April 27, 2012

Praise Report...

Without sharing to much I will say that when we take those steps of faith when God says step.... it works. OBEY IT!!!!

Today after determining in my heart I was going to make the step he spoke... God blessed in ways that I didn't think would happen. I have learned that when we step back and look at things the way God does we will see that the only way we will see change is if we can take the step towards it.

So praise report to brighten up your weekend and start you into a new week. Take those little steps of faith.. those steps when it seems that you just can't see the end and you just can't see passed the situation.

It is interesting how boldness comes with strength, strength with obedience, and obedience with faith. They all connect in some way and in my situation all tied together coming down with FAITH! I'm looking forward to this next step in my life and of course will share with you when... well when all things fall into place.

Thank you all for your feedback either through comments or by emails. Your words of encouragement keep me writing and help me see that there are those out there who really are getting touched by what God has done in my life. Don't stop speaking, don't sit down and feel you need to be like everyone else. We are all made to help build the kingdom of God in every way we can. If there is anything that inspires me more is to hear from others who have taken something I learned and applied it to their live and saw results. How hearing about a situation that I was able to get through helped them stay strong THROUGH Christ until the end.

Smile..... Don't stop smiling! AND most of all don't stop praising God because you have praise reports too!

April 25, 2012

In the Mist of the Dark...


As much as I believe in doing something that is good. I was saddened at the posters that were in shreds the day after young students posted fliers around International Falls and Littlefork.

Being that I am going to be going to Uganda in a matter of only months I find this launch of awareness as being a little disturbing. Don't get me wrong I think that this man needs to be stopped but I don't feel that posting awareness this way will be the source in which he will be stopped. I feel that if our young people believe enough in stopping this man that they must put their time and energy into speaking to the higher powers, government, among us who will be able to stop him.

During passed and present wars young people spoke their rights with pride and conviction as they sat on the steps of government agencies. Some even went as far as causing riots and breaking out in violence that caused nothing more then more hurt and pain. Not that I agree with their tactics I believe in their passion to make an effort to see things changed.

God's people are called to be a peculiar people. We are commanded to go out and speak the good Word to all. However, I have found that it is a difficult task for our young people to do. It is hard to be set apart and to stand on the things that are right. Like the young people did in my community this passed weekend they will stand for what is right in the black of the night to pin up signs that only last a night because of the rain but will not go to the government doors to speak in a respectful way to stand for what is right.

Please do not get my wrong I believe that what these young kids did was good and that they do believe in what they are doing, but do others? Many people around our community spoke against the signs that were hanging around town because they didn't know what KONY 2012 even meant. To the older generation it was just litter that had no purpose being put around our town.

In the mist of the night a group of young people posted posters around our community but in the mist of the day no one was informed on what they really meant. The older generation stood puzzled as they knew nothing about the cry of the silent child. Are we really getting the word out?

I'm stumped today as I think of this concept with living for God. We can't expect our young people and even older people to stand up for God in the mist of the night but not go out with voices through out the days.

We can be set apart with our dress and our attire but what is it that will get the message across. It won't be a sign or a poster that hangs in the doorway it will be the testimony in the light that shines in the darkness.

Our God is light... is our work being done in the light or is it being done in the mist of the darkness when questions are not answered? In a place where we are hiding because we can't voice and stand for things in fear that someone might come at us?

Be strong and know that God is with us and if He is then who can be against us. I'm sending out the challenge today... are you really willing to stand apart or are you afraid of what others may say?

April 24, 2012

Give of Your Talent...

Matthew 25:14-18

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
Last night while I vacuumed my house I was reminded of something. God has given us each a talent and it is our responsibility to use it. As I looked around my house I saw all the many little blessings God has given me.

Look around you. Do you see what God has blessed you with? If you were to really think about what God has blessed you with you might be surprised to realize that you don't share that with many people. I'm talking about the ability to do something everyday that will bless more then just you. Not what you can do in the church but what you can do outside the church doors.

Is your life a testimony of what talents God has given to you in a humble way? Do you use the abilities you have to give glory to God in every day situations? Can people see that you are using your talent and that there is just something special about what you do?

Think about what God has given you today. Take a look at your life and see if you are really using your talents for God. I'm not talking about in the church... I'm talking about in your day to day life. I'm talking about what you do when you are outside the church doors because we have all been commanded to go out and preach. Your life is what will preach and if you are using the talents God has given you... your life will preach to all nations, tribes, and tongues right in the comfort of your daily life.

Come on lets take a challenge!

Not Every Sorry...

 The other day I saw a post on Instagram that was so powerful to me. The picture said "Not every sorry... should be responded with a &q...