Posted on Mar 6, 2015 in BLOG, Events |
You may remember Joseph as the guy with the colorful coat. But there’s more to his story!
Join Joseph on his journey from prison to palace. At Egypt VBS, everyone gets to explore firsthand the culture of Joseph’s world. They’ll experience Joseph’s heartbreaking trials, joyous victories, and tear-filled celebrations of this unique Bible hero. God’s Word comes alive as families enjoy traditional Bible-times customs, occupations, food, and even games!
Posted on Feb 17, 2015 in BLOG |
Today’s Scripture:
“He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV)
Without self-control we end up hurting ourselves. But when we become overly controlling of ourselves or others, it’s an indication that we’re not trusting God enough. In the final analysis God alone determines our outcomes. So: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (vv. 5-6 NKJV). If you find yourself trying to control every detail and aspect of your life, try using these strategies for developing the right mindset: (1) Understand that you are not an independent, self-sufficient being. “We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3). Sheep cannot take care of themselves; they need the shepherd to feed them, lead them, and protect them. Getting the idea? (2) When the unexpected happens, practice responding calmly. God is never taken by surprise. What seems like a crisis is often an opportunity for Him to demonstrate His love and care for you. (3) Focus on the internal and leave the external to God. Once you settle within yourself that you cannot control most external happenings but only your internal response to them, you’ll be able to stop stressing out over the uncontrollable and the inevitable. Take a deep breath to slow the flow of adrenaline, send up a silent prayer, then turn the problem over to God. Realize that His plans for your life have not been derailed. “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was a recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16 NLT). Stop trying to control everything.
Today’s Quote:
“When trouble comes, focus on God’s ability to care for you.”
—Charles Stanley
Posted on Feb 19, 2013 in BLOG |
TODAY’S SCRITPURE:
“For you are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.” (Psalm 86:10)
Praise the Lord!
The Bible says in Psalm 111:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do his commandments; his praise endureth forever.” The last phrase in verse 10 says, “His praise endureth forever.” Praise is to speak and declare the Word of the Lord in every situation.
True praise is when you give yourself completely over to Him. You can claim such wisdom through an intimate relationship with God’s Son, Jesus Christ. He is the channel through which wisdom comes. In 1 Corinthians 1:30 the scripture says, “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” This scripture indicates that when you know the Son of God you can possess the wisdom of God. Wisdom is found when you begin to praise God for who He is. By giving Him praise it reflects that He is your source.
Today if you find yourself going through a difficult time, I encourage you to change your focus by lifting up God’s name in praise. His presence will eclipse any circumstance that you are facing and remind you that He is God and He is working on your behalf.
TODAY’S QUOTE:
“Who indeed deserves our praise but the God who originated every good and perfect gift.” —Philip Yancey
Posted on Jan 10, 2013 in BLOG |
Today’s Scripture:
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)
Today’s Thought:
Hudson Taylor had definite convictions about how God’s work should be done. We can make our best plans and try to carry them out in our own strength. Or we can make careful plans and ask God to bless them. “Yet another way of working is to begin with God; to ask His plans, and to offer ourselves to Him to carry out His purposes.”*
Success for a child of God is determined by fulfilling God’s purpose for their life. It is when one attempts to draw up their own agenda and then strives to bring it to pass that one will end up disappointed.
God has an unique purpose for each of our lives and He desires to accomplish His purpose through us. We must constantly remind ourselves that God is not obligated to answer our prayers according to our plans. It is imperative that we always consult the Lord in our prayers and see what is on His heart. Initially it may be very difficult to surrender our plans to the will of God, but if we truly desire to live a successful life then we must seek His direction.
Remember God has given us this wonderful gift called life and there is no dress rehearsal. When we pray, let us not ask God to bless our plans, but rather ask God to show us His plans for they are already blessed. That is how we can live the blessed life.
*Ref: W. Wiersbe, Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers
Today’s Quote:
“God’s guidance shows the way that leads to true life. It is always for our good.” –Peter Wallace
Posted on Sep 5, 2012 in BLOG |
Today’s Scripture:
“God, the One and Only – I’ll wait as long as He says. Everything I hope for comes from Him, so why not?” (Psalms 62:5 The Message)
Today’s Thought:
People have often made the comment, “I wish I had more faith!” Does your faith feel as if it is on empty? It can be really difficult when we have prayed and prayed over a situation and nothing seems to be happening or things appear to be getting worse. That is definitely not a pleasant experience. It is in these times that our faith is truly tested. Remember, God does hear our prayers and He knows what He is doing. We must have confidence in our prayers knowing that the answer is on the way.
I recall where a mother said to her son, “Johnny, come into the house while mother prays for rain.” And the boy said: “In a minute, mother, I want to bring my wagon in so it won’t get wet.”
That’s the faith that we must have – EXPECTANT FAITH. Expectation gains the attention of God. The bible says in Psalms 62:5, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.” We must get into agreement with God about our future. God desires to become completely involved in our life. It is when we have a heart of expectation that our faith increases and sustains us during our time of waiting.
So today I encourage to keep on praying and believing God for your miracle. God hears the cries of your heart. Like the little boy above have a heart of expectation. I encourage you to pull your wagon indoors, it’s getting ready to rain.
Today’s Quote:
“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His highest willingness.” –-Richard Trench
Posted on Aug 30, 2012 in BLOG |
Today’s Scripture:
“I will hear what God the Lord will speak; for He will speak peace.” (Psalm 85:8)
Today’s Thought:
As their son was about to leave for his freshman year at the University, his parents gave him a Bible, assuring him it would be a great help. Later, as he began sending them letters asking for money, they would write back telling him to read his Bible, citing chapter and verse. He would reply that he was reading the Bible–but he still needed money. When he came home for a semester break, his parents told him they knew he had not been reading his Bible. How? They had tucked $10 and $20 bills by the verses they had cited in their letters.*
Unfortunately many people go through life having never picked up this amazing book whose words were inspired by God. It is when we read and study the Bible that we discover and learn about God and what it is to live a life that pleases Him. The Bible reveals the character and nature of God and how He desires to be involved in our everyday life. What a powerful thought, that the God of all creation desires to be involved in our life. That is why it is so important that each of us read and study God’s Word daily. The success or failure of the Christian life is determined by how much we read the Bible and how obedient we are to the instructions God has given.
I encourage you to read your Bible daily. Do not view this time as an obligation, but rather a wonderful opportunity for your Heavenly Father to speak into your life. Study the Bible and apply its truth and principles in your life. Within its pages are wonderful treasures that have eternal value.
*Ref: Reader’s Digest
Today’s Quote:
“The philosopher may debate. The skeptic may scoff. But the Word of God abides forever.”
—Ravi Zacharias
Posted on Aug 14, 2012 in BLOG |
Today’s Scripture:
Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 NCV)
Today’s Thought:
We all have been given unique gifts and talents from God that are to be used to glorify Him. Unfortunately there are many who are not currently using their gifts or they are using them in the wrong manner.
This reminds me of a rich man who was determined to give his mother a birthday gift that would outshine all others. He read of a bird that had a vocabulary of 4000 words, could speak in numerous languages and sing 3 operatic arias. He immediately bought the bird for $50,000 and had it delivered to his mother. The next day he phoned to see if she had received the bird. “What did you think of the bird?” he asked. She replied, “It was delicious.”
God has blessed each one of us with unique gifts that are to be used for His service. You may say to yourself, “How can God use me?” God is willing to use anyone who is willing to surrender their life to Him. We must relinquish control and allow God to do His work in and through our lives.
Each one of us are instruments in the hands of God. Our desire should be to please our Heavenly Father and receive with gratitude His unique gifts for our lives. We are all different and have something to contribute to God’s work. His gifts are special and are given with a heart full of love.
Today’s Quote:
“What is God looking for? He is looking for men and women whose hearts are completely His – completely.” —Charles Swindoll
Posted on Jul 31, 2012 in BLOG |
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:
“He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.” (Daniel 6:27)
TODAY’S THOUGHT:
We all have experienced problems in our lives. We face situations and circumstances that are discouraging, unpleasant, and maybe even painful. You may have received a bad report from the doctor, you are stressed out at the job, having difficulty with your child or you find yourself in the midst of some other difficult situation.
Life can appear to be going so well, then with little or no warning at all the storm comes. It is during these times initially when our faith is truly tested, because of the numbing impact of reality. Satan tries to make us question and wonder where is God. Negative thoughts attempt to invade our mind. Thoughts saying, God does not care; He doesn’t hear our prayers; just give up; things are not going to change. This is Satan’s job to attempt, to disrupt and discourage God’s people while they are encountering problems in their life. But it is a wasted effort on Satan’s part, because when you stand firm on the Word of God and His promises you are always victorious.
God does not stand far off in the sky while you suffer heartache and pain. God is not stern, nor is He cold. God is always there. God is in the middle of your storms right with you. The minute you call on Him, He is by your side.
TODAY’S QUOTE:
“If we can find the faith to surrender our questions to God, to choose to believe in His goodness, He will give us something better than answers – unconditional trust.” —Richard Exley
Posted on Jul 26, 2012 in BLOG |
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
TODAY’S THOUGHT:
I came across the following story of Rembrandt and one of his paintings.
“If you were to look at Rembrandt’s painting of The Three Crosses, your attention would be drawn first to the center cross on which Jesus died. Then as you would look at the crowd gathered around the foot of that cross, you’d be impressed by the various facial expressions and actions of the people involved in the awful crime of crucifying the Son of God. Finally, your eyes would drift to the edge of the painting and catch sight of another figure, almost hidden in the shadows. Art critics say this is a representation of Rembrandt himself, for he recognized that by his sins he helped nail Jesus to the cross.”
The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Not one of us is perfect. Humanity has been infected with the curse of sin, but 2,000 years ago Jesus Christ came to this earth and lived a perfect life. Jesus became the sacrificial lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.
The blood of Jesus Christ is the antidote, the cure, for the poison of sin. It is through the sacrifice of Jesus that we have victory over sin and the promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior I invite you to pray and ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and allow Him to be the Lord of your life. The price has been paid. It’s a free gift. Receive Him today!
TODAY’S QUOTE:
“Jesus was crucified, not in a cathedral between two candles, but on a cross between two thieves.” —George F. MacLeod
Posted on Jul 19, 2012 in BLOG |
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:
“Be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded! (2 Chronicles 15:7)
TODAY’S THOUGHT:
Joe Theismann enjoyed an illustrious 12-year career as quarterback of the Washington Redskins. He led the team to two Super Bowl appearances–winning in 1983 and then losing the following year. When a leg injury forced him out of football in 1985, he was entrenched in the record books as Washington’s all-time leading passer. Still, the tail end of Theismann’s career taught him a bitter lesson: I got stagnant. I thought the team revolved around me. I should have known it was time to go when I didn’t care whether a pass hit Art Monk in the 8 or the 1 on his uniform. When we went back to the Super Bowl, my approach had changed. I was griping about the weather, my shoes, practice times, everything. Today I wear my two rings–the winner’s ring from Super Bowl XVII and the loser’s ring from Super Bowl XVIII. The difference in those two rings lies in applying oneself and not accepting anything but the best.
The following story illustrates in how we are to apply ourselves and give our very best. Today go over and beyond the call of duty. It is when we put the forth the extra effort that we will have a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
TODAY’S QUOTE:
“The most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude.” —Charles Swindoll
