For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the Lord. For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:8-11 KJV
In my Bible reading this morning in the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah, in a popular passage of scripture, I started Thinking Out Loud:
This chapter opens with the Prophet Jeremiah writing a letter to the remaining elders and people of the Nation of Israel, who have been brought into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar. The Nation of Israel had been warned in numerous passages and books of the Bible that they would go into bondage if they didn’t turn from following after false gods and cease practicing the idolatry of the heathen nations around them.
As a young Christian, this book was my go-to when my behavior was less than Christ-like. It remains a standard mirror for testing the fruits of my spirit! Hope you’ll join us on this scripture journey!🙏♥️
First Missions Trip Abroad – Malawi, Africa – October 2018
In 2018, I was ecstatic to experience the sights, sounds, culture, language, and the mission field of Malawi, Africa. With the exception my pastor, many of the other five members from my church had never been on a mission trip, and some had never been out of the continental USA. It was both a dream come true and an awakening to how rich I was in many areas taken for granted.
The impact of 2018 is a mission memorial and why I seek your support for the Wonderfully Made campaign.
The “Wonderfully Made” campaign is focused on strengthening and extending the special needs ministry of the Passion Center for Children in Malawi, Africa. The Bible tells us that we are all ‘fearfully and wonderfully’ made and that everyone is precious in God’s sight. However, too often, those with special needs don’t feel that way. Instead, they experience neglect, are shunned, and sometimes thought to be cursed because in countries like Malawi, information is lacking, resources are scarce, and intervention is absent. The Passion Center’s Champions Club and Champs Mobile ministries are focused on changing that in a growing number of villages in Malawi and we invite you to join us in making that possible!
In 2016, the Champions Club began as a first-of-its-kind ministry in Malawi operating as a fixed site ministry for special needs children!
Right away we saw parents, grandparents, and siblings walk hours to bring their special needs loved ones to the Champions Club for help. We were amazed to see the impact this ministry was having. Quickly it became apparent that a mobile component was needed. Now the Champs Mobile ministry drives out to dozens of villages to care for the special needs children and their families who would otherwise not be able to make the long journey to the club.
The Champions Club and the Champs Mobile ministries give these kids a special place to feel safe, protected, and loved. Our staff shows them they are precious, not forgotten, nor cursed, but that they are “wonderfully made” and precious in the sight of God. They let them know that there is real hope in Jesus Christ and alongside their parents/guardians, we help them become all they can be in Christ. We do that by focusing on 4 key areas: spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical (PT & OT). What a joy it is to see special needs children and their families start experiencing hope and support that they lacked before!
Join us in supporting the Wonderfully Made campaign from now to through June 12, 2021.
THE MAIN GOALS ARE:
1 EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES & STAFFING
This includes items such as wheelchairs, specialized stretching and strengthening equipment, crutches, swings, education toys, Bibles, and additional staff members that will help us to better serve the kids in the Champs ministry.
2 NEW CHAMPS CLUB SITE
We are excited about opening our second Champions Club at Jali Community Church. With the large number of special needs kids in this area and a growing Passion Center site at Jali Community Church, this fully equipped and staffed second location would be a huge blessing to the community.
3 NEW SPONSORSHIPS
We currently have 60 Champs awaiting sponsorship. Our hope and prayer is to find sponsors for all of these children. The monthly support of $25 will allow the child to receive the one-on-one attention they need, and provide training and instruction to the champs and their families so they won’t feel neglected, shunned, or cursed. That’s the blessing of the Champions ministries!
I am asking for your help in reaching my personal fundraising goal of $500 (10% of the overall goal) to raise funds for The Passion Center for Children’s campaign for Malawian ‘special needs children.’ Just $5 would get me started in the right direction. In exchange for your donation, I will highlight your business, church, faith-based non-profit or a faith-based event right here on my blog and name you as a donor.
WE THANK YOU in advance for your support and your prayers. The link to give your gift is below. We encourage your to look around the sight for additional ways you, your church, or your organization can support the Passion Center.
The Book of Song of Solomon is said to be the book that describes God’s love for his bride; both the Nation of Israel historically and doctrinally (Old Testament-God the Father) and inspirationally, the Church (New Testament-God the Son).
The intimacy is described in a manner I’m sure both husbands and wives longingly desire to share with each other. It’s an awe-inspiring biblical allegory that gives a picture of the Eros side of physical marriage. It is also a spiritual picture of the intimacy God desires to have with his children.
I believe that as a Christian (Believer in Jesus Christ), I should have this same spiritual love for Him who died, was buried, and rose again to set me free from the bondage of my first birth (Romans 5:12; Genesis 5:3). I believe it takes a lifetime to learn how to love the Lord Jesus Christ to the depth that he loves us, but what else do we have but the TIME God gives us?
In the privacy of your own personal relationship with Christ, will you set your heart, mind, and soul to give God the honor and glory due his name by focusing in 2021 to continually learn to love him as he has loved you?
“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:” – Genesis 3:4
Look at where that got us. The God-created beings, Adam and Eve, were duped by the craftiness of one whom had fallen from great heights. [word to the wise: be careful around those who lose their lofty crowns… they can be venomous (full of malice & spite)]. Eve was drawn into the lie and Adam was enticed by the fruit the lie brought forth (sin).
Let’s be honest here. As much as many of us would say we hate liars, lying, and lies we, in fact, accept liars, lying, and lies because of the fruit it carries with it. We’ve even lied to ourselves to avoid facing the truth of our own character deficiencies.
So in 2020, amidst myriad lies and liars in a multitude of social, governmental, medical, and spiritual states, can we all face this truth:
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12
We are ALL GOING TO DIE! And as fearful and harsh as that may seem to many, it is a truth that began over 6,000 years ago in a garden where a man and woman listened to the voice of a creation instead of the voice of their CREATOR.
God’s arms are STILL WIDE OPEN and ready to receive ALL who will accept the gift 🎁 of ETERNAL LIFE through His Son, Jesus Christ. And the beauty of it all is it requires the simplest act on our part:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:9-11
I have recovered from many of the lies told me and the ones I have told myself. Yet, I have grown wise enough to know there is one lie we can’t afford to leave unchecked…
Do you ever think about your communication style? Or, are you content with just uttering whatever comes to mind?
In Matthew 6:7, Jesus addresses the vain repetitions that many use in their conversations (prayers) with God. The point Jesus is making is that God wants our communication with him to be more intimate versus just our much speaking. Therein lies the communication breakdown.
People have called me an interrogator for asking intimate and personal questions that go beyond the surface interaction. Of course, that is not my intention. I’m not trying to get all up in their business. I like getting to know people and equate it with gaining both knowledge and understanding that allows me to know them. The process requires a two-way street.
Accordingly, when our goal is to minister to others, there has to be an even exchange of information. It’s up to us to demonstrate a genuine interest in the person to avoid the appearance of having an ulterior motive. Otherwise, our communications may come off as intrusive.
In our current climate, while some want to whine, others want to share their lives with others to feel connected and not alone in this world. Find a way to put out a welcoming sign that beckons:
Sometimes we struggle because we are attempting to manage our lives on our own terms. But as children of God, how often are we inviting Jesus to whatever the situation is? Or, how often are we asking God to fix the problem according to what we believe is the solution?
Have You Invited Jesus Into Your Situation?
My grandchildren give me a vivid picture of this. From the babes (under 5yo) to the young adults, their attempts at independence is both laudable for the confidence they exhibit, and fearful because of their lack of experience. Time always presents an occasion for me and their parents to interject the safety words, “…let me help you.” In these parental rescue attempts, my grandchildren far too often resist the assist, not understanding they lack either the skill or the experience to recognize the potential dangers I and their parents know are ahead.
God’s children can be like my grandchildren. Far too often, we are operating independently from God trying to figure everything out on our own, instead of INVITING THE LORD into the situation. I’ve had to gain some of my experience the hard way, but I learned. It’s taught me that it will end up working out better when we do as Jonathan McReynolds sings … by inviting Jesus into our ‘SITUATION.’
May God’s Grace Abound that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
However, in these last days let us not forget the ministry of reconciliation. The Christian mandate was given in Matthew 28:19-20 to “… go thee therefore…”
Accordingly, as we demonstrate the loving sacrifice of the living God, let us not forget the other truth we must share regarding God’s wrath to come.
The Body is an amazingly beautiful piece of human art. It is especially eye-catching when you dress it in fine apparel. It stands out and beckons you to take a second and third look; to draw closer for up-close and personal vetting. Someone said that beauty was in the eye of the beholder; yet, the Body invites depth that goes beyond the naked eye. It’s the only way to see if it’s only skin deep.
I don’t boast about much, but I couldn’t miss an opportunity to celebrate my Body. Let’s face it – if I don’t brag about my Body, no one will know how magnificent it is. It would be a great disservice for me not to boast about my Body when many are searching for one that looks and feels as good as mine does.
My Body is so satisfying I know if I share a little about it, you will be aroused and want to explore it. And that’s precisely my intention – to awaken an emotional desire in your heart to draw you nearer to it. You see:
My Body is:
sweet like sugar
comforting like a warm blanket
welcoming and protective
My Body will:
penetrate your intellect
make you thirsty & hungry for more
fill you with love, joy, & peace
and, My Body provides:
the embrace you desire
the truth you require
the home you admire
I celebrate my Body today because it has been good to me in ways seen and unseen. It nourishes me even as it cleanses me of the garbage I’ve taken in. My Body is my gift to all who will enter its doors, which I share proudly today:
15904 E. 23rd Street South – Independence, MO 64055
It is a Body that consistently equips the sons and daughters of God to be more than just Believers.
I dedicate this blog post especially to my sisters in the Women’s Ministry, who never cease to amaze me as they teach me by word and deed, what it means to be a woman with a heart for God, given to hospitality. By demonstration, they are the epitome of Abigail, Esther, Ruth, Naomi, Hannah, Deborah, Mary, the mother, Elizabeth, Priscilla, Mary Magdalene, Martha, Sarah, and more. Perfecting their state as virtuous women, they are daughters in whom I believe God is well pleased.
Sisters, you are a huge part of why I love my Body!
I have two new young adults in my immediate life – grandchildren who have hit that second magical age range of 18-20 years old (the first magical age being 13 years old and I have a granddaughter reaching this stage next month). They came out the high school gate chomping at the bits to break loose and run free. I’m watching them with a sense of excitement and joy for what they will discover about themselves, others, and this world. But, I’m also praying and inwardly fearful about some of the hard truths they will learn about how life isn’t always fair, all people aren’t inherently good, and how their free will has consequences that could set up strongholds in their lives not easily shaken.
I have one of each: a male and a female. With both, their parents and I have shared some of our experiences, failures, and triumphs. Their parents and I have warned them against making the mistakes we did in our youth to avoid the struggles we endured, some with lingering effects. They both listen, but their right to freely choosehas clouded their decision in some instances. However, we are grateful there have been no mistakes thus far that has caused significant detours in their lives. Though, they both have come close to the edge of falling into a disaster or two.
I remember my time in the 18-20-year-old range. There was so much beckoning me to draw near. I got real close to some things and dabbled in a handful too many. As I look back, I know my mother’s prayers, coupled with God’s abundant grace, kept me from consequences that would have been earth-shattering for my mom, me, and my future. My curiosity and naiveté took me down some roads better left untraveled. At the same time, though, what I experienced gives me the credibility to explain to my grandchildren why they should avoid some things.
I’ve been listening to Tony Evan’s podcasts on American Idols this week, and it’s been food for thought. It got me to thinking how some of the freedoms we have as individuals here in America aren’t all they’re cracked up to be when we stop and dissect a few of those freedoms. Yes, the American dream offers a freedom that, in some ways, have led us into freely and openly indulging into things GOD clearly warned us to avoid as He laid out the laws and precepts to the Nation of Israel. The Old Testament is full of events that give a good picture of the physical consequences (i.e., bondage, enslavement, loss of GOD’s protection and provision, etc.) of doing things right in our own eyes. For example, in Deuteronomy:
5:7 says – “Thou shalt have none other gods before me.” We have given GOD’s position as our authority to other gods [people, astrology, mysticism, WICCA, Atheism, earth-centered or nature worship, to name a few]. Transparency here: in my carnal, baby Christian days, my husband was my god.
5:13-14a says – “Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God:” I’m talking about reserving your day of worship to worship, commune, and meditate on the things of God. We are workaholics. I wonder how many who don’t have jobs that require Sunday hours leave service to rush off to work and labor because they either rested on Saturday or didn’t finish the task(s) they started? Transparency here: I struggle sometimes finding the right balance, not on Sunday, but through the other six days of work to get the things I need to get done, done. Part of that is saying “Sorry, but no,” but most of it is a lack of discipline so – I solicit your prayers for more discipline in all areas of my daily life.
6:14 says – “Ye shall not go after other gods…“ Be honest here — we pursue a lot of things habitually. Careers, relationships, money, materials, etc., as gods in our life. Transparency here: Sadly, one of my pursuits since 1997 has been excessive/emotional eating or what the Bible calls gluttony – I solicit your prayers for my deliverance to enjoy food but not overindulge.
8:5-6 says – “Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.” This, my friends, could be the biggest struggle for the Believer in Jesus Christ, the Savior, who has done nothing to grow in the knowledge of GOD’s Word. A spanking from God can feel like your whole world is crashing down around you. It makes a person feel like nothing ever works out for them. It can send a person into depression, make a person turn back from following GOD, and even cause a person to harbor all the things in their heart that Galatians 5:19-21 says we shouldn’t, thereby, grieving the Holy Ghost. Transparency here: I never liked spankings and got few in my childhood. However, as I came to understand my consequences were part of my Father’s chastisement, I began to understand as an adult that I didn’t like nor want them, and that’s when a lot of things changed for me in my walk with Christ.
This is why somefreedoms aren’t all they’re cracked up to be! Where our freedom isn’t a get out of jail free card from parental, governmental, or GOD’s authority and rules. Where my grandchildren and other babes in Christ get stuck and wrestle to understand why they can’t have or do whatever they want when they want, and how they want. It’s why they don’t understand they need to read the bible, listen to wise counsel, apply the knowledge, and do the right thing even when everyone else around them is doing the world thing.
Some freedoms aren’t all they’re cracked up to be and never have been outside of the authority that God set in place so very long ago. Even when that authority has been corrupted, polluted, and misapplied, there is a need to examine what any freedom will cost you.
Our greatest teacher is what God put in His Word:
“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”
Judges 17:6 (KJV)
Additional Scriptures:
Judges 21:25
Psalm 36:2
Proverbs 12:15
Proverbs 16:2
Proverbs 21:2
Trust me, my freedoms haven’t always benefited me. Have yours?
Speak True Life 