Sitting Down With God

God Spoke

2019-12-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

Dt 1:6 “ The Lord God said to us at Horeb,” You have stayed long enough at this mountain. (7) break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites…. (8) See I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers. – to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – and to their descendants after them.

Dt 11:24 Every place you set your feet will be yours (If you obey God and follow his commands)

What an amazing God we serve! A God who is more than enough, all-knowing, all-powerful and who knows us so intimately inside and out. A God who loves every broken piece of our story. A story he has weaved from the beginning of time. Today I felt a message on my heart in a big way. It has been tickling the back of my mind all day like the softness of a feather. Just barely whispering across my skin but leaving an imprint in my mind so profound.

I was looking up a bible study on creation for my kids today and I found a series that I thought might be a good way to introduce them to the Bible in a clearer way. I was reading a sample of the Bible lesson and it was written in a way a small child can understand. Sometimes that’s what we really need to get close with God. A moment where we come to him in a childlike fashion. In this lesson, it talked of how God spoke everything into creation. With just a few words everything we know came to be. He spoke and it was good.

This led me to really think of how powerful God’s words are. If he spoke light and dark, the oceans, the stars and you and I then how powerful is God’s words. This brought me to the above passage in Deuteronomy. God spoke to the Israelites after 40 years in the desert. He said to them you’ve been in this place long enough. Get up and move. Take possession and authority over what I have promised you in my word. He goes on to say every place you set your feet will be yours as long as you love and honor me. Whew!! That’s a good word there. Move! Take your God-given authority and possess this land that I promised you. You’ve been lost in this wilderness long enough. There is nothing here left for you. It is time to break up this camp and go forward.

This spoke to me in such a deep way. How often do we get so lost in our struggles in life that we set up camp in that place we feel so defeated in? We make a home in our self-pity and our despair. We allow ourselves to lay down and stay rooted at the base of the mountain that is overcoming us. BUT God says, I made you a promise. I promised you a land flowing with milk and honey. I promised you a place of peace and joy. You’ve sat at this mountain long enough. That isn’t where I intended for you to be forever. That mountain doesn’t own you. I have given you the authority in my name to make mountains bow down to you. I gave you authority to place anything not of me underneath your feet and in Dt 11:24 God say every place you set your feet will be yours. God spoke a word and it was good.

In life, we face all types of mountains and lately, I have had a common theme that is set on repeat. I’ve heard other people say that people are only loving and loyal when it’s beneficial to them. Loyalty stops when the benefits stop. The definition of Beneficial is favorable, advantageous, profitable, something resulting in good. 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV states “ All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. The NIV version says Scripture is God-breathed and is useful… The thing is I love words. I love to get to the root of things and words is no different so for this I got all the way down into the Greek. I wanted to know what God was really saying to me in this verse. In the Greek “useful” is ophelimos. This word was only used 4 times in the entire bible and It means profitable, beneficial, useful.

How often do we only come to God when it is beneficial to us? We want his blessings in our life. We want to seek and find the glory in life. However, We don't feel as comfortable receiving the correction and reproof that also comes with truly experiencing God in all his glory. We are commanded as a people to live righteously. God comes in and he creates this heart of flesh that loves him and his people. However, this transformation requires some pruning on our part. That pruning hurts sometimes. It requires us to take His Word and make changes in the life that we are currently living. It requires us to walk away from people and situations that are not of God. It requires us to move from where we are to a place we may not understand or necessarily want to be. It sometimes requires us to stay in a place we don't want to be because God himself hasn't released us to leave there.

I believe the biggest theme God has been putting on my heart is to listen to Him and be obedient to what he is calling me to do. For example, taking out this blog, dusting it off and sharing with you all how much I love Jesus. It is uncomfortable to go back to something in another stage of your life. Here I am a married woman, four kids and all sorts of testimony to share with you. Yet I needed to hear God's voice to bring these words to you.

2 Timothy 2: 20-22:

²⁰In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. ²¹Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
²²Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Love in Christ,

Kristine

Planting A Seed

2017-05-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

I was scrolling through Face Book today and read something that has stuck with me all day long. " You cannot force someone to comprehend a message that they are not ready to receive. Still, you must never underestimate the power of planting a seed." This statement brought up so many memories for me in my personal relationship with Jesus.

I was taken back to a little room in children's church at the Grace Place in Stuart, FL. I was about 8 or 9 year old. I remember hearing if anyone wants to come to the altar and accept Jesus into their heart they could make their way down to the front. I could feel how my heart beat quickened and my palms got sweaty. I remember shy little Kristine standing up and taking that walk. I remember the urgency I felt like I couldn't get there fast enough. I tripped over my own two feet most of the time, but today my foot steps were sure and they knew just where I needed and wanted to be.

Fast forward to a pool at one of our church member's homes and Pastor Rick and I wading into the water. The moment that I went down under the water and came back up. That fresh burst of air and the feeling that I was this new person and that everything that had happened in my past was gone and that I had a brand new start.

It seems like forever ago that I was that child worshipping at my Father's feet. Open to all he had to offer me. No questions asked. Now I am facing being a thirty year old who has outgrown that simple, trusting faith. I've lived life, become a parent, faced insurmountable odds and experienced incredible betrayals and heartbreaks. Yet, a part of my soul yearns for that little girl. If I could go back knowing what I know now.... But, you see God knew just where I would go and what I would do. Have I followed his plan for my life? I say No, however, I can say that no matter how many times my feet have taken me into troubled waters away from God and his plan He still loves me and calls my name.

Twenty-two years ago I was saved and baptized. I was made a new creation in Jesus Christ and I was saved by His grace alone. It's taken me a long time to really truly understand what that means. I still struggle thinking that if I were God I would throw me away. I've made so many mistakes. I have turned my back on Him. There were years of my life that I even despised thinking about God. I was so angry and hurt at the things that had happened in my life. I didn't want any part of it.

Then in 2010, I started working at a prison in Franklin County, Florida and there I met a remarkable woman. She was a pastor's wife and I can remember learning that before she started working with us. I was so negative. I didn't want anything to do with any "Bible-thumping" "Judgy" "Do-gooder." Man, was I so wrong. One thing I can say about this woman is that she loves the Lord. She has served him for years in her church, on the mission field and she served him in the purpose of planting a seed that I needed at that time in my life.

She never once invited me to her church. I was so ready for the invite to come. I had mentally prepared myself to be able to politely (wink, wink) decline whatever she offered. I wanted nothing to do with church. Somehow she knew that I would decline, so the offer never did come. What she did do was tell me about all the things they had going on at church. She would share stories of their Free Fire Dance Ministry. She talked of the black light puppets, and the mimes. She shared experiences from the ladies group and different events they went to. I can remember sitting at my work computer thinking goodness that sounds kind of fun. One morning after a long shift I decided to go check her church out. Lord knows he was in that house that day, I felt a spark of that inner child from so long ago ignite.

I wish I could say that I stayed the course and met the mark from that day on. Nonetheless, even in my imperfections God is not finished with me yet. It was during that time that I felt the call to ministry in some way. I enrolled in school for Biblical studies. I wanted to go to Peru on the mission field. I had so many grand plans for my new life. I felt unstoppable. I felt that there was nothing that could tear me away from serving God completely and thoroughly. Boy was I mistaken.

Fast forward seven years and I've done none of the things I felt called so long ago to do.

I have become a Mother to three awesome kids. I am also expecting a baby in July. I've moved around to different places. Been engaged twice. Experienced a miscarriage and domestic violence. I have experienced fear in its truest form, but still God called out my name.

I say all of that to say this, there were moments in my life that I wasn't open to any message that God had for me. But, He knew that all it took was a carefully planted seed to take root and grow. He knew exactly where to meet me at in my brokenness, in my disappointments, in my fear and in my failures. He has never left me nor forsaken me. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

If God could pull me up out of the pit I have lived in over the years. He can do the same for you. He can do it for those that you love and care for. God's timing is never late. He works things out in His time.

Love in Christ,

Kristine

Persistent Faith

2017-05-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

At Church on Sunday, my pastor spoke something over our congregation that has stuck with me this week. He said, " At some point in your life you just say: "I'm Done." "

You wake up one morning and all the stress of your life is on your shoulders, your worries, your inadequacies, your weaknesses, and as you lay in your bed you think "God, I am done." I am done with all of these things. I have tried life on my own and here I am at your feet broken, bruised, and shattered by life and I am just done.

I needed to hear those words. I needed to hear that I am not the only one that is struggling in my walk. I needed to hear that even someone in ministry wakes up and has said He is done with the negative things in life. It showed me that we as Christians are not perfect, but that we are loved by a perfect God.

Over six years ago, I was called into ministry. I felt the tug at my heart and for a while I did okay. Life took a complete shift for me and even though I know I was called I have spent these years feeling inadequate to fulfill that request for God. How can an imperfect person like me minister to God's people in any way?

But, when I tell you that God has brought me through some of the most difficult times in my life, I am coming to realize that I am inadequate but the testimony life has created is a living testament to the love of God even for his imperfect people. Through the struggles, through the pain, and through the heartache God continues to call my name. He continues to stretch out his hand to me and to draw me close to him. I've struggled. I've fallen down dozens of times. I have quit. I have given up. I have felt so low that the ground beneath my feet seemed to pull me in like quicksand. And right there, in that pit of depression, and doubt God reached down and with the tiniest of effort pulled me out. Because no matter how far I wander, no matter how long I run... He is waiting patiently for me to answer the call He has on my life.

So, today I picked up a dusty book off my shelf. The Battle Plan for Prayer by the Kendrick Brothers and barely 3 pages in I am hit with so many wonderful truths.

Psalm 65:2-3 from The Message Bible: You hear the prayer in it all. We all arrive at your doorstep sooner or later, loaded with guilt, Our sins too much for us-- but you get rid of them once and for all.

Father God, not only have I been needing your presence in my life, but I needed to hear your voice today. You spoke to me so clearly through your Word and it resonates within me. Continue to work in me. Bring me closer to you through my prayers. Create in me a clean heart and may your desires and your will for my life manifest itself so profoundly that it glorify You and You alone. I take me out of it and I give myself over to your will for my life.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen

Broken

2016-06-25T08:15:00.002-07:00

Have you ever looked inside yourself and thought: How am I still alive? Looked around you, and wondered how you've made it this far? I have felt so introspective lately. I have felt weathered, and beaten down; gray in a world full of magnificent colors. Doubt has been plaguing me, and indecision. Retrospectively, I have been focusing on negative events that have occurred in the past. I've allowed self-doubt to creep in and single-handedly choke the very life out of me that I have fought so hard to keep a tight-fisted grip on.

A few weeks ago, I found myself sitting in the counselor's office at my primary care physician. I told him all about things that have been happening, feelings I have felt. The doubt, the disappointment in myself. I found myself focusing on all the ways I feel I have failed as a mother. The list is extremely long. He was so kind, and patient. He listened so well. At the end of my visit, the doctor and the counselor conferred. They felt it would be best for me to start on a regimen of Prozac to heal my " depression."

Now, I am not saying that mental illnesses shouldn't be identified, and treated. Clinically, I know that there are many people who have legitimate medical issues, and they need medicine to help them stay stable. Thirteen years in the medical field, gives you a fine appreciation for the wonders of some prescriptions. However, for myself, I feel that even if I would picked that prescription up it would not have helped me. My wounds are not just in my psyche. They are deep, rigged scars in the spiritual part of me.

The Bible is full of promises: Trust me, Lean on Me, I will not leave nor forsake you, By my stripes you are healed. Theoretically, It's easy to say those words. It's easy to make a mantra and sing praise songs. Nonetheless, when real life kicks you in the teeth, or wears you down. Relationships fail, trust is broken, medical diagnosis's are revealed. It takes serious prayer, and faith to keep on the path of belief. To keep those words in your mind, and your heart. My biggest failure is that I stopped trusting God. I gave lip service of holiness, and righteousness. Yet, I live broken and incomplete. Scared of my own shadow, but too proud to admit that I need help.

I need Jesus.

I sat here this morning and read the story of creation, and the birth of Jesus to my three little ones. The twins are one going, on twenty five. They are never still and I dare you to try to read with two little scamps using you as a jungle gym. However, I did just that because as soon as I opened my mouth and started reading my three year old stuck to me. She watched every expression on my face, followed every changing nuance to my voice and I realized that even though I am imperfect, a sinner saved by grace.. I am not a failure. I've made mistakes. Who hasn't? But ultimately I have from right now to start again. This morning my three year old asked Jesus into her heart. She closed her little eyes, and she prayed.

I found myself praying with her. Lord, Jesus forgive me for all I have done that is not of you. Come into my heart and fill these empty, broken places. Heal me from the inside out. Teach me your way O' Lord. Teach me how to lean on you, to hold on to you. Teach me to pray before I complain. Teach me patience. Teach me humbleness and humility. Lord mold me into what you need me to be.. You called me Lord. A long time ago.. I'm weary from running. I'm ready. I give me to you. Every part of me.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

It Has Been A While!!

2012-11-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

It has been almost a year since I have written on here. I apologize for the lengthy silence. However, in that silence I have learned and grown so much. God has been working in me and through me on so many levels. I have had the opportunity to have a real heart check and to come against seemingly impossible situations. I have come to the conclusion that My God is a God of more than enough and that he is steadfastly holding me to Him, even when I am on the verge of letting myself go.

It is amazing to see how high you can lift yourself up. I lifted myself to pretty high heights and the devil had no problem knocking me down a peg or two. I thought I was so strong in my faith. I found myself thinking more highly of myself than I should have. God doesn’t like ugly and he had a few lessons for me to learn. He also had a very big blessing in store for me.

February of this year, I found myself in a domestic violence situation. After this happened, I didn’t know who I was any more. I was confused and angry. I wanted to know why God would let this terrible thing happen to me. I found myself sinking into a deep depression. I didn’t want to go to church; I didn’t want to read my Bible. I didn’t even want to talk to my friends that were always such great supporters. I found myself not even talking to God. I yelled at him, and I raged at the unfairness of the whole thing. Why me? Poor me.

To make matters worse in my mind, I find out that my biggest prayer in the whole world had been answered. But absolutely nothing in line with how I would have imagined it. I was pregnant. Not only did I survive such a horrible ordeal, but the precious life inside of me survived too. But God, I prayed, “This is not how I planned it…” Ha Ha. Not how I planned it…

I can almost hear him now. “You are right. Not how you planned it, but how I designed it.”

*For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.*

Jer 29:11 (NLT)

Everything I saw in my mind as a disaster was something God intended for good in my life. The words of Joseph in Genesis kept ringing in my mind:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.

Gen 50:20 (NLT)

With that being said, when you find yourself struggling to hold on to the promises of God, remember that God uses every situation in your life for His Glory. Life will not be easy, it will not be fair, but in the end it will be worth every tear, ounce of pain, and trial.

Blessings,

Kristine

Dealing With Change

2012-02-03T09:55:00.000-08:00

Life doesn’t always go the way you plan. More often than not, it will go the complete opposite. I have come to the realization that in those first few minutes of disappointment, I have opportunity for change.

I think back on all the times I would get angry and upset because I didn’t get my way. The temper tantrums and the attitudes of entitlement I have had. How do I know why things have changed? That last minute change in direction for your day could save your life.

God’s plan for us will always outweigh any plans we could ever imagine for ourselves. I encourage you in those moments when life’s little disappointments are getting you down, for you to look up and be patient. Change is coming! and it starts with you.

Love in Christ,

Kristine

David McKenna: I am Second

2012-01-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

David McKenna: I am Second

Day Two in the I am Second challenge:

Beautiful story... Share this video with other and commit to taking the 22 day I am second challenge.

Brian Welch: I am Second

2012-01-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

Brian Welch: I am Second

Brian Welch, previously of the band Korn, gives his testimony of finding the love of Jesus Christ and freedom from addictions... Amen, Brian!! God has love AND freedom in store for you too. Matthew 11:28,“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Dear Readers,

2012-01-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

I am sorry that I have not posted anything lately. I apologize ,but I want you to know that the Holy Spirit is moving and that God has me on a mission. I have been doing an in depth personal study on the Book of Titus and I plan on doing something different with the information than I usually do. So, please bear with me as I finish this time of study and preparation. I think that you will love it!

Lord, I ask that you bring peace to everyone today. No matter what storm is raging in their lives, you are that calm. You are that joy and peace when the whole world has turned upside down and went crazy.

I love you Lord. I praise you today because you have given me so much. Just this morning you woke me up, you opened my eyes and gave me opportunity to have another day to do your work. I look forward to what today will bring.

In Jesus' Mighty Name,
Amen

Love in Christ,
Kristine

Something I needed to hear....

2011-12-23T19:38:00.000-08:00

God loves you. Those three words can change a life. The past few weeks have been busy. I found myself putting God last in a lot of ways and it came to a point that He really got my attention. I made the decision to take a break from some things to be able to really rest in God. I wanted to be able to come to all of you and share what He has been speaking to me.

Over and over again, it is “I love you.” It is: I love you even though you mess up. I love you even though you are imperfect. I love you even when you think that you are unworthy of any love, from anywhere. I LOVE YOU!

How wonderful it is to know that God loves us? He loves us despite ourselves. It is unconditional love and you will find no love like it anywhere else in the world. So often we find ourselves seeking love and acceptance from places that will never fill the void we seek to fill. God created us with the need to fill that void. But, He wants us to fill that void with HIM. When we come to God and give over to His love and grace, we will never look to any other for that fulfillment again. There is no greater feeling than resting in the love that God so eagerly and abundantly bestows upon His children.

You are that child. We are those children that He loves so very much; A love so beautiful and profound that millions of people, daily try to find a love like that on earth. However, they never find that acceptance or love that God is waiting to give to them. It is so great to know that when we come and sit at God’s feet and give over to Him, that He will take away all the pain. He will replace every tear. He will hold you in His Heavenly arms and you will feel the love he offers.

Deuteronomy chapter seven opened my eyes to really see. If you have your Bible near you, Please get it. Open it up and read with me.

Deuteronomy 7: 7, “The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other people, for you were the fewest of all people.” Verse 8 goes on to say, “But it was because the LORD loved you . . .”

Because the LORD loved us He chose to make an everlasting covenant with us. The Bible is not just a story book. It is our inheritance and our history. Everything in those 66 Books happened. Those were real people and real situations. They lived and breathed as you and I do.

That covenant that the LORD made to Abraham thousands of years ago, still stands today. We are Abraham’s descendants. We are inheritors of the same promises that God made to Abraham all those years ago.

I want you to know that right now, wherever you are whatever you are doing, God loves YOU!! He cares for YOU!! He hears YOU!! And He wants a relationship with YOU!!

If you are to a place in your life where you feel that nothing is going right, He wants you to know that His love changes things. If you are in a place where you feel no hope, He wants you to know that He is hope, love, and peace. He wants you to know that coming to Him and allowing Him to love you will change not just your life, but you. God wants the opportunity to love you. He wants the opportunity to know you. You are His chosen person, His chosen child, and He is ready to embrace you. He is ready to work in you and in your life. He is ready to bless you.

Lord, I ask that you forgive me today for all that I have done that has been sin against you. I ask you to come into my heart and make a clean slate for me. I come before you today in humble submission. I am ready for you to be a part of my life. I am ready to let you love me and I want to love you with everything that I am. God please show me how to do this. I have faith that you will see me through all of my troubles and that all the pain I have felt is wiped away. I give to you all my troubles and I watch as they float away as if on a stream, never to return. For you say that you give rest to the weary and that you love me despite all that I was and have been before this moment. Lord, I give it up all to you. All the worries, all the pain and I ask that you forgive me Lord, and create in me a new mind and teach me your ways. Teach me how to walk in you Lord. I praise you because you are a Holy God and you are my beginning and my end. You complete every part of me because you created me. You knew me before I was ever conceived in my mother’s womb. You made me beautiful in the image of you, and everything you have created is good. You love me and I accept that love and I am ready to love you back.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen

Heart Check

2011-12-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

It has really been on my heart lately, that maybe, just maybe some of the things we do are not for the right reasons. Christmas is coming and every one is running around getting their last minute shopping done. Kids are about to get out of school for vacation.

Thoughts of Christmas trees, lights, cookies, presents, and so on are every where. I don't want us to forget the reason for the season. Jesus Christ. He was born to give us eternal life, a priceless gift. I just want us to remember that through all the hustle and bustle of the season. Don't forget to give God His time. It is important to put Him first in all we do.

Merry Christmas to Everyone!!

P.S.

I will be taking a small vacation from blogging. I have not been able to really give God His Glory with the busyness of everyday life. So for the next two weeks I am going to focus on getting into the Word. I have high hopes that in my absence everyone will have a blessed holiday vacation. I also feel that in this two week vacation that God has a lot in store for me. I can't wait to share what He has put on my heart.

With love and good tidings,

Kristine

Just How Amazing God Truly Is!

2011-12-12T14:08:00.000-08:00

God has such amazing plans in our lives. He holds the beginning and the ends of our stories. I encourage you to watch the video above. We sometimes tend to see the "bad" in our situations, and forget that God can make something wonderful out of something we see as tragic.

This video is about a ten year old, blind, autistic boy. His mother was addicted to drugs when he was born. He was later adopted by a family member and now..........

Love in Christ,
Kristine

Where is your heart today?

2011-12-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

"What do you have your sight's on?" I feel God has been convicting me of this. He speaks to me in themes, and everything I read points to this. What on this earth have I put before my time with God? Back in Bible times, the Israelites continued to try to worship other gods and idols. [golden calf] What are the idols of our world now?

Money
Power
Prestige
Relationships

    Are we placing our time and energy on things of this world? Are we focusing on the Lord,God Almighty who is powerful and all-seeing. I have found that my "me and God" time has shortened and I am always finding other things to occupy that time.
    I started school and I have been focusing on that. I have been working odd hours and I have been making excuses for how tired I am. I have been focused on what is going on in my relationship and forgetting that God is able to fix all things. He is able to do a work in my life that no one on this earth can do.
    I have been reading Beth Moore's "Praying God's Word," and it has really opened me to see that I am not spending the time with God that he deserves. I have been so focused on other things that my time with Him has become forfeit.
    I urge you to do a mirror check and see if you are spending the time with the Father like you should. If you are not, take that time and get in His Word. The changes you will start to see will be amazing. Just being close to Him shuts out all the things that bring you down. It gives you strength to keep going and the ability to see that we are not in control, and that He is. Being prayed up is a part of our armor of God. It protects us and sustains us. Keep your light shining!

Love In Christ,
Kristine

A Love Like No Other

2011-12-05T09:03:00.000-08:00

I was asleep and my Spirit woke me up. I heard in my mind, "Love is the ultimate deposit." What do I mean by that? Love is the best gift you can give anyone. When you deposit true, Christ-like love into someone's life, you are sowing a seed that will be very fruitful. Not only will you receive back blessings in your life, but you have now opened up someone else's life for them to sow love and be blessed.

    Love in the Greek, is the word, Agape (Uh-gaw-pay). Not only does this word symbolize the love of God towards us, but it also talks of the love we should have for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Agape is founded in admiration and esteem. Colossians 3:12-14 says this, " Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all of these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
    When we talk about Agape, we are not referring to a secular love. We are not talking about, I tell you I love you but I really don't care. We are talking about a brotherhood and a sisterhood of believers, really loving one another from their Spirit-man. This is only possible if we allow Christ, living in us, to teach us how to love others.
    John 3:16, " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Can you imagine how much love that is? Is it possible for us as human beings to love one another like that? Not by ourselves it is not. It takes trusting God and letting Him love through us to accomplish this.
    We are a community of believers. When one of our "neighbors" needs us, we should be there. We should be cloaking them in love and compassion. Teach them truths and edify them. 2 Thessalonians 1:3, "Dear brothers and sisters, we can't help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing."   Paul taught all about the love Christians should have for one another.
    I know that God has convicted me of not truly loving other people. We say that we love. We pretend to be interested and then when they are not in our face anymore, we go on with our lives. We "Fake it, but we never make it," if you catch my drift. We are called to love others. It is one thing that Jesus said to us. It is written, " A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another," John 13:34-35.
    If Jesus commanded us to love one another, then why aren't we? I challenge you to take assessment of your life and the people in it. Do you show love and charity, kindness, and patience to everyone around you? Are you capable of loving others, as you love yourself? I know that without God I am unable of doing this, but He let His Son be put on that cross, so His Spirit could live within us and teach us His ways. So, If Christ is in me, than I can do it. And so can you.

Love in Christ,
Kristine

Open My Eyes

2011-12-04T10:27:00.000-08:00

Open the eyes of my heart Lord! Open the eyes of my heart. In Hebrew, "your eyes will be opened," is a metaphor for knowledge. Knowledge is power. Especially, when God is imparting knowledge to you. The changes that occur in your life due to God's knowledge in your heart is unspeakable. You can't imagine the power that comes into your life with that knowledge.

    Hosea 4:6 states, " My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge." If the Bible states that knowledge is necessary to life, then why are we not beating doors down to gain it. The more we attempt to learn and the harder we press for the knowledge of God, the better life we will have.
    The Bible is not just an incredible story. It is a way to live your life truly devoted to God and His work. I went to a Beth Moore conference this weekend, and I can feel the eyes of my heart opening up even more than before. I learned so many new principles. We studied in the book of Philemon and the message that Beth taught us was powerful.
    She taught us how to walk in the ministry of reconciliation. She taught us how to be a community of believers. She opened us to look at ourselves in a different view. I realized in those moments that there is a work going on in my life. God has purposed me to do great things in His kingdom. The best part of it all, is that you have been given this same commission. He wants you to walk with Him and share in the rewards and blessings, too.
    How do you increase your knowledge of God? How do you fill yourself with Him and only Him?
    You take time and sit with Him. You pray and ask for His wisdom and understanding. You read the Word and take it in. You love others, as He loves you. There is a whole world out there that we remain unaware of. The trials that you go through, someone else is experiencing them too. There is opportunity to share the love of Christ daily. Be a walking billboard for the love that God has showered on you.
    Tell the world about His blessings that He has given you. Each person has gone through something. Each person has missed it. I do daily. But, God is a God of second chances. In Luke, there is the the story of the prodigal son. He was a wastrel. He took his father's inheritance to him, and blew it. He ended up broke, and sleeping with the pigs. A Jewish man sleeping with pigs. If you understand anything about Jewish faith, is that pigs are considered unclean. So, to be feeding pigs or sleeping in their mire, you have lowered yourself to a distinct place of nothingness. You are now in a pit and there is no one there to pull you out of it. This son realized he made a very big mistake. He went home, head-hanging low, to tell his father what he had done. His father met him as he came up the road and hugged him. He threw a party for him. He celebrated the return of this son. His son messed up. His son took for granted all that had been given to him. This son laid in the mire of pigs. But, he was graciously received back into his father's presence.
    We are that wayward child. We have fallen short of the glory of God, but He is there waiting for us to return to Him with open arms. He loves us. He made a way for us to live in eternity with Him. He sacrificed His only Son for us. That is something that no earthly person would do. Those of you who have children, would you give any of them up to save someone else? God did, He put His Son on that cross for you and for me.
    I think that is amazing. I feel so blessed that He loved me that much. I encourage everyone to think on this today. No matter what life throws at you, remind yourself that you are a blessed child of God. He has your back, in the good and the bad. He is waiting on you to come to Him so that He can love you.

In Jesus' Mighty name ,
Amen

Love in Christ,
Kristine

Press-Forward

2011-11-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

    I have come to accept that sometimes life is not going to go the way I want it to. There will be days when all the best made plans will not come to fruition and that disappointment will come. It has made me realize that the Father has a bigger plan laid out for me. I might not understand the why's and the what-for's, but in the end it will all work out.

    When life's disappointments seem to keep on coming. Stand firm in your faith and know that God is God. Not sometimes, but all of the time. The mountains that we climb will not always be mountains. The tears that we cry will not create a lake. And each time we are broken-hearted we have a Saviour that is ready to comfort us.

    Don't give up and Don't give in. Time's are changing and it only looks bad right now. Keep pressing forward and you will see the light at the end of the dark tunnel you are traveling in. It takes trials and tribulation to instill in us the strength needed to be patient and to persevere.

    Life will not always be easy.. But it will be worth it!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-25T01:21:00.000-08:00

Therefore, receiving, as we now do, a kingdom which cannot be shaken,
let us cherish thankfulness so that we may ever offer to God an acceptable service,
with godly reverence and awe.
Hebrews 12:28 (Root in WEY NIV)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him,
and bless his name.
Psalms 100:4 (KJV WBS)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In every circumstance of life be thankful;
for this is God's will in Christ Jesus respecting you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18(WEY)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For all things are for your sakes, that the grace,
being multiplied through the many,
may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:15(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In nothing be anxious, but in everything,
by prayer and petition with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lord, I come to you today to give you thanks. I want to give you praise. You have lifted me up out of so many dark places and set my feet on solid ground. You brought me together with family and friends yesterday and I thank you for that gift. I thank you for the food you provided. I thank you for the love shared. Lord, I just thank you. You are a mighty, most Holy God and I worship and praise you today!
In Jesus Mighty Name,
Amen

Happy Belated Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Love In Christ,

Kristine

LIVING IN A HOUSE DIVIDED

2011-11-22T04:59:00.000-08:00

    Okay sports fans, a house divided means some people in your house go for a certain team and you go for another. Today, I want to talk about trying to live for God and still living part of your life in the world. I am going to be blunt today. It does not work. It will not ever work. No matter how gifted you feel you are at straddling the fence, you can not serve two masters. You either want to live a life in the light, or you want to continue to keep darkness in your life.

    It is not easy to walk with God, but it is very much worth it. The first thing is accepting Christ into your heart and repenting of your sins. If you have been saved, but you feel that you need to renew this vow, it is not too late. God loves you. He sent His only begotten Son to die for you. All of our sin has been cleansed away. We are white as snow. God knows that we can not do this on our own. He is there to help us. He is the strength we need to live a life for Him.

    I have spent a lot of time in my walk with God fighting a losing battle. I thought that if I did most everything right. I would be right. It doesn't work that way. Living like that left me feeling wrong. I felt as if I was missing something important. And I was. I was missing the joy and peace that truly living in God's will brings.

    I was a worrier, I was sad and depressed, I was tired and weak. I felt so discouraged all of the time. It took me really getting in the Word to realize that I was missing so much. God is a God of love, peace, hope, and joy. He is strength. He offers a life, not without problems, but full of solutions. He is able to take all of your impossibilities and make them possible, even when man says it can not be done.

    God is capable of more than you can ever imagine. We get so wrapped up in circumstances that we forget who created the universe. We forget all that God has done. We lose out on an awesome inheritance.

    I just want to encourage you today to get into His Word. Learn what you have inherited. Learn about your legacy. Learn about how incredible God really is. It will change your life. It did mine and I wouldn't want my old life back, even for the world.

Love in Christ,
Kristine

He Separates

2011-11-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

I have had an enlightening experience. Yesterday, I was in my car driving and our Christian radio station was interviewing a man named, Kyle Idleman. Now, Kyle is a pastor of a church and an author of a new book. The book is called Not a Fan. He posed a question yesterday, which rocked me to my core.

He was asking me, and everyone listening, Are you a fan of Jesus or are you a follower? A fan comes to church. They love Jesus. But, when Jesus starts interfering in their lives they back off. A follower of Jesus Christ will lay down everything they have and are, to do what he calls them to do. I had to ask myself, Am I a fan or a follower?

I love Jesus, I go to church faithfully, I have become very involved in our church, but am I a follower of Christ? Would I lay down everything for Him? Would I give up everything I have and everything I want, to do what He asks me to do?

Oh Man, what a question. Would I, Would you? This intrigued me so much, that tonight I looked up what the Bible says a fan is. In the Bible, a fan is an agricultural tool, a.k.a a winnowing shovel. A winnowing shovel was used to throw the grain up in the air so that it could be separated from the chaff. Scripture uses the separation of the wheat and the chaff as an example of Christ separating the wicked from the righteous. I don’t know about you, but I am excited.

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose FAN is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matthew 3: 11,12

This is so powerful. Christ uses a fan to SEPARATE. Go back to what I said in the beginning. A fan of Christ is to love God but to not want his interference in their lives. Low and behold, a follower of Christ will lay everything down. They will surrender all to God and allow him to rule their lives. Where He says, “Go” they go. When he says “Do” they do. I want to be a true follower of Christ. I am tired of being just a fan. I want to lay it all down on the altar and surrender myself. I want to die to me and live for Him.

When Christ uses his fan to separate, I want to still be there standing firm in Him. I don’t want to blow away in the wind. I want to be at His right hand. So, I ask you. . . Are you a fan of Christ or are you a follower?

Love in Christ,

Kristine

Eve Believed, But We will Succeed!

2011-11-07T15:02:00.000-08:00

“The devil is a lie!” We have all heard this saying, at least once in our lives. Recently, I have been in some personal situations and have been party to other people’s personal situations. I just want to say right here and right now, “THE DEVIL IS A LIAR!”

We must never forget that Satan is out for our demise. He does nothing to encourage or uplift us. His primary goal in life is to make you feel like you are worthless. He wants you to cower in a corner somewhere and stop living for Christ.

If the devil can keep you in the dark, he will. IF you give him that power. Something in my Spirit, has just been itching at me for days on this subject. Why do we give power to a footstool? Why do we allow the enemy to strip us of our self-worth, and our dreams? Why? Why? Why?

First off, we believe a liar. Now, if in the earthly realm, a person came to you and said something to you, and you knew that they had a history of lying; would you believe them? I know for myself it would be a big whopping, “NO!” My first response is going to be, “Yeah, right. Why would I listen to you? Everyone knows you are a liar?”

So, why do we not practice this in the spiritual realm? Just like Larry Liar comes to you in the natural, Satan the King of ALL LIES, comes to you in the spiritual. He is a good manipulator. He will tell you what you don't want to hear:

- You are stupid. . . LIE

- You are worthless. . . LIE

- You are unattractive. . . LIE

- No one likes you. . .LIE

- You will never be anything. . .LIE

He tells us so many things, all of the time. And we listen. We trust in these sweet nothings. We eat the fruit of that withered tree. We forget that our LORD, our GOD, is so much bigger than that. The longer you believe in something, the easier it is for it to become a reality in your life.

Have you ever heard the saying, “If you say you can’t, You never will.”? It is this philosophy. If you buy into the lies, they become a reality that you bought and paid for. You gave this power over. You are the only one who can get your money back.

You have to return all these unwanted items. Take them to the cashier and return them. God will return all that negativity with a price paid in full. He will take all those hateful lies that the devil has told you and give you love and peace. He will show you truth.

LORD, I come to you today and I ask you to heal our hearts. I ask you to bask us with your most holy presence. Lord, fill us with your Almighty, loving, healing power Lord. Strengthen us in our weakness and help us to put our battle clothing on. Give us understanding and wisdom. Teach us of your almighty love Lord. All of the negative thoughts we have given power over us, we give them to you Lord. We return all the heartache and discouragement to you. We come together in belief Lord that you reign forever and ever and there is nothing man nor the enemy can do to make us any less than whom you created us to be in you.

In Jesus, Mighty Name We Pray,

Amen

Hearing God

2011-11-03T01:26:00.000-07:00

I have heard the voice of God so clearly lately. It is almost uncanny. I feel that the Lord wants me on the mission’s field. I also feel that he wants me to gain a better understanding of his Word and that he is preparing me for the days ahead.

Just last night, I was telling Mrs. Lisa (my coworker and Pastor’s wife) about my desire to be a missionary. I told her I wanted to go somewhere, but that I didn’t know exactly where, yet. I want to go and work in the orphanages and share God’s love with the world.

Tonight at church, I felt completely undone by God. During worship service, I just broke down and all I could say was, “God, I surrender all to you! Please mold me into the woman you need me to be.” Starting school has been stressful, but enlightening. My home life has become tense. It seems that the more God calls me, the harder life hits you.

So, here I am, in worship, to the Most High King, and I can feel his presence so strong. Our pastor got up and gave us a big surprise. We had guests! Missionaries from Peru. When Brother Lew got up to speak, the first thing he said was, “I feel God telling me that someone in here has been called to missions and has not yet answered the call.”

My mouth just fell open. I didn’t expect this. The ironic thing is that he was looking right at me. My friend Cathy, who was sitting next to me, starts writing in her notebook and she shows me what she wrote. “He is talking to you.”

Brother Lew went on to tell us that they have need of two women; one younger woman and an older woman to serve in the orphanage they are building for young Peruvian girls. Now remember, I just expressed this desire vocally to Mrs. Lisa the night before. How clearly God answers you!!! I was questioning myself and trying to measure myself up to the task. It was like God spoke directly to me.

The point of all of this is that when God speaks directly to you, answer the call. Don’t doubt what the Lord has called you to do. If he has called you in any type of ministry, step up and take your place. He will provide all of the resources for you to do what he has asked you to do.

Just a few months ago, the Lord told me to go back to school. Not to further the degree I already have in nursing, but to take a step of faith and enroll at a Christian university and study Biblical Studies. He then brings two wonderful people to my church to voice what I needed to hear. God is preparing me for the calling he has put on my life.

In two years, I hope to be in Peru with Brother Lew and his wife. I was able to speak with them at length after service and I feel plans already in motion. I am so excited!!!

Our God is so amazing! Seek is presence and allow him to reveal his purpose for you. The peace and joy that comes with that revelation is unlike anything you will ever experience. It is like a jumbo puzzle and all the pieces have come together to form the most beautiful picture.

Love in Christ,

Kristine

So Good!

2011-10-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,
God is so good! He is an amazing, everlasting God. I have just finished my first week in school and I am amazed at the love that my fellow classmates and instructor have for our Lord. It is great to see such passion for God. I am enjoying each of my discussions and I feel encouraged by a body that knows that our God is more than enough.
The last time I wrote, I wrote on dealing with members of your family and household. I had some questions for myself, and I put those questions before the Lord. You shouldn't write anyone off. It might happen that your relationships are not what they used to be, but love them. Show them how wonderful it is to serve our God. A God that makes the impossible, possible.

        No one is perfect. No situation is perfect. Life on earth, will never be perfect. However, God gives us strength when we are weak. He gives us knowledge and understanding. He hold us to him and keeps us safe. He takes away all the fear and doubt and replaces those spirits with truth and love.
       The TV was on when I got home from work this morning. I could hear T.D. Jakes when I opened the door. That deep, booming voice. He was exhorting us to, "Leave it Alone." His message was centered on the parable out of Matthew, talking about the weeds that grew in with the wheat. The master of the house told his servants to leave the weeds alone. If they pulled those weeds out, they would pull up the wheat, too. T.D. went on to say that the enemy planted those weeds. That the enemy waits for us to be spiritually sleeping and tries to discourage us. He wants to take from us all that we have in Christ.
           The message, "Leave it Alone," means don't pull out the weeds. Let them grow beside you. Because when the harvest time comes. Those weeds will be pulled out and thrown into the fire. You the wheat will still be standing in God. Don't give up and don't give in.. Let all the anger and frustration go. Love and trust God to keep you in all your times of distress.
             Love in Christ,
                  Kristine

Long Absence

2011-10-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I apologize that there has been such a gap between this post and the last post. I started school and have been trying to get my schedule in order there. The last few weeks have been busy and I pray that this note finds everyone healthy and blessed.

I have had on my mind the last few weeks a certain scripture out of Matthew. Matthew 10:34-36:

“ Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn

“a man against his father,

A daughter against her mother

A daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—

A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”

This scripture speaks to me because I am feeling this right now. I am engaged to be married and it seems the closer I get to God, the worse my relationship gets. At one point, I was ready to get married and have a regular life. Now, God has called me to do many things for him. He started this writing ministry, he has opened doors for me to go to school for Biblical Studies, he is planting seeds for a women’s group in our town. God has plans for each and every one of us. I am feeling his presence in my life so strong.

In that respect, it is so hard to experience hardship in your earthly relationships. My fiancé knows that God comes first in my life, but it is hard for him to understand what that all entails. It becomes a spiritual battle in my home. My fiancé loves God, but he doesn’t feel called to serve him in the way I feel I have been called.

What do you do when the people in your life are not on the same spiritual level that you are? Do you write them off? I have prayed on this subject and I am still awaiting a response. Jesus told his disciples that he was coming with a sword. That sword is his Word. Always look to the Word and to God for your life’s toughest decisions. (All decisions should be put before the Lord)

Love in Christ,

Kristine

Bible Study- Fear, Part 3

2011-10-20T23:36:00.000-07:00

Alright, I finished up the notes. This session is very short, and as I said before there are more verses to choose from and I hope that in your own personal study you find more. Please feel free to share with me what you received from the study. What is God telling you in your own personal study? The notes included with the scripture are from my own personal revelation and from the Life Applicaton Bible-NIV version.

Our group is going to start the first session of Fear of the Lord DVD series by John Bevere. As we watch them, I will keep everyone updated. God Bless!!

Love in Christ,
Kristine

PSALM 102:17- “He will respond to the prayers of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.”

{God hears our cries. Even when it looks bad, know that God is preparing you for something so much better. Do not lose heart! Do not lose faith!}

PSALM 103:17- “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him and his righteousness with their children’s children—“

{__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

PSALM 112:1-“Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.”

{Revere God and gladly obey Himà Blessings will follow: prosperity, honor, security, and freedom from fear.}

DEUTERONOMY 31:6- “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

{Even when we feel utterly alone; no one cares, no one understands, no one can see what my pain is or how this is affecting my life. I am so alone. I have no one. Wrong!! You have a Father in heaven, who sees every tear. He sees all the pain and he feels it to. He is with us. He is there at our lows and he is there at our highs. God is never gone. God loves the brokenhearted and he hears our pleas. He wants to save us. Give him the opportunity to do this. Allow God to run your life. Give over the wheel of me and let “I am” drive; because He is an amazing Father. He never fails!!}

Bible Study- Fear, Part 2

2011-10-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

Here is Part 2 of my notes on Fear. I hope you enjoy them. There are hundreds of scriptures to choose from. Add to the list!!! Prayers for your day, Kristine!!

II TIMOTHY 4:18- “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

{If you feel you are facing a life and death situation, know that God will see you through until the end.}

JOHN 14:27- “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

{The Holy Spirit works in our lives to give us deep and lasting peace. Confident assurance in any circumstance. The peace of God moves into our hearts to restrain any hostile forces and offer comfort, as opposed to conflict. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you this peace.}

PSALM 37:1,2- “ Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”

{Do not want what unbelievers have. They may be prosperous materialistically, but spiritually they are bankrupt. When it is time to go home with Jesus all their riches will disappear and our riches will last forever.}

LUKE 12:4,5- “ I tell you my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you fear him.”

{When you are afraid of opposition and ridicule, it hurts your witness for Christ. Do not cling to peace and comfort; do not allow fear of people or groups to prevent you from standing your ground for Christ.}

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

{You may be carrying heavy burdens: (1) sin, (2) excessive demands of religious leaders, (3) oppression and persecution, (4) weariness in search for God. The rest that is promised includes: love, healing, and peace with God. Meaningless wearisome toil changes to spiritual productivity and purpose.}

PSALM 27:1, 2, 3- “The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

{Fear imprisons you. Trust the Lord your God to dispel the darkness of fear. }

PSALM 118:6- “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

{Man can try to accomplish all sorts of things against us. But God has plans for us. He will not allow the evil to conquer us. He may let things occur and continue to occur for a little while. But this is the time he uses to teach, encourage and strengthen us. There are bigger battles ahead. So stay strong in the Word and know what God has promised you. If you know our inheritance, then you will be comforted by the wisdom and knowledge that comes from knowing our God has the end written and we are the victors.}