Turn the Light On

I thought you would enjoy this from Women of Faith:


The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? — Psalm 27:1

“Fear has friends,” I warn women when I address the topic of being afraid. When you emotionally surrender to one fear, you open the door to a myriad of others. I learned that the hard way, through my own experience. And I paid with years of my life. I’d like to offer you a shortcut.

When you are afraid, don’t give in to fear—turn on the light!

Turn on the light of God’s Word. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Turn on the light of faith. And risk taking the next step out of your self-imposed limitations. What do you have to lose? Fear? Go for it.

Turn on the light of your mind. Believe what you can’t see, which is that God holds you safely in his care no matter where you are and that he is unfolding his plan for your life. You can’t travel outside his presence.

Turn on the light of friendship. Let others know when you are uneasy and then allow them to stand with you. It will comfort you, strengthen you, and keep you humble. We weren’t meant to go this life alone.

— Patsy Clairmont

I Second That Emotion © 2008 by Patsy Clairmont. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Tweet This! Share this on Facebook Email this to a friend? Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Share this on Tumblr

Tags: Patsy Clairmont

Greed: A Deadly Master

I thought you might enjoy this from Girlfriends in God...something to think about this Christmas.
December 15, 2009

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

"Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions'" Luke 12:15 (NIV).

Friend To Friend

If we are not careful, greed can become a deadly master - especially during the Christmas season. Greed is serious business in God's eyes, reeking of idolatry and ulterior motives. Greed lies easily and fervently urges an already disobedient heart on toward sin. The true story is told of a self-made millionaire who had lived in New York City his entire life. Born and raised in a ghetto, he worked hard and achieved much. Anyone who knew this man would testify to the fact that he was generous - to a fault, some would say. One year, the man was disturbed by an attitude of greed that seemed to pervade the Christmas holiday season and everyone around him. Not one to condemn, the millionaire decided that since he had been given so much, it was up to him to do his part in combating greed and came up with an unusual plan. Wearing a disguise, this man stuffed his pockets with $100 dollar bills and set out for a walk on the streets of New York City. When he saw someone in need, he whipped out one of the bills, pressed it into that person's hands and with a "Merry Christmas", made his way down the street. "It was the most wonderful part of my holiday season," the man reported, and he has been doing it every since.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the apostle Paul writes, "Each one should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily." Giving with joy is Kingdom giving! When we practice Kingdom giving, we are making eternal deposits "taking hold of real life" here on earth! If, however, our motive is wrong, our gift will be wrong and will not count in the Kingdom of God. Before you give, ask yourself, "What's in it for me?" If the answer is "nothing", then go ahead and give the gift. Choosing to examine heart motives will guard our hearts against greed, celebrating the commitment that "He is all I want".

Greed can be very stressful in that it is never satisfied and never at rest. There is always something more to be gained and someone else to outdo. Sheep are dumb enough to eat until they are sick. They simply do not know when to stop. A heart that is filled with greed behaves the same way.

Cantaloupe may very well be my favorite food. When it is in season, I stock up and always have some on hand. Last summer, on a particularly hot day, a lunch of cantaloupe sounded luscious...and it was. Afterwards, I was gone for several hours, running errands. When I walked back in the front door that afternoon, a foul stench nearly knocked me down, it was so strong. A dead animal was my first thought. A plumbing problem was my next. I began a room-to-room search that ended abruptly at the kitchen sink. Opening the cabinet underneath, I nearly gagged at the stench that slapped me in the face, making my eyes water. I instantly remembered that I had thrown the cantaloupe peels in the garbage before running errands and forgotten to take them to the outside garbage can as I usually did. The house reeked and the delicious cantaloupe was forgotten as I threw the peels away, lit every candle I could find and opened every window in an effort to eliminate the odor of rotting fruit. Nasty!

Greed acts the same way. It is the gangrene of the soul. If not quickly dealt with, greed will contaminate every emotion and create a foul stench in every part of life. "So get rid of all malicious behavior and deceit. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with hypocrisy and jealousy and backstabbing" (1 Peter 2:1 NLT). Greed must be treated like garbage! Deliberately throw it away! Remove it from your life immediately! When the first hint of greed and jealousy comes, reject it! Get rid of it! Take it to the garbage! Choose against it! Fight it with Scripture and bombard it with prayer. Nail it to the cross and count it dead. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20 NIV). Every motive in our heart must be nailed to the cross and considered dead. "Consider" is an accounting term and literally means to "reckon" or to "calculate". While we will never be free from wrong motives this side of Heaven, we can and must "reckon" those very human and very wrong motives to be dead and through God's power, allow them no power or place in life.

Greed is powerful and responsible for the downfall of so many. Money is a good servant but a poor master. Martin Luther once said, "God divided the hands into fingers so that money could slip through." One of the wealthiest men who ever lived was John D. Rockefeller. Following his death, a reporter interviewed Rockefeller's chief accountant and asked the pointed question, "How much did John D. leave? We know that he was very wealthy." Without hesitation, the accountant shot back, "Everything! He left everything!" Greed is a deadly master that is never satisfied.

Let's Pray

Father, my heart is so easily filled with greed. It seems that the more I have, the more I want. Right now, I choose to focus on what I do have and to be contented. Help me see You in every opportunity to give this Christmas season and please, Lord, give me Your generous heart so that others can see You in me.

In Jesus' name, I pray,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

If I asked you to list your five most treasured possessions, what would they be?

Why are these things important to you?

Are these things tools or idols in your life? Explain the difference.

Which one of these things can you give away this year as an offering of sacrifice and praise to God?


More From The Girlfriends

You have heard the familiar saying, "The most important things in life aren't things." The truth of those words is often swallowed up in the frantic rush of Christmas giving. Make this year different. Ask yourself what you can give that will really matter in the life of that friend or loved one. How will your gift help someone get through the New Year?

Free MP3: The holidays are really hard for many people, especially those who regularly struggle with clinical depression. I know. I am one of those people. I have a free MP3 "Celebrate Life" download for you or for someone you love who battles the darkness. Just email me: mary@marysoutherland.com and put "Free MP3" in the subject line. We will get it to you immediately!

You may also be interested in my book, Hope in the Midst of Depression. It is my story of God's deliverance from the pit of darkness and His plan for staying out of that pit. It is on SPECIAL SALE today in Mary's online store ... just for GIGs.

Need help in developing the habit of a daily time in the Word of God and in prayer? We all do, friend! Mary's weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey, may be the solution for you and also makes a meaningful Christmas gift. Take a look at the topics for 2010. Remember, God's Word is the secret to a life of victory and power!

You can also now connect with Mary on Facebook!

Seeking God?

Click here to find out more about

how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Girlfriends in God

P.O. Box 725

Matthews, NC 28106

info@girlfriendsingod.com

www.girlfriendsingod.com

This came from Debra Sellers...

Good morning ladies,


Just a friendly reminder that the Sisterhood Bake sale is this Saturday. We welcome donations from any of the ladies in the church that would like to participate.

Desserts of: Cakes, brownies, pies, etc….can be brought tonight (Wednesday) if it is freezable, OR if you would like to bring it by the church this Friday night from 6:00-7:00 pm. I will be there for an hour to allow people to drop their goodies off in Silver Run Fellowship hall. We will be taking a cooler Sat. for the pies. If you live in town and would like to bring it by Saturday morning, we should be at our booth and set up between 7:30 – 8:00. If you would like to ride to Lee County Flea market with us, give me or Carol Nance a call before Saturday morning.
We will also try to sell more of our cookbooks at our booth as well. Let your friends know we will be there. Good time to buy a cookbook for a Christmas Gift, or a baked item for their thanksgiving. Our booth will be one of the booths that will have a top over it.

This sale is to build up our Sisterhood account, so we can continue to do mission work where it is needed.

If you can donate some goodies it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and Blessings to you all!

P.S. this is a freebie for the youth ministry. Youth for Hire this Saturday, if you need yard work done or anything else, you can hire a youth for the day. Contact Shane Conners or email him at William.conners@alltel.com

Unshakable Peace

Thought you might like this from Girlfriends in God...

October 27, 2009 Gwen Smith

Today's Truth "I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16:8, NIV)

Friend To Friend Susan lived "the good life." One filled with prosperity and love. For years, she and her husband owned a thriving business that allowed them and their children to be surrounded with beautiful material things. They had a glorious lake home, a lavish boat, and luxury cars. Everything the world counts as gain. In spite of their earthly wealth, when faced with the truth of the Gospel, Susan and her husband realized that they were spiritually bankrupt and in desperate need of a Savior. Within months of each other, Susan and her husband both accepted Christ and began to thrive in newly found faith.

A few years into faith, Susan was squeezed by difficult circumstances. The family business took a turn for the worse and had to close its doors - leaving many friends and families jobless. Then the IRS audited her husband. Scary legal ramifications threatened to crush them if large amounts of money were not paid to accommodate accounting debt. Financially ruined and emotionally stunned, Susan and her husband were forced to sell all that they owned.

Two years later, they're still wading through the deep waters of financial strain. Their debts are far from being forgiven and the economy has grown progressively dim.

Through the turmoil Susan has chosen to trust in God as her Provider. As she does, God faithfully fills her with supernatural peace, strength, and joy. She has experienced God's provision through His Word, through His presence, and through her friends. When her pantry has been empty, God knew. He sent friends to her home with bags of groceries and gift cards. When her soul has been discouraged, God knew. He sent reminders of His promises and love through Scripture and through the encouragement of godly women. Despite the fact that her bank account is still bare and every day is still hard, Susan considers herself to be wealthier now than ever.

No matter what you go through, you can experience unshakable peace, and declare, "I will not be shaken!" as the psalmist did in Psalm 16:8. God knows what you are going through. God's Word promises peace to the believer through Jesus Christ.

Part of our unsettled nature is that we try to cling to the things of earth - the "American way" of living and the here and now. When we put our trust in things of this world, we give anxiety, fear, jealously, discontentment, greed, and insecurity open access to our lives. Instead of finding ways to hold on to what you have, be encouraged today to let go! Let go of what doesn't matter!

"So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:31-34, NIV).

Seek God first, above and before any earthly thing. God wants us to store up treasures where moth and rust will not destroy. When we do, He promises that we can live with an unshakable peace that passes understanding.

Let's Pray Dear Lord, I need your unshakable peace! Please forgive me for placing my trust and hope in things of this earth. As the psalmist David said, "Apart from You, I have no good thing." Lead my soul to find rest in You and in Your perfect plan for my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Psalm 16. Underline your favorite verses and consider committing them to memory.
What are you putting your faith in?

Is it possible that you are in a difficult position of your own making? Ask God to search your heart and reveal to you any ways that are contrary to His.

More From The Girlfriends One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 105:4. ""Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." No matter what challenges you or your loved ones are facing today, this verse will direct you to the strength of the Lord - our source for unshakable faith. Go in His strength today, friend.

Gwen's book Broken Into Beautiful features a compelling personal story coupled with relevant biblical teaching and application. Readers will meet women wounded by infidelity, abortion, widowhood, abuse, and other tragic events, only to discover the joy of being restored by a loving heavenly Father. The book reminds women of all ages of God's willingness to eternally forgive and forget and of His heart to transform broken lives. Readers will be empowered to believe truth, to remember grace, and to live for God's greater purposes. Broken into Beautiful is ultimately about a beautiful Savior who became broken for us so that all who are broken can be transformed to reflect His beauty.

Download Gwen's live worship CD, Unsearchable, from iTunes, or order the CD from the store on her website. If you don't have the resources to invest in your worship library right now, listen to Gwen's music FREE on her MUSIC FACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

Like saving money? Check out the SPECIALS on Gwen's website! When you order more than one CD, you save!! :-)

Devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries

I thought you might enjoy this.

October 22, 2009

The Most Important Time of My Day
Lysa TerKeurst

"'... Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Devotion:
Is it really that important to have a quiet time with the Lord everyday? I mean the Lord knows how busy my life is, so if I just toss up a few prayers and listen to a Christian song on the radio while rushing into my day, that should suffice. Right?

It's easy to let the busyness of life crowd out time for prayer, Bible reading, and sitting with the Lord. There are a million things on all of our to-do lists, time is tight, and quiet moments seem few and far between. But I've learned that if I make the choice to be with the Lord first thing in the morning, my outlook on life that day and my ability to handle things seems to go so much smoother.

Also, I've had to change my mindset on having a quiet time. Spending time with the Lord in the morning doesn't end when I say "amen" and put my Bible back on the shelf. I've just invited the King of kings to participate in my day. So, I get up from spending time with the Lord in the morning and start eagerly looking for His hand of activity in my life.

I think about the Bible verses I read that morning and look for ways to apply them to my life that very day. I watch the circumstances that come my way hour by hour and ask the Lord to constantly give me wisdom to process life in the way that would be most honoring to Him. My mindset is healthier, my attitude more positive, and my ability to extend grace to those who rub me the wrong way is increased just by setting aside some time to be with the Lord.

If you are struggling with having quiet time with the Lord each day, try these helpful ideas:

Be honest with God and admit your struggle. Ask God to give you the desire to set aside time to be with Him.

Start with just a small amount of time. Even if it is just 5 minutes at first, give this 5 minutes solely to the Lord without any other distractions. Over the next weeks and months, your desire for more time with Him will increase.

Use a version of the Bible that lends itself to study. I use the NIV Life Application Study Bible and I love it. It helps me understand the context each book was written in and gives me commentaries to understand specific verses.

Ask God for understanding as you read the Bible. When I first started reading the Bible I had a hard time. So, I started praying that God would open my spiritual eyes to see the truths in a life changing way for me.

Write some of the verses that seem most applicable to your life on 3x5 cards and use them in your prayers. For example, Matthew 6:19-20 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." So, I could use this verse in my prayer time by praying, "God, help me to know how to store up treasures in Heaven. Help me to relinquish my tight hold on my earthly possessions so I can use them to build Your kingdom now. Show me how to best use that which You have blessed me with. Give me Your mindset for the money I have."

Get involved in a Bible Study with friends. This will help hold you accountable to getting your study time done and will open up great discussions to deepen everyone's understanding of applying God's truths to everyday life.

I've found a daily quiet time with the Lord is very important and very doable as well.

Dear Lord, I want a more vibrant relationship with You and I know having a daily quiet time is an important part of that. Help me make this my most important priority each day, no matter how busy life is. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Lysa wrote her new book, Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl, specifically to help women learn to more effectively understand the Bible and apply truth to their life. If you are tired of going through the Christian motions, this is the book you've been looking for. Click here to order.

Visit Lysa's blog today for some more suggestions on having great quiet times with God

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps:
If you don't know which book of the Bible to start with, I'd suggest either Matthew or Philippians. These are two of my favorite books that are rich with life application opportunities. You may also want to read a chapter from the book of Proverbs. There are 31 chapters, one for each day of the month.

Reflections:
The fall months seem to be a time where schedules pick up, time gets tight, and some things have to fall by the wayside. But, we have to be careful to never take a break from having time with the Lord. How can we safeguard this time and make it a priority each day?

Power Verses:
Matthew 6:11, "Give us today our daily bread." (NIV)

Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV)


Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
http://www.crosswalkmail.com/pqvcqdhlcfcbhvlsbytkrbwrhdbvjttvfmhrqqshjhllmcy_nrrdqjffqyjp.html

November Updates

Ladies, here are some updates for you. So, mark your calendars!

November 6, the Ladies will meet at the church at 6:00 pm (ET) to pack the Operation Christmas Child Boxes.

November 21 the Sisterhood will have a booth at the Lee County Flea Market where they will be selling baked goods and cookbooks. We need donations of baked goods if anyone would like to contribute. They can contact Debra Sellers. If anyone wants to come out and help, they are also welcome.

At 2:00 on the 21st, the Sisterhood will be going to Candlelight Vigil in Warm Springs. Good evening for Christmas shopping.

Anger to Aroma

I thought you might enjoy this devotion by Sharon Jaynes from GirlfriendsinGod.com!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Today's Truth "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires" (James 1:19 TNIV).

Friend To Friend Anger - we all know what it looks and sounds like. The kids track mud through the house again, a husband forgets an anniversary, a car pulls out in front of us and putters down the road at twenty miles per hour, the oven decides to stop working one hour before dinner guests are scheduled to arrive. How do we react? Anger!

The Greek word for anger is orge and means "any natural impulse, or desire, or disposition," and came to be known as anger - the strongest of all passions. While the culture says that anger is healthy, the Bible tells us to "rid ourselves of it" (Colossians 3:8).

I was with a friend who was being treated very unfairly. Someone had approached her about co-authoring a book. Plans were made, contracts were discussed, and content was already forming in her mind. But then she received a phone call from the spouse of the co-author. "I do not want my husband to co-author this book with you. He does not need a female to dumb-down his work."

Several people were in earshot of this conversation. I was furious that my friend was being treated in such a manner! However, rather than react in anger or defend herself, my friend graciously and with the love of Christ spoke words of kindness. Rather than becoming angry, she exuded the fragrance of Christ, and it permeated the entire office.

That is the choice we have. When we choose not to react in anger, but extend grace, the aroma of Christ is released. "My dear brothers and sisters," Paul writes, "take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires" (James 1:19 TNIV). Thomas Jefferson once said, "If angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry, one hundred."

Where does anger come from anyway? Well, it is a reaction to irritating people and circumstances, you might say. But I believe the root cause of anger is self-centeredness. We live in a world that tells us, "It's all about me!" And when something doesn't suit the center of my universe - me - then anger erupts. That's difficult to admit, isn't it? Here's a little test: Each time you become angry over the next few days, ask yourself this question, "Am I angry because I didn't get what I wanted when I wanted it?"

Wow! That makes the little kids throwing a temper tantrum in the toy store have a striking resemblance to the woman we see in the mirror each day!
Rather than using our words in anger, we can use our words to be the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15). Have you ever walked out of a convenience store smelling like cigarette smoke for the rest of the day? Have you ever hugged someone and ended up wearing her perfume? We will leave a fragrance, so to speak, by the words we speak.

Let's Pray Dear Heavenly Father, help me be quick to hear and slow to speak. You gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason. Another thing, Lord, help me to listen to You today. I pray that I will sense Your gentle nudges and tender tugs. I love You so much!
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn How are your listening skills?

Here are some ideas from my book, Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids on ways to improve our listening skills.
Don't complete someone's sentences for them.
Don't interrupt.
Don't glance at your watch when someone is talking to you.
Don't cross your arms as if to say you are close-minded.
Do make eye contact.
Do lean forward if you are seated.
Do ask good follow-up questions.
Do put down the newspaper or turn off the television to give focused attention.

To comment on today's devotion, visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog
More From The Girlfriends Today's devotion is taken from Sharon's book, The Power of a Woman's Words. In this book, you can explore the power you possess, the people you impact, the potential for change, and the profound possibilities. As you harness this mighty force, you will begin to use words to speak life to those around you. It also has a companion Bible Study guide. Get one for yourself, or gather a group of girlfriends to learn and grow together. Also, Sharon has two great resources to help with listening skills in the areas of motherhood and marriage: Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids and Becoming the Woman of His Dreams.

For more information contact: Girlfriends in God, P.O. Box 725 Matthews,NC 28106 info@girlfriendsingod.com http://www.girlfriendsingod.com/

Below is a message from Mrs. Carol:

Good morning Sister-girlfriends,

A guest speaker is coming this Friday evening, Mrs. Pearl Mitchell. She is Linda Norris' sister and T-Bo's mom. She going to share with us about the missions she works with.

Our "Day of Prayer" will be this Friday, 18 Sept. in conjunction with our meeting. I will email out some missionary names later this week that you can pray for. Then on Sunday morning, we will have names of missionaries that you can draw from a basket and pray for them. Mrs. June suggested that we go to the alter and pray for them during the alter call. Sunday morning Teresa K. will tell about Kathleen Mallory and present our offering for the State Missions.

Operation Christmas Child: in addition to the filled boxes, it takes $7.00 to mail each box.

Friday night's menu is "something Mom used to make". Should be an interesting meal and a great evening.

Brenda Rogers volunteered to take care of the child care this week.

Remember to pray for the visitation team as they go out this evening.
a cyber-hug and love,
carol

A Refuge in the Storm: Part 2

On September 2, 2009 Beth Moore was teaching on Life Today with Betty and James Robison on Wednesday's with Beth... about being a refuge in the storm. She taught on some very good points that I would like to share with you.

1. Every single one of us can become a refuge of God to people.


2. Every single thing we've been through can be used of God to make us a refuge.


3. Every single one of us must take heed not to let Satan pervert our shade into darkness.

What if you are too worn out to be anybody's shelter when they need to be comforted?

Isaiah 32:2b...a shadow of a great rock in a land of exhaustion.


What if I'm the one that needs the refuge? What if I'm the one that is living in a land of exhaustion?


If you and I are to become a hiding place to people; a shelter in a windy, windy season of life, you and I need to learn when to hide. (In a place of safety away from all distractions, except God)


Isaiah 32:2a KJV...And a man shall be as a hiding place from the wind...


People who become a hiding place to other people who have learned when they themselves better run for cover. You need a daily hiding place. We have to have our own time with Jesus. Before you can minister to others, you need to have your own needs ministered to; before you can pour out a cup, you have to have yours filled. We have to have something to give. We need to have the first part of the day to rest in Him and to be filled with just Him.


If you are a person who has a heart to help people, what our trap will often be is that we get a little from God and try to give a lot to people, from the little we got. We are going on empty continually in a land of exhaustion.


The Main Point: You and I have got to have some concentraded hiding...a little time out.


We need to know what are the warning signs when we are warn out, if we are going to live a life wanting to be a shelter to people in a storm of tribulation. If we want to be a shelter to the them, we have to learn when and how to take a time out for ourselves and be refueled. The Bible has the answer for this. Being burned out is not what God intends for us. We are not getting there with His permission. He wants us to be affective in what He has called us to do. When you are dying of thirst, you don't have a cup to give to somebody; we need to go to Jesus and take a sip. We got to get back in the shade of the Great Rock and sit down and collect our thoughts!


Mark 6:30-31 NIV...The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. (We need to be profoundly effective fruit-bearing followers of Christ)...Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."


We need to learn how to take time out and get some rest. We have been so busy that we are going to go over the edge, if we do not stop and take stock in our own relationship with the Lord Jesus and just sit in the shade and sense His presence.


Palm 32:7 NIV...You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.


When was the last time we just sat in our hiding place that we felt permission to hide from everybody on the planet, but Jesus. Can we just disconnect ourselves from responsibilities, just for a little while and run to our hiding place just because we need repaired. We need Jesus to minister to us. We cannot be a shelter to others if God is not our shelter. Some of us live on the edge of exhaustion at all times. Something has to change. You have to take time out with no distractions. We need permission to hide out. We need permission to hide out from the very people we love the most, because nobody is wearing you out like the people you love the most. (Say it isn't so). How do you know when it's time to take a time out?

Warning Signs: We need a hiding place...

1. When we do it and no longer feel it. (You need a rest)

In 2 Corinthians chapter 3 it talks about the ministry of the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 4:1a NIV...Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry...

This is talking about you and I having been called to be people that minister the mercy of God to others through us.

2 Corinthians 4:1 NIV...Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not loose heart.

There is nothing the enemy wants to go after faster in an affective person's life than the heart. When you have a big heart for others, there is no estimating what you would do in the call to follow the Lord, Jesus Christ. But, when you loose heart, you are still trying to get through the physical thing some how. We need to have some mercy come to us in a cry for some time out. We need some tending to in the shelter in the hide-out of God. We need somebody to give us permission and the God of the universe is saying, you need a vacation. Find a safe place in the arms of God.

...To be Continued


To visit Life Today:
http://www.lifetoday.org/



To watch this teaching:
http://lifetoday.tv/swf/2009/09/90902.htm

IN LOVING MEMORY OF KATHY REDDITT

Kathy Redditt went home to be with the Lord yesterday, August 31, 2009. She was 50 years old. The following is the arrangements for her.

Memorial Service:

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 @ 7:00 pm (ET) at Silver Run Baptist Church

Visiting with Family, immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall

There will be no Viewing of Kathy at the Funeral Home

Private graveside service in Rex, GA

Per Kathy's Memorial Service, the family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Kathy's memory to:

Silver Run Baptist Church

PO Box 8

Seale, AL 36875

Father, thank you for such a kind and caring Sister in Christ. We will miss Kathy at Silver Run Baptist Church. Thank you for the memories and all that she did for You, our church and others.

Welcome home, Kathy! You have truly touched our hearts!

If you knew Kathy and have something you want to share, please leave your comments. We would love to share them with others. God bless you!

Being a Refuge to Others in the Storm

If you have never watched Beth Moore on Life Today with James and Betty Robison, you are missing a treat! Every Wednesday, Beth teaches on life through the Bible. It is called, "Wednesday's with Beth."

This weeks topic is "Being a Refuge to Others in the Storm". Beth made some very good points that I would like to share with you.

• God may not have called everybody to be a speaker, but God has called everybody to speak.
• You have a voice.
• God not only wants us to learn about what is being preached or studied, He wants us to do it!
• Don't you think that if God timed his Word at this particular season in your life, He wants you to experience it!
• Receive it and express yourself clearly, fluently and powerfully.
• Your mouth is a powerful vessel...How else can you express what Jesus Christ has done for you...How can you pray for others...How can we tell others of the Hope that is in us?

But, what if you get all tongue-tied? God promises in His Word that He can literally take those with stammering speach and turn them into someone that speaks fluently and clearly. If we are going to be a refuge and a shelter, some fresh water and a shadow of a Great Rock for someone in a thirsty land, we have to be able to express ourselves.

Pray for an anointed tongue. You were given a mouth and a voice to speak. Let's get desperate for the things we can have for a change! We are always wanting something we can't have. Wouldn't it be awesome that we would develope a desire for what we can have?

• We can have eyes that could really see.
• We could have ears that could really hear.
• We could have a mind that could know and also understand.
• We could have a mouth that would not stammer but would be fluent and clear.
• We could become a shelter for people, a real-life help and refuge...a sip of fresh water for someone that was thirsty...and a shade to someone in a land of exhaustion.

To be what God needs us to be, we need to submit to the following:

A Refuge in the Storm

1. Every single one of us can become a refuge of God to people.
2. Every single thing we've been through can be used of God to make us a refuge.
3. Every single one of us must take heed not to let Satan pervert our shade into darkness.

In Isaiah 32:2b NIV...each one will be like a shade to people and a refuge.

In Isaiah 32:2a KJV... a hiding place.

Beware: Satan can put us in a pit with others and then we can be overcome by sin.

Galatians 6:1... Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

We must maintain our integrity to lead others to a refuge. It is profoundly more important that we truly love people that we are helping, than that they like us. (It's more important to have a healthy heart to love others and not worry that they like us). Take the risk to try to be the one to help them. If you can't help them and see no growth in them, then tell them the truth that you might not be the right one to help them. We cannot live up to perfection, but we can and must live up to respect.

Let us be regular people who just decided that as long as we are alive, we want to make a difference! Wanna live the good life? Then let's live our lives to do some good!

To visit Life Today: http://www.lifetoday.org/

To view this teaching: http://lifetoday.tv/swf/2009/08/90826.htm

Women of Faith - Schedule of Events

Friday, August 28th, 2009

• 6:30 am (ET) - Leave Silver Run Baptist Church


• 8:00 am - Stop and Eat Breakfast (fast food)


• 9:30 am - Arrive @ Philips Arena


• 10:00 am - Conference Starts


• 12:30 am - Lunch @ the Conference


• 1:30 pm - Conference Resumes


• 3:00 pm - Break for Dinner


• 4:30 pm - Dinner @ Paschals Restaurant


• 7:00 pm - Conference Resumes


• 10:00 pm- Go To Hotel

Saturday, August 29, 2009

• 7:30 am - Breakfast @ Hotel


• 8:15 am - Leave for Conference


• 9:00 am - Conference Starts


• 12:30 pm - Lunch @ Conference


• 4:00 pm - Leave for Home


• 5:00 pm - Stop For Dinner (fast food)


• 7:00 pm - Arrive @ Silver Run Baptist Church

Marriage Beyond Recognition

I was watching Life Today with James and Betty Robison. They are talking about Marriage today. Here is Part 2 of 2. Check it out, you will be blessed!

http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/life_today/20090825/

Marriage 101

I was watching Life Today with James and Betty Robison. The topic was about Marriage. Check it out! You will be blessed!

http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/life_today/20090824/

Words of Life - Under His Hand by: James Robison

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
Princess makes an effective alarm clock, but not a very pleasant one. We have a mat in our garage decorated with a dachshund and the phrase, “Caution: Dog Cannot Hold Its Licker.” This is especially true when I’m trying to sleep.
If Betty gets up before I do, she will sometimes allow Princess to jump onto the bed while I am still sleeping. Normally she comes straight to my face to show her affection with a wet mess of dog kisses. It’s about as shocking as a pitcher of cold water poured on your head!
One morning I felt her jump up on the bed, so I braced for the barrage. It never came. Instead, she thrust her nose under my hand, wanting me to pet her. In a flash, I was impressed by God that this is how we should approach Him every morning.
Imagine how our lives would change if our first thought or action was not, “Oh no, another day,” or “Am I late for work?” For those who have experienced loss, that waking moment may hold, “I wonder where he or she is,” or “I miss my loved one.” I have been told that smokers often think, “I need a cigarette,” immediately upon waking.
What if our first action of every day was more like Princess’ that morning? I felt the Lord was impressing me, through this simple canine act, that the first thing I should do every day is to get my head under His hand, so that He can guide my thoughts and order my steps.
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
When God’s hand rests upon our lives, wisdom will enlighten our minds and integrity will direct our feet. Jesus said that He is light, and His light guides our paths. When the light moves, we move. Where He goes, we must go. We not only walk in the light, but we freely express the glory of His light through our lives. This is life under His hand.
When Princess showers me with kisses, I appreciate her enthusiasm and affection, but sometimes it’s a bit much. But when she pushed her head under my hand, I turned my attention to her, petting her head as I contemplated God’s truth. Her move was not bold or boisterous, yet I noticed her. I pulled her close.
I have no doubt that God never wearies of our enthusiasm and affection, but I also believe that he notices our submission. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” wrote James, the brother of Jesus. (James 4:8)
Under His hand there is warmth and intimacy. When we press in toward God, it’s like Princess nudging my hand. He responds with divine love. He presses in toward us. This is perhaps the most intimate relationship that mankind can have with Holy God while we are still alive on this earth. It is supernatural and life-changing.
Under His hand there is security and safety. If you ever see the owner of a cat or small dog encounter a large, threatening dog, you will see the same reaction: the owner will immediately pick up their pet and hold it close. When the owner holds their beloved pet, the animal is usually safe. With God, we are always safe when under His hand. The Psalmist declared, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’" (Psalm 91:1-2)
One cannot live in the “shadow of the Almighty” without being close. It requires the kind of trust Princess has in me simple, yet profound. She trusts me completely, even when her limited mind cannot comprehend my plans. She obeys me, for the most part, and her obedience is rewarded with the good things I bring her. I look for ways to give her joy -- though I am just a man. How much greater is a close relationship with the Creator of the universe when we trust Him completely? The joy He gives surpasses anything we could ever conjure on our own.
The wisdom, peace and fulfillment of this type of relationship cannot be fully stated. It must be experienced. Perhaps you did not awaken today seeking to have His hand resting on your head, but you can start now by drawing near and He will draw near. Then tomorrow, and every day thereafter, begin your day by pressing closer to Him, submitting your will and quieting your mind. When you truly learn to live this way, you will begin to experience the transforming power of His abiding presence.
This WeekStart each day by making an effort to get “under His hand.” Start with prayer and submit your will to His.
Prayer“Father, help me to live close to You. Thank you for the provision and peace in your shadow.”

Encouragement for Today - Aug. 24, 2009

Encouragement for Today - Aug. 24, 2009

Shared via AddThis

Encouragement for Today - Aug. 20, 2009

Encouragement for Today - Aug. 20, 2009

Shared via AddThis

Miracle of the Widow - An inspirational movie for the entire family

Ruth Zeller's family has kept the secret for centuries. Greedy men, disasters, persecution, even the Nazis could not remove the treasure entrusted to them by God. Humbly and quietly the servants of Jehovah continued their work, always on guard.
From the first moment Grace Harrington enters the bakery she encounters locked doors, odd rumors, and an insistent art dealer. Can Ruth entrust Grace with her family’s history? Will Grace have the faith to accept the truth? Or will the gift, kept safe for a thousand generations, be forever lost?
Miracle of the Widow is a story that grips the heart. Grace, a young woman running from her parents' Christian faith, is an apt reflection of everyone who has ever rebelled against God. Her relationship with Ruth, an aging survivor of the Holocaust, is an unexpected but very effective device for moving the story forward. Finally, a startling historical twist at the end makes this story one we will not forget. It's a great family-friendly movie.
VIEW THE TRAILER
Click Here to order your copy of Miracle of the Widow today and receive FREE shipping!
Sincerely, Tim WildmonPresidentAmerican Family Association

SISTERHOOD MEETS TONIGHT!

Just a friendly reminder...WMU/Sisterhood will meet tonight in the Fellowship Hall @ 7:00 pm (ET).

The theme is Mexican!

Mrs. Carol will be speaking about her last WMU Meeting in July. Come and bring a friend for a fun-filled girls night out! Child care is provided!

Biblical Principles of Conquering Cancer

I was watching John Hagee Ministries on Monday and Tuesday of this week. They were talking about "Biblical Principles of Conquering Cancer". They were giving their testimonies on how 3 of the women in John's life came down with cancer within a two year period. First, John's daughter (with the rarest form of cancer) then his sister-in-law, and finally his wife. All 3 women are now cancer free!!!

John brought up some very good points, that I would like to share with you.

• It's not over until God says it's over!
• Faith in God saved the day for these women!
• The Word of God sustains life!
• The power of life and death is in the tongue!
• Line up with God's Word and claim/confess His promises and trust Him!
• Listen to your Doctors...get the best doctors for your care!
• Because you battle doubt and fear, does not mean you possess it!

Healing Scriptures:

• Psalm 61:1, 2
• Psalm 118:17
• Psalm 119:13
• Proverbs 3:1, 2 & 8
• Proverbs 12:18
• Proverbs 16:24
• Exodus 15:26
• Isaiah 55:11
• Romans 12:2
• Lamentations 3:22, 23
• 2 Timothy 1:7

If you would like to purchase John Hagee's daughter Tish's book on her fight with cancer and what she did to overcome the most rarest form of cancer, it is called "Hear My Cry" by Tish Hagee-Tucker. It is on sale now for $14.00.
For the web site link:
http://www.jhm.org/
To order the book:
http://www.jhm.org/ME2/Sites/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Commerce&mod=GenComProductCatalog&mid=B4917A2439434EC69D686ECC2AA0136A&SiteId=21B0B031B0D748C79CC5376D4F7EF24C&tier=2&Lvl1=Featured

Welcome to Silver Run's New Blog For WMU/Sisterhood!

Welcome ladies as we begin a new chapter in our leading with God and His devotion to you! This site will update you on all WMU/Sisterhood Meetings and business; and inform you of personal stories about life and how God's love and healing can prevail over all obstacles. We will be adding ways for you to get help and give you hope; whether you have been abused, had a miscarriage or a wife of a military soldier departing for deployment over-seas, we will try to minister to your need.

If you have a story to share that will help youth girls or adult women, please submit it to me in writing at my email address: TAMMYH750@AOL.COM Our purpose is to connect with the youth and adults and to show through our testimonies what God can do through you and to you for His Glory! Once you've had a God experience, you will NEVER be the same! May He bless you and continue to heal the broken hearted, all for His Glory!!!

Your Sister in Christ's Love,

Tammy Huffstutler

Encouragement for Today Women's Daily Devotional, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Christian Bible Devotions

Encouragement for Today Women's Daily Devotional, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Christian Bible Devotions

Shared via AddThis