Wednesday, November 30, 2011

What's Mine is Mine...Or is it?

Acts 4:32-33 "Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.  And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all."

This scripture paints a picture of a sharing heart in the early church.  Christians were united and regarded people more important than things.  They acknowledged God's ownership of everything and shared everything to meet the needs of others.  These Christians were not saying "What is yours is mine; I'll take it", they were saying "What is mine is yours; I'll share it." 

The lessons we can learn from the early church!  Some people may say that this radical sharing of possessions among the early church was a mistake.  Others will say that it was an awesome blessing and act of Godly love.  For me, I say that in today's church, we need to heed to the lesson being taught in this scripture and share the love. 

Why would we NOT desire to help a brother or sister in need?  You know, the one sitting on the same pew with you that you KNOW is need of clothes, food, shelter, money for bills, or even gifts for Christmas.  We all have possessions that sit in a cabinet, closet, or storage building that we keep just to store.  We don't really need these items, but for some reason we don't want to part with them.  Why not take those items and bless someone that could really use them?  Sometimes, we Christians just need to clean out our closets, literally! 

Grace is God's favor, His smile from heaven, and it was upon the Christians of the early church.  I know God was pleased with their attitudes of putting God first, people second, and material things last.  I pray that we all would seek this same attitude as we approach this Christmas season and also continue it in our daily lives.  Be a blessing to someone today! 

I also want to mention two events that are taking place in our small town to bless others but are in need of donations from you. 
  • Kimi's Blessings - This ministry was birthed through a local, young lady that suffered from a brain tumor several years ago as a teenager.  Praise be to God, today she lives a normal, healthy, and vibrant life.  Every year at Christmas time, she gathers donations and gifts to deliver to Egleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta, GA to bless children that are not able to be home for Christmas.  New toys may be donated and dropped off at Piggly Wiggly or Central Bank in Ellaville.  If you would like to donate money to help this cause, you may drop it off at Central Bank with Kimi. 

  • Christmas for Christ - This ministry has proved to bless many families and homes at Christmas.  From the generous donations of household items from people, a local gymnasium is filled with clothes, toys, furniture, etc.  This is a free event to people in need.  People come to receive gifts to meet their physical needs, but they often receive so much more...the gift of salvation and Christ's love shining through the volunteers that are working to bless them.  Items for this benefit can be dropped off at Fripp Storage Buildings in Ellaville or by contacting Stephen Fripp.
Lord, I pray for your blessings on these two ministries as they bless others!  May you always be first and glorified in all that they do.  I pray that they minister to the heart and lives of others in your name.  May you find grace and favor upon each person that serves or receives from these ministries! Amen!

Love in Christ,
Tonya


     

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Sing A Song!

This past Sunday in Sunday School, we talked about Moses singing a song to a rebellious Israel.  Moses transposed a song from the message God had given him to share.  

Deu 31:30 "And Moses recited the words of this song from beginning to end in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel."  (Moses recites the song in Deuteronomy 32)

Moses had been preaching, but his assembly was having a hard time understanding, you think?  So in order to teach them more clearly, he teaches them a song.  Moses' song teaches about God's faithfulness, people's sin, repentance and salvation.   Moses delivered this sermon through song!

I love music and singing (even though I don't have the best voice).  So many times, God will speak a message to me through the many Christian songs that I listen to and sing along with.  He uses song to help comfort me when I am having a bad day or gives me a song to sing when I want to shout with praise to Him.

Why do we sing songs?  Have you ever thought about that?  Songs remind us of what God has done for us and often times how we should respond to His mercy and grace on us.  Let's sing a few songs together today. :)

Click the song titles and happy singing!!!  I challenge you to listen to these songs and allow God to change your outlook today as He ministers to you through song!

Sing a Song - Third Day  (I want to sing a song for you Lord!)

Shackles - Mary Mary (Take these shackles off so I can praise You! - Go ahead, get up and dance on this one - it will definitely make you want to!!!)

This Little Light of Mine - Addison Road (Go ahead...let it shine!)

Someone Worth Dying For - Mikes Chair (Yes, you are worth dying for!)

Spirit Wind - Casting Crowns - (Struggling with dry bones? Be revived with the spirit wind of the Lord!)  And of course, I could not share songs without at least one Casting Crowns song, because they are my favorite! Lol!

The next time you feel led to give God praise...don't hesitate in lifting your hands, stomping your foot, or even breaking out with a Holy sway as you glorify God!  God created song and music to minister to us and for us to sound even sweeter when we praise Him!  :)

Praising Him through song and dance today,

Tonya

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Bless You!

Acts 3:26 "When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways."

     Bless:   1. To make holy by religious rite; sanctify.
                     2. To invoke divine favor upon.

Our 'nature' is sinful.  We all have struggles of some kind, and at times we may feel as though we cannot overcome the sin that is striving to take control of our lives but thankfully there is hope and a future for us!

This morning as I was reading my bible, this scripture literally jumped off the page at me and spoke to my spirit.  I know God sent his son to die for my (our) sins, but I have never looked at it from the point of view that He sent Jesus to bless me.  I don't know of anyone that doesn't like to blessed by others.  But why would I not see that God sent Jesus to bless me??

How does that make you feel to know that Jesus was sent to bless you; to make you holy; to sanctify you; to invoke divine favor upon you?  Oh, dear friend, He loves you so much that He stepped down from His throne to romance a world that has fallen apart.  How many Fathers do you know that have gave up their sons for you (me)?  Only ONE did that for me and you!  He did it to bless us!

I was reminded of a video that I had watched years ago not long after I had received salvation from the Lord.  This video is an awesome visual of what it may have been like for God to watch his son die for others.  Please watch and be blessed by hopefully understanding more about the love God has for you and His desire to bless you.


If you are receiving this by email, please click here to watch video.

I pray that mine and your heart may be touched and changed today as you see in a different light the action of being blessed by God. 

Thank you Lord for the many blessings you have poured out to me even though I don't deserve them.  I pray that I will consistently turn away from sin that you bring to my attention and that I would know that You are always there loving and blessing me.  Amen!

Praising our King of Kings!
Tonya
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