Philippians 3:8 Amplified

Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege 

• the overwhelming preciousness, 
• the surpassing worth, 
• and supreme advantage

of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord 

and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him 

• of perceiving 
• and recognizing 
• and understanding Him more fully and clearly. 

For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

Don't take Jesus for granted!  Spend time with Him and enjoy His awesome presence.

Biblical Advice and Counsel

I really enjoy using The Thompson Chain Reference Bible for my word studies.  They call it the "self-commentary" Bible because the Chain Reference allows you to see what he Bible says about a subject as you follow a word through the Scripture from front to back.
Anyway, I was looking for counsel/advice because I was trying to learn to make decisions based on God's will and not my own understanding or emotion.  In the process I gleaned an interesting insight that I wanted to share.

¹⁹ Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. ²⁰ Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.

Ex 18: 19-20

New International Version

This passage relates to the advice that Moses received from his father-in-law.  I have read it many times, but never thought about how it relates to me.  As I read it today, seeking wisdom concerning advice, it became clear to me for the first time that I am often put in the position that Moses was in - having to settle disputes among the people.

Any parent with more than one child is regularly called upon to play judge.  It is frustrating because you never know what really happened and there are always two vastly different stories!  It never occurred to me to take it to the One who actually KNOWS what happened!

When I pray with the warring sibling, asking God to settle their disputes, I can take advantage of the opportunity to teach principles of Christ-likeness.

• consider others before yourself Ph 2:3
• let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth Ep 4:29
• develop the attitude of Christ Ph 2:5
• forgive others as Christ has forgiven you Lk 6:37
• love is patient, love is kind... 1 Cor 13:4

If I just brush it off or tell them to work it out themselves, I have missed an opportunity to guide and direct my children.
I am praying for you, and for myself, that we don't allow ourselves to become to busy or distracted to take advantage of teachable moments when they present themselves.

God Has a Plan

God is purpose driven!  Rick Warren wasn't the first to come up with this!! He has a purpose and plan for everything He does, and He will accomplish His plan.

 ⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
       so are my ways higher than your ways
       and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 ¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
       come down from heaven,
       and do not return to it
       without watering the earth
       and making it bud and flourish,
       so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

 ¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
       It will not return to me empty,
       but will accomplish what I desire
       and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:9-11

As we live by faith, trusting that His way is completely good and perfect He guides, guards and gives us an abundant life full of love, joy and peace.
This does not mean that we will always like His plan or our part in it.  In the book of Habakkuk, the prophet demanded that God do something about the evil in the land.  God's response was not what Habakkuk expected.  Things were about to get REALLY NASTY for Habakukk and Judah!  The Babylonians were coming to punish and destroy.
Yet, Habakukk was at peace and ends this book with praise.  We too, can remain in perfect peace through every difficulty when our mind and our life are centered on Christ and we trust his promise that

All things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

Leave it all in His capable and loving hands and be at peace.

What Love Really Means

This week I have been struggling with the question, "When is it OK to bar someone from your life because they just keep making wrong choices?"  There are two young men in my life right now that are challenging my desire to love them.  The easy route would be to turn my back on them, but I don't feel that it is what Jesus would do, or what He wants me to do.
I don't think it is a coincidence that I just finished re-reading "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers, just as I am faced with this challenge. "Redeeming Love" is a story based on the Book of Hosea and is a powerful picture of God's unconditional love and acceptance for us.  I am reminded that I am called to love others as God has loved me.
Love is a very strong force with the ability to change lives for eternity.  While it is difficult to love certain people, the Holy Spirit is able to equip us for the challenges that loving presents.  Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can find ways of sharing God's love.  One of these guys felt loved just because I accepted his collect phone call when he contacted me from jail, and then brought him some stamps.
 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18
A word of caution - don't be manipulated, be led by the Holy Spirit.  Jesus has sent us out as lambs among wolves to minister in His name.  If the person you are called to love is open and receptive to Words of Life you can make a difference.  If they are not, then shake the dust off of your sandals.
I hope you enjoy this Christian Praise Song
-Scott Smith, K-LOVE Asst. Program Director/Music Director said, "Listening to JJ Heller's 'What Love Really Means' brings me to tears! What a beautiful reminder that no matter where you find yourself in life.  God loves you.  Really loves you, no matter what you have done or failed to do, He is always there.  What an amazing mesage to share with everyone who listens."

Please comment!

Thoughts on Humility

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:4 NIV

In an effort to understand and internalize Jesus teaching, imagine with me what it would feel like to be the little child that Jesus used for this object lesson. What are some words that come to mind as you picture yourself as a little child called to stand among a group of adults?

• unassuming
• shy
• quiet
• unpretentious
• genuine
• submissive
• obedient
• subdued
• inconsequential
• respectful
• compliant
• timid

The child would be looking to Jesus for instructions.  Not knowing what was expected of him in the situation he would be focused on Jesus and looking for clues. 

I imagine him comforted by Jesus touch, but uncomfortable under the scrutiy of the disciples.He didn't attempt to teach the disciples a lesson, but allowed The Master to use him to teach them by simply responding to His call.

In the same way we can develop the humility that Christ is teaching here by

1. Focusing on Christ and allowing Him to give us clues for our behavior.
2. Responding to His instruction.
3. Feeling the comfort of His presence as we are scrutinized by others.

Humility does not come naturally, but requires a decision and effort.  So, why would we want to choose humility?

Write Your Own Book of Psalms

Recently, I have really enjoyed listening to worship music at BREATHEcastFM.  Today, instead or reading my Bible, journaling, or studying during my early morning visit with God I just tuned in and prayerfully listened to the music.  As I did, it occured to me that although I am not blessed with the talent to sing or make music that anyone else would care to listen to, I am writing psalms as I pour out my heart to God in my journal and on this blog.

I am reminded of the command to record for future generations the mighty acts of God.  Often, my journal entries serve to remind me of what God has said to and done.  Without the written reminder I tend to forget the things that He has made clear to me.

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Dt 4:9

I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

Ps 89:1 

I would love to see your psalms recording the mighty acts that God has shown you.  Please comment below with your story.  Why not play worship songs in the background while you type your response!

 

 

When It Rains

"Until you know, how it feels in the dark, until you face the hurt in your heart
The sun can shine, but you won’t see the light-I bless the day when it rains"--Katina
These simple words to a simple song written in response to the Nashville, TN flood remind us that the trials of life are a necessary part of our growing relationship with God.  It is the difficulties of life that forge our dependence on Him and cause us to learn to lean on Him instead of falsely believing that we are in control.
Ultimately, He is always in control and we never are in control. We may have the illusion that we are in complete control, but suffering and hardships force us to accept the reality that we are like ships tossed by the waves and buffetted by the wind.
There is an old addage that say's "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."  It is helpful in times of struggle to be reminded that God has a purpose and a plan in everthing that happens, and ultimately we will be strengthened by it if we will trust God to do what He will with us.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 New International Version

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No comment Necessary

This music video from Misty Edwards is very powerful.  I will let it speak for itself without any commentary from me.

Jehovah-Jireh

Is God actively and intimately involved in the lives of humans?

• I say, YES! 

• More importantly The Bible says, YES!

      And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28 New Living Translation

Yesterday I was privileged to witness His amazing provision; 

Choosing Joy

Life happens all around us and we really have very little control. However, we can control what we think about it and our choices make all the difference in the world.

I have learned at the ripe old age of 54 that -The way I see things is not necessarily the way they are!! My perspective is skewed by my experiences and mind set. The person standing next to me sees and hears the same set of images and sounds yet gets a completely different view of what is going on.

Last month, I had to make a choice about how I was going to view and respond to loosing my job.

I decided to act like I believe that "God works all things together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose." Ro 8:28 And that God "has a plan to give me a hope and a future, to prosper me and not to harm me." Jeremiah 29:11

Trusting Him made all the difference in the world as I looked for and found reasons to be thankful.

His Will or Mine?

Yesterday was one of those days that changes everything.

For three and a half years I have put my heart, soul, strength and mind into trying to make The Savior's Touch Christian Bookstore a successful business. Suddenly, it is over. I am relieved of my duties and suddenly have nothing but time on my hands. Now what?

I feel betrayed, angry, sad and relieved, hopeful and expectant all at the same time. I recognize that the store has taken time and energy that should belong to my husband and my children. I have managed to overlook that small detail for some time. But the truth remains. I now realize that once again I have been guilty of choosing my will over God's. I have been settling for good instead of holding out for best.

What does it mean to be subject to a king?

Having grown up in America and governed by a democracy, the idea of being ruled by a king is a foreign concept. Americans are very focused on our rights, which are protected by our constitution and law. Life in a kingdom is very different. The subjects of a king have no rights. The king is the authority and what he says is the law.

A Breath of Fresh Air and a Drop of Cool Water

If you have ever experienced the refreshment of a cold drink and a cool breeze when you are tired and weary you will understand how I felt this week as the Lord poured out His Spirit at The Savior's Touch and at First Christian Church.
On Thursday of this week the store hosted a Pastor's Breakfast in the morning and a Woman's Bible Study in the evening. Then on Sunday morning our congregation enjoyed a challenging, encouraging and expertly delivered message by our new minister, Wesley Bolden. We have not had a full time pastor in three years and hearing Wesley preach I am convinced that God sent him and it was worth the wait.
At the Pastor's Breakfast, I learned about innovative ministries going on in the community that I had been completely unaware were happening.

• Life and Peace - is bringing arts and enrichment to the young people of Milledgeville through a free program called "Campus Club"
• Church Central - is feeding the hungry every Tuesday at lunch time.
• Westview Baptist - is working on an interactive Christmas Program and pastor Jody Branch and his wife, Leeann, are at work with Milledgeville Players trying to influence the group to make its offerings more family friendly. Jody hopes that the Christian Community will support the Smoke on The Mountain Show which is decidedly more family friendly than The Players usual fare and will make an impact if it is well received. For tickets to the show please contact Allied Arts.

The meeting ended with a discussion about the need for working together to build the kingdom of God. Because these ministries do not take place during the traditional Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening time frames it is possible for brothers and sisters of Our One Lord Jesus Christ to join with members of a different congregation and use their talents and abilities in ways that will build the citywide church.

The Woman's meeting was led by Brenda Warren of Living Word of God Church. The study of the book of Ephesians dealt with Walking Like a Woman of Grace. We covered Chapters 1 -4 and scheduled the conclusion for November 19th.

This meeting also ended with a discussion about how brothers and sisters of Our One Lord Jesus Christ need to work together to make the fellowship of believers relevant before we loose the younger generation.

On Sunday morning Wesley challenged the body at First Christian to make the Kingdom Commitment to use the power and permission given by our King to remove the Spiritual Forces of Evil (hatred, division, greed, prejudice and lust) from our lives and claim the victory that has already been won.

God is so good!! And all His children say, "Amen"

Sharing Ideas

Today a customer in the store asked my what I knew about puppet ministry resources. Unfortunately, I don't have any personal experience in this area, but I am sure that many of our customers have a wealth of information. She was specifically seeking cd's and accompaniment type resources.

I promised her that I would solicit your knowledge through the wonders of modern communication. We invite you to post your responses here. And thank you in advance for your help!

Encouraging Words from the Bible for these Troubling Economic Times

Isaiah 46 tells about the demise of the Babylonian gods, Bel and Nebo. In America our false gods are our 401k's, our jobs and careers and our stuff. In today's economy many have seen the demise of the gods they have given their lives to serve.

Both the owners and the gods are bowed down. The gods cannot protect the people
and the people cannot protect the gods. They go off into captivity together. v 2 (NLT)

Many are wringing their hands in desperation, imprisoned by hopelessness and fear. Some have even taken their own life to escape from a future without the financial stability they had relied on for their security.


Even the children of the One True God have served these gods in varying degrees. I spent six years in the Financial Services Industry encouraging people to "protect their future" with investments and insurance. While these instruments can be useful it is imperative that they do not become the source of our security. We have been caught up in the culture and have been led astray from our dependence on our True Source.

Listen to me descendants of Jacob, all of you who remain in Israel. I have cared
for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be
your God throughout your lifetime -- until your hair is white with age. I made
you and I will care for you. v 4 (NLT)

Believers in Jesus Christ have been grafted into the one true vine. We can receive the inheritance promised to the descendants of Jacob.


We will have hardships and trials, but we can depend on our God to carry us through, until the day He calls us home. We have a great hope and nothing to fear.

Tickets, Tickets, Tickets

Are you interested in Christian entertainment, discipleship and fellowship in the area?

At the Saviors's Touch we have tickets to three events that are coming soon to the area.

1. Beth Moore Simulcast at Grace Fellowhip Church in Greensboro



2. Gospel Sing at the Plaza in Eatonton



3. Sweet Life Dessert Comedy Theatre also at Grace Fellowship

For more information visit our facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Milledgeville-GA/The-Saviors-Touch-Christian-Bookstore/145615085328?ref=nf&__a=1

International Christian Retail Show

Danny and I are in Denver at the Internation Christian Retail Show. Today we were able to meet and get books signed by:

Ann Graham Lotz
Karen Kingsbury
Don Piper
Josh McDowell
Joe Gibbs
Randy Singer
and others

This afternoon we also saw some awesome gift items. Unfortunately, they don't give away as many free "samples" on that end, but we did find some great new product for purchase for Christmas.
Click here to view my Facebook pictures for the show-http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=107306&id=513096586&l=9c5fad0bfb

Watch for Sterling Grace jewelry ( http://www.sterlinggracejewelry.com/cgi-bin/ccp51/cp-app.pl?pg=ste_who ) arriving November 1st.

THE AMERICAN PATRIOT'S BIBLE - The Word of God and the Shaping of America, NKJV

The American Patriot's Bible combines The NKJV text with a wealth of articles highlighting spiritual milestones in American history along with index and concordance. The volume also includes an extensive Family History section which would potentially create a family heirloom.
I firmly believe that God has blessed America because we were a Christian nation and I fear what will happen in the future as our nation moves further and further from standards of Christian morality and faith. This Bible may serve as a reminder and a challenge of our duty as citizens to defend our faith in the public arena. It has certainly caused a passionate debate on many of the review sites.
Recently, I was made painfully aware of my inability to defend my belief in our Christian Heritage when a relative challenged me. I am glad to have this information at my fingertips in the future.
This would be a good volume for reference while studying American History if presenting a Christian Worldview is important to you.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

This 366 day daily devotional challenges, encourages and teaches readers to abide in Christ. The author invites the reader to share with her the messages that Jesus has impressed on her spirit as she has developed the habit of quietly listening to His still small voice. His invitation the trust Him completely and to be thankful for His loving care becomes an overarching theme throughout. Each message is followed by recommended Scriptures that give authority to the messages.

When I first received this book, I read the first three months in one sitting and finished it the next day. Now I am looking forward to going back through it one day at a time and reading the recommended Scriptures and journaling as I go. I feel compelled to seek the closeness that the author enjoys with my Savior and am thankful that she has shared her journey with me.

This book would make an excellent gift for someone who is going through a difficult time. In fact, I will have to purchase a new copy because I gave mine away when I learned that my friend's elderly mother has quit eating and will probrably be going home soon.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for their Book Review Blogger program http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

The Principle of The Path by Andy Stanley

WARNING-If you do not want to be challenged to re-evaluate the choices you have made and are making DO NOT READ this book. If you do read you will no longer be able to blame anyone but yourself for the consequences of you actions. You will make choices with your eyes wide open. I have made choices that I regretted and wondered, "How did I deceive myself into believing that these were good choices?" Now I know.
Andy Stanley does a masterful job of teaching individuals how to use their heads instead of being led by the deceitfulness of their hearts. He uses humor and storytelling to lead the reader to a clear understanding of the inescapable principles at work behind every decision. He includes a study guide to further enhance the readers grasp of the principles and to help apply the principles to life.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and their Book Review Blogger Program