We headed out on Friday the 18th of August. While in PA, we avoided a car that blew out a tire. This reminded us to pray for safety and praise the LORD for His protection. We arrived safely in Greenwood Indiana after 10 hours of travel. We spent Friday night and the entire day of Saturday with family. Even went to a prairie town museum. Sunday, we ended up leaving later then planned but just in time to stream line LVBC's Sunday Service. What a powerful message that would help us through the rest of the trip, especially the part about going to God with the big stuff but trying to handle the little stuff on our own until we get so overwhelmed. In Indiana, my map-lover Cousin helped us pull out the atlas and plan our route. We knew we were heading to MO to spend the night with family friends. But there was a little mix up in translation. One of the traveling partners thought the place we were staying at was closer to Kansas City but in all reality it was in the opposite dangle corner. So we planned or route to Missouri and on through Kansas where the news is about cows and corn... I kid you not! On Sunday night, we spent the night at a family friends house near Poplar Buff Missouri. On Monday morning, very early we set out for our next stop in Colorado. We couldn't wait. Neither one of us had ever been in that state. A new adventure. :-) We drove up through Missouri and then on through Kansas. What a boring state... Sorry Pastor Hammett. :-) We arrived at Burlington Co... but to our disappointment it looked like Kansas. We planned on staying there Monday night and all day Tuesday. We then would leave Wednesday morning. Since we wanted to see the Rockies so badly we desided to drive to Boulder and spend the day there. It was so beautiful! We then left around 4 and headed back to the hotel. On Wednesday, we set out to go home. While driving through New Mexico, one of the traveling partners realized that we were passing right by our new found friends! :-) We just had to stop and stay the night. Thursday morning, we set out. We quickly realized that finding a rest stop in the west is very challenging especially one with a bathroom. At one point the GPS said continue for 186 miles.... Let me just tell you, there was nothing on this road. Not one gas station ... not one bathroom ... not one town. We made it home fine though without running out of gas or having any accidents of any sort. I also, want to add this about New Mexico. They really need to work on their service signs. For the blue sign might list four places for food but they forget to mention that you could go almost an hour out of your way to get there. Needless to say, New Mexico is special ... it holds a special family and in the lower region is a very specially brother who is in training as a Border Patrol agent. We pulled into Florence Arizona at 5 pm Az time. Tired but Happy :-)
The purpose of this Blog is to encourage Christians to "Stick Fast to Christ!" When the situation looks too dark and the trials seem to overwhelm the heart, take heart and look up! The LORD is in control! Trust Him!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
"Thou Art my KING, O God:" ~ Psalms 44:4a
When the dark tempest rise
Thou art my KING!
When storm clouds rush near
To Thee I will sing!
When surrounded by fateful lies
Thou art my KING!
When it seems nothing is clear
To Thee I will cling!
The Fire can't harm me
Thou art my KING!
Fear may try to have dominion
But Peace Thou doest bring!
The water can't alarm me
Thou art my KING!
Others may state their opinion
Yet I'm safe under thy wing!
O my God, THOU ART MY KING!!!!!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
God will provide!
Though my faith may wavier, God will provide
Through endless labor, God will provide
When the storms of life set in, God will provide
And when I doubt and sin, God will provide.
My God never changes, He's always the same.
God never moves away from you and me.
When the skies darken and God seems far away,
It is you and I that are no longer in the way.
Though may faith may wavier, God will provide
Through endless labor, God will provide
When the storm of life set in, God will provide
And when I doubt and sing, God will provide.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Camp Battles, Burdens, Blessings, Benefits!
I thought I'd share some of the blessings of camp along with a funny story! I believe God did a work. For a long time, I felt as if God was so far. I didn't understand why. Last year I was so on fire.... and then something happened. "BAM" (note the old batman style effects). I hit a trial. It was one of the darkest trails I've faced so far. Before I was so excited to press on for the LORD, but when it became unbearable to do so... and the darkness became to great to bear. I stepped back. I was living for God’s higher calling until this trial hit. "Wham" And I gave up. Oh the LORD was still there. Still calling me back. But slowly, I began to fail to feel convicted over things I did. And then found myself going backwards instead of forward. I gave up a lot of stuff last year after camp and I took them all back. I'm thankful for the message Pastor Preached on Sunday. I really went expecting God to work. And HE DID!
Day 1:
Message 1: Monday night ~ Bro MICK. "A perfect heart" "And he (Amaziah) did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart." ~ 2 chron 25:2. Decisions determine Destiny. Every Decision has a cost. Wants will cost you. Going half way is not finishing and is bad business. Amaziah made six decisions... four of those decisions were good and only two of them were bad. Amaziah obeyed God's WORD, Prepared for war, then made a carnal choice to hire
Day 2:
Tuesday's personal devotions. Q: Job 17:15 ~ And Where in now my hope? A: Job 18:25 ~ For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. (At this point, I still felt dead... unmoved... and uncaring... I knew something was wrong but I didn't know what was hindering me from going forward.)
Message 2: Tuesday morning ~ Bro. Chris Gable. Esau's life - four things about Esau's life that I need to ask myself. a. Do I desire to measure up or surpass the spiritual dedication of my parents? Your parents are a resource ask for advice. b. Do I share my innermost thoughts with my parents? c. Do I bad mouth about my parents or allow my friends to bad mouth my parents. d. Do I show my love for my parents? Proverbs 19:26; 30:17; 20:20. Practical things: Treat my parents with respect. Say thank you for the common things. Say I love you. Clean your room. (:-) that really was a point ;-) Spend time with them. (I began to make a list of things that needed to change in my life. But it was just a list and I had no motivation to change those things).
Message 3: Tuesday night ~ Bro MICK. (This was the turning point message for me, before this I was asking God what was it... what was holding me back... this was it) "The beginning of a really really really really really bad road" 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Zech 7:11-12 ~ they were hard hearted because they were unthankful. Modern Fables: God's word is compromised. Apostasy - the forsaking of truth and positions once held. Compromise in personal convictions: 1. Entertainment. 2. Music. 3. Appearance - trying to fit in with the newest fad. What does the Bible say.... What do you really believe about: God.... The BIBLE.... CHURCH.... ACCOUNTABILITY.... What you believe will influence you. What you look at, listen to and who you associate with will influence you. (Here is where the message hit home for me). Romans 1:21-25 - They were NOT THANKFUL! Not satisfied, vain imagination, became a fool, foolish heart was darkened, changed view of God, Changed truth... AND God gave them up to perversion. How did they get to that place it started with one simple thing. They had an unthankful spirit. Lesson one: Draw nigh to God and he will draw near to you.... Lesson two: turn away from God and He'll turn from you. (I had to realize that I could end up down that road... I could be the one that quit on God and ended up out of church. And Bro Mick said the end of that road was found in Romans 1. We don't think we could go that far but we can. And it all starts with being unthankful. I wasn't thankful. I was worn and sad. Consumned with life's problems... I had lost my joy. Remember what Pastor said Sunday if you have a bad attitude start thinking positive for 10 minutes and you'll have a good attitude. The same could say about being unthankful. If you have an unthankful spirit start being thankful for things and watch the change.
Day Three
(HUMP DAY - This was a bad day ~ I had a bad pressure headache and the devil was attacking all of us from all sides. He attacked in the area of unity. He worked to turn each us against each other and for a while it worked. But then God stepped in I was going to ask the girls to write down their name, team, age and one thing they won't have in heaven but decided against it... maybe the day would have been different).
Personal Devotions: One verse and a song: Job 23:10 - But He knoweth the way that I take: When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. "O LORD thou art my God, and who am I to walk without thee. What ever my lot what ever the cost draw me closer to thee every day. He knoweth the way that I take, a new heart within He'll create, that I might walk worthy and come forth as Gold he giveth and taketh away."
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Message 4: Wednesday Morning ~ Bro. Kenny Fryman. "It's not my Job mentality."
Side Note: I was in charge of girl games at camp. Let’s just say my attitude, along with the girls attitudes, and the counselor attitudes was very stinky. We allowed our tiredness, and some... our pain, along with an unthankful spirit to creep in. And the games weren't fun and they certainly didn't glorify God. And later on in the evening that ununified attitude will sweep in over those we girls influenced.... and to put it right... over those I influenced. Message 5: Wednesday night ~ Bro Mick. "All or Nothing" The ministry of a servant of God. What does it mean to be a servant of Christ. 1. 1 Cor 6:19-20 - it speaks of possession. No choice, no longer your own, ask the LORD about everything. 2. It speaks of purpose to please His master. No longer to make money, or have a good time or please self. As a servant I am to HONOUR AND GLORIFY GOD. 3. It speaks of a plan. Who has the right and authority to make plans in our life? God will never be satisfied with anything less then complete surrender to HIS plans for us. 4. It speaks of personal rights - personal property. We have no rights! 5. Without his master, we would have no quality of life. Our quality of life is found only in Christ. 6. It speaks of position. The most honorable thing in the World is being God's servant! God's servant sees answered to prayer, doesn't feel empty and it comes with responsibility. (I wrote in my notes: I just want to be God's servant... Little did I know that I would begin to see answered prayer and any emptiness remaining would flee. But first some dross needed to be rooted out) Luke 14:16-24 - The MINISTRY OF A SERVANT. 1. Represents all believers. All must be done a servant doesn't get to pick what he does. The story is not about what the servant desires; but it is about what the servant wants. You are in sin if you don't give all or nothing. We only do what we want to do. Doing our all is a matter of character. Deut 10:12-13... now what doeth the LORD require of thee. (that was the verse the LORD gave me last year at camp) a. Fear the LORD b. Walk in all HIS ways - obedience. c. Serve with everything you got. Definition of require - To demand to ask as a right of authority. (I believe it was this message... that Bro. Mick shared about how he loved fantasy baseball and then God asked him to give it up... it was a god in his life. "SLAM!" You see I had taken back the things I gave to the LORD. They were my gods. I didn't want to give my gods to the LORD. And now "Jennifer" what doeth the LORD require of thee. That's what I said last year. I burned movies, gave up things I wore. But I took them back.) The LORD requires: Daily service; dependable service - faithful. 1 Chron 16:37. (Then Bro. Mick said how he has health issues and he said he only missed maybe three services. Now remember I had a headache all day and it occurred to me that God gives me the grace to sit and listen to a service even when I feel like my head is in a vice. So I wrote in my notes: don't let health keep you from service!) Declared Service - Keep your promises. Demanded Service. Discarded Service - Deut 18:19. (I wrote FINISH WELL!!!!!! in my notes because that has been my heart's cry since the day I received Christ. I've seen too many start well but few finish well. After the message I talked with Bro Mick about how I had given up stuff last year but took it back cause I hit a dark trial. He said when you give up stuff expect to be hit. And that God will keep testing you until you pass. Sound familiar ;-) Those of us who were aware of the tension of the day began to pray that God would give us peace and a sweet spirit through out the following day... also a friend and I sat outside until 1 am discussing our gods and how we need to keep each other accountable because we don't want to be put on the self and forgotten.... we don't want to be down the road and out of church because we wouldn't give up our gods.)
Day Four:
Woke up with a clear head and an feeling that God was going to work!
Personal Devotions: A purpose of heart and a word of edification. Purpose of heart ~ Job 23:10-11 ~ But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Job 27:4 ~ My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. Job 27:8 ~For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Word of Edification ~ The LORD gave me something to talk to the girls about before the games began.
Message 6: Bro Jonathan Purks - (page is missing cause I wrote points on the other side and gave it to the point keeper. :-( and I can't remember)
GAME TIME: Acts 11:23- "Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the LORD." What is our purpose? That with purpose of ONE heart they would cleave unto the LORD. The LORD wants us to be in ONE heart with the purpose of glorifying God. That one heart isn't for each team but all of us collectively as a whole. 2 Cor 13:11 - "Finally, brethren, farewell, Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you." So today, I want each one of us to encourage each other to cheer for your team but also to cheer for the other teams. If you win cheer, if you lose cheer. But most of all lets play with the right attitudes giving all the glory to God. OUR time is God's ... even when we our playing games and having fun this time is God's time. Let's praise Him. (I then handed out a piece of paper asking for the teens' name, age, team, and One thing they are thankful for at this camp. I later would use those cards to pray for the kids. You can tell a lot about a person's spiritual condition by their answer.) The game time spirit was soooooo sweet! We had a great time. Here's the funny story. I was standing watching the girls pick up the trash can full of water ... and Tiffany screamed and started running. I was like o they are going after the game's leader.... then I realized ... hey wait a minute... I'm the game's leader. I started running ... was tackled and everyone told me that I grabbed my nose as if I was going to jump into the pool :-) What can I say ;-)
Message 7: Bro. MICK - Real Faith. Unfeigned - not counterfeit, not hypocritical, not fake. Luke 18:18 - Rich young ruler. He was searching for something, he didn't go to religion, He went to the right source, he didn't go to a college or to the world. (It was during this message I prayed over those cards I had in my hand.) After the message, a few went forward for salvation and two of those that went forward were the girls I was praying for.
Afterwards some visitors came up to me and thanked me for my testimony. I later found out that one of those girls is newly saved and she is getting hit on all sides and wondering if it is worth it. I didn't know that ... but God did.
Day Five
Personal Devotions: Job 28:3; 18; 22-28 ~ "He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death. * No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. * Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears. God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven; To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure. When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out. And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Premier Designs, Inc
Hello Ladies
If you're reading this you probably received a Business card from me already :-) I found it easier to have a short description about Premier on my blog rather then have it all on the back of my Business card, however I've been informed that this is a no no... so for more information email me at praguegirl2002@yahoo.com or call me using the number on my business card.
A new trade in my life. God has allowed me to do so many things and now I am a Premier Jeweler! And I love it. I believe that the LORD allowed me to get into this business for his glory alone. He has promised to provide for my every need. And that doesn't mean He needs Premier to do it... He has used a yard sale, a tax return and a friend to meet my needs.
Remember God never Fails and is always in control when we trust in HIM!
May the LORD bless,
Jennifer Byerly
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
"The Vapor of Life"
All throughout the Word of God, we see a short description given of mens lives. "They went here... They did this... They died." Again and again, we see this. We see the Good they've done or the evil they did. Life is a Vapor and we are given a glimpse of these men's lives. Their stories are written to teach us what to do... or what not to do.
Let's look at the Vapor of Asa's Life ~ 2 Chronicles 15-16
1. Asa and the people vowed to seek the LORD with all their hearts and souls.
2. Asa Removed the Queen and broke down her idols, but the high places from years before remained.
3. After awhile, Asa began to neglect asking God for help. What caused this I do not know, but apparently Asa didn't believe God could handle the situation.
4. A prophet came to him and told him a very powerful message that we all should heed. He told him God's eyes run back and forth through out the whole world... Looking for a person that God could show Himself strong to.
5. Asa was called foolish by the prophet because Asa had made the decision to rest in Human strength.
6. Asa because furious at the prophet and put him in prison.
7. Later, Asa became diseased in his feet - He had already turned from seeking God long before this. Now when he should have seen the direr need to turn to God, he turned and sought after the physician's help. But they couldn't help him and so he died. Without the strength of the LORD by his side.
Lessons from Asa:
1. When you vow a vow remember to keep it for God will hold you responsible. (Numbers 30:2, 2 Chronicles 15:14).
2. It is easy to start off well, but few finish well. (Luke 9:62; 2 Timothy 4:7).
3. Don't rely on yourself or others strength. (Job 6:11; Psalms 22:15; Psalms 59:9).
4. Remember God is want to show Himself strong to you. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
5. There are consequences when you rest in your own strength. (2 Chronicles 16:9b; 16:12; James 1:14-16).
6. At all times you must turn to Christ FIRST and FOREMOST ~ not to men, such as doctors. (Hebrews 12:2)
7. REMEMBER, God wants to do good things for us - He long to help us. We just need to let go of our reasoning and our strength, our will and even our emotions.
* Reasoning ~ In the Bible when they use the word reasoning, their thoughts are directly against God's thoughts. (Mark 2:6; Mark 12:28; Luke 9:46; Acts 28:29).
* Strength ~ When we do anything in our strength, we will fail! (Proverbs 24:10)
* Will ~ We need to crucify our will to the Cross daily. (Gal. 2:20).
* Emotions ~ we must not base our decisions upon our feelings. Feelings are fickle and can change with circumstances. But one thing is constant and that is our LORD, He doesn't change. We need to LOOK to CHRIST continuously. Our emotions will lead us to thinking we are right, however we need to judge our actions by the Word of God and not by what we feel about a circumstance. (Proverbs 12:15).
Conclusion: Why do we base our life on our personality or our way of thinking. We make excuses for lower living. We base our life on our emotions and we make our decisions on our emotions. We rest in our reasoning and our strength. Why do we think we know better then God? Why is it so hard to say "Not my will but Thine O Lord" .... ??? If every Christian, including myself, lived Galatians 2:20 every day ... how different this world would be. Why did the Christians of Acts turn the world upside down? The answer I think can be found in this quote by a friend of Ann Judson. Speaking of Ann, the friend had said this... "Redeeming love... was now her theme. One might spend days with her, without hearing any other subject reverted to. The throne of grace, too, was her early and late resort. I have known her to spend cold winter evenings in a chamber without fire and return to the family with a solemnity spread over her countenance, which told of Him with whom she had been communing. Nor was her love of social pleasures diminished, although the complexion of them was completely changed." ~ from My heart in His hands. Why can't that be said of Christiantium today? Whats wrong with us? ... !!! What are we missing? We spend our days engulfed in pleasure. Watching tv and movies, hanging out with friends, going shopping, texting, emailing, facebooking, iming, and other such pleasure. Life is just a vapor and our time is being taken away by all of these things. My dear friend, I appeal to you how much time do you spend with the LORD in a day? 5 minutes, 10, 20, 30, maybe 60? Now how much time doing all those other things? I am very convicted in writing this for I too fall in the category of spending more time in pleasure then with the LORD.
Dear friend, Take heart... every moment of every day Give you life to God's full control.
Friday, May 30, 2008
"Are you a Martha or a Mary?"
References Luke 10 and John 11
Martha was cumbered
Mary was compelled
Martha complained
Mary cleaved
Martha was full of common sense
Mary was full of Compassion
Martha had contrary facts
Mary had child like faith
Which one would rather be? Every moment of your life you can choose to be a Martha or a Mary.
Martha had a servant's heart but she lacked a "be still" attitude.
God wants each of us to serve Him but He also wants each of us to spend time with Him so we can be guided by HIM.
Do you want strong faith? ... Have a teachable be still heart!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
"The Destruction of PRIDE"
Solomon had it all and yet he ended up turning away fro the LORD. And it seems right when he became the richest king in the World, his pride took control of his life. Pride became his downfall. All the wisdom he had could not keep him from becoming proud.
What would have happened if, when the Queen of Sheba came, Solomon had praised the LORD?
The Queen praised God with her own mouth ~ 2 Chron 9:8. Yet we don't see Solomon praising the LORD.
What would have happened if Solomon, when he heard of how he was praised in distant lands, would have proclaimed that the LORD had done it all?
Pride took over! Pride became his destruction! It destroyed his family! It rent his kingdom! And in the end it lead to Israel's destruction. And yet it could have been so different.
Solomon started out as a humble man, unsure of how he could run a kingdom. God told him to ask whatever he wanted and God would give it to him. Solomon asked humbly for Wisdom. God in His goodness gave Solomon not only wisdom but also riches and honour. Solomon could have been known for the rest of his life as the humble king ... but instead he was known as the richest king in the world. Can you picture Solomon the Wise being humble before the LORD and the people. Would he have said "don't think my wisdom comes from me, but understand it comes from God and is only because of Him, I am what I am." He might have had that attitude in the beginning of his life. But he changed. The Word of God says "For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father." 1 Kings 11:4.
PRIDE WILL CAUSE YOUR DESTRUCTION AND WILL CAUSE THE DESTRUCTION OF THOSE AROUND YOU!
Friday, May 23, 2008
"Where is your Beauty Emphasis?"
There are two types of Beauty: Beauty that is Outward and Beauty that is Inward.
Outward Beauty, though it is not wrong to have, should not be our emphasis. Here are some facts about "Beauty" found in the Word of God.
Negative things about Beauty ~ Emphasis on the Outward.
Proverbs 31:30 ~ "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."
1. Absalom had outward beauty. ~ 2 Samuel 14:25.
2. Outward beauty is consumed away. ~ Psalms 39:11.
3. The rich man's beauty shall consume in the grave. ~ Psalms 49:14.
4. Outward beauty is vain. ~ Proverbs 31:30.
5. Outward beauty leads to pride. Outward beauty is a fading flower. ~ Isaiah 28:4.
6. Destruction comes to those that trust in their own beauty. ~ Ezekiel 16:15. Other examples: Ezekiel 27:3; 27:11; 28:7; 28:17; Zechariah 11:7.
Positive things about Beauty ~ Emphasis on the Inward.
Isaiah 61:3 ~ " To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified."
1. Arron's garments were for glory and beauty. ~ Ex. 28:2. Arron was the High Priest. He was to be clothed in Glory and Beauty for God's Glory. He was identified with God as God's High Priest.
2. We are to worship the LORD in Beauty of Holiness. ~ 1 Chron. 16:29 & 2 Chron. 20:21.
3. The LORD is decked with majesty, excellency, glory and beauty. ~ Job 40:10.
4. "Behold the Beauty of the LORD." ~ Psalms 27:4.
5. The King's daughters were to beautiful and to worship the LORD. ~ Psalms 45:11.
6. Zions is the perfection of Beauty where God continually shines. ~ Psalms 50:2.
7. "And let the Beauty of the LORD our God be upon us:" ~ Psalms 90:17. God's Beauty is to be on us. We are to let the LORD shine through us and when He does; His beauty reflects on us.
8. Strength and Beauty are the LORD's Sanctuary. ~ Psalms 96:5
9. Those who live for the LORD shall see the KING in His Beauty. ~ Isaiah 33:17.
10. God give His Children beauty for ashes. ~ Isaiah 61:3
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
"I Love the LORD!" ~ Psalms 116:1a
Psalms 116:9 ~ "I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living."
By... (Col. 4)
* Continuing in prayer
* What in the same
* With Thanksgiving
* Praying for open doors for the gospel
* Walking in Wisdom
* Redeeming the time
* Speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt
- that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
"Just an Ordinary Day"
A young boy sat in a field
Just keeping watch of sheep
Unaware what the day would yield,
David looking o'er his little keep.
Just an ordinary Day, but it wasn't for me.
An ordinary day, to walk the narrow way.
It just took one day to change my History,
God rewrote my life with an ordinary day.
A man searched for his lamb
but turned aside to see
Unaware he'd hear from the great I Am
Moses would be used to change History.
Just an ordinary Day, but it wasn't for me.
An ordinary day, to walk the narrow way.
It just took one day to change my History,
God rewrote my life with an ordinary day.
A stranger in a distant land,
Serving a foreign King.
Hearing of the Walls torn down,
Nehemiah started tearfully praying.
Just an ordinary Day, but it wasn't for me.
An ordinary day, to walk the narrow way.
It just took one day to change my History,
God rewrote my life with an ordinary day.
The KING of all the age
Stood before a mob so angry,
"Crucify Him!" they rage,
Jesus Christ died for you and for me!
Just an ordinary Day, but it wasn't for me.
An ordinary day, to walk the narrow way.
It just took one day to change my History,
God rewrote my life with an ordinary day.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
"Take Heart!" ~ From 2 Kings 19
2 Kings 19:33a & 35a ~ "By that way that he came, by the same shall he return, and he shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. ... And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote..."
When the Battle rages look up, dear heart!
Can't you see the LORD is standing nigh?
Remember from you HE shall not depart,
See God's Army surrounds you on HIGH!
When troubles come spread it before the LORD,
Don't be discouraged, take heart!
Rest and cleave, cleave to God's Holy Word,
Trust in the LORD, Do not depart!
It may seem the Enemy is about to charge in,
And the enemy's tumult overwhelms you;
But look up to Christ the LORD! Rest in Him.
The Holy Spirit will guide you to what's true.
When troubles come spread it before the LORD,
Don't be discouraged, take heart!
Rest and cleave, cleave to God's Holy Word,
Trust in the LORD, Do not depart!
Though the Battle surrounds you;
The Enemy is closing near,
Keep fast to what is true,
Remember my friend, don't fear!
When troubles come spread it before the LORD,
Don't be discouraged, take heart!
Rest and cleave, cleave to God's Holy Word,
Trust in the LORD, Do not depart!
Monday, May 12, 2008
"Give up those High Places!" ~ tune from "You are my hiding place"
"But the high places were not taken away:" ~ 2 Kings 12:3
Break down those High places
The places in your heart
Where you hold sinful traces
From these you must depart.
Break down those High places
Leave that wicked fold
Lay down those sinful traces
Flee from that strong hold.
Cleave to God's Holy Word
Run this faithful race
Keep your eyes on the LORD
Give up those High Places!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
"Being Salt and a Light"
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." ~ John 1:4&5. The LORD Jesus Christ is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD. That Light can shine through us if we allow the LORD full reign in our hearts. "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. ." ~ Matthew 5:13.
Some truths about Christ's light from John 1
1. Christ is Life and the LIGHT of men ~ vs. 4... Only Christ has the ability to free men and give them life.
2. Christ shineth in darkness ~ vs. 5... All around the world are dark places... places of people who are living trapped in their own lies. Those dark places are right out your front door. Every time you go to the store, you are surrounded by people in darkness. And my friend if you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior you too are trapped in that darkness.
3. Christians are to have the LIGHT of Christ shining in us... we are to be witnesses of that LIGHT. ~ vs. 7-8.
4. Christ is the TRUE LIGHT. Many people think they have found truth and that they are enlightened but they are still walking in the darkness of man’s philosophy.
5. Christ as the TRUE LIGHT witnessed to others. ~ vs. 35-51.
6. We are to witness to others giving Christ’s LIGHT.
When is the last time you handed a tract to someone? When is the last time you prayed for lost souls? When is the last time you prayed for someone to share Christ too? Are you busy being a LIGHT to this world... are you salt or have you lost your savour?
Friday, May 9, 2008
"Princess ~ King's Daughter"
Jezebel was a King's Daughter... A princess. When I think of a princess, I think of a woman that is kind and gentle, a woman of excellence. Think of Disney's Sleeping Beauty or Snow White, they had sweet meek dispositions. A princess... what comes to your mind? When you think of a princess do you think of Jezebel? "Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter." ~ 2 Kings 9:34b Jezebel a princess... a King's daughter? Yes, but a woman not of excellence but one of a wicked heart.
To be a KING's Daughter pure and right;
To walk in the KING's way, in HIS light.
Turn not aside, O Daughters of the KING;
Look not to what Worldly treasures bring.
The KING has given you life a new;
Be Glorious, O Daughters and true!
Be Holy, for you bear you Father's name;
Be careful, for the tongue no man can tame!
Let the KING guide your way,
And help you in what you say.
Give thy Father thy heart, O Daughter,
For in His presence is Joy and Laughter.
Set your eyes on the treasures of the KING.
Wait! Dear Daughter for the One He'll bring.
Be content with what the KING has bestowed,
Remember Jezebel, she reaped what she sowed!
She could have brought great honor to her Father,
She didn't know what it meant to be a King's Daughter.
But we are the Daughters of the Great God
His name we must not down trod!
O Daughter when you feel you cannot sing,
Remember your the Daughter of the KING!
Look up! O Daughter see the KING in Sight
Walk on! You are stepping in His Light!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Dutchman's Lost Gold Mine ~ Superstition Mountain
Traveling in the west, there are many mysteries to uncover. One of those mysteries is found near Apache Junction. The Legend of the Dutchman’s lost gold mine holds many mysterious clues. Some claim it truth while others think it just a myth. Though no one seems to know when the old miner found the mine, there is however, an understanding of when it was lost. Upon the Dutchman’s time of death, he stated to Julia Thomas and the Petrasch brothers these last words. “The northwest corner of the
But the story of the Dutchman’s mine does not begin there. Jacob von Walzer, known in
In 1877, Waltz and Wisner started working together on the mine. Time has given the story many uncertain twist and turns. What little of the truth is know is replaced with legend. It is said that the two Jacobs worked the mine together, one standing guard while the other mined. On a certain day, Waltz left the mine to get supplies; he was in town for five days. When he returned to the camp, he found the area raided and his long time friend missing. All that was left was Wisner’s bloody shirt with his Masonic pin on it. But then the story takes another twist... Legend says that Wisner escaped the Apache attack and fled to the home of John Walker. Yet there is question why Wisner would pass Jim Bark’s ranch and not stop there for help when he was injured. Legend also says that upon returning to the camp Waltz found Wisner burnt over a fire. And when people scoffed at Waltz, saying that he had shot Wisner, Waltz would reply “Go find Wisner’s grave. I buried him near the mine.”
Jacob Waltz never returned to the mine to mine for gold again. He never revealed its location and hid his trail by tying blankets behind the animals which swept the tracks away. He never filed a claim on the mine because he proclaimed: “I was not a citizen of the
In the summer of 1884, two young soldiers found the mine by chance. They rode into the town of
When Waltz was 80 years old he made his way back to the mine and hid the mine leaving clues for himself to find it again. He bragged, “You could drive a pack train over the entrance to the mine and never know it was there.” He died shortly after hiding the mine. After his death, Julia Thomas and Rhinehart and Herman Petrasch set out to find the mine. They went out in mid-summer when the Mountain was very hot. The Arizona Republican 1892 paper calls it “A Queer Quest in Search of Gold.” “Another ‘Lost Mine’ being hunted for by a woman. Mrs. E.W. Thomas, formerly of Thomas Ice Cream Parlor, is now in the
This statement was made by one man: “For nearly two hundred years, treasure hunters have hunted for the fabled mine. A few of them may even have found it, but curiously, they all died before they could tell their tale. Is the mine cursed, as some claim? It is also worthy to note that those who claimed to have found it, did so by coming down an obscure trail from the north to the south, and not vice versa as most modern-day seekers do. They also all claimed they had to traverse a tunnel of some sort... When Jacob Waltz died, he left a trunk of ore and a list of clues to a hidden fortune in the
Though Mr. Paul makes this statement “if it happened once, it could happen again,” there is another side to this story and many other like it. For two hundred years, many, many people have searched for this treasure never to return again or to come out penniless. Many have even been driven mad with their thirst for gold. The Dutchman himself who found it was not satisfied. The two soldiers never got to enjoy the gold they found, they went back searching for more. Julia and her partners never found it. She died a poor old woman, while the two brothers would never speak again. Both would die sad deaths. And the thousand others that went out searching only to come back empty handed. And what of those now who are still searching?
The Gold of the Dutchman’s mine will not satisfy. The treasures of this world will not last. The Dutchman died and did not take his gold with him. Julia died without taking any money with her. What people accumulate in this world won’t satisfy. Nothing this world offers will satisfy. The Word of God says “The Fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied: he shall not be visited with evil.” ~ Proverbs 19:23. All of these men and women that went out searching for this treasure had some evil befall them. The poor Dutchman was accused of killing his only friend, of being a liar, and of being a mean man. He had gold that he hid and he invested his life in a lost cause. “A Good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” ~ Proverbs 22:1. The truth is that all these people died and will stand before the LORD and the treasures of this world will not by their life. They will stand before the LORD their creator. “The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is maker of them all.” ~ Proverbs 22:2. The only thing that satisfies is the LORD Jesus Christ. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” ~ John 14:6. What are you seeking to satisfy? “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Remembering our Maker!
I've always been fascinated with the Titanic. This fascination started a few years ago when my younger sister wrote a report on the Titanic. I really was not interested in watching the movie when it came out in 1997. I felt the movie would not portray the real story of the Titanic, however; I finally rented the Titanic movie, and though it is an interesting story, it fails greatly to portray the message of the real Titanic. The movie sparked a new interest in my heart to research the true story of that great ship that met its doom almost 94 years ago. In my quest for the truth of the Titanic, I learned a whole lot more. I already knew that there were not enough life boats, life boats half full and unheeded warnings. During the movie, I noticed a great deal of blame being placed which seemed to be the hidden message. That hidden message blamed the captain, the engineer, and many other head officials. Only twice was the statement made: “The boat which even God could not sink.” I wonder … blaming God? Even though, the movie portrays the arrogance of the first class people, it fails to show the great hand of God. In my studies, I came across a book that was written shortly after the Titanic tragedy. There are two stories to the Titanic sinking. The one is a story of men’s arrogance; men who think they know more than God; men who believe technology can explain away God. The other is a story of Heroes, Heroines and of Cowards. There are so many reasons that have been given why the boats were only half full. The real reason why most of those first boats that were let down were only half full was because most could not believe that the great Leviathan of a ship was sinking. The realization of such a catastrophic event taking place could not be imagined. It was not until the great ship lifted in the air and sunk to its grave did most in the life boats realize the truth. Many might say: “How could a loving God allow this to happen?” The truth is the Titanic sinking showed the World who God is. “The list of ‘if only’ is seemingly endless: If only they had heeded the iceberg warnings; if only there had been enough lifeboats, if only they had not misplaced the binoculars, if only Titanic had not reversed engines, if only the ship in the distance had come, if only the wireless operator had been willing to receive the final message… The mathematical probability of all those circumstances happening in the order in which they occurred is so infinitesimally small as to force even hardened skeptics to acknowledge that the orchestration of these events could not be the product of mere chance. God was making a point.” ~ Douglas W. Phillips, publisher’s introduction to the reprint of “The sinking of the Titanic and Great Sea Disasters." God allowed this great event in history to happen, if anything it should serve as a reminder to all to realize that God is our Creator. He is the one who holds our lives in his hand. “Who hath measured the waters in the Hollow of His Hand.” ~ Isaiah 40:12. On that day, God’s hand was on many lives. Yes, so many were lost to the depths of the sea. Yet there were some that were spared, 705 to be exact. Most of those saved were women and children. And the stories that they tell touch the heart. There are tales of bravery for the men that stayed behind and the woman who were placed in the boats. I cannot state who was braver the men who died so that women could live, or the women who left their husbands and some who left their sons. Even after the ship went down and the screams from men and women who died grew silent, those women in the life boats took their place behind the oars and rowed all night long. Their stories have sadly been forgotten and replaced by a movie that portrays a love story instead of the true story of the Titanic. The true message of the Titanic is a message of human arrogance, those who forgot who God truly is … their Creator and Savior and a message of human sacrifice, those who knew the meaning of “He died that others might live.” On April 14, 1912, 1635 souls would lose their lives on board the Titanic… I wonder if this message had been posted before the Titanic set out… Would anybody have believed it? In our world today, if a message was sent out that life is short and there is life after death either heaven or hell and who you make your 'god' to be will make all the difference… Would anybody listen? The people aboard the Titanic, those who refused to believe that the great ship build by man's hand could sink... they made their 'god' technology... My friend, God holds your life in His hand, whether you like it or not. “Into the liquid tomb he fell, moments from paradise, With one last grasp he clawed the waves and caught his dear one’s eyes. His frozen face, his numb-ed hands, his body stiff and cold – An ocean legacy of heroism told. Down through the depths Titanic sank, and into her watery grave, Bound by such forces that God had decreed would render the hulk its slave. Downward she plunged through the darkness so cold, taking no inventory Of perishing hundreds who crowded her decks, bound for hell or glory. For women and children first they died, For women and children first; They put their faith before their pride, For women and children first. ~ Douglas W. Phillips April 15, 1997 Titanic Men’s Memorial Washington, D.C.
The Way of the LORD is in the Sea
“I am the LORD thy God that divideth the sea”
Job 26:12 ~ He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud. Jeremiah 31:35 ~ Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:
Psalm 33:7 ~ He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
Psalm 72:8 ~ He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 8:29~ When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
“God’s ways are in the sea”
Psalms 77:19 ~ Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.
Psalm 107:23-24 ~ They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
Psalm 103:7 ~ He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel .
“God’s will is for us to go through the sea”
Exodus 14:22 ~ And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
Isaiah 48:18 ~ O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:
“God carries us through the waters of the sea”
Psalm 66:12 ~ Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
Psalm 107:29 ~ He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Psalm 107:30 ~ Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Isaiah 43:2 ~ When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
“Some interesting facts about the sea found in Revelation”
Revelation 10:2 ~ And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, ~ Christ will stand on the Sea.
Revelation 15:2 ~ And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. ~ Those who go through the tribulation will stand on the Sea.
Revelation 21: 1 ~ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. ~ The new earth will have no Sea.
The Three Trees ~ Author Unknown
Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: “I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world! ” The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on its way to the ocean. “I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world!” The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. “I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.”
Years, passed. The rain came, the sun shone and the little trees grew tall. One day three wood cutters climbed the mountain. The first wood cutter looked at the first tree and said, “This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining ax, the first tree fell. “Now I shall make a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!” The first tree said.
The second wood cutter looked at the second tree and said, “This tree is strong. It's perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining ax, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!” thought the second tree. “I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!”
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last wood cutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the wood cutter never even looked up. “Any kind of tree will do for me.” He muttered. With a swoop of his shining ax, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the wood cutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, or treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals. The second tree smiled when the wood cutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and awed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river, instead she was taken to a little lake. The third tree was confused when the wood cutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. “What happened?” The once tall tree wondered. “All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God...”
Many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. “I wish I could make a cradle for him.” Her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and sturdy wood. “This manger is beautiful.” She said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and a thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She new she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awoke. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, “Peace.” The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the King of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten wood pile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hand to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
"Tears"
Ever feel like your life is weighing down on you and you wonder if the LORD cares? Do you know that your tears are precious to Him. Here is some Encouragement from the WORD of God.
1. Psalm 56:8
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
2. Psalm 6:6
I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
3. Psalm 39:12
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
4. Psalm 42:3
My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
5. Psalm 56:8
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
6. Psalm 116:8
For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
7. Psalm 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
8. Isaiah 16:9
Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.
9. Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
10. Jeremiah 9:18
And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.
11. Jeremiah 13:17
But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD's flock is carried away captive.
12. Jeremiah 31:16
Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.
13. Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
14. Revelation 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
How Am I Walking?
Come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” Is. 2:5
“This is the way walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Is. 30:21
“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,” Col. 1:10
“See then that ye walk circumspectly,”
Eph. 5:15
“They shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” Rev. 3:40
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 3 & 4
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation
wherewith ye are called,” Eph. 4:1
"The Dress Devotional"
During Summer Camp of 2005, God began to work on my heart. He showed me an illustration of how the world claims our hearts. He gave this too me the day before I left camp. It was an illustration I had seen when I was a teenager. The sad thing to me was that the girl who gave the illustration was no longer living for the LORD.
To do this illustration I needed a dress. Not just any dress, I need a dressed that was precious. I brought with me my high school graduation dress. I had no intention of destroying the dress when I brought it. But during one of the messages God required it of me. To have full effect for this illustration the dress would have to be cut bit by bit… piece by piece.
Dress Devotional:
"The Value of Beauty"
How many of you wake up in the morning and say to your self, how can I make myself look as ugly as possible.... There is not one of us that does that. Even Ladies that don't need to have the newest clothes and that don’t wear a lot of makeup still want to look nice.
See this box, isn't it pretty? _______ will you open this for us. (she takes out the tirira, necklace, slippers, and lace handkerchief) Now, girls which is prettier the outside or the inside? Answer: The Inside.
Proverbs 31:10 - "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is fare above rubies." When we look at this verse what is it that we see about this woman? Answer: The Inside.
(Holding up box) It's ok to look pretty, there is nothing wrong with that. But what is on the inside is going to shine forth to the outside. 1 Peter 3:1-4 - The key in these verses is not what the woman is putting on but what is in her heart. What is one thing that you have to give to the Lord; if you do not have this you would not have anything...? Answer: My LIFE.
You have a little bit of life that God has given you, what are you going to do with it?
2 Kings 4:1-6 - The widow with the little bit of oil....
I have this little Bit
It's all I have this Little Bit
To pour it out
Oh How it would spoil
It's all I have this little Bit
I have been told that I must pore it out
and I will receive all the more.
Oh, how I want to shout!
It's all I have this little bit.
To pour it out would cost me great
Can I not keep it safe this little Bit
Oh what shall be my fate;
It's all I have and no more
I've shut the door expecting no more
then only what is on the floor
So quietly into the vessels I pore
And from this lesson I've been taught
that God can use a little bit
and give more then I could ever wrought
I must give my little Bit!
... When you give your little bit to God, God can use it and give you more then you could ever imagine.
(I hold up a beautiful dress, white lace shimmering). Let's say this dress is you as a saved young lady. This is your life. (One of the girls has scissors in her hands ready to cut).. What happens when? (as I list these things; picture her cutting into a white lace dress; with each thing I say she snips)..
You stop singing in church
Laugh during the service
Look around during service
Back talk
Give in to peer pressure
Think about Boys
Have wrong friends
Wrong hobbies
Vanity
Pride
Selfishness
Rebellion to parents
Gossiping
Jealousy
Flirting
Wrong music
Country music
Bad movies
Letting things of this world take the place of God
Snippet remarks
Worldly standards
Low necklines
Tight clothes
Wrong thinking ....
(By the time I had finished saying this; the dress was destroyed; the girls were silent... When _____ first started cutting they had been screaming no don't do that... afterwards they were quiet)
I looked at all their faces held out my hands and said ... you have this little bit of life what are you going to do with it... you can either use it for self and look like this dress or use it for God...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next night there was a bonfire with all the teens and I took the dress along... ________ got up and explained the whole story of the dress, because most of the boys did not know of the dress. When it was my turn to speak, I got up and picked up the dress and said “This dress was beautiful but it’s not anymore... if this is your life as a Christian then this is your life as a lost person.” I tossed the dress into the fire... it began to melt and soon began to burn. I continued, “All those things that you hold on to now are going to burn away and you will burn forever in hell. In my hand are the buttons from the dress; if you will take the little bit of life that God has given you and give it back to him; he can make you into something beautiful as a woman and for you guys, He’ll make you into godly men of integrity.
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