Wow, it's been more than a year. Good intentions.....but they don't always pan out for me. I DO want to get this blog up and going....so I'm going to try, try again. Maybe posts will be once a week...maybe more...maybe less. I just really feel like this is an outreach that I need to work on. So, hang on for more....and pray for this blog (and the blogger!!).
Love,
Nikki
Monday, September 21, 2009
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
It's Been A While...
The summer flew by me without nearly the posting I'd hoped. I am going to work on getting back on track now that school is back in session. As always, I hope you find what is in this blog to be sound and uplifting.
I love you all!
I love you all!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
O Be Careful, Little Mouth
We all get carried away at times and say things we shouldn’t. Whether it’s profanity or complaining or talking about someone behind their back, we all make mistakes with our mouths. The tongue is difficult to control, but it can be done. Think before you speak is very good advice!
James 3:4-6 says, “Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” This scripture tells us that even though our tongue is only a very small part of our body, it is very powerful and has the potential to do much iniquity.
But it also has the potential to do much good. Use your tongue to tell others about God and His Word. Or, if you know someone who is already a Christian but is having some difficulty, encourage them, pray for them and help them. Use your tongue to tell others that you love them or are proud of them. Having a positive attitude and saying positive things can go a long way in showing others the love of God.
April
James 3:4-6 says, “Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” This scripture tells us that even though our tongue is only a very small part of our body, it is very powerful and has the potential to do much iniquity.
But it also has the potential to do much good. Use your tongue to tell others about God and His Word. Or, if you know someone who is already a Christian but is having some difficulty, encourage them, pray for them and help them. Use your tongue to tell others that you love them or are proud of them. Having a positive attitude and saying positive things can go a long way in showing others the love of God.
April
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Making Godly Decisions
I was sitting in the adult class at the VBS of a sister congregation here, and the teacher made a statement that I thought was really interesting. He said, "When you are trying to decide whether or not to do something, don't focus so much on the consequences now. Worry about how this decision will affect you 100 years from now."
Obviously, 100 years from now, I will have long been gone from this earth. His statement, I think, I actually quite profound. Instead of worrying about how a decision is going to affect my life here, I need to worry about how it will affect me eternally. will what I choose to do today keep me out of Heaven when it's time?
So, how do we figure out how a decision will affect us eternally? Face it, God's not going to send you a Facebook message or a text telling you. Instead, you have to use the abilities He's blessed you with to try and discern His will for you. We are instructed over and over to seek God's will for our lvies and to focus on Him (Colossians 3:1, Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 16:3, Proverbs 3:5-6) We, first of all, have to be willing to trust Him to guide us in good decision making.
Then we need to study, study, study. Really, how can we expect to make Godly decisions if we haven't taken the time to know what God expects of us? We need to immerse ourselves in His word so that we can understand to the best of our ability how He wants us to act. If we know what is expected, we will have an easier time of figuring out if seomthing is acceptable or not.
Rember Colossians 3:17, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."
Obviously, 100 years from now, I will have long been gone from this earth. His statement, I think, I actually quite profound. Instead of worrying about how a decision is going to affect my life here, I need to worry about how it will affect me eternally. will what I choose to do today keep me out of Heaven when it's time?
So, how do we figure out how a decision will affect us eternally? Face it, God's not going to send you a Facebook message or a text telling you. Instead, you have to use the abilities He's blessed you with to try and discern His will for you. We are instructed over and over to seek God's will for our lvies and to focus on Him (Colossians 3:1, Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 16:3, Proverbs 3:5-6) We, first of all, have to be willing to trust Him to guide us in good decision making.
Then we need to study, study, study. Really, how can we expect to make Godly decisions if we haven't taken the time to know what God expects of us? We need to immerse ourselves in His word so that we can understand to the best of our ability how He wants us to act. If we know what is expected, we will have an easier time of figuring out if seomthing is acceptable or not.
Rember Colossians 3:17, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."
Monday, June 16, 2008
O Be Careful, Little Feet
Our feet are a very important part of our body that we probably take for granted much of the time. Our feet can take us to many places, including those where we shouldn’t be. As Christians, we should be careful not to find ourselves in the wrong places. We need to stay away from things that are going on that are not acceptable for a Christian to participate in and seek out places where we can do good and be good! When there is pressure from your friends or when you are tempted to go somewhere you know you shouldn’t be, pray for God to give you strength to do the right thing. Choose friends who will help you make the right choices and whom you can help as well.
Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Are your feet taking you to places where you can teach others about God? What kind of tidings (information or news) are you sharing with others in the places you go?
April
Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Are your feet taking you to places where you can teach others about God? What kind of tidings (information or news) are you sharing with others in the places you go?
April
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
(I am excited to share a devo that was actually written by my amazing husband TJ. He prepared this for church camp, and I liked it so much that I asked him if I could post it here. If you don't know the song "The Battle Belongs to the Lord", read the lyrics here before going on. This talk is based on the song - the theme of church camp was "Bible Boot Camp" and focused on the armor of God.)
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
In the Bible, Paul talks about us singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. This is why we have to mean what we sing and know what we are saying to God. We all have our favorite songs. When we are younger, our favorite songs are usually ones that have us involved in something like “Wise Old King”. But as we get older, we move gradually from church songs that just have a good medley to songs that mean something to us and have a great message for us to listen to. We need to know what we are singing and agree with what we are singing so that we are giving God the fullest reverence we can.
”In Heavenly armor, we’ll enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord” refers to putting on the full armor of God. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11 to put on the full armor of God to be ready to combat the devil and the world. The full armor of God covers us from head to toe. The helmet of salvation, the breastplate of Righteousness, the Shield of Faith, the Belt of Truth, The Sandals of Readiness and Peace, and of course, the Sword of the Spirit, which is our Bible. We need to be ready to combat the devil and the world when things come up. There will be times when you are with friends that want to talk religion. You always want to be ready to make sure that you can give the truth to them if they give you a verse that makes things sound different than we know it should be. Just saying “I know that is not right” is not going to convince them that you are correct and what they have been taught all their life is wrong.
“No weapon that’s fashioned against us will stand, the battle belongs to the Lord.” If we stand with the full armor of God and are ready for anything that is thrown out at us, there is no way that anything Satan throws our way can win against us. We can fight the world if necessary as long as we are clad in His armor.
“When the power of darkness comes in like a flood, the battle belongs to the Lord.” The power of darkness can refer to many things in our lives. Darkness can be the devil working in our lives. Darkness can be a weakness that we all struggle with. A weakness like Lying, cheating on tests, sneaking out when you are supposed to be in bed, always wanting to go across “Death Valley” during church camp week, etc. Darkness can also refer to a rough time in our lives like the loss of a loved one, a fight with a friend, a breakup, or any number of other things that can put us in bad moods and upset us as human beings. The darkness can be handled if we just turn the matters over to God. Just like the song says “The Battle Belongs to the Lord”
“He’s raised up a standard, the power of his blood” The power of Jesus’ blood is nothing that can be matched. He went to the cross and shed his blood for sinners like you and me. He already loved us 2000 years ago and was willing to shed his blood and die for us so that we might live with Him in heaven. The standard of the power of his blood is a standard that we all should strive to reach.
“When your enemy presses in hard, do not fear, the battle belongs to the Lord.” There is a little piece of paper hanging in my office that says “If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.” I am not sure where I heard it, but I heard it about five years ago, and that sign has followed me to every office I have had and it will go with me wherever I go, even if it is not on that piece of paper. What is being said in this song and on that little sheet of paper in my office is this: When things get tough, turn to God, He can handle anything. God will get you through when your enemy is pressing you hard, if you will just let Him. Again, remember, the battle belongs to the Lord.
“Take courage my friend, your redemption is near.” Christ died to redeem us. He died so that we could live with Him in Heaven. Our redemption is something that is given to us if we do as we are told in our Bible.
“And we sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord” is giving praise to God for the things that He has given to us. When you stop to think about it, we do not praise God enough. In our prayers, we thank God for the things that he has given us…How many times have you thanked God for the beautiful day? How many times have you thanked God for your parents, friends, your food, for camp, etc? But how many times have you stopped to pray and just said something like “God, You are the Most Holy, the most wonderful, the One that deserves all Honor and respect.”? I am reminded of a prayer that I was taught in preschool that we said every day before lunch and I want to share it with you because it simplifies what I am saying “God is Great, God is Good, let us thank him for our food. Amen” Now, this is a short prayer and most if not all of us can do better, but this is the simplified version of the point I am trying to make.
Next time you find yourself in battle, make sure that you are ready to combat the evil that is brought to you and that you let that battle belong to the Lord because He can handle anything put in front of you if you will just let Him.
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
In the Bible, Paul talks about us singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. This is why we have to mean what we sing and know what we are saying to God. We all have our favorite songs. When we are younger, our favorite songs are usually ones that have us involved in something like “Wise Old King”. But as we get older, we move gradually from church songs that just have a good medley to songs that mean something to us and have a great message for us to listen to. We need to know what we are singing and agree with what we are singing so that we are giving God the fullest reverence we can.
”In Heavenly armor, we’ll enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord” refers to putting on the full armor of God. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11 to put on the full armor of God to be ready to combat the devil and the world. The full armor of God covers us from head to toe. The helmet of salvation, the breastplate of Righteousness, the Shield of Faith, the Belt of Truth, The Sandals of Readiness and Peace, and of course, the Sword of the Spirit, which is our Bible. We need to be ready to combat the devil and the world when things come up. There will be times when you are with friends that want to talk religion. You always want to be ready to make sure that you can give the truth to them if they give you a verse that makes things sound different than we know it should be. Just saying “I know that is not right” is not going to convince them that you are correct and what they have been taught all their life is wrong.
“No weapon that’s fashioned against us will stand, the battle belongs to the Lord.” If we stand with the full armor of God and are ready for anything that is thrown out at us, there is no way that anything Satan throws our way can win against us. We can fight the world if necessary as long as we are clad in His armor.
“When the power of darkness comes in like a flood, the battle belongs to the Lord.” The power of darkness can refer to many things in our lives. Darkness can be the devil working in our lives. Darkness can be a weakness that we all struggle with. A weakness like Lying, cheating on tests, sneaking out when you are supposed to be in bed, always wanting to go across “Death Valley” during church camp week, etc. Darkness can also refer to a rough time in our lives like the loss of a loved one, a fight with a friend, a breakup, or any number of other things that can put us in bad moods and upset us as human beings. The darkness can be handled if we just turn the matters over to God. Just like the song says “The Battle Belongs to the Lord”
“He’s raised up a standard, the power of his blood” The power of Jesus’ blood is nothing that can be matched. He went to the cross and shed his blood for sinners like you and me. He already loved us 2000 years ago and was willing to shed his blood and die for us so that we might live with Him in heaven. The standard of the power of his blood is a standard that we all should strive to reach.
“When your enemy presses in hard, do not fear, the battle belongs to the Lord.” There is a little piece of paper hanging in my office that says “If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.” I am not sure where I heard it, but I heard it about five years ago, and that sign has followed me to every office I have had and it will go with me wherever I go, even if it is not on that piece of paper. What is being said in this song and on that little sheet of paper in my office is this: When things get tough, turn to God, He can handle anything. God will get you through when your enemy is pressing you hard, if you will just let Him. Again, remember, the battle belongs to the Lord.
“Take courage my friend, your redemption is near.” Christ died to redeem us. He died so that we could live with Him in Heaven. Our redemption is something that is given to us if we do as we are told in our Bible.
“And we sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord” is giving praise to God for the things that He has given to us. When you stop to think about it, we do not praise God enough. In our prayers, we thank God for the things that he has given us…How many times have you thanked God for the beautiful day? How many times have you thanked God for your parents, friends, your food, for camp, etc? But how many times have you stopped to pray and just said something like “God, You are the Most Holy, the most wonderful, the One that deserves all Honor and respect.”? I am reminded of a prayer that I was taught in preschool that we said every day before lunch and I want to share it with you because it simplifies what I am saying “God is Great, God is Good, let us thank him for our food. Amen” Now, this is a short prayer and most if not all of us can do better, but this is the simplified version of the point I am trying to make.
Next time you find yourself in battle, make sure that you are ready to combat the evil that is brought to you and that you let that battle belong to the Lord because He can handle anything put in front of you if you will just let Him.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Website to check out
Just wanted to pass on this site for you to check out at your leisure. It is run by a sweet Christian lady named Margie. She has lots of great articles, scripture, and other things to help you in your Christian walk. Read up when you have a chance.
Bible for Women
Bible for Women
Nobody but you
We rely on others for a lot. When we're young, our parents provide us with food, clothing, shelter, and everything else we need to lead happy, healthy lives. We rely on our friends to go shopping, watch movies, and have late night talks. We rely on teachers to educate us at school. The list goes on and on.
But one thing we can't rely on someone else for is our salvation. Sure, your parents may help lay the foundation. They take you to church as a child, where you learn about God and all He's done. But once you are older, it's up to you. As you mature, you have to make the decision for yourself. That doesn't just mean you make the decision to go to church; it means you make the decision to obey the gospel and follow God's plan of salvation.
Growing up means you begin to mature. Not only will you grow physically, but your mind should begin to grow as well. You should begin to question Christianity on your own and begin your own study of the Word. This is the only way you will know for certain that you are following God's commands.
As you mature, no one else can force you to be a Christian. No one else can get you into Heaven. That is something you have to do all on your own. Others can encourage you, but ultimately, they cannot MAKE you go. Each of us will have to give an account of our own life when Christ comes (Romans 14:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10). When that day comes, will you be rewarded for making the wise decision? Or will you still be waiting on someone else? If you're still waiting, it will be too late.
But one thing we can't rely on someone else for is our salvation. Sure, your parents may help lay the foundation. They take you to church as a child, where you learn about God and all He's done. But once you are older, it's up to you. As you mature, you have to make the decision for yourself. That doesn't just mean you make the decision to go to church; it means you make the decision to obey the gospel and follow God's plan of salvation.
Growing up means you begin to mature. Not only will you grow physically, but your mind should begin to grow as well. You should begin to question Christianity on your own and begin your own study of the Word. This is the only way you will know for certain that you are following God's commands.
As you mature, no one else can force you to be a Christian. No one else can get you into Heaven. That is something you have to do all on your own. Others can encourage you, but ultimately, they cannot MAKE you go. Each of us will have to give an account of our own life when Christ comes (Romans 14:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10). When that day comes, will you be rewarded for making the wise decision? Or will you still be waiting on someone else? If you're still waiting, it will be too late.
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