Anchored to His Word

God's Love

2012-02-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

February 14th, Valentines Day. As I walked into the grocery store the other day my eyes caught the things being sold for Valentine’s Day. There were heart cookies, cupcakes, chocolates, teddy bears, balloons, and flowers and this was right when you walked in the door. I was overwhelmed by the amount of things there. Then the other day came across an article about Valentine’s Day, “that it’s a day reserved for romance and relationships” and it listed all kinds of ideas to make the day perfect.

As I thought about all the ideas they listed I began to think about how God pursues us, how He wants a relationship with us. That He loves us and desires us. What greater love is there? The bible flows with His love and as we read we begin to recognize His love letter to us. I believe until we see our Heavenly Father we will never comprehend all the love that He has for us.

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

Trusting God

2012-02-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

My son and his new wife left on Thursday. The last few days my emotions have been all over the place. The one thing that keeps coming to mind is that I saw a boy 2 weeks ago but when he left I saw a man. The day he left he brought me into his room and asked me to mail certain books and things to him and to throw away other things. While going through the stuff he wanted me to throw away I ventured across some old journals. As I began to flip through them I figured I would read everyday stuff a boy might write, but what I found was something much more than that. What I found was a young man whose heart was being poured out to God. His thoughts were poured into these journals and his love for God flowed through every page I read.
I felt so blessed.

Sometimes we don’t see what God is doing in a persons life, but we trust God knowing that He has their best in mind. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Trust in God—He knows what he's doing.

Mighty is the Lord

2012-01-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

1 The LORD is king! He is robed in majesty.
Indeed, the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength.
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
2 Your throne, O LORD, has stood from time immemorial.
You yourself are from the everlasting past.
3 The floods have risen up, O LORD.
The floods have roared like thunder;
the floods have lifted their pounding waves.
4 But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore—
the LORD above is mightier than these!
5 Your royal laws cannot be changed.
Your reign, O LORD, is holy forever and ever.

Psalms 93 (NLT)

Have a good week and let the Lord lead.

Fellowship

2011-12-31T17:53:00.000-08:00

Be blessed as you read the following and I hope you can see how God has blessed our fellowship here, at A New Harvest.

What Is Fellowship? – Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
— Acts 2:44
"Fellowship" is a great word that Christians often use. But do we know what fellowship originally meant in the early church? The word "fellowship" used in Acts 2 is the Greek word koinonia. It is a difficult word to translate into English because of its many shades of meaning. It can be translated "fellowship," "communion," "community," "communal," and "friendship." The word encompasses so much that believers do together.

But fellowship is more than socializing. Anyone can socialize. The idea of fellowship is that we come together to commune with God and commune together. It is when we get together and talk about the things of God. And God loves it when we talk about Him with each other. Malachi 3:16 says,
"Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name." The word "listened" could be translated, "to prick the ear, to bend down." When we speak of the things of God, He bends down to listen.

Fellowship is praying together, serving together, giving, and yes, even growing older together, dying, and going to heaven. It is what we do together as the family of God.

Have a good week and let the Lord lead.

...he is Christ the Lord

2011-12-10T22:51:00.000-08:00

The other day I just wanted some peace and quite. Some time to spend with God and to forget how far behind I am in my Christmas preparation. I needed to be renewed so I spent the morning with the Lord and then later watched “The Twelve Words of Christmas” by Lou Giglio. As I watched and listened I began thinking about Jesus being born and about how God took a stressful day in the life of Mary and Joseph and allowed His glory to shine through.

The twelve words of Christmas can still fill our hearts with joy even in the midst of all our problems, hurts and concerns.

… a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

Emanuel-God with us. He’s here let his glory shine!

Have a wonderful week and let the Lord lead

Washing Feet

2011-12-03T19:27:00.000-08:00

On Friday, our Women’s Fellowship experienced a foot washing event, and although it was a night of fellowship and fun the underlying message was humility and serving one another.

As I sat on the floor scrubbing the feet of one of my dear sisters in Christ I couldn’t help but think of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. I kept thinking of what Jesus must have been feeling and the love he must have felt for his disciples. As I finished washing my sisters feet, I was filled with a new love for her. But the true test of humility came when the sister whose feet I just washed turned around and washed mine. It’s a whole different feeling when it’s someone you know washing your feet. You begin by thinking, oh no, don’t do that, I can do it…..Hmm.. What was it Peter said to Jesus?
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” John 13:8-9
When we were finished, I realized that I serve a KING that not only would wash my feet, but one who died for me and wipes each tear from my eye.

Have a wonderful week and let the Lord lead

God's Promises

2011-11-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

As I drove to Waimea on Saturday, there was the biggest rainbow I think I ever saw.
I was reminded of God’s promise through the rainbow and said a big
“Thank-you, Lord”. But something else came to mind after I said that, and I thought how easy it is for us to forget God’s promises.
His word is full of his promises and he has never broken one of them. They are as real today as they were when He spoke them.

Pastor Gary Simon’s message is part 2 on 1Corinthians 13. This chapter is about love and patience and kindness but the gem in this chapter is God’s promise to us. A promise telling us these virtues are His and He promises to be these things for us.

Psalm 103:17

17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—

Jeremiah 31:3
...“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

Have a wonderful week and let the Lord lead

Just a Reminder

2011-11-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all Together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17

Not sure about you, but I think I need to copy, print and put this on my refrigerator. It’s something I need to be reminded of daily..

Have a good week and let the Lord lead

Intimate Answers

2011-10-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

God answers prayer in many different ways and sometimes He answers in the most intimate loving way that only a caring Father does.
Yesterday was a very hard day for me. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders and I felt very alone.
As I searched for something cleaver to write about this week I found the following and knew automatically it was God speaking to my heart.

While Praying One Day A Woman Asked,
Who Are You, Lord?”
He Answered, “I Am”
“But Who Is I Am?” She said. And He Replied…”I Am Love, I Am Peace, I Am Grace, I Am Joy, I Am The Way, Truth And The Light…
I Am the comforter, I Am Strength, I Am Safety, I Am Shelter, I Am Power, I Am The Creator, I Am The Beginning And The End, I Am The Most High" The Woman With Tears In Her Eyes Looked Toward Heaven And Said,” Now I Understand, But Lord, Who Am I?” Then God Tenderly Wiped The Tears From Her Eyes
And Whispered, “You Are Mine.”

Isaiah 45:5
I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God…

Isaiah 49:16
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

Have a good week and let the Lord lead

His Word, His Love

2011-10-22T22:54:00.000-07:00

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV).

The above verse is one of my most favorite and treasured verses. Our desire should be to love the Lord with a love as deep as the love He has for us, and to do that requires intimacy through prayer and devotions. His word is His love letter to us filled with every promise there could ever be.

Have a good week and let the Lord lead

Making a Difference

2011-10-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

Like me, you may feel you aren’t making a difference. You may be growing tired and weary and want to give up. But God has placed in you a desire to reach His people. A desire to build His kingdom.
I want to encourage you and say that you do make a difference.
Take for instance the following:

That donation check you send to help someone in need- changes lives.
That one can of food you donate at our food drive or store- feeds a person.
That one hug you give a child may save his life….or
that one teaching in Children’s Church could lead to a salvation.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Also:

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10

Have a good week and let the Lord lead

Hope is on the Way

2011-09-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope.

A lot of times I think we view hope as an emotion, when in reality it’s a process. The above passage makes it clear that in order to get to hope we need to endure suffering. Suffering is part of life. We endure heartache and disappointments– that’s just the world we live in. But it’s how we choose to handle the hardship. We can either give up or press on. Pressing on in our times of trouble develops perseverance. Eventually perseverance becomes part of our character which makes us who we are. Our character can then become light in the dark because Jesus lives within us and it is living in Him that produces hope. Hope is not a feeling or wish, it is knowing deep down inside that you can get through anything as long as you have Christ by your side.

If you are going through times of trouble– remember this;
Hope is on the way!

Have a good week and let the Lord lead!

Shine!

2011-09-11T00:52:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Has it been that long? I came across something that Max Lucado wrote right after the attack and would like to share some of it with you.

"Grant those who lead us wisdom. Have mercy on the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe. Look kindly on Your church. For two thousand years You've used her to heal
a hurting world. Do it again, Lord. Do it again!"

We are the church Max Lucado writes about. We are here to help heal a hurting world. Matthew 5:13-16 from the Message Bible says this:

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Are you shining?

Have a good week and let the Lord lead!

Massive and Powerful

2011-08-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

All this week I have been reading the headlines about Hurricane Irene. The news have called her “massive and powerful. The headlines earlier in the week were about an earthquake that was felt in Virginia it too was called “massive and powerful”. I couldn’t help but think that the news media has it all wrong.

I believe that God is massive and powerful and it is at His commands that the winds blow and the storms come and it is at His command that the seas calm.

Even the storms in our life are in His hands, we just need to have faith and believe.

Mark 4:39-41
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Have a good week and let the Lord lead!

...do not give way to fear

2011-08-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

1John 4:18 says this,

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I have been dealing with fear most of my life, it’s part of the software that’s been downloaded into me by people or circumstances. I think we all fear at some point in our lives but it just kinda hit me the other day as to just how fearful I can be
.
My son Josh left for Japan the other day and will be gone for 3 months. I was alone for awhile the day he left and fear swept over and through me like a flood. I started thinking about how hard it was going to be for him, especially with the language barriers– I mean he can speak some Japanese but isn’t fluent. I can’t explain what I felt but I started to cry. It was during this time that I realized how much I fear and worry about things.
Then I got mad at myself for doubting God’s good and perfect will. Not only in my life but also in the people I love.

If I say I love God and trust in Him– there should be no fear.

1Peter 3:6 …… do not give way to fear.

Have a good week and let the Lord lead!

As For Me and My House....

2011-08-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Pastor Gary Simons is giving the message today and I think his title, “Sermon on the Amount” goes hand in hand with this week’s thought.

In Joshua 24:15-25 it says;

15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 17 It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. 18 And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.”
19 Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.” 21 But the people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve the LORD.” 22 Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” “Yes, we are witnesses,” they replied. 23 “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” 25 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he reaffirmed for them decrees and laws.

Joshua challenged the Israelites to decide who would be the master of their lives, and we are challenged the same way today. God gives us the choice to serve Him, and either way His unconditional love is still there.

Have a good week and let the Lord lead!

LET THE LORD LEAD

2011-07-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks I have had a burden for someone. The Lord has put them on my heart and I have been praying for them, but the prayer has been only a general prayer as I don’t know why or what their situation is, I just know I am to pray for them.

I finally called them to just let them know I had a burden for them and I only got the voice message so I left them a message just telling them that God loved them and that they were on my heart. It was after I left this message that my heart became so heavy. At that moment all I did was say their name and the Holy Spirit too it from there. I have no idea what I prayed but God does and that’s all that matters.

It was after this prayer that the following verses came to mind.

Romans 8:26-27(NASB)

26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Just remember, sometimes when God puts someone on our hearts He knows what’s going on– we don’t have to. We just need to be obedient and let God have his way.

Have a good week and let the Lord lead.

Hope and Faith

2011-07-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

The following definitions were taken from Webster’s Dictionary.

Hope: to want or wish for something with a feeling of confident expectation.

Faith: belief in the value, or trustworthiness of someone or something.

Hope is so much different than faith, but I think the two go hand in hand. The Bible tells us to be joyful in hope (Romans 12:12) and that faith is being sure of what we hope for (Hebrews 11:11).
God in His infinite wisdom gave us both. Our hope is in Him and we have faith in Him because of that hope…

The following was written by Carrie Oliver. It is a thought on hope that I found very encouraging.

We were created for hope. Our bones were bred for hope. Our lungs can’t breathe, our hearts won’t beat and our spirits can’t thrive without it. God placed us in a world over which we have little control. And as if to compensate for this helplessness, He placed within our souls the capacity to hope– to hope for better times, to dream of better places, to pray for better outcomes, to seek better ways through life. Hope is more than optimism. Optimism is what we generate. Hope is God-given, a powerful, spiritual, and psychological means for transcending the circumstances.

I hope you have a wonderful week with the Lord as He builds your faith.

In His Hands

2011-07-17T00:19:00.000-07:00

There’s an old story about two pots. One was perfect in every way. The other had cracks and broken places. Each day a woman filled the pots with rainwater she had collected and then carried them down the path to her home. The first pot felt proud that she never spilled a single drop. The other felt ashamed because no matter how hard she tried, she lost a lot along the way. One day the two pots overheard the woman talking with someone who lived nearby. The neighbor exclaimed, “The flowers along your path are so beautiful! What’s your secret?” The woman answered, “One of my pots is broken, and the water that spills out helps the flowers grow every day.”

Just like that second pot we can feel useless and question our purpose. But God sees purpose where we don’t, and He can use us to bring blessings to others.

-21In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. 2Tim.2:20-21 (The Message Bible)

Have a wonderful week in the Lord.!

Thankful

2011-07-10T02:47:00.001-07:00

I’m so thankful I have God in my life, I couldn’t imagine how I would handle life’s struggles with out Him..

16 “‘But all who devour you will be devoured; all your enemies will go into exile.
Those who plunder you will be plundered; all who make spoil of you I will despoil. Jeremiah 30:16

Have a wonderful week in the Lord..

Happy July 4th

2011-07-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

I have a little trivia for you this week.

Did you know?
The song “Star Spangled Banner” was originally called “Defence of Fort M’Henry”?

Did you know?
The actual flag measured 30x42 feet in size, with stars two feet from point to point, and the flag used over 400 yards of bunting?

Did you know?
The song "The Star-Spangled Banner" wasn’t adopted as our national anthem until March 3, 1931.

And did you know?
That the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that He loves you!

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those
who fear him;
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:11-12 (emphasis mine)

Have a safe 4th of July!

Psalms 103

2011-06-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

This week I have been meditating on Psalms 103. It is filled with wonderful gems and encouragement.– Be Blessed.

1 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
6 The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.16 The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here.17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.His salvation extends to the children’s children18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!
19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.
20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans,listening for each of his commands.21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom.

Let all that I am praise the Lord.

God's Glory and Compassion

2011-06-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

The following is the only response I received regarding the challenge issued last week.

The part of the verse in the bulletin that spoke to my heart on Sunday was:
"I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion"

Of course that made me start to be thankful and grateful that the Lord would have mercy and compassion on me.

Monday we received a letter from Compassion International asking if we would be able to sponsor another child. ( especially an older child)
My husband and I had planned to sponsor another child some months ago but had never gotten around to it. We thought about how much better it would be to sponsor a younger child so that there would be more time to influence him/her. However, the Lord brought to mind the part of the verse that struck me on Sunday.
I prayed, went to the internet web page and (with the help of the Holy Spirit) choose a fourteen-year girl from Uganda who has 7 other brothers and sisters. I know in my heart that God will show her compassion and mercy . Salvation has nothing to do with age.

Exodus 33:18-23..

18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
19 And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
21 Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

In response to the challenge verse and my reply to the challenge.

God’s Glory and Compassion passed by when His word was acted on and obeyed.

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

The Glory of God

2011-06-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

I am going to share some verses with you out of the book of Exodus. They are found in Chapter 33 verses 18-23..

18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
19 And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
21 Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

Now I have a challenge for each of you.. I would like for you to read this passage Daily for a few days, then I would like for you to email me at nwhrvst@aol.com and tell me what you think God is saying to your heart, and next week I will share your replies of what you heard in your heart and what He said to mine..

And to repeat Cindy Kennedy’s closing from last week; “Have a great week in your discipleship with Him”!

Love on Mother's Day

2011-05-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love, I am a housekeeper--not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love, my children learn cleanliness--not godliness.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.

Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love is present through the trials.

Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.

Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.

Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart.

Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.

As a mother, there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is love.

Author Unknown

Happy Mother’s Day!

He Has a Plan

2011-04-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

I got to spend some precious time with a dear friend of mine this week and we talked about many things, she encouraged me and I hope I did the same for her. We got on the subject about spending time with God and taking our walk to a deeper level. I told her sometimes I’m afraid to go to that deeper level because I think it’s going to hurt.

It’s like being a child afraid of a shot– we don’t want to take it but when it’s over– it’s over and the time it took to take the shot was shorter than the time it took to argue it. But if we just let go of the fear, what God has for us is so much better than where we are now.

Philippians 2:13 says, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

And food for thought:
He is standing, He will lead, He waits for your response.

In other words: He has a plan… :o)

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

THE U IN JESUS

2011-04-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God 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.

Happy Easter and have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Power of God

2011-04-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks our Thursday night Ohana Group have been discussing as we go through the book of John the Power of Jesus. We have all pretty much concluded that there was something about Him that drew people to Him. All of his disciples had to feel there was something about Him, as each of them dropped what they were doing and followed Him. There are instances through-out the Gospels where people were desperate to see Him, touch Him or just be near Him, and for a lot of these people they were drawn to Him just as we are drawn to Him. Yes, there is something about Jesus who draws us and captures our hearts, and He who calls us His own.

In 1 Corinthians 1:18 we read,
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (emphasis mine)

I pray you have a good week with the Lord!

A Word

2011-04-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

The other day in prayer I felt pretty strong about a word I felt the Lord give me and so I want to share it.

Don’t give up, don’t give up.
The battle goes on but don’t give up.
You may be feeling weary, you may be struggling, but don’t give up.
I am at work, I am at work.
I see your struggles, your questions,
I see your desires—I will say again don’t give up.
The answers you seek rests in me,
the battle you fight is not your own-IT IS MINE..
Let it go, let the battle go.
I am here to fight it for you,
why do you try to do it in your own strength?
Let it go, Trust me, Trust me, Trust me-let it go.

“ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John16:33

I pray you have a good week with the Lord!

Running on Empty

2011-04-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

Last week Pastor Gary Simons shared with me that when he was praying for me the Lord showed him a vision of me running here and there and the Lord running around after me wanting to fill me up but the Lord couldn’t because I wouldn’t be still long enough.

Ever since Pastor Gary said this to me I have really been thinking hard about it. He is right I have been running on empty for far too long and I need to stop and take a deep breath. I know God desires me to put aside what I think is important and to turn and walk straight into His outstretched arms then He will teach me the better way. I just want to encourage anyone who may be struggling with busyness–
what I am about to tell you is hard to do, it’s something I struggle with everyday, but if you do these you will find God patiently waiting.

Here is what you have to do: STOP, TURN AROUND AND WALK INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF GOD!

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

I pray you have a good week with the Lord!

The Vine and The Branches

2011-03-20T01:06:00.000-07:00

This weeks message is in John chapter 15. This chapter of John holds so many gems. But my favorite verses are 4 and 5;
4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
In order to bear fruit the branch (us) must be attached to the vine (Jesus). We must maintain a close fellowship with the Lord if He is to live through us and produce His fruit in our lives. This can only be accomplished through prayer and studying the Word. The closer we abide in Jesus, the more His life can flow through us to produce the fruit He desires.

Are you producing the fruit needed to become more like Him?

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal. 5:22-23

I pray you have a good week with the Lord!

Technology

2011-03-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

On Thursday evening our Ohana Group was discussing John chapter 14. The subject at one point in the evening was miracles and a question was asked why we don’t see the type of miracles today that the people of Jesus time saw. One discussion led to another and someone brought up the 2 witnesses the Bible talks about in Revelation and the technology that is in place today could be used for that very purpose. After everyone left my husband turned on the news and we immediately see videos of Japan and the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami.

Upon seeing what was happening I was reminded of John 14:1

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

I pray you have a good week with the Lord!

Thunder

2011-02-26T23:48:00.000-08:00

The other morning the community of Waikoloa was in the midst of rain and then a loud clap of thunder vibrated everywhere . I was awakened and jumped out of bed when I heard it. It’s rare that Waikoloa gets to experience the rain and thunder that accompanied that morning. As a kid I was really afraid of thunder and lightning especially growing up in Texas as there were some really scary storms that came through the Texas panhandle. Thunder is loud and noisy and can shake and rattle windows, but have you ever thought about what some of the people in the Old and New Testaments might have heard when God spoke and it sounded like thunder?

Pastor Frank’s sermon relates to John chapter 12 and it was in this chapter that I read a verse that I have carried in my heart all week it is found in John 12:28-29 and says this;

Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

I can’t begin to tell you what it may have sounded like, but I think I will always be reminded of this verse when I do encounter a loud clap of thunder.

Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!

In His Hands

2011-02-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Jeremiah 18:3-4 (NIV)

Jeremiah noticed that the vessel was marred, and as the potter worked he started to formed it into another pot. Take a moment to think about the clay on the wheel, it gets smashed and beaten down and then as the potter works, the clay starts to take shape. The potter molds it and before too long it’s turned into a beautiful pot. But what happens to the pot after it’s formed? We all know it gets put in the furnace. Jeremiah goes on to say in verse 6, "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
What we have to remember is that God never throws us away, even if we have a flaw or struggle in certain areas. So...if you feel you are being lifted from the mud, or being turned on the wheel to be made over again, or even if you feel you’re in the furnace, you are always, always in His hands.

Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!

Reminders

2011-02-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I don’t know about you but I need reminded that I am part of a chosen people dearly loved by God . I also need reminded that I need to forgive because that’s what Jesus does.

Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!

Listening

2011-01-22T15:10:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago I decided to add this blog to our webpage. I don't really expect anyone to read it but our church family who may occasionally drop by. So really no expecations at all. Besides what I say on this blog is usually The Thought of the Week which is in the bulletin anyway. But I have decided to try something different this year and actual take this to a different level. In my heart I really would like for it to get read and that maybe it will bless someone or encourage someone who may be feeling a little discouraged which leads me to why I am writing this. Right now I have a friend who is very discouraged and my heart goes out to them, sometimes it's hard to say what you think they want to hear. But I have found that just listening can be an encouraging thing for the other person. I was convicted a few months back about listening to someone and I am learning to do that...just listen.
Sometimes we fail to listen to the Holy Spirit to. I know I am guilty of that. I tend to have an attitude of yeah, yeah I hear you but I don't stop to listen, hence the conviction. So as I sit and listen to the Holy Spirit He tends to lead me where I need to go not only in my relationship with Jesus but in my relationship with others. I pray that we each learn to listen with a heart full of the Holy Spirit and I pray that we each learn to encourage others just by listening.
If this doesn't make any sense I figure oh well isn't that what a blog is for????
Blessing from me!

The verse on my heart is Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Resolutions

2011-01-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

Resolution: the act or process of resolving.

It’s a New Year. For some people it’s a time for reflection and a fresh start, for some it’s a long list of resolutions.

When I think of resolutions I think of the apostle Paul who writes in Romans 7:19-21

19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.

I don’t make resolutions; because like Paul, I am always fighting to do what is right and to keep the promises I made to myself but can’t. I am so happy that God sees my faults and still accepts me for who I am. And I am so happy that God’s mercies are new every morning and not just once a year.

Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!

Gifts

2010-12-19T01:07:00.000-08:00

Each year at Christmas we think about what to give others. We think about the
people– their likes and dislikes then we set out to purchase the gifts we want them to have. Most of the time those gifts are tangible, they are gifts that a person can touch, smell or taste.

But have you ever thought about giving something that will last long into the years? Something that the recipient will remember and hold in their heart?

Why not consider the gifts listed below? These are gifts Jesus gave to us freely yet we hesitate to pass them on…

To your enemy: forgiveness.
To an opponent: tolerance.
To a friend: your heart.
To a customer: service.
To all: charity.
To every child: a good example.
To yourself: respect.

Have a Merry Christmas !

Praying to a King

2010-11-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I pray I feel like I have to start all over because my prayer sounds so superficial. When I get this way it really bothers me. I mean think about; I am bowing down and praying to a King. And He is not something or someone you can mold into being what you want Him to be.
HE IS GOD! He is the maker of heaven and earth, He is KING who sits on the Throne of Heaven.He is MIGHTY and fights for us, He is FATHER who loves us. WE ARE NOTHING compared to Him. When I pray I am praying to someone who knows me. He knows what I do and say, how I act, and how I treat other people. HE KNOWS ME– and HE KNOWS YOU TOO–

Realizing this brings peace, and prayer time then becomes praise and honor and thanksgiving.

Philippians 4:6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!

Seeking Him

2010-11-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

As I sit at my desk I can’t help but feel that I have been asleep for the past few months. I kept looking at the calendar as weeks approached thinking, “oh, there’s plenty of time to get things started” before the holidays. Now I find myself scrambling just to finish this thought and then on to the next thing. I know that God doesn’t want me to be this way, His word says to trust Him in all things, His word says not to worry and His word also tells me that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. But most importantly I need to sit down with my loving Father and seek His Kingdom first. What does that mean? It means getting rid of all the things that keep me from Him.It means turning off the TV, the computer and putting down the newspaper. It means spending time with Him and allowing Him to be in control, then and only then will you find peace in your heart.

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach put aside your agenda and allow God to lead. Spend your quality time with Him.

33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34

Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!

Slave or Servant

2010-11-11T16:54:00.000-08:00

I was reading a passage in Galatians the other day and Paul was speaking to them about who they were and what they believed they were. As I was thinking on this it occurred to me that there are numerous passages in the bible that speak of being a slave and being a servant and a lot of those passages speak of being a slave and servant together. I always thought that they were one in the same, but I found out they aren’t.

A Slave Has To,
A Servant Gets To
A Slave Does The Minimum Requirement,
A Servant Does the Maximum
A Slave Goes One Mile,
A Servant Goes Two
A Slave Feels Robbed, is Bound and Fights for His Rights
A Servant Gives, is Free and Lays Down His Rights

So which are you? Slave or a Servant?

Matthew 20:28 (Message Bible)
Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage."

Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!

The Storm Around Us

2010-10-30T01:44:00.000-07:00

Some of Friday’s Through the Bible plan reading was in Mark chapter 4. It’s the scripture in which Jesus calms the seas. (verses 35-41).
As I read this, something came to mind that I thought I would share.

It starts in the evening and Jesus says to the disciples, “let’s go over to the other side”. Jesus was already in a boat, so they left the seashore and took Him along. Jesus being tired fell asleep.
While He was sleeping a furious squall came up that left the disciples fearful. The disciples go to Jesus and wake him saying, “Teacher don’t you care if we drown?”

Now I’m not sure what happened on that boat, but what came to me was that the disciples didn’t know Jesus would calm the storm, they went to Him afraid. Maybe they thought He would help them in a different way or maybe they just needed to hear His voice to calm them, I don’t know. But Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quite! Be still.”

Jesus calms the storms in our lives but why are we so afraid each time one hits us?
Are we afraid He will be sleeping, or afraid He won’t show up or afraid we won’t hear His voice, or afraid He won’t hear our prayers?
Jesus asked the disciples this question, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

I think that is a question we should ask ourselves the next time a storm comes our way.

35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown? 39He got up,rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" 41They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
Mark 4:35-41

Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!

Gifts and Purpose

2010-10-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

When a person tries to be someone they aren't, it’s like trying to force a
square peg into a round hole. Not only does it require a bigger hammer, it’s also a waste of time,energy and talent. That’s why when my husband sees a hammer in my hand he starts to worry.You see, he knows that carpentry is not my gift, but it is his. That’s why I leave the carpentry up to him. If I didn’t then my time and energy are wasted and I end up feeling frustrated and worthless. However, when I work through my own gifting,God works through me to accomplish His own purpose.
God deserves our best and I believe He expects us to make the most of what
He’s given us, instead of worrying about what we don't have, or wanting
what others do have.God has given us a purpose and I believe we need to get involved before we know what our purpose and the gifts He’s given us are.

6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is
prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving,
let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8

Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!

Numbers Again and Desperation

2010-10-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

Since we are recycling last weeks message I would like to expand my thoughts on what was written in this section last week.

Referring to Acts: 2:41(NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all..

The reason I repeat the findings from last week is to bring your attention to something else. Desperation.
I’m not sure how many came to know Christ during the apostle’s ministry but resources say there are 2.1 billion Christians in the world today. (I think this number also includes the many different beliefs there are in the world who profess they are Christian but believe something totally different).
To continue; during my research on this subject I also found that it is estimated there are 100 million Christians in China compared to only 5,000 in 1960 and that tens of thousands of people in South Korea fill the churches regularly. One being the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, where 800,000 members attend. These numbers are being added to daily.

Matthew 28: 17-20 (The Message)
16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though,held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. 18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life,marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

To quote Pastor Frank, “Are you desperate?”

Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!

It's Not about Numbers

2010-10-10T02:18:00.000-07:00

As the church administrator I worry a lot as most of you can attest to that statement. I worry about everything including our church’s growth pattern. It’s silly really to worry about something God has in the palm of His hand, I tell myself everyday: “Let it go it’s not mine to hang on to God’s got it covered.” This is what God opened my eyes to this week concerning my worries.

Jesus started his ministry with 12 people. It grew to thousands and thousands that followed him.(Remember the 5000 he fed with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread) But just before his crucifixion some of His followers left and after the crucifixion it dropped to roughly 500 people, then when you read in Acts 1:15 there were only 120 left in the upper room.
But what happened when those 120 were filled with the Holy Spirit?
Peter began to speak boldly about Jesus and before the end of the day 3,000 were added to their number.

To quote Pastor Rick Nakaoga, “when Jesus is present miracles happen.”

Boy did that open my eyes. It’s not about the numbers it’s about the power of Jesus in us.

It’s about us allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through us as He did in Peter.

Acts 2: 16-18 and 21
16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 'In the last days, God says,
      I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
   Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
      your young men will see visions,
      your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
      I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
      and they will prophesy….

  21 And everyone who calls
      on the name of the Lord will be saved

Sharing Devotions

2010-09-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

I received the following through a friend this week and thought of Pastor Sione Tilini’s message from last week. And just like my friend who sent it to me I too think it is worth sharing.

Whenever opposition arises, God’s grace thrives in us. Think about what happens to a tree when a great storm beats violently against it. The wind threatens to uproot the tree and carry it away. It breaks off branches and blows away its leaves. It loosens its roots and blows off its buds. And when the storm is over, things look hopeless.Yet, look closer; the same storm that opened crevices in the earth around the trunk of the tree has helped the roots go deeper. The tree now has access to new, deeper sources of nutrition and water. And it has been purged of all its dead branches. The buds may be gone,but others will grow back more fully. I tell you, that tree is now stronger, growing in unseen ways. And just wait till harvest—because it’s going to bear much fruit!Maybe you’re in a storm right now. The wind is blowing hard, shaking you violently, and you think you’re going down. Beloved, don’t panic! You’ve got to know that in the midst of the tempest, you are putting down deep spiritual roots. God is developing in you a deepening humility, a greater mourning and sorrow for sin, a heightened hunger for his righteousness.God is making you a seasoned soldier of the cross—battle-scarred, but battle-smart and courageous. You may get down on yourself at times—but the Lord never does.
The fact is, he could have acted sovereignly at any time to pluck you out of your struggle.But he didn’t—because he saw it producing in you a greater thirst for him!

Romans 5:3 (NLT) says, We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

In 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT) we read, For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

You can find this devotion and others online at http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/9880

Re-Evaluating

2010-09-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have had a rough week examining myself. I have been re-evaluating Who I am in Christ and also being reminded that I am His Temple and that He dwells in me. Well by the end of the week my conclusion was this; I didn’t like what I saw. Mind you, I understand that I am His daughter-but I had to ask myself what kind of daughter was I being? The next thing I had to ask myself (and this one was really hard) what was I doing to His temple– the place He lived? Am I taking care of it and being mindful of what goes into it? That means what I hear and see and eat and again the question arose what kind of daughter am I being?

I was reminded of the two men who went into the temple to pray. The passage is as follows:

Luke 18:10-14 (MSG)
10 "Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. 11 The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: 'Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people - robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man.12 I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.' 13 "Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, 'God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner." 14 Jesus commented, "This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you're going to end up flat on your face,but if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself."

It wasn’t that I was praying like the Pharisee but God revealed to me that who I thought I was, wasn’t the truth, and when he opened my eyes to the truth I humbled myself before Him and just like the tax collector cried out to God for forgiveness.

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Friends In Our Lives

2010-09-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago a very good friend of mine had sent me an email and said she wanted to
encourage me and asked that I read Psalm 103. Believe it or not I had just read it when I got her email. God puts people in our lives to help and encourage us. I pray that I can be that person to you. If you get a chance read all of Psalm 103– but for now here are verses 1-19.

1 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.

3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.

4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s

6The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly
7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.

8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.

10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.

11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.

15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.

16 The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here.

17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children

18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!
19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.

Isn’t God Wonderful?

A Song to Live By

2010-08-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

So all week long I have had the song “Filled with Glory” ringing in my
head and I’ve been going around singing it all day long I wake up with it in
my head and go to sleep with it in my head. It just won’t leave me alone.
Since it won’t go away I have decided to see where this thought goes.

1Corinthians 10:31 says this; So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.

What I understand this scripture to say is, that all we have and all we do should
glorify God. As you go about your week, ask yourself:
Will He be glorified in me if I do what I’m doing?

As we join as one
As we live to let your kingdom come
Father through our lives
We want to see you glorified.

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

A Reminder

2010-08-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

The other day I read an article written by Greg Laurie-
In the article he talked about God using us to reach people and he gave examples of people in the bible who God used. I think of his article as a reminder that God can use me. He has a purpose for me and a plan already laid out. It's up to me to search Him and ask for His guidance in the PLAN.

If you get a chance drop by www.harvest.org and check out Greg Laurie's article it's entitled:
People Reaching People

After you read it I hope you come to the same conclusion as me-

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Misunderstandings

2010-07-31T22:05:00.000-07:00

I really and truly hate to be misunderstood. Misunderstandings I believe, are a tool of Satan. Think about it: being misunderstood causes a lot of heartache and grief to the person who was misunderstood and to the person taking what was said and misunderstanding it. When this happens I think Satan sits backs and laughs at all the possible ways it can be used.
Our feelings get hurt, we get angry and think, “how could they do this to me?”, or we become bitter and never talk to the person again. So you see, Satan has taken it and destroyed not only a relationship but he has also succeeded at doing what he set out to do and that is to devour you, a child of God.

1Peter 5:8 says this: 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

By being alert we can fight and when misunderstanding happen, and they will happen, we can be ready.

Phil. 2:3-4 says,
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

And…

James 3: 13-18
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Back Home

2010-07-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

We made it back from the mainland and are trying to settle back into our daily routines.
There were a few places I went where I continually prayed that the Lord would cover my heart. I’ll tell you about that another time.

I have a confession to make...Last year when I returned from my trip to the mainland I was ready to sell our house and move. My husband Mike wasn’t but I was. But as I traveled here and there visiting family and friends this year God opened my eyes to a lot of stuff. The main important one being that my desires and His desires are totally different, and my wants aren’t always what's best for me.

My outtake on moving have changed drastically. I know that God has me planted in Waikoloa and at this church for a reason. I know that He has a plan for me here at this season of my life. He’s got it already mapped out– I just need to get out of the way and say, “okay Lord, lead the way and I’ll follow”.

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

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Doxology

2010-06-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

24To him who is able to keep you from falling
and to present you before his glorious presence
without fault and with great joy—
25to the only God our Savior be glory,
majesty, power and authority,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

The Pledge of Allegiance

2010-05-28T23:29:00.000-07:00

My heart cries for our Country and the things that have been lost. This Memorial Day let us remember not only the people who have fought for our freedom but also for the freedom we stand to lose if we aren't careful.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag, of the United States of America,and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible,With Liberty and Justice for all.

I Pledge Allegiance I Promise to be faithful and true (Promise my loyalty)
to the flag to the emblem that stands for and represents
of the United States all 50 states, each of them individual, and individually represented on
the flag
of America yet formed into a UNION of one Nation.
and to the Republic And I also pledge my loyalty to the Government that is itself a Republic, a form of government where the PEOPLE are sovereign,
for which it stands, this government also being represented by the Flag to which I promise
loyalty.
one Nation under God, These 50 individual states are united as a single Republic under the
Divine providence of God, "our most powerful resource"
(according to the words of President Eisenhower)
Indivisible, and can not be separated. (This part of the original version of the pledge was written just 50 years after the beginning of the Civil War and demonstrates the unity sought in the years after that divisive period in our history)
with Liberty The people of this Nation being afforded the freedom to pursue "life, liberty, and happiness",
and Justice And each person entitled to be treated justly, fairly, and according to proper law and principle,
for All. And these principles afforded to EVERY AMERICAN, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, or any other criteria. Just as the flag represents 50 individual states that can not be divided or separated, this Nation represents millions of people who can not be separated or divided.

Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Have a wonderful week and a safe Memorial Day : o )

Is Jesus In The Shadows Of Your Life?

2010-05-22T22:45:00.001-07:00

Sometimes in our busyness we get so preoccupied that we move Jesus from the forefront into the shadows. And once we do that things seem to fall apart. I came across something the other day that brought all of this into prospective, it’s written by Don Lessin from The Abba Cry.

Jesus is the way. He is not only the Way to God, but he is the way into all that God has for us. He is the way into our devotions, to our Bible reading, to our prayer life, to our ministry, and to all that we do for Him. In reality we do not do our work for him, but He does His work through us. With Jesus in the center of our being, we are no longer victims of our expectations, circumstances, and things we can’t control. We discover that it’s okay if people don’t meet our expectations, because Jesus is our expectation. Schedules may be good, but they don’t produce life within us because Jesus is our life.

Amen!

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

The Rescue

2010-05-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Matthew 14:22-32 (NIV)

When we read the above scripture we often focus on the fact that Jesus walked on water and calmed the sea but forget that He sent them into the storm to start with. He knew what they were about to face and He knew He would rescue them. Sometimes we are so focused on the storm around us that we forget Jesus is with us. He is saying, “Come” as He reaches out His hand to us. He’s there to rescue us and to calm the storm.

For Moms

2010-05-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

I came across the following poem and thought how true is this! I know there have been times in my life that I have put housework ahead of my children and I now look back and ask myself why. If you are reading this and you are a mom-Happy Mother's Day! And may God guide you in all your ways.

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love,
I am a housekeeper--not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness--not godliness.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh. Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints
on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk. Love picks up the
child before it picks up the toys.
Love is present through the trials. Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside
to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart.
Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in
God's perfection of my child. As a mother, there is much I must teach my child,
but the greatest of all is love.—Author Unknown

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

SOARING

2010-05-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Isaiah 40:28-31. Every time I read it I can hear Isaiah’s passionate cry to God’s people. I start to feel the meaning of the words and I find myself filled with strength and love for God and I am lifted as if on eagles wings and before you know it I have forgotten everything that was bothering me.

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope 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 be faint.

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Who am I?

2010-04-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

While Praying One Day A Woman Asked, Who Are You, Lord?”
He Answered, “I Am” “But Who Is I Am?” She Said.
And He Replied…
"I Am Love, I Am Peace, I Am Grace, I Am Joy,
I Am The Way, Truth And The Light… I Am The Comforter,
I Am Strength, I Am Safety, I Am Shelter, I Am Power,
I Am The Creator, I Am The Beginning And The End,
I Am The Most High.”
The Girl With Tears In Her Eyes Looked Toward Heaven And Said,
"Now I Understand, But Lord, Who Am I?”
Then God Tenderly Wiped The Tears From Her Eyes
And Whispered, “You Are Mine.”

Isaiah 45:5
I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God…

Isaiah 49:16
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

God's Love

2010-04-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

God's love knows no boundries, He is gracious and full of mercy and His love for us endures forever. May you be blessed with the following scriptures.

Psalm 17:7-8 (NIV)
7 Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Psalm 136:1 (NIV)
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Psalm 145:8,9 & 11 (NRSV)
8The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
11They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power,

Verbal Poison

2010-04-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

I read the following and afterward I couldn't help but think just how relevant it was. Especially in today's world. What are we teaching our children and grandchildren when all we do is complain, grumble and criticize?

Written by Joanie Yoder and taken from The Daily Bread Devotional booklet.

What a frustrating problem pollution is! Everybody suffers with it, yet everybody contributes to it. Pollution takes many forms, but one type is often overlooked. Charles Swindoll calls it “verbal pollution,” passed around by grumblers, complainers, and criticizers. “The poison of pessimism,” Swindoll writes, “creates an atmosphere of wholesale negativism where nothing but the bad side of everything is emphasized.” A group of Christian friends became concerned about this form of pollution and their personal part in it. So they made a pact to avoid critical words for a whole week. They were surprised to find how little they spoke! As they continued the experiment, they actually had to relearn conversation skills.

In Ephesians 4, Paul called believers to that sort of decisive action. He said we are to “put off” the old self and its conduct that grieves the Holy Spirit (vv.22,30) and “put on” the new self that builds up others (v.24). As we rely on the help of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16), we can make those changes in our conduct, our thinking, and our speaking.
If we want to be rid of verbal pollution, we must choose to change and ask for God’s help. It’s a great way to start cleaning up our spiritual environment. —

Help stamp out pollution—clean up your speech!

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph. 4:29 (NIV)

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Easter and U

2010-04-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

It's Easter and I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. The following was sent as an email to me and I have no idea where it came from. I hope you enjoy it.

THE U IN JESUS
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God 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.

Happy Easter and have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Special Alone Time

2009-09-06T00:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a whole month since I posted last, why has it only felt like 2 weeks?
As most of you know I have been burning the candle at both ends and although I am trying to have that special alone time with God it has been very difficult. I seem to be waking up and before I know it, it’s 10:00 PM. I have been feeling guilty about not spending the time I want to spend with the Lord, but I know He is orchestrating some rest for me and I am looking forward to it. He has given me the following passage which I trust is the beginning of the rest that I see forthcoming.. By rest I mean to rest in Him and His love for me.
It’s Ephesians 1:4-14 (NIV)

4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

God is Good!

2009-08-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

God is so good! Romans 8:28 says, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. We have seen this promise first hand as God worked through all the details of the sale of the church property. We saw it as God orchestrated a much needed rest for Pastor Frank and Kathi. We saw it as God brought forth the perfect rental for the young family that rented the church house. And we continue to see God’s hand as He brings forth the visiting pastors who have blessed us so much with encouraging words that God has placed on their hearts. I would like to encourage each of you to soak in the goodness of God’s blessings-Yes; God is good!

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Phil.4:4 (NIV)

Seasons

2009-07-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back I spoke about feeling melancholy and sad as I packed up the office. I have to say that up until a few days ago I was still feeling that way; but something is changing. Something exciting is happening. Growing up in Texas I saw the different seasons change. I not only saw the trees drop their leaves I felt it. It’s kinda hard to describe if you have never gone through a season change. That’s what I feel is happening now-with A New Harvest. It’s a change; it’s a God change.
I can hardly wait to turn the corner and have that AH-HA moment. You know the one where God opens your eyes and all you can say is ah-ha!!
My hearts a-pounding…..

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us, There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:
Verse 4 says, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,…

I personally am putting on that smile and gathering my dancing shoes; I can almost hear Jesus ask; “will you dance with me? Take my hand and I will lead!”

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Melancholy and Anxiousness

2009-07-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

As I was cleaning out closets and going through stuff at the office this week, I was hit with a sense of melancholy. I started thinking about the things that had happened in the office and also where God was leading us as we take this next turn. I feel a little timid and anxious because I don’t know. (There’s that control thing again, when will I learn?) But the one thing I do sense is that God has some exciting things in store for A New Harvest. I feel He is saying to us as His church– to take His hand, let Him lead and trust Him– for He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.
So, as we begin to turn the corner into a new season with the Lord, and when those anxious moments come upon us - remember Phil. 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

Gods Counsel-Our Worries

2009-07-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

The other night my son and I were talking and he said something that got me thinking. He said God sits on His throne and thousands of people from everywhere go to Him for His counsel. They lay down their lives which include their wants and desires to seek His. They lay down their worries and burdens. As he said this, I had a vision in my head of God’s throne and people walking to it and casting their problems to Him and some of them telling Him their troubles. I thought about the many times I go to God to lay my burden at His feet, I say, take it Lord; but do I really leave it with Him? I know I‘ve written about this same thing many times, but for some reason He keeps drawing me back to it. (I think He’s slowly showing me how to trust Him, it’s just taking me awhile to catch on) : >)
God already knows what I/we carry-He knows how to fix it. The thing is; every time we take our worries back, Satan wins. He wins because we lose the peace God gives us when we leave it with Him.

For he himself is our peace,… Ephesians 2:14

Busyness and Remembering

2009-07-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

I want to share something with you that I read this week. It really got me thinking about my busyness, about how we can get so caught up in the things of this life that we forget about why we follow Jesus and that He should always be 1st in our life no matter what. I know when I read the following I was convicted because I saw times in my own life where I have forgotten Jesus.

Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado.

Can you still remember? Are you still in love with Him?...Remember Jesus. Before you remember anything remember Him. If you forget anything, don’t forget Him.

Oh, but how quickly we forget, So much happens through the years. So many changes within. So many alterations without. And, somewhere, back there, we leave Him. We don’t turn away from Him...we just don’t take Him with us. Assignments come. Promotions come. Budgets are made. Kids are born, and the Christ...the Christ is forgotten.

Has it been awhile since you stared at the heavens in speechless amazement? Has it been awhile since you realized God’s divinity and your carnality?

If it has, then you need to know something.
He is still there. He hasn’t left. Under all those papers and books and reports and years. In the midst of all those voices and faces and memories and pictures, He is still there.

Have a wonderful week in the Lord!

2009-06-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

We tend to forget how big God is and that He is the one who takes care of us. We don’t and can’t achieve anything without God. As Colossians 1:17 says, He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Let's look at 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 (NLT)
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, ... Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.

With God taking care of us we can praise him and give thanks..

1Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

God's Formation

2009-06-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

This week several things happened that orchestrated the thought of the week. Let’s just say that as always, God’s hand was in its formation.

Psalm 91:9-16

If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you,no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. "Because he loves me," says the LORD, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Being Chosen

2009-06-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

As a kid I always dreaded the times at recess when we had to “pick teams”. I was usually chosen about halfway through the pick or towards the end, I was never chosen as the top 5. Seemed to me that the ones chosen first were always best friends to the one doing the choosing, or you excelled in the sport you might be playing that particular day. I don’t know why my thoughts bring me back to that time of life other than to say that we don’t choose Jesus, He chooses us, and when we follow Him we become His friend and we are adopted into Gods family. Galatians 4:6-7 says, Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. With that in mind, see what he says about us in 1Peter 2:9-10, But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Not only does He call us sons and daughters, but He loves us so much.... Romans 8:38-39; For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, what a privilege that Jesus chose us, and it should be our desire each and every day to honor Him because He did choose us.

John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

(emphasis mine)

Just Ask

2009-05-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

The other night while watching TV a commercial came on that started with that old Michael Jackson song that he did with his brothers the Jackson 5 called “I’ll Be There”. As the song and the commercial played on it said in captions, “We all need someone to believe in. To rely on. To trust”.
I guess the commercial was about people being there for other people. As the song played some of the lyrics went like this: “where there is love, I’ll be there, I’ll reach out my hand to you, I’ll have faith in all you do, just call my name and I’ll be there. I’ll be your strength, I’ll keep holding on”..

As I watched the commercial I thought to myself; yes, we do need someone to believe in, to rely on and to trust-we need Jesus. I started thinking about how Jesus is always there, that when we ask for something in His name –it’s a done deal. When we ask for strength, for comfort, for healing, for protection, for covering, for love, the list goes on. Jesus said, 7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matt.7:7-8)

What a wonderful God we serve! All we have to do is call His name.

-and He’ll be there!

13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14

I Pledge...what was that again?

2009-05-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

I often wonder how many of our children know the Pledge of Allegiance. It's not said anymore at schools and it's being pulled from some of our sports events and other public forums. It's really sad. And in a not so distant future people will begin to ask "America had a Pledge of Allegiance, what was it?" It will be a trivia question in a game. It's been a long time since I went to school but does it cover it in the History books anymore? My heart aches for our children, how is this country going to be when they begin to run it? What we are doing today effects them and if they are not taught the truth we have only ourselves to blame.

How about you-can you remember the Pledge of Allegiance?
It goes like this:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag, of the United States of America,and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible,With Liberty and Justice for all.

And to take it a step further do you know what the meaning is?

I Pledge Allegiance I Promise to be faithful and true (Promise my loyalty)
to the flag to the emblem that stands for and represents of the United States all 50 states, each of them individual, and individually represented on the flag of America yet formed into a UNION of one Nation and to the Republic And I also pledge my loyalty to the Government that is itself a Republic, a form of government where the PEOPLE are sovereign for which it stands, this government also being represented by the Flag to which I promise loyalty
one Nation under God, These 50 individual states are united as a single Republic under the
Divine providence of God, "our most powerful resource" (according to the words of President Eisenhower) Indivisible, and can not be separated. (This part of the original version of the pledge was written just 50 years after the beginning of the Civil War and demonstrates the unity sought in the years after that divisive period in our history) with Liberty The people of this Nation being afforded the freedom to pursue "life, liberty, and happiness", and Justice And each person entitled to be treated justly, fairly, and according to proper law and principle for All. And these principles afforded to EVERY AMERICAN, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, or any other criteria. Just as the flag represents 50 individual states that can not be divided or separated, this Nation represents millions of people who can not be separated or divided.

19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deut.11:19 (NIV)

Have a safe Memorial Day !

I Can't Carry It

2009-05-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

In a scene from The Lord of The Rings Trilogy we find Sam and Frodo struggling to make it to the top of the mountain where Frodo will finally be rid of his burden carrying the ring. Frodo has collapsed and Sam tells Frodo, “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!"
To me, Sam was the hero of the Lord of The Rings. He may not have carried the ring but he was there as Frodo’s friend encouraging and helping him along the way. It was Sam’s inner strength that carried Frodo to the top of that mountain.

How often do we carry a burden until we can’t seem to take another step? The burden started out light but it began to get heavier and heavier as each day passed. We sometimes in our pride we hang on to the burden in fear of letting it go, we don’t ask for help because we think it is mine to carry not someone else’s. But what we don’t realize half the time is that Jesus is there waiting for us to give it to Him.

Jesus takes our burdens and carries them for us. Once you take the burden you are carrying and place it in Jesus’ hands he will set you on that mountain top and the weight will be gone. But we have to give it up first.

Frodo wasn’t willing to give up the ring; I believe Sam would have willing taken it if Frodo would have given it to him.

Have you given your burden to Jesus? His invitation to you is;

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Gems Along the Way

2009-05-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

The other day as I was talking with my older daughter she sounded a little distraught. When I asked what was wrong she began to tell me why she was so upset. Without hesitation I told her I would keep what she was upset about in my prayers and that I would continue to pray for her. She said “thanks mom, thanks for praying.” As I hung up the phone I was filled with joy in my heart and praise on my lips-for hearing her say “thanks for praying mom” was Huge. What I want to tell you dear brother and sister in Christ is this: if you are praying for someone you love to come to the Lord– please don’t give up on them. God hears your prayers and knows your desire for your loved one to come to know Him, for He knows them better than us. But as we wait upon the Lord, He brings us gems that we can treasure and hold in our heart– like “thanks mom, thanks for praying”.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Philippians 4:6

For all those moms out there- HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

His Majesty

2009-05-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

At creation, God gave man breath. Then he took man’s breath away with the beauty, grandeur, and eloquence of a universe of marvels created by His own hand. Look around. Examine what God has done. Then, breathless, proclaim His majesty. —Dave Branon

Psalm 8
1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
7 all flocks and herds,and the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Storms

2009-04-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

The other day as the storm clouds rolled in from the ocean I started thinking about the storms in our lives. As the storm got closer, the lightning started flashing and the thunder rolled and you begin to prepare for the storm that’s about to hit. When I was a girl growing up in Texas the storms seemed to be so powerful and so strong– they in fact scared me. I used to run, grab my shoes and put them on because we never new when we had to run for the storm cellar. Thinking about these storms remind me of how we can be when a spiritual storm hits our life. Most of the time we never see it coming. The storm hits and we are unprepared. We run away from the storm, we look for shelter because a lot of the time we are afraid to face what’s coming.

In Matthew 8:23-26 it says, Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

God has a purpose for the storms in our life. But we can rest in Him knowing He is our shelter against anything that comes our way. When the storm is over and the clouds clear we see things in a different way– a lot of times we see things the way they should be, instead of the way we perceived them to be before the storm.

Have a wonderful week!

2009-04-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, at Ohana Group our discussion drifted to 1Corinthians 10:13 (NIV), which states:
13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
The discussion we were having involved why people used this particular verse when someone is going through a trial and people say, “God never gives you more than you can handle.” My argument was that this verse doesn’t clarify that it’s referring to a trial, but that it is speaking of being tempted. … So after much discussion it was determined by everyone in the group that it was talking about being tempted and not being in a trial. I know that one particular person in the group felt let down because she had always relied on this verse when she was in the midst of a trial. Ihave to admit, I also relied on this verse for many years but was always confused about the word “tempted”. Not wanting anyone to stumble for my lack of knowledge I decided I would take it a step further and looked up the Greek word for “tempted”. The word is peirazo (pi-rad-zo) which means to “test” i.e.. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline-assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt, try. With this in mind, I then started looking through different translations of the bible. And for those of you who were at Ohana Group on Thursday evening –my apologies, please forgive me.

1Corinthians 10:13 (The Message Bible)
13No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. (emphasis mine)
God is with us in our trials, He is there no matter what, for,
... God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."... (Heb. 13:5 NIV)

Easter

2009-04-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are wondering about our Easter Services, worship will start at 10:00 AM in the Waikoloa Elementary School Cafeteria. We hope you can make it. We have an awesome worship team who will be blessing us with contemporary music, a special song by Fran Black, a skit performed by some wonderful men of God and be sure to bring the keiki's (children) because Aunty Julie has some fun things planned in Childen's Church.

And we can't forget the Easter message by Pastor Frank Giraud entitled "The Ulimate Bail Out"

The poem I am sharing with you is something I came across several years ago. The author is unknown it's entitled:

You Ask Why I Follow This Jesus?

You ask why I follow this Jesus?Why I love Him the way I do?

When the world's turned away from His teachings And the people who serve Him are few.

It's not the rewards I'm after Or gifts that I hope to receive

It's the Presence that calls for commitment It's the Spirit I trust and believe.

The Lord doesn't shelter His faithful Or spare them all suffering and pain,

Like everyone else I have burdens, And walk through my share of rain.

Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose, And that joy only Christians have known,

I never know what comes tomorrow, But I do know I'm never alone.

It's the love always there when you need it; It's the words that redeem and inspire,

It's the longing to ever be with Him That burns in my heart like a fire.

So you ask why I love my Lord Jesus? Well, friend, that's so easy to see,

But the one thing that fills me with wonder is Why Jesus loves someone like me.

Have a wonderful week!

For God so loved...

2009-04-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

We all know what John 3:16 says, for me it's one of the 1st verses in the bible that I had to memorize as a child. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son...

20But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
21"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor.

"Barabbas," they answered.
22"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.

They all answered, "Crucify him!"
23"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" Matthew 27:20-23 (NIV)

For God so loved the world... God so loved me, God so loved you, that had it been only me or only you- Jesus still would have died for us. We don't understand this agape love that God has for us, but we will one day, and I for one think that it will be hard to contain-

***

I pray you have a wonderful week filled with God's love.

Mark 6

2009-03-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I missed a post but hope you had a wonderful week filled with God's blessings.

As I was reading Mark 6 it talked about John the Baptist and how it came about that he was beheaded. My heart cried for him. He was a man who plowed the way for Jesus, he baptized and planted seeds.. Yet he, just like Jesus was persecuted. Maybe not in the same way, but here he was in prison and Herod’s wife who hated John so much used her own daughter to get what she wanted. The reason John died was so that Herod could save face in front of his friends. He didn’t want to kill John the Baptist, he was afraid of him and knew him to be righteous and holy. Yet he succumbed to his own self interests and had him killed.

How often do we do things in order to “save face” in front of someone? We think what will they think of me if I do this or that? We don’t stand up to what we believe in our hearts to be true. I’ve done this a lot of times and I know I have hurt God by doing it.
I ask for forgiveness and I pray that I can stand up for what I believe in and that through God I can find the strength to say no.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Time Well Spent

2009-03-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

This week I had the privilege of helping my daughter when she ran out of gas at 11:15 in the evening. What entails is really a comedy of errors so just bear with me.
I get the call she ran out of gas and with an empty gas can in hand I pick her up. Unbeknownst to me the gas station in town is no longer open late at night. We then proceed to my house checking the other 2 gas cans in the garage-no gas. We then travel to her house to check the gas can in her garage-no gas. We then go back to the shopping center thinking that someone may have access to at least a gallon of gas-no gas. So our next thought is the fire station-we are blessed because they not only have gas but fill our empty 5 gallon gas can for free. We then proceed back to her car thanking God all the way. We get ready to fill her car with the gas from the wonderful people at the fire station and realize we have no funnel to get the gas into the car. I then proceed to her house to pick up the funnel from her gas can. As I unscrew the funnel from the gas can I think do I need to take the whole can? I think no and just grab the funnel. Get back to the car and get ready to put the funnel on the larger gas can and the funnel falls into the can filled with gas. Back to square one. I then go back to my house pick up another gas can with a funnel and head back to the car. (In the mean time my daughter is using a coat hanger trying to get the funnel out of the can of gas). We then pour the gas into the smaller gas can (we aren’t even gonna try to change funnels again) thinking okay thank you-Lord we got it. The story doesn’t stop here. The funnel was to short, the gas spilled on the ground. Again back to square one. At this point I’m starting to feel a little like Lucy and Ethel with all the things that are happening. But we then get the original funnel that fell in the can of gas out– put it on the smaller gas can, pour the gasoline that the nice people at the fire station gave us into this smaller gas can and fill her car with gas. What started out to be what I thought a 20 minute there and back lasted one and a half hours.
It wasn’t the gas or the running here and there late at night or the frustrations, it was quality time with my daughter. We laughed so much and talked and to me it was the best time I’ve had in a while. God brought us together that night because God knew I needed a relief, I needed to laugh. But then He gave me something more wonderful-alone time with Him. It was then that I got to spend quality time with my Heavenly Father.

Lamentations 2:19
19 Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord....

Just Stuff and a thought

2009-03-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

I call this post just stuff because there are different little tid-bits of information that you can file away.

First, thanks to Cathi Jenkins for sharing her picture of a whale breeching just north of A-Bay.

HIM (Hawaii Island Ministries) is this week Wednesday, March 11 through Saturday March 14. Pastor Frank will be attending. Also coming up is the Women's conference in Hilo on March 13 and 14th. Then Waimea Christian Academy's fundraising event on March 21st at Waimea New Hope gym.

Also before I forget there will be no Saturday Night set-up at the cafeteria on March 14th- come early Sunday morning to help out. if you have any questions call Pastor Frank.

Last week in my thought for the week I spoke about the verse found in John 14:12 (NIV), Jesus says,

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. I then thought about what greater things can we do than He did? So I thought about it and I thought about it and then it hit me. We live in a world that has internet, TV, phones, cell phones and other technology- Jesus didn't. We can be a witness to anybody and everybody in just a few short minutes. Think about how many emails you get asking you to send it to 10 people-they send it to 10 more. These devices can be used to further God's Kingdom and that's one aspect that we can use to do "greater things than these". I just did by publishing this post.

Be the light of the world and let your light shine!

Getting Started

2009-03-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

Today's post is just to get started. I will be updating our events and sharing photos of our times together. We pray you are blessed by our postings and that you come and visit us if you are in the Waikoloa, HI area.

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope 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 be faint.