I nearly missed a God moment

Our family made plans this morning to meet for dinner at Outback Steakhouse at 5:15. I certainly didn’t want to be late to meet everyone, so I watched the clock to be sure I left work on time. I grabbed my laptop and headed out the door but just as I stepped out I heard a gentleman that I had never met, speaking about some pain in his lower leg. As I briskly walked by I said, “I hope you get better quick,” tucked my head down and kept on walking. But just at the same moment I heard God speak to me, “Stop and pray for him.” I didn’t stop! I would be late. I made it to my car and felt conviction for missing the prompting of God. I tried to justify my actions with a lame excuse of not being late, but…, well you know how that goes. Am I alone, or have others of you heard God speak in that small, quiet voice but you didn’t respond? Those promptings are easy to run right by.

Revelation 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The promptings are the Holy Spirit attempting to lead us. I’m sure that I miss the Holy Spirit speaking to me because I’m just not in tune with Him. Also, I’m sure that as I become more obedient to His promptings then God will continue to speak more and more and into greater and more influential opportunities. The key is to begin at the very next prompting. I encourage you to ask God to prompt you tomorrow and then stay in tune; you will probably get an opportunity.

Good news!!! I got out of my car, went back in to see that gentleman and asked him if I could pray for him. He gladly accepted my offer. I prayed a prayer filled with faith and asked God to heal his leg. I don’t know if his healing came immediately but I’m sure the man was encouraged. But for me, my faith was elevated to a new level. Obedience will always lift us up. I became excited about asking God to prompt me again tomorrow. Who knows what God may have in store!!!

We Are Making a Difference

Serving others is a natural result of being a Christian. Today, at Life Community Church we served others by providing food and groceries at greatly discounted prices. I want to thank all of the people who came out to help with set up, distributing the food and cleaning up, especially thank you to Gary and Mindy McSmith for heading up this ministry. Check out the pictures that were taken by clicking on the link at the bottom of this blog. Also, you will see in the pictures a growing pile of backpacks. Our church is in the middle of a backpack drive to help provide school supplies to a middle school in Wilmington. Our goal is 400 backpacks. The pile that you will see is about 200 backpacks.

Go to our church website to see more information about our Angel Food Ministry and our backpack drive.

Serving others is at the heart of our Christian walk and together we can make a difference.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Grdnmoma/AngelFoodNetwork

Keeping My Joy

I love to hang out with friends on a beautiful summer evening. Last night we had some friends over for dinner and we laughed and talked all evening. I went to bed with a smile and an overall sense of happiness from spending time with these friends. But without a fair warning, this morning arrived with stress that quickly robbed my fun. We encountered some problems at our business that caused me to greatly stress. I know we should count it all joy when we fall into various trials, but today I think the enemy came to steal my joy. He will not get it but he is trying.

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV)

As I solve the business problems this morning, I’m left with a choice. Will I focus on what the enemy wants to take from me or will or focus on what Jesus wants to give to me?

Here is my prayer and if you are dealing with an attack from the enemy then pray with me.

“Father, in the name of Jesus, I come boldly to Your throne of grace and present my situation to you. I ask for your strength and wisdom for direction to make wise choices in order to solve the problems. Father, You say that whatever I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven. Therefore, I bind the works of the enemy and all of his plans to steal and destroy your purposes in me today. Thank you, Father that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. And for me, I receive peace and joy because I am a child of God.”

If you prayed this prayer today, then I am in agreement with you that you can live in joy today. God is good!!!

A Key to a Successful Life

Recently, I became put out with myself. I had slowly gained a few pounds a year until finally it dawned on me that my clothes didn’t fit, I was uncomfortable, and didn’t sleep well. Over the past 10 years I have gained over 25 pounds that were now driving me crazy. I have lost a few pounds only to gain them back. I actually lost over 15 pounds during my 21 day fast but months later, hello, they’re back. My problem was simple. I have been lacking the discipline and self-control to make a lasting difference in my life. I began my journey to becoming healthier about three weeks ago. I decided not to go on a binge diet but to begin exercising self-control over the foods that are unhealthy. I cut out soft drinks, junk foods and began eating low carb. meals. As of this morning, I have lost 10 pounds. Although I am pleased to have lost the weight there is something that I am even more pleased with. I am learning to exercise self-control. This is a character trait that must be developed in us in order to live successful lives.

1 Peter 1:13 “Think clearly and exercise self-control.” (NLT)

Lack of self discipline or self-control will result in mediocrity. Some of these common examples are the causes for lackluster living.

· I just can’t find the time to read my Bible.
· I’m too tired to play with my kids.
· I don’t enjoy reading books.
· I spend all the money I make. (no savings, no investing, impulse buying)
· I eat too much.
· I waist a lot of time surfing the internet, watching TV, playing video games, etc.

What do you want out of your life? Mediocrity, average, middle of the road, vanilla or excellence, success, purpose, and health.

The choice is mine and yours. I encourage you to a look at your life. Where do you lack the discipline to move forward and be excellent? Maybe now is the time for you to getin2life! This could be your season to get things in order, live with excellence and enjoy the fruits of a life well lived.

God bless you.

We Have Limited Vision

Wilmington has traffic! I was stuck in traffic right behind a large 18 wheeler. I couldn't see what was holding up the traffic because I couldn't see around this huge truck. I quickly became irritated that I couldn't see why we weren't moving. I thought if I could at least see the problem up ahead of me, I would at least have more patience. But I couldn't see. I had limited vision of the situation.

Eccl 3:11
...people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. (NLT)

Do you ask the question, “Why?”
Why am I going through this difficult situation?
I think this verse helps us see what we can’t see. We have limited vision of the situation. God has a plan for everything under the sun. When you can’t figure out what God is up too; don’t become discouraged. For whatever reason, God feels like this situation is going to bring about something good for you because he sees the whole picture not just the present situations.

Yard Sale

Tomorrow morning we are embarking on a yard sale. It’s time to get rid of our stuff. Hopefully someone will think our stuff is the stuff they want. The beauty of the yard sale is much greater than the thrill of making a few dollars. The real beauty is the fact that we are de-cluttering our space. God has been speaking to us about getting our house in order. Getting rid of stuff fits right in line with this.

Let’s get practical. What’s in it for us? What is the benefit from getting organized and getting everything in order?

First, peace.

1 Corinthians 14:33 “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” NLT

Getting our house in order is one of the steps to gaining peace in our lives. Personally, I think peace is one of the greatest prized possessions that I can have. Obviously, there isn’t going to be any peace without a relationship with God but my next step is to get my life in order. Try this for yourself. Go organize something like your desk or clean out a closet or even just one drawer in your room. I bet you will instantly feel a sense of peace.

Ask God what needs to be brought in order in your life. I bet He’ll point out something for you. I’m off to rest, yard sales begin early.

Part 4: The Tide Comes In!

Last night I had an opportunity to go to Wrightsville Beach with my family. Some friends and I were playing bocce ball in the beautiful sand. While I was there I stopped and reflected again on the effects of tide. The tides come in and go out having an effect on the beach. On the positive side, when the tide comes in it replenishes the beach with sand, new shells, and all kinds of living things. Without the tides coming in the beach would eventually lose its life and dry up into a hard surface. But God has commanded the waters to return to the beach on a consistent regimen.

I know of many people who are going through a dry spell in their life. I have spoken to people who are struggling with sickness, issues with their children, business struggles and other related stresses. Have you wondered when will God bring the tide in on your life and bring new life to your situation?
I wish I could promise you that today is the day but I can’t, but there will be a day.

Matt 24:13 “But those who endure to the end will be saved.” NLT

There is a guaranteed day that the dry places in your life will be refreshed. God is faithful.

I know in the end, God will save us but my faith is not lacking that a season of refreshing and restoration is coming for us even now.

You should read all of Joel chapter 2, at verse 19 it says that after a time of fasting and prayer God will reply.

Joel 2:19
He will reply, "Look! I am sending you grain and wine and olive oil, enough to satisfy your needs.
NLT

I believe it! Just as God has commanded the tides to come in to refresh the beaches, He is sending you your answer and it will be enough to satisfy your needs.

Getting Your Life in Order

This weekend Harriet and I embarked on a major do-it-yourself house improvement project. We began the enormous task of cleaning out our attic. You may be thinking, what’s so big about that? Well If you could have seen how many boxes were packed in there, you would understand.

At the beginning of the year the Lord impressed upon us to get our house and life in order. I began looking at the areas of my life that required attention such as organizing my personal record system for important documents, organizing my bill paying, organizing my garage, attic and closets and on and on. I knew these were areas that could use some attention but why was God getting involved in this area of my life? I’m sure there are other areas that seem weightier that He could work on, but right now He wants me to get my life in order.

1 Corinthians 14:40
Let all things be done decently and in order.
NKJV

This verse was written to the local church concerning order in worship but I don’t think it would be hard to build a case on the idea that God would have us to live our lives in an orderly, organized manner.

Curiously, has God been speaking to others about getting your life in order? If so, I would like to hear your thoughts on why you think God may be speaking this word to the body of Christ.

Baptism Service

Last night we held our church baptism service on the beautiful shores of Wrightsville Beach. I think that of all the Christian activities that we do, witnessing a baptism is my favorite. I love to see people make a public profession of their new life as a believer.

Luke 3:3
John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned from their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.
NLT

Holding the service at the beach provides a stage for the world to see. I noticed many people who were not part of our church standing and watching and many began asking questions after the service. I think the world is still interested in Jesus. When we live out our walk with the Lord in front of the world in humility, people will stop and take notice.

You don’t have to get all wet to be a great witness. Ask God to baptize you with His power and start living in a way that others might stop and ask about your enthusiasm for God.

Part 3: The Tide is Turning

Back from vacation… I look forward to writing again.

Part 3: The Tide is Turning

There are a few things man will never be able change. One of these being the tides that come in and go out. Yes, we may change the landscapes and put up reefs but the tides will always continue to roll in and out based on God’s command. I know in my life, I have tried to hurry God into changing my situations. I have tried begging, pleading, and even bargaining with God but I did not have success. There are some times in my life that God’s timing simply isn’t my timing. Tides move on God’s timing and the situations and events also move on God’s timing. Are you in a situation that you expected a breakthrough to come quicker? Most of us have been there or will be there again. I have some good news about God’s timing. God is never too late!

In Luke 8: 40, there is a story of a man named Jairus whose daughter was on her deathbed. He came to Jesus and begged Him to come to his home and heal his daughter. The Bible says, as Jesus was on his way to Jairus’ home, he became surrounded by people seeking help and healing. While Jesus was helping others, tragedy had struck Jarius’ daughter before He could get to his home. All of the family perceived that Jesus was too late because she appeared to be dead. But it is never too late with God. Jesus told them she wasn’t dead, just sleeping. Jesus commanded her to arise and He breathed new life into her again.

Do you feel like it is too late for the situation to turn around in your life? Do feel like you are just about dead? Are you crushed under the pressures of your situation? Do not give up. God is on the way. His timing may seem to be late but it is not. Jesus told the family to not be afraid and believe! It’s time for you to put down your worrying and believe.

The word that God has been giving me is that the tides are turning. I think what God is saying is that the issues of pain are nearly over. This is God’s timing to turn things around. Don’t give up in these last hours. Stay strong and believe! I believe the timing is coming for God to breathe new life into your situation. I believe it. Do you?