T.C. Avey's Blog, page 4

2016: The Guilt of being Imperfect and the Promise to overcome

During the Christmas season I began thinking about Jesus’ parents…Mary and Joseph. I’ve always been blown away by their faith and obedience, their complete trust in God. They seem perfect. 
Yet, I know that’s not true. 
They were human.
Just like me.
Just like you.
That means they were NOT perfect.
It means they sinned.
Let that sink in. 
The parents God chose to raise Jesus were imperfect humans. They sinned. And yet, God still used them! 
While the Bible doesn’t record Mary and Joseph’s mistakes, we can be sure they were just as human as you and me. 
In Luke 2 we find a very interesting story about Jesus as a boy. 
When He was 12 He went with His family to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. After it was over, Jesus decided to not go back with them. However, He didn’t inform His mom or dad of His plans and they assumed He was with the large group traveling home. It wasn’t long before they realized He was missing! 
Can you imagine how they must have felt?
Where was their son? What had happened to Him? Was He hurt? Had someone taken Him?
Besides the instant worry and fear, I imagine they felt GUILT.
How could they have let this happen? How could they NOT have known He wasn’t with them? What kind of parents were they?
All the fear, worry, and guilt would build as they searched for Him. 
It took 3 days to find Him.
Can you imagine how you’d feel if it were your son missing?
Now add to that the knowledge you were choose to raise the SON OF GOD!
Talk about pressure!
They were responsible for the Messiah!
Here are some of the things I would have been thinking as I frantically search for my son:
“You’ve got to be kidding me; I LOST the Son of God? God trusted me to birth and care for His Son and I LOST Him? I can’t believe I LOST Him? How could I have let this happen? What’s wrong with me? I’m a terrible mom! Did God make a mistake making me Jesus’ mother?”
Here’s the conversation I would have had with God:
“I’m so sorry I lost your Son. How can you ever forgive me? You entrusted me with Him and I LOST Him! If You will please help me find Him I promise I won’t lose Him again…I hope!”
Now I don’t know if Mary thought anything similar to this. But from the scriptures I do know that she said, “…Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you .” Luke 2:48
Mary and Joseph were anxious.
They were scared.
And I bet they felt at least a little guilty at not having kept better track of Jesus. 
The point I’m trying to make is: WE ARE ALL HUMAN.
We all make mistakes. 
God knows this about us.
God knew Mary and Joseph were not perfect. 
But He trusted them to care for His only Son anyway.
God loves you…even though you are imperfect.
Nothing you’ve ever done, or will do, can change that.
We all sin.
So as you go into this New Year, know you will  mess up.
Go ahead and make “New Year’s Resolutions” but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t stick with them.
You will make mistakes in 2016.
But God’s grace is enough.
His love knows no bounds. And the plans He has for you are good.
Trust Him.
Mary and Joseph did.
They weren’t perfect and God used them.
He will use you too. 
Have a wonderful New Year.  
And please, don’t let guilt over messing up keep you from moving forward. 
God has great things in store for you.
May this promise from God comfort you and guide you in 2016:
1 John 1:9 , “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Mistakes don't have to define who we are. They aren't the "end" unless we choose to make them that way. With God, we always have hope for more. 
Happy New Year! 
God bless.

The Joy of Crying

“Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.”  Psalm 126:5 NIV
Have you ever gone through a season of tears? 
Where your heart cries out to God for relief? 
When you don’t see an end in sight, but you know you have to keep going?
Have you ever felt like the verses you usually refer to in hard times just aren’t enough and so you’re searching the Scriptures for a nugget of hope to see you through?
As you may know, I’m a mom. And I can tell you absolutely NOTHING in life has brought me more joy or more tears.
My kids are such a blessing. I cherish each moment I have with them.
But being a mom brings with it a HUGE responsibility. 
Not only am I responsible for making sure my kids are fed, clothed, healthy and learning their ABC”s, it falls on my shoulders (and my husband’s) to train them up in the ways of God (Proverbs 22:6), and to discipline them in love (Eph 6:4, Col 3:21, Proverbs 3:12) so that they will one day be productive members of society and servants in the Body of Christ (2 Tim 3:15, Deu 4:6).
Those are BIG responsibilities! 
So many seeds to be sown into their little lives. 
Even realizing that God is helping me doesn’t lessen some of my own tears.
Example:
Teaching my baby that I can’t walk with him ALL night long so he can sleep brought many tears to both our eyes. 
He began life with reflux issues…and so the habit of walking with him for hours and hours formed. Thank God, he is healed of the reflux issue…but God didn’t erase his memory of the months of being held. 
He still wanted to be held.
Weeks went by of my husband and me trying to get him to sleep in his crib...it was torture.
I wondered why I was doing this to all of us. Maybe I didn’t really need sleep? Maybe I could continue walking with him throughout the night…he’d eventually outgrow it, right? (My sleep deprived mind actually thought those were pretty good arguments)
As the MONTHS continued  my heart begged God for relief. 
Daily I’d ask, “Why, Lord, why won’t my baby sleep?”
My old standby verse “My Grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Cor 12:9) did little to alleviate the pain. WHY WAS THIS HAPPENING? Other babies slept through the night by now and mine slept worse than a newborn.
And then I came across Psalm 126:5, “ Those who sow with tears   will reap with songs of joy.”
Sowing with tears.
That’s what I was doing.
His little tears and my big ones.  So as I continued to pat my screaming son’s back as he lay in his crib I thought about the seeds I was sowing: independence from me, learning to comfort himself, better sleep for everyone and a well rested mommy so I could do all the other things a mommy needs to do on a daily basis but with a song of joy in my heart instead of despair and blood shot eyes.
Sometimes trials are long and hard, but we have to remember the lessons of sowing.
Seeds sown are broken open in order to grow.
Besides joy, it produces other wonderful fruit (Gal 5:22-23)
And if you’re still having a hard time finding hope in sowing in tears, let me remind you of the ultimate JOYOUS TEARS…Jesus going to the cross—“…For the JOY set before Him He endured the cross…” ( Heb 12:2, emphasis mine)

Does LOVE or FEAR motivate your decisions?

When a calamity like what happened in Paris strikes it’s amazing how quickly we become prisoners of fear. 
Fear becomes the driving force behind making decisions (though many refuse to acknowledge this).
The need for security motivates us to do things we wouldn’t normally consider doing.
But as Christians we should NEVER make a decision based on fear.
And we should NEVER put our trust in man or governments over our trust in God. 
God alone is our refuge and security (Psalm 91). 
The decisions we make should be based on who He is (LOVE, 1 John 4:8)) and who we are in Him (Children of God, 1 John 3:1, John 1:12).
So while the world is making decisions based in fear, a need for security and a sense of control, we should not. 
We are His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20), we represent His love and light in this darkness (Matt 5:16), therefore we must draw closer to God and let Him guide our decisions in these unsettling times. 
One way to do this is to take all our thoughts and fears captive to the Word of God.
In Phil 4:8 we are told:  “ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
What is true about what happened in Paris? It is true that it is a horrible tragedy. Many things we read in the News are true regarding this event. But what is also true is that God is still on His throne. This did not take God by surprise. God tells us in John 16:33 that bad things will happen in this world, but we can have peace and cheer because God is still victorious. As long as there is evil in this world, bad things will happen. But God’s promises to us, His Children, are still true and worth clinging to. 
What is noble in all of this? Another way of saying this is what good can come from this? Well, if we let fear dictate our decisions and actions NO good can come. But if we allow God’s LOVE and TRUTH to be our guide then much good can come. An increased awareness of evil can be revealed and along with it a need for God’s grace to be shared with the lost and dying world. An opportunity for revival can happen and that is good. Sharing the Good News with those who need it is certainly a noble and good thing to happen out of this sadness.
What is right? When bad things happen it’s human nature to begin pointing fingers. “You are wrong and we are right” “That group is wrong, but this group is right.” Times like this can either divide us even further (which is what satan wants) or it can bring us closer together. Love brings unity and healing. Fear brings division and death. Loving our neighbor doesn’t mean just loving/accepting those who think like us and believe like us, it means loving those who we fear and disagree with. “RIGHT” by the worlds standards is very different from God’s (John 3:16-17). 
Can purity be found in this? Yes. God is love and His love is pure. LOVE (God) casts out fear (1 John 4:18) that cripples us. When we draw closer to Him our fears diminish. On our own we cannot love our enemies. But with Him all thing are possible (Matt 16:26). With Him our motives for making decisions can be pure instead of defiled by fear and a need to control things we are not meant to control. 
What is lovely about so many innocent people dying? If they knew Christ as the only way to heaven, then there is much that is lovely about them going to be with their Savior. However it is the ultimate tragedy if they died without Him in their hearts. This should motivate Christians to get out of their comfort zones, to take ACTION, and begin witnessing to the lost and dying world. What is lovely about what happened…hopefully an urgency within the Body of Christ to DO the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20). It’s time we got “skin in the game”.
What is admirable and praiseworthy during this sorrowful time? God is ALWAYS worthy to be praised. Even when we do not understand what is happening. Even when our hearts are breaking, God is worthy of praise. Read through the Psalms. David is known as a man after God’s own heart and yet he suffered greatly. His life and victories were not easy. People he loved tried to kill him on more than one occasion. And yet he found God faithful and worthy of praise. Psalm 34 is only one of many chapters about the happiness we can find when we trust in God. 
So in the wake of what happened there are many tears to be shed and decisions to be made…but how will you make those decisions? Will LOVE be your guide or FEAR? 
Please take a moment to watch this music video by for KING & COUNTRY “The Proof of Your Love”
For greater insight into what God’s love looks like and how we can emulate it read:  1 Cor 13

The Lord’s Prayer really is Powerful!

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.’ Matt 6:9-13 NIV
When asked, this is how Jesus instructed His followers to pray.  And it’s how we are still instructed to prayer. 
I was taught this prayer as a kid, but to be honest I hadn’t given it much thought. Put another way, I hadn’t ever really used it as a prayer—it was more of a template for how I prayed.
But a few months ago verse 13 became my “go-to” prayer. 
One year ago my husband and I purchased our “forever house”…and it’s a fixer upper. We have invested much time and money into it (and still have a LONG way to go) but it’s worth it because this is the house we hope to live in until we go to our heavenly home.
But then a kink came into our plans. 
My husband was offered a REALLY good promotion. The only problem—we had to relocate half way across America. While the company was going to cover our moving costs, it was disconcerting to think we might lose money by selling a home we so recently purchased and sank money into. Our realtor wasn’t sure the market was strong enough, especially since we didn’t have any equity in the house.
So we went to the Lord in prayer:  “God, what do You want us to do?”
As I was seeking God, He led me to The Lord’s Prayer, specifically “Lead me not into temptation.” 
While that wasn’t the exact answer I was looking for (I wanted a clear “yes, go” or “no, stay”) it was an answer from God. A promise that He wouldn’t let us be deceived by satan, that He would “Deliver us from evil.”
Turns out we rejected the promotion three times before the company finally realized we were not going to relocate no matter how much they sweetened the deal (It was soooo tempting to take their offer). By worldly standards it seems crazy that we turned down such a great opportunity, but we try not to go by “worldly standards”.
Instead, we sought God’s will. 
We trusted His promise that He would LEAD us away from the temptations before us and DELIVER us from the evil trying to get us outside of God’s will.
As the weeks of negotiations dragged on this verse gave me peace and confidence that we could trust God… even if we didn’t have all the answers. 
The Bible is full of wonderful, life changing promises. 
That experience taught me that I should never leave my childhood lessons in the past. The Lord’s Prayer is as applicable now as it was when I was a kid learning how to talk to God.
And it reaffirmed that I should hold tight to any lessons Jesus taught His disciples. If those lessons were important for them to know, then they are important for me (us) as well. 
Today, I encourage you to embrace the Lord’s Prayer. Use it to guide you and keep you. Trust the promises found in that prayer and throughout the Bible.
And remember, when you pray, you may not get a blatant “yes” or “no” answer, but you WILL get an answer when you take the time to seek God and LISTEN to His voice. 
If you’re interested in learning more about distinguishing the voice of God from the lies of satan read John 10:1-18 (The Good Shephard).
UPDATE: Bill and Kari brought up a great question in the comments section: HOW DID WE KNOW WE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION TO STAY?
Answer: PEACE.
During the process of negotiations we didn't have peace. We kept wondering if we were doing the right thing. We wavered as the deal was sweetened each time we rejected it. It caused us to wonder if we weren't listening to God correctly. But satan knows how to tempt each of us. Being tempted with a promotion and money was hard for us to turn down...we kept thinking maybe God was trying to bless us and we were being too dumb to realize it.
But ultimately we didn't feel "right " about going. So we decided to turn it down for good and once we did we both had PEACE. Not just a sense that a decision had been made, but absolute contentment that money and a status change would not have been right for our family. We also both got really hopeful at whatever else God has in store for us.
We were tempted, but God is faithful, He will make a way of escape.
" ... But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" 1 Cor 10:13 NIV

Returning from Maternity Leave

I’m back…sort of.
In February I took “Maternity Leave” from blogging. I’d planned on returning by August… but as anyone with two kids can tell you, not only does time fly, but priorities change. 
While I’ve missed blogging/writing, I haven’t had a spare minute to jot down the amazing revelations God has given me during these past months. But I’m ready to come back, even if it’s not going to be as frequent as before.
My goal is to post once a month (though it might be more like every 6 weeks ) and in between postings I’ll visit your blogs ! (I can’t tell you how excited I am about fellowshipping with you all again!)
 I want to thank all my blogging buddies who reached out to me during my months away…offering encouragement, prayers, friendship and advice. It’s so good to know that I wasn’t forgotten. 
Before I close this post I want to tell you a little of what's been consuming my time…mainly a 4 year old and a baby. 
While kids alone can keep a mommy busy, my boys health has brought me into so much contact with doctors I feel as if I’m working as a nurse again! 
Both boys have required numerous visits to their pediatrician as well as different specialists. It seems as if there are very few weeks that go by without a visit to some sort of physician. 
Don't fret.  God is good and we are doing well. We're not as healthy as I’d like us to be, but we have much to be thankful for. 
With that being said, here are some of the topics God has been teaching me and that I hope to share with you in the coming months:
1.       Comfort and Power in the Lord’s Prayer (Matt 6:9-13)2.       God is my Refuge (Numerous Psalms and other scriptures)3.       God is my Strength…I literally cannot do anything on my own (2 Cor 12:10)4.       Sowing in tears and reaping Joy (Psalm 126:5)5.       God’s timing and priorities over my own (too many verses to share here)
Now it’s your turn:  Please tell me what’s going on in your life or what God is teaching you?

Coming for Christians

A Google search of “Christian Beheadings” or “Christian Persecution” will pop up numerous RECENT articles from a plethora of sources (CNN, New York Times, Reuters, etc.) outside the usual outlets such as Open Doors, Fox News, The Blaze ,and Christian Post. 
If you haven’t viewed the recent video’s (yes this has happened more than once in recent months) of ISIS beheading Christians on a beach I encourage you to take a deep breath and watch at least a minute of the brutality our Christian Brothers and Sisters are facing (I’ve only watched a few minutes of each gruesome video and the images are burned into my brain- I have not included links so you’ll have to do your own search).
Why am I asking you to do this?
Because God commands us to:
“ Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. ” Heb 13:3 NIV
Seeing these images will help you REMEMBER those suffering extreme persecution. And once you REMEMBER, you can take action to help your Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
I was speaking with my husband about this and he asked, “How can we help them? We’re powerless to stop this.”
I went to bed thinking about what he’d said. Is this why so many American and European Christians are silent about the slaughter of our fellow members in the Body of Christ…they feel powerless?
I began asking God what I could do that would make a difference and God reminded me that there is POWER IN PRAYER.
“…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16b NIV
In Jeremiah 33:3, God says, “ Call to me (PRAY) and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Later in Chapter 33 God reminds Jeremiah that His covenants are everlasting; we cannot break them any more than we can change the day into night. Therefore, we can have confidence in His promises… and He promises that HE WILL ANSWER WHEN WE PRAY. 
In Jer 32:24 God asks a rhetorical question, “I am the Lord , the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? ”
We may feel overwhelmed and powerless to help those facing martyrdom, but God doesn’t.
This isn’t too big or too powerful for God. 
So if He instructs us to REMEMBER others and challenges us to CALL to Him, shouldn’t we do it?
I realize FEAR also plays a role in our refusal to acknowledge the evil being perpetrated against our fellow believers in Christ. A recent podcast on Engaging Missions , A Wind in the House of Islam with David Garrison, will lesson your fears. 
Muslims are coming to Christ by the thousands. 
God is using Christians just like you and me to bring the Gospel to those who invoke fear in us. 
In Jer 38:14-28King Zedekiah told Jeremiah that he feared man more than he feared God. Jeremiah encouraged him to obey God, but he refused and Jerusalem was taken just as Jeremiah warned. 
We mustn’t fear. We must obey whatever it is God asks.I don’t know what God is asking of you… and chances are you don’t know either, unless you’ve spent time seeking His will.
While you might not be called to witness to someone who intimidates you, you can certainly pray for them. You don’t have to know them personally in order to pray for them.
Likewise, you don’t have to KNOW the Christians across the world suffering for their faith in order to lift them up to God in prayer.
Just begin praying. 
Pray for those being persecuted. 
Pray for those doing the persecution.
And let God do the rest. 
He may or may not lead you to do more, but you’ll never know if you don’t begin somewhere. 
Why not start with prayer?
 If you’re interested in learning about witnessing to those of the Muslim faith here are two books on my reading list that I got from listening to the podcast linked above:
Any-3: Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime—Win Muslims to Christ NowThe Camel:  How Muslims are Coming to Faith in Christ
If you’re wondering, YES I’m still on maternity leave and will not officially be back for some time. Writing this post took a great deal of time but I felt I must share it with you. 
Time is critical. 
Christians are daily dying for their faith. 
The time to act and pray is now. 
Here’s a link I HIGHLY encourage you to read.  It puts this all into greater perspective. 
Will you stand against the Christian Holocaust? By Glenn Beck
Lastly I’ll leave you with this quote from Martin Niemoller:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

They are coming for Christians..and it can happen here too. 
Will you speak? Will you pray?

Maternity Leave

A mentor of mine, Wendell Rovenstein- President of Bibles for China, gave an interview on one of my favorite pod casts, Engaging Mission. 
On more than one occasion I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with Wendell and listening as he shares his passion for bringing Christ to the Chinese people.  I have to admit, I thought I’d know most of his answers to Bryan’s interview questions. Yet I was stunned when he focused so much on family.
He said we need to show up where God is.
God is in the family. Yet how many Christians get so caught up in doing “good” things, even ministry, that our families suffer (sadly without many of us realizing it)?
I’m guilty of this.
I’m guilty of putting my family time on hold so I can respond to one more commenter on my blog, finish a blog post, pray for someone after reading a comment, or something similar.
You see, I don’t view my blog as hobby…or even as a job.
I believe my blog is a ministry. It’s a small ministry, but it’s one God has given me.
I’m honored that you read my posts and share your lives with me.
When I say I’m praying for you, I really mean it.
I spend time with God preparing for my posts and comments. 
I cherish my time with you.
But God is showing me that my focus right now must be centered on my family.
As some of you know, I’ll be having another baby soon. 
Having babies and young children puts me in a different season of life than some of you.
It forces me to prioritize my time more carefully.
As I’ve thought about Wendell’s interview, I’ve realized that I’m guilty of trying to get God to be where MY focus is instead of me showing up where He is.
I was told by 3 doctors I’d never have my first son. 
Now God is blessing me with another one.
Family is where God is working right now!
And that’s where my focus needs to be.
As I’ve prayed about this God has lead me to Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2:11)
Hannah longed for a child.
Years went by without her prayers being answered. 
God used this time to cultivate her heart. It was during this long wait that she came to a place where she could give her child back to God…if only He would give her a son.
And so, when Hannah’s heart was ready, God gave her Samuel.
Hannah had approximately 3 short years with Samuel before she gave him to Eli the priest (In Bible times that’s the approximate length of time women nursed their children). 
She had 3 years to speak into his life. 
3 years so show him her love.
3 years to tell him about God.
3 years to make memories that would last her (and him) a life time. 
3 years and then she fulfilled her promise to God. 
Those 3 years were pivotal. It gave Samuel his foundation for growing into adulthood.
This has caused me to ponder: If I knew I only had 3 years with my kids, would my parenting be different? (click to tweet)
The answer is yes.
Yes, my parenting would be different because my focus would more sharply be placed on my children. I wouldn’t allow so many distractions to take me away from them. I wouldn’t sweat the small stuff (like neatly folded laundry, toys being picked up, my kid throwing a fit at the store and embarrassing me).
This is why I’m taking “Maternity” leave from blogging.
It’s hard for me to step away from blogging. As I said, it’s a ministry. I love spending time with you. You all bless me so much. But at the moment I need to focus more on my family.
I’m not sure when I’ll be off “Maternity” leave.
I could be back in a few months or possibly not until fall. 
I’m just going to take it a day at a time and let God direct my focus.
I do plan on returning. And you might occasionally see me reading your posts and commenting. I will still be checking my email, so please feel free to email me. 
I’m not dropping off the face of the earth—I’m just taking a step back from writing. 
Until I return: Please enjoy some of my older posts and be blessed. 
Draw close to God and He will draw close to you…(James 4:8)
Finally, where is your focus?

BEWARE: Increasing Persecution of Jews & Christians

I had no intention of posting something other than Barb Raveling’s Book Review this week (If you didn’t read it, I HIGHLY encourage you to. I can’t recommend her book, The Renewing of the Mind Project, highly enough) but world events this year are bothering me.
While you’ve probably heard about the terrorist acts in Paris and are even are aware that things are NOT going well in the Ukraine (despite the recent “peace” agreement Putin promised) you might not be aware of all the ANTI-SEMITISM and PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS that is occurring around the globe!
To be honest, there’s too much to even try to share with you. 
But here are a few headlines that have captured my attention and are breaking my heart:
1.       Man walked around Paris for 10 hours as a “Jew” and was shocked by the ANTI-SEMITISM thrown his way by strangers.  This shouldn’t be a surprise since Jew’s have been leaving France and moving to Israel in HIGH numbers due to the persecution they’re facing. This is occurring in other European Countries as well. Many Jews in England don’t feel safe.
2.        University in South Africa voted to expel Jews.

3.       For the past few years, Jews in the U.S. have faced an increasing number of ANTI-SEMITIC vandalism on their homes, cars, and places of worship. Here’s just a recent example.  
4.       You’re probably aware that 21 Christians were recently beheaded.  While the Pope is able to make strong remarks regarding it and Egypt has retaliated, the White House has refused to acknowledge that the act of terrorism was carried out against CHRISTIANS.  This, along with other actions by the White House, has left many countries wondering who the U.S. supports and who they are truly against. Our alleys question our loyalty and our enemies feel bolstered by our actions and comments.

5.       Kayla Mueller, an American Aid Worker, was recently executed by the Islamic State after being held captive since 2013. Her family released an emotional letter about her faith in God shortly after her death. The U.S. government has yet to respond, except to assure everyone that we WON’T send in ground troops regardless of what happens. Prior to this event, a Jordanian Pilot was burned to death. This was met by Jordan hanging two prisoners.
6.       Atheists in the U.S. are making advances in keeping religion out of schools, businesses, and basically everywhere. Here’s one example.

7.       Ex-Mega Church pastor states on Oprah that it won’t be long before the church embraces homosexuality because they don’t want to become even more irrelevant.
Persecution of JEWS and CHRISTIANS is increasing.  In any nation you can find more than a few examples.
Seems like we are fast approaching The Precipice I fictionally wrote about—a time when life as we know it is over.
Brothers and Sisters, I pray you will get serious in your faith (purchasing Barb’s book is a great step in the right direction).
If you can’t stand now, when it’s relatively “easy”, how will you stand when it’s not?
It’s time to shake off the sins that so easily ensnare you. The greed, pride, lust, materialism, entitlement, criticism, and so on that holds you back.
It’s time to get your foundation secure—the winds are howling.
Are you ready?
Do you know how to get ready…know God. Learn His love. Rest in His grace. Let go of the things in this world. Hold fast to your faith. Don’t let possessions possess you.
Times are changing.
But God never does.

The Renewing of the Mind Project BOOK REVIEW

I’m so excited to share with you Barb Raveling’s new book, TheRenewing of the Mind Project: Going to God for Help with Habits, Goals, andEmotions. 
 
Barb has quickly become one of my FAVORITE Christian Authors and I’m thrilled she has published this book. It has the power to transform your walk with Christ by showing you how to Biblically Renew your Mind in the Word of God.
Seems to me there are three major groups of Christians: 
1.        One’s who rest so much on GRACE they ignore the need to root sin out of their lives. In fact, they think that if they have to “work” on anything they are not honoring the mercy of God.
2.       One’s who place too much emphasis on WORKS and thereby undervalue the precious blood of the Lamb and the grace freely given to all how call upon the name of the Lord.
3.       One’s who either don’t want to do the work it takes to grow closer to Christ or they don’t know how to so they ignore or downplay their sins. 
Barb Biblically shows readers the need for the combination of both GRACE and WORKS and she provides the tools necessary to break the bonds holding you back from a deeper relationship with God.
The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2 NIV, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 
But HOWdo we renew our minds? We can’t do it in our own power. So how do we apply this Scripture to our lives?
Excellent question!
In The Renewing of the Mind Project you’ll learn how God intends for Christians to address all sorts of weaknesses of the flesh. From emotional strongholds that prevent us from walking in the Spirit to breaking bad habits (sins) and to forming new habits (daily devotional), Barb covers it all. 
This book is meant to be used with your Bible and a Journal. 
It’s a book that can be used over and over and over again.
I’m currently using it to help me break the habit of being discontent and forming an attitude of praise in all circumstances just as Paul says to do in Phil 4:11-13. Memorizing this passage of Scripture isn’t enough to ensure that I know how to be content in all situations. I must learn to RENEW MY MIND. 
By using Barb’s questions I see how my point of view and feelings are sometimes contrary to the Word of God. Her questions have helped me identify patterns in my life where I’m holding back from God and holding onto things that are preventing me from praising Him.  She’s helping me gain a Kingdom world View instead of a ME-centered world view. 
Her book also teaches how to dig into the root causes of  sins/strongholds. 
I’m learning my discontentment is connected to my need to be perfect. And when I’m not ‘perfect’ I tend to feel frustrated. I worry about what others think and I don’t want to let them down. I feel insecure and try to cover it up by performing to the best of MY abilities instead of focusing on what God wants of me and finding my value in who He says I am.  
All this is connected to my pride. When I perform well, without realizing it, I am taking credit away from God because I think I did it! And when I fail, I tend to shrink back from God instead of seeking His face. 
Her book has helped me with all this.
I know it can help you too…if you’ll just give it a try.
I really can’t recommend this book highly enough.
If I could purchase a copy for all of my followers (and everyone I know) I would. But since I can’t afford too, you can pick up your own copy by clicking here.
Here are ways you can follow Barb:


Blog: http://barbraveling.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barbraveling
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/barbraveling/ Bio:  Barb is the author of four books, including Taste for Truth: A 30 Day Weight Loss Bible Study. She blogs about breaking free from habits and strongholds at barbraveling.com. After homeschooling their four kids for the last 22 years, Barb and her husband are now enjoying the empty nest life in their clean (but far too quiet) home. Disclaimer: I did not have to give a raving review. I am a proud supporter of Barb's books and happily wrote this review. 

Are You Like Peter?

Following up on my post, Are You Like Judas, I’d like to ask, Are You Like Peter?
Peter and Judas shared many of the same experiences with Jesus. They both walked with Him, talked with Him, prayed with Him, learned from Him, watched His power flow in both healing and grace…in short, they both were followers of Christ.
Yet they handled their mistakes in two completely different ways.
As previously discussed Judashandled his sin as many people do—he sought human solutions instead of God’s grace.  When he couldn’t correct his mistake, when his guilt wasn’t eased, he again reacted as many Christians do—he sought relief outside of God.
Peter, however, is the example Christians SHOULD follow.
You remember the story; Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him three times (Mark 14:27-31). 
Despite this warning, Peter is seen shortly later sleeping in the garden while Jesus prays. 
Again, Jesus tries to tell him and the others to WATCH and PRAY because the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Mark 14:38). 
But Peter couldn’t stay awake.
He didn’t take Jesus’ warnings as seriously as he should.
He didn’t prepare his flesh by being alert to temptations and praying.
So when Christ was arrested, Peter wasn’t ready. 
Even though his spirit wanted to follow Christ until death, his flesh took the easier route and he ended up denying he knew his Lord three times…just as Jesus predicted.
When Peter realized his mistake/sin, he wept. (Mark 14:66-72).
He couldn’t believe what he’d done.
You’d think that after the first two times of telling people he didn’t know who they were talking about and that he wasn’t a follower of Jesus that he would have remembered Christ warning and changed course.
But he didn’t.
He was human.
Just like you and me.
And like all of us, when we do something wrong, we feel bad. 
But here’s where we have the choice of being like Judas or Peter.
Judas tried as hard as he humanly could to correct his mistake of betraying Jesus…but he failed.
Peter however couldn’t wait to get back to Jesus. 
God knew Peters heart. He knew Peter was feeling bad and needing reassurance that he was forgiven.In Mark 16:7 an angel instructs the women to not only tell the disciples, but specifically Peter, that Christ is raised and will meet them soon.
In John 21:1-19 we see their encounter.
Jesus stands on the shore line as the disciple’s fish. When they realize who He is Peter doesn’t hide below deck, too ashamed of his betrayal to see Jesus. No, Peter jumps in the water, swimming to shore. He couldn’t wait for the boat to get to Christ. He NEEDED to restore his relationship with his Savior. He needed to repent. 
Jesus doesn’t berate him; He puts Peter to work hauling in the fish. Then Jesus feeds His followers. He provides for Peter’s physical need at that moment.
Next, Jesus addresses Peter’s heart by asking him three times if he loved Him.
“Do you love me?” Jesus asked Peter.
“Do you love me?” Jesus asks us.
If our answer is like Peter’s, YES, then pay attention to what Jesus says next.
GET TO WORK!
Jesus gave Peter a job to do—feed and tend His sheep.
God has a job for you to do as well.
So if you love Him, accept His forgiveness, let go of the past mistakes, and GET TO WORK!
The past will chain you down and keep you ineffective in serving Christ. That’s where satan wants you.
So he will try hard to tie you up with the guilt and shame of your sin. He will entice you to try to fix the problem using human solutions. This is what happened with Judas.
It doesn’t have to happen to you.
You can choose to run TOWARD the Savior. Admit you’ve messed up. Accept His forgiveness and then be about His business (1John 1:9).
Let the past go.
Move forward (Phil 3:13-14).
There’s work to be done for the Kingdom, but first you must address your sin.
So I ask you: Will you respond to your sin like Judas or Peter?