PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI

Let us remember to pray for the people of Haiti. There are so many without food, water, shelter, medical help. We received an email from a pastor our church sponsors there. He was trying to prepare the words for the funeral of a 15 year old. There are so many needs to pray for! Those who don't know CHRIST are totally without hope and in despair. I pray that someone would reach them not only with the physical needs, but with spiritual hope and comfort. There is so much devastation there. Before the earthquake, our church was trying to send a tractor over to Haiti. We never quite could get all the funds needed. I believe GOD was protecting the tractor for them. If we would have sent it , I am sure it would have been destroyed in the earthquake. My prayer now is that they will receive the tractor there at the right time. GOD'S timing. GOD is in control of all things. HE is a GOD of mercy. HIS ways are above ours. One thing we can do is to pray and trust that HE will give courage, hope, and srength to those who need HIM desperately now. We as a church can get together and send support to the people of Haiti through our churches and through our missionaries. There are so many children there who are homeless and without family now more than ever. I pray that the LORD would provide what they need. HE alone can. We can be HIS hands and feet.

NOW WHAT DO WE DO?.......ONCE WE GET OUT OF THE WATER.............

It is wonderful to come to repentance and faith in CHRIST JESUS! It is a blessed day when we are baptized in HIS name! What a picture to the world...we are not ashamed of our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST! HE is LORD! However, I am always disappointed at myself when I get a chance to share the truth of WHO HE IS and what HE has done and I am silent......Maybe it is an awkward time...I don't have the perfect words...maybe I know it would cause a stir......The thing is...I have to remember that usually the WORDS of CHRIST did cause a stir! Did JESUS keep silent for fear of rejection? Did HE keep silent because HE knew not everyone would believe HIM? Did HE keep silent to blend in and not cause a stir.......hmmmmm.......... I wonder how many chances I have missed to share the love of JESUS and failed because I wasn't trusting HIM? Trust. There is that word again.There is no better time than now....especially in our world today to share the love of JESUS! The next time there is an opportunity to reach out and stand firm in my faith, I will! Whether it is to speak out or to remain silent(not join in) I will.There is work for us to do and JESUS is all we need to stengthen and encourage us! As long as we speak truth "in love"...we can trust CHRIST will finish the work HE has started. All we have to do is to trust and obey HIM. Let us all keep our eyes upon HIM ! Let us love HIM and love each other. BLESS YOU ALL!

WHOM WILL YOU SERVE?

For too many years I have served myself. Believing the world's lie," You come frst!" I struggled through many years of pride and selfishness. CHRIST in HIS mercy called me to HIM and HE is now helping me to live for HIM. Don't get me wrong....living for the world and myself for too long is not easy to overcome on my own. I still struggle with the world and myself. I can't blame the devil anymore because I know GOD'S WORD and JESUS CHRIST is my SAVIOR. The question that I am always faced with is,"Are your eyes on CHRIST?" PRAISE GOD! HE is COMPASSIONATE,PATIENT,MERCIFUL, and LOVING! HE does have a plan and a purpose for my life! Where HE places me to serve HIM is not something I have ever understood. Surely there are more qualified people?! YES! HE however chooses to place us where HE can work through us and reveal to us HIS strength, and ability. HE is teaching us to trust HIM! What a MIGHTY GOD we serve. All that HE requires of us is a willing heart. HE will do the rest if we turn to HIM in trust and reliance! Where is GOD calling you to serve HIM? Are you thinking,"There must be someone more qualified for the job."? The truth is the ONE who will be doing the work is able and qualified! It is GOD! All we have to do is SHOW UP! I pray that you trust HIM wherever HE places you and that you would rely on HIM totally throughout your service to JESUS CHRIST our LORD and SAVIOR! may GOD BLESS YOU and your willingness to serve HIM who came for us!

HAVE A BLESSED YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Ever wonder what those words really entail? We know it is a "new" year, but what has really changed? Happy....what does happy really mean? It is different for all of us. I pray that JESUS would continue to work out in me the work HE has begun in me...and you....what HE has started would continue on.....that we all would be more obedient to HIS direction and call. I pray for HIS continued peace and joy. Everlasting contentment in all situations. Content with what HE has done and what HE is doing and what HE has promised to do! This journey is not easy. It is different for each one of us. I am so thankful that our LORD meets us where we are and never leaves us! JESUS knows us and HE still loves us! I can't fathom that, but I am thankful for HIM and for HIS love. GOD'S WORD says lean not on your own understanding.......Sometimes I wonder why do I worry or let fear get a grip on me for my situations or what my family or friends have struggles in. I haven't lost hope, yet I become fearful. I know GOD is in control of all things! I know GOD is GOOD! I think for me the answer is pretty simple...I have taken my eyes off "who" GOD is. HE is LORD ALMIGHTY ,POWERFUL and able to accomplish all things,HE knows what is best and what we need. HE is HOLY and RIGHTEOUS,yet MERCIFUL,PATIENT and LOVING.HE is our PROVIDER,SAVIOR,REDEEMER,GUIDE,PROTECTOR,ROCK,STRONG TOWER, SHEPHERD,THE GATE,LIVING WATER,BREAD OF LIFE,HE is able to heal us physically,spiritually,mentally,and emotionally.HE is all we need. Time to keep my eyes on HIM! So I guess I will pray for you to have A BLESSED YEAR WITH JESUS.....seeking HIM in HIS WORD....relying on....trusting in and abiding in HIM ...CONTENT IN HIM......GOD BLESS YOU!