When my daughters were single-digit ages—two, five, and seven—I wowed them with a miracle. I told them the story of Moses and the manna and invited them to follow me on a wilderness trek through the house.
“Who knows,” I suggested, “manna may fall from the sky again.”
We dressed in sheets and sandals and did our best Bedouin hike through the bedrooms. The girls, on my instruction, complained to me, Moses, of hunger and demanded I take them back to Egypt, or at least to the kitchen. When we entered the den, I urged them to play up their parts: groan, moan, and beg for food.
“Look up,” I urged. “Manna might fall any minute.”
Two-year-old Sara obliged with no questions, but Jenna and Andrea had their doubts. How can manna fall from a ceiling?
Just like the Hebrews. “How can God feed us in the wilderness?”
Just like you? You look at tomorrow’s demands, next week’s bills, next month’s silent calendar. Your future looks as barren as the Sinai Desert. “How can I face my future?” God tells you what I told my daughters: “Look up.”
When my daughters did, manna fell! Well, not manna, but vanilla wafers dropped from the ceiling and landed on the carpet. Sara squealed with delight and started munching. Jenna and Andrea were old enough to request an explanation.
My answer was simple. I knew the itinerary. I knew we would enter this room. Vanilla wafers fit safely on the topside of the ceiling-fan blades. I had placed them there in advance. When they groaned and moaned, I turned on the switch.
God’s answer to the Hebrews was similar. Did he know their itinerary? Did he know they would grow hungry? Yes and yes. And at the right time, he tilted the manna basket toward earth.
And what about you? God knows what you need and where you’ll be. Any chance he has some vanilla wafers on tomorrow’s ceiling fans? Trust him. “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (Matthew 6:33-34).
From Every Day Deserves a ChanceCopyright (Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2007) Max Lucado
Monday, May 14, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Campout was a success!!!
Thanks to everyone that came to the campout last weekend. We had a great time and we were really uplifted! I know that all that attended enjoyed a break from their busy schedules to relax in the country and be filled with God's word. Here are some pics for you to look at:
Stay Strong, PLD!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
More Prayers are needed...
Please keep praying for little Kanyon, RIGHT NOW! He was moved to Dallas over the weekend and had a rough transistion. He is fighting an infection now and awaiting 2 more surgeries once the infection is cleared up. He needs us IronMen. Time to "mount up"!!! See the family's blogsite for the whole story at www.thephillipsphamily.blogspot.com . Thanks for your support men
Stay Strong, PLD!
Stay Strong, PLD!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Directions for Campout
Directions To Bent Tree Ranch
Take I-20 west from Fort Worth proceed thru Weatherford approximately 20 miles, exit south on highway 281, exit # 386, proceed south approximately 15 miles to Morgan Mill, at the Baptist Church turn west on 1188, go west 1 mile to the top of the hill, turn south on county road 132, proceed 2 miles to the ranch on the right side of 132, you will see the name of the ranch over the gate, the entry has white Austin stone columns.
Take I-20 west from Fort Worth proceed thru Weatherford approximately 20 miles, exit south on highway 281, exit # 386, proceed south approximately 15 miles to Morgan Mill, at the Baptist Church turn west on 1188, go west 1 mile to the top of the hill, turn south on county road 132, proceed 2 miles to the ranch on the right side of 132, you will see the name of the ranch over the gate, the entry has white Austin stone columns.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Get Out and Grow Campout info
Some info about the Campout that you need to know:
1. Bring bug spray.
2. Bring a tent if you have one and sleeping materials (pillow, sleeping bag, etc.)
3. The only money you need is for your dinner Friday night at Hard 8 Bar-B-Que.
4. Bring your son or daughter if you want to. They will be an added delight.
5. We have a great guest speaker named Kenny Lybrand. He has some great things to share!
6. We should be done by 3pm or so on Saturday so you can get back to your house for dinner.
7. Bent Tree Ranch is about and 1.5 hour drive from Trophy Club (depending on traffic).
8. Bring drinks for your family for Friday and Saturday.
Agenda:
Friday, May 4th
5:00 pm Meet at LCCOC for carpool and directions
7:00 pm Arrive at Hard 8 Bar-B-Que for dinner
9:00-10:00 (Bent Tree Ranch) Session #1 “ How do I Make The Right Decision?”
Saturday, May 5th
6:30 am Rise and Shine breakfast, prepared by world class country chef Jim Pearson
7:30-8:30 am Session #2 “Christian or Disciple?”
8:30 am Break
10:00-11:00 am Session #3 – “Learning to Forgive”
11:00 am Break for lunch, prepared by world class country chef Jim Pearson
12:30 – 1:30 pm Session #4 and wrap up “God’s Amazing Grace!”
Please let me know if you are going to attend and if you have any more questions!
Thanks and PLD!
1. Bring bug spray.
2. Bring a tent if you have one and sleeping materials (pillow, sleeping bag, etc.)
3. The only money you need is for your dinner Friday night at Hard 8 Bar-B-Que.
4. Bring your son or daughter if you want to. They will be an added delight.
5. We have a great guest speaker named Kenny Lybrand. He has some great things to share!
6. We should be done by 3pm or so on Saturday so you can get back to your house for dinner.
7. Bent Tree Ranch is about and 1.5 hour drive from Trophy Club (depending on traffic).
8. Bring drinks for your family for Friday and Saturday.
Agenda:
Friday, May 4th
5:00 pm Meet at LCCOC for carpool and directions
7:00 pm Arrive at Hard 8 Bar-B-Que for dinner
9:00-10:00 (Bent Tree Ranch) Session #1 “ How do I Make The Right Decision?”
Saturday, May 5th
6:30 am Rise and Shine breakfast, prepared by world class country chef Jim Pearson
7:30-8:30 am Session #2 “Christian or Disciple?”
8:30 am Break
10:00-11:00 am Session #3 – “Learning to Forgive”
11:00 am Break for lunch, prepared by world class country chef Jim Pearson
12:30 – 1:30 pm Session #4 and wrap up “God’s Amazing Grace!”
Please let me know if you are going to attend and if you have any more questions!
Thanks and PLD!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The Cradle of Hope... Max Lucado
Christ rose first; then when Christ comes back, all his people will become alive again.
1 Corinthians 15:23 TLB
Let’s go to the tomb, for Jesus lies in the tomb.
Still. Cold. Stiff. Death has claimed its greatest trophy. He is not asleep in the tomb or resting in the tomb or comatose in the tomb; he is dead in the tomb. No air in his lungs. No thoughts in his brain. No feeling in his limbs. His body is as lifeless as the stone slab upon which he has been laid.
The executioners made sure of it. When Pilate learned that Jesus was dead, he asked the soldiers if they were certain. They were. Had they seen the Nazarene twitch, had they heard even one moan, they would have broken his legs to speed his end. But there was no need. The thrust of a spear removed all doubt. The Romans knew their job. And their job was finished. They pried loose the nails, lowered his body, and gave it to Joseph and Nicodemus.
Joseph of Arimathea. Nicodemus the Pharisee. Jesus had answered the prayer of their hearts, the prayer for the Messiah. As much as the soldiers wanted him dead, even more these men wanted him alive.
As they sponged the blood from his beard, don’t you know they listened for his breath? As they wrapped the cloth around his hands, don’t you know they hoped for a pulse? Don’t you know they searched for life?
But they didn’t find it.
So they do with him what they were expected to do with a dead man. They wrap his body in clean linen and place it in a tomb. Joseph’s tomb. Roman guards are stationed to guard the corpse. And a Roman seal is set on the rock of the tomb. For three days, no one gets close to the grave.
But then, Sunday arrives. And with Sunday comes light—a light within the tomb. A bright light? A soft light? Flashing? Hovering? We don’t know. But there was a light. For he is the light. And with the light came life. Just as the darkness was banished, now the decay is reversed. Heaven blows and Jesus breathes. His chest expands. Waxy lips open. Wooden fingers lift. Heart valves swish and hinged joints bend.
And, as we envision the moment, we stand in awe.
We stand in awe not just because of what we see, but because of what we know. We know that we, too, will die. We know that we, too, will be buried. Our lungs, like his, will empty. Our hands, like his, will stiffen. But the rising of his body and the rolling of the stone give birth to a mighty belief: “What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us” (Rom. 6:5–9 MSG).
From When Christ ComesCopyright (W Publishing Group, 1999) Max Lucado
1 Corinthians 15:23 TLB
Let’s go to the tomb, for Jesus lies in the tomb.
Still. Cold. Stiff. Death has claimed its greatest trophy. He is not asleep in the tomb or resting in the tomb or comatose in the tomb; he is dead in the tomb. No air in his lungs. No thoughts in his brain. No feeling in his limbs. His body is as lifeless as the stone slab upon which he has been laid.
The executioners made sure of it. When Pilate learned that Jesus was dead, he asked the soldiers if they were certain. They were. Had they seen the Nazarene twitch, had they heard even one moan, they would have broken his legs to speed his end. But there was no need. The thrust of a spear removed all doubt. The Romans knew their job. And their job was finished. They pried loose the nails, lowered his body, and gave it to Joseph and Nicodemus.
Joseph of Arimathea. Nicodemus the Pharisee. Jesus had answered the prayer of their hearts, the prayer for the Messiah. As much as the soldiers wanted him dead, even more these men wanted him alive.
As they sponged the blood from his beard, don’t you know they listened for his breath? As they wrapped the cloth around his hands, don’t you know they hoped for a pulse? Don’t you know they searched for life?
But they didn’t find it.
So they do with him what they were expected to do with a dead man. They wrap his body in clean linen and place it in a tomb. Joseph’s tomb. Roman guards are stationed to guard the corpse. And a Roman seal is set on the rock of the tomb. For three days, no one gets close to the grave.
But then, Sunday arrives. And with Sunday comes light—a light within the tomb. A bright light? A soft light? Flashing? Hovering? We don’t know. But there was a light. For he is the light. And with the light came life. Just as the darkness was banished, now the decay is reversed. Heaven blows and Jesus breathes. His chest expands. Waxy lips open. Wooden fingers lift. Heart valves swish and hinged joints bend.
And, as we envision the moment, we stand in awe.
We stand in awe not just because of what we see, but because of what we know. We know that we, too, will die. We know that we, too, will be buried. Our lungs, like his, will empty. Our hands, like his, will stiffen. But the rising of his body and the rolling of the stone give birth to a mighty belief: “What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us” (Rom. 6:5–9 MSG).
From When Christ ComesCopyright (W Publishing Group, 1999) Max Lucado
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Please Pray again...
I am asking for your fervent prayers for the Phillips family again. They are the family that had the twins extremely premature. Last night, the girl, Jade, passed way and that leave Kanyon the boy still fighting for his life. He is so small and fragile. Please pray that God will allow him to survive and for peace and understanding for the parents, Jaymie and Kory. They are incredible folks and we love them tremdously!
Please Lord hold Kanyon's hand and pull him through!!!
Please Lord hold Kanyon's hand and pull him through!!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I will speak to you in your language... Max Lucado
Pilate wrote a sign and put it on the cross.
It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. John 19:19
The framer of our destiny is familiar with our denseness. God knows we sometimes miss the signs. Maybe that’s why he has given us so many. The rainbow after the flood signifies God’s covenant. Circumcision identifies God’s chosen, and the stars portray the size of his family. Even today, we see signs in the New Testament church. Communion is a sign of his death, and baptism is a sign of our spiritual birth. Each of these signs symbolizes a greater spiritual truth.The most poignant sign, however, was found on the cross. A trilingual, hand-painted, Roman-commissioned sign.
Every passerby could read the sign, for every passerby could read Hebrew, Latin, or Greek—the three great languages of the ancient world. “Hebrew was the language of Israel, the language of religion; Latin the language of the Romans, the language of law and government; and Greek the language of Greece, the language of culture. Christ was declared king in them all.” God had a message for each. “Christ is king.” The message was the same, but the languages were different. Since Jesus was a king for all people, the message would be in the tongues of all people.
There is no language God will not speak. Which leads us to a delightful question. What language is he speaking to you? I’m not referring to an idiom or dialect but to the day-to-day drama of your life. God does speak, you know. He speaks to us in whatever language we will understand.
There are times he speaks the “language of abundance.” Is your tummy full? Are your bills paid? Got a little jingle in your pocket? Don’t be so proud of what you have that you miss what you need to hear.
Are you hearing the “language of need”? Or how about the “language of affliction”? Talk about an idiom we avoid. But you and I both know how clearly God speaks in hospital hallways and sickbeds.
God speaks all languages—including yours. Has he not said, “I will ... teach you in the way you should go” (Ps. 32:8 NIV)? Are we not urged to “receive instruction from His mouth” (Job 22:22 NASB)? What language is God speaking to you?
And aren’t you glad he is speaking? Aren’t you grateful that he cares enough to talk? Isn’t it good to know that “the LORD tells his secrets to those who respect him” (Ps. 25:14)?
Think a word of thanks to him would be appropriate? And while you’re at it, ask him if you might be missing any signs he is sending your way.
From He Chose the NailsCopyright (W Publishing Group, 2001) Max Lucado
It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. John 19:19
The framer of our destiny is familiar with our denseness. God knows we sometimes miss the signs. Maybe that’s why he has given us so many. The rainbow after the flood signifies God’s covenant. Circumcision identifies God’s chosen, and the stars portray the size of his family. Even today, we see signs in the New Testament church. Communion is a sign of his death, and baptism is a sign of our spiritual birth. Each of these signs symbolizes a greater spiritual truth.The most poignant sign, however, was found on the cross. A trilingual, hand-painted, Roman-commissioned sign.
Every passerby could read the sign, for every passerby could read Hebrew, Latin, or Greek—the three great languages of the ancient world. “Hebrew was the language of Israel, the language of religion; Latin the language of the Romans, the language of law and government; and Greek the language of Greece, the language of culture. Christ was declared king in them all.” God had a message for each. “Christ is king.” The message was the same, but the languages were different. Since Jesus was a king for all people, the message would be in the tongues of all people.
There is no language God will not speak. Which leads us to a delightful question. What language is he speaking to you? I’m not referring to an idiom or dialect but to the day-to-day drama of your life. God does speak, you know. He speaks to us in whatever language we will understand.
There are times he speaks the “language of abundance.” Is your tummy full? Are your bills paid? Got a little jingle in your pocket? Don’t be so proud of what you have that you miss what you need to hear.
Are you hearing the “language of need”? Or how about the “language of affliction”? Talk about an idiom we avoid. But you and I both know how clearly God speaks in hospital hallways and sickbeds.
God speaks all languages—including yours. Has he not said, “I will ... teach you in the way you should go” (Ps. 32:8 NIV)? Are we not urged to “receive instruction from His mouth” (Job 22:22 NASB)? What language is God speaking to you?
And aren’t you glad he is speaking? Aren’t you grateful that he cares enough to talk? Isn’t it good to know that “the LORD tells his secrets to those who respect him” (Ps. 25:14)?
Think a word of thanks to him would be appropriate? And while you’re at it, ask him if you might be missing any signs he is sending your way.
From He Chose the NailsCopyright (W Publishing Group, 2001) Max Lucado
Monday, March 26, 2007
Prayer Request... Urgent!!!
I wanted to ask for your prayers for some family friends of mine Kory and Jaymie. They were supposed to have twins in July and last night Jaymie gave birth to both. They are extremely small and will be evaluated more as the day goes on. This is a very difficult situation as you can imagine. Please lift them up in your prayers! thanks so much.
STP, an IronMan
STP, an IronMan
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
IronMen Campout set
We have set a date for our second IronMen "Get Out and Grow" Campout. This will take place May 4-5. We will meet at the church Friday, the 4th, in the afternoon. We will drive to Stephenville to eat dinner at Hard 8 Bar-B-Que. After a great filling dinner, we will drive to Bent Tree Ranch where we will have some devotional time and some quiet time in the country. Then, in the morning, we will rise early to greet the sun and share in the beauty of a country sunrise. Saturday will be filled with devotional time and fun activities.
Please make plans to attend this event, it is going to be great! We have a guest speaker lined up and I know that you will love him. His name is Kenny Lybrand and he has some great things lined up to share with us.
If you have any questions, please let me know. My email address is stp@pmiair.com.
PLD
STP, an IronMan
Please make plans to attend this event, it is going to be great! We have a guest speaker lined up and I know that you will love him. His name is Kenny Lybrand and he has some great things lined up to share with us.
If you have any questions, please let me know. My email address is stp@pmiair.com.
PLD
STP, an IronMan
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Words of Wisdom
Every year Kelli's grandparents give me a desktop "Life's Little Instruction Calender." As I remember to rip off the daily message, I keep the ones that are significant and look through them time to time. I found a couple that are pretty wise and I want to share them with you.
1) You can't make good deals with bad people.
2) Don't forget that contentment is the greatest wealth.
3) Remember, the direction of your life is more important than its speed.
4) Children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.
5) Spoil your spouse, not your children.
6) If you save money even on a little income, your success is almost assured.
Number three is the thought that I need to remember as I live day to day. I wonder how different my life would be if I actually follower these six instructions?
Ironmen softball started on Monday and we started off with a bang. Well, not quite! We lost our first two games. It seems that we always have a tough first week every season. Although we lost the game we won the battle in the end. We have been playing for several years now and we do not have to ask the other team to pray with us. They know that no matter the outcome we will meet on the pitchers mound and Pray. If you read this e-mail and want to be a part of Ironmen softball you are welcome to join the team!
Hope you all have a blessed week,
Lane Ladewig
*An Ironman*
1) You can't make good deals with bad people.
2) Don't forget that contentment is the greatest wealth.
3) Remember, the direction of your life is more important than its speed.
4) Children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.
5) Spoil your spouse, not your children.
6) If you save money even on a little income, your success is almost assured.
Number three is the thought that I need to remember as I live day to day. I wonder how different my life would be if I actually follower these six instructions?
Ironmen softball started on Monday and we started off with a bang. Well, not quite! We lost our first two games. It seems that we always have a tough first week every season. Although we lost the game we won the battle in the end. We have been playing for several years now and we do not have to ask the other team to pray with us. They know that no matter the outcome we will meet on the pitchers mound and Pray. If you read this e-mail and want to be a part of Ironmen softball you are welcome to join the team!
Hope you all have a blessed week,
Lane Ladewig
*An Ironman*
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Work day at Blanca's house
Well, we had a successful workday at Blanca's house. Blanca is a great woman that was in need of some repairs and fixing up on her house. You see, Blanca is now a widow as her husband died around Thanksgiving from cancer. He was the main financial source for the family and therefore she cannot afford her house anymore. In order to sell her house, she needed to do some fixing up so that it would have a better chance of selling.
This is where the IronMen came in.
We were able to raise money for our supplies and we also had $277 left over to give Blanca as a cash gift. We painted 3 rooms, the hallway and kitchen. We repaired the vent-a-hood with some excellent carpentry work. Thanks to Green Works landscape, we leveled the area around the foundation and added some sod. Wow, it looks so much better. Check out these pics:
This is where the IronMen came in.
We were able to raise money for our supplies and we also had $277 left over to give Blanca as a cash gift. We painted 3 rooms, the hallway and kitchen. We repaired the vent-a-hood with some excellent carpentry work. Thanks to Green Works landscape, we leveled the area around the foundation and added some sod. Wow, it looks so much better. Check out these pics:
Monday, February 26, 2007
Lose my Soul...by Toby Mac
I love this song and the words are great:
Father God I am clay in your hands
Help me to stay that way through all life’s demands
Cause they chip and they nag and pull at me
And everything I make up in my mind to be
Like I’m going to be a daddy that’s in the mix
And I’m going to be a husband that stays legit
And I pray that I’m an artist that rises above
The road that is wide and filled with self love
Every thing that I see draws me
Though it’s only in you that I can truly see
That it’s a feast full eyes and a low blow to purpose
And I’m a little kid at a three ring circus
I don’t want to gain the whole world and lose my soul
The paparazzi flashes and they think that it’s you
But they don’t know that who you are is not what you do
We get it twisted when we peek at the charts
You know before we part from the start where’s your heart
You a pimp, a hustler. What’s your title?
America has normal stars, we call them idols
While we teach prosperity, the first thing that should prosper is inside of me
Never because number 22 is on the range
But Christ can arrange and we say yes and now we change
Never the same, even though I fall
Since I got that call, no more Saul, now I’m Paul
How do I sense the tide is rising?
Desensitizing me from
Living in the light of eternity
How do I sense the tide is rising?
Hypnotizing me from
Living in the light of eternity
Lord forgive us when we get consumed
By the things of this world that fight for our love and our passion
As our eyes are open wide and on you
Grant us the privilege of your love
And may your kingdom be what wakes us up and lays us down
STP, an IronMan
Father God I am clay in your hands
Help me to stay that way through all life’s demands
Cause they chip and they nag and pull at me
And everything I make up in my mind to be
Like I’m going to be a daddy that’s in the mix
And I’m going to be a husband that stays legit
And I pray that I’m an artist that rises above
The road that is wide and filled with self love
Every thing that I see draws me
Though it’s only in you that I can truly see
That it’s a feast full eyes and a low blow to purpose
And I’m a little kid at a three ring circus
I don’t want to gain the whole world and lose my soul
The paparazzi flashes and they think that it’s you
But they don’t know that who you are is not what you do
We get it twisted when we peek at the charts
You know before we part from the start where’s your heart
You a pimp, a hustler. What’s your title?
America has normal stars, we call them idols
While we teach prosperity, the first thing that should prosper is inside of me
Never because number 22 is on the range
But Christ can arrange and we say yes and now we change
Never the same, even though I fall
Since I got that call, no more Saul, now I’m Paul
How do I sense the tide is rising?
Desensitizing me from
Living in the light of eternity
How do I sense the tide is rising?
Hypnotizing me from
Living in the light of eternity
Lord forgive us when we get consumed
By the things of this world that fight for our love and our passion
As our eyes are open wide and on you
Grant us the privilege of your love
And may your kingdom be what wakes us up and lays us down
STP, an IronMan
Monday, February 19, 2007
Amazing Grace ... Frank Morris
An historical film soon to be released, Friday Feb. 23, about John Newton's Amazing Grace should be a must see by all of us. Newton was an especially bad person whose life was changed by God's word and then wrote a hymn that is know in every language in the world. I believe Amazing Grace will be a very inspirational movie.
Frank Morris, an IronMan
Frank Morris, an IronMan
Thursday, February 15, 2007
You have captured God's heart... by Max Lucado
Just look at the gifts he has given you: He has sent his angels to care for you, his Holy Spirit to dwell in you, his church to encourage you, and his word to guide you. You have privileges only a fiancée could have. Anytime you speak, he listens; make a request and he responds. He will never let you be tempted too much or stumble too far. Let a tear appear on your cheek, and he is there to wipe it. Let a love sonnet appear on your lips, and he is there to hear it. As much as you want to see him, he wants to see you more.
He is building a house for you. And with every swing of the hammer and cut of the saw, he’s dreaming of the day he carries you over the threshold. “There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am” (John 14:2–3).
You have been chosen by Christ. You are released from your old life in your old house, and he has claimed you as his beloved. “Then where is he?” you might ask. “Why hasn’t he come?”
There is only one answer. His bride is not ready. She is still being prepared.
Engaged people are obsessed with preparation. The right dress. The right weight. The right hair and the right tux. They want everything to be right. Why? So their fiancée will marry them? No. Just the opposite. They want to look their best because their fiancée is marrying them.
The same is true for us. We want to look our best for Christ. We want our hearts to be pure and our thoughts to be clean. We want our faces to shine with grace and our eyes to sparkle with love. We want to be prepared.
Why? In hopes that he will love us? No. Just the opposite. Because he already does.
You are spoken for. You are engaged, set apart, called out, a holy bride. Forbidden waters hold nothing for you. You have been chosen for his castle. Don’t settle for one-night stands in the arms of a stranger.
Be obsessed with your wedding date. Guard against forgetfulness. Be intolerant of memory lapses. Write yourself notes. Memorize verses. Do whatever you need to do to remember. “Aim at what is in heaven . . . Think only about the things in heaven” (Col. 3:1–2). You are engaged to royalty, and your Prince is coming to take you home.
From When Christ Comes Copyright 1999, Max Lucado
He is building a house for you. And with every swing of the hammer and cut of the saw, he’s dreaming of the day he carries you over the threshold. “There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am” (John 14:2–3).
You have been chosen by Christ. You are released from your old life in your old house, and he has claimed you as his beloved. “Then where is he?” you might ask. “Why hasn’t he come?”
There is only one answer. His bride is not ready. She is still being prepared.
Engaged people are obsessed with preparation. The right dress. The right weight. The right hair and the right tux. They want everything to be right. Why? So their fiancée will marry them? No. Just the opposite. They want to look their best because their fiancée is marrying them.
The same is true for us. We want to look our best for Christ. We want our hearts to be pure and our thoughts to be clean. We want our faces to shine with grace and our eyes to sparkle with love. We want to be prepared.
Why? In hopes that he will love us? No. Just the opposite. Because he already does.
You are spoken for. You are engaged, set apart, called out, a holy bride. Forbidden waters hold nothing for you. You have been chosen for his castle. Don’t settle for one-night stands in the arms of a stranger.
Be obsessed with your wedding date. Guard against forgetfulness. Be intolerant of memory lapses. Write yourself notes. Memorize verses. Do whatever you need to do to remember. “Aim at what is in heaven . . . Think only about the things in heaven” (Col. 3:1–2). You are engaged to royalty, and your Prince is coming to take you home.
From When Christ Comes Copyright 1999, Max Lucado
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Workday at Blanca's house - This Saturday the 17th
More update on the workday at Blanca’s house.
1. The workday is not just for men, women are more than welcome. We really could use some women expertise on this project.
2. We have quiet a few people donating money and that is great, we still need some more!!!
3. Most importantly, WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!! I only have 5 people (counting myself) that have committed to helping. PLEASE, PLEASE let me know if you can come. I believe we have more folks that can come but just have not let me know yet. If we truly only have 5 people in the church that can help, I will probably have to reschedule it. The work will consist of painting, minor repairs and yard work. Again, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN COME.
4. We will meet at the church at 7am to caravan to Blanca’s house in Garland. If you cannot meet us at church but do want to help, let me know and I can give you directions.
Blanca is so excited that someone wants to help her, let’s not let her down! Thanks for your help!!!
STP, an IronMan
1. The workday is not just for men, women are more than welcome. We really could use some women expertise on this project.
2. We have quiet a few people donating money and that is great, we still need some more!!!
3. Most importantly, WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!! I only have 5 people (counting myself) that have committed to helping. PLEASE, PLEASE let me know if you can come. I believe we have more folks that can come but just have not let me know yet. If we truly only have 5 people in the church that can help, I will probably have to reschedule it. The work will consist of painting, minor repairs and yard work. Again, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN COME.
4. We will meet at the church at 7am to caravan to Blanca’s house in Garland. If you cannot meet us at church but do want to help, let me know and I can give you directions.
Blanca is so excited that someone wants to help her, let’s not let her down! Thanks for your help!!!
STP, an IronMan
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Colossians 3:1 ff ... the Message
"So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ persides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ - that's where the action is. See things from His perspective.
Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life - even though invisible to spectators - is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too - the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attacts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feeling instead of by God."
How are you doing in your life? What things do you need to "kill off"? I know I struggle with this section of scripture because it is so easy to life for now and be pleasing to myself now. I often forget to focus on things that are from above and I spent to much time focusing on things of this earth that lead to death! Wow. That is a strong statement!
Let's focus today (one day at a time) on "killing off" the things of this world that lead to death!
Stay Strong -
STP, an IronMan
Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life - even though invisible to spectators - is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too - the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attacts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feeling instead of by God."
How are you doing in your life? What things do you need to "kill off"? I know I struggle with this section of scripture because it is so easy to life for now and be pleasing to myself now. I often forget to focus on things that are from above and I spent to much time focusing on things of this earth that lead to death! Wow. That is a strong statement!
Let's focus today (one day at a time) on "killing off" the things of this world that lead to death!
Stay Strong -
STP, an IronMan
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Psalms 1:3 ERV
This is talking about the wise:
"So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream-
a tree that produces fruit when it should
and has leaves that never fall.
Everthing they do is successful."
Let these words fall over you today!
P.S. Thank the Lord for men like Tony Dungy, the Colts head coach. He is a true warrior and does it "The Lord's Way!"
"So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream-
a tree that produces fruit when it should
and has leaves that never fall.
Everthing they do is successful."
Let these words fall over you today!
P.S. Thank the Lord for men like Tony Dungy, the Colts head coach. He is a true warrior and does it "The Lord's Way!"
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Stunned by His Grace... by Max Lucado
I was mulling over a recent conversation I had with a disenchanted Christian brother. He was upset with me. So upset that he was considering rescinding his invitation for me to speak to his group. Seems he’d heard I was pretty open about who I have fellowship with. He’d read the words I wrote: “If God calls a person his child, shouldn’t I call him my brother?” And, “If God accepts others with their errors and misinterpretations, shouldn’t we?"
He didn’t like that. “Carrying it a bit too far,” he told me. “Fences are necessary,” he explained. “Scriptures are clear on such matters.” He read me a few and then urged me to be careful to whom I give grace.
“I don’t give it,” I assured. “I only spotlight where God already has.”Later I had a great thought. A why-didn’t-I-think-to-say-that? insight.
If the subject resurfaces, I’ll say it. But in case it doesn’t, I’ll say it to you. (It’s too good to waste.) Just one sentence:
I’ve never been surprised by God’s judgment, but I’m still stunned by his grace.
Story after story. Prayer after prayer. Surprise after surprise.
Seems that God is looking more for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it. Search the pages. Read the stories. Envision the encounters. Find one person who came seeking a second chance and left with a stern lecture. I dare you. Search.
You won’t find it.
Seems to me God gives a lot more grace than we’d ever imagine.
We could do the same.
I’m not for watering down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God Father, can’t I call that same man Brother? If God doesn’t make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family membership, should I?
And if we never agree, can’t we agree to disagree? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can’t I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God can overlook my errors, can’t I overlook the errors of others? If God allows me with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shouldn’t I extend the same grace to others?
One thing’s for sure. When we get to heaven, we’ll be surprised at some of the folks we see. And some of them will be surprised to see us.
Max Lucado
He didn’t like that. “Carrying it a bit too far,” he told me. “Fences are necessary,” he explained. “Scriptures are clear on such matters.” He read me a few and then urged me to be careful to whom I give grace.
“I don’t give it,” I assured. “I only spotlight where God already has.”Later I had a great thought. A why-didn’t-I-think-to-say-that? insight.
If the subject resurfaces, I’ll say it. But in case it doesn’t, I’ll say it to you. (It’s too good to waste.) Just one sentence:
I’ve never been surprised by God’s judgment, but I’m still stunned by his grace.
Story after story. Prayer after prayer. Surprise after surprise.
Seems that God is looking more for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it. Search the pages. Read the stories. Envision the encounters. Find one person who came seeking a second chance and left with a stern lecture. I dare you. Search.
You won’t find it.
Seems to me God gives a lot more grace than we’d ever imagine.
We could do the same.
I’m not for watering down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God Father, can’t I call that same man Brother? If God doesn’t make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family membership, should I?
And if we never agree, can’t we agree to disagree? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can’t I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God can overlook my errors, can’t I overlook the errors of others? If God allows me with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shouldn’t I extend the same grace to others?
One thing’s for sure. When we get to heaven, we’ll be surprised at some of the folks we see. And some of them will be surprised to see us.
Max Lucado
Monday, January 29, 2007
Trimming and Prunning... John 15
John 15: 2 ERV
"He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He also trims every branch that produces fruit to prepeare it to produce even more."
How much yard work do you do? Did you realize that God is the master gardener! Where are you in respect to this verse?
I have a hard time understanding it, I must say. I don't know what to do with the first part and can't understand the second part. I feel the prunning process in my life at different times. I feel that the Lord allows me to go through things so that I will learn and grow. However, there are many times where I wish there was a different way to learn those lessons. I trust that God has a plan and the he know the way that I need to be prunned.
How does this verse hit you? Let me know your thoughts!!!
Stay Strong, PLD
STP, an IronMan
"He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He also trims every branch that produces fruit to prepeare it to produce even more."
How much yard work do you do? Did you realize that God is the master gardener! Where are you in respect to this verse?
I have a hard time understanding it, I must say. I don't know what to do with the first part and can't understand the second part. I feel the prunning process in my life at different times. I feel that the Lord allows me to go through things so that I will learn and grow. However, there are many times where I wish there was a different way to learn those lessons. I trust that God has a plan and the he know the way that I need to be prunned.
How does this verse hit you? Let me know your thoughts!!!
Stay Strong, PLD
STP, an IronMan
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