Bible Study on Saturday mornings starts early. By early I mean 7:00 a.m. Yes, I get up every Saturday morning to study the word with some incredible women. I didn't always enjoy getting up early for a time of study. I am not a morning person. Mornings, for me, should be quiet and never in a hurry to get out the door. Especially on Saturdays!
It has been a surprise for me to discover that I really enjoy this special meeting with God and friends. Though it is hard to roll out of bed and make myself somewhat presentable, I have come to find a slight spring in my step, and an eagerness in my heart to open the bible and learn from each woman what God has shown her throughout the week. I believe the draw is in the adventure of finding treasure hidden behind each word and in each precious heart.
When the alarm goes off and I finally put my feet to the floor, I begin to think of the passage designated for that days' study. I review in my mind the revelations God has given me throughout the week. I am in awe. Then, I walk out the door into the morning air to be amazed at Gods' glorious creation. Lately the morning is crisp and the sky is just beginning to brighten with the sun. Next week I will see the stars still twinkling with one last effort to make their presence known before the sun reigns over the day. I am awed again by the hand of God which created this beauty and delight! I am full before I even walk in the door!
We begin with a simple prayer of praise and request for understanding. Then we listen to His story. Next, we tell how our story has been changed by His. Time sharing our hearts desires and concerns with each other and our Father closes our time together. We are fortified to not only face the world but to embrace our day with arms full of love, the first of which is given in hugs for one another. A simple start to the day filled with beauty and riches.
I have learned to receive Gods' message whatever time of day it might be sent. That is a lesson I learned from this mornings study of Luke 2:8-20 when the angels came to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ. The shepherds were startled to receive the Good News in the dark of night. I might be surprised to hear Good News early on a Saturday morning. The truth is that Gods' news is always good no matter what time it is given!
Good News Maker and Giver, you have filled my heart with good things every Saturday morning that I meet You at Bible Study. Thank You for letting us sit in Your presence! Thank You for being faithful to show up every week! Forgive me, Lord, for the days I come with slow feet. Certainly You are worthy of my attendance with joy. Open my ears to hear Your Good News every day and at all times! I love to hear Your voice!
Showing posts with label good news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label good news. Show all posts
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, November 5, 2010
News
Every day is filled with news. We follow the news of family, friends, local and even world news. Some news is good. It often surprises us. Some news is bad and it, too, can surprise us even if we are prepared for the worst.
This evening, Patrick and I will be traveling to Ft. Meyers to visit family. We had planned to go later this month, but news of his Mom being in the hospital made a change in our plans. We are preparing ourselves for the news of what is causing Mom's symptoms, praying for the best and hoping that the signs we are seeing are not what they seem to be.
News of what might be or what actually is, brings me to my knees. Messages of tribulation happening in the lives of our loved ones or even in our own lives are a call from our Heavenly Father to come and receive strength, hope and comfort. In fact He sent a special messenger to bring Good News to all the world! Jesus held in His nail scarred hands the strength, hope and comfort we need for our every day news.
What news is confronting you today? Have you heard the good news? Do you know the one who brings good news? Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and trust Him alone? If you know that He paid the price for every failure you have made, then you can live with Him forever in heaven!
We all have failed to live a perfect life. The good news is that God entered our world to live the perfect life for us. The good news is that we have been offered a free gift. God, the Son, took our place and our punishment. It is good news that we only need to believe and receive. Good news indeed!
Does this kind of news change your life plan? It should! It should bring a debt of love and gratitude to the One who made this news possible. Our lives can change when we hear and believe the GOOD news!
Lord and Savior, you are the source of all Good news! You even can make bad news work for our good. You deserve our trust and faith because You have done great things for us. Thank You for changing my life with the Good news. Thank You for changing the lives of my loved ones too. Thanks for letting me be a part of spreading the good news to others. Today i pray that You will be our good news when we see Patrick's mom! We trust You!
This evening, Patrick and I will be traveling to Ft. Meyers to visit family. We had planned to go later this month, but news of his Mom being in the hospital made a change in our plans. We are preparing ourselves for the news of what is causing Mom's symptoms, praying for the best and hoping that the signs we are seeing are not what they seem to be.
News of what might be or what actually is, brings me to my knees. Messages of tribulation happening in the lives of our loved ones or even in our own lives are a call from our Heavenly Father to come and receive strength, hope and comfort. In fact He sent a special messenger to bring Good News to all the world! Jesus held in His nail scarred hands the strength, hope and comfort we need for our every day news.
What news is confronting you today? Have you heard the good news? Do you know the one who brings good news? Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and trust Him alone? If you know that He paid the price for every failure you have made, then you can live with Him forever in heaven!
We all have failed to live a perfect life. The good news is that God entered our world to live the perfect life for us. The good news is that we have been offered a free gift. God, the Son, took our place and our punishment. It is good news that we only need to believe and receive. Good news indeed!
Does this kind of news change your life plan? It should! It should bring a debt of love and gratitude to the One who made this news possible. Our lives can change when we hear and believe the GOOD news!
Lord and Savior, you are the source of all Good news! You even can make bad news work for our good. You deserve our trust and faith because You have done great things for us. Thank You for changing my life with the Good news. Thank You for changing the lives of my loved ones too. Thanks for letting me be a part of spreading the good news to others. Today i pray that You will be our good news when we see Patrick's mom! We trust You!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Message from God
Last week my dear husband, Patrick, had two encounters that were extraordinary. Twice he had complete strangers come to him and tell him that God loved him. No long conversation, just a simple statement that God loved him. These messages came at a time when he was down and needing encouragement and hope for the future. The messages were timely and certainly of God.
Could it have been angels who spoke to Patrick? It is possible. Were they simply followers of Jesus Christ who listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit? Again, it is possible. Whoever these messengers were, they did their job well.
The next question is could God use me, or you, to bring His message to a hurting, bruised or lonely heart? Yes, He could and does! The encouragement we receive from Him must be passed on to others.
How is God encouraging us today? Is He providing for our needs? Is He filling our lives with peace? Is He assuring us of His love? It is time to pass it on. It need not be passed only to a stranger. Families need God's message too. Children as well as adults and our seniors need to hear God's messages. Are we willing to be the messenger?
God, You are the Living Word and the Author of our faith! Our faith comes by hearing Your Word. You entrust Your servants to bring the message of Good News to the World. I ask Your forgiveness for the times I have been silent and kept the message to myself. Thank You for trusting me again with the message of Your love to the world. Teach me to be silent only before You, so that I might hear the Word You want me to speak. Give me boldness and may I speak with authority and truth to the people You love so much that You sent Your Son to die for them! I want to be Your messenger!
Could it have been angels who spoke to Patrick? It is possible. Were they simply followers of Jesus Christ who listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit? Again, it is possible. Whoever these messengers were, they did their job well.
The next question is could God use me, or you, to bring His message to a hurting, bruised or lonely heart? Yes, He could and does! The encouragement we receive from Him must be passed on to others.
How is God encouraging us today? Is He providing for our needs? Is He filling our lives with peace? Is He assuring us of His love? It is time to pass it on. It need not be passed only to a stranger. Families need God's message too. Children as well as adults and our seniors need to hear God's messages. Are we willing to be the messenger?
God, You are the Living Word and the Author of our faith! Our faith comes by hearing Your Word. You entrust Your servants to bring the message of Good News to the World. I ask Your forgiveness for the times I have been silent and kept the message to myself. Thank You for trusting me again with the message of Your love to the world. Teach me to be silent only before You, so that I might hear the Word You want me to speak. Give me boldness and may I speak with authority and truth to the people You love so much that You sent Your Son to die for them! I want to be Your messenger!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Good News!
Have you heard the Good News? In this world we seldom hear good news, but there is Good News to be heard. We can even join in the experience of it on a daily basis!
Problems surround us. We wrestle with our finances, relationships, and all sort of other issues. The world seems to have turned wrong side up. Many people have embraced evil and call it good, shunning good and calling it evil. Within our own hearts we do, think and say things we do not want to do. God seems so far away! The truth is that there is separation between us and God, but He does not desire for us to be wrapped up in this place so far from His love and care. There is hope.
The solution was given long ago. God, Himself, loved us all so very much that He became a man. He alone could cross the chasm of sin that separated us from Himself. He crossed over in to our world and then died on a cross so that we could cross over into His presence! He did it all out of love for you, and me! Though He paid a price, He asks for no payment from us.
His free gift is held out to all. He wants so much for us to reach out and take it. He gives us free access to Him and all He has for us. What would you do to gain this free gift? Would you believe in its goodness and trust the giver? What would you say if I told you that is all it takes?
Why is it so hard to take a free gift from a good God? Maybe because we don't believe it is really free. But it is! I have to admit that religious people have made long list of what we must do to cross over into the heavenly world God has prepared for us. Once we choose this gift we fear that we must follow a long list of stringent rules that make this world near impossible to enjoy. Foolish notions like this are not from God.
Our free gift from God is unhampered relationship with Him! In that relationship we continue to have freedom to choose His riches of a life lived with joy and free from bondage, or remain stuck in our chains and blinded to the true beauty of life. In relationship with God we have access to the best ways to deal with the problems of this world. We are free to take His advice or live with the consequences.
I pray that this blog might reach one or more that are searching for that cross over place. Is that person you? Are you ready to hear and be a part of the Good News?
Father, You have proven Your love for us! You have done all that needs to be done so that we can live in Your presence, not only after we die, but now as we travel this world. You call us to take the first step to You. It takes faith. We must believe in Your goodness and Your free gift. I pray, Lord, that someone reading this will come to know You, by receiving Your gift of life. I pray that this day will be their beginning. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your free gift.
Problems surround us. We wrestle with our finances, relationships, and all sort of other issues. The world seems to have turned wrong side up. Many people have embraced evil and call it good, shunning good and calling it evil. Within our own hearts we do, think and say things we do not want to do. God seems so far away! The truth is that there is separation between us and God, but He does not desire for us to be wrapped up in this place so far from His love and care. There is hope.
The solution was given long ago. God, Himself, loved us all so very much that He became a man. He alone could cross the chasm of sin that separated us from Himself. He crossed over in to our world and then died on a cross so that we could cross over into His presence! He did it all out of love for you, and me! Though He paid a price, He asks for no payment from us.
His free gift is held out to all. He wants so much for us to reach out and take it. He gives us free access to Him and all He has for us. What would you do to gain this free gift? Would you believe in its goodness and trust the giver? What would you say if I told you that is all it takes?
Why is it so hard to take a free gift from a good God? Maybe because we don't believe it is really free. But it is! I have to admit that religious people have made long list of what we must do to cross over into the heavenly world God has prepared for us. Once we choose this gift we fear that we must follow a long list of stringent rules that make this world near impossible to enjoy. Foolish notions like this are not from God.
Our free gift from God is unhampered relationship with Him! In that relationship we continue to have freedom to choose His riches of a life lived with joy and free from bondage, or remain stuck in our chains and blinded to the true beauty of life. In relationship with God we have access to the best ways to deal with the problems of this world. We are free to take His advice or live with the consequences.
I pray that this blog might reach one or more that are searching for that cross over place. Is that person you? Are you ready to hear and be a part of the Good News?
Father, You have proven Your love for us! You have done all that needs to be done so that we can live in Your presence, not only after we die, but now as we travel this world. You call us to take the first step to You. It takes faith. We must believe in Your goodness and Your free gift. I pray, Lord, that someone reading this will come to know You, by receiving Your gift of life. I pray that this day will be their beginning. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your free gift.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sore Feet
I've done a lot of walking the past few days. More than usual.
I've been shopping and shopping and shopping. Though shopping is not my favorite activity i enjoyed the exercise of buying gifts for loved ones and moving my body for long periods of time to work off those extra calories!
Last night was our caroling party. We walked the neighborhood and enjoyed the cool night and warm welcomes from friends. Our motley bunch of singers didn't sound too bad this year and the competition for the "Angel Choir" was closer than ever before!
Today my feet ache but I don't mind so much since they remind me of good deeds, and blessings of friends. They also remind me of Jesus' feet. He walked this earth and went miles and miles to spread the good news! Were His feet sore before He went to the cross? I have no doubt that they were!
How lovely are the feet of Him who brings good news!
I've been shopping and shopping and shopping. Though shopping is not my favorite activity i enjoyed the exercise of buying gifts for loved ones and moving my body for long periods of time to work off those extra calories!
Last night was our caroling party. We walked the neighborhood and enjoyed the cool night and warm welcomes from friends. Our motley bunch of singers didn't sound too bad this year and the competition for the "Angel Choir" was closer than ever before!
Today my feet ache but I don't mind so much since they remind me of good deeds, and blessings of friends. They also remind me of Jesus' feet. He walked this earth and went miles and miles to spread the good news! Were His feet sore before He went to the cross? I have no doubt that they were!
How lovely are the feet of Him who brings good news!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Scrooge
There is a Scrooge for every person every Christmas season. It could be health related, financial, emotional, relational or many other places in our lives.
The question is, can we overcome bad news from Scrooge with the good news of Christ?
According to John 16:33 we can! "I have told you all this so you may have peace in me. (What did He tell us? The Good News!) Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
So there, Scrooge! You cannot take away our Merry Christmas. You cannot spoil our Christmas joy. We will not become like you!
God bless us , every one!
The question is, can we overcome bad news from Scrooge with the good news of Christ?
According to John 16:33 we can! "I have told you all this so you may have peace in me. (What did He tell us? The Good News!) Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
So there, Scrooge! You cannot take away our Merry Christmas. You cannot spoil our Christmas joy. We will not become like you!
God bless us , every one!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Christmas Love
If there is one message that sums up Christmas I think it must be love. Christmas began because God loved us. That is good news!
Love is good news because love seeks the best for us. Yes, love isn't always easy, in fact it can be the most difficult thing we do. When we love someone we look for ways to give them the best of ourselves and we want the best for them. Sometimes that takes mercy and gentleness but other times it takes sacrifice and discipline. God entered the world prepared to give both.
The first Christmas brought to us God wrapped in humanness and filled with love. True love is the good news we receive when we accept the Christmas gift that came as a tiny infant. His true love for us is the best news we will ever receive!
Love is good news because love seeks the best for us. Yes, love isn't always easy, in fact it can be the most difficult thing we do. When we love someone we look for ways to give them the best of ourselves and we want the best for them. Sometimes that takes mercy and gentleness but other times it takes sacrifice and discipline. God entered the world prepared to give both.
The first Christmas brought to us God wrapped in humanness and filled with love. True love is the good news we receive when we accept the Christmas gift that came as a tiny infant. His true love for us is the best news we will ever receive!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Beware
This is a warning to anyone who thinks they can cross the legal line and get away with it! No, I have not crossed that line but I know about the consequences from others experiences. I have crossed other lines though and so I too qualify for this message.
When you get caught beware! You will find that your sins will be turned back onto you through the "Justice" system. You will be married to the DOC for your entire sentence and maybe longer! You will be lied to, and conned by those who despise you. Your family will suffer the same treatment even though they have not committed any crime. You can be sure your life will be a living hell, that causes you to become the prey of people who think themselves righteous. It is an ugly life.
In all of this you must also know that if you do not get caught here you will still suffer the consequences. The only hope any sinner has is in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you admit you are a sinner and you would like to have the hope He brings, let me know and I'll share some really good news with you!
When you get caught beware! You will find that your sins will be turned back onto you through the "Justice" system. You will be married to the DOC for your entire sentence and maybe longer! You will be lied to, and conned by those who despise you. Your family will suffer the same treatment even though they have not committed any crime. You can be sure your life will be a living hell, that causes you to become the prey of people who think themselves righteous. It is an ugly life.
In all of this you must also know that if you do not get caught here you will still suffer the consequences. The only hope any sinner has is in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you admit you are a sinner and you would like to have the hope He brings, let me know and I'll share some really good news with you!
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