Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - Luke 15:13-15 "And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine."
O - Oh the prodigal son. There is so much to learn from him. First off, if not for grace, I would be him. I am not immune to squandering, foolishness and making selfish decisions. It's easy to read this story and go, "I can't believe he would do that!" but truth is we all make unwise decisions.
A - What I love about this story is that even though the son made a horrible decision and went down a dark path (that he knew better!), his father still welcomed him home with open arms. I love that our Heavenly Father never stop loving us. No. Matter. What. I can make bad decisions, but He still gives me a second chance.
P - Lord thank You for Your amazing grace. Thank You for accepting me back time and time again.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Karlyn: LLJ week 7 day 2-3
Happy Hump Day!
S - Luke 15:9And when she finds it she will call in her friends and neighbors and say Rejoice with me for I have found my lost coin.
13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
O & A - In verse 9 it stood out to me that she called everyone in to rejoice with her. I know heaven rejoices when people come to Christ but what struck me is I'm not doing enough rejoicing with people. I'm playing down the power of Christ in the lives of other people instead of rejoicing in the every day miracles. Rejoicing brings attention to Christ instead of circumstances.
13-16 Waste- famine -starvation- desperation How many times am I wasteful and let it lead to desperation instead of being a steward of what I'm given and then being the opposite of desperate (I had to look it up) "confident, content, satisfied, secure, unworried"
P- Lord I will rejoice boldly in you today and become a better steward of your gifts and grace so I can be confident content satisfied and secure in you!
S - Luke 15:9And when she finds it she will call in her friends and neighbors and say Rejoice with me for I have found my lost coin.
13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
O & A - In verse 9 it stood out to me that she called everyone in to rejoice with her. I know heaven rejoices when people come to Christ but what struck me is I'm not doing enough rejoicing with people. I'm playing down the power of Christ in the lives of other people instead of rejoicing in the every day miracles. Rejoicing brings attention to Christ instead of circumstances.
13-16 Waste- famine -starvation- desperation How many times am I wasteful and let it lead to desperation instead of being a steward of what I'm given and then being the opposite of desperate (I had to look it up) "confident, content, satisfied, secure, unworried"
P- Lord I will rejoice boldly in you today and become a better steward of your gifts and grace so I can be confident content satisfied and secure in you!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Ginny - LLJ Week 7, Day 2
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - Luke 15:9 "When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’"
O - There's a lot in this verse that I like. First off, I can relate to losing things. I don't like that feeling. I just feel so foolish for misplacing it and get frustrated because the item wasn't where I really thought I left it. Make that item something precious and the sick stomach feeling just escalates. It's just no fun losing things! I can put myself in this ladies shoes. She searched every where and cleaned every cranny. She did not rest till it was found. It controled her thoughts. What this lady does next in verse 9 is so cool to me. She was so excited that she found it that she celebrated, and not just by herself. She called in other friends to party with her. She was overjoyed that the feeling of anxiety and worry was over and she could rest again because her treasure was found! I love that feeling too. When you finally lay eyes on the item you have been seeking for. You feel like you can breathe again. Such a good feeling! And oh how much more the Lord smiles with utter elation when one of His creations comes to find Him. Nothing beats that feeling!
A - This verse reminds me to be busy on reaching lost soles. To put effort into. To be focussed on it. To be in constant prayer for those that need to be found. It is easy in my prayer life to just talk about my needs and requests and those of my family & friends. I need to up my prayer time for lost soles. The three friends I have been praying for and those I don't even know personally that are in need of a Savior.
This morning the Lord showed me a sweet lesson that I want to share with y'all. Maybe someone else could use this too. Back in March I bought a big, beautiful red geranium to hang on my front porch. It was way too early to be thinking flowers. I knew we would have more cold weather, but I was anxious to put some color out. Jon was coming in town for the weekend and I wanted the house to look happy and welcoming. The plant looked great for about a week, but then the cold snaps came and I wasn't diligent to water it, so it just began to shrivel up. It was pretty embarrasing hanging on the front porch, so I moved it to the back porch to just let it be. Well Sunday for some reason when I walked out my back door I looked at that geranium and noticed that some of the thick stems still had some green in them. It wasn't dead. So I began to clear the brown leaves and dried up buds off and broke down the tips of the stems a little bit. When I did this it was amazing to me how the smell came right back. Geraniums don't have a flowery smell, it's more like a spicey smell. You know what I mean? I like the smell. Anyhow, I watered it and hung it back on it's hook. Today as I left for work I looked at that geranium and it is amazing! Those green stems are greener than they have ever been AND there are little geranium leaves already coming out all over the stems. It was so fun to think, "it's going to make it!" God reminded me that there are times that I run ahead of Him. I want something to happen or I say something without thinking or I want to get something done and so I prematurely rush into something. Often times I regret having done that because it didn't work or turn out like I thought or I came across rude to someone. God allows me to wipe myself off, start over and He still brings good from it. He gives me second chances. He brings back the fragrance. There are things that I would like to know answers for right now, but I must wait and watch for His hand. He will bring the green and the blooms all in His timing.
P - Lord I thank You for Your Word. The story of the lost coin and how much You love us. I want to keep lost souls in the forefront of my mind. Help me to be disciplined and diligent to pray for my 3 friends and others that need Your saving grace. Also thank You for letting me start over just like my geranium plant. Sometimes it's an attitude adjustment, sometimes it's a habit I need to break or recommitt too, but Lord You never give up on me. I trust You and Your timing.
Have a wonderful "geranium" day ladies :)
S - Luke 15:9 "When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’"
O - There's a lot in this verse that I like. First off, I can relate to losing things. I don't like that feeling. I just feel so foolish for misplacing it and get frustrated because the item wasn't where I really thought I left it. Make that item something precious and the sick stomach feeling just escalates. It's just no fun losing things! I can put myself in this ladies shoes. She searched every where and cleaned every cranny. She did not rest till it was found. It controled her thoughts. What this lady does next in verse 9 is so cool to me. She was so excited that she found it that she celebrated, and not just by herself. She called in other friends to party with her. She was overjoyed that the feeling of anxiety and worry was over and she could rest again because her treasure was found! I love that feeling too. When you finally lay eyes on the item you have been seeking for. You feel like you can breathe again. Such a good feeling! And oh how much more the Lord smiles with utter elation when one of His creations comes to find Him. Nothing beats that feeling!
A - This verse reminds me to be busy on reaching lost soles. To put effort into. To be focussed on it. To be in constant prayer for those that need to be found. It is easy in my prayer life to just talk about my needs and requests and those of my family & friends. I need to up my prayer time for lost soles. The three friends I have been praying for and those I don't even know personally that are in need of a Savior.
This morning the Lord showed me a sweet lesson that I want to share with y'all. Maybe someone else could use this too. Back in March I bought a big, beautiful red geranium to hang on my front porch. It was way too early to be thinking flowers. I knew we would have more cold weather, but I was anxious to put some color out. Jon was coming in town for the weekend and I wanted the house to look happy and welcoming. The plant looked great for about a week, but then the cold snaps came and I wasn't diligent to water it, so it just began to shrivel up. It was pretty embarrasing hanging on the front porch, so I moved it to the back porch to just let it be. Well Sunday for some reason when I walked out my back door I looked at that geranium and noticed that some of the thick stems still had some green in them. It wasn't dead. So I began to clear the brown leaves and dried up buds off and broke down the tips of the stems a little bit. When I did this it was amazing to me how the smell came right back. Geraniums don't have a flowery smell, it's more like a spicey smell. You know what I mean? I like the smell. Anyhow, I watered it and hung it back on it's hook. Today as I left for work I looked at that geranium and it is amazing! Those green stems are greener than they have ever been AND there are little geranium leaves already coming out all over the stems. It was so fun to think, "it's going to make it!" God reminded me that there are times that I run ahead of Him. I want something to happen or I say something without thinking or I want to get something done and so I prematurely rush into something. Often times I regret having done that because it didn't work or turn out like I thought or I came across rude to someone. God allows me to wipe myself off, start over and He still brings good from it. He gives me second chances. He brings back the fragrance. There are things that I would like to know answers for right now, but I must wait and watch for His hand. He will bring the green and the blooms all in His timing.
P - Lord I thank You for Your Word. The story of the lost coin and how much You love us. I want to keep lost souls in the forefront of my mind. Help me to be disciplined and diligent to pray for my 3 friends and others that need Your saving grace. Also thank You for letting me start over just like my geranium plant. Sometimes it's an attitude adjustment, sometimes it's a habit I need to break or recommitt too, but Lord You never give up on me. I trust You and Your timing.
Have a wonderful "geranium" day ladies :)
Monday, May 6, 2013
Ginny - LLJ Week 7, Day 1
Good Afternoon Girlz!!! Karlyn, hope you enjoyed your restful morning. Hope everyone has a great week!!!
S - Luke 15:7 "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
O - Every single heart is important to Jesus. He treasures each one. He wants to see each person come to know Him. Am I doing my part to help show them the right way?
A - I have three friends that I have been praying for their salvation. I see these friends at work, have lunch with them, talk to them on the phone, but have been shy in clearly stating the gospel to them.
P - Lord I pray that I would have boldness to verbalize Your saving grace to my friends. That our conversations would turn to You and I would ask them about their eternity.
S - Luke 15:7 "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
O - Every single heart is important to Jesus. He treasures each one. He wants to see each person come to know Him. Am I doing my part to help show them the right way?
A - I have three friends that I have been praying for their salvation. I see these friends at work, have lunch with them, talk to them on the phone, but have been shy in clearly stating the gospel to them.
P - Lord I pray that I would have boldness to verbalize Your saving grace to my friends. That our conversations would turn to You and I would ask them about their eternity.
Karlyn: LLJ week 7 day 1
Good Monday Morning! We had a fun weekend and I'm very thankful to have Monday morning at home to catch up and rest a bit!!! Congrats Cindy and Jared, so fun! The GMG summer book club is a book Jenifer just read and one I want to read, are y'all interested? You can see it on the website. It's called Anything.
S - Luke 15:7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away.
O - Being there for and reaching out to sinners who need to repent should be on my mind every day. I should be active in this part of my life instead of retreating into the comfort of my friends who have repented.
A - For a while I stayed real comfortable in the easiness of my relationships with my friends who are believers. In the last year I've had a lot of opportunities to build relationships with those who aren't believers or just not in a good relationship with Christ. It's hard and can be very frustrating and I have to pray A LOT. I haven't seen much change in anyone yet but there's still a lot of trust and friendship to be built. It's definitely an area I need to continue to build on in reaching out to others who aren't in the same place I am spiritually or not at all!
P - Lord thank you for seeking out sinners like me. Help me to know how to be a friend to those who don't know you yet and help me to live like you authentically.
S - Luke 15:7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away.
O - Being there for and reaching out to sinners who need to repent should be on my mind every day. I should be active in this part of my life instead of retreating into the comfort of my friends who have repented.
A - For a while I stayed real comfortable in the easiness of my relationships with my friends who are believers. In the last year I've had a lot of opportunities to build relationships with those who aren't believers or just not in a good relationship with Christ. It's hard and can be very frustrating and I have to pray A LOT. I haven't seen much change in anyone yet but there's still a lot of trust and friendship to be built. It's definitely an area I need to continue to build on in reaching out to others who aren't in the same place I am spiritually or not at all!
P - Lord thank you for seeking out sinners like me. Help me to know how to be a friend to those who don't know you yet and help me to live like you authentically.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Cindy - update :)
Hey Girlz!!! Just wanted to give you an update on what God has been doing. In the fall of last year God began prompting us to be open for a move. In the midst of craziness, God was in control and had great plans for us! In Dec. Jared was told that his job would be reduced to part time spring of 2013. God opened doors and moved us to a new church in Feb! His plan is perfect! We now live in beautiful Sarasota, FL (which is south of Tampa). Jared is the Student Pastor at Sarasota Baptist Church. We love it here. There is a lot of work to be done, a bit overwhelming but exciting. So along with being at a new church with a new ministry, we are excited to announce that I am pregnant!!! My due date is Nov. 28...so we're having a thanksgiving baby :) So I do have a few prayer requests:)....first that my pregnancy will be easy and the baby healthy. Currently the nausea has been terrible! I was sick all nine months with Owen...pray that that is not the case with this one. Also, Jared and I are leading a team to Guatemala the first week in Aug...so pray that I will be able to go as planned...pray for wisdom :) Lastly, pray for the ministry here, that we would not be overwhelmed but have wisdom from the Lord in knowing what to do :) love you girls!!!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Karlyn: LLJ week 6 day 3-4
Good morning! I'm so excited to be at home ALONE for a few hours!!! I get to regain control of this house! Hope everyone's week is going great. Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!
S - Luke 14: 23-24 So his master said go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.
14:26-28 "If you want to be my disciple you must hate everyone else by comparison - your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes even your own life. Otherwise you cannot be my disciple. But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?"
O - I'm sitting here very overwhelmed by the seriousness of this passage. Jesus was making a very wide line in the sand. Counting the cost and accepting the invite is serious. Jesus wasn't and doesn't play games. He laid it out clearly what it took to be part of his kingdom. In my life now it doesn't cost me much to follow Christ, but I know there are people all over the world that the cost is very high. My situation would be more closely related to the Pharisees. I'm I listening and accepting and following through with the invitation he gives me to serve him daily?
A - Lord I don't want to be too busy. I want to be available to serve at all times no matter what is on my plate. God open my heart and take away selfishness and my rigidness to my calendar and schedule.
S - Luke 14: 23-24 So his master said go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.
14:26-28 "If you want to be my disciple you must hate everyone else by comparison - your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes even your own life. Otherwise you cannot be my disciple. But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?"
O - I'm sitting here very overwhelmed by the seriousness of this passage. Jesus was making a very wide line in the sand. Counting the cost and accepting the invite is serious. Jesus wasn't and doesn't play games. He laid it out clearly what it took to be part of his kingdom. In my life now it doesn't cost me much to follow Christ, but I know there are people all over the world that the cost is very high. My situation would be more closely related to the Pharisees. I'm I listening and accepting and following through with the invitation he gives me to serve him daily?
A - Lord I don't want to be too busy. I want to be available to serve at all times no matter what is on my plate. God open my heart and take away selfishness and my rigidness to my calendar and schedule.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Ginny LLJ - Week 6, Day 3
Good afernoon girlz!!! I am getting so much done today! I love it! Such a great feeling!
S - Luke 14:23-24 "And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste of my dinner.’”
O - All those who were extended a "real" invitation gave excuses. Because no one accepted the invite the man began inviting anyone he could find on the street to come and dine with him. What excuses am I holding on to? What is keeping me from ministery or saying yes to the Lord's calling?
A - I think there are plenty of excuses I give. Probably more than I am even aware of. Sometimes it's fear that causes me to decline, or just feelings of inadequacy, or that someone else would be so much better at the job than I would. Whatever the excuse, the important thing to remember is that God extended the invitation to me. He is asking me to come. He wants me to join Him. I don't want to miss out!
P - Lord, open my eyes to the excuses I give. I want to be a part of what You are doing.
S - Luke 14:23-24 "And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste of my dinner.’”
O - All those who were extended a "real" invitation gave excuses. Because no one accepted the invite the man began inviting anyone he could find on the street to come and dine with him. What excuses am I holding on to? What is keeping me from ministery or saying yes to the Lord's calling?
A - I think there are plenty of excuses I give. Probably more than I am even aware of. Sometimes it's fear that causes me to decline, or just feelings of inadequacy, or that someone else would be so much better at the job than I would. Whatever the excuse, the important thing to remember is that God extended the invitation to me. He is asking me to come. He wants me to join Him. I don't want to miss out!
P - Lord, open my eyes to the excuses I give. I want to be a part of what You are doing.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Ginny LLJ - Week 6, Day 2
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
O - In today's email I kept hearing the word "amazed" over and over again. When we take the focus off of ourselves...our accomplishments, our struggles, our talents, our weaknesses...and put it on our Amazing God - then we will be exalted and He will recieve the glory.
A - When I focus on all the Lord has done for me and His amazing grace that has saved me, that makes me want to reach out to other people and help them. Instead of wanting to be lifted up and noticed, I need to be looking for people in the shadows I can help.
P - Lord please open my eyes to those in need and humble my heart to pride and self-gratification.
S - Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
O - In today's email I kept hearing the word "amazed" over and over again. When we take the focus off of ourselves...our accomplishments, our struggles, our talents, our weaknesses...and put it on our Amazing God - then we will be exalted and He will recieve the glory.
A - When I focus on all the Lord has done for me and His amazing grace that has saved me, that makes me want to reach out to other people and help them. Instead of wanting to be lifted up and noticed, I need to be looking for people in the shadows I can help.
P - Lord please open my eyes to those in need and humble my heart to pride and self-gratification.
Karlyn: LLJ week day 2
S - Luke 14:11, 13-14
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Instead invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.
O - 1. I nor the rich and important benefit eternally from me seeking them out and wanting to be
noticed and honored by them
2. I and those who are more needy than me do benefit eternally from me seeking them out serving
them and loving them
A - It's very appealing to me to feel important and to rub shoulders with people who are important. However, my goal in life is to do what makes an eternal investment because earthly investments don't matter beyond here. A question to ask myself when tempted to be noticed by important folks, "Will this investment/relationship benefit them positively in eternity?"
P - God it feels good to be noticed and to look and feel important, but it feels even better to help someone in need and to be a part of them growing closer to you. Help me to seek those relationships out more than wanting to be important. Thank you that I'm important to you.
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Instead invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.
O - 1. I nor the rich and important benefit eternally from me seeking them out and wanting to be
noticed and honored by them
2. I and those who are more needy than me do benefit eternally from me seeking them out serving
them and loving them
A - It's very appealing to me to feel important and to rub shoulders with people who are important. However, my goal in life is to do what makes an eternal investment because earthly investments don't matter beyond here. A question to ask myself when tempted to be noticed by important folks, "Will this investment/relationship benefit them positively in eternity?"
P - God it feels good to be noticed and to look and feel important, but it feels even better to help someone in need and to be a part of them growing closer to you. Help me to seek those relationships out more than wanting to be important. Thank you that I'm important to you.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Ginny LLJ - Week 6, Day 1
Good Morning Girlz!!! Hope everyone has a great start to the week!
S - Luke 14:5-6 "And He said to them, “Which one of you will have a son or an ox fall into a well, and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?” And they could make no reply to this."
O - The Pharisees thought they knew everything. That they were always right. They were so stubborn in their ways that they were blinded to common sense...much less compassion and love.
A - I am guilty of seeing situations only from my perspective and holding to that perspecitve as it is the only way. Even if I relent and do it a different way, I don't always have the best attitude about it.
P - Lord forgive me for stubborness. Help me to be more flexible and open minded when needed.
S - Luke 14:5-6 "And He said to them, “Which one of you will have a son or an ox fall into a well, and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?” And they could make no reply to this."
O - The Pharisees thought they knew everything. That they were always right. They were so stubborn in their ways that they were blinded to common sense...much less compassion and love.
A - I am guilty of seeing situations only from my perspective and holding to that perspecitve as it is the only way. Even if I relent and do it a different way, I don't always have the best attitude about it.
P - Lord forgive me for stubborness. Help me to be more flexible and open minded when needed.
Karlyn - LLJ week 6 day 1
Good Monday Morning!!! Looking forward to a good week. I can't believe May is almost here! Rain has come and gone often and our temperatures have been so weird! You never know with Arkansas weather. Our guys are trying to plant corn this week. An answer to prayer (don't remember if I said this) but our crop insurance is going to cover us even though it's after April 20th should something happen to the corn!!!
Challenge this week: Serve every day all day and find someone to honor
S - Luke 14: 5-6 Then he turned to them and said, "Which of you doesn't work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don't you rush to get him out? Again they could not answer
O - Jesus without sin again confronts the Pharisees. I'm so thankful that he negates legalism. I'm even more thankful of how aware he makes me of it in my life. Relationship with him isn't about tradition of denominational beliefs, it is a RELATIONSHIP of loving him with all of me and loving my neighbors!
A - I wish that I could live in humility. Pride is so ugly in my heart and I battle it every second of the day. I'm just as bad as the Pharisees at times even worse. It's hard to pray for humility because with that comes stripping of pride and that can hurt. This is definitely something I'm working through.
P - Lord Jesus thank you for being the ultimate example of humility and loving others. Help me today to let go of pride and legalism in my heart so that others see you and not me.
Challenge this week: Serve every day all day and find someone to honor
S - Luke 14: 5-6 Then he turned to them and said, "Which of you doesn't work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don't you rush to get him out? Again they could not answer
O - Jesus without sin again confronts the Pharisees. I'm so thankful that he negates legalism. I'm even more thankful of how aware he makes me of it in my life. Relationship with him isn't about tradition of denominational beliefs, it is a RELATIONSHIP of loving him with all of me and loving my neighbors!
A - I wish that I could live in humility. Pride is so ugly in my heart and I battle it every second of the day. I'm just as bad as the Pharisees at times even worse. It's hard to pray for humility because with that comes stripping of pride and that can hurt. This is definitely something I'm working through.
P - Lord Jesus thank you for being the ultimate example of humility and loving others. Help me today to let go of pride and legalism in my heart so that others see you and not me.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Ginny LLJ - Week 5, Day 4
Good Morning Girlz!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I pray you have a blessed-beyond-measure kind of day!!!!!!!!!!!!!
S - Luke 13:24-27 "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.’
O - Don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today. Be a good steward of what is in front of you today for tomorrow it may be taken away from you. The opportunity lost.
A - Oh goodness the things I find myself sitting on the bench instead of stepping up to the plate. Standing up for Chritian values and principles in a world that is far from the truth. I could and want to do much more in taking definite steps to promoting Biblical principles to a lost and confused world.
P - Lord may I step out and be a voice for what Your Word says is right. Let me not put off or think someone else will do the job You have given me to do.
S - Luke 13:24-27 "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’; and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.’
O - Don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today. Be a good steward of what is in front of you today for tomorrow it may be taken away from you. The opportunity lost.
A - Oh goodness the things I find myself sitting on the bench instead of stepping up to the plate. Standing up for Chritian values and principles in a world that is far from the truth. I could and want to do much more in taking definite steps to promoting Biblical principles to a lost and confused world.
P - Lord may I step out and be a voice for what Your Word says is right. Let me not put off or think someone else will do the job You have given me to do.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Karlyn - LLJ week 5 day 3
Good Afternoon! We got rain last night but they've been able to plant ahead of it! Thanks for the info on Jon, Ginny! He sounds great!
S - Luke 13:20-21 He also asked "what else is the kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour , it permeated every part of the dough".
O - Because I'm a believer I am part of the kingdom of God. So this is a good reminder that when I feel like I'm not making a difference this verse says a little will affect the whole. This passage also makes me understand more that when I use just a little of God's Word it can change my whole mindset, posture, attitude, feelings, and approach to my situation.
A - The reverse to this is that when I let a little of the world creep into my heart it can also affect my whole in a negative way. God's kingdom needs to be more in me than anything else.
P - Thank you for letting me be part of your kingdom. Help me to permeate the whole with your love, compassion, mercy, and friendship.
S - Luke 13:20-21 He also asked "what else is the kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour , it permeated every part of the dough".
O - Because I'm a believer I am part of the kingdom of God. So this is a good reminder that when I feel like I'm not making a difference this verse says a little will affect the whole. This passage also makes me understand more that when I use just a little of God's Word it can change my whole mindset, posture, attitude, feelings, and approach to my situation.
A - The reverse to this is that when I let a little of the world creep into my heart it can also affect my whole in a negative way. God's kingdom needs to be more in me than anything else.
P - Thank you for letting me be part of your kingdom. Help me to permeate the whole with your love, compassion, mercy, and friendship.
Ginny LLJ - Week 5, Day 3
Good Morning Girlz!!!
S - Luke 13:20-21 "And again He said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.”
O - As much as I try to imagine what Heaven will look like, be like and feel like; I still don't believe I can come close. It will be so glorious, so majestic, so wonderful. Our God is big and His kingdom is forever. Just like the 4 year old in today's email. She believed God could answer her prayers. She expected Him to answer her prayers. His power is great!
A - I don't always pray with an expectant heart. I voice my requests, but not always am I in tune to the awe and authority and the power I am praying too. He is great and He can do great things. I should expect the tiny mustard seed to become a tree and the specks of leaven to go throughout the whole batch.
P - Lord, You are so powerful. May I come before You when I'm praying believing You will hear me and answer me. Let me not go through the motions, but may it be real as a simple child-like faith.
S - Luke 13:20-21 "And again He said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.”
O - As much as I try to imagine what Heaven will look like, be like and feel like; I still don't believe I can come close. It will be so glorious, so majestic, so wonderful. Our God is big and His kingdom is forever. Just like the 4 year old in today's email. She believed God could answer her prayers. She expected Him to answer her prayers. His power is great!
A - I don't always pray with an expectant heart. I voice my requests, but not always am I in tune to the awe and authority and the power I am praying too. He is great and He can do great things. I should expect the tiny mustard seed to become a tree and the specks of leaven to go throughout the whole batch.
P - Lord, You are so powerful. May I come before You when I'm praying believing You will hear me and answer me. Let me not go through the motions, but may it be real as a simple child-like faith.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Karlyn - LLJ week 5 day 2
Good Morning!
S - Luke 13:10-13 One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for 18 years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Dear woman you are healed of your sickness." Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!
O - I like that Jesus sought her out and knew how grateful she would be for healing. I kind of think that she was probably praising God even before she was healed.
A - I need to praise God in difficulty and in blessings. Others need to hear me thanking and praising God for good and bad too. I forget so easily to make it all about him and not me.
P - God thank you for all that comes my way. Thank you for the lessons I learn in frustrating times, for peace in easy times, and for the blessings all the time.
S - Luke 13:10-13 One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for 18 years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Dear woman you are healed of your sickness." Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!
O - I like that Jesus sought her out and knew how grateful she would be for healing. I kind of think that she was probably praising God even before she was healed.
A - I need to praise God in difficulty and in blessings. Others need to hear me thanking and praising God for good and bad too. I forget so easily to make it all about him and not me.
P - God thank you for all that comes my way. Thank you for the lessons I learn in frustrating times, for peace in easy times, and for the blessings all the time.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Ginny - LLJ Week 5, Day 1
Good Morning Girlz!!! Hope everyone had a great weekend! I found out Friday my sister is having a GIRL!!! Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!
S - Luke 13:7-9 "And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’ And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”
O - These verses says to me - keep going, don't give up, keep trying. There are times that I just want to throw in the towel. I've tried all I can think of and nothing is working. I'm tired on not seeing results. These verses in Luke give me hope that Jesus wants me to keep going. Don't give up.
A - There are some prayer requests that I am committed to for the long haul. I will not give up praying for these people and I pray that one day my prayers are answered. I also need to be reminded of perseverance in the area of healthy eating & exercise. Sometimes I feel like it takes 10 million healthy decsions to lose one pound, but it takes one bad decsions to gain four pounds. Not fair! Wouldn't it just be easier to give up and just stop trying? There are definitely moments of weakness, but Luke 13 reminds to continue to give it time. Keep making those healthy decisions and you will eventually see results.
P - Lord I pray for perseverance to keep going. Keep being a good steward of what You have given me and keep giving my best.
S - Luke 13:7-9 "And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’ And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”
O - These verses says to me - keep going, don't give up, keep trying. There are times that I just want to throw in the towel. I've tried all I can think of and nothing is working. I'm tired on not seeing results. These verses in Luke give me hope that Jesus wants me to keep going. Don't give up.
A - There are some prayer requests that I am committed to for the long haul. I will not give up praying for these people and I pray that one day my prayers are answered. I also need to be reminded of perseverance in the area of healthy eating & exercise. Sometimes I feel like it takes 10 million healthy decsions to lose one pound, but it takes one bad decsions to gain four pounds. Not fair! Wouldn't it just be easier to give up and just stop trying? There are definitely moments of weakness, but Luke 13 reminds to continue to give it time. Keep making those healthy decisions and you will eventually see results.
P - Lord I pray for perseverance to keep going. Keep being a good steward of what You have given me and keep giving my best.
Karlyn LLJ week 5 day 1
PRAYER...Walter's truck was broken into last night and Ryan's A-R with silencer was taken. We are very nervous about this. Praying God helps police find the person(s) who took it and it's returned without anyone being harmed with it. Ryan isn't sure where the serial number is either. Much prayer needed!!!
S - Luke 13:7-9 Finally he said to his gardener "I've waited 3 years and there hasn't been a single fig. Cut it down. It's just taking up space in the garden. The gardener answered, "Sir give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down."
O - Second chances over and over. We have a God that doesn't give up on us. He seeks us out and isn't quick to cut us off when we aren't seeking him.
A - I need to give more second chances. I'm quick to judge and not give mercy, compassion, and look at my own heart first. I think my sins are lesser than others. When I take the time to realize the reality my sins are just as black I am able to give more time patience and love.
P - Father thank you for a million chances. Thank you for redeeming sinful people. Thank you for grace. HElp me to extend grace and second chances as much as needed today.
S - Luke 13:7-9 Finally he said to his gardener "I've waited 3 years and there hasn't been a single fig. Cut it down. It's just taking up space in the garden. The gardener answered, "Sir give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down."
O - Second chances over and over. We have a God that doesn't give up on us. He seeks us out and isn't quick to cut us off when we aren't seeking him.
A - I need to give more second chances. I'm quick to judge and not give mercy, compassion, and look at my own heart first. I think my sins are lesser than others. When I take the time to realize the reality my sins are just as black I am able to give more time patience and love.
P - Father thank you for a million chances. Thank you for redeeming sinful people. Thank you for grace. HElp me to extend grace and second chances as much as needed today.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Ginny - LLJ Week 4, Day 4
Good Morning Girlz!!!
Karlyn, I am still praying for dry weather. Looks like y'all are getting wet today, but I hope it moves out quickly and the next few days bring sunshine.
S - Luke 12:40 "You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect"
Luke 12:48 "but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."
O - Verse 40 tells us to be ready! Verse 48 tells us what he means by "be ready." Be ready means to have taken care of everything that has been given to us. To be a good steward of what He has given us and the position He has given us. Have we been used up for Jesus or did we get lazy and try to find short-cuts.
A - "To much is given, much is required." Am I using all my resources, talents, time and energy to further His kingdom? My prayers for my neighbors fall into this category. I have been placed in my neighborhood, I need to do a good job of reaching out to my neighbors. I think of my running club too. They are like family to me. Am I doing a good job of sharing the light when we all get together? Work is another area. I love my job. Am I taking the time to encourage those I work with? I have been given so much; I don't want to keep that to myself.
P - Lord when you come I want to be ready! I want to have done a good job of doing Your work down here on earth. Everything that I have is Yours and I want to use it all for Your glory.
Karlyn, I am still praying for dry weather. Looks like y'all are getting wet today, but I hope it moves out quickly and the next few days bring sunshine.
S - Luke 12:40 "You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect"
Luke 12:48 "but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."
O - Verse 40 tells us to be ready! Verse 48 tells us what he means by "be ready." Be ready means to have taken care of everything that has been given to us. To be a good steward of what He has given us and the position He has given us. Have we been used up for Jesus or did we get lazy and try to find short-cuts.
A - "To much is given, much is required." Am I using all my resources, talents, time and energy to further His kingdom? My prayers for my neighbors fall into this category. I have been placed in my neighborhood, I need to do a good job of reaching out to my neighbors. I think of my running club too. They are like family to me. Am I doing a good job of sharing the light when we all get together? Work is another area. I love my job. Am I taking the time to encourage those I work with? I have been given so much; I don't want to keep that to myself.
P - Lord when you come I want to be ready! I want to have done a good job of doing Your work down here on earth. Everything that I have is Yours and I want to use it all for Your glory.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Ginny - LLJ Week 4, Day 3
Good afternoon girlz!!!
NYC was great! We had such a great weekend. Everyone loved Jon and Jon loved everybody. It was so great being all together! I just don't take that for granted. Thank you all for all the encouragement and kind words. Love you gals!
S - Luke 12: 22-23 "And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing."
Luke 12:31 "But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you."
O - Luke 12:22-23 is a verse I need to read every night and every morning. It puts it in perspective. All those details that keep the world turning are put in their proper place and Jesus is put at the top. That is a load off for me. When I am overburdened. When I need answers to come. When I am anxious; I give it to Him and He takes it. Freeing up my mind, energy and sanity for those things that really matter.
A - What do I let cloud my mind and make me anxious? Things at work. Waiting on emails. Getting up tight right before big real estate notes close. Making sure everything is perfect. That's what gets my stomach in knots. I really could use some perspective in these times.
P - Lord please help me keep my head on straight when stressful times hit. Let me draw strength and peace from You and remember what truly is important.
NYC was great! We had such a great weekend. Everyone loved Jon and Jon loved everybody. It was so great being all together! I just don't take that for granted. Thank you all for all the encouragement and kind words. Love you gals!
S - Luke 12: 22-23 "And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing."
Luke 12:31 "But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you."
O - Luke 12:22-23 is a verse I need to read every night and every morning. It puts it in perspective. All those details that keep the world turning are put in their proper place and Jesus is put at the top. That is a load off for me. When I am overburdened. When I need answers to come. When I am anxious; I give it to Him and He takes it. Freeing up my mind, energy and sanity for those things that really matter.
A - What do I let cloud my mind and make me anxious? Things at work. Waiting on emails. Getting up tight right before big real estate notes close. Making sure everything is perfect. That's what gets my stomach in knots. I really could use some perspective in these times.
P - Lord please help me keep my head on straight when stressful times hit. Let me draw strength and peace from You and remember what truly is important.
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