Junk Food Produces Weak Christians

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty.

~Jeremiah 15:16 (NIV)

You can find a food court in most shopping malls. There are fast food restaurants on every corner. Food also plays a pivotal role at movies and sports events. On weekends people will wait an hour for an available table at a nice restaurant. Food definitely appears to be an important part of our culture.

You are what you eat. Our spiritual food determines the destiny of our hearts and minds.

We require food in order for our bodies to remain healthy. If we skip meals or fill up on junk food we most likely will become sick and frail. Our spiritual life requires eating God's Word daily. Skipping spiritual meals will result in frail Christianity and weak faith.

Study is ingesting and digesting, chewing and swallowing and being filled with ideas, images, thoughts, and attitudes. To browse an idea, to skim it and dabble in it is like getting a whiff of Thanksgiving dinner! As we plunge into the meat of God's Word we allow it to penetrate our hearts and minds. The Words become our life and our actions reflect Godliness. Our spiritual life becomes healthy and God uses us to accomplish His will.

Eating God's Word is a biblical concept. How many believers are suffering spiritually, relationally and emotionally because of their choice not to eat the Word of God? It is readily available to us in hardback, paperback, leather, cloth, in pink, green, iridescent orange, with maps and charts, appendices and concordances, and a little sleeve with a CD-ROM that takes you on a guided tour of the Holy Land. So what is our problem?

The spiritual food is out there just waiting for us to partake. Many have chosen to be picky eaters or desire junk food instead of healthy foods. We occasionally taste the spiritual food and sometimes even savor our bites but there is not much evidence of ingesting. We are nibbling, not devouring. We are what we eat.

On a typical evening, an average Christian may sit and watch television for 3 hours, but only read the Bible for 3 mintues. Is it any wonder many lack spiritual maturity? Many Christians are more faithful to magazines, newspapers, blogs and TV Guide than to the Word of God. What would happen within our churches if Christians committed themselves equally to studying God's Word each day? It would definitely change their lives and the lives of those around them.

Our physical bodies need nourishment daily as well as the need for spiritual nourishment. The Bible is a mirror. The Bible shows us the things in our lives that we need to correct so that we will look like the image of God. It fine tunes our character and integrity to the likenss of our Heavenly Father.

The goal is not for us to get through the Scriptures. The goal is for the Scriptures to get through us.... ~John Orteberg~

One writer puts it this way, "Keep looking into the mirror, until you no longer see yourself, but all that you see is Christ.

I encourage you today to get rid of the junk food and fill up on the nutrition of God's Word. He is so awesome. His Word encourages and offers answers to the challenges we face in this life.

Blessings to each of you today!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful today for God's amazing grace and His awesome power of forgiveness.

I am thankful today for friends. It is so soothing to hear encouraging words at a time when you feel extremely defeated. God knows who to send our way when we need a lift.

I am thankful for the many opportunities God places in our paths. Don't look at situations and circumstances in your life as problems or obstacles. View them as opportunities to do something great for the Kingdom of God.

I am thankful today for a mild winter with little snow. I am not a snow bunny and am seriously looking forward to springtime, flowers and green grass!

I am thankful today for God's healing hand and the work He continues to do on my hubby.

Stop by and visit Iris to view other TT posts.

Trusting Him

My hubby and I spent the entire day together Friday and it was wonderful. We went to the hospital to pray for someone from our church who was scheduled for surgery. From there we ran errands the remainder of the day and ended it with lunch at Olive Garden. We had received a gift card for "Pastor Appreciation Day" in October and had not used it. The food was marvelous! It was just a grand day. Really nothing special but the past several months have caused me to appreciate things we normally take for granted. No restaurants, no shopping, no fun time for two months. I was experiencing some major withdrawal issues!!

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. Psalm 28:7

This verse has resonated with me repeatedly since November. Walking through the valley with my hubby and his back injury for two months was agonizing but I always had the comfort of knowing that God was with us. Life was sometimes overwhelming and extremly stressful over the holidays. Actually Christmas was really a blur this year with all the added extras on my plate but thank the Lord we got through it and Bobby is recovering. Each day he is gaining strength and getting back to his normal routine of life.

Life places many challenges before us but we can have peace knowing that God is our strength. I have counseled several desperate women this week and truly my heart aches for them. They are treading through some very deep valleys in their lives and I am praying for them but God is their strength, their shield and their source for the solution to what they are dealing with. Sometimes garbage navigates into our lives because we make very poor choices but sometimes God allows us to experience trials for reasons we may never understand. God has a purpose and through it all we must TRUST Him and lean upon Him for guidance, strength and direction.

Our grandchildren spent the evening with us last night. Mommy and Daddy needed a night out alone. Imagine that! Luke and Victoria are such a joy and so sweet. The evening was getting late and Victoria was very sleepy. She is still nursing and Grammy just doesn't have what she needs and she doesn't take a bottle! Anyway........ she was whimpering and rubbing her little eyes fighting sleep to the very end. I continued to walk with her and comfort her the best I knew how until finally she gave in and fell asleep. She was being stubborn and fought giving in to the demands of being tired until the very end. Christians are much like that as well. We try to fight the good fight on our own until we become weary and exhausted. As a last resort we then turn to God for comfort and strength. It had been available to us from the beginning of the trial but we refused to accept the offer.

If you are facing a situation in your life today that has become overwhelming and extremely challenging allow God to minister to you . I pray that you will find refuge in His strength today. Trust Him ......... He is definitely the source and solution to life's problems.

Blessings..............

Be Contagious!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:8-10

No one is a member of the body of Christ, the church, because they deserve to be. None of us grabbed God's attention by our perfection. We are sinners saved by the grace of God and although we are grateful for that we are not flawless.

The church is actually a place for people who are needy, afraid, confused and sinful. Nothing is more contagious to the unchurched than to find a place where they can come and not be judged and intimidated by the false notion that the people all around them think they have it all together. No one can be more unapproachable than a group of Christ followers who have forgotten how they received God's grace. Nothing is more repulsive than a bunch of conceited religious people.

On the other hand, nothing is more contagious than a flock of humble sinners saved by the grace of God praising God for His love! Christians struggle also and it is refreshing to hear us admit that sometimes we wrestle with being obedient to the will of God in our lives. Sometimes we also make bad choices which effect our walk with the Lord. Jesus is perfect but we are still in the molding process.

Every spiritually mature person should have an attitude of humility, an attitude of appreciation to God for His forgiveness, for the pardon that is not based on our level of accomplishment but rather based on His grace! Thank God for the blood of Jesus!

As Christians we need to focus on cultivating a contagious attitude so that the unchurched will want what we have regarding our relationship with the Lord. God allowed us to come to Him for salvation even in our imperfect state, while we were still sinners. He is perfect and holy but He didn't wait for us to clean up our act and then allow us to come to Him. He accepted us just the way we were so we could ask God to forgive us right were we were of our sins. He cleansed us and made us white as snow at that moment. He wiped the slate clean. Our sins were forgiven and buried in the deepest sea.

We must allow others to come searching for Him the same way. We must encourage them to come as they are. We need to destroy any barriers that stand in the way of the unchurched coming to God because they think they don't measure up to our standards or are not good enough. We must guard against sending out the wrong signals to others who don't yet know Christ.

Always be ready to tell everyone who asks you why you believe as you do. Be gentle as you speak and show respect. 1 Peter 3:15 (NLV) Show genuine interest in the opinions of others, in their doubts, fears, anxieties, even though you don't agree or don't know why they would possess such viewpoints. You may have to work to find the time to listen and we all know women are much better listeners than men! Sometimes a co-worker may approach you when you are supposed to be carrying out a work responsibility and you can't talk. But as often as you can, make time for others and their perspectives, even if their focal point is diametrically opposed to yours. Respect their opinion. Plant a seed.

Creating a culture of dialogue is essential to healthy faith formation. We shouldn't squirm and frown when seekers ask pertinent questions. We should smile and approve of their interest. Be contagious in your walk with Christ. Let them see God through you .

A contagious Christ follower, a contagious church , is one where we don't boast about our goodness but we boast about the greatness of God! When Christ followers honestly admit that it isn't their goodness that earned them a place at God's table - it's so refreshing that it's contagious!

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Romans 15:7 (NLT) Be grace with skin on.

If you've ever been to an art museum or art exhibit then you know what it's like to marvel at the work of master artists. Some of these works of art are worth millions and others are considered "priceless" because of the rare talent utilized in their composition. Who gets the credit for painting the great work of art? The Master! The one who created the masterpiece gets the credit - whether it was Michelangelo or Rembrandt or Van Gogh or Joe Schmo. You wouldn't walk into a museum and begin to take the credit for the work and dedication and talent of the artist would you? Neither should we try to take credit for the incredible work God is doing in our lives.

When we brag on God's grace instead of bragging on ourselves we give credit to the One to whom it belongs. Then others around us are able to see God's grace and what it can do for them by seeing what it has done for us!

I am thankful today for God's grace and His mercy.

I am thankful today for God's faithful provisions in my life.

I am thankful today for the hand of God directing the hand of the surgeon during my husband's recent back surgery.

I am thankful the for the healing power of Jesus Christ and the work he is doing in my husband.

Welcome back Iris! Visit her site and read more TT.

I am thankful for the encouraging words and prayers of my blogger friends. Although I have never met you I feel like I have known you forever.

Be contagious in your walk with Christ! Blessings to each of you today!

Pastor's Wives Ministry - Comments Needed

I am currently working on a project at our District level for Pastor's Wives. We are developing a new ministry specifically targeting the needs of the spouse of a minister. Ladies would you please answer the following questions and make any other comments that might be helpful for developing this ministry? I sincerely appreciate your input.

1. As a pastor's wife what are three obstacles that you struggle with in your role?

2. Do you have an accountability partner ?

3. Do you have close relationships with other women in the church?

4. How do you protect your husband and his ministry?

5. What areas of training would you like to see made available for pastor's wives?

6. Do you find yourself intimidated easily by the other women in your church?

7. Are you doing things in the church that you currently do not have a desire to do? If so, why?

8. Do you work outside the home? If so, do you find yourself feeling guilty about that decision?

9. Do the expectations from the congregation create stress in your life? If so, how do you respond to it?

10.What advice would you give to a young pastor's wife just entering the ministry?

For those of you who are not a pastor's wife would you please answer the following questions?

1. Does your pastor's wife meet your expectations? Please be specific with your answer.

2. List qualities you feel a pastor's wife should demonstrate in her role.

3. Should a pastor's wife have close friends in the church?

4. What role in the church do you feel a pastor's wife should fulfill? Does your present pastor's wife fulfill that need?

You can also send me an email at dezbud@verizon.net.

Thank you so much for your input.

Blessings!

More of You in Me Lord

I was listening to one of my cd's as I was traveling to work this morning. The lyrics were beautiful. Lord I want more of You and less of me. How awesome is that! Can you imagine what we could do for the Kingdom of God if each of us would model that in our lives? We would be absolutely unstoppable!

When we choose to put more of me and less of Him we find ourselves in trouble. We open the door for the enemy to move right into our hearts making himself mighty comfortable. This is the beginning of making bad choices which will affect our lives in a negative manner forever. Bad choices bring forth unpleasant consequences. Sin is ugly and hurts more than those involved in the act itself.

This is a brand new year. Many folks are making New Year Resolutions and all sorts of promises for 2008. My prayer is that we seek God with our whole heart. As you sip your java meditate on God's Word asking Him for more of Him in your life throughout this year and less of you.

Blessings to you today!

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Grandma Eagle

She left an incredible legacy for all who knew her.

Legacy is often defined as something from the past. Something handed down or that remains from a previous generation. Personal legacy is something of who you are that will be left behind when your life is over. What will remain of your faith, your character and your personhood when this life is over?



When this life is finished we will have left behind a legacy by building Godly character and conduct. Psalm 1:1, Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (NIV) A legacy will be built through Godly character and conduct. Your legacy will be created through the things you say and the actions you perform. Legacy is who you really are, not who you wanted to be. Legacy is the DNA of your spiritual walk with Christ.


This has been a tough week. Yesterday two very special women in my life went home to be with the Lord. One of the ladies is from our congregation. She had suffered for over 20 years with Lupus and was only 62 years old. She was one of the sweetest and most precious ladies I have ever known. She was kind and gentle and always caring about everyone else even when she was suffering so much from pain with the disease in her body. She was always an inspiration to anyone who was with her. She has left behind an incredible legacy of a strong Christian woman who was totally committed and dedicated to her faith. The other very special lady was my grandmother. Grandma has suffered for several years with diabetics and other problems. Yesterday morning the Lord called her home. She was also a tremendous Christian woman dedicated to her faith. She was a pastor's wife and a woman with such a sweet spirit. Many of us are saddened by the losses we are feeling today but both of these ladies are rejoicing with Jesus . They are no longer suffering with pain and agony within their broken bodies. I am so thankful for the legacy of these women and the Godly influence they have had in my life and family.



We often assume that people in the church can do "bad things" and still be "good Christians". Can I be a "good woman" regardless of how I live in my "personal life"? You can't live like the devil Monday through Saturday and expect to have God's blessing on Sunday. How we live our lives, the things we say and do, matters to God. It should matter also to us. We're not just trying to make a good reputation for ourselves. We are building character!


Reputation is what you try to live up too. Character is what you are.

Reputation is what precedes you. Character is what remains after you have gone.


Reputation is made in a moment. Character is built in a lifetime.

Reputation is what men say about you at your funeral. Character is what is said about you before the throne of God.

Reputation is what men think you are. Character is what God knows you to be.



Building Godly character and conduct will give us a legacy we can pass onto our children and our grandchildren. A well built character and conduct will impact generations to come. It is also fair to say that a flawed character can have an equally devastating effect upon future generations.


Each of us are determining every day our destiny and legacy in Christ. Everyone has a circle of influence. The average according to John Maxwell in a lifetime is 30,000. When you pass from this life to the n ext, what do you want to be remembered for? Are you currently living a life that can be worthy? What kind of legacy will you leave? What kind of impact will you have made? What kind of reward will you receive in Heaven? Do you have a personal growing relationship with Christ?



Life on this earth is nothing more than a vapor according to God's Word. God has an awesome plan for each of us. You are developing your legacy each day. Will your legacy be one of Godly character and conduct?

Visit Lynn for more TT. Blessings to you!

What Your Latte Says About You

You don't treat yourself very often. You find that indulging doesn't jibe with your very disciplined life. You are a very frivolous person. You don't take anything too seriously. Why should you? You have a good deal of energy, but you pace yourself. You never burn out too fast. You're addicted to caffeine. There's no denying it. You are responsible, mature, and truly an adult. You're occasionally playful, but you find it hard to be carefree. You are sophisticated and daring, but you are never snobby.

What Does Your Latte Say About You?

This is a fun quiz. Enjoy your weekend and blessings to you!

New Year - Abundant Opportunities

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Titus 2:11-12

We have just embarked on a brand new year filled with abundant opportunities. Looking back maybe you are not overly excited about your walk this past year with Christ. Are there some areas in your life that need fine tuning regarding your relationship with the Lord? Is your life a reflection of Christ-life character? Do your friends, family and co-workers truly know what your life represents? If you are not pleased with the answers to these questions this is the time to make changes. God has given each of us a second chance to make 2008 a great year in our journey with Him.

God tells us that we must pick up the cross DAILY and follow Him. It isn't something we can do once a month and be successful as a Christian. Serving Christ doesn't always bring warm and fuzzy feelings to our soul. Many times we experience a gut wrenching feeling in the pit of our stomach. I thank God today for the gut wrenching feeling and the awesome power of the Holy Spirit! Where would we be without it? I am thankful that the Holy Spirit continuously draws me to Christ. I am thankful that I recognize clearly right from wrong and do not tolerate compromise in my life as I serve Christ.

God forgives me when I sin but He also expects me NOT to repeat that same sin again and again and again. He looks deep within our hearts which no one else has the ability to do. God knows every fiber of our being. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Christ requires each of us to pick up the cross DAILY and follow Him. Not the sins of this world and the corruption that goes along with it. He requires holiness and the pursuit of holiness as we cultivate our relationship with Him.

I am thankful that God is a God of second chance. I am thankful that we have been given the opportunity to demonstrate our God given talents and abilities for His Kingdom in 2008. I am thankful that God loved us enough to give His only Son for our sins so that we may have eternal life in heaven IF we choose to follow Him. I am thankful for God's Words of encouragement as we read the Bible and pray daily.

God is an awesome God. He is our source and our strength. Plug into the source and trust Him in all things. Watch Him do an incredible work through your life this year!

Visit Lynn for more TT.

Blessings to you today!

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! My prayer for you in 2008 is that God will bless you abundantly and open doors of opportunity for you that you never dreamed possible.

Christmas is still somewhat a blur for me. Our entire agenda was turned upside down this year due to my hubby's back problem and surgery. Unfortunately several of the events I usually host at our home didn't happen this year because of other obligations I was trying to coordinate. In spite of everything else we did have an incredible holiday.

Bobby was not able to direct the choir program and our choir had to settle for me! They were absolutely incredible and so anointed! The choir presented the program December 23 and our son spoke in the middle of the service. It was great. We did have the Christmas Eve candlelight service and Brandon and I coordinated that as well. God was in the midst of all of it and we were truly blessed.

Bobby continues to heal from his surgery. He is experiencing some pain and his stamina level is low but praise the Lord the pain is nothing like he experienced prior to surgery.

As I dream about 2008 I anticipate with excitement numerous opportunities God is planning. I am excited about what God is going to do this year. He is the same miracle working God we read about in the Bible. We have the same power and resources available to us but often times fail to realize this. Psalm 3 says, You are a shield around me. As I enter this new year filled with opportunities and challenges I welcome His shield all over me! I want to be used by God to touch lives everywhere. I don't want to hinder or limit what God has planned for my life. My goal this new year is to pour myself completely into growing my relationship with Christ. I feel the excitement in my Spirit. He is going to do a great work in those who are serious about the Kingdom of God.

Fasten your seat belts and hang on as God reveals Himself to others through your life in such an awesome way. Tap into the source. He wants to equip you for the work He has designed for your life this year.

Be blessed in 2008!