Positive Words

Anchors Away! By Carol DeBlasis

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:46:00 +0000

February 2010 Edition

Hebrews 6:19-20 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

These verses are two of my very favorite! They allow me to visualize exactly where my hope is anchored, and in whom I have anchored it. As a young Christian I anchored my hope in my husband, my bank account, our children, our parents and our jobs. But each failed miserably to provide a constant state of peace and joy. Plagued by human frailties, no one and nothing could provide the stability I was searching for. And then God showed me these verses. He allowed me to see how secure my hope could be if I placed it in Him!

Now, confident of His Promises to me, I can embrace and even enjoy walking in this very dark world. I’m not trusting in anything temporary anymore, because I have anchored my hope in the eternal Son of God.

Oh, some days are definitely harder than others. I have been through storms that were so extreme that I had to plant my feet in the Word and hold on for dear life! Even though it might have appeared that there was nothing at the end of my rope, I knew that Jesus was connected to my faith, and that He was holding on to me just as tightly!

Unlike the Old Testament priest, who could only enter The Holy Place once a year, Jesus Christ has eternally taken on the role of our High Priest. He has already entered into this holy place on my behalf and because of His sacrifice, death and resurrection, I can live my life by faith and not by sight! His resurrection secured, once and for all, my position in heavenly places and my relationship to The Father. Now justified and sanctified by His blood, I can hope for today and not dread tomorrow!

In 1 Peter 1:3 Peter writes, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” I love the term “living hope”. It means that I have placed my hope into a living being, not some fat, bald little statue, or my good deeds, or in my ability to die a martyr’s death. My hope is alive and well and is seated at the right hand of The Father!

He loves me unconditionally and forgives me completely. He has promised me that everything in my life, good and bad, will work together for my good and He has promised never to leave or forsake me! He has given His angels charge over me, and has promised to bless my life “pressed down, shaken together and running over”. Now that, sweet saint, is hope!

The Path that Leads to Life by Carol DeBlasis

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:48:00 +0000

November 2009 Edition

Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

You have to work real hard to fail at worldly living. Yet with little or no accountability and a “kiss my grits” attitude, people spiral out of control daily. Believing they will never be caught or found out, people scheme, lie, cheat, subvert and manipulate their way through life. As domestic violence, road rage, crime and drug abuse continue to increase, it is pretty obvious that, as a society, we’re not handling our lives very well.

Contrary to Satan’s lies, you can fail at life when you allow him to control your destiny. He has no regard for the human soul and regards each of us as a trophy or prize to flaunt in God’s face. This Spiritual battle that rages daily truly is between good and evil and Satan will lose! But sadly many will follow the wide path and enter the gate that leads straight to hell! And the pitiful part is that God never created hell for His creation. It was originally created as the eternal resting place of the archangel that defied Him. How it must break the Father’s heart each time a human soul is banished there forever.

Yet there are some of His creation who have chosen the narrow road. Contrary to popular worldly opinion this avenue is not called “Bible Thumper Lane,” or “Christian Crutch Circle,” it is called “The Path that Leads To Life”!

Blinded by no Spiritual vision, the world derides and persecutes us daily, yet inwardly they envy our peace and faith. Convinced by their lord that they are too far gone for God to love them, they continue to refuse the Bread of Life.

Indeed this path is narrow, yet it is lined with trees planted by streams of water, that yield their fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. Angels crowd this narrow byway and its travelers are sealed and protected by God’s Holy Spirit. As holy pilgrims, we are determined to stay on this path to glory, because we have heard the Father say, "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the Tree of Life and may go through the gates into the city. The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the Water of Life.” If it were possible to advance our arrival by our gait, we would all be running!

And doesn’t it feel good to have finally chosen the best and to be included among the elite? I have never been considered the “elite” of anything. Actually, I have viewed life from the bottom up quite frequently.

Never a Student Council President (however I was a school crossing guard briefly), or crowned as a prom queen or highly socially positioned, I was pretty much an average human being.

But one day I made Jesus Christ the Lord of my life, stepped from the mundane into the miraculous, and became a daughter of God! He placed His robe of righteousness around my shoulders, forgave my past, gave me a new name and positioned me in heavenly places with Christ Jesus! Pretty cool huh?

I am one of only a few who have found it! Buried beneath the lies of the world is this incredible path to heaven and an eternity with God! On the day of my Spiritual transformation, I shut out the shouts of the world and listened to that still small voice that invited me to the grandest ball of all.

No fairy godmother could ever compare to my grand and glorious King of Heaven! "Because she loves Me," says the LORD, "I will rescue her; I will protect her, for she acknowledges My Name. She will call upon Me, and I will answer her; I will be with her in trouble, I will deliver her and honor her. With long life will I satisfy her and show her my salvation." See, I told you He was good!

Clearing Out the Clutter by Melissa Mashburn

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:41:00 +0000

October 2009 Edition

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace… 1 Corinthians 14:33a NLT

If you are like me there are some closets in the house that are shoved, jammed, and packed full of “stuff” that when you put something in or take something out of it, you do so with a lightning pace and pray the whole time.

Come on, I know I am not the *only* one who has a closet or two like this!

This past weekend I thought it would be a good idea to attack the linen closet in our upstairs hallway and Clear our the Clutter. I have no idea why I felt like this weekend was a good time to do it, but I had a restlessness in my spirit that I “needed” to do that. So, I set up a folding table at the top of the stairs and diligently went to work on the closet.

I think it took me over an hour to just pull everything out of the closet. Now, that makes it sound like it was a giant walk in closet, but no, it’s not. In reality, it is a tiny little closet at the top of the stairs but it has had sheets and stuff shoved into it for the four years we have lived in this house -- and let’s just say it was an act of mercy from God Himself if you could get the door closed on the first try.

The reality is that there is no one -- except my family -- that goes into this closet, but it is also a good indicator of the state of my life right now. There’s “stuff” everywhere and the clutter and confusion is starting to make my head spin.

They break up and clutter my path [embarrassing my plans]; they urge on my calamity, even though they have no helper [and are themselves helpless]. Job 30:13 AMP

What I learned in the time that it took me to tackle that closet was that so many times we keep holding on to “stuff,” most of the time we don’t even know why. But that stuff ends up causing frustration and even confusion. As I went through the various sets of sheets I noticed that some of them have been in that closet for a very long time without ever coming out. I had them tucked away thinking that “we might need them one day” but in all reality they hadn’t been something we used in years. It was way past time to Clear out the Clutter!

The stuff is not what God wants us to focus on…it’s Him. It’s so easy to get distracted by everything that is going on around us, but we need to Clear out the Clutter in our lives and really focus on what God has called us to do.

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

I know that it was only one closet and it was just sheets, but the freedom that I found from cleaning out that closet has given me excitement about Clearing out the Clutter in other closets, as well as other parts of my life as well.

What area of your life do you need to Clear out the Clutter?

Why don’t you start today? You will be so glad you did and when you do, watch to see how God gives you a fresh perspective on things just from that first step!

Father God we want to be more like you. Help us to start clearing out the clutter today so we can make room for what you’ve called us to do. Guide us Father in a way that only you could and show us how taking that step will bring us closer to you. We love you Lord, in Jesus Name we pray, Amen!

Seeking JOY on the Journey,
Melissa Mashburn

To read more of Melissa's great writing, go to http://www.melissamashburn.com/ and enjoy her blog!

The Way, The Truth and the Life by Carol DeBlasis

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:54:00 +0000

(photo: Carol DeBlasis)

September 2009 Edition

Psalm 37:37-40 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off. The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

God’s ways are always the best ways. His lifestyle of peace and obedience always allows us to sows seeds of hope, joy and contentment. But a lifestyle of unbelief, no matter how many good deeds are done, always results in fear, jealousy and, ultimately destruction and eternal separation from God.

Even as our Heavenly Father justly rewards His children, so does He punish the unbelieving. They may be able to hide their destructive behavior from man, but God, in His omnipotence, sees all and knows all. Nothing is hidden from the eyes of our Creator. But there is a future for the man of peace.

When we opt for God’s ways then we are blessed and can enjoy the safety of His strong tower. Securely nestled within its walls we are divinely protected and supernaturally defended by God and His heavenly host. And even though we may occasionally step out into the open and try to fight our battles in our own strength, the tower gate is always down for our quick retreat!

As long as we remember that our salvation comes from the Lord, and that He is our refuge in times of trouble, we will not be wounded or destroyed. It is only when we rely on our flesh to give us victory that we fail and must repent. Not relying on the resources of God is like living in a desert next to a beautiful fresh spring and dying of thirst!

The Lord could not have made His accessibility more complete. At just the mention of His Name we have His full attention. He has even taken up residence in our hearts to be closer to us!

Empowered by His Spirit, defended by His Word and anointed by Jesus Christ, we are a force to be reckoned with and Satan’s worst nightmare! With our Sword of the Spirit lifted high and our Shield of Faith gleaming with the glory of God, we stand as the siblings of Jesus Christ. And as the First Born of this family He has generously shared His power with all of us, and we are determined to see Him glorified!

But our battle is not in flesh and blood; instead we war with principalities and powers of darkness. Our banner is God’s Truth and we are determined to expose the lies of Satan! One particularly ugly lie is "God helps those that help themselves."

The world has embraced this falsehood and knitted it neatly into religion. Believing, for one reason or another, that the actions of their flesh work in conjunction with God’s covenant with man, they feel obligated to adhere to performance based religion. Discarding faith, they have embraced works.

Reinforced by another lie "A loving God will not send good people to hell," they perform random acts of kindness thinking they are racking up "brownie points" with God.

Yet these verses tell us that the Lord helps the righteous and delivers them from the wicked.
The Truth is that His Promises of deliverance are only for those who have chosen His Son as Savior and Lord! God has drawn a very definitive line in the sand and man must choose into which kingdom he will place his hope.

And as His children we know and proclaim one thing absolutely: Without Him there is no hope at all!

When I Say....God Says.... (Author Unknown)

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:41:00 +0000

When I say “I can’t solve this….” God says, “I will direct your path…” Proverbs 3:5-6

When I say, “It’s impossible…” God tells you, “Everything is possible…” Luke 18:27

When I say “I feel all alone…” God tells you, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

When I say “I can’t do it…” God says, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phillipians 4:13

When I say, “I don’t deserve forgiveness…” God tells you, “I have forgiven you.” 1 John 1:9 – Romans 8:1

When I say, “I am afraid…” God tells you, “Do not fear, for I am with you; I will strengthen you and help you.” Isaiah 41:10

When I say, “I am tired…” God says, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11: 28-30

When I say, “No one really loves me…” God says, “I love you.” John 3:16 – John 13:34

When I say, “I don’t know how to go on…” God tells you, “I will show you the path.” John 14:6

When I say, “What path does God have for me…?” God tells you, “My beloved son Jesus Christ.” 1 Timothy 2:5 – Acts 4:12 – John 3:16

And when you want to know everything else God wants to tell you….

Read the Bible! 2 Timothy 3:15-17

The Joys of Discipline by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:36:00 +0000

July 2009 Edition

The joys of Discipline
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all.Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!Honour God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this. Proverbs 3:5-12 The Message Bible

Ah discipline. It costs. It's not a First Class all expenses Plane ride to the Caribbean for two with the best seats and service at the click of a finger. Rather, this can be a trip encountering turbulence along the way; the seats are not the most comfortable, the people sitting near you are grumpy and to add to it all you have to stay put until you arrive at your destination.

Time to flee? Then again no.

Our daughter who has recently turned 6 is trying to see how far she can push her boundaries and our buttons. These 'moments' with her are exhausting.

For us as parents we have to explain why doing such and such is not acceptable; at times it seems that our words are falling on (selectively) deaf ears.

A new day, the same thing. Part of me wants to put up my hands and cry "Enough, I'm going to ignore her, sit on my couch and let things take their course."

But as a parent who loves their child and wants the best for their future, I can't just give up the day job! She needs to understand why annoying her older brother and being dis-obedient is not OK. We love her and we need to discipline her in love. She has become comfortably acquainted with the "I will do such and such and they will tell me off" routine, so she does it again and we tell her off and still she does it again, until with voices raised higher than they should be we issue the consequences; such as you won't be going to such and such a place tomorrow, playing with this or whatever.

Each child is different. We have observed this with our two over the years. Our daughter hears us perfectly well and we are now adopting the "One warning and then the consequence rule."

It means having to be disciplined in our manner with her. Give her the warning and then follow through, remain calm, explaining and then dealing with the matter. Discipline is so exhausting.

It's not an easy ride for the one dishing out the discipline (time, effort, inner frustration) or the one being disciplined.All of us are being challenged and changed, but this consistent behaviour is bearing fruit and she is blossoming now and feeling more secure with these tighter boundaries.

Aren't children funny? At first she doubted our love, felt hurt and frustrated as she wasn't getting her own way; now she is realising that because we love her we aren't letting her continue in the same way.

So, if we as earthly parents discipline our children because we love them and want the best for them; how so very much more does God love us when he disciplines us. I have struggled with being so disciplined with her, so in the process God has been disciplining me, exposing my impatience to the max. I have to trust in Him and not my own dwindling strength.

If you are feeling discouraged and weary as you walk a path with God's discipline, please hold on. Maybe you find yourself stumbling in the same areas in life, over and over and doubt there will ever be change. Breaking habits doesn't come easily; depriving the flesh and the will of what it wants to do is warfare.

I seem to encounter similar seasons over the years, with the cry of - oh no not this again, but that's the cool thing - God won't leave us where we are at, he gives us new opportunities to come through - by his Grace; with his help.

Patience has been a big area of shaping for me, God has been working on me here and it wasn't until I wrote this post that I realised that I have gained ground (through discipline) and am much more patient than I used to be. I'm not there yet, but I'm not back where I was!

His love won't let you go. You are the sheep of his pasture, he is watching over you, directing you with his rod and staff, keeping you safe - because he loves you. This time will pass. I know it is tough, discipline isn't easy.

Stay in your seat, hold on tight.

Take Captive Every Thought by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sat, 23 May 2009 18:50:00 +0000

June 2009

"Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” (Author Unknown)

Recently I have been waging war with my thought life. I have been thinking far too much about a (perceived) situation, which has led to my brooding upon it, which has led to my feeling dis-illusioned (thinking..things will never change, this always happens to me) and ultimately I've been hurtling along on a roller coaster towards feelings of discouragement.

Stop that thought train in it's tracks. Right now. The Bible tells us in II Corinthians 10:3-5 that we are to take captive EVERY thought. It doesn't say stop thinking altogether but rather to control our thoughts.

II Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

I mean, here is the deal. The thoughts I have been battling with may have some credence, then again they could be way off the mark or even somewhere in-between. Whatever. Remember the Devil knows our weak spots and he loves to deceive us. The bottom line is should I let them fester and run amok in my head then affecting my heart and my actions? No. Big fat no.

I need to take these thoughts captive and submit them to God for his perspective. It isn't easy; we live in a world where we are subject to injustice and pain. People are flawed, we are flawed. We live in the world, but we do not wage war as the world does.We have been given weapons with which to fight, spiritual weapons. Get that Helmet of Salvation back on...why did you take it off?

Take up the the Sword, the Word of God. Make sure you have your Shield of Faith up. Don't let your thinking become stinking; don't let your actions become over reactions.

Take control. Come in the opposite spirit of what you are feeling. Choose good over evil. Fix your thoughts on what is true.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

It certainly is an ongoing process, a battle, a wrestle. I struggle with having repeated thoughts on a particular track from time to time, however I refuse to give up. Let us keep choosing the truth, digging into God's word and what he says. Who wants to live with tortured thoughts?

Remember the Wonders He Has Done by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:23:00 +0000

May 2009 Edition

"All the great spiritual leaders in history were people of hope. Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Mary, Jesus, Rumi, Gandhi, and Dorothy Day all lived with a promise in their hearts that guided them toward the future without the need to know exactly what it would look like. Let's live with hope.”
Henri Nouwen

Psalm 105:1,2 and 5 (NIV)"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles."

When we are in difficult situations, weighed down physically, spiritually or emotionally; we can lose sight of and hope for a breakthrough, especially when suffering endures without a seeming end in sight.

Recently I was watching some old video footage of the children when they were younger. In between the joy and laughter evoked by those memories, I was reminded of the pain and worries regarding our son, who used to be a human whirlwind and who's social behaviour caused us to despair. This struggle with him seemed never ending; the battle becoming more intense rather than abating.

We found ourselves crying out for breakthrough, taking it to God day by day, moment by moment. My husband never doubted that there would be change for the better; I wrestled with concerns and saw a path of more suffering and no improvement ahead. (Oh great woman of faith that I was).

Then I recalled how God led us in a new and unexpected direction, we were so very encouraged at his wee Christian School. The Teachers stood with us, prayed with us. They believed he would come through these difficulties.

Three years on and we have a very different story to share. Our son is very academic, keen to study, he loves God and prays with a passion and a faith that astounds me daily. Yes he is still a regular boy and has his off-days, but he exhibits great patience, tenderness, love and calmness.

The change is incredible. If you knew him then and saw him now without witnessing the journey in-between, you would be amazed too. We as parents were also challenged and changed as we walked this path with him. God was refining us and revealing the state of our hearts as the pressure heightened. It was far from pretty at times.

This has encouraged me to hope again for breakthroughs in different areas. To wake up spiritually, pray again, reach again, believe for what is impossible with man but not with God.

Sometimes we need to look back and recount what God has done for us and retain a thankful heart; to not forget the miracles and breakthroughs. His acts of kindness and undeserved mercy; showers of grace.

Forget the past, yes, but do not forget what God has done for you. Let it spur you on with hope in your current situation, whatever it may be.

Psalm 30:5b and v 11 (NIV) "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy."

Contentment by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:53:00 +0000

Photo: Writer, Karen Frith

"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness." Charles Spurgeon

Often in life we spend more time day-dreaming about finding ourselves in better circumstances rather than being content with where we are placed right here and now. We envision better circumstances; be it a job, a dream location, marital status, ministry opportunities; convinced that once every piece of the puzzle slots into place THEN we will be content; joyful in God and 'right there' (wherever that is).

There is nothing wrong in desiring these things, but if our entire contentment and well being in life hinges on their eventuating, we are not living our daily life in God to the fullest. The Bible encourages us to find contentment in God, no matter the circumstance. To find that place, that security and grounding.

Knowing that we can do all things through Christ.

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

More often than not we are in fact surrounded with the perfect ingredients for happiness, joy, ministry and contentment right here, right now. Rather than feeling disappointed or frustrated that opportunities are not coming your way, look around you - in your home, at your workplace, at School, in your community.

No one else is living right where you are at this moment; God may well create an opening for you to be that voice of encouragement or hope to a neighbour; a helping hand to a work colleague.

Recently, I popped into a local Church to attend one of their Thursday morning services. I had assumed it was for people unable to make it on a Sunday, due to working commitments and so on.The group turned out to consist of elderly folk in their 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond. One couple were coy newlyweds. I felt like a positive stripling in their presence; I also felt tremendously blessed by their contentment and attitude. They were looking for opportunities to reach out to elderly folk outside of their own circles and rest-homes. What could they do for others, was their question.

There was a contentment in their current status in life, not an emphasis on what they could no longer do, but on what they could do with the giftings and abilities they had. Let us stop living in the tomorrow, envisaging what we can do for the Lord when such and such falls into place. Let us live in the here and now, content with what we have, open to be available to God as he leads.The Devil wants to rob us of joy and contentment; to have us focus on tomorrow, so that we do not live 'in the day'; to have us looking back at our past with regrets, so that we do not move on into the ‘right now’ God has for us.

He wants to render us ineffective. God wants to open our eyes to the fact that we CAN do all things in HIS strength. There is a world of opportunity out there. Every day a fresh day! Let us make the most of it.

Those who face that which is actually before them,
unburdened by the past, undistracted by the future, these are they
who live, who make the best use of their lives; these are those who have found the secret of contentment.— Albion Goodier, Archbishop of Bombay

Perseverance by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:49:00 +0000

"The Road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places" Author Unknown.

Someone spoke a prophetic word over me in 1998 that persevering would be a hallmark in my life. (Oh goody!)

As I prayed about the Lord's will for me in 2009 one word shone out above the rest - persevere.

I must admit that during times of discouragement and disappointment; even minor frustrations, KNOWING this will make me smile (albeit crookedly) , hold on and keep going. It helps me to regain my focus and purpose.

In 2007 I lost 50lb. It was a journey of self-discipline and perseverance. Maintaining this weight loss (give or take a few rogue pounds), means I have to persist with the exercise and watch what I eat. I have had to make long term life changes, not temporary ones. Do I always feel like persevering? No absolutely not. But my goal is to stay in shape and be healthy. However, whilst the goal hasn't changed, the route to getting there (or staying there) from time to time does.

I have times where I falter, but ultimately I do not quit. So what exactly is Perseverance?

The dictionary tells us that Perseverance means to persist, maintain effort. The Greek word for Perseverance is Hupomone - (hoop-om-on-ay) meaning: 1. Waiting 2. An endurance to things or circumstances, long suffering, yet associated with hope. 3. A quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial!

I believe this translates to our spiritual lives as well. We have to have a goal in sight, a focus. Without a vision it can be really difficult to persevere when the distractions of daily life; the disappointments and unexpected curve balls are thrown our way. How easy it can be to pull into one of those parking places and just wallow in our troubles; we start feeling like nothing ever changes and before we know it we are looking back over our lives and dwelling on past failures and sorrows. The Word encourages us to forget the past and to keep looking forward; to press on, take another step. Look to Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-15 (NLT) "I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Sometimes we are in a period of waiting, and our time frame concepts are not the same as God's. How long?

We do not know that always. In the waiting time, we can still grow, God does not waste time. Even as we are waiting we are enduring and so persevering. It isn't a cakewalk, but it's a worthy race to run. Look to Jesus, the one who ran the race for us and before us. Keep your eyes on the goal.Yesterday my son who is in a new Grade at School was struggling with his homework.

He is having to persevere with new instructions and challenges and last night he was weary and close to quitting. He asked for an eraser as he needed to rub out the mistake he had made and start afresh. I went through his drawer and pulled out the first eraser that came to hand.

It was a gift from School last Christmas; I'd never noticed it before. There before us both in bold lettering on the eraser was written: "Try Again, the Lord is with you."

What a word in season that was, we both took a lesson from it and felt encouraged to persevere by this truth. Joshua 1:9 (NLT)" This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Distractions and obstacles along the way take our eyes off the ball. It's all very real, painful and heart-rending stuff. We are bruised, battered and pressed on every side at times BUT by God's grace, by re-focussing on the goal we can forge ahead once again. The Lord is with us!

Let us keep on persevering. Try again!

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NLT) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up."

"Grace" by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:01:00 +0000

“Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live.”

The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.” -Dwight Lyman Moody (1837-1899)

A number of months ago I had a dream about a magnificent fountain; water was cascading from it and sending out refreshing sprays. I just wanted to get right in the path of that water; it seemed to be so liberating, so free. The more I beheld the fountain, the thirstier and drier I felt, I needed to get soaked in the spray.

The Holy Spirit showed me that this was a Fountain of Grace. He reminded me that our God is the source of living water who has given us springs of living water, refreshing streams - undeserved grace.

"Be free! Stand (no jump in!) , get right under this Fountain of Grace and allow the living water to permeate, refresh and restore you. Play and laugh. Let it go, let it all go."

Only one thing. Live in His Grace.

Romans 2:4 (NIV)"Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?"

In 1994 when my first husband left me, I felt worthless, directionless and lost. Externally things did not look good and I lacked peace with myself and my situation. Yet it was during this stormy season that I cried out to God and prayed for a new opportunity; I lifted up to him a dream that was in my heart. A few days later a brochure containing details of an Intercessory Course in France due to start the following April landed in my mail box. This was my dream.

I doubted however that I would be accepted on such a course. Here I was a separated woman in uncertain circumstances. I wrote a letter to the School Leader outlining my interest in the course and told her of my current situation. Her response to me showered me with grace.

"Your divorce will not disqualify you from this School" she said. Grace. Undeserved grace. I was immersed in the unfailing loving kindness of God. This got me on my knees with gratitude. No matter what, no matter how appalling everything seemed, it was God who made a way for me.I was not disqualified in his eyes to dream, hope or have a fresh start. Grace.

Around this same time I was given the following scripture on three separate occasions.

Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) "See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Only one thing. Live in His Grace. It is this grace that fills my heart with thankfulness and hope, that helps me to love others and extend that same grace that was extended to me. To be able to forgive and let go.

"Let go, laugh and rejoice!!" The Holy Spirit spoke to me during this dream, "Dance a victory dance. Surrender to the cascading water of the fountain. See I am doing a new thing."

His Grace changes me.

Only one thing. Live in His Grace.

Do Not Be Afraid of My Pruning by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:07:00 +0000

"Rest. Rest. Rest in God's love. The only work you are required to do now is to give your most intense attention to His still, small voice within." Madame Jeanne Guyon.

Only One Thing. Do not be afraid of my pruning. Let me sustain you, for I am Jehovah Jireh.

These are the words I heard the Lord speak as I was wallowing in what feels like a spiritual drought.

I found myself drawn to the account of Elijah in I Kings 17 being fed by the Ravens at Brook Kerith. The Lord had declared to Elijah that there would be no rain or dew for the next few years. A drought was indeed ahead.

I Kings 17:2-7 (NLT) "Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.”

So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook.

But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.

"When that brook dries up, The Lord instructs Elijah to go to Zarephath and to meet a widow who will provide for him. The Hebrew Word for Kerith means "a cut."

The root word being "kah-RAHTH" which means "to cut off," "to cut down," "to cut asunder," implying "to destroy."

Only One Thing. Do not be afraid of my pruning. Let me sustain you, for I am Jehovah Jireh.

When God speaks to our heart there is reassurance; when he clarifies what is happening and speaks life in the midst of pruning and cutting, hope is restored.

I am in a season of being pruned (The Greek word for Prune means 'To Clean'). I am in the midst of a dry time YET I am confident that the Lord will make provision for me.

He will sustain me and protect me. Maybe you are in a season that you do not understand? Do you have feelings that you cannot comprehend or make sense of? Finances may be very dry, job situations challenging, the "Credit Crunch" and World's economic climate daunting and unsettling.

Only One Thing. Do not be afraid of my pruning. Let me sustain you, for I am Jehovah Jireh.

My prayer for you this Christmas by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:30:00 +0000

HOPE
“And now these three remain: faith, Hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1Corinthians Chapter 13 verse 13)

Our Hope is in the Lord. When we place our hope in Him, our world becomes brighter and he renews our spirit. My prayer is that you will place your Hope in Him and that you will be filled with His love this Christmas.

JOY
“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah Chapter 8 verse 10)

Our Joy is in the Lord. Often when we celebrate and give to others (even when we don’t feel like it), we are strengthened spiritually and filled with joy. When we take part in things that are pleasing to God, (like giving to others and/or helping those in need) He fills us with His joy. My prayer is that the joy of the Lord will be your strength this Christmas.

PEACE
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians Chapter 4 verse 7)

Our Peace is in knowing the Lord. When Jesus lives in your heart, you can be in the middle of a storm in your life and still be filled with peace. There is an unexplainable peace that takes over when you place God first in your life. It transcends all understanding, but it is a wonderful gift. My prayer is that you will be filled with God’s peace this Christmas.

LIGHT
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus is the Light of the world. My prayer is that you will allow Jesus into your heart this Christmas and allow His light to shine through you.

It’s as simple as praying this prayer:
Lord Jesus, I invite you into my heart. Forgive me of my sin (shortcomings). I make you my Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer, you have just been saved by Jesus. Make Him first place in your life. Find a good bible-based church and surround yourself with fellow believers. God wants to do amazing things with your life. God bless you!

Merry Christmas!

Wait Up by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:20:00 +0000

Isaiah 40:11 "But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint" (NLT)

At the moment I have bronchitis which has slowed me down considerably. I have found myself asking the Lord what I ought to do; his answer is very simple - "Wait,"Cease from striving; still your thoughts my daughter. Come sit at my feet. Stop trying to work it all out by yourself.

You torture yourself with many questions; should I do this? or that? Ought I to stop pursuing this path? Is it time to knock on this door? Should I? Should I? Should I?

Luke 10:41-42 "Martha, Martha", the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." Only One thing. Wait upon me. I have the answers for your life.

Wait. Trust me. Come sit at my feet.

John 15:4 (NLT) "Remain in me, and I will remain in you." I realized that to be able to wait upon God, I need to first trust him. I need to open my hands and release to him all that I have been holding on to so tightly.

Yes, only one thing is needed - to trust him with my life, to let go of my concerns and trust that He knows the plans He has for me and that His timing is perfect.

Only One thing. Wait.

“To wait open-endedly is an enormously radical attitude toward life. So is to trust that something will happen to us that is far beyond our imaginings. So, too, is giving up control over our future and letting God define our life, trusting that God moulds us according to God's love and not according to our fear.

"The spiritual life is a life in which we wait, actively present to the moment, trusting that new things will happen to us, new things that are far beyond our own imagination, fantasy, or prediction. That, indeed, is a very radical stance toward life in a world preoccupied with control."

Henri J. M. Nouwen

Hi Beautiful! by Raylene

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:32:00 +0000

(Photo: Raylene)

I was traveling this summer with my family. We had our cell phones with us all the time, and since we were outside of our regular service area, the message on the screen of my phone always said, "Digital Roam" or "searching for service" or something like that.
After looking at "Digital Roam" on my phone nearly every day for 4 months, I was quite surprised when I turned my phone on the day after we arrived back in Canada. It didn't say "Digital Roam". It said, "Hi Beautiful!"I had to take a second look. Sure enough, the banner on the screen of my cell phone said "Hi Beautiful!"

That day had been a particularly hectic one, with trying to unload all of our stuff from our little u-haul trailer, get a few things out of storage, and make it to my son's afternoon doctor's appointment. I was feeling anything but beautiful. Tired, a little grumpy, rushed, maybe even a little lost as we tried to figure out how to settle into another temporary place, but definitely not beautiful.

Seeing those two words on my phone got my attention. I started to argue with myself, saying in my head, "Yah, right… beautiful… not! I'm anything but…", Right in the middle of it, there was, what I call, a "check" in my spirit. I can best describe it by saying that it was almost like a hiccup in my heart. It was one of those times when something literally stopped my thoughts in midstream.

I sensed that the Lord really wanted me to see those words. It was like He was saying, "Please pay attention." In the midst of the busy-ness of the day, I was being nudged to pause, stop my own ramblings, and listen to the Lover of my Soul.

So I flipped the phone open and looked at it again.In the back of my mind, Song of Solomon verses started rolling around: "How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful!" (Song 1:15)"All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you." (Song 4:7) I couldn't remember the exact verses. What I could remember was how the Lover gushed about his Love, and how beautiful he thought she was. This was all pretty much in a second, taking almost no time at all for the thoughts to come, then to be interrupted and redirected. It was almost confusing, except that there was a peace surrounding it all, even in the middle of the hubbub.

I didn't 'feel' any more beautiful than I had just a second before, but I did know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the Lord thought I was beautiful, and for some reason he wanted me to know that right at that moment. It took me a few minutes to remember that it was actually ME who had put that message on my phone, months before. I had the urging to do so, as a fun reminder to think of my husband, who often says "Hi Beautiful!" to me.

Every time I flipped my phone open, I would see that message and think of my sweetie. That was pretty cool and fun.Now, I open my phone and still think of my husband, but I also think of the One who loves me even more than my sweetie does. I see those words "Hi Beautiful!" and I hear the Lover of my soul speaking them to me. But that's just me, right?

You might be saying, "That is a nice story, for YOU. I'm not beautiful, and if God thought I was beautiful He sure hasn't told me about it."Guess what? I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He thinks you are beautiful, too. Just ask Him! I didn't even ask Him and He told me! He loves you, cherishes you, and is crazy about you. (You can't be any of those things about someone if you don't think they are beautiful, you know…!) He says, "How beautiful you are and how pleasing, O love, with your delights!" (Song 7:6) And knowing that He feels this way about you, there's only one thing left for me to say to you:

"Hi Beautiful!"

Your Special Gifts by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:35:00 +0000

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

God has gifted us all in different and wonderful ways, according to His purpose.

Just One Thing.

Go with the gift(s) that God has given you. Flow in His anointing and stay in His love.

Matthew 10:8b "Freely you have received, freely give."

Do not be distracted by thinking about all the 'gifts' you do not have, or that the gift someone else has would be so much better. Be thankful for what God has personally chosen for you and with who you are in mind. He wants to use you to be a blessing in someone else's life or lives.

Recently I was reminded of a prophetic word a New Zealander gave to me when I was living in France in 1995. He saw a picture of me as a "Mother"; called to encourage and help others. He spoke out that God would gift me with a tenderness; and how this tenderness would have power. He then prayed that God would give me the capacity in my heart to be able to take the pain as I identify with and come alongside others.

I love to encourage, it is something that comes naturally to me; but at times it has cost my heart as I've felt for others. Do not discount your 'natural' gifts as not 'spiritual' enough. You have been given a gift from God!

Just One Thing.

Go with the gift(s) that God has given you. Flow in His anointing and stay in His love. When the anointing and the grace of God flow through the gift he has given you and you are operating in that gift with a love for others, therein is the blessing and the power.

God has gifted you specifically, for a purpose, for a reason. Ask your Father to show you what the gift is that he has for you. Your Father loves you. You are significant.

Matthew 10:8b "Freely you have received, freely give."

Give Me Your Availability, Not Your Abilities by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:41:00 +0000

Daniel 11:32"But the people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits" (King James Version)

Just One thing. Make yourself available to me. Don't focus on your abilities, on what you think you can or cannot do. Be open to me.

This message was first given to me in 1986 when a South African Guest Speaker shared at my local Church.

From the instant I walked into the meeting hall and observed the guest speaker at the podium, I had this 'feeling' he was going to call me out of the audience and say something to me.

To make sure this didn't become a reality, I had ushered the two friends I was with to the back of the meeting hall where we blended in nicely with the crowd. Or not. Sure as eggs are eggs, half way through his dramatic testimony, he stopped and looked in my direction."You there, come here" he said in his strong South African accent.

There was a rustling of bottoms on seats keen to see who he was addressing. I gulped, felt myself blush. It really did seem that his eyes (and that of half the Church) were on me. So much for my hiding place. At first I didn't respond - surely not me?" Yes I mean it" he continued beckoning me to the front. I took a final look around me in the vain hope that he mean’t someone else before conceding and making my way to the podium. Had the distance from one end of the hall doubled in the past half hour?

Placing his hands on my shoulders he said "God doesn't say - come here; give me your abilities and go do it. No, he says give me your availability. Bow down like I bow down to my Father and say - Father not my will but your will."

He hesitated looking at the crowd before him, then added "When the Spirit of God controls you, you will do exploits for me."

Just One Thing. Say Yes. Make yourself available to Father. Don't focus on your abilities, on what you think you can or cannot do. Be open to the Father. He loves you. You are significant. He desires your availability.

All You Need is LOVE by Karen Frith

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:08:00 +0000

Jeremiah 31:3

"I have loved you with an everlasting love"

The Beatles told us in 1967 "All you need is love."

Only One thing. I need my Father's love. The simplifying of my life began with the untimely demise of my hard-drive. I had so much data on it that I had gathered and hoarded over the years. (Think Squirrel and nuts and you'll get the picture) and now some of this treasured data was lost forever.

Wiped clean, vanished. Gone. My husband said he could spend a number of hours attempting to retrieve it if so required, but I found myself saying "No let it go."

An amazing peace flooded over me (believe me my initial reaction to the loss into the black hole we call 'cyber space' was devastation). Let it go. Once I was up and running with a new hard drive I loved the fact that my computer was no longer cluttered with information. The old was gone. Not many weeks after this event, I felt prompted to read through 7 years worth of my 'handwritten journals'."Let them go."

"What was that?"As Father and I re-visited the journals, he brought to my attention the fact that although there were many wonderful promises and prophetic words, answers to prayer and more, there were also a lot of painful memories in the entries spanning those years.

Even as I re-read them I felt a heaviness in my heart recalling some very difficult and hurting times. The Lord spoke to my heart again, gently "Throw them away, let it go"

"But what about the good words?""I will remind you of what I want you to know - let it go. You are not that person anymore you think and react differently now

"Baby out with the bath water?" No, rather this was a wonderful step to saying yes to the liberty and freedom of the now.

As I disposed of the journals, my heart felt uplifted and free. Unburdened. Uncluttered. Unfettered. Free for the new. That night I had a dream in which I saw the hand of God poised with a pen ready to write in a fresh journal.

"I am writing new pages in your life," He said with a voice filled with tenderness, "This first page is filled with ' I LOVE YOU.' Only one thing. All you need is love.I need my Father's love. He tells me who I am, nothing can separate me from that love. Nothing. These were simple words yes, but oh so powerful. I had a reaction in my heart akin to whooping along in a roller coaster.

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

"Jeremiah 31:3"I have loved you with an everlasting love"

When I was with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in 1995 on the School of Intercessory Prayer in France, I was a broken person. My first marriage had ended the previous year and although not divorced, we were separated and I was in 'no man's land' regarding our future.

This course was a wonderful gift from God to me. On that first day the Leader of the School, Mariette Louw had a prophetic word for me from my Father. Do you know what it was he wanted me to know?

This was the message: "Karen the Lord has brought you here to heal you of your hurts. He isn't expecting you to 'do' anything, but he wants to heal you. He has loved you with an everlasting love and tenderness."

In my heart I had been ready to 'work' hard for the Lord. Like Martha again eh? Only one thing. I love you. He loves you. Let that be the foundation of your relationship with him. He loves you. Not for what you do, or don't do. Not for what you did, good or bad or will do. His love is everlasting, eternal. Not dependent upon us. We do not have to earn it. He loves you. He searches with longing for you when you stray from his pasture.

Luke 15:3-6 "Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'

He knows when you are missing. He misses you too. He wants to restore you, heal you and bring you safely home. All you need is love. You need to know your Father's love.

Blessings by Melissa Mashburn

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:45:00 +0000

I am honored to be taking you on the journey of the blessing today. Sit back, relax, grab a nice hot cup of coffee (or tea), and grab your Bible.

As I sat and thought about what to write, I was overwhelmed with the urge to talk to you about being Blessed. The word Blessed, according to Merriam-Webster online, means this:

bless·ed
\ˈble-səd\
adjective
before 12th century
1 a: held in reverence
b: honored in worship
2: of or enjoying happiness; specifically : enjoying the bliss of heaven —used as a title for a beatified person
3: bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune
4—used as an intensive

But the truth of the matter is this…you and I both know that being blessed can be so much more than what these words from the dictionary say. Throughout the Bible people were blessed and radically changed their lives. In the New International Version alone there are over two hundred and twenty two (222) results for the word “blessed”. Let’s take some time to unpack some nuggets of goodness from being blessed.

Right in the beginning of the Bible it says, Genesis 1:22 - God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth."

What a great truth we can teach our children…Exodus 20:11 - For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

It’s funny because being blessed and being a blessing really can and do go hand in hand. For those reading this who are parents, you likely already realize the incredible impact you can make on your family (for generations to come) by being a blessing and giving a blessing to your family.

I am reading a phenomenal book right now called “The Blessing – Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance” by John Trent, PhD and Gary Smalley. I have to tell you that even though it is not a newly released book the spiritual truths packed into this book have knocked my socks off and have really opened my eyes to the importance of passing on “The Blessing” to our kids.

Here is an excerpt from the back of the book cover…
“No matter your age, the approval of your parents affects how you view yourself and your ability to pass that approval on to your children, spouse, and friends. Many of us – perhaps unknowingly – spend a lifetime striving for this acceptance.

In this best-selling classic, John Trent and Gary Smalley present a fresh, applicable perspective of the life-changing gift the Bible calls ‘The Blessing’. The unconditional love and approval that come with the blessing is vital to our self-esteem and emotional well being. The authors detail the five elements of the blessing: 1) Meaningful Touch, 2) A Spoken Message, 3) Attaching High Value, 4) Picturing a Special Future, and 5) An Active Commitment.”

You know what is so amazing about the Blessing? It is something that you and I can decide to do today. We can freely choose to give a blessing to our children, to our spouse, to our family, to our friends, to everyone we meet.

Psalm 84:4 - Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah

I have been blessed to be married to my best friend for 15 years this May 29th. Part of the reason that my husband is such a great and godly man is because of the blessing that his mother spent his entire lifetime in prayer over her children. You see, my mother in love, Brenda, did what she knew to do and that was to pray for her children, to love on her children, and to encourage her children. Was she perfect, absolutely not, none of us are, but was she faithful, praise God she was.

Deuteronomy 12:7There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.

You see, the prayers, love, and support that my mother-in-love blessed her family with have had a ripple effect, as blessings always do. Her prayers led me to seek a relationship with Christ, who led my husband back to the church, who led both our kids to a living breathing relationship with the ONE true God, who brought my parents and sister to a relationship to Christ (followed by Baptism, all of which my husband was able to baptize), to my husband and I BOTH becoming Pastors, to the ministries and people we touched, and our personal family for generations to come…ALL from ONE woman taking the time to bless her children.

STOP on that for a moment.

ONE woman’s prayers and the movement from the ALL MIGHTY God produced a ripple affect of blessings.

YOU have the power, when you partner it with God, to radically change the world, and it all starts with your family.

Jeremiah 17:7"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.

Psalm 34:8Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Take some time today and truly thank God for the blessings HE has given to you. I know things may not be perfect, but they are exactly right for right now.

I don’t know about you, but the thought of being able to be used by God in any way, shape, or form makes me all giddy inside and sends chill bumps up my arms. I don’t have to know why, I just have to know that He has called you and I to be a blessing, and the best place for us to start is right in our homes.

Mark 10:27 - Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

I believe we can radically change the world, do you? Take the time to be a blessing and be thankful that YOU ARE BLESSED!

Melissa Mashburn is the author of “Speak to My Soul Sunday” which can be found on http://www.melissamashburn.com/ . This article was adapted from Melissa’s Mother’s Day column which ran on May 11, 2008.

We All Need to be Loved

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:10:00 +0000

by Pastor Terry Piscatello

The love you seek is not found in the society which we live today. True love is found in the life and the walk of the person of Jesus Christ. We ask our self why?

The answer to our questions seems at times difficult to understand. We trust in someone we cannot see. God’s word reminds each of us “Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible.”

When we are looking for a moment in our lives to receive help to find peace, where do we find this? Matthew Chapter 11 verses 25 through 30.

When we turn our lives over to Christ -- then the Father whom loves us shall provide “peace.” It requires a child-like faith. When we realize our life is in the hands of the creator of all things, it becomes easy to crawl into his lap and be loved and encouraged. Have you given yourself over for this peace?

When we face a society that causes hurts and critical words and they do not love us back – who do we turn to?

1Corinthians Chapter 13 verses 4 through 8. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Take the time now to pray over this scripture and read it over several times.

You will find the words we all want to hear. “Love is patient, love is kind, and it is not proud or rude.” “But the greatest of these is love.”

We all need to be loved and cared for. I know of only one person who can meet our needs – Jesus – the Son of the Living God.

As you read the secret for happiness, found in Colossians Chapter 3 verses 12 through 17, we are given a command, “to forgive others.” Lord Jesus has forgiven us with His death on the cross. What greater love could a person give?! To reach out His arms to remove our guilt and our sin and provide the living water of eternal life.

Life is worth the happiness that God will provide. If we would only reach out and take His hand and trust Him – life is worth living! So live it in the person of Jesus Christ.

How do I learn to trust, obey, to be loved? This is only found in the promise of His peace.

Pray this prayer: Lord, forgive me for the sin in my life. Allow me to know your love and insurance which you have provided through your Holy Word. I accept the Love you have given me through the death of your Son, Jesus Christ, and I ask Him into my life. Now, I can live the life that you have promised.

Amen.

May God bless you in your prayer and decision to follow Christ. May you have a new life filled with love, peace, joy and happiness.

In Christ’s Service
Pastor Terry Piscatello

What is Love?

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:51:00 +0000

by Pastor Terry Piscatello

Love is one of the most common, yet misunderstood and misused words in the English language.

Christians feel that love has a fuzzy feeling. But true love is not found in Christian songs, or in books, but in the expression of real love, which is found over and over again in the bible.

1 Corinthians 13:8 “Love never fails….”
1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Love is an appropriate response to God’s love and grace in Christ.

In Matthew Chapter 22, God tells us that love is the greatest commandment and the distinguishing mark of true discipleship. Matthew 22:37 “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Love is the lubricant which greatly reduces the friction which can build up between us and others.

Love is the key motivator for our obedience to our Lord’s command to love one another as he loves us. John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

Love is the stabilizing factor in our lives. Ephesians 3:17-19
“ …so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Our love can be shown and should constantly be growing. Philippians 1:9 “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.”

God wants us to love ourselves. By doing so, we show Christ’s love to others.

As we reflect on our own lives, we realize that we have been loved no matter the circumstances or difficulties because Christ first loved us, before we could love ourselves.

We should never consider ourselves as being less, because in the eyes of God we are beautiful and loved children of His.

Love breaks down the barriers and defenses of being hurt, causing us to heal from within.

When you are tired and worn out, it’s like a glass of water. When the water gets low we can refill that glass of water in three ways.

1) Through worship
2) Through fellowship
3) Through trust

When you are tired and worn out and you come to worship, it’s an opportunity to be refilled.

We need to refresh ourselves. Refreshment has to come through worship and the fellowship of being together with other believers.

Even when Jesus felt tired, he got his refreshment by going off to a solitary place to pray and become quiet and reflect. I urge you to do the same. Take time to refill your spirit through worship with other believers, through fellowship and through trusting that the Lord is guiding all of your steps.

With love,

Pastor Terry Piscatello