Pizza

The Pizza Option

Food for your relationship

What is he talking about, should be the question your asking. Think about the fact that we have two people coming together with completely different likes and needs to be met. So how do we do this without giving up a part of ourselves - easy "Think Pizza" .

He likes sausage and a blend of cheeses, you on the other hand like green peppers and mushrooms - now we have an impass or do we? some couples would fight over this saying you don't care what I like, some would just change to burgers and forget it. But did you really lose that taste for the pizza?

In most cases you still have this dripping taste in your mouth for the melted cheese and sausage, which has gone un-met. this is were we ask our partner to come back to the table, now look at it in this light, he gets his sauage and cheeses on one half and she gets her mushroom and green peppers on the other on the other half, but it's still ONE pizza.

What does this do for a relationship - 1. every ones needs are getting met

2. you both worked together

3. no one lost any part of themselves

As simple as I made this sound, it has real applications in today's real world of couples not communicating and meeting each others needs. If you break down conflict it means, one side feels they are getting used. Once this starts and has time to build (meaning this happens over and over again) we have an explosion in the relationship.

So why don't we just make it as simple as "Think Pizza" and enjoy!

Trampled

Trampled !


It is self, of course, that we imagine we have lost in a divorce. It is never the other person - (Not Really). What we imagine we have lost is our very self. Every idea about our self is trampled on. That we are loving and we are lovable. That we are nice to be with, and someone whom no one would ever want to leave, all is trample.

When we go through a divorce, our lives can feel terribly scrambled - but - it is when we come out of our shell that we become whole at last. We think we are falling apart but it may actually be falling together for the first time.

Divorce at it's core is a legal problem or relationship issue - but - at it's most fundamental level it is a SPIRITUAL problem. Although legal remedies and relational insights are important, the essential need of a divorcing spouse is a spiritual need.
by
Debbie Ford

A TRANSFORMATION - NOT AN ENDING

I understand that this may be hard to get but that's were prayer comes in and our father will feed us the spiritual food for wisdom. I'm not, nor is our ministry an advocate of divorce but when it happens someone has to be there to help them back into the arms of there father.

Let's Talk Today Ministries

lets.talktoday@yahoo.com
www.between2storms.com

Thinking Out Loud

Great blessings flow from having like minded friends who share an interest but as I prayed this morning I am reminded of the importance of having first and foremost a friendship and fellowship with The Lord Jesus Christ.....Thanking God for his precious presence which reminds me that in all of the chaos of this worlds affliction, and in lonely times that God had a plan from the beginning, that it was simple, and required only two things His Word and His Spirit and where they are not I don't want to be. That despite his prior knowledge of my failings he continues to make and mold me on his potting wheel, despite his prior knowledge of how many times I would run from him and hide, he continues to say "Where are you" (Gen3) Don't let the guilt of your sin cause you to run and hide, you will not only suffer the the consequences of your sin but in running you are forfeiting His presence as well!!! Have a blessed Day everyone!


I encourage you today, to be creative and connect with someone else and may that someone be Jesus !!

Be Blessed, Mammagil

Out Of Control & Into The Fire!

What if you were placed in a situation that was out of your control you are powerless. You feel helpless, you have no place else to go, but to stay and help, would seem to be a ludicrous and outlandish undertaking. Within the circumstances you were in charge, you could run or leave it, there is one question remaining, "can you withstand the Tempest", the waves and all is grim, and the odds are all against you.

You're heading in one direction and thrusted in another. I believe that in everything we are being tested see our response to pressures and uncertainties. Sometimes we can struggle with confusion and distress, be beaten and battered, frightened and through this testing process we are being purified. We walk away with uncertainties or questions, what does it take for you to see or be drawn to the task even though the task seemed so big that you will crumble under its weight! Draw, extract, or root out from the inner strength that we have been given to sustain us rely on him to humbly to fortify you to enable you to endure and complete the work in you and through you!

The purest metals precious metals tried by fire to bring out the best character the glory of, are tested and the dross is removed and what you have left is that which the Smith is forging in his work. We are tried daily tested some more strenuous and painful than others, but it seems that order to test the more that we shine!

So when you are thrusted into the fire don't have to be removed allow the “Smith” to find the impurities and prepare you for his work

Jesus Didn't Forget, We Shouldn't Either

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive each other, just as in Christ - God forgave you.
Eph 4:32



Be kind and compassionate - two qualities that seem to be in short supply now a day's. Maybe it's because we hold up the wrong heroes. ( DUE TO OUR MEDIA, VIDEO GAMES, MUSIC, PEER PRESSURE )Unfortunately these two qualities are often seen as signs of weakness rather than strength. To forgive as God forgave us requires great courage and great strength.

SO LET'S TALK TODAY AND BE STRONG TOGETHER

Anthony R. La Forgia - MA, CRT, CTC

941-979-0420
www.between2storms.com
lets.talktoday@yahoo.com

Temptation As An Opportunity!

Good morning, take a second to read and think about this quote. Only he who flings himself Upward when the pull comes to drag him down, can hope to break the force of temptation.







Temptation may be an invitation to hell, but much more - is it an opportunity to reach heaven. At the moment of temptation, sin and righteousness are very near the Christian; but of the two, the latter is nearer. Charles H. Brent






As a counselor, we try to help people find a way to deal with the bad things in there life - anger, greed, laziness, the list is long. The point is finding a mind trigger, so you can rethink you reaction to what is before you.






This quote shows just how close the science of the human mind and it's functions (psychology) is to our God, the greatest counselor ( he should be our mind trigger at all time).






Have a blessed day,






Anthony R. La Forgia - MA, CTC, CRT

Where is your heart?

Where do you place your heart? Is it in your house, your car, job, stuff that sits on a shelf? Is it focused on another person, or is it truly focused on the Lord?

In Colossians 3 the Lord says, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." NIV

Over the past 3 weeks, I have been getting updates about a friend of ours who is dying. He has actually survived many close calls, but now it appears he is losing his battle, but ready to do so. He wants to "Go home to the Lord". This friend has also been building a 4000sf house and may not be able to finish it. He has spent the last several years doing this alone for himself and his wife. Their kids are grown.

So, it got me thinking. Where is my heart? If what I do day after day gets me "stuff" that gathers dust, or causes me to eat foods that I should not, am I "really" living for Christ? What about my friends? Even if he does pull through once again, will he be able to finish that huge house? What will his wife do with an unfinished house? It's a sad question, but one we must all face one day.

And most importantly, "How do YOU treat the house "temple" God gave to you"?

Matthew 6:19-21 states, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Have you talked to God today? Thanked Him for your very life and the breath that you are taking right now without even thinking about it?

I found my way !

Just a note to let you know I figured it out, how to get on - blog with begin soon, thank you for being patient.

Tony La Forgia MA, CTC, CRT,

Let's Talk Today Ministries
We are the calm between two storms
www.between2storms.com
941-979-0420

My Cup Runneth Over

Have ever filled your coffee cup so full that it started to overflow? What about filling an ice cream cone so high at a soft serve machine that it started to topple over?

Did you get a feeling of being overwhelmed and possibly upset or were you actually excited and maybe laugh?

What is your reaction to obstacles that take you off your path? In Pslams 23:5-6, scripture states: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (KJV version)

How we react to things we didn't expect in our daily life actually effects blessings that are also headed our way. God's word says that He has prepared a table for you - EVEN in the presence of your enemies. That simply means no matter how terribly a person may treat you, no matter how hopeless a situation may appear - God has your back and is waiting right there for you. He has a full spread of blessings laid out right there. Total peace! But you MUST keep your eyes focused on Him. God wants your praise on Him because you are anointed with talents and gifts. When you focus on the situation or problem in front of you, you have taken your focus off of God and put it onto "that thing." How can a blessing possibly come to you when you aren't focused on God?

Try to think of God sending your blessing through an army of Angels. They are headed your way with that "answer" you've been waiting on. They are just about to approach your front door and then you stop looking at God, stop reading His word (the Bible) and you look back at the problem - > > BANG! < < - the Angels have to go back to God and wait on you once again to focus on Him.

The Good News is when you do keep your focus and praise on God and that blessing DOES get delivered to you, your spiritual level has increased - you have become closer to God. Your cup is now running over and that past feeling of being overwhelmed has turned into a feeling of joy, peace and the happiness in what God wants for you. At that point in your life you are able to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever" since you have succeeded in drawing closer to Him, understanding His word and living more like Christ.

Don't let the enemy steal your joy or praise. It's something he is after and the largest weapon you have against him.

Evidence

John 17:20-23 We as followers today need to be in this one heart and mind as Jesus prayed for His disciples in this prayer during His last hours spent with them.

How do we mature in oneness as Jesus states? One by practicing what we preach! Live out what we read and learn in our Bible continuing in communication with Christ through the Holy Spirit as He guides us in our daily tasks. Also through our love for one another by "getting dirty knees" as portayed by Jesus when He bowed down on His knees washing His disciples feet
 Jn 13:1-11 and completing with prayer for them as we read the 17th chapter!

So as we mature in oneness we give this godless world evidence that Jesus was sent to this earth to reveal God's being to  us, of who He is and what He does Jn 17:26 and that He (Jesus) and God our heavenly father loves us!

Polishing Rocks

Hiding behind a nearby door I watched my husband patiently explain the process of rock tumbling to our daughter Brianne. It’s a hobby that we revisit often at the Gilham residence because of the great teaching opportunity. What follows is a divinely inspired conversation between an earthly father and his child, in hopes that our spirits might be stirred as well. As explained by Brianne's father:
"you start out with this ugly rough and seemingly colorless rock, pretty much good for nothing" he said, grimacing as he rolled it around in his hand. (Rom 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.  Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.) 
"You put the rock and several others with it into this drum then add some of this very course sand and clean water then seal the drum. (Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.)
Next you plug it in and tumble and spin the rocks in this first of what could be many steps".
“You must have patience because this first process takes a long time and it’s important we let the water and sand do it‘s job. (Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. )
It grinds out the major and most noticeable imperfection and begins to remove the ugly aggregate that encases the inner beauty". (Tit 3:3 -7 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. )
“Then what do we do when that's finished daddy?" she asked. He smiles and says "Then we get to open the drum and have a peek at what the sand and water has revealed, that will give us an idea of what kind of stone or gem was beneath the mire. But back into the water and sand again.” “Oh man again? when’s it gonna be finished?” (Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ) "Lastly we polish with the finest sand to a high shine, this makes even the most ordinary rock glisten and sparkle like a Gem." (2Co 5:17 -21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.)
"How blessed we are to be in the rock tumbler of our heavenly father with other fellow Christian rocks. It may be hard and a long process but my prayer is that if you are a child of God, that you will allow Him to sanctify you daily, refine and polish you with the water of His Word and the help of the Holy Spirit, that you may always be a precious gem in in His kingdom. MG

It Does A Body Good, Pass It On!

We've all heard the phrase before how a glass of milk can help a body to maintain good health. it helps build strong bones, it is fortified with vitamins and minerals to supply our body with the nutrients needed to promote good health!

How about our relationship with God? Knowing God, it "does the body good" your body. Being in good relations with God; praying, communicating, listening, studying, just spending time with God does our bodies Good! Jesus gives us the opportunity to express God's love, joy, peace, grace, & mercy towards others through the Holy Spirit Jn 14:26-27.

As we engage each other (communicate, help, consume food etc.) our relationship with God needs to show through our actions and verbal communitcation. We are the example! We are the "lifeline" to the world. If we damage the line by becoming too "pharisee" like in our mannerisms "dripping in spiritual pride" we might sever the connection between God and man! We have a purpose; to spread the gospel of Christ to all the earth, it will be very difficult if no one is listening! Love people! Have a forbearing spirit, think before you speak and listen, really listen to what people are saying to you. This is the passing it on part the goodness of God through you and me! 

So when you're enjoying life remember to express the relationship that God is instilling in you to others around you but in a loving and understanding way. "It Does A Body Good Pass It On"!

Becoming More Like Christ

Mark 1:35 : "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."

(1) Begin each new morning that God has given us by spending time alone with Him. Pray...pour out your heart! Tell Him how you feel. Talk to Him He is our Father in Heaven! Read His word. He speaks to us through His word. Listen....often times when we get in a hurry we fail to listen to what The Lord may have to say to us. We need to fellowship with Him, we recieve guidance and direction from Him for the tasks of each new day. Sometimes we get in a hurry and pray a routine prayer and give thanks etc but fail to take the time to quietly sit still and listen. Then as we walk with Him through the day we will be more sensitive to His (still, small, soft voice).

(2) Spend time fellowshipping with family and friends. Invest in the lives around you. Reach out to those who God brings into your path. Jesus took time out to wash His disciples feet as we see in John 13 : 12-17...So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." Washing someone feet shows that we look to others as their servant. Jesus sets the example for us to show our humbleness toward those He puts in our path. We are to esteem others more important than ourselves. when we meet someone we are to be their servant and aproach each one with a servants heart. We should not become a door mat so to speak but reaching out in love and caring about their needs is what can build a friendship. Show compassion toward them and by Christ's love working through us we can then watch as The Holy Spirit does His work in leading them to accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

(3) Teach and Train Disciples to spread the good news of Jesus to a lost and hurting world! Ah! The great commission! Matthew 28:19... "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Teach all nations! What is a Disciple? A disciple is someone who sits under a teacher and learns from the teacher until his own teaching becomes the same teaching of his master. (or teacher) Jesus set the example here on earth and He sent the Holy Spirit to be our teacher. We are to learn from Him, take what He has taught us and teach it to all nations! This is true discipleship! This is also the foundation of ministry!

(4) Worship God throughout the day. Seek and find ways to worship Him during the day. John 4:23..."But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." As we walk through our daily lives there are times when we are up and then there are times when we feel down. I have found that in those times when I am down if I begin to worship God and praise Him my down time soon turns to joy. If we look we can find ways to rejoice and give God praise and worship even in tough times. He is seeking for those who will worship Him in Spirit and truth! Let us find ways to do so as we walk the path that He has us walking in. As we let our light shine so it will chase out any darkness that may be trying to hinder our path.

Mark 6: 31-32..."And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat And they departed into a desert place by ship privately."

(5) Make periods of rest. Find a secluded place to rejuvinate. Folks we are in a spiritual war and as we are battling we will become weary and tired. Jesus teaches us to take some time out and get rested up. Then we can continue. If we battle and war and do not take the time to rest we will become overly tired. Have you ever been so tired that you just wanted to flop down and throw in the towel? This is when we become most vulnerable to the the subtle attacks of our adversary. We need to take time out to be refreshed so that we can be at our best when we return to our missions and ministries.

(6) Take time for fun and recreation. Be gentle, kind, loving and fun to be around. Exemplify the fruits of the Spirit...Gal.5:22-23..."But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Folks this is who we are. We are a child of God and theese are our fruits. We need to show outwardly who we are inwardly! Others will not want to be Christlike if His disciples show frustration or discontent etc. We need to show the joy that He has given us through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives through us! In this world as bad as it is others need to see our fruits and want to know how and why we can be so happy and joyful regardless of the circumstances around us! Matthew 5:16..."Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Heavenly Father, manifest yourself through us as we reach out to others, Teach us how to become more like Jesus. Help us to get ourselves out of the way so that Your will may be done and help us to glorify You as we grow and as we walk the path in which You have given us. It is in Jesus Name we pray...Amen!

Walk The Talk

Matthew 28:16-20...Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

We all know this as the great commission that Jesus has commanded us to do. This is the ultimate goal for all ministry. We are to teach others to observe whatsoever He has commanded us and He is with us as we go. Now, when we are going about and teaching others there are some very important things to keep in mind. as we travel the path with Him... Heavenly Father, I thank You for the word that you have given us Lord lead us and guide us and show us the truth as we share with those whose path we may cross. Help me to speak Your word to help us understand the message at hand. In Jesus Name...Amen!

Be Honest, Be genuine! Back up your words, Do what you say you are going to do. Folks it does not take long for us to see when someone's actions are not lining up with their words. Be real even if it makes you unpopular. Jesus spoke the truth regardless of whether or not it would be popular and He has commanded us to speak the truth. We are not here for a poularity contest or to scratch itchy ears! 2Timothy 4:2-5...Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

If you make a mistake then own up to it! Do not try to be bigger than you really are! Just be yourself and preach the truth that Jesus has given you! I beleive that we are living in that time that Paul was referring to. Men want to hear good things that are pleasing to themselves. I refer to the prosperity messages of today and the feel good messages. The Lord wants us to speak the truth! The truth sometimes hurts but in the end it always prevails!

Figure out who God made you to be. Search the heart of God ask Him! He is here waiting for you to talk to Him. John 4:23... But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. He longs for our relationship to grow with Him. He is our Father. If you don't know what to say then tell Him so, then listen for Him to answer you. There is no set rules to talking to Him. Just aproach him as you would any father and pour out your heart! Believe me He will be thrilled and He will answer you. He longs for this type of communication! Discover how He has gifted you. Try to discern His special calling on your life and follow it! Be intense! Perservere until you know that you know. There is nothing more satisfying then to know that you are doing what God has called you and gifted you to do!

Be Compassionate! Matthew 25:37-40...Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Whatever we do to others we do it to Him! Have a clear and consistant demonstration of Christ's love toward all people! This will pull them toward Him. This reminds me of the story of the good Samaritan who went out of his way to help someone who was injured and down and out. Luke 10:30-37... And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

We need to have compassion. Acts of mercy will open peoples hearts like nothing else can! This is also part of the new covenant Jesus has given us John 13:34-35... A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

When we are compassionate others will recognize it as real Christianity. This will help them better understand what Jesus is truly like. As He manifests Himself through us. His love and caring shines through us and then others will want to know Him. We will be "Walking The Talk" not just talking the talk! Jesus's grace and mercy is here for us. His love and and kindness will always be there for us! 1Corinthians 10:13...There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Follow the pattern of Jesus. In my last post I mentioned some of these...begin to develope a more healthy mix of rest, relaxation, recreation, and restore relationships. Spend quiet time with The Lord study His word. Eliminate sinful behavior!

Sacrifice makes people stop in their tracks and ask...Why would you go out of your way for me? What is your motivation for helping me? Why would you put me before yourself? Sacrificial acts are rarely forgotten. It can impact a person for the rest of their life. It is a small investment with huge didvidends! Live Life in such a way that it makes our faith in Jesus Christ irresistable to those outside of God's family. Phillipians 2:13-15...For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; We are His light which shines in the world today Matthew 5:16...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. As we preach and teach we should therefore show in our lives His love as we "Walk The Talk!" Amen!

Are You Ashamed?

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38.)
Are you ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ? Are you ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? We are in another Christmas season now and so many people, from fear of offending someone, can not say "Merry Christmas". I have a response to those who skip around the true meaning and just say (Happy Holidays) my imediate reply is : "Happy Birthday Jesus!" Jesus is very specific in what He said in the above verse. If we are ashamed of Him He will also be ashamed of us when He comes into the glory of Father God! I for one am heart broken by this continuing assault on Jesus and His disciples (Christians). "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts", 2Peter 3:3. When are we going to say enough is enough? When will we gird up our loins and exibit some backbone? The name of Jesus gives us a choice. Whom will you serve? Whom will you give your life to? Whom will you depend upon? Self willed people want to be able to have the right to decide for themselves what way they will take but Jesus tells us that there is only one way. Jesus saith unto him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me". John 14:6. One way! That is it! We are to be gentle but not weak! These verses are some of the very words that have caused the intolerance toward Jesus and His disciples (Christians) The world cannot fathom any absolutes! They want to make a "Do your own thing and all roads will lead to God" mentality. This is just not so! We have just read the opposite of that in the book of John. It is also wide spread throughout the bible. Yes folks there are absolutes in this world. Will we let our brothers and sisters burn at judgment day because we do not want to offend? God forbid! We must speak the truth even if it may offend someone! I would rather offend someone with the truth and save them from hell and damnation than to keep quiet and indiffent and just say nothing.
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved". Acts 4:12. Folks this is it! We are to love one another and if we truly do love our nieghbor as we love ourself then we must speak up and show that love. During this Christmas season (and through the year) as we celebrate the birth of our Lord an Savior Jesus Christ let us not be ashamed of the gospel. Let us not be ashamed to tell others how they can be saved from an eternity of pain and suffering. Let us share the hope that is in us. Celebrate Jesus because He is truly the reason for the (Holiday) season! Do not be ashamed to share what God has done for you. Folks it is not that difficult. Just testify of what The Lord has done in your life. If we all share a little with someone and not be ashamed of who changed our lives then lives will be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who can turn around anyones life and bring true peace and joy to their heart. The words that He has given us will not return to Him void. Speak out! Be not ashamed!
In His Love
Bro_Jerry_Walter

We are His children!

Romans 8:14 says For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Verse 27 states And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. NLT

Times are tough, but if you are led by the Spirit you are a child of God! The Spirit pleads for you in harmony with God's will. God isn't trying to make you happy, He is blessing you for your overall good. "To fulfill His purpose in your life".

Romans 8:28 says And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes for them. NLT

Things happen to us. Situations aren't always the way we would like for them to be. Do you believe Jesus died on the cross so our sins would be forgiven? Do you believe your life has changed and you are not the same person? Does the Holy Spirit reside in you, does He guide and lead you? Or are you led by your selfish motives and emotions to please yourself?

Jesus died for you and was raised for you, when you were water baptized in symbol died and resurrected now you may live a new life. Your thoughts and emotions are new your dead to the old self and alive through Christ!

When things don't go the way you'd expect, and it seems like all hope is lost, trust in the God who leads you He said He would never leave you nor forsake you, you might just need to have a different perspective a different view one that is led by the Spirit.

Romans 8:38,39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life (our sinful lives) neither angels nor demons neither our fears for today (doubts) nor our worries about tomorrow (anxieties) not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below "indeed" nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God. That is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Lord loves you, remember to pray and hold onto the promise of God nothing can separate you from His love; "Not even your fears, anxieties, or the sin in your life, He still loves you".

Poets!

Hello sorry for the delay since the last blog. It's been a journey but a wonderful one at that!

If you haven't read Matthew chapters 5-7 known as Jesus' sermon on the mount, please read it and if you have read it read it again. Make your reading of the bible personal read it as though God Himself has given it to you.

After I read those chapters again I found myself seeing new ideas new lessons no matter how many times I read my bible I taste something new, a fresh fruit perfectly ripe.

I would love to give you everything He showed me in reading His sermon, but this is a blog not a book, so I will shorten it and go to the ending of Jesus' sermon when He shares this; verse 24,27 Message Bible. "These words I speak to you not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who builds his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit- but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. "But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like the stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards." I want to focus on verses 24 & 25, building a life is based on the Greek word poieo, which is translated "Do" and in the Greek language is a very active word, in English we get the word poet.

A poet is a person who takes words and does something with them, makes something beautiful, personal, and original out of them.

Jesus says, "Be poets. make something of these words I've spoken to you. Make a life, epic and poetic. And make it beautiful. Make it a work of art." That's something we can all do. One well-chosen word at a time. One stanza of service at a time. And with our words and deeds, we can leave something beautiful behind in the lives of others. (Eugene Peterson)

We have an opportunity to be poets "doers of ...." You finish the rest!

Pastor Wes

How do we get there!

Paul new he was going to go to Rome. The journey he took to get there wasn't what he expected. Most times we plan on something happening or we are expecting things to happen, we have assumptions and ideas of how it is going to happen. We come up with visions of grandeur trying to anticipate and almost making arrangements of how it will turn out and if we have any reservations or hints of displeasure we say "this isn't from God".

Resistance can come in many different forms; ourselves, other people, or natural occurrences. Sometimes our brethren may not agree with the way we think or how we interpret things. Causing a hindrance and conflict possibly changing the way you do things. Upon Paul's return to Jerusalem in Acts:22 there were a few believers that were told he was teaching against the law of Moses which of course he was not, but in the story you will see Paul was expected to go and show the people wrong through a ceremony how "righteous". I would like for you to read the chapter yourself and see.

Then we of course can hinder or change things just by our selfishness or our motives may not always be focused on what God has directed. There are many examples in the Bible of people and there selfish motives read it and you will see.

And then there is always the weather that can throw a wrench into our plans or change the course of direction. Acts:27 shows how a storm can cause a change in direction or cause some delay to getting to our destination.

The purpose of this is to remind us that the journey is set before us, but how we get there isn't always the way we expect it! Paul probably thought his trip to Rome would have been more of a missionary trip then a legal one. The result his presentation of the Gospel even penetrated the walls of the emperor's palace.

Sometimes our plans don't work out as we want them to, they work out even better than we expected!

Lost on the Road

I was walking along on this dry and deserted road not knowing where to go. The wind and dust make me uable to see anything ahead. For somehow Lord I lost my way. I took a wrong turn, I don't remember when. I'm dry and weary, so tired Lord.

Lord come and help me! Lord I long for your touch again. I come upon a spring, so perfect it never ends. He says, "Drink". I ask how for I have not anything to draw the water with. "Use your hands" I will enable you "use your hands" I am the living water to draw from that gives you life that never ends. "Use your hands".

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

I tell you if there is a need for something it's to communicate! No matter what the outcome may be express your thoughts to the people you interact with. First think about what is on your mind then, pray about it and ask God to show you what and how to say what is on your heart and mind. People closest to us are the ones it seems we have the hardest time talking or expressing what's on our mind because we're afraid of the outcome. How will they respond, will they agree with me or will they argue and not see things the way you want them to! That's right we're so afraid that we won't be able to do things the way we want to. That maybe we'll see it their way and we don't like to be wrong. Maybe that's the reason we don't pray? We don't want God to change our mind we want things our way!

Pastor Wes

Prayer for others

Let us take time to remember to pray for those God places on our mind. It is a gift that we are able to pray and lift up others. God will bless you! I think God is calling us right now to pray and support each other.

Eph 6:18 Never stop praying, especially for others.

Discouragement

Have you ever been discouraged? How about afraid of something or a situation? Don't let discouraging situations rule your attitude or thoughts. When fear controls your mind, pray and ask God to give you strength! He is always there. I pray that you strengthen us this week Lord to be diligent and that we be able to persevere in our walk with You. Lord I ask that we will not receive any discouraging thoughts and that our minds will be focused and not distracted.

This is what it means to Persevere-To persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement. I pray that we will remain in our Lord Jesus. He persevered for our sake so that we could persevere!