"Llename de ti--no hay nada que yo quiera sino tu perfecto amor--
la vida de tu espiritu en mi--yo quiero mas y mas de ti mi Dios"...
or if that just looks like a bunch of gobble-de-gook--
"Fill me with You--there is nothing that I want more than Your
perfect love--the life of Your Spirit in me--I want more and more
of you, my God."
This song brought me to tears and reminded me tonight of a time
when God was pouring out His love through beautiful, beautiful Spanish
music. I usually try not to get too emotional but Spanish music is very
expressive by nature, and when hundreds of people praise God together
without pride and inhibition in a beautiful flowing language, it's
amazing and humbling!
I am learning that Jesus is so passionate about us, and He is
ecstatic when we return that love...He wants His Spirit to flow
through all parts of our lives, including our emotions...He made them,
after all.
I don't naturally always really want more and more of God--sometimes
it seems like a lot of work! But God's life in me really does want more!
Allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work is completely humbling because
it's not me at all--it happens in spite of me, and He allows me to participate.
Like reading all these wonderful blog postings--it's amazing how God
is speaking and loving through everyone!
Love, Lisa G.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
I Have Plans For You
The other day Cammie asked me for my favorite verse and at first I was like, which one do I choose, but then Jeremiah 29:11 hit me. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I really do love this verse and since then I have been thinking about it a lot.
Isn’t it reassuring to know that our future is laid out for us by our heavenly Father. It makes me just step back in awe and wonder. Especially when I look back at where Rick and I were a year ago or even two years ago. We have been blessed in so many ways and I can’t thank Him enough for everything. He gave us life. Starting with the life of my husband. I watched Rick fall from a roof and could easily have seen his life end. And because of that fall we came to know our Lord and were given a new life in him. And through obedience we have seen another life when our son Maxson was born. I would have never thought all these plans were in front of me at the time. God is so amazing.
Love Steph S
Isn’t it reassuring to know that our future is laid out for us by our heavenly Father. It makes me just step back in awe and wonder. Especially when I look back at where Rick and I were a year ago or even two years ago. We have been blessed in so many ways and I can’t thank Him enough for everything. He gave us life. Starting with the life of my husband. I watched Rick fall from a roof and could easily have seen his life end. And because of that fall we came to know our Lord and were given a new life in him. And through obedience we have seen another life when our son Maxson was born. I would have never thought all these plans were in front of me at the time. God is so amazing.
Love Steph S
When You Serve, Who Are You Blessing?
Here is a short story taken for a book I am reading:
There it was. The suitcase. Standing at the top of the basement stairs. The very sight of it made her angry. Her husband had just returned from a business trip and had left the suitcase sitting there, assuring her that very soon he would take it downstairs and put it away.
A week later the suitcase was still there. Because the laundry room was in the basement, she was forced to step over the suitcase time and again as she did the laundry. Before long, the way she treated her husband was directly related to the number of times she stepped over the suitcase. It was the middle of January, and outside the temperature was dropping rapidly. Inside, it was plummeting as well.
One day she decided to move the suitcase. No, she didn't take it downstairs and put it away. Helping was the last thing on her mind. Instead, she carried it into their bedroom and put it in the middle of the floor where her husband walked, effectively blocking his path to the bed. Now he would see firsthand how irritating it was to arrange one's life around a misplaced suitcase.
She returned to the kitchen expecting to feel a certain amount of satisfaction and relief. She felt neither. Nor did she feel the least bit smug. What she felt was an overwhelming sense of sadness and grief. She knew her husband had not intentionally left the suitcase out; he had simply forgotten about it. Yet even knowing that, she clung to her "right" to feel offended and hostile.
She stood in the kitchen and thought about the suitcase. Had it belonged to guests, she would have happily taken it from their hands and insisted on putting it away herself. So why, she wondered, was she unwilling to help her husband in the same way? Why was it so much easier to serve others than it was to serve him? She took a good long look at herself and didn't like what she saw. No wonder she felt grieved. Something needed to change, all right, and it had nothing at all to do with the suitcase.
Philippians 2:1-8
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
As I read through all of this, I was struck by a thought. Probably a very simple thought that you have already thought before. But each time you do something for your spouse, whether it's picking up their shoes, making them dinner, folding their laundry, cleaning the shower, you are not only blessing them tremendously as their perfect helper, but you are blessing our heavenly father. So it's a blessing all around. We are blessed, our husbands are blessed and the Lord is...a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken... :-)
I found a great quote by Phillips Brooks, "Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully." Love is patient, love is kind...
IHS,
Cammie
There it was. The suitcase. Standing at the top of the basement stairs. The very sight of it made her angry. Her husband had just returned from a business trip and had left the suitcase sitting there, assuring her that very soon he would take it downstairs and put it away.
A week later the suitcase was still there. Because the laundry room was in the basement, she was forced to step over the suitcase time and again as she did the laundry. Before long, the way she treated her husband was directly related to the number of times she stepped over the suitcase. It was the middle of January, and outside the temperature was dropping rapidly. Inside, it was plummeting as well.
One day she decided to move the suitcase. No, she didn't take it downstairs and put it away. Helping was the last thing on her mind. Instead, she carried it into their bedroom and put it in the middle of the floor where her husband walked, effectively blocking his path to the bed. Now he would see firsthand how irritating it was to arrange one's life around a misplaced suitcase.
She returned to the kitchen expecting to feel a certain amount of satisfaction and relief. She felt neither. Nor did she feel the least bit smug. What she felt was an overwhelming sense of sadness and grief. She knew her husband had not intentionally left the suitcase out; he had simply forgotten about it. Yet even knowing that, she clung to her "right" to feel offended and hostile.
She stood in the kitchen and thought about the suitcase. Had it belonged to guests, she would have happily taken it from their hands and insisted on putting it away herself. So why, she wondered, was she unwilling to help her husband in the same way? Why was it so much easier to serve others than it was to serve him? She took a good long look at herself and didn't like what she saw. No wonder she felt grieved. Something needed to change, all right, and it had nothing at all to do with the suitcase.
Philippians 2:1-8
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
As I read through all of this, I was struck by a thought. Probably a very simple thought that you have already thought before. But each time you do something for your spouse, whether it's picking up their shoes, making them dinner, folding their laundry, cleaning the shower, you are not only blessing them tremendously as their perfect helper, but you are blessing our heavenly father. So it's a blessing all around. We are blessed, our husbands are blessed and the Lord is...a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken... :-)
I found a great quote by Phillips Brooks, "Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully." Love is patient, love is kind...
IHS,
Cammie
Monday, August 27, 2007
The Lord is good!!!
I read this at work today and it impacted me in so many ways and just wanted to pass it on to all of you. I can not think of anything else to say other than enjoy and He is GOOD!
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,"
Nahum 1:7
God Bless,
Rick
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,"
Nahum 1:7
God Bless,
Rick
Life, Eternity, And Jack Johnson
Most of you know i recently went through the loss of my grandpa, which was hard but mostly peaceful. One week prior at Wednesday night i prayed for peace, and God came through unbeleivably! I didn't feel anxious, stressed, or scared about anything, just a strange calm that only comes from the Spirit, and a bigger realization of eternity. Heaven is what were living for, this life is just an in-between step in the bigger picture. Our souls are eternal and that is mindblowing! It is strange to think of our life that we have in Jesus, that is our real life, that is what really matters. I had a conversation with Nate on sunday about the bizzar detatchment of soul from body. How everything we are, everything God made us to be, our personality, the life in our eyes, our movement, our mind, our soul leaves the flesh at death and embarks to Heaven. Everything we are is inside us in a very unexplainable way- all because of Jesus and how he made us. All the more it proves how Powerful God really is, and that He is our CREATOR! Then through all this comes new life, its all around us! Newborn babies, more on the way, more examples of Gods Power, love, and creation. Its also amazing how secular artists like jack johnson see this phenomon of life and can express it through song- whether or not they realize a master is behind it all-God only knows. Here is the lyrics from one of his songs called 'If I Could'
a brand new baby was born yesterday, just in time
Papa cried, baby cried, said your tears are like mine
I heard some words from a friend on the phone, didnt sound so good
the doctor gave him two weeks to live
Id give him more if i could
you know that i would now
if only i could
down the middle drops one more grain of sand
they say that new life makes losing life easier to understand
words are kind they help ease the mind, ill miss my old friend
and though youve got to go well keep a piece of your soul
one goes out, one comes in
you know that i would now
if only i could
Think about the eternal life that God gave us!
sara
a brand new baby was born yesterday, just in time
Papa cried, baby cried, said your tears are like mine
I heard some words from a friend on the phone, didnt sound so good
the doctor gave him two weeks to live
Id give him more if i could
you know that i would now
if only i could
down the middle drops one more grain of sand
they say that new life makes losing life easier to understand
words are kind they help ease the mind, ill miss my old friend
and though youve got to go well keep a piece of your soul
one goes out, one comes in
you know that i would now
if only i could
Think about the eternal life that God gave us!
sara
Mary, Mary. . .How Does Your Garden Grow?
We always know when Jesus is at work when He produces in the commonplace something that is inspiring. ~ Oswald Chambers
It is wonderful how God gives us revelation in the commonplaces of our lives! A couple of weeks ago, I spent 14 some hours raking, pruning, thrashing, hauling, and pulling weeds. As I was working, I had time to meditate about my Christian walk with God.
Am I taking care of my garden? Is the ground dry and parched? Am I getting rid of the weeds in my life? Am I continuing to keep the ground soft and rich and letting Living Water flow through it? What am I planting in my garden? Am I fertilizing the soil? Is the brush so overgrown that it is choking out the beautiful flowers? Am I producing good fruit?
It is so easy to let our lives go. We must tend our garden daily. We cannot think that once we become a Christian, then that is all we have to do. We must tend to it daily so that our lives will bear good fruit. We have been given the gift of life through Jesus Christ. Will we take care of our precious gift? Will we cultivate it, display it, shout it, share it, live it?
I am so glad that Jesus is working in my life and allowing me to see His love and know Him in commonplaces!
Love,
Jo
Friday, August 24, 2007
Dear Church,
Because of Jesus you guys are amazing. Today I had a great talk with my boss and he is starting to see what is really important while we are on this Earth. Thank you for praying. Our Lord is so, so amazing how he uses people who have no idea who they are praying for but still are effective in His Kingdom. It should inject confidence into our faith and make us lurch forward to pray for other churches and cities and states and countries. Not to mention those alone in nursing home beds and
those sleeping in their urine downtown. I just want to thank you for being available to God's calling. When I sit with you in church on Sunday I will thank God for each and every one of you. I am blessed to have your sweet smiles and humble demeanor available to me. Thanks again for my boss prayers. Doug.
those sleeping in their urine downtown. I just want to thank you for being available to God's calling. When I sit with you in church on Sunday I will thank God for each and every one of you. I am blessed to have your sweet smiles and humble demeanor available to me. Thanks again for my boss prayers. Doug.
Every Morning, Every Day
Let me quote an except from Rick Warren (author of Purpose Driven Life) interview with Paul Bradshaw. This is a message that we cannot hear too often.
This echoes the same message that Zach gives us every week.
"We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes [for my life]?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.
That's why we're called human beings, not human doings."
Amen!
Love,
Jo
To read the entire interview:
jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/17175.htm
This echoes the same message that Zach gives us every week.
"We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes [for my life]?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.
That's why we're called human beings, not human doings."
Amen!
Love,
Jo
To read the entire interview:
jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/17175.htm
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Being "Proskartereo" in Prayer
Proskartereo is the Greek work for faithful, it implies "intensification of strength and persistent devotion."
In Romans 12:12 Paul writes, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
As Zach taught on faithfulness on Sunday he said faithfulness is not "flighty, a fluke or a phase. It is a life of loyalty." Tonight let's take a look at our prayer life. Are we faithful in prayer? Or are we flighty; do we go through phases? I know for myself I will have a good 2 weeks where my communication with God is intensified with persistence. And I don't know what happens but it will drop off to be more flighty. This becomes so frustrating. Do any of you agree or experience the same circumstances? As I read the end of Zach's definition...it is a life of loyalty. My desire is to be loyal with prayer. As we've been taught through scripture, we can talk to God like He is our friend.
Tonight, I urge you to kneel before our Maker. Do your children come to you and say good night before they sleep? Do they awake in the morning and come to you with hugs and smiles ready for a new day? You are your children's maker (along with the Father of course). So just as much as we desire for our children to talk with us, the Lord desires that from us.
If you struggle with prayer, ask the Holy Spirit, who dwells in your richly, to teach you how to pray. Start with a simple Lord's prayer, Matthew 6:9-13. You will be blessed and the King will be honored!
You are called, chosen and FAITHFUL! (Revelation 17:4)
Let's seek unwavering loyalty in prayer!
Good night to our family at Hillside. We love you!
IHS,
Cammie
In Romans 12:12 Paul writes, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
As Zach taught on faithfulness on Sunday he said faithfulness is not "flighty, a fluke or a phase. It is a life of loyalty." Tonight let's take a look at our prayer life. Are we faithful in prayer? Or are we flighty; do we go through phases? I know for myself I will have a good 2 weeks where my communication with God is intensified with persistence. And I don't know what happens but it will drop off to be more flighty. This becomes so frustrating. Do any of you agree or experience the same circumstances? As I read the end of Zach's definition...it is a life of loyalty. My desire is to be loyal with prayer. As we've been taught through scripture, we can talk to God like He is our friend.
Tonight, I urge you to kneel before our Maker. Do your children come to you and say good night before they sleep? Do they awake in the morning and come to you with hugs and smiles ready for a new day? You are your children's maker (along with the Father of course). So just as much as we desire for our children to talk with us, the Lord desires that from us.
If you struggle with prayer, ask the Holy Spirit, who dwells in your richly, to teach you how to pray. Start with a simple Lord's prayer, Matthew 6:9-13. You will be blessed and the King will be honored!
You are called, chosen and FAITHFUL! (Revelation 17:4)
Let's seek unwavering loyalty in prayer!
Good night to our family at Hillside. We love you!
IHS,
Cammie
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Who's Helping Who??
I wanted to let you all know that I have been very fortunate to have a helper that has indeed been very helpful.
I have been thanked and blessed for having Jesse work with me and how much it is appreciated by many. I thank you all very much for them, but, I don't believe I am the one in need of thanks. I will thank all of you for being our friends and family who have helped me to see the true direction of my life and bring me here to meet all of you and Jesse.
I help Jesse learn in ways of building and moulding of inanimate objects, and dreams for some, but I ask you... who's helping who??
Jesse has been a pillar of strength for me in my world of disappointment and neglect. I speak of the "REAL WORLD". I have been getting beaten over and over by many close and not so close since making a decision to go on my own. I still believe it was a good decision. But, on the days I get beaten the worst, I am fortunate to know that my family is there waiting no matter the beating. I am also grateful for having Jesse at the helm for listening and ministering to me in those times. I find it odd that a man of nearly half my age, (I know I'm old) has the knowledge and understanding of men nearly twice MY age. It really helps me wind down before I get home and not hold on to all the aggressions that would normally be there from the lack of professionalism I am forced upon daily.
I am not the best in communications with my family, but I am getting better, and stronger in my faith due to one person who I believe is here to take care of me so that I can better take care of myself and family.
WHO'S HELPING WHO?? I believe I have the good end of the stick on this one.
Thank You,
Brian Hylland
I have been thanked and blessed for having Jesse work with me and how much it is appreciated by many. I thank you all very much for them, but, I don't believe I am the one in need of thanks. I will thank all of you for being our friends and family who have helped me to see the true direction of my life and bring me here to meet all of you and Jesse.
I help Jesse learn in ways of building and moulding of inanimate objects, and dreams for some, but I ask you... who's helping who??
Jesse has been a pillar of strength for me in my world of disappointment and neglect. I speak of the "REAL WORLD". I have been getting beaten over and over by many close and not so close since making a decision to go on my own. I still believe it was a good decision. But, on the days I get beaten the worst, I am fortunate to know that my family is there waiting no matter the beating. I am also grateful for having Jesse at the helm for listening and ministering to me in those times. I find it odd that a man of nearly half my age, (I know I'm old) has the knowledge and understanding of men nearly twice MY age. It really helps me wind down before I get home and not hold on to all the aggressions that would normally be there from the lack of professionalism I am forced upon daily.
I am not the best in communications with my family, but I am getting better, and stronger in my faith due to one person who I believe is here to take care of me so that I can better take care of myself and family.
WHO'S HELPING WHO?? I believe I have the good end of the stick on this one.
Thank You,
Brian Hylland
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Please say a prayer for my boss
He loves God but is tied up in thoughts of what can "he" do to solve his hurdles. He is a good man with a good heart but talks about his baggage constantly. Pray he will see the freedom that God offers. Pray that God will work through our discussions and bring him to his knees in surrender. Thanks for being there church!
Doug.
Doug.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Will you welcome with arms wide open?
After a rough week last week with work I have this week of to work on the farm and spend time with family. I was down in the fields helping my mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jack and Cindy, move irrigation. We had one more set of pipe to move and Jack asked me to go get the new dry cows and take them down to all of the other dry cows that are out on pasture. A dry cow is a cow that is getting a couple of month break before she has a baby. Part of the reason I got to go up is because of the rain and Jack knows how much I like to ride like a mad man on the four-wheeler through the mud.
Well I went and got the four cows. One was black and white, one was a fawn color, another was red and white and the last one was brown. All four were different sizes and a little different shaped. The group of cows that I put them in with was on the other side of the field when I turned them in. After turning them loose I went to pick up Jack and Cindy. I did not get to give them a ride back. Jack drove; I think this might have something to with the cookie I spun in front of them on the four-wheeler. Well this gave me a chance to reflect on the day and look around at the farm on our way back to the barns. I looked out at the field that I just added cows to. All of the cows that were in the field first came over to the other side of the field to great the new cows. I have seen this happen every time new cows are added to a group and have never thought about how amazing this was. It never matters what color, age, size or health, it is simple, there were newcomers to this group and they came to welcome them. When was the last time you saw a newcomer at church and gave them this type of greeting? This was a group of 30 cows that are between 7 and 8.5 months pregnant and they trucked it clear across the field to say hi, are you willing to suffer through some discomfort or sacrifice something else to welcome someone? I know that I am guilty of not greeting newcomers when they have arrived at Hillside. I have from time to time, but not every time. I urge all of us that as we see newcomers to welcome them with arms wide open. Not just once in awhile, but every time!
God Bless,
Rick
Well I went and got the four cows. One was black and white, one was a fawn color, another was red and white and the last one was brown. All four were different sizes and a little different shaped. The group of cows that I put them in with was on the other side of the field when I turned them in. After turning them loose I went to pick up Jack and Cindy. I did not get to give them a ride back. Jack drove; I think this might have something to with the cookie I spun in front of them on the four-wheeler. Well this gave me a chance to reflect on the day and look around at the farm on our way back to the barns. I looked out at the field that I just added cows to. All of the cows that were in the field first came over to the other side of the field to great the new cows. I have seen this happen every time new cows are added to a group and have never thought about how amazing this was. It never matters what color, age, size or health, it is simple, there were newcomers to this group and they came to welcome them. When was the last time you saw a newcomer at church and gave them this type of greeting? This was a group of 30 cows that are between 7 and 8.5 months pregnant and they trucked it clear across the field to say hi, are you willing to suffer through some discomfort or sacrifice something else to welcome someone? I know that I am guilty of not greeting newcomers when they have arrived at Hillside. I have from time to time, but not every time. I urge all of us that as we see newcomers to welcome them with arms wide open. Not just once in awhile, but every time!
God Bless,
Rick
Friday, August 17, 2007
The Engagement
Last night I heard a wonderful analogy about our relationship to Jesus that I thought was worthy of passing on.(Thanks Jamie) =) How many of you remember your engagment to your spouse? Remember how excited you were? Remember all the time you spent preparing for the big day? I remember being giddy and goofy in excitment and anticipation. Ladies, remember looking for hours in bride magazines? My heart is light and overjoyed when I think about it. Well. . . we, as the bride of Christ, are engaged to our Lord Jesus right now! Why shouldn't we be even more excited about this engagement than our engagement to our spouse? We should be preparing for the big Wedding Feast of meeting Jesus face to face today, right now! If we could spend hours and hours and months and months preparing for our physical wedding, how much more should we prepare ourselves for our spiritual wedding? And as Lisa pointed out, we should be inviting others to come to the wedding feast, just like you sent out invitations to your own. So get ecstatic!!!! You're engaged to the King of Kings!!!!!!!!!! WOW! What a privelege and honor, cherish it!
"The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, "Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!" All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the other, 'Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' But the others replied, "We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves." But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast and locked the door." Matthew 25:1-10
Are you preparing for your wedding feast to Jesus? Will you be ready when he comes?
In Him,
Jocelyn
"The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, "Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!" All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the other, 'Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' But the others replied, "We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves." But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast and locked the door." Matthew 25:1-10
Are you preparing for your wedding feast to Jesus? Will you be ready when he comes?
In Him,
Jocelyn
Thursday, August 16, 2007
"...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
One of our greatest roles as a Christian is to be an intercessor, a person who intervenes or prays for another person. I was reading tonight about marriage and the amazing gift we have been given, to go before the Almighty King and petition or plea on our husband or wive's behalf. I read a great quote..."What we accomplish on our knees in the invisible realm will ultimately affect the strength of our marriage in the visible realm."
We, as Christians, are called the "Bride" of Christ. We are walking examples of the heavenly relationship between Jesus and those who believe His name. This can be a beautiful thing! But,there is someone who wants to destroy that beautiful thing...Satan. In John 10:10 it says, the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..." His desire is to destroy the God-ordained and designed marriage. He began this work in the garden and he is using the same tactics today. He isn't too creative, but he is very effective as he breaks down families one by one, starting at the top with husbands and wives.
How many times do we fail to see the enemy's hand in our marriages? The struggle is not against flesh and blood... The next time we have a conflict with our husband/wife, let's stop for a moment and ask ourselves who the real enemy is. The battle surrounds us and we are unable to see it.
If you have a chance, read the story in 2 Kings 6:8-17. The prophet Elisha intercedes for his servant. There is a battle waging war, the king of Aram sends horses and chariots to surround Elisha. When the sun came up, Elisha's servant sees that they are surrounded and he's frightened. He asks Elisha what they should do. Elisha answers, "Don't be afraid...those who are with us are more than those who are with them." In verse 17 Elisha prays, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. And they were safe!
You and I serve the same mighty King of Kings! When there is a battle waging within our marriage, or any other relationship for that matter, we must take a step back and ask who the real enemy is. We have the same power to intercede. And although we cannot see God's hands in the flesh, He sends His warring angels to fight on our behalf. Amen!
When we are praying and reading the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit, the enemy can have no foothold. Satan loves it when we spend our time worrying, doubting, stressed, arguing, critical, etc. As much as there is an enemy, there is also our God who says..."I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
IHS,
Cammie
We, as Christians, are called the "Bride" of Christ. We are walking examples of the heavenly relationship between Jesus and those who believe His name. This can be a beautiful thing! But,there is someone who wants to destroy that beautiful thing...Satan. In John 10:10 it says, the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..." His desire is to destroy the God-ordained and designed marriage. He began this work in the garden and he is using the same tactics today. He isn't too creative, but he is very effective as he breaks down families one by one, starting at the top with husbands and wives.
How many times do we fail to see the enemy's hand in our marriages? The struggle is not against flesh and blood... The next time we have a conflict with our husband/wife, let's stop for a moment and ask ourselves who the real enemy is. The battle surrounds us and we are unable to see it.
If you have a chance, read the story in 2 Kings 6:8-17. The prophet Elisha intercedes for his servant. There is a battle waging war, the king of Aram sends horses and chariots to surround Elisha. When the sun came up, Elisha's servant sees that they are surrounded and he's frightened. He asks Elisha what they should do. Elisha answers, "Don't be afraid...those who are with us are more than those who are with them." In verse 17 Elisha prays, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. And they were safe!
You and I serve the same mighty King of Kings! When there is a battle waging within our marriage, or any other relationship for that matter, we must take a step back and ask who the real enemy is. We have the same power to intercede. And although we cannot see God's hands in the flesh, He sends His warring angels to fight on our behalf. Amen!
When we are praying and reading the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit, the enemy can have no foothold. Satan loves it when we spend our time worrying, doubting, stressed, arguing, critical, etc. As much as there is an enemy, there is also our God who says..."I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
IHS,
Cammie
More Than I Can Be
“You raise me up to more than I can be.”
God has brought me higher than the place I only dreamed or hoped to be. It was only when God saw the attentive sincerity in me that He began to transform me. It was only when I left my suitcase at the carousel without looking back. How many times did I keep looking back? I had to put my own blinders on.
As I changed, the world around me seemed to change. I started to feel the love inside and around me. I am rich. My life is full. Inside I am jumping up and down. I feel like shouting. The beauty of it all is there is so much more that God has for me. I have just begun to live the way the God had intended. I have just begun to tap into the Holy Spirit. I have just begun to be more than I can be.
I am learning how. . . and last night, I became convicted to be bold. Asking, Seeking, and Knocking. If you really want to be filled with Living Water then you cannot be nonchalant about it. It’s not Ask, ask, ask. It is ASK, SEEK, KNOCK. Persisting, persevering, engaging, unrelenting, continual.
Think about when you were a child and really, really needed something from your mom. Did you just leave a note for your mom on the counter and walk away? No, you went looking for her. You checked all the rooms in the house. But you didn’t stop there. You RAN outside all around the yard, checked the garage to see if the car was still there. You asked your brothers and sisters if they had seen her. You called out her name. You know the scenario.
How can God pour out his goodness if you are not serious and actively pursue Him? Am I just going to write a note and post it in my Bible. No, I think not. There is nothing more important in life than to have more of God. I must Ask, Seek, Knock. and never stop. I must boldly engage. Will you?
The Lord does not hang up on you, but you still need to keep calling.
Thank you God!
Jo
God has brought me higher than the place I only dreamed or hoped to be. It was only when God saw the attentive sincerity in me that He began to transform me. It was only when I left my suitcase at the carousel without looking back. How many times did I keep looking back? I had to put my own blinders on.
As I changed, the world around me seemed to change. I started to feel the love inside and around me. I am rich. My life is full. Inside I am jumping up and down. I feel like shouting. The beauty of it all is there is so much more that God has for me. I have just begun to live the way the God had intended. I have just begun to tap into the Holy Spirit. I have just begun to be more than I can be.
I am learning how. . . and last night, I became convicted to be bold. Asking, Seeking, and Knocking. If you really want to be filled with Living Water then you cannot be nonchalant about it. It’s not Ask, ask, ask. It is ASK, SEEK, KNOCK. Persisting, persevering, engaging, unrelenting, continual.
Think about when you were a child and really, really needed something from your mom. Did you just leave a note for your mom on the counter and walk away? No, you went looking for her. You checked all the rooms in the house. But you didn’t stop there. You RAN outside all around the yard, checked the garage to see if the car was still there. You asked your brothers and sisters if they had seen her. You called out her name. You know the scenario.
How can God pour out his goodness if you are not serious and actively pursue Him? Am I just going to write a note and post it in my Bible. No, I think not. There is nothing more important in life than to have more of God. I must Ask, Seek, Knock. and never stop. I must boldly engage. Will you?
The Lord does not hang up on you, but you still need to keep calling.
Thank you God!
Jo
In times of crisis...
I find it hard to pray. I can't find words. Through out this recent crisis with Kyle's birth-mother, I talked to God daily, but struggled to be coherent or even to ask for help. Even though I struggled, verses would pop into my head and I could get my mental balance for a little while. Here are just a couple of those verses:
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation
Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10a NLT
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT
Jesus fought off the devil in the desert with Bible verses. It's the only way to do so. I do not read my Bible every day and yet God has still hidden his word in my heart and it came back to help my in my times of trouble. Becca
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation
Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10a NLT
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT
Jesus fought off the devil in the desert with Bible verses. It's the only way to do so. I do not read my Bible every day and yet God has still hidden his word in my heart and it came back to help my in my times of trouble. Becca
What a difference a day can make...
No matter which side of the bed you woke up on today there is great hope! Whether your day is going south or promisingly north, consider this:
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
1. Has He heard your voice this morning?
2. Have you brought your requests to Him, and left them there?
3. Are you expectant that He will answer?
4. Have you resolved yourself to wait on Him without worry or anxiousness?
I believe the our answers will provide an accurate forecast for the day.
Trust Him. Be expectant. Enjoy God.
IHS
Zach
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
1. Has He heard your voice this morning?
2. Have you brought your requests to Him, and left them there?
3. Are you expectant that He will answer?
4. Have you resolved yourself to wait on Him without worry or anxiousness?
I believe the our answers will provide an accurate forecast for the day.
Trust Him. Be expectant. Enjoy God.
IHS
Zach
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Dear Church
The words I will express will never match the feelings I have experienced this past two weeks. You people have made this man, for the first time in his life, feel part of a congregation like I have never felt before. I have had so, so many phone calls and so, so, so many text messages it just finally dawned on me just how loved I am. And how blessed I am to be part of Hillside. This is my 7th operation in my life and every single time I went in alone and scared and without hope. I suppose it did glorify God because after I came out I thanked Him as I cried. But I did not have the strength to go in with the confidence in Him that I needed. Well you people held me up and held me up and held me up and held me up and held me up and prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed and phoned and texted and phoned and texted and held me up and prayed and on and on and on and on until I started feeling and seeing and experiencing yours and God's love grow and grow and grow and grow and grow until eventually I had the peace that passes all understanding. At least "my" understanding anyway. Like I said I had done this 6 times previous and it was always a cold, cold feeling. This time "all of us" walked into that
hospital full of God's confidence and the whole experience was just as God wants for everyone, as long as they pursue Him as Hillside did for me. I thank you for holding me up not only high but consistently and with love. I have never been so proud (in the best sense) to be part of a
group of people and congregation of God like I am now. Please continue to ask, seek and knock
on a regular basis so our church can continue to grow and we can make a difference in the churches in our communities as you have in mine. This kind of love is what God had in mind. I love you all and please, please call on me any time for any reason. Doug.
hospital full of God's confidence and the whole experience was just as God wants for everyone, as long as they pursue Him as Hillside did for me. I thank you for holding me up not only high but consistently and with love. I have never been so proud (in the best sense) to be part of a
group of people and congregation of God like I am now. Please continue to ask, seek and knock
on a regular basis so our church can continue to grow and we can make a difference in the churches in our communities as you have in mine. This kind of love is what God had in mind. I love you all and please, please call on me any time for any reason. Doug.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
More Camping Pictures...
I just uploaded these tonight. Too fun, I wanted to share! It was great to see many of you this morning. Thank you for being a part of the Hillside family! We love you!
IHS,
Cammie
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Psalm 17
Hear, O lord, my righteous plea;
listen to my cry.
Give ear to my prayer-
it does not rise from deceitful lips.
May my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.
Though you probe my heart and examine me at night,
though you test me, you will find nothing;
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
As for the deeds of men-
by the word of your lips
I have kept myself
from the ways of the violent.
My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Keep me as the apple of you eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance.
They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
They are like a lion hungry for prey,
like a great lion crouching in cover.
Rise up, O Lord, confront them, bring them down;
rescue me from the wicked by your sword.
O Lord, by your hand save me from such men,
from men of this world whose reward is in this life.
You still the hunger of those you cherish;
their sons have plenty,
and they store up wealth for their children.
And I- in righteous I will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
I went to this Psalm in prayer the other night and I thought I would share it with all of you. What joy we will have, when we see our Lord’s face. I can’t wait till that day. But until then we can rest in Him and know we are His.
Love Steph
listen to my cry.
Give ear to my prayer-
it does not rise from deceitful lips.
May my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.
Though you probe my heart and examine me at night,
though you test me, you will find nothing;
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
As for the deeds of men-
by the word of your lips
I have kept myself
from the ways of the violent.
My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Keep me as the apple of you eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance.
They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
They are like a lion hungry for prey,
like a great lion crouching in cover.
Rise up, O Lord, confront them, bring them down;
rescue me from the wicked by your sword.
O Lord, by your hand save me from such men,
from men of this world whose reward is in this life.
You still the hunger of those you cherish;
their sons have plenty,
and they store up wealth for their children.
And I- in righteous I will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
I went to this Psalm in prayer the other night and I thought I would share it with all of you. What joy we will have, when we see our Lord’s face. I can’t wait till that day. But until then we can rest in Him and know we are His.
Love Steph
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Text Messages
How important is your cell phone?
How important is your Bible?
Do you carry it around in your purse/pocket?
Do you flip through it several times a day?
Do you turn around and go back home if you forget it?
Do you use it to receive messages from the text?
Do you treat it like you couldn't live without it?
Do you use it when you travel?
Do you use it in case of an emergency?
Do you share your minutes?
Do you. . .? (I know that you can think of hundreds of other questions to ask yourself)
We pay to use our cell phones; if we do not, the service will be disconnected - and to top that off, we don't get service everywhere, all the time.
No matter how much we use our Bible, it is always available, the minutes are free and we get huge dividends.
Will you re-assess your priorities? I know, I will.
Forgive me Lord Jesus for not putting You first in everything,
Jo
A New Day...
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty
acts of him who called you out of darkness into his
marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9
May each of you be blessed today and lit up,
knowing that you are each sons and daughters of
the one true LIVING GOD! He is watching over each of us today.
May He be honored by what He sees in and through each of us.
May He be glorified today!
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory.
Selah
We love each of you!
IHS,Cammie
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The Gift
In answer to my husbands call for brothers to treat their wives as gifts, I ask my sisters, do we act as gifts from God to our husbands. I led a Bible study last year about this very subject. It was shortly after Rick had found that verse and he had told me about it. At the time I had thought how nice. The fullness of that verse didn’t hit me until a few days later when I woke up with a start. And the words “I AM A GIFT FOR MY HUSBAND” were ringing in my head loud and clear. I had never thought about my self as a gift from God to someone else. I felt and still feel so special. Sisters, have you ever thought of yourself as a gift that God gave to our husbands? Well, if you are anything like me once those words hit me, I became a little overwhelmed. I had many questions run through my head. Do I live up to that status of being a gift? Am I the wife that God has called me to be? Do I clothe myself with a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God? (1 Peter 3: 4) Do I trust God enough to accept the authority of my husband? (1 Peter 3:5) I try to be all these things everyday by doing the little things for my family. It isn’t easy and I know that I fall short on many occasions, but asking God in prayer, gives me what I need to do His will. Sisters, I too ask you to pray for me to always remember that I am a gift from God to Rick. I also ask you to pray for each other, as I will pray for you, to obey our Father in being the wives he has called us to be.
As for all my brothers and sisters, do you think of yourself as a gift? A gift for Jesus? We are His bride, waiting for Him to claim His gift. And to answer the question “are we worthy of being gift status?” The answer is yes. Of course, we can’t do it by ourselves. But through Christ it is possible.
He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. Ephesians 5:25-27
Love Steph
As for all my brothers and sisters, do you think of yourself as a gift? A gift for Jesus? We are His bride, waiting for Him to claim His gift. And to answer the question “are we worthy of being gift status?” The answer is yes. Of course, we can’t do it by ourselves. But through Christ it is possible.
He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. Ephesians 5:25-27
Love Steph
One body, many parts...
1 Corinthians vs12 -20 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free and were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were and ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, EVERY ONE OF THEM, JUST AS HE WANTED THEM TO BE. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts but one body....
Vs 27 - 31 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
Chapter 13 vs 1-4 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have the gift of faith that can move mountains, but do not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
There is no doubt that we are one Body in Christ. There is no doubt that each one of us is a part. There is no doubt that each one of us plays a significant role. We do not judge or value people or gifts as the world. Instead we understand that God authored and created His body, His church, to function in this present world as His body, His testimony, His hands and feet.
There is no doubt that God is doing a mighty thing at Hillside. Each one of you is a part of it. Some of us our timid but we are growing. Some of us are weary but we are gaining strength. Some of us have been hurt but we are healing. Some of us are full of doubt but we are being challenged. Some of us are uncertain of our role but we are learning. What a gift we have been given.
God has authored circumstances this week that will not only to strengthen and encourage Christian City Church but will do a great work in ours. God has arranged us just as He intended us for just such a time as this.
Please continue to unite in prayer and allow God to work all parts of the body together for His purpose!
IHS
Zach
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were and ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, EVERY ONE OF THEM, JUST AS HE WANTED THEM TO BE. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts but one body....
Vs 27 - 31 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
Chapter 13 vs 1-4 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have the gift of faith that can move mountains, but do not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
There is no doubt that we are one Body in Christ. There is no doubt that each one of us is a part. There is no doubt that each one of us plays a significant role. We do not judge or value people or gifts as the world. Instead we understand that God authored and created His body, His church, to function in this present world as His body, His testimony, His hands and feet.
There is no doubt that God is doing a mighty thing at Hillside. Each one of you is a part of it. Some of us our timid but we are growing. Some of us are weary but we are gaining strength. Some of us have been hurt but we are healing. Some of us are full of doubt but we are being challenged. Some of us are uncertain of our role but we are learning. What a gift we have been given.
God has authored circumstances this week that will not only to strengthen and encourage Christian City Church but will do a great work in ours. God has arranged us just as He intended us for just such a time as this.
Please continue to unite in prayer and allow God to work all parts of the body together for His purpose!
IHS
Zach
Brothers, how do you treat your wife?
“Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.” Ecclesiastes 9:9
Brothers when was the last time that you lived happily with your wife? I pray that we live happily with them every day. However, when was the last time you came home from work in a bad mood and was not the husband that you are called to be? How about that long commute that put you sideways and you were not yourself when you arrived home? Do you look at your wife as a reward or a gift that has been given to you by God? How do you treat your wife? Do you treat her with the love and respect that she so deserves? When I try to answer these questions for myself I can say yes most of the time. There are days that I can be somewhat of a bear to deal with. However, He does not say live happily most of the time. I am called to live happily with her all the time. Are you doing this in your marriage?
Before I was saved I did not realize the blessing that Steph was to me in my life. I new I had it good, but I did not realize that she was a reward for all the earthly toil that I put up with. There were times that I would come home in a bad mood and hardly speak to her or would be short with her. I would bring work home with me and not be the husband that I was called to be. I came across this verse a year or so ago and it has made me look at my marriage in a whole different light. Brothers I ask for your help in being lifted up in prayer that I can continue to remember this verse and look at the importance of it. I pray for you that you will see your wives for who they are and treat them accordingly. To my single brothers, I pray that you will someday have this very blessing I write about. Brothers today we need to take a stand and live happily with the blessings that we have been rewarded with and start to set examples for the young men in our lives.
God Bless,
Rick
Brothers when was the last time that you lived happily with your wife? I pray that we live happily with them every day. However, when was the last time you came home from work in a bad mood and was not the husband that you are called to be? How about that long commute that put you sideways and you were not yourself when you arrived home? Do you look at your wife as a reward or a gift that has been given to you by God? How do you treat your wife? Do you treat her with the love and respect that she so deserves? When I try to answer these questions for myself I can say yes most of the time. There are days that I can be somewhat of a bear to deal with. However, He does not say live happily most of the time. I am called to live happily with her all the time. Are you doing this in your marriage?
Before I was saved I did not realize the blessing that Steph was to me in my life. I new I had it good, but I did not realize that she was a reward for all the earthly toil that I put up with. There were times that I would come home in a bad mood and hardly speak to her or would be short with her. I would bring work home with me and not be the husband that I was called to be. I came across this verse a year or so ago and it has made me look at my marriage in a whole different light. Brothers I ask for your help in being lifted up in prayer that I can continue to remember this verse and look at the importance of it. I pray for you that you will see your wives for who they are and treat them accordingly. To my single brothers, I pray that you will someday have this very blessing I write about. Brothers today we need to take a stand and live happily with the blessings that we have been rewarded with and start to set examples for the young men in our lives.
God Bless,
Rick
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Elections and God's Will?
I was looking at the newspaper today and saw an article heading that read “Christians Divided Over Election”. When I saw this, my heart was heavy from the image that this sent. I started to think about how much as Christians we bicker about the issues. Whether it is which politician we should elect to office or how we should vote for ballot measures. How are we ever going to accomplish anything in this broken world if we cannot even come together on these issues? All to often the secular world sees that the Church cannot come together, so why would they want to be a part of this “organization”? We can answer for ourselves as we have seen God move in our very lives through the answer to prayer. What do you think would happen if people outside of the church started to see Him move in ways that they have never seen before? Is this possible? I believe this is so but it is only possible by being guided by Him.
How are we going to understand the will of the Lord? The answer is prayer. Just imagine a nation of Christians all on their knees praying and seeking God’s will. I cannot believe that God’s will for you and I is different in how we are to vote in the next election. Brothers and sisters I urge you tonight to start praying for the upcoming elections to seek God’s will in how we are to vote and for other Christians to start praying this very thing, so that we may see radical changes in this great nation that we live.
God Bless,
Rick
“…understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:17
How are we going to understand the will of the Lord? The answer is prayer. Just imagine a nation of Christians all on their knees praying and seeking God’s will. I cannot believe that God’s will for you and I is different in how we are to vote in the next election. Brothers and sisters I urge you tonight to start praying for the upcoming elections to seek God’s will in how we are to vote and for other Christians to start praying this very thing, so that we may see radical changes in this great nation that we live.
God Bless,
Rick
Monday, August 6, 2007
Do you listen to the song?
Lisa and I were talking about the camp out and your fun time Saturday night, which led her to ask me the question Zach had asked everyone around the campfire. What car best describes you? And the first thing that came to my mind was a tractor. I guess now everyone knows what a true farm girl I am. After answering that question I have been thinking about tractors and how they are like people. Ok, before you all think I have gone crazy, read on. Have any of you ever listened to different tractors? Living and working on my family farm has given me the chance to listen to lots of different tractors. And today the thought came to me, how each tractor has a different song. I can be sitting at home (which is most of the time now) with the window open and hear a tractor running on the farm and I know which one it is. Each of our tractors has a different sound. One pops, one clangs, one rattles, one gargles, one is loud and smooth and one is just loud; each making its own unique song. Isn’t that how people are, all unique in their song. How often do you stop and listen to another’s song? Sure we may find out the name and title of their song, but do we take the time to listen to the words of each verse of their heart? Then I thought about the verse of us being made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26) If we are made in the image of God, then each of our songs is a song of God. So if we listen to someone’s song we are listening to God’s song. Are we truly listening?
Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. Isaiah 55:3
Love,
Steph
Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. Isaiah 55:3
Love,
Steph
Bring what you have!
Our God is an awesome God!!!!!! Without a doubt He is the one true and LIVING God!
God is already doing amazing things through your obedience in prayer for Christian City Church. Tonight I received a call from Pastor Shane who was absolutely lit up and beyond grateful for your prayers.
In his words, "your church is truly touching heaven for us this week." Shane shared with me that their gathering on Sunday was amazing and that God is doing amazing things there already.
He called to say thank you and to encourage us to continue to pray as God is hearing and answering! What an amazing gift! PLEASE continue to persevere in prayer. We have no idea what God will do!
Tonight Scott and I met and as as we prayed we felt led to spur our body on to persevere in prayer and to sharpen our focus for encouraging this church.
As we prayed I could see each person of Hillside bringing what they had to offer as a gift to encourage the body of Christian City Church. It was beautiful to imagine every family this week spending time in prayer asking God to reveal what they could bring to encourage and bless His church! Imagine parents telling our children of a church full of God's people who need encouragement and praying with them about what they could bring as a gift to encourage those people...maybe a hand made card with their favorite scripture, maybe their favorite toy to share with a child at Christian City Church.
Imagine writing a letter to the women of Christian City Church encouraging them as wives, moms, mentors, teachers, friends.
Imagine writing a letter to the men encouraging them as husbands, fathers, leaders, and mentors.
Imagine sending a card with encouragement for a pastor who needs strength. Imagine encouraging his wife and kids. Imagine sending a gift certificate for a dinner date for Shane and Stacia.
Imagine writing a letter to the elders of Christian City spurring them on and encouraging them in their work.
Imagine framing a picture or poem that would bless the body. Imagine painting one!
Imagine sharing your favorite worship song with Aria their worship leader and giving her a card encouraging her to rest in the presence of God!
Imagine blessing them financially if God asks you to extend a gift of support for them.
Imagine filling a box or boxes with the best we can bring to strengthen and encourage the Bride of Christ at Christian City Church!!!!!!
PLEASE PRAY. PLEASE IMAGINE, DREAM, and OBEY GOD in this area! He is building our church up for a future of taking truth, inspiration and worship to the churches! Don't hold back! Don't be timid! If you have words share them! If you have songs share them! If you make flowers arrangements bring a bouquet for them! If you bake, bake for them!
Just be faithful and bring what you have! God is preparing to do a loaves and fishes miracle with what we bring. In giving I know that each one of you will be blessed. Trust me, when you reach up and touch heaven for someone else you will be changed.
Thank you for sharing in the excitement of what God is doing! Be creative! Pray and listen! Enjoy this week of dreaming and giving! And then...
Bring what you have on Sunday morning to church at our house (10am). We will pray, worship and decorate our poster board cards. Then we will take all of the gifts and love you have brought and deliver them to Christian City Church! What an amazing thing! I can't wait to see what God does through you this week!!!!!!! He will do more we can ask or imagine that is for sure!
We love you all and can't wait to see you!
Remember:
Wednesday night is a special night of prayer for Christian City Church. 7pm at our house. We will worship and seek God together.
Thank you!!! Enjoy God tonight!
IHS
Zach
God is already doing amazing things through your obedience in prayer for Christian City Church. Tonight I received a call from Pastor Shane who was absolutely lit up and beyond grateful for your prayers.
In his words, "your church is truly touching heaven for us this week." Shane shared with me that their gathering on Sunday was amazing and that God is doing amazing things there already.
He called to say thank you and to encourage us to continue to pray as God is hearing and answering! What an amazing gift! PLEASE continue to persevere in prayer. We have no idea what God will do!
Tonight Scott and I met and as as we prayed we felt led to spur our body on to persevere in prayer and to sharpen our focus for encouraging this church.
As we prayed I could see each person of Hillside bringing what they had to offer as a gift to encourage the body of Christian City Church. It was beautiful to imagine every family this week spending time in prayer asking God to reveal what they could bring to encourage and bless His church! Imagine parents telling our children of a church full of God's people who need encouragement and praying with them about what they could bring as a gift to encourage those people...maybe a hand made card with their favorite scripture, maybe their favorite toy to share with a child at Christian City Church.
Imagine writing a letter to the women of Christian City Church encouraging them as wives, moms, mentors, teachers, friends.
Imagine writing a letter to the men encouraging them as husbands, fathers, leaders, and mentors.
Imagine sending a card with encouragement for a pastor who needs strength. Imagine encouraging his wife and kids. Imagine sending a gift certificate for a dinner date for Shane and Stacia.
Imagine writing a letter to the elders of Christian City spurring them on and encouraging them in their work.
Imagine framing a picture or poem that would bless the body. Imagine painting one!
Imagine sharing your favorite worship song with Aria their worship leader and giving her a card encouraging her to rest in the presence of God!
Imagine blessing them financially if God asks you to extend a gift of support for them.
Imagine filling a box or boxes with the best we can bring to strengthen and encourage the Bride of Christ at Christian City Church!!!!!!
PLEASE PRAY. PLEASE IMAGINE, DREAM, and OBEY GOD in this area! He is building our church up for a future of taking truth, inspiration and worship to the churches! Don't hold back! Don't be timid! If you have words share them! If you have songs share them! If you make flowers arrangements bring a bouquet for them! If you bake, bake for them!
Just be faithful and bring what you have! God is preparing to do a loaves and fishes miracle with what we bring. In giving I know that each one of you will be blessed. Trust me, when you reach up and touch heaven for someone else you will be changed.
Thank you for sharing in the excitement of what God is doing! Be creative! Pray and listen! Enjoy this week of dreaming and giving! And then...
Bring what you have on Sunday morning to church at our house (10am). We will pray, worship and decorate our poster board cards. Then we will take all of the gifts and love you have brought and deliver them to Christian City Church! What an amazing thing! I can't wait to see what God does through you this week!!!!!!! He will do more we can ask or imagine that is for sure!
We love you all and can't wait to see you!
Remember:
Wednesday night is a special night of prayer for Christian City Church. 7pm at our house. We will worship and seek God together.
Thank you!!! Enjoy God tonight!
IHS
Zach
Friday, August 3, 2007
The 5 Finger Prayer
This is something I learned in the MOMS group this year. Great for kids and I love it too!
Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
IHS,
Cammie
Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
IHS,
Cammie
Thank you all
Your prayers for my son while he visited his birth-mother are deeply appreciated. When he was really missing home, I told him lots of people were praying for him and he was stunned. It meant a lot to him to know you all prayed for him. After he returned home with stories of how great things were, I reminded him that he had prayed about all of that before the trip and pointed out how God had answered his prayers. He hadn't thought about that and I was given a wonderful teaching moment. ~Becca
Thursday, August 2, 2007
What is the prison in your life?
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel…For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,” Philippians 1:12,29
Just imagine yourself for a minute now sitting in prison. How would you feel? How would you react to this new home? If you were sitting in prison would it serve to advance the gospel? Would you minister to the guards and let the let the Holy Spirit work through you to lead them to Christ? Or would you curse the Lord for the place that you were in? Are you willing to suffer for Him as Paul suffered? Can you say that in times of suffering that you are helping further the gospel? In times of suffering do you look at it as a time that you are drawn closer to God as you rely on Him more? Or is it a time that your spiritual life has dried up? Are you willing to enjoy the drought or do you try to rush through it as fast as possible just trying to make it to the other side? What is the “prison” in your life that me keep you bound up? Is it your job, family function or some meeting that you have to go to? I can answer yes to all of these. There are times that I do not enjoy the above. Yet, as I draw closer to God and come to Him to carry me through, I can rest assured that I am furthering the gospel. What would happen if your bossed asked you to do the worst possible task at work and you simply replied no problem? I can speak from personal experience when we set aside our personal agenda and look at everything we do as serving the Lord it can be so rewarding. Brothers and sisters of Hillside I pray that we can come to enjoy the times of being in “prison”, times of suffering and that we see it as an opportunity to further the gospel.
God Bless,
Rick
Just imagine yourself for a minute now sitting in prison. How would you feel? How would you react to this new home? If you were sitting in prison would it serve to advance the gospel? Would you minister to the guards and let the let the Holy Spirit work through you to lead them to Christ? Or would you curse the Lord for the place that you were in? Are you willing to suffer for Him as Paul suffered? Can you say that in times of suffering that you are helping further the gospel? In times of suffering do you look at it as a time that you are drawn closer to God as you rely on Him more? Or is it a time that your spiritual life has dried up? Are you willing to enjoy the drought or do you try to rush through it as fast as possible just trying to make it to the other side? What is the “prison” in your life that me keep you bound up? Is it your job, family function or some meeting that you have to go to? I can answer yes to all of these. There are times that I do not enjoy the above. Yet, as I draw closer to God and come to Him to carry me through, I can rest assured that I am furthering the gospel. What would happen if your bossed asked you to do the worst possible task at work and you simply replied no problem? I can speak from personal experience when we set aside our personal agenda and look at everything we do as serving the Lord it can be so rewarding. Brothers and sisters of Hillside I pray that we can come to enjoy the times of being in “prison”, times of suffering and that we see it as an opportunity to further the gospel.
God Bless,
Rick
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Cry out so He can hear you!
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17
When was the last time that you cried out to the Lord? Is this something that you do daily? Or is it something that you do only occasionally when things get really bad? I know that for myself I do not cry out to Him nearly enough. I face troubles throughout the day and I do not find myself crying out to him all day long. Why is this? Is it out of pride or just plain stubbornness? Or do I believe that maybe once I can fix something on my own without our Heavenly Father’s help? I know that I will eventually call out for His help but it is all to often late and I have become frustrated, angry or sad for the troubles I am having. I know that if I would just come to Him first that he would deliver me from my troubles. Are you willing to come to him like this and give him all your troubles? I know that I tell myself to do this all the time. However, I am not always obedient in this, how about you? If I am not willing to cry out how can He hear me? I pray for the body of Hillside that it can cry out to our Lord so that He may hear us and we can be delivered from all our troubles?
God Bless,
Rick
When was the last time that you cried out to the Lord? Is this something that you do daily? Or is it something that you do only occasionally when things get really bad? I know that for myself I do not cry out to Him nearly enough. I face troubles throughout the day and I do not find myself crying out to him all day long. Why is this? Is it out of pride or just plain stubbornness? Or do I believe that maybe once I can fix something on my own without our Heavenly Father’s help? I know that I will eventually call out for His help but it is all to often late and I have become frustrated, angry or sad for the troubles I am having. I know that if I would just come to Him first that he would deliver me from my troubles. Are you willing to come to him like this and give him all your troubles? I know that I tell myself to do this all the time. However, I am not always obedient in this, how about you? If I am not willing to cry out how can He hear me? I pray for the body of Hillside that it can cry out to our Lord so that He may hear us and we can be delivered from all our troubles?
God Bless,
Rick
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