Much Tribulation

One of the "books" I've been reading for my times with God is Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. I have books in quotations because I actually was able to find it online here.  I've been so blessed reading Spurgeon's words of encouragement.  One of the entries that I was greatly comforted with was on March 8 (morning).  All of us at one point or another will go through some sort of trial.  I know that my beloved and I have had our share.

Instead of me trying to retype what Spurgeon wrote, I'll just paste it.  I hope that it will encourage you as it did me.  So here it goes...

Acts 14:22

 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, 
"Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

God’s people have their trials. It was never designed by God, when he chose his people, that they should be an untried people. They were chosen in the furnace of affliction; they were never chosen to worldly peace and earthly joy. Freedom from sickness and the pains of mortality was never promised them; but when their Lord drew up the charter of privileges, he included chastisements amongst the things to which they should inevitably be heirs. Trials are a part of our lot; they were predestinated for us in Christ’s last legacy. So surely as the stars are fashioned by his hands, and their orbits fixed by him, so surely are our trials allotted to us: he has ordained their season and their place, their intensity and the effect they shall have upon us. Good men must never expect to escape troubles; if they do, they will be disappointed, for none of their predecessors have been without them. Mark the patience of Job; remember Abraham, for he had his trials, and by his faith under them, he became the “Father of the faithful.” Note well the biographies of all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and you shall discover none of those whom God made vessels of mercy, who were not made to pass through the fire of affliction. It is ordained of old that the cross of trouble should be engraved on every vessel of mercy, as the royal mark whereby the King’s vessels of honour are distinguished. But although tribulation is thus the path of God’s children, they have the comfort of knowing that their Master has traversed it before them; they have his presence and sympathy to cheer them, his grace to support them, and his example to teach them how to endure; and when they reach “the kingdom,” it will more than make amends for the “much tribulation” through which they passed to enter it.

Where Credit is Due

I recently came across a craigslist advertisement and a new blog that caught my eye. It wasn't anything too flashy (except the blog had the same layout as I do from thecutestblogontheblock). What caught my eye was a picture of something that I had done and the person who put up the advertisment made it look like it was their own. WOW! I couldn't believe it! I didn't know what to do. I was upset. Later on that day, I talked to a close friend of the gal who owns the "company" and asked her if she can ask her friend to remove those pictures. I don't even want credit for the work, I just want it removed. We'll have to wait to see what happens. In the mean time, God has given me a heart to forgive her because Christ has forgiven me of much. Praise God for that!


This got me thinking. Do I always give credit when credit is due? Truthfully? No. When I find something cool or interesting do I say, "This isn't my idea...I got it from so-and-so"? Probably not. I do my best to but I'm sure I don't do it ALL the time. It's gone both ways too. The instance above isn't the first time that someone else took credit for an idea or suggestion that I had suggested to them a few days back. The instance above is just the first time the public can see it. Anywho, back to my point. So many times throughout the day God himself gives us things that we pray for and things that we didn't think we needed. Do we give God "credit" for those things? Do we "...boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:31)? I'll have to say, majority of the time. No.

So, then, who are we to demand "credit" or acknowledgment when we ourselves neglect to acknowledge Christ and His work on the cross for our sins. Who are we to demand acknowledgement when we fall short in acknowledging God's hand working in our everyday lives?

Oh, Lord forgive me for not giving you the praise that's due your name!

Encouragement for Homemakers a.k.a. "Stay at Home Moms"

" You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, and training them up in God's fear, and minding the house, and making your household a church for God, as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts."

I saw this quote the other day. I was treamedously encouraged when I read that! It comes from "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit" by Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

As a stay at home Mom (interesting...didn't that title used to be referred to as a Homemaker?), I would often get discouraged because I wasn't able to be invloved in "the ministry" as much as I was before we had children. Just because I wasn't "in the trenches" I felt unused by God. But I know now that ministry opportunities comes to me everyday when I wake up to pray for my children, feed them, bath them, serve my husband by washing his clothes, trying to keep the house clean, etc. Don't get me wrong, though, we ought to still serve the church body to advance the Kingdom of God. By the way, one of the greatest ways we can serve one another is to interced for one another through prayer. So back to my point, my "missionary field" doesn't start out there, it starts here in our home.

I hope this encourages all you HOMEMAKERS out there. Keep serving the Lord!

Merry Christmas to All!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From Our Home to Yours!

As we spend time with friends and family this Christmas, let's not forget the reason we celebrate in the first place. This past Sunday, our Pastor taught through Titus 3:3-8. Around Christmas time you'll hear messages about the birth of Jesus Christ, the baby in a manger, the miraculous virgin birth, etc. Now I'm not saying that I get tired of hearing this, because I don't. I don't think I ever will! But when I sat there Sunday morning listening to Titus 3, I couldn't help but think, what AMAZING love God has for us. If God never sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be born that cold miraculous night, we would still be enslaved to our sins! We would still be headed to Hell, seperated from Him eternally. But God (I love that statement!), made a Way for us to enter His presence. That Way was wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. His name, Jesus Christ.

May your hearts and souls be filled with joy in knowing that God became a man to set you free from your sins. Jesus Christ was born, knowing that He would die for you.

"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." - Titus 3: 3-8

God's Googly Part 2

In the game of cricket a "googly" is a pitch which is thrown with baseball's "curveball" grip.

I first heard this term while visiting our sister church, The Cornerstone Bible Church in Natomas. It was such a sweet time of worship and fellowship there. Even though it was our first time visiting, it felt like home.

God allowed us to sit under Nick's preaching that morning. The title of his sermon, "Trusting Christ when Life gets Confusing - Part 1", his text John 13:18-30. I won't go into full detail but the meat of the sermon was to stay trusting in God, when you're given "curveballs" or "googlies" in your life. You may have a plan for your life to go one way, then God allows something else to happen that directs your path somewhere else. Often, we're not content with just knowing God has a plan for us. We want to know what that plan is and we want to know it now. God does not give us anything we cannot bear (1 Cor. 10:13), so is it possible that He doesn't reveal His plans for our lives because we can't handle it? Sure! God protects us from what we can't handle. I praise Him for that.

I can go on but it's probably best to visit their website and hear Nick for yourself. I'm sure you'll be encouraged too.

I'm so glad we were able to visit them. We were so blessed to be there. I hope God would allow us to visit again. Let's not forget to lift these brothers and sisters up to the Lord. If you're reading this, let's take some time right now to ask God to bless their ministry. I'll be praying with with you.

Battle of the Bands

Every summer our youth ministry hosts a Summer Camp for Junior High and High School students. For at least 8 years now (probably more), other churches from different cities join us. We've met some great brothers and sisters in the Lord this way.

I'd have to say, this is the highlight for our youth ministry. We get to spend a whole week hearing from the Bible, fellowshiping with other believers, enjoy some super fun games, build relationships with new people and draw closer to the Lord without the everyday distractions of life. What REALLY makes this week worth all the months of preparation and labor is to witness a young adult give their life over to our loving Savior!

God granted me the priveledge to witness a young lady who started off the week as one who's life is on the path to eternal seperation from God, to one who will inherit the Kingdom of God. Her original intention was to go to summer camp for the fun experience. Little did she, or anyone else, know that God had other plans for her soul. As she sat there in the chapel, listening to another student give her testimony, she couldn't help but to think of the sin that separated her from God and the freedom she has in Christ. After our discussion group time, we sat outside and talked more about the Gospel. With tears of joy streaming down her face, she prayed her first prayer as a child of God. I'll never forget her words, "Lord, please don't ever leave me! Please!"

PRAISE GOD! This is what our ministry is all about. I'm not just talking about the youth ministry, I'm talking about the ministry that God has given all His people. He's given us a command to go out and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). May we never lose sight of our purpose here on earth.

Answered Prayer

For the almost 2 years now we've been praying for God to provide ALB with a new job. Praise God! He answered our prayers in His perfect time. Today is Al's official day at his new place of employment. He is now a Kaiser Permanete employee.

This has been a long trial. And even though there were times that our trust in God seemed to slip a bit, the Lord continued to be faithful to us. He kept reminding us that He is our Great Provider.

Thank you to those who've kept us in your prayers. The Lord has heard you!

Psalm 34: 17-19

"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all."

The Suffering Servant

"He was despised and forsaken of men,

A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;

And like one from whom men hide their face

He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Surely our griefs He Himself bore,

And our sorrows He carried;

Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten of God, and afflicted.

But He was pierced through for our transgressions,

He was crushed for our iniquities;

The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,

And by His scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray,

Each of us has turned to his own way;

But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all

To fall on Him.

He was oppressed and He was afflicted,

Yet He did not open His mouth;

Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,

And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,

So He did not open His mouth."

Isaiah 53:3-5 (NASB)

Remembering the sufferings of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to save a wreched sinner like me.

He Rescued Me!

Al introduced this song to me a while back and it has been such a great encouragement to me. If you'd like to hear it just click "play" below.

This life we live has it's moments of trials and tribulations. There are days in my life when I feel so far from God. Days when I feel as if He's left me and the joy that once filled my heart is now running on empty. Why do these days come? The answer is simple, I lack Christ in my life. But God...through is everlasting mercy and compassion draws me to Himself once again. Through the great power of the Word He fills my cup so that it overflows! Oh, how wonderful is our Savior!

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;

He heard my cry for mercy.

Because He turned His ear to me,

I will call on Him as long as I live.

The cords of death entangled me,

the anguish of the grave came upon me;

I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the LORD :

"O LORD, save me!"
The LORD is gracious and righteous;

our God is full of compassion.
The LORD protects the simplehearted;

when I was in great need, He saved me.
Be at rest once more, O my soul,

for the LORD has been good to you.
For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the LORD...

PSALM 116: 1-9

Colors of the Gospel Lapbook

I've been homeschooling now for 2 years and it's been such a great adventure! Alrick is in his second semester of his 1st grade year. Chloe started Pre-K and so has Mara Jaden. It's been challenging for me since my teaching style and Alrick's learning style is quite different. So this semester Al and I decided that I should try a different teaching approach. This semester we're going to try Unit Studies. I did my research and found so many great sites about unit studies and lapbooking. I've added a couple of links under "Homeschooling" in the left column for you to check out.

Today was our first day attempting to lapbook. If you're unfamiliar with the term I encourage you to click check out this blog: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jaminacema/228122/. She's packed full of info. This is also where I got the idea for the lapbook we made today. We call it, "Colors of the Gospel". It's very similar to a "Wordless Book" (http://www.kidology.org/zones/zone_post.asp?post_id=120). Here are some pics:

The front cover. I made this as an example for the children to follow then gave it to Mara Jaden to personalize.

First thing you see when you open it up is just a black square.

Black represents OUR SIN. I've included a verse an a brief explanation for each color. For Black it reads:

Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

That is the “Bad News!” Everyone is guilty of sin and must pay for their sin! Just like when someone is lost in the dark, unable to find your way. The same is true of spiritual darkness. Without God, we stumble our way through life struggling to find the Way. We need salvation!

Here's what it looks like when you open the flap.



Red represents THE BLOOD OF JESUS.

1 Corinthians 15: 3-4
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,"

He shed His blood and died to take our place, and rose again to prove His power over death! It is through faith in Jesus and through acceptance of His gift of salvation that man is saved and through nothing else. (Eph. 2:8-9) Jesus offers the salvation we need!

White represents FORGIVENESS (cleansing of salvation).

Isaiah 1:18
“...Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow...”

This is the promise of God, that He will forgive us all our sins! Just like spiritual darkness on the black page, the white can be used as light, or the spiritual sight we are granted once we are saved.

Yellow represents the PROMISE OF HEAVEN.

John 14:2-3
“In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

The Bible tells us that Jesus is preparing a place for us in Heaven to be with Him. Do you believe Jesus came to save you? If yes, is there any reason why you shouldn’t receive God’s salvation through Jesus right now.

Here I've also included a sample of a prayer that someone might sayif they receive Jesus in their heart.

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and am lost without You. Please forgive me! I believe you sent Jesus to die for me, and that He rose again! I ask Jesus to come into my life and transform me into the person You want me to be. Help me to live for You! Thank You for forgiving me! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Green represents how you GROW IN YOUR NEW LIFE.

2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

Green reminds us of things that grow. Grass, trees and plants are green. They all grow when they are given the proper food, water and light. Well, for a Christian, his sunshine is prayer with the Son. His rain is the nourishment of God’s Word, and his soil is the healthy fellowship with other believers in the faith. All three of these must be present in the life of a believer in order for him to live a truly victorious life.

Here I included the ABC's for Salvation:

A - Admit that you're a sinner in need of God.

B - Believe that Jesus died and rose again for your sins.

C - Confess Jesus as Lord of your life.

Here I included some verses:
A - Romans 3:10-23
B - John 3:16
C - Romans 10:9


Then on the back I just traced their hands, made a label so they can sign their name, age, grade and date.



Here are the kiddies with their completed lapbooks.

Not only were these so much fun to make, it gave me an oportunity to witness to my children. To share with them the wonderful news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jehovah Jireh

Reading today about God's provision as He instructed Abraham to offer of his only son Issac as a sacrifice of worship to the Lord (Genesis 2:1-19), I'm reminded of one of the wonderful names of God, Jehovah Jireh meaning God will provide (v. 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."). We sometimes get so caught up in thinking that our jobs or however we earn an income, that paycheck we receive is what provides for our us. Without it, how can we survive? God has taught me, Jehovah Jireh, GOD WILL PROVIDE!!!!

Our family can attest to this promise. Getting laid off over a year, Al is still waiting on the Lord to provide a full time job. He's given Al temporary jobs (which is an absolute blessing) but that like it's name, it's just temporary. But even with a temporary job God still provides for all our needs! We'll just continue to wait on Him and trust in Jehovah Jireh!