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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

9-29-2009 Pass The Salt Please

Pass The Salt Please

 

September 29, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

 

 

Mark 9:50"Salt is good for seasoning, but if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other." (New Living Translation)

 

 

The Bible's earliest mention of salt is the story of Lot's wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt when she disobediently looked back at the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah .  When King Abimelech destroyed the city of Shechem , he "sowed salt" on the city to express the completeness of its ruin.  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus referred to his followers as the "salt of the earth. The apostle Paul, in Colossians 4:6, encouraged Christians to "let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt".

 

So – what's the deal with all the salt talk?   Jesus used salt to illustrate the qualities which should be found in the lives of His children.

 

Leviticus 2:13"Every offering must be seasoned with salt, because the salt is the reminder of God's covenant". Just as salt was used with a sacrifice to remember God's covenant with His people, we should remember God's faithfulness. In the same way salt is refined through processing, God is faithful to work in us to refine the characteristics that keep us from properly serving and representing Him. Salt is a good symbol of God's activity in our personal life; as He penetrates our heart, preserves our soul and aids in healing.

 

Matthew 5:13"You are the world's seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." Just as salt is effective in giving flavor to food, we need to be effective in our Christian lives. If a seasoning has no flavor – what good is it then? When we lose the desire to "salt" the earth with the love and message of God – God says, we become useless to Him. If we make no effort to have an effect on those around us, we are of little value to God.

And just as salt loses its flavor when it gets wet and then dries, "tasteless and worthless" Christians are those who blend into the world to avoid the cost of standing for Christ.

 

Salt preserves food from decay – in the same way our living moral lives can counteract the decay that in our society today. We can never enhance the flavor of Christ to those around us, if we fail to live pure lives.

 

We are to preserve the good in this world, to help keep it from spoiling and to bring new flavor to life. Doing so will require great planning on our part. It takes willing sacrifice, courage to step outside our comfort zones and the unswerving commitment to Christ's Kingdom.

 

 

If we are true Christians with "salt-like" qualities, we will choose to represent the peace of Christ at all times – wherever we go – whatever we say – and whatever we do – always understanding, someone is always watching.

 

Colossians 3:17"And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, and come with him into the presence of God the Father to give him your thanks."  What impression do people have of Christ when they see and talk to you?

 

Being salty won't always be easy, but if we fail in this function, then we fail to represent Christ in this world – and after all – isn't that our job?

 

Colossians 3:14-15"Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. Let the peace of heart which comes from Christ be always present in your hearts, and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body."

 

So – just how salty are you?

 

 

 

 

Father God,

 

Our deepest desire is to always mirror You in every area of our life – yet, we often fail to be Your salt of the earth. Help us season Your world and every person in it, with Your flavor of love. May the peace of Christ always rule in our hearts, our homes, our workplaces, our neighborhoods and our church. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.


God is the source of my existence. He has become my Lord and my friend. It is He alone who keeps me functioning each day and the absolute only reason I bother to get up in the mornings. I am a precious daughter of the Most High King and I know that I am absolutely worthless without Him! Side by side with the Savior -  ...."I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Philippians. 4:13 

"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14


Friday, September 25, 2009

Selfish Stupidity

September 25, 2009
~Denise Grant
 
“A selfish man quarrels against every sound principle of conduct by demanding his own way.” Proverbs 18:1 TLB
 
________________________________________________________________
 
     Ever notice how our society places value on boldness, confidence and guts? Oh at times I guess, they can be a much-needed characteristic – but too much self-assurance can lead to selfishness, that is, if it is not tempered by love.
 
     You may call it self-assertiveness, when you insist on always having your own way. But let’s get real - it’s just called plain old selfish stupidity. And it’s a sickness all of us get from time to time.
 
     Doing things “your way” may in fact seem like a good course of action – to you – but when God weighs your actions, He just may see them as selfish. Do you always consider the rights and concerns of others – before yours? The line between selfishness and assertiveness is often the line between “others” and “yourself”. 
  
    “When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily; but with honest, sensible leaders there is stability.” Proverbs 28:2
 
     Your selfishness can quickly affect those around you. A selfish employee, who steals from his company, does much to impair its efficiency. A selfish driver, who drinks before taking the wheel, not only makes the highways unsafe, but may destroy the lives of those also on the road. A selfish spouse, who has an adulterous affair, not only breaks up his family, but ruins several other families. When enough people live for themselves with little concern for how their actions affect others, the resulting moral rot can topple an entire nation – church – family – neighborhood – relationships – or workplace.
 
     Are you part of the problem - - - or part of the solution?
 
     It’s easy to slip into quiet rebellion – going about life in your own way. But the time comes when you have to choose who or what will control you. Will it be God or your own selfish personality? Once you have chosen to be controlled by God’s noble Spirit, you will need to reaffirm that choice every single day.
 
     True Christians prefer and place others before themselves; they are humble and seek to serve rather than be served – just as Christ lived and died.
     People with selfish desires often seek to fulfill them in power-hungry or ruthless ways. Examine your ambition to see if they are self-centered or God-centered. Be sure you always seek to meet your desires in a way God would approve.
 
     Beware of wanting your own way, because eventually you just may get it – along with all its painful consequences.

 
Dear God,
 
     Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by the frustrations of daily life and the difficulties of this world that I can only see what’s right in front of my face – me!  Help me always look up, so my eyes focus first, only and always on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

God is the source of my existence. He has become my Lord and my friend. It is He alone who keeps me functioning each day and the absolute only reason I bother to get up in the mornings. I am a precious daughter of the Most High King and I know that I am absolutely worthless without Him! Side by side with the Savior -  ...."I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Philippians. 4:13 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Cross Was No Accident

September 17, 2009
~Denise Grant
 
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”John 1:29
 
     My mother, daughter and I used to sing the song, “He Grew the Tree”, in church from time to time. Chuck Lawrence wrote both the lyrics and the music in 1982. It was recorded by Barbara Mandrell and won several Dove awards.
 
HE GREW THE TREE
 
He molded and built, a small lonely hill that He knew would be called Calvary.
Then He made the seed that would grow to be, thorns that would make
His Son bleed.
Then He made a green stem, gave it leaves and then,
gave it sunshine and rain and sheltered it with moss.
He grew the tree, that He knew would be, used to make the Old Rugged Cross.
 
Nothing took His life, with Love He gave it. He was crucified,
on a tree that He created.
With great love for Man, God stayed with His plan –
He grew the tree, so that we might go free.
With tears in His eyes, God looked down through time, saw Him spat upon, rejected and mocked.
 
Still, He grew the tree, that He knew would be, used to make
the Old Rugged Cross.
 
     The cross was not a tragic surprise – at least not to God. Nor was Calvary, a quick response to a world plummeting towards destruction either. The death of the Son of God was anything but unexpected or unplanned.
 
     No, it was a calculated, carefully constructed pre-thought-out plan. From the first blueprint of this universes’ existence - the cross was traced. It was written into the script long before the forbidden fruit touched Eve’s lips.
 
     Jesus was born crucified! From the moment young Jesus became conscious of who He was - He knew what He had to do. The cross became a shadow in the forefront of His every thought.
 
     Think about this for just a moment…….
  • He deliberately planted the tree from which His cross would one day be cut and carved.
  • He carefully placed the required minerals deep within the earth’s core; from which the very nails would be created.
  • And at just the right time in history, He placed Judas the betrayer, in the womb of his mother.
  • Christ Himself was the very one who set into motion the political arena that put Pilate into power.
  • He did not have to do it – but He did – just for you!
 
     You see – it wasn’t the ropes holding His hands, or the nails spiked into each wrist, that positioned Jesus on the cross - it was you! It wasn’t the soldiers or the angry mob that killed Him – it was His enduring devotion to you.
 
     So, call the cross whatever you want; an act of grace, redemption or martyrdom - but whatever you call it, don’t you dare call it an accident – for it was anything but that.
 
 
Father God,
 
     You didn’t have to do it – but You did.  You knew the only way we could fully know and accept You, was if You came down and dwelt among us. The only way I know to thank You is to live every day of my life, for You. I give myself to You. Mold me and make me, just as You did the tree – to be all You desire for me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.




God is the source of my existence. He has become my Lord and my friend. It is He alone who keeps me functioning each day and the absolute only reason I bother to get up in the mornings. I am a precious daughter of the Most High King and I know that I am absolutely worthless without Him! Side by side with the Savior -  ...."I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Philippians. 4:13 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

An Unchanging Love

September 15, 2009
~Denise Grant
 
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
 
     An old friend phoned this morning to explain the plight of her son. A divorce – and the loss of his daughter, her only granddaughter, is ripping this family’s hearts out from their chests. Her son’s ex-wife has taken their daughter and moved an hour away, with her new husband - - - a registered sex offender!
 
     Their belief in our judicial system has crumbled and I must admit – mine has too. I can’t fathom a judge in our county, presented with such strong evidence would choose to place a non-relative female child in the same home with this man.
 
     I hung up feeling as if my words – meant for encouragement – fell on deaf ears – and a broken heart. As a mother of three children and a grandmother of three grandsons, I can’t imagine what this family is going through – and yet – I can’t imagine going through what they’re going through, if I didn’t have Christ to bear my burdens.
 
     Although you may not be going through the predicament of this particular family, each of us has burdens to bear; unemployment, terminal illness, loss of relationships.  In the midst of life’s most difficult situations, there is comfort in knowing that one thing never changes - - God’s love for you. He’s with you in every circumstance, every life change, and in every situation. In fact, He’s not just with you – but He’s in you.
 
     Through tears, this grandmother asked me, “How can God see what is happening to her and allow it?” I didn’t have an answer. I just know that He does and it saddens Him greatly. He is the ultimate judge and I don’t believe these actions will go unpunished. In the time being, they cannot lose their faith that God is in control.
 
     God loves you, period. It’s a sentence never open for negotiation. There’s nothing you can do to earn His love. Nothing extra you must do in order to be more worthy. And absolutely nothing you do or have done – ever – will keep God from loving you. Isn’t it a relief to know that your failings will never keep you from the love of Christ. Nothing you can do will change His feelings for you.
 
     He is a God of complete love. His blessings are plentiful. His favor endures from one generation to the next. His dreams for you continue to shine and hold fast through every difficult road or change of your life.
 
Your spouse may leave you – but God won’t.
Your job may let you go – but God won’t.
Your child may hate you – but God won’t.
 
     We must always keep our eyes on Christ, our ultimate leader, who, unlike human leaders, will never be unjust or unfair. He has been and will be the same forever. In our unfair world, we can always trust our Lord and Savior.
 
     Take a few moments and visit www.fightforholly.com, and pray for this family. Their story is getting national and international attention, by way of radio, television and internet. If you’d like, sign the guest book and uphold this family as they struggle to make the right choice for this precious child. I’m a firm believer in the awesome power of prayer. Prayer gets things done. Prayer moves mountains. Prayer changes things.
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Dear Lord,
 
     Hold fast to me through the inevitable changes of my life, both good and bad. Let me rest secure in the knowledge that Your love for me, my family, and my friends will endure forever. I may lose my faith in man, but You, Lord will never let me down. You are a just and fair God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

God is the source of my existence. He has become my Lord and my friend. It is He alone who keeps me functioning each day and the absolute only reason I bother to get up in the mornings. I am a precious daughter of the Most High King and I know that I am absolutely worthless without Him! Side by side with the Savior -  ...."I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Philippians. 4:13 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14

Friday, September 11, 2009

9/11/2009 - Remember

Dear Friends,

Just last night, my mother was stating to me that September 9, 2009 would not happen for another 100 years (09-09-09), and it quickly reminded me that tomorrow is the eighth anniversary of a day we probably all remember well. Some of us, felt the weight of the impact of that fateful day more than others. Many of us lost family, friends and coworkers - but more of us, fortunately escaped the aftermath unlike those within the immediate city blocks of the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001.

I hope you'll take time out of your day today and please pray for all those who lost loved ones. Today like every day of their lives, is a difficult reminder of their tremendous loss and how their lives have been changed forever.

Let’s also remember our Armed Forces that strive to make our nation safe, as we work, play and sleep; and their loved ones who prayerfully await their safe return home.

Pray for the leaders of our country that they can focus their sights on God first in order to truly make this a United States - one Nation Under God.

Thanks, Denise

You may have already saw this but it's a great reminder of that day - just eight years ago. Make sure you take the time to briefly revisit through photographs on your way to the bottom. Don't let today end without truly thanking God you were where He planted you that day.
MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL










'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'
You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001?
Neither will I.
I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK..I am ready to go.'
I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.
I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'
I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.
I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.
I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?
I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.
Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.
I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do.. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?
Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you . But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'
I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.
God
Stop and think and appreciate God's power
in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to
Him.
'Yes, I love my God. He is my
fountain of Life and My Savior. He Keeps me going day and
night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do
everything. Christ is my strength.'

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

God is the source of my existence. He has become my Lord and my friend. It is He alone who keeps me functioning each day and the absolute only reason I bother to get up in the mornings. I am a precious daughter of the Most High King and I know that I am absolutely worthless without Him! Side by side with the Savior - ...."I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Philippians. 4:13

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Faith Under Fire

September 10, 2009
~Denise Grant
 
“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”  1 Peter 4:16 NIV
 
     Have you ever decided to do something – or not to do something - because you chose to obey God instead of going along with the crowd?
 
     Ever been with a group of people who were bent on gossiping, and instead of joining the juicy chatter, you jumped at the first chance to walk away?
 
     Perhaps you have been in the presence of pranksters as a dirty joke was being told, yet you preferred the exit door, over the punch line and the vulgar laughter which followed?
 
     Whatever the situation or the subject matter, your obedience to God, at that moment, seemed to hurt because others didn’t respect your decision not to participate. Jesus says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
 
     If you have experienced this in the past or are currently facing such times, let me encourage you to rejoice – for at this moment, you are in a perfect position in which to glorify God. It is never shameful to suffer for being a Christian. When Peter and John were persecuted for preaching the Good News, they rejoiced because such persecution was a mark of God’s approval of their work.
 
     Now, don’t go and seek out suffering – you’ll surely find more than enough along your life’s path – but don’t necessarily try to avoid it either. Instead, keep on doing what is right regardless of the suffering that it might bring. “The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall, it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 TLB.  Follow God, trust in Him, and try always to do His will. God will watch over and direct every step you take, if you just make Him number one in your life.
 
     Many times, loyalty to Christ requires us to say, “no” to others. This can bring about feelings of loneliness and separation. It’s important to realize that sometimes God allows suffering to come into your life in order to strengthen your faith. Suffering provides the opportunity for us to trust God. You can rejoice because of what God will do in your life and what He promises for your future! Don’t be ashamed, instead –Glorify God! “You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” Psalm 73:23-24 NIV
 
Dear Lord,
 
     Everywhere I turn, decisions need to be made. How can I always know which is the best choice? Help me always turn my thoughts over to you, Lord, and help me be always bold and upright in my faith. Help me not to feel defeated when I am persecuted for my faith. Hold me as I continue to trust in and depend on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

God is the source of my existence. He has become my Lord and my friend. It is He alone who keeps me functioning each day and the absolute only reason I bother to get up in the mornings. I am a precious daughter of the Most High King and I know that I am absolutely worthless without Him! Side by side with the Savior -  ...."I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Philippians. 4:13 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

He Is With You Always

September 9, 2009
~Denise Grant
 
"The God of heaven will give us success” Nehemiah 2:20.
 
 
     During the War, a US marine was separated from his unit.  The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire, he had lost touch with his comrades.

     Alone in the hills, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction.. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.

     As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."

     After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.

     As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.

     "Ha, he thought, "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."

     As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while. "Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you, a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."
 
    
     When is the last time you faced a time of great trouble?
 
     Ashamedly, when we do, it is so easy to forget the past victories that God worked through in our lives, isn’t it?  At times, He surprises us so much so – that we fail to recognize our “answer” came from Him.

     Remember: Whatever is happening in your life - with God - a mere spider's web can become a brick wall of protection. Trust that the Lord is with you always - His Word tells you so. Just speak His name through Jesus His son, and you will see His great power and love in your life.
 
My Redeemer,
 
     Even in the midst of my problems, help me always keep my eyes on You, Lord. I never want to miss an opportunity to see You work in my life. Teach me to see You first and not be troubled about tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

God is the source of my existence. He has become my Lord and my friend. It is He alone who keeps me functioning each day and the absolute only reason I bother to get up in the mornings. I am a precious daughter of the Most High King and I know that I am absolutely worthless without Him! Side by side with the Savior -  ...."I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Philippians. 4:13 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Toils and Troubles

September 2, 2009
~Denise Grant
 
“You have let me experience the joys of life and the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence.”  Psalm 16:11
 
     I don’t know about you – but my life is not always a bed of roses!  I seem to experience more than my fair share of painful encounters. Too often, I’m merely steps away from the crumbling walls of my own heartaches. Do you struggle in this life?
 
     We both should learn a lesson from the Master: Don’t march into battle with the enemy without first claiming the courage of God’s promises.
 
     True joy in this life is far deeper than happiness. Joy can be felt even in the midst of and in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is only temporary because it’s based on God’s presence within us. Find contentment in His daily presence. Don’t base your circumstances on your life – and don’t base your life on your circumstances.
 
When you are confused? “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 God knows your future and He has plans for that future. His Word tells us our future is good and full of hope. When you rest in this promise, you can have boundless hope. No matter what life tosses in your direction; pain, hardship, suffering – God will see you through. It won’t always be easy – but you are never alone.
 
When you feel weighted by yesterday’s failures“Those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty” Romans 8:1 “Not Guilty”. Those are the words Christ uses when you stand before Him. Even though the whole human race is worthy of death row for continually breaking God’s Holy Laws – without Jesus we would have no hope at all. Thank God, He has declared all of us not guilty and offers us freedom from sin and gives us the power to do His will.
 
During those times you wonder where God is:  “I am the Holy One, and I am among you.” Hosea 11:9 It’s easy for us to define God in terms of our own expectations - but God is God. He’s not man. In doing so, we make Him just slightly larger than ourselves. In reality, He is infinitely greater than we are or could ever imagine. We should seek to become more like Him rather than attempting to remake Him in our image!
 
When you pray He hears your prayers: “In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest.” Jeremiah 12-13 God has never forgotten His people. In times of deep trouble, it may seem that God has forgotten you (and me), but He may be preparing us, for a new beginning. When you don’t think you hear Him – you just need to start talking more.
 
When you’re afraid of dying: God promises that He will not forget about us when we die. None of us will ever leave this world alone. “For you will not leave me among the dead; you will not allow your beloved one to rot in the grave”. Psalm 16:10 He’ll raise you to everlasting eternal life with HIM! As a believer, this provides real security.
 
Footsteps Preschool (Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church) is now open. Our first day of preschool will be September 8th. We are an outreach ministry, not just for our own church members, but for the surrounding community. Our goal is to provide Christian love, knowledge of the Savior, and school readiness to the children entrusted in our care. Will you please make us a matter of personal prayer? Pray specifically that we will continue to grow and expand to meet the needs of these precious souls? Help us spread the word to area folks.
 
Dear God,
 
     Toils and troubles come heavy at times, but help us to always remember that we’re not alone during those times - that You are always with us in the midst of our pain and suffering. And may we never lose sight of Your will for our lives. Help us to keep our focus always on You. We love you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14