Pain and Sorrow

Today I ask for your prayers for my dear family. We have been to the graveside several times lately and our pain is real. We are people of faith. We are people of love. We are hurting as we try to rearrange life around the empty chairs. Please hold us up today.....thank you.

S.O.A.P.

4-2-2015         Romans 13:8

S.       8Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

O.      Love is a command …. Not an option.

A.      When we properly love others, debt is eliminated. We do not give, to get. We do not loan, to borrow. Perfect love has no strings attached.

P.       Father; lead me into this perfect type of love. Cleanse my mind and restore my heart to that of a child. Amen.

Faith....do you have any?

I have faith, you have faith, everyone has faith. The Bible says so. Faith is in us as a gift from God. It is how we use that faith that makes the difference. One example: faith without works is "dead" faith. We must reveal our faith by the way we live, give and serve others. Believing that there is a God is only a part of what faith is all about. By applying faith to more and more of life's experiences (and relationships) we expand our understanding and we will see that faith "MUST" be "APPLIED" to be of any value to ourselves or those around us. 

S.O.A.P.

4-1-2015         Romans 13:1-7

S.       1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

O.      Proper respect is due to those in power. Paying taxes (tribute) is proper.

A.      God places those into power that he chooses. Our relationship to those leaders hinges on our honesty and integrity. If I live a holy life as a Christian I have nothing to fear from leaders.

P.       Father; I know that you set this world into motion and you are reaching out to man in many ways. Help me to be a living example of faith and love. Amen. 

Every Person has FAITH!

One fourth of 2015 is in the books. This has been a very hard year in many ways. Still ashamed of the man in the white house and all the folks in congress. This economy boom has missed everybody I know. Our family has lost several loved ones and I am still overweight. I am glad that my faith has not changed. I might be missing me some of my wants ..... But .... ALL of my needs have arrived on time and in good condition. Look to God my friend. He is the WAY, TRUTH AND THE LIFE!

S.O.A.P.

3-31-2015      Romans 12:19-21

S.       19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

O.      This is how Christians are to treat bad people.

A.      This is not normal thinking or actions in American society. I was not raised to be passive. I must have a change of heart and mind to accomplish this type of faith.

P.       Father; create in me this type of spirit and may it shine out of me to those around me. Amen.

Fifth Sunday Singing

Fifth Sunday Singing was a real delight. Tolar is a community filled with talented singers and musicians and last night they sang and played down the glory of God. There was sweet fellowship, joyous laughter and holy uplifting. I am thankful that God has planted us here.

S.O.A.P.

3-30-2015      Romans 12:16-18

S.       16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

O.      Proper relationships.

A.      My faith in God must be evident in every relationship. I will seek peace in every relationship.

P.       Father; May I be an extension of your love in my earthly relationships. Amen.

Sinner or Saint.......It's up yo you.

When you give your sin to God you become a Christian. At that point you belong to God! You are NOT your own, you have traded your selfish, sinful self in and are ready to be transformed. So many people want to be Christians and sinners at the same time. This is not possible! Good and bad can't flow from the same source. This is passion week......the week that Jesus went to the cross. He did not go through all that pain and death so that you could keep sinning........He wants you to be free.

S.O.A.P.

3-29-2015      Romans 12:12-15

S.       12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

O.      Be mindful of those around you and treat them well.

A.      Meeting the needs of others is just as important as meeting your own needs. I will be aware of these needs and meet every one I can.

P.       Father; spend me for the needs of those around me. May you receive all the glory and praise! Amen.

Save Some For SUNDAY!

The week-end is here. Time to get the work done around the house, wash the car and visit friends and family. Busy, busy, busy ...... REMEMBER .... Save some for SUNDAY!

S.O.A.P.

3-28-2015      Romans 12:11

S.       11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

O.      Be honest and hardworking with spiritual sincerity.

A.      I will be spiritually minded as I do my work. My word will be as good as a written contract.

P.       Father; show me the pattern for holy living from your word. Speak to me by your Holy Spirit and reveal any weakness or sin within me. Amen.

His return may be today.

Are you ready? Are you watching? Jesus is closer than anyone can imagine! You have seen these words many times and nothing has happened, so, you keep going along just as always. You don't believe that it will ever happen .... but it will. Start living like you believe he will come today ... each day will be a testimony of faith.

S.O.A.P.

3-27-2015      Romans 12:9-10

S.       9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

O.      How we must treat each other.

A.      Love is my guiding factor in how I treat others. I will treat others the way I want to be treated.

P.       Father; Fill me with love and teach me how to give that love to others. Amen.