Grace Unmeasured

2011-05-09T11:39:00.000-04:00

David Wilkerson on Trusting God.

2011-05-03T01:09:00.002-04:00

"But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42
...oh to be like Mary, that my life would not be distracted, and that I would be fully devoted to my Savior, Jesus. Lord, help me to be like Mary--ready to sit at your feet and listen.

2011-02-25T17:35:00.003-05:00

Proverbs 3:11-26
"My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared."

The Lord has been impressing on my heart lately the importance of wisdom in my day-to-day decisions and in my planning for the future--simply put, in any decision--my thoughts and actions must be informed by wisdom. I love the promise that is given in the latter part of this chapter, starting in verse 23, and ending in verse 26: "Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared." This is the promise to those who seek wisdom diligently, and to those who are wise, not simply in knowledge, but in principle (their belief system that affects their actions).
Lord, I pray that you will help me to be a woman who lives by wisdom principles--so that my paths will be those of peace, all the days of my life, amen.

2010-10-06T00:29:00.002-04:00

        When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,  
when sorrows like sea billows roll;  
whatever my lot,
thou hast taught me to say,  
It is well, it is well with my soul. 
It is well with my soul, 
it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet,
though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,  
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,  
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!  
My sin, not in part but the whole, 
is nailed to the cross,
and I bear it no more,  
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,  
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound,
and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
                                ~Horatio G. Spafford

2010-08-31T23:21:00.000-04:00

bored... (:

Your Hands - JJ Heller

2010-07-16T23:57:00.000-04:00

2010-07-12T15:58:00.001-04:00

~A Place of Quiet Rest~
Several people have been asking me why my phone is turned off and why facebook is not receiving as much attention, and I would love to share why this is happening. Friday evening as I got home from work, I was explaining to my mom how very overwhelmed I am with this season and how busy it is, when she graciously pointed out to me that I am overbooking my life! Haha! Wise words from my mom, right? (: As I have reviewed my schedule this weekend, I began to see just how true her statement was. I am NOT superwoman!!!!! SURPRISE!! So, that being said, I have turned my phone off and am limiting facebook for a season so that I am able to spend time with the Lord and time refocusing on my priorities.
I have already benefited from spending time away from these sources of communication, and I am seeing the importance of quiet time away to myself. As a wise woman--let's just say, "Auntie" ;) said recently--"you can't have a ministry TO people if you don't have time AWAY FROM people." haha...so true! The Lord has blessed me with a place to be away for a few weeks, and though I am not physically leaving the area, I feel that withdrawing for a bit is OK too.
I am praying for a time of refreshing and refocus in my time with the Lord, in my friendships, in work, and in school, and I am praying that this time away--though short--will bear much fruit! I would be grateful for your prayers! Thank you so much! (:

2010-04-28T01:10:00.002-04:00

Earlier today, I was telling a friend that I feel God is doing so much in my life. I feel contented with this season, and yet I also long for more--more of what God has for me. No, I am not talking about material things, but spiritual things. We have recently been going through a series at church on the Holy Spirit. I do long for more of what God has for me as a believer. The Word says that we are to continually be filled with the Spirit, and that is my desire. To walk in the Spirit means that we are not pursuing the desires of the flesh, but rather are choosing to honor God in our daily lives and decisions. To walk in the Spirit means that we are available for God to use us whenever he chooses--in whatever way he chooses. Walking in the Spirit is not just for the individual believer, but also for the church. Walking in the Spirit means stepping out in faith and risking the possibility of looking dumb so that God might receive the ultimate glory, and so that men and women might be healed, set free, and shown the love of Christ. This is what I desire!

2010-04-23T22:31:00.001-04:00

This is one of the many moments I have had to sit back and contemplate life as of late. =) God is so faithful; again and again I have seen his hand extended in favor, his love--blessing me in ways I don't expect, and his mercy and grace given in situations where it is clear I do not deserve it. He is so good. "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8

2010-03-25T01:46:00.002-04:00

"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8
This verse has been such an encouragement as I have been dealing with fear lately about the future--will I pursue special education or become a reading specialist? Or will I work to get both degrees? Will I get married, and will it happen while I am in school--or after? So many questions I have--that make me afraid--and doubt God's faithful promises to me. The Lord...(the creator of the earth, the King of Kings)...will fulfill (there is no doubt that he will complete this)...purpose for me(a great plan, great events that he has ordained for my life)...what was I worried about again? haha...oh yea, I thought that God, who made the whole world and holds all things together--couldn't care for my future. Someone remind me how STUPID that sounds! Oh my goodness...the things that go through my head sometimes.
I love how God always points me back to the truth--through his Word, and through faithful friends who love me. My dad was reminding me tonight--of times in the past when I have worried needlessly about situations, and how God has provided, often at the 11th hour. What am I so worried about, really? If my trust is in the Lord, why do I give room for doubt? No doubt it is my flesh. Fearing the future and the unknown is easier than putting my trust in God for what I cannot yet see. So how will I combat this? Through prayer, and through the Lord's grace to remember the truth of God's Word--to combat my anxious thoughts.
"It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:32

2010-01-04T23:54:00.002-05:00

It is the end of a season...and the start of something new. (Not to sound cliche like the song from Highschool Musical. haha). My general education requirements are FINISHED! Finally! This next semester, I am taking "Precalc" and "Teaching Reading and Language Arts." I am so thrilled to be starting my major level classes.
Something else that truly causes my mind to be in awe is the love that I continue to see God pour out on his children--and me. I do not deserve such love, but he gives it freely anyway. I see his hand in provision through my job, in convicting me of sin, in the amazing friendships he has placed in my life, in my family, and in the new revelation that comes upon each encounter with God's Word. What an amazing God!
Last night I was at church with several friends, and God gave me a specific word about how this season was to be one of undistracted devotion to the Lord. This was an an awesome confirmation from God--that I am not to be distracted by worldly things--but am to focus on my studies, both academic and spiritual.
I feel like this post is sort of all over the place, but God has been so greatly at work in conforming me (in so many ways!) into the image of his Son. Not always a pleasant process, but the fruit is beautiful. The fire comes so that we may be purified...And the end result is unsurpassed beauty.

2009-12-30T01:36:00.000-05:00

¹ I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
before the "gods" I will sing your praise.

² I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.

³ When I called, you answered me;
you made me bold and stouthearted.

⁴ May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD,
when they hear the words of your mouth.

⁵ May they sing of the ways of the LORD,
for the glory of the LORD is great.

⁶ Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly,
but the proud he knows from afar.

⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
with your right hand you save me.

⁸ The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.

~Psalm 138:1-8

2009-12-06T00:53:00.003-05:00

What a fun night! The Regent Ball was exquisite, the dress was so fun to twirl in, and my date was one of the finest gentlemen I have met. =)

2009-11-17T01:13:00.002-05:00

I love how God's promises never become old or outdated. I have been reminded lately of the promises of God's Word in regards to his plans for my life and for the lives of my friends. It seems as though lately I have been so distracted by the cares of the world that I have neglected to hold in view that God's promises to me are good. Consider these verses from Psalm 139:
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.

God's plans for me are too great to even fathom, and his thoughts towards me are precious! I am loved by God the Father, because of Jesus Christ. It is good to be reminded of the promises of God, because too often our feeble minds forget, and we grow disillusioned by the world and it's cares. We must remember the promises of God's word, friends--they are crucial to our relationship with God. Without the promises of God, we will ultimately lose sight of God's goodness and love for us.
This song has been such an encouragement to me and to many of my friends as we have forgotten or lost sight of God's promise to us that he is good, and that he has good plans for us--I hope that it is an encouragement for those who read this. =) Good night my blogger friends, and rest in HIS faithful promises to you.

2009-09-06T00:19:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone! Well, I'm sad to say that I haven't posted on here ALL summer! So much for having more time to post! Hehe. This summer was full of so many wonderful things, one of my decisions being to become a nun! Just kidding. :) This spring/summer I had the chance to go to the NEXT conference, where singles from all over the United States were equipped by God's Word and refreshed by the messages of knowing and loving Jesus Christ. I also had the chance to go to "Sight and Sound," in Lancaster, PA, one of the most incredible perfomances I have ever seen, as well as a glimpse into the heart of God for his creation in the Genesis account. I also got to spend time with my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins, probably one of the last times we will all be together as a family because of all the kid's going to school and relocating for jobs.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned this summer is the importance of obeying James 1:2-4, which says: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." This summer has had several trials, but one of them in particular has been with Regent. God has been teaching me that he has a purpose in all things- that absolutely nothing is out of his view. He has been helping me to see that instead of approaching trials with the questions, "why did this happen"? or "who did this to me"?, I must instead approach my trials with the questions, "Lord, how do you want me to respond to this trial"? And, more importantly, "what do you want me to learn from this"? When we face our trials with joy, we learn so much from them, and we do not lose trust in our great God. So what happened with Regent? Well, finally, God told me that I needed to count my trial as joy, and stubbornly, I slowly turned and began to count it joy...and God saw, and had mercy on me. He made a way for my tuition to be completely covered this semester, without any of it coming from my pocket! Praise the Lord. So, my friend, when you are tempted to grumble at a trial that God has given you so that you will grow, remember to "count it all joy!"

2009-04-06T22:27:00.002-04:00

Here is a poem I had written a few years ago. I actually just came across it in a journal, and I know it needs a good bit of work, but I was freshly reminded of God's love for me through it.

My love is amazing

You cannot comprehend

Or even start to fathom

Where it can begin or end

It is full of kindness

Its compassion so deep

Its tenderness so lovely

Your life, in My love will keep

My love is so faithful

To comfort and bless you

In trials and in sorrow

My love will sustain you

The price was paid for you

My body, crushed for sins

You're completely forgiven

Now heaven says: "welcome in"

I love you so dearly

You give Me great delight

Child, live for My glory

And shine for the world My light

~2007

2009-04-04T23:26:00.000-04:00

This made me giggle....found it on the girltalk blog. Enjoy!

http://girltalk.blogs.com/.a/6a00d8341c032a53ef01156fd19ad4970b-pi

2009-04-04T22:56:00.002-04:00

Wow! What a night. Jonathan and I had the opportunity to watch seven adorable kids. I was soooo grateful to have him there. Once again, I have come to the conclusion that I believe God has only given me the grace for five of my own. Thankfully, He will not give me any more than I can handle with His grace, right? ;) What a fun night though. I feel like it has been forever since I have babysat kids...really, it has only been since December, but it feels like an eternity. I miss it. :( Some of the highlights of the evening were talking with the oldest daughter who was ten, whose maturity and competency at running the household and caring for her siblings simply blew my mind; having the kids run up to me and hug my legs, haha, and putting slobbered on food back into the baby's mouth....boy do I love kids. :D On that note, I leave you with this challenge: enjoy the kiddos you babysit...the ones who belong to you...and the ones you hold at church on sunday...they all grow up soooo fast, and before you know it, the precious years are gone...and you will wish that you cherished them even more...so make the most of the time that you have to enjoy them....today.

2009-04-01T06:23:00.002-04:00

I don't know whether to be happy or sad...I dropped my sweet family off at the airport this morning at 5:30! So, Jonathan and I have the JOY, haha, not, of holdin down the fort for the week. As much as I enjoy quiet, alone time, I have been home so many times alone while my parent's and family have been gone on trips, so it has definately lost its excitement. :D This week, I am hoping to rely more fully on God's grace, to be diligent with all the tasks set before me, and to hopefully have some fun with some friends, as well as babysit some cute little munchkins on Saturday night with my brother. :) If you think about it, please pray for me, that I will not get stressed out, but that I will fully rely on His strength throughout the week! To all my dear dear friends, I love you and I thank the Lord for each of you...keep smiling for Jesus! :)

2009-03-30T21:32:00.003-04:00

It's ONLY Monday...and already I am exhausted. I have come to the conclusion, however, that I need to T.G.I.M. (Thank God it's Monday). *smile* Another week to sit at the Master's feet and listen, another week that I have the privilege to pray for lost and hurting people-to show them God's love- to pursue the calling that God has placed on my life to teach, and to grow as a daughter of the most high God. What an honor! My life could be boring...God could have given me a job where people yell at me all day, and I could be cleaning bathrooms! My life might very well have no good purpose at all- my best efforts would leave me begging in the streets. I could be a sinner headed straight towards hell, an enemy of God, and subject to His wrath...but praise God for His great mercy and love. What a God we serve! So, my friend, will you also choose to T.G.I.M.? Remember His great mercy for you in the midst of busyness and weariness. Recall to mind His purpose for you, and his desire that you be intimately communing with him. It doesn't take away the tiredness, but it sure does lift one's eyes from the current circumstances, and places them back on Jesus, and the hope we have through our great Savior.

2009-03-29T23:58:00.007-04:00

This is to my friend who thinks they will get me back with a bigger cup of icecubes. Beware. I am a woman. Hear me roar....I know my comebacks stink, but please try to understand that I am actually going to college and majoring in "Comebacks for dummies," so that I can whoop you ANY day. Lol. You better watch out. Cross me, and you just might regret it....even though I look like a diva with my hair blowing in the wind, I am a fierce warrior princess, and I will enjoy watching you suffer as you scream, "Ahh, Ahh! The icecubes are COLD! Bekah, you win...Bekah, you are RIGHT! Bekah, I give UP!" You better watch out.... Muahhahahaha.

2009-03-19T20:48:00.001-04:00

This is for my sanity…merely because if I do not write, I will go mad. :D I have two words that have described my life as of late: “FAST FORWARD.” As I am writing this, I am aware of the seemingly endless things vying for my attention tonight: Piles of homework, my room, my dog, my family, and the prayer mode that I now must transition out of after coming home from work…agh. I have so much to be grateful for, and yet, I just feel like this is a terribly busy season for me! I wake up, and I either have class or observations at Green Run Elementary, and then work, and then more homework…as if my very existence was work, sleep, observations, school, work, and sleep, and did I mention school?….yiiiiiiiikes! It has been a challenge to quiet myself before the Lord, either because I am too tired in the morning or my mind is already running to the busy schedule before me that day. Oh to be able to quiet my soul before the Lord and sit at His feet as Mary did- quietly hanging on to his every word- rather than missing the point, as Martha did, by wanting to serve the Master and all her guests by busying herself in the kitchen, but not enjoying the real reason that Jesus was there. I think I have become so much like Martha, because I am seeking to serve and do all the tasks that He has given me, and trying to do them well, but I have missed the point: I must sit at His feet.

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

2009-03-18T23:14:00.002-04:00

I had a date with a guy named Econo tonight...
He was quite the character...very polished, with his hair just so; his nails were trimmed, and he had an extremely monotone voice that threatened to drone on forever. His favorite topic, which he talked incessantly about the ENTIRE evening, was how businesses must count not only the explicit costs when determining profit or loss, but also must include the implicit costs, which are the opportunity costs of using the firm's own resources in the firm. One might be able to begin to understand WHY I had such an ENJOYABLE evening with my date. He then went on to describe the business' need to find the exact point where their marginal revenue surpassed their marginal costs so that a profit could be made...Still with me? OH boy. What a way to spend the evening...well, by now, i'm sure you have guessed...my date happened to be my economics book, and the boring conversation was the incessant monologue that I spoke to myself to help prepare for my economics test tomorrow. :D I think i'm crazy....Good night world. :)

2009-03-09T17:50:00.003-04:00

Lord, I just want to thank you for your faithfulness! You are so good to me! Your love reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness has no end! Be exalted O God above the heavens, let your glory be over all the earth! For you alone are great, to be praised above all Gods. Worthy are you, O Lord! Amen!

Sickko....lol.

2009-03-03T13:51:00.000-05:00

SICK...and tired. Oh yay! This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad for MY BED, SLEEP, GOOD FRIENDS, NO WORK, and MY SWEET PUPPY DOG WHO KEEPS MY TOES WARM. Thank you, Lord for my blessings, and the joy that you give me, even in the midst of yuckiness. :)

Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

~Bekah

What eats away at you....

2009-03-02T20:49:00.002-05:00

Sick to your stomach, you can literally feel something eating away at you like acid eats away all that it touches. If your joy is represented by a candle flame, it is suddenly doused with a full bucket of water...drowned out completely, so that there is no hope to have it rekindled. This acid I speak of, this large bucket of water is FEAR. This morning, I was overcome by such fear. It completely ruined my joy, and threatened to destroy my day. As I grappled with my fear this morning, I was freshly aware of the means of grace HE has put in my life...in particular, my mom. As I communicated my fear to her, I was so aware of the compassion and love of my Savior, Jesus, through her kind words and encouraging spirit. As she prayed for me, I could sense the presence of the Lord fall upon me. I left for work, and on the way to work, my fear grew yet again. Fear of the unknown, fear of God's sovereign plan, that he might ask things of me that will not be pleasant, that I will not enjoy...FeAr, FeAr, FeAr....and not TRUSTING God. For two or more hours I struggled with a gripping, debilitating fear. Thankfully, I only had web chats and didn't get any phone calls in those two hours. I don't think I would have been able to pray out loud for anyone! At the end of those two hours, the Lord provided yet another faithful friend, my supervisor, Donna. She also prayed for me, and through the faithful prayers of my mom and my friend, I was able to overcome my fear. Praise the Lord! I am so grateful for the body of Christ! If I did not have such wonderful encouragement from the friends who diligently seek the Lord, I would be such a sorry person, a pitiful Christian, and unable to see the kindness of God that is so clearly demonstrated through the incredible people He has placed in my life. So, I would like to thank my Mom, and thank my supervisor, Donna, for their faithfulness and kindess to me, and to all my friends who daily encourage me, correct me, love me, and help me to see His faithfulness. I love you all so very much! You are blessings!
~Bekah

A laugh for your day...

2009-02-04T18:37:00.002-05:00

There was a nice lady, a minister's widow, who was a little old fashioned. She was planning a week's vacation in California at Skylake Yosemite campground (Bass Lake, to the uninitiated), but she wanted to make sure of the accommodations first. Uppermost in her mind were bathroom facilities, but she couldn't bring herself to write "toilet" in a letter. After considerable deliberation, she settled on "bathroom commode," but when she wrote that down, it still sounded too forward, so, after the first page of her letter, she referred to the bathroom commode as "BC." "Does the cabin where I will be staying have its own 'BC'? If not, where is the 'BC' located?" is what she actually wrote.The campground owner took the first page of the letter and the lady's check and gave it to his secretary. He put the remainder of the letter on the desk of the senior member of his staff without noticing that the staffer would have no way of knowing what "BC" meant. Then the owner went off to town to run some errands.The staff member came in after lunch, found the letter, and was baffled by the euphemism, so he showed the letter around to several counselors, but they couldn't decipher it either. The staff member's wife, who knew that the lady was the widow of a famous Baptist preacher, was sure that it must be a question about the local Baptist Church. "Of course," the first staffer exclaimed, "'BC' stands for 'Baptist Church.' " And he sat down and wrote:

Dear Madam,
I regret very much the delay in answering your letter, but I now take the pleasure in informing you that the BC is located nine miles north of the campground and is capable of seating 250 people at one time. I admit it is quite a distance away if you are in the habit of going regularly, but no doubt you will be pleased to know that a great number of people take their lunches along and make a day of it. They usually arrive early and stay late.The last time my wife and I went was six years ago, and it was so crowded we had to stand up the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that right now there is a supper planned to raise money to buy more seats. They are going to hold it in the basement of the 'BC.'I would like to say that it pains me very much not to be able to go more regularly, but it is surely no lack of desire on my part. As we grow older, it seems to be more of an effort, particularly in cold weather. If you decide to come down to our campground, perhaps I could go with you the first time, sit with you, and introduce you to all the folks. Remember, this is a friendly community."
~Complements of cleanjoke.com
http://www.cleanjoke.com/humor/The-Ministers-Widow-.html

Hope this brightens your day!
<3 Bekah

Job at CBN...

2009-01-21T13:01:00.002-05:00

Just a little update for some people who have been asking about the job I just started at CBN...
God is so faithful! I continue to be amazed that He would allow me the privilege of being a part of the ministry of CBN. If someone had asked me a year ago if I thought that I would be working at CBN, I would have said no. I didn't have a clue what the Lord had in store for me this year! It has been just a little over two weeks at my job, and already, I love it. The people at CBN are so loving and friendly, and everyone has a smile on their face, even if they are exhausted. The friends I have made in just the short two weeks have blessed me tremendously, because anytime I need prayer, they are right there, asking the Lord to help me. Another aspect of the job that I LOVE is the 30 min. chapel that I go to every night from 5-5:30. After I have been praying for people for five hours, it is a welcome refreshment, and reminder of God's love and kindness- and what a blessing that I am allowed to worship God at WORK!
What I have been aware of most in my spiritual walk in the last two weeks, is that I need the Lord so desperately. I was telling someone last night that if I am not getting on my face before the Lord, asking for help, and reading God's Word diligently, then I find my heart growing weary in praying so much for people, because I am giving of myself, rather than giving from the refreshment of the Lord. Another thing I have grown aware of is my need for the Holy Spirit. There have been several calls in which I had no clue what to say, or to pray, but God, in his kindness, poured out His Spirit, and gave me words to comfort those people over the phone. Also, I have been more aware of some spiritual warfare at work and also one night when I came home from work, so depressed and weepy. Earlier that night, I had taken a suicide call from a young man, and after the call, I was pretty severely shaken, and someone at work had to pray for me. After that prayer, I assumed I was fine, and kept going on with my work, but when I got home that night, I was overtaken with hopelessness, despair, and doubt in the promises of God. I wallowed in it all night until about five minutes before bed when I had a revelation! The Lord began to show me that I was under spiritual attack! So, as strange as it felt, I got on my knees and started talking to the air, rebuking the spirit of despair in Jesus name, and IMMEDIATELY it was GONE. I was filled with joy again, and was again able to see God’s promises and Word as TRUTH. I learned a valuable lesson that night: I must always be on my guard against the forces of darkness, putting on the armor of God every day, and remembering the promise of God from Isaiah 54:17 which says: “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, but you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”
Please continue to pray for me that God will pour out His Spirit into my words and prayers as I work at CBN…and pray that I will not be afraid to speak what the Lord tells me.

2008-12-18T14:49:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we endeavored to make some cookies for my dad…We were a little scared, because we had never made them before, and there were lofty expectations, because they had previously been made by my dad's grandma…

So, I set forth on the adventure, but much to my dismay, when I tried to roll out the cookie dough, it stuck like goo to my hands! Apparently, there was a mix up with my mom and I, and I ended up putting TWO cups of sour cream in the recipe instead of ONE! Yikes!

We ended up having to double the recipe, which totaled NINE cups of flour and TWO POUNDS of butter (which is 8 sticks…talk about fattening)! Finally, we were able to roll out the dough, which was still gooey, and this is what we came up with: The United States of America. Haha, well, it was at one point, until it got shaped again.

We got to work, diligently making my daddy's Christmas cookies…

But when we took them out of the oven, they looked like THIS:

For the benefit of my readers, these cookies are SUPPOSED to look like tarts, RAISED tarts. Unfortunately, what you see here is a pancake blob of cookie dough and apricot jelly.

So we did what any normal person would do…panicked and called the "Grandma Cookie hotline."

Grandmas are wonderful help in giggling and laughing uncontrollably with you when you know you have goofed up…unfortunately, our cookies were so far gone that not even Grandma could save them…

…so we enlisted the help of our Mommy J And with her expert advice, we began to create cookies that looked somewhat edible…

Well, the dogs liked them anyway…

As our creative minds were at work, we suddenly received an "important phone call" from a gentleman who needed to speak to my dad. Unfortunately, I picked an inopportune time to tell my mom that we should answer the phone "Cookie hotline, how may I help you?" Well, my poor mommy could not stop laughing, so we hung up on the poor man! (We found out later that it was the guy from Merchants, calling to tell me that my oil was changed in my car! So we took him some (different, better cookies) and apologized for hanging up on him. Thankfully, he was very gracious.)

Finally, some of us started getting excited about the fact that we were HALFWAY DONE with the ginormus bowl of nasty dough that we had to make cookies with…

But, well, some of us were more excited than others…

We worked and worked, and FINALLY, we were finished with all the cookies. At least some of them turned out ok!

Wearied, we began the LONG process of cleaning up.

Some of us almost gave up hope, but we pulled each other back up and kept going. :D

Finally, we were almost done…

But then some of us got a little upset and began throwing flour to express our anger… (hehe, just kidding)

And then someone had to clean up the mess…

Thank goodness for Mommies.

Reflection...

2008-12-14T19:46:00.003-05:00

Wow, it is the end of the semester already! I cannot believe how quickly it went by, though during the weeks of what seemed like endless studying, I truly thought it would never end! I am so thankful for this semester, and the things that the Lord has been teaching me about the complete surrendering of my desires and learning to present myself as a living sacrifice to the Lord, as my form of worship. I remember being challenged at Access, (our singles meeting at church) to put God first, others second, and then to trust God for my own desires. The message was talking about relationships, particularly relating to boy/girl relationships, and marriage, but I was provoked to apply that to my relationships with my family. So many times, the Lord is showing me that I think of myself, and what makes me happy, rather than considering what would bring joy to the Lord, or what would be “considering others more highly than myself.” Sometimes that looks like doing dishes for my mom, even after I have just come from work and am tired, or playing a game with my sister when I would like to be doing something mindless. It isn’t so much that I need to do more for my family, but I need to see the needs and opportunities as they arise – to have an “others-oriented” mindset.
Lord, help me to focus on serving others and bringing you glory, in Jesus name, amen.

I Tag: Natasha, Katie Paulus, Luke, Ash, and the Hunts!

2008-12-01T01:05:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have time on my hands....LOL

2008-11-28T23:10:00.005-05:00

haha, so my friends who are reading this are going to think that I am crazy....posting three times in ONE day! :D Oh well. It is break...and I have time!
I have been so grateful this week for the presence of the Lord in my life. Through my own personal time with Him, and through a word from someone I have never met, the Lord has made it so very clear that this time is to be spent with Him. This is the season that Jesus is going to romance my heart, and cause my every affection to be captured by Him. It has been a desire of mine, to know Jesus like Lizzy Korday does. I so admire her humble joy and delight in Jesus, her Savior, and I want to be just like her. What a treasure she has, in being fully captivated by the heart her Savior. Thank you Lizzy, for your example to me, and for your delight in the Lord. :)

Just a lil update...

2008-11-28T12:59:00.003-05:00

My great grandma is doing better! Apparently she is "talking up a storm today." According to my Grandpa (her son). The doctors are going to be giving her a feeding tube through her nose...
Please pray for my gr. grandma, that she will recover the use of her mouth quickly so that she is able to eat again. Also, please pray for my gr. grandma's children, my Pap, Aunt Cynthia, and Uncle Terry, as they are praying about the best way to care for my gr. grandma, and trusting God with her life. Pray that God will bring them comfort as they draw near to the presence of God. Thank you for praying :)

Life is so very precious...

2008-11-28T01:03:00.003-05:00

Today, we received news that my great grandma is very near death. It was a rather sad ending to what was actually a good Thanksgiving... I don't know at this point how she is doing, only that she keeps coming in and out of "the shadow of death" so to speak. Early this morning, she was fine, (she had a stroke a few days ago, so she has been in the hospital) she was talking with the nurse about Thanksgiving, perfectly lucid. Then later this afternoon she had a seizure, and another mini seizure due to some medicine that the doctors had put her on to help with blood thinning. All of today she has been at what the doctors believed to be the brink of death, but then tonight, when my uncle and cousin walked in the room, she asked them how their hunting trip had gone! (and that was several days ago!) I don't even know what to think...Today, I was crying pretty hard because we thought that she would not make it much longer, and now, no one really knows what is going to happen...it is in the Father's hands. I only pray that she does not suffer when she dies...

This has again reminded me of the frailty of life, and how our time is truly in the Lord's hands. No one knows their appointed day to die, whether it be my great grandmother at age 90, or someone as young as Steven Curtis Chapman's little girl. We should treasure the life that God has given us! Both for ourselves, and for the loved ones He has placed in our lives. It should challenge us to live for the glory of God, because then we will have no regrets on the day that we die...and for the lives of others, we should treasure every moment as a gift from our Heavenly Father. We do not know how, or when we will die, only that we must be living in light of the day that we do die...so that we will be prepared to meet the One who created us.

Another post for my online class....

2008-11-18T23:58:00.000-05:00

Godly women are defined in Scripture as beautiful, submissive, wise, gracious and full of quiet hope in God. First Peter three, verses three through five describes the beauty in a godly woman: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.” These women understood the importance of inner beauty. Their striving was not for the things that women of our world strive for. The attire and behavior of women in our world today reflect hearts that are not seeking to be in line with God’s view of a godly woman. Instead, the attire reflects a selfish motive of wanting to draw male attention, rather than seeking to protect the purity of men’s hearts and minds, and the behavior reflects arrogance towards the authority of God and in the gift of marriage (a refusal to submit to her husband). This is such a stark contrast to the women described in Scripture who were known for the strength of their inner being, not by the great clothes they wore or how much attention they got from guys. Their hearts were gracious and submissive to their husbands, and they had a gentle and quiet spirit…their hearts put their hope in God…they did not feel the need to strive for accomplishing their own agenda, but instead trusted God for their lives. What a comparison!

2008-09-11T15:28:00.002-04:00

I was working on an assignment for my online class this week, "The Life and Teachings of Jesus," and I wanted to share this post. This week, we have been talking about miracles. The professor asked all of us the question: "what miracle has Jesus done in your life?" Here was my response:
The most amazing miracle that Jesus has done in my life is the gift of salvation. I was rebelling against God – running hard towards Hell. There was no good in me – and if there was a small amount – even that was tainted with sin. I deserved eternal punishment for my sins. A holy God would not stand for the wickedness in my heart – He is the perfect, righteous God whose presence cannot bear the sight of sin! I had a devastating problem – eternal, terrifying condemnation in Hell and separation from the presence of my Maker. But GOD, who is rich in mercy, sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for my sins, and through Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death, I am now made right with God, and robed in the righteousness of Christ. I am no longer in darkness, but I have fellowship with the Light. This, to me, is the greatest miracle that God has done in my life, because it was my greatest need, and one that was impossible for me to fix. Jesus had to do it for me…and that is why it is a miracle.

I am so grateful for the miracle that Jesus has done in my life - the gift of salvation! :) Praise God! What miracle has Jesus done in your life? Is the gift of salvation? Or maybe the gift of healing? Please share~ and let's recount the faithfulness of the Lord together. :)

~Bekah

Great is Thy Faithfulness....

2008-07-05T23:01:00.004-04:00

I have recently been encouraged by the words from a song by Sara Groves:

"Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Morning by morning I wake up to find

The power and comfort of God's hand in mine

Season by season I watch Him, amazed

In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways

All I'm in need of, His hand will provide

He's always been faithful to me

I can't remember a trial or a pain

He did not recycle to bring me gain

I can't remember one single regret

In serving God only, and trusting His hand

All I'm in need of, His hand will provide

He's always been faithful to me

This is my anthem, this is my song

The theme of the stories I've heard for so long

God has been faithful, He will be again

His loving compassion, it knows no end

All I'm in need of, His hand will provide

He's always been faithful,

He's always been faithful

He's always been faithful to me

The Lord has been getting at new levels of trust in my heart lately...the question that He continues to ask me is: "Will you trust that I am faithful, and that my will for you is good?" I know the answer to this question: "yes, Lord, I trust You," and yet saying it with my lips and believing it in my heart are two different things.

Lord, help me to trust in your faithfulness. Help me to believe that your heart for me is good. Let my words be a reflection of a heart that completely trusts You.

Eyes and hearts healed...

2008-05-10T16:34:00.003-04:00

Over the last month or so, I have been having difficulty seeing out of my eyes. They have been sensitive to the light and just aching. Near the beginning of the month, when it first started occurring, I would try to help them feel better by taking my contacts out or using over the counter eye drops to help with the burning and itchiness that I was experiencing. I thought about going to the doctor, but then quickly dismissed the thought and instead kept trying to make them feel better on my own. On Tuesday of this past week, as I was driving home from work, my eyes became so swollen that I had to hold one eye open in order to see to drive my car. Needless to say, it was scary. As I arrived home, my Mom encouraged me to go to the doctor to get help for my eyes.
By now you may be asking, "what is the point of sharing this story?" Well, as God so graciously revealed to me, this story has paralleled my spiritual walk for the last three months. I have been dismissing the gravity of my sin and thinking that I could take care of it on my own...that I could "pull myself up by the bootstraps" and bring the change that needed to take place in so many areas of my heart. I was not quickly running to Jesus to receive forgiveness and healing for my sinful heart. Finally, I realized, by the grace of God, that my sin had gotten so bad (just like my eyes), and that I had no choice but to crawl and bow down at the feet of Jesus.
Now, I have received healing in both my eyes and my heart...my eyes were in so much agony because of allergies, so I was able to get a prescription for them, and they are so much better now. In the same way, my heart was agonizing because I was unable to make my sin go away by any effort of my own; but thanks be to God, who has brought healing to my sinful heart through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Submission

2008-04-03T20:47:00.000-04:00

I think my favorite passage from Romans is chapter thirteen verses one through five:

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake."

I believe this verse originally is talking about the governmental authorities, but more recently, the Lord has been showing me that this verse applies to submission, specifically in the area of submission to my Dad. I have been wrestling with submitting for a while now, and this verse speaks truth to my wayward heart. It is reminding me that my Dad is God's minister to me for good; and that if I am resisting my Dad's authority, I am resisting what God has put in place to help me to grow in godliness. He has also been showing me the truth that I will always be under some sort of authority-whether it is my parents, my boss, my pastors, or my future husband. My responsibility is to submit to their authority and respond well to their correction and rebuke. In doing this, I will be honoring the Lord and bringing glory to His name.

Singleness...A gift from God :)

2008-02-18T21:14:00.001-05:00

I just thought I would share a few thoughts about singleness that I posted for my online class just recently...
First Corinthians 7:34-35 says: "There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy in both body and in Spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world-how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction." Paul is speaking truth in this chapter! As I have discussed this topic with many of my married lady friends from church, I have found this verse to hold true. I have much time to spend devoted to the Lord now, as a single woman...my heart is inclined towards the Savior, because he is my lover. I have time to spend in the word-to daily listen for the Spirit to speak. However, as my married friends tell me, they have responsibilities-to take care of their husbands, their children, and their homes-for some- jobs outside the home. Their time with the Lord is limited-and they tell me all the time how they wish they had spent more time seeking the face of God while they were single. Yes, Paul’s advice is good- what a blessing it is to have time to seek the face of God!

He is faithful to change us...

2008-01-10T16:30:00.001-05:00

Tonight, I had a women's meeting with the ladies in my Caregroup from church. God was so faithful to meet each one of us tonight who were there in the group. What a faithful God! So as I prepared to share what the Lord has been doing in my life over the last year, I began to pray for the Lord to reveal just what he had been working on in my life...the word He brought to mind was "joy."
Last year, as all the Seniors ('07) began to gather together for "Senior meetings," I grew hesitant. I was extremely discouraged because I did not feel like I had any friends in the group of Seniors at church...most of my friends had already graduated and were moving on in life...I began to grow bitter towards the kids in my class, thinking that it was, "their fault," that I did not fit in...that they were not including me in things, and that they were not seeking me out...
Well...the Lord began to reveal just how proud my attitude was...through my Mom :)
She began to ask me questions about why I was uncomfortable in the group...but, to my surprise :), she didn't tell me that it was ok that I was angry...lol...she told me that I needed to "jump in," and participate more in what was going on in the group, that I needed to look for the outsiders in the group to make them feel welcome.....however, it was not until our youthgroup Christmas party about three months later that the Lord began to change my heart...
And, by the grace of God, my pride and bitterness were slowly stripped away...I can honestly say now, that I am so grateful for all of the Seniors that I graduated with...they are so fun to hang out with...and I am grateful that the Lord changed my heart... and filled me with His joy in exchange for my own bitter heart...

2008-01-06T00:13:00.000-05:00

Morning and Evening By Charles H. Spurgeon
January 6th a.m.
"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7
It is a happy way of soothing sorrow when we can feel-'HE careth for me.' Christian! do not dishonour religion by always wearing a brow of care; come, cast your burden upon your Lord.You are staggering beneath a weight which your Father would notfeel. What seems to you a crushing burden, would be to Him but as the small dust of the balance.
Nothing is so sweet as to'Lie passive in God's hands,And know no will but His.'
O child of suffering, be thou patient; God has not passed thee over in His providence. He who is the feeder of sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Sit not down in despair; hope on, hope ever. Take up the arms of faith against a sea of trouble, and your opposition shall yet end your distresses. There is One who careth for you. His eye is fixed on you, His heart beats with pity for your woe, and his hand omnipotent shall yet bring you the needed help.
The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers of mercy. The blackest gloom shall give place to the morning. He, if thou art one of His family, will bind up thy wounds, and heal thy broken heart. Doubt not His grace because of thy tribulation, but believe that He loveth thee as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness. What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence!
With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. If God cares for you, why need you care too? Can you trust Him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, He has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul! have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God.

Waiting....for JESUS

2007-12-27T22:27:00.000-05:00

Hi friends! Today, the Lord has impressed on me...yet again...the topic of waiting. Waiting, because I see many of my friends in a "special friendship"-something I do not yet have :) Goodness...it is so easy to become discouraged! Yet I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord has GOOD plans for me...

I was talking with a dear friend who was visiting from out of town, and he said that the Lord showed him a deeper heart issue (in his life) in the process of waiting. He told me that the Lord revealed that he was fearful...fearful that when his life came to an end...it would be just, "Jesus and me"....without a girl in the picture. He also told me that God began to work on his heart...so that he would find complete satisfaction in Jesus.........
I have gotten into the habit of saying to myself that I want marriage...because I want someone to love me, cherish me, and treasure me...but when I really look at my heart...I can see an ulterior motive. It would seem that I don't just want to be loved, but I am fearful that if I were to remain single that His love wouldn't be enough...that he couldn't sustain me and be my lover...and treasure me even more than any man ever could...
It grieves my heart that I do not see Jesus as the "Only thing that will satisfy me," I know the truth of His love...but sometimes I am prone to doubt His faithfulness...So, I have been crying out to the Lord, "Help me to be satisified in YOU alone, Lord....Help me to know the depth of YOUR LOVE for me..."and I KNOW He will be faithful to bring me joy and satisfaction in Him...He is a faithful God!!

2007-12-24T11:40:00.000-05:00

Hello friends!! Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Don't forget to keep Jesus at the center of your focus...HE is the reason we celebrate!
Consider the words of this song as you celebrate this Christmas...

Let us join with the angel voices

Let us join their happy song

All of heaven and earth rejoices

For the Lamb of God has come

He has come to rescue sinners

Come to meet our desperate need

He was born to bring forgiveness

Born for Calvary

Alleluia, Hope has come

Alleluia, Christ has come

We once were slaves in misery

Till You appeared and set us free

Alleluia, Hope has come

Let us lay our gifts before Him

Let us magnify His Name

With our thankful hearts adore Him

For the Lord has come to save

He has come to break sin’s power

He has come to set us free

Hope was born that glorious hour

Christ the mighty King

(Sovereign Grace Ministries)

Reflection

2007-12-21T23:12:00.000-05:00

Tonight I am reflecting on the goodness of the Lord to me...

God has sent His Son, Jesus to be the propitiation for my sins
I have been given a loving family, with two wonderful parents
The Lord has provided me with godly friends who speak the truth to me in love
I have been blessed with a church who's main focus is the Gospel of Jesus Christ
My Caregroup from church is full of people who LOVE the Lord
I have a home and food and clothes
God has provided me with a job that I enjoy :)
I have enough money to pay for tuition in the spring..so i will not be taking out a loan :)

And these are not even scratching the surface...

The verse that the Lord brought to mind as I was typing this is:

"But I trust in Your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me." Psalm 13:5-6

What a faithful, kind and generous God! I am eternally grateful for all that He has blessed me with...

So friend, as you have read some of the things that I am thankful for...what are some things that you are thankful to God for? How can you give thanks to Him in this Christmas season?

God worked it for my good

2007-12-19T00:24:00.000-05:00

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Recently the Lord has been showing me that nothing is out of His grasp...He is indeed orchestrating every detail of my life...and is using circumstances to draw me closer to Himself. I can recall times in the past when I would ask God why he would allow a particular thing to happen, and now I can look back and say: "Lord, that was indeed a difficult time...but You worked it for my good." I still remember-like it was yesterday-when my sweet puppy got run over by a car...by my friend's mom. I was only ten at the time, but I can revisit that tragic moment-in my head- even now as if it were a movie playing the same scene over and over. I was devastated. It seemed as though God did not care... but how kind of the Lord to begin to soften my heart later that afternoon of the same day...by the grace of God, I was able to call my friend's mom and tell her that I forgave her.............

I will not lie-it was a difficult time in the following days. I cried myself to sleep on several nights...but the Lord worked that situation for my good. Looking back, I see that the Lord was teaching me a hard lesson in forgiveness...that he was demonstrating how life is in His hand...and that at any moment He could choose to take it away...and I believe He was also teaching me how the body of Christ should function (i had so many people pray for comfort for me, send me cards, encourage me in person..it was wonderful).

God sometimes chooses to use circumstances in our lives that we do not always understand...but He promises to use them for our good. Though it has not always been always easy for me, I can say with confidence that the Lord is my help...He gives me grace to walk through trials, and He works EVERY circumstance for my good.

How about you, friend? Are you experiencing a trial? Do you have faith to believe that God can bring good from it? Be encouraged! Your heavenly Father sees your trouble...you are not going unnoticed (Remember that not even a sparrow falls without His knowledge)...You are held in the everlasting arms...Know that your Father in Heaven will bring good from this bad that you are experiencing.

Done with school!

2007-12-17T16:49:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! It has been a few days...I am now finished with school for the semester. My last final was today. I am hoping (smile) to have some more time to write on this blog in the next few weeks...but as with any season, I know that it too will be busy!
Thank you to Ashley, Maggie and Robin for commenting on my blog...I have enjoyed all of the thoughts and encouragement that you have had to offer!
Blessings to all who will read this...may you experience the joy of the Savior in this Christmas season... Rebekah

2007-12-13T09:02:00.000-05:00

Well, my last blog was about finding fulfillment in the Lord...today I want to talk about contentment. In my own life, I find that contentment means: being grateful for where the Lord has me today. Not looking back to what I did have or even what the Lord might bring next, but being thankful for today. Easier said than done, right? Well, when I become wishful for anything that is not in the Lord's plan for me today...(getting married, for example :) something that helps me to put my focus back on the Lord is to begin thanking Him. I love to thank Him for dying on the cross for me...for giving me eternal life, for giving me wonderful parents and a brother and two sisters. I love to thank Him for the opportunities that I have as a single woman- that I may or may not have when I am married-because I am responsible to care for my husband.
What are some things in your life that you are grateful for? How has the Lord blessed you TODAY?

Waiting...and our desires as women

2007-12-11T23:20:00.000-05:00

As I write this blog, I am aware of my need for grace. This is a touchy subject for many young women...the topic of waiting!! Waiting for the man you will marry...Does just hearing those words bring pain to your heart and a groan to your lips? Well, dear friends, it shouldn't...Now don't hear what I am NOT saying...I am not saying that it is not difficult to wait on the Lord, but that is not the issue...the issue is, are you finding joy in an intimate relationship with your Savior? Or are you so distracted by "waiting for the perfect man to show up"? I would challenge you, as the Lord has been challenging me lately, to find joy and satisfaction in Jesus Christ. He is the only Perfect One...only Jesus can meet every need, satisfy every one of your deepest desires...quench the need for love that we all desire and crave as women. He sees your anxiety and concern for your future...and He says...Delight yourself in ME, and I will give you the desires of your heart.... (psalms) He will fulfill your desires...no that does not always mean that he gives us what we want, but it does mean that if we delight ourselves in Him, that our desires will be fulfilled in Him, by Him...not by the love of men that we so desperately desire.
Delight yourselves in the LORD, dear sisters...and He will give you the desires of your heart...

2007-12-11T07:04:00.000-05:00

"Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2
Friends, let us always be prepared to share the Gospel with the one who asks for the hope that is in us. Let us also have a "Gospel mindset;" when we are going throughout our day. This means that we should constantly be open to where the Holy Spirit may lead us to share the Good News.....
I challenge you to think about where the Lord has placed you in relation to non-believers...are you being faithful to proclaim the word of salvation? If you are not, how can you practically begin to make changes in your life?
Some of the ways I have been thinking of practically sharing the love of Christ:
1. Asking the Wal-Mart cashier if I can pray for her for something specific
2. Asking the waiter or waitress at our table if there is anything we can pray
for them when we say the blessing for our food. (This was my pastor's
idea :)
3. Asking a classmate how their day is going...then listen carefully and offer
to pray if the Holy Spirit leads

No matter what way you share the Gospel, the key is that you are being faithful to share. The Lord will honor your faithfulness and willingness to proclaim the Gospel...and He will give you opportunities to share if you ask Him!

Evangelism

2007-12-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

The Gospel is my passion! Oh, that many would turn to Jesus for forgiveness...that is my desire! It greives me to know that people are dying and going to eternal hell- even at this moment. What I wouldn't give to see my friends at Tidewater Community College, repent and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ!
Recently, the Lord has given me a burden to share the Gospel with my friends at TCC. It is amazing, because the Lord has provided those opportunities as I have asked to be used by Him. The most recent experience was with a guy in the cafeteria during lunch. I don't remember exactly what started the conversation, but in the middle of it, he blurted out,

"well, I know I am going to Hell."

"Oh?" I responded. "Why do you say that?"

"Because I have done some pretty bad things." He answered.

"It doesn't have to be that way." I said. "I know I am going to heaven."

"Well that's a pretty big claim!" He exclaimed, disbelievingly....

..........The Lord really blessed that conversation because I was able to explain to him why I am going to Heaven-that it is only because of Jesus Christ that I am able to spend eternity with God. The end result was that we both had classes to be at, so we couldn't talk any more, but Lord-willing there was a seed planted in his heart. I pray that I may one day see him in heaven!

Hello friends!

2007-12-10T16:19:00.000-05:00

Hello to all who happen upon this blog....I am delighted to have even one moment of your time... :) The Scripture says to: "exhort one another daily, as long as it is called 'today,' lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13) My prayer, friends, is that you may be encouraged in your walk with the Lord as you are reading.