"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10)

The world is watching everything we (as believers) do and say--our neighbors, co-workers, visitors to our churches, fellow students, etc. Are we modeling a life of service and sacrifice? Are we putting ourselves before others? Are we willing to serve even when it is not "convenient"? Are we willing when nobody is noticing? Let us all examine ourselves and look for opportunities TODAY to "do good ....to the family of believers." Then, let us also be sure to use serving to open doors to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Lord, we know we are sinful and selfish human beings. Help us be like you and lay down our lives for others.

thanks for expensive internet access

"For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness,
but one of power, love, and sound judgment"
(1 Timothy 1:7, HCSB).

This weekend, while I was sitting by a window in the baggage claim of an airport, a man asked me if my laptop had found free internet access.  I felt about half-awake as I glanced at the access, and then we decided that the cost for it was unattractive.  He started making casual conversation, as I prayed for patience, since I had first sat to read or take a nap.

He was a friendly one, and I liked hearing about his wife and kids who were about to pick him up.  He had just returned from visiting his parents in Hawaii, and as we talked, he asked me why I had moved away from Texas.  As I explained how I admire the school I am attending, we started talking about the Bible as absolute truth. 

When he started talking about other religions, I am covinced that the Holy Spirit guided our conversation, since I often do not feel like an expert.  God gave me peace as I just tried to thoughtfully and genuinely answer questions.  The man received my questions, as well, and I realized God was helping me see past my initial fear so that I could share my faith that He is the only way. 

Later, I realized that three people had prayed for me to be able to share my faith that weekend.  Even though the man did not pray to follow Jesus that day, I am thankful that the Holy Spirit helped me share more about who He is.  Hopefully, that man will want to learn more about Jesus in the future.

How can we praise God and share His story today?

Praying!

http://www.syatp.com/

Today is See You At The Pole, a day set aside to PRAY for Students of all ages, Teachers, Administrators, Leaders and Parents!

Please stop right now and PRAY as The Lord leads you! Please include PRAYING for SALVATION for those that NEED JESUS!!

Please share any way that we can PRAY for YOU!!

God Answers Prayer!!

Matthew 6:9-13 "Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven...

Lift up Jesus

"But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself" (John 12:32, NASV).

What a great weekend we had! Marshall and Tracy Jones came to Houston to stay with Dana and me. We went to see the Astros both nights (since they are all three crazy about sports). On Friday night, it was Houston's First Baptist Church night, our Pastor Gregg threw out the first pitch, and the game ended with beautiful fireworks. The display over the city was beautiful. It was a great night and a great weekend!

As I watched the fireworks, I couldn't help but let my mind wander. How much money was all this costing? I cannot even imagine. How many times do we spend money on things that have no eternal value. Why do we spend so much on things like fireworks that we there one moment, and gone the next? Even as I tried to take a few photos, the scene would change before I could capture the moment.

Are we faithful in the moment? Do we spend our time and energy on things that will pass away quickly or on things that have lasting value? Our lives are but a vapor.

Lord, help me to be the light for someone. Help me to use each passing moment spending time on what matters. May I lift Jesus up so that You will be glorified!

Simple Truth

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14

As leaders of women we are to serve as living examples of Christ Jesus and His love. This commandment is simple but at times proves difficult for us to do. Beth Moore once said and I paraphrase, "God measures maturity in how we love." If our maturity is reflected in how we love our neighbor, in how we share the Gospel, in how we serve the widow, in how we take care of the poor, what do the women in our church see? Are they being shown the way to imitate our Lord Jesus all the more, or are they missing a most key component of our faith, love?


Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. John 14:21

Let's love our Lord better today and in doing so love people.

the challenge of truth

How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation" (Daniel 4:3, NIV).

Last week, I heard a sermon that had nearly eleven points.  It inspired me to see how much this pastor was drawing from God's Word.  If we stay connected with quiet time in the Word, I believe that God will help us see His plan.

Sometimes, the truth can feel like a cut.  An example of such a cut, I think, is in Daniel, when Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that haunted him.  In Daniel 4, he called Daniel, to interpret one he had about a tree being ordered to be cut down by a holy one.  When Daniel, who we know believed in and spent time praying to God, interpreted the dream, he was, "greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him" (verse 19).  When he interpreted the dream to the king, though, he made sure to include that if the king followed God, then he may not suffer (verse 27).  The king did not turn from his selfish rule, but after he suffered (his authority was taken from him and he went mad).

This story in Daniel turns, as King Nebuchadnezzar declares that God rules over all:  "His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation" (verse 34b).  His sanity and kingdom were restored, and he said, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble" (verse 37).   I admire Daniel, because he communicated the truth both accurately to, and in concern for, Nebuchadnezzar.

When we communicate God's truth through His Word, I think it is important to realize how powerful it is.  Are we communicating the truth in love?  His message can feel like a cut, but He can use it to heal us.  We are sinners, but Christ died for us so that we can know Him and live.  I pray that we continue to pray and seek His lead in living for Him.

Stay Connected!

"SPEAK to one another with..." Ephesians 5:19

I was just sharing and praying with someone about the powerful tool of SPEAKING words to one another and I must share these thoughts with you!

As I listen and pray with women of all ages, my heart is being stirred and burdened with a message about some of the communication traps we are facing through the new high tech tools at our fingertips: Just in the last few years we have seen the rise in communicating through the use of texting, e-mailing, posting, and tweeting. These new communication tools have many positive benefits, but along with these benefits it is important to be wise about the negative traps that may arise. "for we are not ignorant of of [Satan's] intentions" 2 Corinthians 2:11 (HCSB)

What are some of the possible negative relationship results that could happen with the over use of written communications? Here are just a few results that could lead to unhealthy communication: misunderstandings, superficiality, and the absence of accountability. The enemy is trying to use these great new communication tools as post modern traps that could lead into isolation and disconnect in The Body of Christ (and in relationships in general!)

Women tend to feel distant from one another through the trend of written communication instead of verbal communication. The popular trend of "talking" by "texting", "postings", and "tweeting" instead of speaking verbal words. The enemy would love for women to be defeated in anyway. Could this be a form of 21st Century spiritual warfare!

Wow, we sure need to know the enemy and his new schemes that could cause The Body of Christ to be ineffective and isolated so that we will not connect like we could with God and with Others!! God's Word clearly states that "we need one another" (1 Corinthians 12:21...), so it should not surprise us that the enemy will try to attack the "need" to belong, and stay connected through verbal communication with others in our lives. God's Word describes verbal communication best. Just one example is in the book of Ephesians where God describes ways to "speak" to one another. Ephesians 5:19 is a powerful verse to hide in our hearts about ways to "speak" to each other! "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs...." Eph. 5:19

We must all be wise about the new schemes of the enemy Christians face today. Let's make a point of keeping the healthy habit in our lives of verbally connecting voice to voice and face to face with others as we also enjoy the new high tech trends of texting, e-mailing, posting, and tweeting. Balance is the key to healthy communication and healthy connections for God's Glory!

As the Body of Christ, we are all Gifted2Go by God to talk/share with others just like it is described in Ephesians 3:14-21!! What are some specific actions or activities we can be sure and schedule to help keep verbal connection and communication in our lives? Please share your simple ideas, it will encourage someone today!!