Hello Prior Lake Baptist! As I write this we are one week away from Big Sunday! What do we need to be doing? We need to be praying. Asking God what His desire is for you and your family is more important than anything.
Ask and then listen, adjust and then obey.
Also be praying for Dr. Eklund as he prepares to be with you on the 22ND. He is excited and already has a peace about what God has laid on his heart to share with you. It will be an exciting day!
Remember, our Telephone Callers will be getting their lists tomorrow at church.
Lets finish the Intensive Time strong and then get ready to rejoice at all that God has done and will do!
I am praying for you!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Paradox of Giving
“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” II Corinthians 8:2
In chapter seven of the book “The 33 Laws of Stewardship” the authors discuss the “Law of Paradoxical Participation,” which they describe as the spiritual principle that tells us that “the riches generosity often comes out of the deepest poverty.” The three priorities that they state will help us live out this law in our lives are:
1. “Respond to need, not pressure. The generous giver is prompted to give by seeing a need and being touched by it.”
2. “Have an open heart and an open hand. Openness is willingness and nothing pleases God more than a heart that willingly yields to Him and a hand that willingly gives to Him.”
3. “Be a river, not a reservoir. Believers are channels not containers. God’s love and grace are to flow through us, and not be held in us.”
The idea of poverty reminds me of how God sometimes prepare us for ministry, if we are surrendered, by carrying us (Isaiah 40:29-31) through our own trials. Through this the Lord’s faithfulness motivates a spiritual humility that prepares us to be a comfort to others (Galatians 6:2) by allowing ourselves to become vessel of God’s free flowing love. Has the Lord prepared you for a ministry? Have you ever considered love an element of stewardship, along with money, talents and time? Or is it quite possible that love is the true catalyst to genuine stewardship.
So when you consider how God wants to use you during this campaign do not limit yourself to financial generosity, but consider all areas of your walk with Christ in which God is prompting you to be a better steward. It is my prayer that through this journey, our love for the Lord Jesus Christ will grow and that all honor and glory will be His alone.
Tami
All excerpts were taken from “The 33 Laws of Stewardship” by Dave Sutherland and Kirk Nowery, New Source Publishing,2003.
In chapter seven of the book “The 33 Laws of Stewardship” the authors discuss the “Law of Paradoxical Participation,” which they describe as the spiritual principle that tells us that “the riches generosity often comes out of the deepest poverty.” The three priorities that they state will help us live out this law in our lives are:
1. “Respond to need, not pressure. The generous giver is prompted to give by seeing a need and being touched by it.”
2. “Have an open heart and an open hand. Openness is willingness and nothing pleases God more than a heart that willingly yields to Him and a hand that willingly gives to Him.”
3. “Be a river, not a reservoir. Believers are channels not containers. God’s love and grace are to flow through us, and not be held in us.”
The idea of poverty reminds me of how God sometimes prepare us for ministry, if we are surrendered, by carrying us (Isaiah 40:29-31) through our own trials. Through this the Lord’s faithfulness motivates a spiritual humility that prepares us to be a comfort to others (Galatians 6:2) by allowing ourselves to become vessel of God’s free flowing love. Has the Lord prepared you for a ministry? Have you ever considered love an element of stewardship, along with money, talents and time? Or is it quite possible that love is the true catalyst to genuine stewardship.
So when you consider how God wants to use you during this campaign do not limit yourself to financial generosity, but consider all areas of your walk with Christ in which God is prompting you to be a better steward. It is my prayer that through this journey, our love for the Lord Jesus Christ will grow and that all honor and glory will be His alone.
Tami
All excerpts were taken from “The 33 Laws of Stewardship” by Dave Sutherland and Kirk Nowery, New Source Publishing,2003.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Great to be with you this past weekend!
As I returned home today my thoughts were on the weekend and the obvious move of God in many lives. The emails from several have shared many great things that people are dealing with and their commitment to allow God to lead them.
I am praying for each of you as we approach March 22ND. Please be praying for the following:
1) The Prayer Visits that will be taking place in every home.
2) That each family will seek God's desire for them in this effort.
3) That lives will continue to see the healing work of God in the area of Stewardship
4) That God will be with Dr. Eklund as he prepares to be with you on the 22ND.
God is faithful! He will bless!
Thank you for your attentiveness during our times together for being wonderful hosts. I felt as if I was part of your family!
I am praying for each of you as we approach March 22ND. Please be praying for the following:
1) The Prayer Visits that will be taking place in every home.
2) That each family will seek God's desire for them in this effort.
3) That lives will continue to see the healing work of God in the area of Stewardship
4) That God will be with Dr. Eklund as he prepares to be with you on the 22ND.
God is faithful! He will bless!
Thank you for your attentiveness during our times together for being wonderful hosts. I felt as if I was part of your family!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ministry: Getting a New Focus
“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water; that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3
Day38
Over the years I have watched our AWANA ministry dwindle and have accepted it, even welcomed the decrease in children attending. It makes the ministry more manageable for the few of us who are dedicated. It is a shame that I am so complacent to watch the ministry filter down to only church kids. The AWANA ministry has and still does minister to children from families that do not go to church, as well as children from our community that go to other churches. Our commitment to all these children is our opportunity to prepare their hearts for the Lord. The Lord can use our efforts to bring up a new generation of Christians impacting their families and their communities for Christ. What better way to grow the body of Christ.
The motto of AWANA is “The other boy and girl for Christ.” This means the focus of the ministry is growth and I really need to reassess my commitment to the program if I am willing to be complacent with a decrease in numbers because of a lack of volunteers. I am seeking the Lord in hope that my heart will change and that I will desire, even welcome, growth in the AWANA program regardless of the struggles it may bring. May all the ministries of Prior Lake Baptist Church always bear fruit, never wither, and always prosper for Christ’s Kingdom.
Tami
Day38
Over the years I have watched our AWANA ministry dwindle and have accepted it, even welcomed the decrease in children attending. It makes the ministry more manageable for the few of us who are dedicated. It is a shame that I am so complacent to watch the ministry filter down to only church kids. The AWANA ministry has and still does minister to children from families that do not go to church, as well as children from our community that go to other churches. Our commitment to all these children is our opportunity to prepare their hearts for the Lord. The Lord can use our efforts to bring up a new generation of Christians impacting their families and their communities for Christ. What better way to grow the body of Christ.
The motto of AWANA is “The other boy and girl for Christ.” This means the focus of the ministry is growth and I really need to reassess my commitment to the program if I am willing to be complacent with a decrease in numbers because of a lack of volunteers. I am seeking the Lord in hope that my heart will change and that I will desire, even welcome, growth in the AWANA program regardless of the struggles it may bring. May all the ministries of Prior Lake Baptist Church always bear fruit, never wither, and always prosper for Christ’s Kingdom.
Tami
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Praying as we approach Sunday March 1
It is a humble blessing to read how God is using the devotional book that God allowed us write. I cannot tell you the great joy that I am experiencing from the privilege of partnering with each of you in this campaign. Our times are special and I can sense the building of excitement.
Please pray this week as we approach Sunday. Satan does not like what I will be teaching from God's Word both Sunday morning and Sunday night. Pray that God will guard me this week as I prepare and that he will give me rest and prep time. Also lift up my family. My oldest has the flu - the real bad strain. I am keeping my distance from him and taking plenty Vitamin C!
Please know that both during the morning and evening times, the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be shared! As you invite friends (and enemies), pray that their hearts will be open to receiving the Gospel.
And finally, I trust that all are praying as to what God desires from each during the next three years of the campaign. Remember, it is more than money. It is about His Lordship over every aspect of our lives. May God use this time to pay down the debt of prior Lake! May He also use this time to create a Revival that lasts long beyond thirty six months for His glory.
I am looking forward to seeing you Sunday!
Col 2: 6
Tim Guthrie
Eklund Stewardship Ministries
Please pray this week as we approach Sunday. Satan does not like what I will be teaching from God's Word both Sunday morning and Sunday night. Pray that God will guard me this week as I prepare and that he will give me rest and prep time. Also lift up my family. My oldest has the flu - the real bad strain. I am keeping my distance from him and taking plenty Vitamin C!
Please know that both during the morning and evening times, the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be shared! As you invite friends (and enemies), pray that their hearts will be open to receiving the Gospel.
And finally, I trust that all are praying as to what God desires from each during the next three years of the campaign. Remember, it is more than money. It is about His Lordship over every aspect of our lives. May God use this time to pay down the debt of prior Lake! May He also use this time to create a Revival that lasts long beyond thirty six months for His glory.
I am looking forward to seeing you Sunday!
Col 2: 6
Tim Guthrie
Eklund Stewardship Ministries
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Is God ever surprised?
One thing comforting about growing "old" in the Lord is the ability to look back through your life and review how faithful God has been to you through all circumstances. I enjoyed a statement I read recently that said "His plans are made on the basis of complete knowledge and control which extend to all things past, present and future, so that there can be no sudden emergencies or unexpected developments to take Him by surprise." This brings me a lot of comfort. He knows all about the economy and everything going on nationally and personally. It can be an exciting adventure to submit to His guidance and see how He works!
How Big Is Your God?
Psalms 78:41-42 “Yes again and again they…limited the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power.” (Day 30)
Over the years as my Sunday school students asked me to pray for relatives that were very ill I would pray that God would give the relative strength and comfort and give the doctors wisdom. I would rarely ever pray for out right healing. I thought that I was protecting their young hearts from disappointment in the Lord, incase the relative died. Now I realize that I was not protecting their young and innocent hearts, but that I was manifesting my unbelief. I was limiting God and I was inadvertently training them to believe that God is not capable of the answering really hard requests. This has been true in my personal pray life also, I have forgotten that my God is BIG ENOUGH and that He can and will always answer my prayers. I plan to turn over a new leaf – I will stretch my faith and pray BIG and I know that God will answer in the way He sees best.
Tami
Over the years as my Sunday school students asked me to pray for relatives that were very ill I would pray that God would give the relative strength and comfort and give the doctors wisdom. I would rarely ever pray for out right healing. I thought that I was protecting their young hearts from disappointment in the Lord, incase the relative died. Now I realize that I was not protecting their young and innocent hearts, but that I was manifesting my unbelief. I was limiting God and I was inadvertently training them to believe that God is not capable of the answering really hard requests. This has been true in my personal pray life also, I have forgotten that my God is BIG ENOUGH and that He can and will always answer my prayers. I plan to turn over a new leaf – I will stretch my faith and pray BIG and I know that God will answer in the way He sees best.
Tami
Friday, February 13, 2009
Sacrificial Giving
I've been having fun thinking of ways to give sacrificially especially in times when our regular tithe seems like a sacrifice.
-From Day 15 (Utility Belt), wouldn't it be great if I could give 2 1/2 hours to God each day in Bible study and prayer? Atleast I can increase it since my current 30-60 minutes seems like such a small part of the 24 hour day He gives us.
- From Day 17 (Adequate Footwear), I have taken classes and had great opportunities in our racing ministry. I know the verses and the methods so I have adequate footwear but it seems I've been standing still this winter. I need to get walking again. I'm praying that God will give me a burden for the lost and a boldness for Him so I can share with others the salvation God has given me!
- From Day 21 (Traveling Companions), it was great to think of ways I can give more to God through the church. One of the things on my list I would like to share on this blog. Seeking God's direction throughout this Journey has been going really well and I really feel that God pointed out something to us. Aaron & I know debt is enslavement to the lender (Proverbs 22:7) but didn't know how to get out of it especially with Aaron isn't working. That verse, some others and Matthew 6:19-21 made us think how silly it is for us to have treasures on earth when we have debt. After much prayer and feeling confident that while we are going against worldly financial advice that we are following God's direction to use some of our earthly treasures to pay off our debt. Oh how freeing it is and we are so excited to be able to tithe first and help with the church debt too. We are also excited that it will allow us to give more to missions and others in need.
- From Day 25 (Power that Works), I really enjoyed the imagery of the depths, length, width and height of God's love. I've been meditating on that the last couple days. Wow! Lord, help me to share your love with others!
Michelle
-From Day 15 (Utility Belt), wouldn't it be great if I could give 2 1/2 hours to God each day in Bible study and prayer? Atleast I can increase it since my current 30-60 minutes seems like such a small part of the 24 hour day He gives us.
- From Day 17 (Adequate Footwear), I have taken classes and had great opportunities in our racing ministry. I know the verses and the methods so I have adequate footwear but it seems I've been standing still this winter. I need to get walking again. I'm praying that God will give me a burden for the lost and a boldness for Him so I can share with others the salvation God has given me!
- From Day 21 (Traveling Companions), it was great to think of ways I can give more to God through the church. One of the things on my list I would like to share on this blog. Seeking God's direction throughout this Journey has been going really well and I really feel that God pointed out something to us. Aaron & I know debt is enslavement to the lender (Proverbs 22:7) but didn't know how to get out of it especially with Aaron isn't working. That verse, some others and Matthew 6:19-21 made us think how silly it is for us to have treasures on earth when we have debt. After much prayer and feeling confident that while we are going against worldly financial advice that we are following God's direction to use some of our earthly treasures to pay off our debt. Oh how freeing it is and we are so excited to be able to tithe first and help with the church debt too. We are also excited that it will allow us to give more to missions and others in need.
- From Day 25 (Power that Works), I really enjoyed the imagery of the depths, length, width and height of God's love. I've been meditating on that the last couple days. Wow! Lord, help me to share your love with others!
Michelle
Monday, February 9, 2009
A testimony from Skip Price
"This past week a person of the congregation inquired from another member to find out if he could help him purchase a product he was involved with. The member said he could and that the only costing would be freight. On Wednesday nite the original brother tried in vain to pay for the freight in advance. It was denied. Somehow a gift of $30 was placed in the hands of a sister who is out of work. The following morning a thank you card was received by mail from the sister who was out of work. Another card contained a check to the original individual for $250 to help pay for some trip expenses. Now three people got a blessing! The message is that you can never outgive our God - anonymous
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Mac McKennon's Video Testimony - Journey to Faithfulness
Check out this testimony for a quick look at a long walk into Mac's journey of faithfulness!
Click on link on right side of blog or you can cut and paste link below into your browser:
http://www.priorlakebaptist.org/Journey/mac-1.wmv
Click on link on right side of blog or you can cut and paste link below into your browser:
http://www.priorlakebaptist.org/Journey/mac-1.wmv
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I finally get it...
I finally get it!
I'm feeling silly now but I have been having trouble understanding how the "Journey to Faithfulness" and Stewardship tie together. I also wasn't understanding what the Stewardship Campaign (now "Journey to Faithfulness") was and what all the teams were doing. Some of the things Perry and Pastor said Sunday helped me out. Thinking of it as a snowball effect helped me realize that I'll know more and more as we go along especially as it relates to the teams (and whatever Big Sunday is). I understood how to tie stewardship to heaven - Pastor spoke about this the first Sunday and I understand how we live on earth definitely effects our life in heaven.
A big lightbulb came on when I realized that my definition of faithfullness was lacking. When I think of our faithfulness to God, I think of the following:
-Doing our daily devotions so we can know Him more and love Him more
-Seeking His directions about everything
-Keeping Him number one in good times and bad
-Obeying His commands
-Giving back to Him what He has given to us
-etc..
For some reason, I couldn't tie Stewardship to Faithfullness even though Stewardship fits into some of the items in my list. Something Pastor said on Sunday really hit me and then as I thought about it throughout the last couple of days I finally got it. Being faithful to God also includes using the things (talents, time, money, etc) God has given us to bear fruit! I knew we should use the things God has given us to bear fruit but I wasn't putting that into the definition of faithfulness. So, now I can add a new item in my list of what it means to be faithful to God:
-Using the things God gives us to bear fruit.
I thank God for teaching me that and helping me make the connection!
Michelle Hopkins
Monday, February 2, 2009
I've learned more than I could have ever imagined...
I seem to forget how much you can grow spiritually in the simple truths about God. I am one to enjoy deep biblical studies and learning historical and cultural context around the books of the Bible to get a deeper understanding of God's Word. So, when I first started reading the Journey to Faithfulness, I was thinking "Yeh, I know this stuff" but I knew there is a great benefit to having a church united in daily devotions. I have continued to do my daily devotions but I knew I could give more of my time each day to go on this Journey with PLBC. I've never been one to journal but I committed myself to that too. I'm glad I did because I didn't really learn anything new until I started writing. I'm a few days behind the rest of the church but I am amazed at how much God has taught me!
I don't have my book in front of me but I can remember what He has taught me because it has made a big impact on my life. However, I can't really refer to the day in the devotional. Sorry. Anyway, I have learned that the reason I wasn't really sure if I was in the right spot on my journey is because I had stopped asking God for direction at the beginning of my day. I had stopped asking God direction in all the little things in life. I only asked about the big things and handled the little ones on my own. So, how was I to know for sure if I was on the right track. Well, I learned if you ask God for direction and you follow it then you know you're on the right track.
Another thing that God has taught me is that although I have complete faith that He is capable of anything, in control of everything, able to carry my burdens, always has the perfect path, etc, I seemed to think I was capable of doing some things too. Now that I realize I have been following some of my own direction, I'm asking God to teach me that I'm completely incapable of doing anything without him. Even though I know Proverbs 3:5-6 and other verses that remind us we can do nothing on our own, I seemed to be doing the everyday life things using my own understanding. I know God is capable but I'm praying God will keep reminding me until it finally sinks in that I'm incapable.
I'm excited to find out what else he has in store for me to learn. I love hearing how others are growing on this journey too!
Michelle Hopkins
I don't have my book in front of me but I can remember what He has taught me because it has made a big impact on my life. However, I can't really refer to the day in the devotional. Sorry. Anyway, I have learned that the reason I wasn't really sure if I was in the right spot on my journey is because I had stopped asking God for direction at the beginning of my day. I had stopped asking God direction in all the little things in life. I only asked about the big things and handled the little ones on my own. So, how was I to know for sure if I was on the right track. Well, I learned if you ask God for direction and you follow it then you know you're on the right track.
Another thing that God has taught me is that although I have complete faith that He is capable of anything, in control of everything, able to carry my burdens, always has the perfect path, etc, I seemed to think I was capable of doing some things too. Now that I realize I have been following some of my own direction, I'm asking God to teach me that I'm completely incapable of doing anything without him. Even though I know Proverbs 3:5-6 and other verses that remind us we can do nothing on our own, I seemed to be doing the everyday life things using my own understanding. I know God is capable but I'm praying God will keep reminding me until it finally sinks in that I'm incapable.
I'm excited to find out what else he has in store for me to learn. I love hearing how others are growing on this journey too!
Michelle Hopkins
Saturday, January 31, 2009
As we travel the journey of Life some of us know which way we are going and how we are going to get there. Most of us however, need a road map or two to help us get back onto the right road so that we can finish the trip on time and in the right condition.
This book “Journey to Faithfulness” has been of great help to focus my attention back onto why I am taking this trip and to whom I am going to see at the end of my travels. It is helping me “re-think” why I am doing (or should be doing) the things that I am, and how I could do them more efficiently.
As we have been studying the lessons, a phrase has come into my mind that is really challenging me to walk circumspect before my Lord. It is “With great responsibility, comes great trials”. God has placed within each Christian the responsibility to spread the Gospel to all nations. I have been blessed tremendously and have a great responsibility to live my life as an example of my Lord and savior Jesus Christ, but when life gets busy or easy, I lose my way into complacency and need a book like this to get me back on the right road.
It is also teaching me a huge lesson in discipline – setting time aside to do the work and learn to follow the King. I hope that you are gaining great insights as well.
Wade Waddell.
This book “Journey to Faithfulness” has been of great help to focus my attention back onto why I am taking this trip and to whom I am going to see at the end of my travels. It is helping me “re-think” why I am doing (or should be doing) the things that I am, and how I could do them more efficiently.
As we have been studying the lessons, a phrase has come into my mind that is really challenging me to walk circumspect before my Lord. It is “With great responsibility, comes great trials”. God has placed within each Christian the responsibility to spread the Gospel to all nations. I have been blessed tremendously and have a great responsibility to live my life as an example of my Lord and savior Jesus Christ, but when life gets busy or easy, I lose my way into complacency and need a book like this to get me back on the right road.
It is also teaching me a huge lesson in discipline – setting time aside to do the work and learn to follow the King. I hope that you are gaining great insights as well.
Wade Waddell.
Typo on Day 19 of "Journey to Faithfulness"
Joyce & Ernie said...
For everyone reading the Journey to Faithfulness daily devotions, please note the typo on the second page of Day 19. The author means FIRST John 5:13. Here is what it says, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Isn't it wonderful to know that we CAN KNOW!!
I was especially challenged and blessed by Day 11 and agree with Kim wholeheartedly. What a blessing to know that HIS CROSS is light, and that we can lay all our burdens at the cross.
Joyce & Ernie
For everyone reading the Journey to Faithfulness daily devotions, please note the typo on the second page of Day 19. The author means FIRST John 5:13. Here is what it says, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Isn't it wonderful to know that we CAN KNOW!!
I was especially challenged and blessed by Day 11 and agree with Kim wholeheartedly. What a blessing to know that HIS CROSS is light, and that we can lay all our burdens at the cross.
Joyce & Ernie
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Requesting Input on Tim Guthries Meeting Jan 22nd
Craig said...
I was in a meeting at the time of this meeting. :-[ So I am relying on anyone who was there to tell me something exciting about this meeting by commenting below... If you attended the meeting please register and comment!
January 26, 2009 8:53 AM
I was in a meeting at the time of this meeting. :-[ So I am relying on anyone who was there to tell me something exciting about this meeting by commenting below... If you attended the meeting please register and comment!
January 26, 2009 8:53 AM
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Pastor's Mother Funeral Info
Pastor's mother passed away Saturday, January 24. Visitation is today, January 28, from 4-8 PM at Wulff Funeral Home, 1485 White Bear Ave., St. Paul 55106 (651-776-1555). The funeral is tomorrow, January 29, at 11:00 AM with a viewing one hour before the service. The funeral will be at Faith Baptist Church, 1365 Westminster St., St. Paul 55130 (651-771-5567).
Diane Howell
Diane Howell
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Testimony
Melissa G. said...
My dad and I read day 16 together. It was very convicting because it mentioned that we are to walk in righteousness. But not our own righteousness(because ours is foolish), but Jesus Christ's. It was a great reminder to remeber that throughout the days I am to walk as God would want me to walk.
Also, I wanted to mention that day 15 was a huge eye-opener. It talked about the soldier's waist-belt and how there were 3 uses for it. It provided back support(strength), the ability to carry necessary tools(the Bible), and helped in various battles(throughout and in the Christian's life). I just thought that was a neat way to see that there was more to the soldier's belt, especially in the Christian's life. Thanks, Melissa G.
My dad and I read day 16 together. It was very convicting because it mentioned that we are to walk in righteousness. But not our own righteousness(because ours is foolish), but Jesus Christ's. It was a great reminder to remeber that throughout the days I am to walk as God would want me to walk.
Also, I wanted to mention that day 15 was a huge eye-opener. It talked about the soldier's waist-belt and how there were 3 uses for it. It provided back support(strength), the ability to carry necessary tools(the Bible), and helped in various battles(throughout and in the Christian's life). I just thought that was a neat way to see that there was more to the soldier's belt, especially in the Christian's life. Thanks, Melissa G.
Testimony on "A Journey to Faithfulness"
Hey Jim & Pam,
Today you asked us to email you if we had a testimony to share on how we have been blessed with the devotional A Journey to Faithfulness. God is using this devotional in a great way. He seems to be tying everthing I am studying (The woman's Bible study-Fruits of the Spirit , this devotional study, Sunday School, Church service, and my other studying) all together. What an AWESOME God we have!
Each days devotion has been so wonderful but it has also been very convicting.
Starting with day 1 and realizing that my eyes had not been on what God wanted for my life but myself - worrying and trying to control every aspect of my life.
Day 2 assessing my journey and realizing that I was on the wrong path and far from God.
Day 5 was my being lost. I know I am saved but I was so far from God. I let go of God's hand and like a child wandered away and got lost. I so thank Him for always being there with his outstretched hand to once again take my hand and direct my path.
Day 7 I realized that I was on that wrong path but feel by God's grace I'm back on the right path. He never left me. He is doing a great work refining me - I'm under construction and I always want to be under construction.
Day 8 really spoke to me about really being in God's Word. The more I am in His Word that more I find that I am thirsting for His Word. His Word is so precious!
Day 9 really talked about trust. This is an area of my life I have the most difficulties with - Work in Progress.
Day 10 & 11 have been the most convicting and most special study days thus far. Day 10 states that my path is my relationship with Jesus. I have been burdened with insecurities and trying to control things in my life and the lives of those I love. It said today is the day to drop that burden and to take Jesus by the hand in complete trust with every aspect of your life. I surrender all! Day 11 spoke of how we must be willing to lay everything down for Jesus: EVERY member of our family and even our life. WOW! Talk about conviction about the very thing I had been struggling with. Once again, I surrender all! In order to pick up the cross of sacrifice we must lay down ever other burden in our lives that we are trying to carry on our own: our families, our friends, our personal possessions, and cares, even our own hopes and dreams. So my cross will be light as air. Lay it all down. "ALL to Jesus I surrender, ALL to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee my blessed Saviour, I surrender all.
Day 12 talks about running ahead on our own and not walking with Christ. I am now seeking Christ with all my heart. Like I said prior, I have taken His hand and am walking with God, not running ahead of Him. God is the Way and he is the lamp to my feet, a light to my path.
Day 15 is about Truth. One of the major things I have been struggling with. Trusting people and trusting God to know what is best for me and the ones I love. I cover myself in His Word and rest in the palm of His hands. He gives me the strenth for my battles with worry, trust, negative thinking, allowing Satan to have contol of my thoughts and so on - again, I surrender all. He gives me the the strength for my battles and the armor of His Word. I need to put on the full armor of God each and every day.
So as you can see I am under construction - A work in progress. It is a second by second surrendering of my all to Jesus Christ. May I always be under construction!
Thank you for letting me share what this Journey to Faithfulness has meant to me thus far. Every day I look forward to new things that God shows me thru this study and thru HIs Word. What an AWESOME God we have the priviledge to serve.
Love in Christ,
Kim
Today you asked us to email you if we had a testimony to share on how we have been blessed with the devotional A Journey to Faithfulness. God is using this devotional in a great way. He seems to be tying everthing I am studying (The woman's Bible study-Fruits of the Spirit , this devotional study, Sunday School, Church service, and my other studying) all together. What an AWESOME God we have!
Each days devotion has been so wonderful but it has also been very convicting.
Starting with day 1 and realizing that my eyes had not been on what God wanted for my life but myself - worrying and trying to control every aspect of my life.
Day 2 assessing my journey and realizing that I was on the wrong path and far from God.
Day 5 was my being lost. I know I am saved but I was so far from God. I let go of God's hand and like a child wandered away and got lost. I so thank Him for always being there with his outstretched hand to once again take my hand and direct my path.
Day 7 I realized that I was on that wrong path but feel by God's grace I'm back on the right path. He never left me. He is doing a great work refining me - I'm under construction and I always want to be under construction.
Day 8 really spoke to me about really being in God's Word. The more I am in His Word that more I find that I am thirsting for His Word. His Word is so precious!
Day 9 really talked about trust. This is an area of my life I have the most difficulties with - Work in Progress.
Day 10 & 11 have been the most convicting and most special study days thus far. Day 10 states that my path is my relationship with Jesus. I have been burdened with insecurities and trying to control things in my life and the lives of those I love. It said today is the day to drop that burden and to take Jesus by the hand in complete trust with every aspect of your life. I surrender all! Day 11 spoke of how we must be willing to lay everything down for Jesus: EVERY member of our family and even our life. WOW! Talk about conviction about the very thing I had been struggling with. Once again, I surrender all! In order to pick up the cross of sacrifice we must lay down ever other burden in our lives that we are trying to carry on our own: our families, our friends, our personal possessions, and cares, even our own hopes and dreams. So my cross will be light as air. Lay it all down. "ALL to Jesus I surrender, ALL to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee my blessed Saviour, I surrender all.
Day 12 talks about running ahead on our own and not walking with Christ. I am now seeking Christ with all my heart. Like I said prior, I have taken His hand and am walking with God, not running ahead of Him. God is the Way and he is the lamp to my feet, a light to my path.
Day 15 is about Truth. One of the major things I have been struggling with. Trusting people and trusting God to know what is best for me and the ones I love. I cover myself in His Word and rest in the palm of His hands. He gives me the strenth for my battles with worry, trust, negative thinking, allowing Satan to have contol of my thoughts and so on - again, I surrender all. He gives me the the strength for my battles and the armor of His Word. I need to put on the full armor of God each and every day.
So as you can see I am under construction - A work in progress. It is a second by second surrendering of my all to Jesus Christ. May I always be under construction!
Thank you for letting me share what this Journey to Faithfulness has meant to me thus far. Every day I look forward to new things that God shows me thru this study and thru HIs Word. What an AWESOME God we have the priviledge to serve.
Love in Christ,
Kim
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday Night - Tim Guthrie - Jan 22, 2009
We had the opportunity to learn more about the stewardship program and the vision of Eklund Stewardship from Tim Guthrie. It was a great time for us to see how God can bring our church closer to God and His will for us in our lives. As we are in trying times, its exciting to see how Christ will work in our lives and the lives of others in our church. Please pray for our church, leaders, Tim Guthrie and Pastors as we continue this "Journey to Faithfulness".
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