event!  This is the chronicle of how almighty God entered your heart.  This news is far from boring.

Moreover, no one can ever discount your testimony.  It is your own story, the truthful telling how God has worked in your life.  A testimony is similar to a fingerprint..no two are the ame.  And regarless of the details, no one can ever deny your own personal experience. Even if some people do not believe in the power of Christ, they cannot refute what He has done in your life.

It can be quite a challenge to boldly give your testimony, especially if you are not sure how your audience wil react.  However, in those moments, you can know for certain that your story will be something they've never heard before.  God gave you a special gift in your unique testimony  Are you sharing that gift with others?

With God's Love,

Lois

Sun, Aug 3rd - 5:33PM

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR EVERY SEASON

DEUTERONOMY 7:7-9

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter...such are the seasons of the year.  Life also has its seasons.  Some are filled with joy, while others are characterized by difficulty.  Take comfort because there is a principle from the Bible that can encourage and sustain you through every season:  the faithfulness of God.

We learn about God's faithfulness from passages like 1Corinthians 1:9 where Paul says, "God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."  To say that God is faithful means He always does exactly what He says He will do.  God will keep His promises to you and will be with you in all seasons (Hebrews 13:5).

No matter how deep, how dark, how depressing how hopeless, or how good things may seem, the heavenly Father is with you through every single circumstances.  So embrace these three truths in every season.

1.  God will  be faithtul to you because it is His very nature. (Psalm 36:5)

2. God knows all aboout your situation; you are never alone in any season of life. (Psalm 139:1)

3. God is almighty, so He has the power to meet every single need, and He knows how to move you through the seasons of your life. (Romans 8:28) 

Hold onto this fact:  You will change and seasons will change, but God is always the same.  He won't fail you, He won't waver on you, and He won't vary.  Neither will  He forget you today...He is with you always.   Great is His faithfulness!

With God's Love,

Lois

Sat, Aug 2nd - 10:25AM

MESSAGE OF A LIFETIME

JOB 23:10-14 -- ( verse 10 -- But He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold)

Just imagine going to a nice restaurant for dinner. The table is set with linens, fine china, and crystal glasses. The waiter delivers your plate with a flourish. In the middle of that exquisite china plate is a single marshmallow. What a letdown! Instead of receiving a nutritious, meaty meal, we are left with a puff of sugar and no satisfaction.

If we become lax, our lives can resemble that disappointing meal. Instead of being believers with a weighty message full of hope, we can find ourselves with nothing to offer but a bit of fluffy sweetness. God’s message is meant to nourish and sustain; our family, our friends, and even we ourselves cannot be satisfied by meager provisions. Our Father wants us to have such impact that people will never be the same after we arrive.

If the Lord is building a valuable message into our life, we must receive everything that comes our way as from Him. When a bad event passes through God’s permissive will to affect us. He will bring good from it. (Romans 8:28 -- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to is purpose) Truthfully, no person can share a message of hope unless he or she has first suffered. When we are hurting, we seek comfort from people who have faced similar hurt. Likewise, others will trust our comfort if we have known pain.

Whatever the circumstances, we should be evaluating what God is doing in us. Like a gem polisher, He will work off our rough edges by running us up against tough experiences and people. When we look for His purposes and lessons, we hasten the time when our life message reflects the hope that is available in Christ Jesus.

With God's Love,

Lois

Fri, Aug 1st - 11:48AM

FINDING PEACE

JOHN 14:27 --- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afarid.

Although life's circumstances are continually changing, God's peace is a constant  that's always available for those who seek His quieting touch.  Our world offers peace in the form of financial security, possessions, or power.  Even though these may appear reliable and concrete, they are ultimately an illusion.

Some people believe that peace is a by-product of right decisions or good intentions.  Others define it as the absence of difficulty or the ability to avoid dealing with hard issues.  All of these views, however, contradict the simple yet accurate description of peace...the inner serenity that flows out of a right relationship with God.

When you know that the Lord is with you, His power will bring a sustaining calm that will encourage your soul while delivering you through every storm.  You may be facing a job loss, a broken relationship, or unsettling news from your doctor. 

Though it may not make sense, peace is often most evident during periods of struggle.  Despite the ominous storm clouds around you, the silver lining of our heavenly Father's promise will bring the blessing of a steadfast soul and tranquil heart.

With God's Love,

Lois