"One generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare your might acts." Psalm 145:4

Look at that face. That's one handsome face if I do say so myself! I think you've seen this picture of our first-born son before. When I look into that face it reminds of this verse. He represents the next generation to me. His generation is the one to whom I am commanded to declare the fullness of the Gospel and God's mighty acts. My question simply for you today...is who represents the next generation to you? Do you have that face, name, person in mind? Now, the question is how good a job are doing? Are you investing in the next generation? Are you making a way so that a generation yet to be created will one day praise the Lord? If so, keep on. If not, redirect your course. Our lives are but a midst, but His fame is forever. Let's make sure we declare it!

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains." (Colossians 4:2-3)

As I have been challenging my students as a teacher in high school and with seminary student wives to be more intentional in sharing their faith, I know I must make this a priority in my life. It seems as if God just says, "Sharon, open your eyes. I'm giving you plenty of opportunities." I was helping one of my daughters pick out some new glasses frames and on the way out of the mall we wandered in to a fairly new shoe store. Being the only customers in the store, the store clerk was probably thinking, "Good, maybe they will buy some shoes" as I was thinking "Good, maybe we can have a chance to share a word of truth with the store clerk."

Kari and I looked at the sale rack and I picked out a pair of tennis shoes to try on. We found it easy to start a conversation and within a minute found out he had just moved to Louisville four days earlier for his job as store manager. He was a single adult in his mid-twenties. We talked for quite a while and then turned the conversation to church. After some interesting comments, we were able to suggest a couple churches near him with some good single adult activities so that he could "get to meet some people" around his age since he was new. We did not share the gospel, but we did make enough of an acquaintance to go back into the store to see how he is doing and perhaps move the conversation to a deeper level.

God does not ask us to convert people (that is the Holy Spirit's job); he just asks us to be willing and available. That is what I desire to be (though I so often fall short!).

Lord, help us all be faithful, available, and actively looking for any opportunity to share your Good News with others!

omnipresence

"'Am I a God who is only in one place?' asks the Lord. 'Do they think I cannot see what they are doing? Can any one hide from me? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?' asks the Lord" (Jeremiah 23:23-24, New Living Translation).

We can see God's presence and love all around us. Since I am not used to seeing snow so much in the winter, every snowfall is a thrill for me to watch. I love waking up and seeing the white blanket drape over rooftops and envelope cars. The beauty in nature is surely a sign of His presence, but in people and science we are able to see His glory, too. He surely is evident across the globe.

A truth that I see from the verse mentioned above is that God is present at all times. He will always be there for us to help when we ask Him for it with a sincere heart. Do we believe that He is all around us? Are we asking for Him to lead us moment by moment? My past pastor, Dr. Ed Young, used to fall on his knees and pray before his sermons, saying, "Lord, let me get out of the way" as he asked God to speak through Him. Reflecting on this prayer, I see how important it is to give glory to our God at all times as a true follower of Him.

As we see God's presence surrounding us, I pray that it increases our desire to love Him and put Him first. It is true that we will not be able to show our love like Him, since He sent His Son to die for what we have done against Him. Yet, we can "let ourselves get out of the way" so that His love can be shown to the world.

The Battle Is The Lords!

Jesus told him, "Go away, Satan! For it is written . . ."

Matthew 4:10 (HCSB)

As we share Jesus we need to be ready to put the enemy in his place! Tell him to "GO AWAY!", not if, but WHEN he tries to throw his schemes at you..because JESUS SAID SO~AMEN!

Ephesians chapter 6 is another passage that all witnesses need to CAMP OUT in over and over! Let's take some time today and the rest of the week to read Ephesians 6:10-20 and really dig into the PROMISES given us through THE ARMOR OF GOD!! I am so excited that part of the new gifted2go resources, that will be coming soon include Ephesians Chapter 6, because warfare is such a HUGE part of the witnesses day in and day out experiences to be equipped to overcome!

I have been attacked, as a first-generation Christian, in more ways than I could ever describe to you, the LORD keeps my heart very full of HIS discernment as HE teaches me more and more about the enemy so that I can constantly STAND FIRM with THE ARMOR OF GOD securely on! But, it is my job to daily PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD so that WHEN the schemes of the enemy come I CAN STAND and let THE LORD FIGHT EVERY BATTLE!!

As Jesus said, we also need to say to the enemy "GO AWAY, satan! FOR IT IS WRITTEN...!!!! Those are the best marching orders I could hear today as I believe God will take care of every battle, how about you? Are you under attack, PRAISE THE LORD, because the enemy could care less about us unless we are allowing Jesus to make a difference as His Light & His Salt! You are doing something RIGHT if you are in the enemies cross-arrows...take courage...JESUS OVERCOMES IT ALL!!! GO GOD!! GO AWAY, satan...GOD ALWAYS WINS!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EDz1Sl5kAk HELP IS ON THE WAY!!!!!

Living Sacrifice or All About Me?

"Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another" (Romans 12:1-5, HCSB).

I have to admit that I am wondering what happened to being a living sacrifice? Even in the Christian world, it seems that the "me" syndrome has gotten most of us. It is all about "me" and what "I" need and "my" ministry and doing what "I" feel called to do.

I find it most interesting that Romans 12:1-2 about being a sacrifice is followed by the importance of the parts of the body functioning together as one in Christ. We are to work together for the good of the kingdom. Regardless of the church we are in, the seminary we are connected to, or what ministry we are involved in. We need to be doing kingdom work that is all about Christ and not about "our" own ministry.

When will we learn? Let's work together for the good of the kingdom and stop worrying about who gets the credit. Let's be a living sacrifice today and everyday so that Christ is honored.

Inescapable Love

The longer I live in this world the more I realize the reason Jesus said this: "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation (or trouble), but take courage (or heart); I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) These days I can hardly watch the news. I'm sure you feel the same. The devastation that has rocked Haiti is more than a soul can bear. Also, this week I received a prayer request for a family who tragically lost a 21 year old girl in a car accident. In addition, I am still praying for two babies both under 3 who are enduring cancer treatments. When I think about all of the natural disasters, all of the death, all of the sickness, all of the sheer pain, I am nearly overwhelmed. BUT (ah I'm thankful for the "but")when I remember Jesus' encouragement..."take courage or take heart I have overcome the world" I am relieved and recall that our God has this world under His grasp. He is in control. Jesus, at the end of all things, is our only hope. Without Him, we are wrecked, lost, destined for death indeed. There is hope in His Gospel...that He has come and has loved this world by giving His only Son that whoever would believe in Him would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). That is an inescapable love. In the midst of tragedy, God has not forgotten, nor has He left us. He is not taking a break, missing in action, nor is He powerless. He is there. Pursuing us always with an enduring love that the human mind can scarce fathom. God has demonstrated this love in sending His Son. This is the message of hope that we need to hear, that Haiti needs to hear, that the mourning family needs to hear, that Ansley & Ian & their families need to hear. God has loved us. For who would die for a good man, much less an evil man wrecked with sin? Yet our Savior loved us while we were yet sinners bearing the shame & guilt of our sin on the cross. Inescapable love. That is what we need. I pray that Jesus is the One we share as often as the day allows. We need to tell all who will hear it that this Savior is risen & is able to rise in hearts bringing newness of life. It is inescapable love!

Only One Thing Is Needed

"Martha, Martha you are anxious and troubled about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)

Many of us are familiar with the story about Mary and Martha, where Martha is doing all the preparations and work while Mary goes to sit at the feet of Jesus. Not trying to criticize Martha for being on top of things concerning the workload, I was convicted when I read this "antithesis" of Psalm 23 written by Marcia K. Hornok:

The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest.

It makes me lie down only when exhausted.
It leads me to deep depression.

It hounds my soul.

It leads me in circles of frenzy for activity's sake.

Even though I run frantically from task to task, I will never get it all done.

For my "ideal" is with me.

Deadlines and my need for approval, they drive me.

They demand performance from me, beyond the limits of my schedule.

They anoint my head with migraines.

My in-basket overflows.

Surely fatigue and time pressure shall follow me all the days of my life.

And I will dwell in the bond of frustration forever.

Let us all remember the MAIN THINGS - to keep our fellowship daily with the Lord AND to tell others about him!

"an anchor for the soul"

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe..." (Ephesians 1:18, NIV).

When I see a star, I tend to think of strength and confidence. I find myself putting my hope in this symbol when it is on a police officer or a flag, since it can create a feeling of security. I see, though, that this symbol does not ensure dependability. God, however, is always worthy of our hope.

If someone asked you to explain why you hope, what would you say? The other day, my friend expressed that she rather be sure of something rather than just hope in it. The dictionary defines hope in several ways. Yet, how does the Bible define hope?

The Bible teaches us that hope is not seen (Romans 8:24) and we must wait for it (Romans 8:25). As Christians, we hope in the promises made by Jesus Christ to love us and save us (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Hebrews 6:19 explains, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..." (NIV). The Bible speaks of a confident hope in God's promises because they are trustworthy and grounded in love.

Romans 5:5 explains, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given to us" (NIV). The hope described here is not an unsupported optimism. It is a confidence in God's future promises and is based on God's love, expressed when He sent His Son to die for us to save us.

The Bible teaches us to hope in God, who, with His never-ending love, will always be there for us. Romans 5:8 explains, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (NIV). I pray that we will have hope and confidence in Christ and be able to show others His love.

Run The Race!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

How many of us have been running the race marked out for us and life's circumstances and/or the enemy tries to get us tangled up so that we will stop running?

God's Word gives us the plan we need to persevere as we run the race marked out for us as His witness!

• Throw Off Everything That Hinders & Easily Entangles Us From Running God's Race!

The Holy Spirit is faithful to show us anything that needs to go! Anything that is causing us to get tripped up and/or stop "on God's straight and narrow track" that leads to knowing Jesus, Sharing Jesus, and Leading Others to do the same! What do we have to do? It is important to know what easily entangles us personally, develop a plan of perseverance, and Obey God!! THROW OFF EVERYTHING that is not helping us Run God's Race! We can get "entangled" in unhealthy attitudes, habits, thoughts, actions, relationships...ask God to search EVERYTHING in our life as we trust Him for His ability to Run Unhindered towards the finish line = JESUS!

• Run With Perseverance Your Race!

When I run if I look to my right or to my left, I get off track! When I keep my eyes fixed straight ahead on the race marked out personally, I stay on course as His witness and I am able to run with perseverance! God has a race marked out personally for each one of us, as His witnesses. He has specific people that He puts in the path of our race that He strategically organizes supernaturally! How many times have we met someone that we knew God put in our path that needed to hear The Good News about Jesus or needed to hear something specific about our personal testimony? When this happens to me, it gives me a "a kick, a second wind, a burst of spiritual energy" to keep running and keep sharing Jesus! The race we run is like a marathon that requires perseverance! Take heart because Jesus runs ahead of us and prepares the pathway of perseverance! Jesus loves us so much that He gives us "witnesses" that "cheer us on" as we RUN His RACE! Who can we "cheer on" that is Running His Race With Perseverance?

You Can Do It!!! Keep Running God's Race For JESUS!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YhP5zSicdk (Run With Perseverance!)

Explaining the Gift of the Gospel

"He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained the way of God to him more accurately" (Acts 18:26, HCSB).

Priscilla and Aquila "explained the way of God more accurately" to Apollos (who was a Jew). After Apollos spoke in the synagogue, they took him home and explained the promise of Jesus (the Messiah) in such a way that he could understand it.

What does this mean for us? The passage speaks to me on many levels. First, I love that Priscilla and Aquila were out in the marketplace. They were not just sitting at church waiting for an unbeliever to come to visit. Secondly, how cool is this...they must have gone up to Apollos after he spoke and invited him over to their home. They didn't go confront him but they friended him and invited him over - possibly for a meal or refreshment. Thirdly, they took him where he was (a Jew) and pointed him to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

When is the last time you sought out someone and invited that person over? When did you take that person and bring them with you to walk life with you? I was impressed with one of our seminary gals who befriended a young high schooler from another country to come to Starbucks with us. This young gal did not grow up learning about Jesus, but by the testimony and life of this student, she is seeing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Who are you explaining the gift of the gospel to? Let's agree to look for the opportunities that God has before us every day!

Mindset

Have you ever asked your spouse this question: "What are you thinking?" in just a curious way. I ask it all the time, because I want to know what's on Chris' heart and mind. It's a natural thing for us to discuss. I think the Lord desires this same kind of intimacy with us. In fact the Lord asks us to set our thoughts on things above rather than on the things of this earth. He desires to lead & guide our thoughts so that we are able to lead effective, fulfilling, purposeful lives that agree with the callings He has placed on us. As women, I am well aware that we think a thousand and a half things in a day's time. All sorts of things run through our minds: our to-do lists, our children's schedules, our family's needs, and the list just keeps running on. In the midst of all of this it is easy to adopt an earthly mentality...thinking only of the immediate, the temporal, rather than the eternal. When we stop thinking on eternity and on the Savior who will soon appear we often miss opportunities to share Christ with others and encourage believers on our way. Today I encourage you as I remind myself to set your mind on things above not on the things that are on the earth. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed you will be revealed also with Him in glory (See Colossians 3:1-3). Don't let your mind take you away so to speak. Let your mind, your every thought be conformed to Jesus & bring Him glory and honor and praise, for that is what is due to Him!

charting a course

This past Friday was a snow day in Louisville! So, my friend and I ventured outside to take pictures. We found our way to a hill that is a popular spot for sledders. It was packed with families! Soon, we were helping people find the best course down the hill. The people who took time to look before they sled were able to coast and enjoy the scenery longer before reaching flat land.

In the first chapter in Matthew, the list of Jesus' ancestors can seem quite long. Yet, it shows how God planned from the beginning that Jesus would come to the world to save us. In life, we can see how planning with God's guidance can make such a difference.

It is important to seek understanding as we plan: "Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course" (Proverbs 15:21, NIV). God and others He puts in our life can help us determine what is the "straight course." We must remember to ask Him lead us as we plan, for: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14, NIV). Then, in the end, we can celebrate all He has done!

I admire how Jeff Johnson explains following God: "That we may be sons and daughters of vision." I pray that we will remember His holiness and divine wisdom as we plan this year.

Link to the song "God Over Us" by Jeff Johnson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdu1yvNzRVI

Please Turn Up The Heat!

“The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation says: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth." Revelation 3:14-16 (HCSB)

We have just experienced one of the coldest weeks in decades! Temperatures have not climbed above freezing for more than a week as we have all been under "a deep freeze warning" night after night. With the deep freeze warning there comes some specific instructions to "take extra care" of the "P's" in our lives...Pets, Plants, Pipes, People...

There are times in our Christian walk that God calls us to "take extra care" so that we will continue to have "Hot Hearts" for Him! Here we are after all of the "new year commitments" have been made and we begin to live out a New Year surrendered afresh and anew to all that God has called us to...and then comes the deep freeze season of life, WINTER... the enemy can even try and use the weather or the season of life that includes more darkness (Winter) to try and cause our lives to grow "cold".

I will never forget the time that we teamed up with His servants from all over North America and ministered to an almost unreached people group in of all places...Alaska. As we prepared for this special time of going and sharing Jesus, we learned so much about how the cold dark long Winter months can affect the people of Alaska. We learned that during the cold months, Alaska leads North America in the areas of; depression, alcoholism, unemployment, and tragic family issues, just to name a few of the real struggles that the cold can bring upon lives. Many women gave their lives to Christ in Alaska that week that was so full of Jesus and His Love that Warms the coldest heart! Today it was -57 as we keep praying for Alaska as God keeps doing His Work!!

As believers, the enemy will even try and use anything, even "the cold" months of Winter, to make our hearts grow cold inside when it comes to daily growing in The Lord and daily sharing Him with others! What are some possible steps we can take to "fan the FLAME" of The Holy Spirit in our lives for Jesus?

"Having A Hot Heart for Jesus in a Cold World"- Ideas (Please Turn Up The Heat!): Ask God for A Hot Heart = Pray; Clean out the Filter of our Heart = Confession; Put in some new fresh kindling that helps build a new fire in our heart = Begin A New Prayer Plan, Bible Study Plan, Retreat; Share The Warmth from the Fire that God has Built = Reach out to others, Share Jesus, Pray with Someone, Have an Accountability Praying Friend, Realize the ways that God is at Work in and through our Lives, Encourage (Fan The Flame) Others!

We can either be a thermometer that only reflects the temperature in the room or we can ask God to make us a THERMOSTAT that sets & reflects a Hot Heart for God that can warm cold hearts around us for the cause of Christ! We would love for you to share some of your simple steps that you have taken that "Fans the FLAME" as we ask God to Please Turn Up The Heat inside of our HEARTS because like it has been said "it only takes a spark to get a fire going"!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvUNkRbi5Rc - Lord I Give You My Heart!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnqb7Vn4AEE - Open The Eyes Of My Heart!

Lose It!

With the start of a new year, I have seen an increase in coupons, commercials and commitments specifically targeting those who want to lose weight. All of the sudden the healthy foods are featured in the supermarket flyers. Gyms are offering zero membership fees and bring a friend free days. Millions of new water bottle designs hit the shelves, each with new and improved features! It seems at this time that our culture suddenly recognizes a need to shed some extra pounds and begins to focus every area of life around this problem. How people use their time, money, food, drink and resources all comes back to this one specific goal. In the middle of all of this, I can’t help but think of Hebrews 12:1-2, where the writer pleads with believers to throw off everything that hinders us from following Jesus. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” I wonder what it might take in my own life for me to decide to reorient my entire life because I was so concerned with putting to death the sin and extra weight that keeps me from Jesus. What would I need to change about how I use my time, money, resources? What accountability would I need for my attitude, discipline and focus? Whether or not you are in the group of people choosing to throw off a little weight this year, let us commit as followers of Jesus Christ that we will choose to throw off everything that might keep us from running after Jesus with all of our hearts! “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Brokenness

This world is full of brokenness. I'm sure you know that, but sometimes I think we need to be reminded of the fact. Brokenness doesn't always yell loud & get in your face. Most likely, brokenness lives down the street: the widow, the orphaned, the divorced, the abused, the forgotten. Inside my beautiful home, baking up a from scratch apple pie it's easy to forget that, not today though. I received an urgent call today from a young woman that I mentor. As I listened to her pour out her heart choking back tears, I was jolted back into the reality that many people live in brokenness. The only cure for this sickness is Jesus! That's it. Jesus' Word must be appropriately applied to the brokenness for healing to take place. As I survey news headlines, pop media, & listen to the average young woman down the street, it impresses my heart that we must be diligent in sharing the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ through the sharing of His wonderful Gospel. Each year I commit a book of Scripture to memory (you should pick a passage too). I love God's Word & storing it up in my heart that I may not sin against my Lord Jesus! When I think of brokenness this recent memory verse from 2 Timothy comes to mind...it won't be perfect but you'll get the gist of it. "...revealing Christ Jesus our Lord who abolished death and brought immortality & life to light through the Gospel." (2 Timothy 1:10, I biblegatewayed the verse number :)). I am hoping to shine the light of Gospel into this desperately broken world this year, from beginning to end. Will join me?

Obedience

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Galatians 4:5-6)

As we are beginning this new year, I have been convicted of the need to be diligent to take advantage of every opportunity I have to share the gospel. As I also made a new commitment to take advantage of an exercise facility we have close to our house, I saw an elderly lady named Faye (age 90) at the sport's center. I have seen her several times over the past two years and even gave her a ride home on one occasion. (She usually rides the public transportation bus to get there and home.) She was leaving as I was arriving. Normally I am in a hurry to exercise and get finished, but this time I was trying to remember what was important so I stopped to talk to her. As we had the same conversation that we have every time we talk (starting with: "Now what is your name?" [she does have dementia]), I was able to steer the conversation to spiritual things. I was able to ask her about her church background and then to ask her: "If God were to ask you why He should let you into heaven what would you tell Him?" (a question form Evangelism Explosion) She was quick to respond that God wanted us to do our best and she had done her best. I was able to share with her the importance of asking Jesus to forgive us for our sins and that we can never be good enough on our own. Faye listened and was quiet a moment before she asked me what my name was again.

I don't know if she understood what I was saying or not, but I do know that I was trying to be obedient in sharing the good news of the gospel. And I know that I will continue to have that conversation when I see her the next time.

Prayer: "Lord, help me remember to keep the main thing the main thing!" (i.e. sharing the gospel)

a beautiful mystery

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (New Living Translation)

Click! (Pause) Click! Huff.

Click! (Pause) Click! Hmm.

The man next to me on the plane and I stared up -- the lights above us refused to work. We were both on our last leg of an eventful traveling experience. He seemed ready to sleep, and I was ready to read. As we waited to tell the flight attendant about the lights, we slowly began to talk. Within a few minutes, our conversation turned to a discussion about God.

My row-mate asked me what I believed about God's divine nature, and I explained that I think that God is three-in-one – God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. He said that is what he believed, but he recently talked with someone who believed that Jesus and God were one, but not the Holy Spirit.

His eyes got as big as the mandrill on The Lion King (Rafiki, picture link below) as he said, "He is God! We cannot always explain Him." We laughed as we talked about how we try to explain God sometimes, but our minds are not like His. He exclaimed, "We must just have faith!"

It was a relief to be reminded that God does not expect us to understand everything about Him. No matter how confusing some things are about Him – such as the idea that God can be three in one – we are free to choose to have faith in the all-powerful, all-knowing God whose love never ends.

I pray that even though we may never fully understand our Lord, we may grow in our faith in Him this year.

Isaiah 40:28-31
Picture from iGoogle's "Places to See"

Picture of Rafiki: www.normsoft.com/tim/pics/RafikiPic.jpg

Tweeting for Jesus

Tweeting for Jesus to tune of Living for Jesus

Original Text: T. O. Chisholm

Tweaked by Jaye Martin : )
Music: C. Harold Lowden

---

1. Tweeting for Jesus a life that is true;

striving to please Him in each tweet I do,

yielding allegiance, gladhearted and free,

this is my pathway of blessing to Thee.

Refrain:

O Jesus, Lord and Savior,

I give my tweets for Thee;

for thou, in thy atonement,

didst give Thyself for me;

I own no other master,

my heart shall be thy throne,

My tweets I give, henceforth to live,

O Christ for thee alone.

2. Tweeting for Jesus who died in my place,

bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace,

such love constrains me to answer His call,

follow His leading and tweet Him to all.

(Refrain)

3. Tweeting for Jesus wherever I am,

doing each update in His holy name,

willing to suffer affliction or loss,

deeming each tweet as a part of my cross.

(Refrain)

4. Tweeting for Jesus through earth's little while,

my dearest treasure, the light of his smile,

seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,

bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

Let's tweet for Jesus this new year! Happy New Year!

"For we who live are always given over to death because of Jesus, so that Jesus’ life may also be revealed in our mortal flesh" (1 Corinthians 4:11, HCSB).

Better than New Years' Resolutions

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions. Don't get me wrong I am all about watching your life closely. I just happen to think it should happen more than once a year and with a good deal more follow through than the typical New Years' Resolution usually receives. After all, Paul instructs via the Holy Spirit in 1 Timothy 4:16 "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." Of course in context Paul is writing his beloved child in the faith Timothy who is ministering to God's flock. Certainly though this truth has application for us in 2010. We want to be women who watch over the affairs of our life with care knowing that there is much at stake. We are not pastors, but we are women whom God has called, gifted, & entrusted a great deal to. How we do life & how we teach matter because these are the things that will lead people to growth & even salvation by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The question at hand is will we be faithful with what has been entrusted?

You see, I think I've discovered something far better than a New Years' resolution...Jesus' redemption & life changing power. This is what I mean, what if instead of making a resolution to lose ten pounds, be a better person, or do more...what if you made a total heart, mind, life shift? What if you went at the year seeking to obey Jesus out of the great love you have for Him? Instead of focusing on your physical body and seeking to achieve some worldly standard of good looks, what if you focused on your stomach not becoming your god and even worship Jesus as you exercise? What if the motivation was that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, so you're going to make a shift in what you put inside of it so that your body can be better equipped to serve & love Jesus? What if you decided to saturate yourself with God's Word and determined to memorize a chapter of Scripture (this is a personal passion, memorizing passages of His Word, not just a verse here and there) so that you may not sin against God? How different would your year be then and not just your year but your life in general? Maybe, just maybe, if we didn't focus on being more productive but focused on sitting with Jesus and discerning & proving what His will is we'd find that busyness is not godliness. And we're far more "productive" walking in the path He has ordained for us than we are running around like chicken with our head cut off, you know what I'm saying? What if your aim was redirected toward heaven and focused on Jesus not on earthly things?

My prayer is that this resonates with you...this change in thinking. And don't get me wrong if you want to make a New Years' resolution that's just fine, but I'd rather Christ make a life change. I think if you accept this challenge...a slight but certain shift in thinking...your 2010 would be far different.

Don't just make a New Years' Resolution. Ask Jesus to change your entire life!