Which path?

Have you ever wondered why did I go around about to get where you are in life? Why didn't I take the more direct route? Well, maybe God wanted you to go around about!

Today, I was reading in Exodus and how God lead the people out of Egypt. God did not lead them along the main roads. Reason, if it was too easy they might change their minds. How often would we do that?

Think about it...The people that were in slavery in Egypt from hundreds of years would rather go back than face a battle. What about you? Would you take the easier route and miss out on what God might be doing or have planned for you?

If you continue to read the story the coolest part is that it tells us plainly that we are not to be afriad that the Lord himself will fight for you. To just stay calm. Now if you are like me that stay calm part is hard, but wow the Lord will fight for us! Now who would you like to fight for you? I know who I want on my side fighting the big fight.

The word is soooooo cool....Stay the course and let THE LORD fight for you!!!

Fighting with the Lord,
Debbie

The baggage of life!

We all have baggage that we carry daily ~ even when we aren't on a trip! I was reading about Moses this morning and how he said Lord, I'm not good with my words, I never have been. Continuing on he says Lord, I get tongue tied and excuse after excuse with my words get tangled up! The Lord tells Moses who makes a persons mouth perfect? Now go! I will be with you!

Folks, Go and spread the word tongue tied and all...That is what the Lord wants is imperfect people like you and me spreading the word of Our Savior and How He goes with us daily baggage and all! Share your story and let the Lord perfect your tongue!

Speaking and all,
Debbie

Encourage each other

Our words should build each other and not tear us down. I read a recent description that our words could be like a surgeon at work. The tongue like a knife has a sharp edge and it can either be used to heal or destroy. The tongue is difficult to manage.

Women sometimes forget that words get back to others. We didn't mean quite like it made it around the circle and got back to you. Have you ever had that experience?

Encouragement is to give confidence or to raise hopes. Don't we all want to do this?
I know that when I began working in women's ministry we made the scripture in Colossians ~ Encourage and knit together in love. Seems simple enough doesn't it?

Our words will remain on this earth long after we are gone. Good or bad, the words remain with those that we say them to in conversation. In Matthew it tells us that heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not. Oops! Oops!

Parents, I also read that the average home makes ten negative comments for every one positive! Also, it takes 4 positives to make up for that negative comment. It is a vicious cycle that we are messing with people for the rest of their life all with our words.

Next time ~ Pause ~ Say something positive rather than negative..Build up ~ don't tear down! It is not that hard...

Trying,
Debbie

Fellowship with Believers

I read a story that I had to share with you! I read a story about a young man that joined a church and had not been in the church long. One day in Bible study he commented you know what I miss the most? I miss the bars. I miss talking with other men. The story went on to tell about the neighborhood bars being possibly the best counterfeit to fellowship in the church. It's an imitation, dispensing liquor instead of grace, escape rather than reality, but it's permissive, accepting, and inclusive fellowship. It is unshockable. It is democratic. You can tell people secrets and they usually don't tell others or even want to. The bar flourishes not because God has put into the human heart the desire to know and be known, to love and be loved, and so many seek a counterfiet at the price of a few beers. Charles Swindoll quoted this in Encourage me.

Is this not the saddest story? We aren't holding up our end of the community that God wants us to have with each other. The young man could find what he needed in the bar, but not in church? What does this say about our churches?

I want to be a friend and welcome people into church. Sometimes, we are caught up in visiting with our friends and be don't take the time to welcome and make new friends. I know that I fall into this trap..This story caught my attention and I want this to change!

Changing,
Debbie