Prayer For Help Against Spiritual Enemies in the New Year

Glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly hosts, who stands always ready to give assistance to the people of God; who fought with the dragon, the old serpent, and cast him out of heaven, and now valiantly defends the Church of God that the gates of hell may never prevail against her, I earnestly entreat you to assist me also, in the painful and dangerous conflict which I sustain against the same formidable foe.


Be with me, O mighty Prince! that I may courageously fight and vanquish that proud spirit, whom you, by the Divine Power, gloriously overthrew, and whom our powerful King, Jesus Christ, has, in our nature, completely overcome; so having triumphed over the enemy of my salvation, I may with you and the holy angels, praise the clemency of God who, having refused mercy to the rebellious angels after their fall, has granted repentance and forgiveness to fallen man. Amen
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
 
DAWN

"What is Fellowship?"

"And all the believers met together in one place and

 shared everything they had. "

— Acts 2:44

"Fellowship" is a great word that Christians often use. But do we know what fellowship originally meant in the early church? The word "fellowship" used in Acts 2 is the Greek word koinonia. It is a difficult word to translate into English because of its many shades of meaning. It can be translated "fellowship," "communion," "community," "communal," and "friendship." The word encompasses so much that believers do together.


But fellowship is more than socializing. Anyone can socialize. The idea of fellowship is that we come together to commune with God and commune together. It is when we get together and talk about the things of God. And God loves it when we talk about Him with each other. Malachi 3:16 says, "Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name." The word "listened" could be translated, "to prick the ear, to bend down." When we speak of the things of God, He bends down to listen.

Fellowship is praying together, serving together, giving, and yes, even growing older together, dying, and going to heaven. It is what we do together as the family of God.

And fellowship with God and fellowship with others go together. When you are walking with God, then you will want to be with God's people. And if you don't want to be with God's people, then maybe you are not walking with God as you ought to. Because I have found that the closer I am to God, the more I want to be around godly people, and the more I want to influence others to live godly lives.

Remember, the will of God is NOT automatic. He loves us and has a plan for all of our lives. The question we should all ask ourselves: to what extent am I participating?

Our Heavenly Father longs to fellowship with His children. Why not bring in the New Year in a "new way" : attend a worship service tonite.

Grace & peace be multiplied to you in the New Year,

Dawn

"OUR TESTIMONY"

READ

Acts 6:1-6

A testimony is one person’s profession of faith in Jesus Christ. However, our declaration of belief is much more than the story we tell. A good witness for the Lord consists of three parts: character, conduct, and conversation.

As Christians, we rightly place great emphasis on crafting a solid personal account of the Lord’s work in our life. We also talk about the ways that we can “be Jesus Christ” to our friends, family, and co-workers through our actions. But character is the part of every believer’s testimony that underlies both Christ-like behavior and a good life story.

In general, what we do and say represents the kind of person that we are on the inside. We can tell a lot about Philip’s character by noticing his actions and words. From among many believers, Philip was chosen as one who was wise and full of the Spirit. But he wasn’t selected for a great ministry position—he was sent to serve food.

Philip went willingly to do this menial work and every other job the Lord gave him, which shows his obedient spirit (Acts 6:5; 8:5, 26). We can be certain that he was a sincere and trustworthy man, because when he spoke, people listened (Acts 8:6). Philip’s testimony shines forth in every way.

You can’t trick God into thinking your character is righteous if it isn’t. Nor can you fake moral conduct or conversation with people for very long. Sooner or later, a proud, bitter, or unkind spirit yields behavior and speech contrary to the Christian message. But godly character produces real spiritual fruit.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

"A HEALTHY HEART"

(a) Examine me, O LORD, and try me;

(b)Test my [a]mind and my heart.

Psalm 26:2 (NLT)

Doctors recommend regular checkups to make sure that our bodies are functioning properly. Though we might not even realize something is wrong, an undetected problem could potentially cause other health issues. The same is true of our relationship with the heavenly Father. He desires that we seek His truth daily, allowing Him to shed light on anything that hinders our walk.


And, just as some people are nervous about seeing their physician, we might feel fearful of inviting the Holy Spirit to examine our lives. It can be frightening to realize the truth about our sin and see ourselves as we actually are. And furthermore, knowing that God will require our repentance and obedience may also cause discomfort in our lives.

But the rewards are great. First, our Father removes any spiritual “blockages” that impede a close walk with Him. Second, we gain greater intimacy with the Lord and with others. Third, our energy is renewed as resentment, fear, and other ungodly attitudes stop draining us; serving God becomes a joy instead of a duty. Fourth, regardless of circumstance, we experience spiritual freedom through forgiveness. All of these benefits lead to deeper fulfillment, peace, and joy.

Maturity is a lifelong process. The Father will continue to grow His children until He brings them home. Seek God’s wisdom and truth, and ask Him to reveal anything holding you back from a beautiful friendship with Him. He wants to walk closely with you all your days—and eternally.
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

"Your Spiritual Growth"

1 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do.  4 You know hat I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 

17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[a] O God.  They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them;  they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  24 Point out anything in me that offends you,  and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:1-4, 17-18, 23-24 (NLT)


The moment of salvation marks the beginning of a relationship with God. Only at that point can a person begin to develop a deeper friendship with the Father, grow in knowledge of His Word, and serve Him. Whether an individual is a child or an adult when receiving Jesus, his or her life should be characterized by ongoing spiritual growth.

Ultimately, God develops the believer’s character and Christian walk. But you may wonder, What part does the person play in maturing spiritually?

David’s prayer in today’s psalm answers this question. He petitioned the Lord to examine his life and help him see it truthfully. David knew the consequences of sinful choices as well as the joy of walking closely with God, and he desired to rid himself of anything that was an obstacle.

We, too, can pray for the Lord to reveal any areas of our lives that are hindering our walk. Our hearts should be humble and honest before God, and courageously willing to look within. Of course, when our Father shows us something that needs work, we should resist rationalizing the behavior, as this stalls growth. What’s more, we should have patience; just as it takes decades to become an adult, spiritual maturity also takes time.

Maybe your spiritual growth has slowed or even stopped. Or perhaps you simply want to make sure your heart is clean before the Father. In either case, pray as David did—that God would reveal anything that blocks a close friendship with Him. Let today be the start of a fresh season of growth.
 
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

"Spiritual Cruise Control"

One of the biggest trends in the automotive industry during the late 1990s and the first part of this century was the sport utility vehicle, or SUV. Maybe they became popular because we baby boomers didn't want to acknowledge that we had reached middle age or beyond, and we felt better driving some big, beefy vehicle with gnarly tires.


Most of these vehicles were built with four-wheel drive capability, but I've often wondered how many people actually use it. In fact, I would venture a guess that most people who have four-wheel drive capability on their SUVs wouldn't know how to use it if they had to. Essentially, these people have vehicles that were designed for one thing but are used for another.

In the Book of Ephesians, we learn a little bit about our spiritual horsepower: all that God has given to us and all that God has done for us. The problem is that a lot of us are in spiritual cruise control. We are not pursuing God. We are not following after righteousness. We have the four-wheel drive, but we are not moving forward.

We need to put what we have into gear and use it. There are mountains to climb. There is rugged terrain to navigate. There are opportunities for growth, but many of us are kicking back. The Christian life is like a greased pole: either you are climbing or slipping. How about you? Are you climbing? Are you growing? Are you maturing? Or are you going backward?


It is time for us to use what God has given so we can go out and do some serious spiritual four-wheeling.

One characteristic of the Bible is that whenever it tells us to not do one thing, it gives you another thing to do in its place. This is very important. We are told to not do certain things, but to do other things instead.

For example, in Ephesians 4 we read, "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need" (verse 28 NKJV). In other words, those who have stolen need to stop stealing and do something productive so they can give to others.


Then, in verse 29 we're told, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (NKJV). Instead of foul things coming out of your mouth, let good things come out.


And 2 Timothy 2:22 tells us to "flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (NKJV). Flee and follow. Run from anything that stimulates lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do what is right.


Psalm 1:1 reminds us, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful . . . " (NKJV). That is what he doesn't do. But in contrast, "his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night" (verse 2 NKJV).

The best way to not go backward is to go forward. The best way to not lose ground is to gain ground. The best defense is a good offense. As we move forward spiritually, we won't do the things God tells us not to do.

This doesn't mean that we won't be tempted by those things. It doesn't mean they won't come knocking at the door of our hearts and imaginations, asking if they can come in. But it does mean that we will have a firmer resolve to resist them, because we are too busy doing the things of God.

As the hymn says, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

If you will commit yourself to grow in your love for Jesus Christ and be enamored with Him and dedicated to Him, then you will see this world for what it is.  God tells us what to stay away from for our own good, but He also tells us what to do for our own good as well. Our responsibility as followers of Christ, as those who have a guaranteed hope of heaven, is to do what we can to reach others with the Good News.


May God help us to do just that.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!

DAWN

"God Is with Us"

"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people."

— Luke 1:68

Immanuel: God is with us—God came to us. What a staggering thought. It is really the essence of the Christian faith and the Christian life. All other religious ideologies essentially tell you that you must do something: Do this, and you will find inner peace. . . . Do this, and you will reach nirvana. . . . Do this, and maybe you will make it to heaven. But Christianity says it is done—done for you at the Cross, paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Being a Christian is not merely following a creed; it is having Christ himself live in you and through you, giving you the strength to be the man or woman He has called you to be. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20) and "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

The message of Christmas is God with us. That is important to know, especially during those times when we are going through great difficulty. The psalmist said, "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me" (Psalm 139:9–10). It is great to know that God is with you wherever you go.

The Bible never teaches that we will have problem-free lives as followers of Christ. But the Bible does teach that we never will be alone. And because of that, we don't have to be afraid. As Ray Stedman said, "The chief mark of the Christian ought to be the absence of fear and the presence of joy."

That is the message that this sin-sick world needs to hear: Immanuel—God is with us.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
 
DAWN

"Jesus the King of Kings: Worship Him "

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod

the king, magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem saying, “Where is He who has

been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have

come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:1

Merry Christmas, everyone! On the broadcast these last weeks we’ve been in a series called Look Who’s Coming to Christmas. Through Simeon, we saw Jesus the promise, and determined to wait for Him. Through the shepherds, we saw Jesus the answer, and determined afresh to find Him. Mary taught us that Jesus is the Lord of lords and that we should surrender to Him. Today, through the wise men, we will see Jesus the King of kings, and be committed afresh to worship Him.

No people in the Christmas story have more confusion surrounding them than these wise men. I think the biggest reason is that Christmas carol we sing. I bet you know it. “We three kings of Orient are . . .” Well, that whole thing is wrong.

First of all, there weren’t three kings, but three gifts. We have no idea how many people came. Secondly, they weren’t kings, but part of the priestly ruling group that was greatly respected in their Greco/Roman world. And they weren’t from the Orient, but probably from the areas of modern-day Iran or Turkey—somewhere nine hundred miles away.

“These guys lived over two thousand years ago; why should we keep talking about them?” The wise men are to be respected because they overcame some very significant barriers in getting to Christ—barriers that you have to overcome if you’re going to really come to know Christ. 

First,the guys overcame cultural barriers to get to Jesus.

Matthew 2:2 says that they made this journey because they saw a star and followed it. Numbers 24:17 had prophesied, “A star shall come forth from Jacob and the scepter shall rise in Israel.” How easy it would have been for them to have said, “Well, Jesus is only for Jewish people; He’s not for us.” If you’re ever going to find Christ, you are going to have to overcome cultural barriers. Many people today minimize Christ and say that He is just an option, like on a car. “Do you have power windows? Do you have air conditioning? Jesus is something you can add if you want to, but He’s not essential. He’s OK for some, but maybe not for me.” I know many people believe this.

If you would embrace Christ for yourself and know the forgiveness of your sins and the assurance of eternal life, you’re going to have to overcome our culture’s barriers that proclaim many ways to God. Jesus taught the very opposite. The wise men overcame those cultural barriers for sure.


Second, they overcame convenience barriers.

For over nine hundred miles these guys traveled by camel and on foot around a desert. It might as well have been nine thousand miles. Some would suggest that it took as much as a year’s travel time. It wasn’t convenient for them to get to the Savior.

Maybe when you first heard the good news about Jesus Christ it seemed a long way to go, too. If you only worship Christ once or twice a year when it is convenient for you, you will never truly find Him.

Lastly, they overcome barriers of criticism.

Everyone doesn’t want Christ. It was the same when Christ came into the world.“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3).

Now Herod was a ruthless, godless leader. He executed anyone who opposed him, including his wife, three sons, and mother-in-law. In fact, knowing that very few people would mourn his death, he decreed that when he died, one person from every family was also to be killed so that there would be grieving going even when no one mourned his passing. Imagine then when the wise men showed up at the palace and said to him, “We’re looking for the King.” He’s like, “You’re looking at him!” “No, no. We’ve followed this star for nine hundred miles that would take us to the King. So we want to know where that King is.” “If you say that again, I’m going to kill you.” If these guys were wise at all I’m sure they just kind of backed away.

In fact, “When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became enraged and slew all the male children in Bethlehem from two years old and under according to the time which he had determined from them” (Matthew 2:16). That’s when Mary and Joseph took Jesus and ran to Egypt.

The wise men had to disregard their fear and criticism not only from Herod but from all the people in Jerusalem (Matthew 2:2). When you decide to embrace Jesus Christ as your Savior by faith, you’re also going to have to overcome people’s harsh criticism.

It’s not easy to follow Christ. But to follow Him, we find in Him life eternal and the forgiveness of sins and fulfillment and hope. How could I not proclaim to you the urgency of deciding today about this God who became man, lived a sinless life, died for your sins, and rose from the dead? Let me ask you, do you know Him personally?

This could be an eternal moment for you. Can you look to a time in your life when you turned from your sin and embraced Christ by faith as the only basis for your forgiveness? Have you ever stepped off the broad road of “many ways to God” and cultural do-good-ism and said, “Nothing in my hands I bring, only to Your cross I cling”?

If not, you could be sure right now. Pray from your heart, “Lord, I know I’m a sinner. I believe that Jesus is God’s Son who came into the world to die for me so that I could be forgiven. I believe that He rose from the dead to prove that He is God. Jesus, I turn to You by faith and I embrace You as the only basis and hope for my forgiveness. Come into my life, Lord. Forgive my sins. Cleanse my life. Help me to follow You the rest of my life. I pray in Your name. Amen.”

That is the real message of Christmas. Jesus is the promise fulfilled, the question answered, the Lord of our lives, the King of all kings. Do you want this to be your best Christmas yet? Worship Him in joyful surrender

MERRY CHRISTMAS & REMEMBER THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS!

 
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

"The Essential Message of Christmas"

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son,

and they shall call His name 'Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.' "

Matthew 1:23

At this time of the year, we say, "Merry Christmas." I prefer that to "Happy Holidays," but I don't get confrontational about it. Instead, I want to be gracious. After all, Christmas isn't always a happy time for everyone. For someone who has lost their job, this is not the most wonderful time of the year, because so much emphasis is placed on a merry Christmas being a materialistic one.


There are also those who have lost loved ones. I am one of those people, and things that once made me happy at this time of year now make me sad. Those things that once brought happiness are now things that bring sadness, because they evoke memories of times we spent together. Therefore, Christmas becomes a difficult time for some.

There are many who are in need of encouragement at this time of year. They don't need a Christmas present; they need His Christmas presence. They need to be reminded of what this season is all about. It is not about things. It is not about presents.

These things have their place, but we need to remember the essential message of Christmas, which is Immanuel—God is with us. And for the hurting person, the lonely person, the sorrowing person, this is the time of year to bring the gift of encouragement to them and say, "The message of Christmas is: God will be with you. God will help you. God will strengthen you."

So look for opportunities to share the love of God during this season, because it is a time when we seem to be more open to engaging in conversation with others. Now is a great opportunity for you to bring encouragement to someone who is struggling. Who needs your encouragement today?
 
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

"The Source of Peace"

READ

John 15:5-8

Jesus is our peace. God offers everyone serenity of heart, but only those who receive Christ can actually accept the gift. The Holy Spirit, who lives inside everybody that believes in the Savior, can keep peace flowing like sap from a vine to its branches.

But sadly, this internal wellspring of peace is overlooked by many believers. Misguided Christians instead make false assumptions:

1. Some wrongly think peace is the result of perfect conditions. Even if we were able to achieve an ideal existence on this earth, we certainly couldn’t maintain it—or any resulting happiness—for long. This world is broken and will not yield serenity through circumstances.

2. Others believe peace and help must be requested from a faraway God. This is the best guess of people who don’t under-stand the union between the Lord and His followers. We do not need tranquility delivered from heaven; it is available to us immediately from Christ, who lives in us.

The Living Bible translation beautifully captures how a vital, peaceful relationship with Jesus should look: “And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him, too, for each day’s problems; live in vital union with him . . . Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him” (Col. 2:6-7).

We cannot be forced out of a state of tranquility unless we decide to seek peace apart from Jesus Christ. Serenity is a direct result of keeping a right relationship with Him. No outside force or situation can tamper with that connection—we partake of Jesus’ vital life through His Holy Spirit.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

"ARE YOU PREPARED?"

When the first Christmas came, when Jesus was born, most people missed it. Of course, there were no telltale signs like reindeer on front lawns. No Christmas songs had been written. There were no colorful, twinkling lights or sales at the downtown market. Children did not find it hard to sleep that night, because it was a night like any other night.


But the first Christmas was not without its signs, which dated back a few centuries. The Hebrew prophets had predicted the Messiah was coming, and they were very specific in pointing out that he would be born of a virgin in the little village of Bethlehem: " 'But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting' " (Micah 5:2).

On the first Christmas, it was pretty much business as usual. Things had been bleak for the Jewish people for some time. There had been an icy silence from heaven. Four hundred years had passed, and there had not been a single prophet to speak for God. There had been no miracles performed. They were under the tyranny of Rome. Things were very dark. It was time for the Messiah.

Yet when He finally arrived, so many missed it: The innkeeper. The people of Bethlehem. The scholars. Herod. All of Rome. Only a handful of people got it and were ready.

Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth again. The question is, have we done more to prepare for the celebration of a past event than we have for a future one? We may all be ready for Christmas, but are we ready for the return of Christ?
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

The Process of Forgiving

THIS POST IS SOMETHING THAT I PERSONALLY NEED TO STUDY SO I'M SHARING IT WITH YOU ALL....

READ

Matthew 6:9-15


Forgiving those who have seriously hurt us is one of our most challenging “assignments.” And merely having a desire to obey God or saying the right words does not necessarily accomplish the task. Old memories and pain can steal back into the mind, stirring up emotions of anger and injustice.

Though we have a responsibility to take the initiative soon after suffering harm, forgiveness for deep hurts is a process. Begin immediately to prevent a root of bitterness from developing. But remember: The deeper the hurt, the more time it will take to work through forgiveness. Never become discouraged—the Lord will walk with you each step of the way.

Confession to God is the beginning of the process. Come before Him, admitting any resentment and acknowledging it as sin. As you lay your anger and hurt before the Lord, let Him begin to heal your broken heart.

Sometimes the process can also involve going to the offender and confessing your sinful attitude toward him. This is a time not to build your case or itemize his wrongs but simply to admit your own. Although the offense against you may seem greater than your unforgiving attitude, avoid the temptation to “rank” sins. And leave judgment to God.

Forgiveness brings freedom from the agitation that accompanies resentment. In working through the process, you’ll begin to see the one who hurt you through eyes of compassion. Eventually, you will be able to thank God for the opportunity to learn forgiveness and live in His lavish grace

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

"MAKING IT STICK"

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives

generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who

doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

 James 1:5-6

How do you make it stick? How do you make your commitment to follow the Lord withstand the beating of the wind and waves of life? I want to keep submitting my life to God - but how do I do that? Great question.

If you're like me, sometime in the past you've given something to God in full surrender only to wake up the next day with it back in your hands. "I gave this to God - what's it doing back here?"

On day one, you surrender to God that difficult something that threatens to take you under or at the very least, get the best of you. "Here it is, God. Take it. Help me." On day two - without even realizing it - "You're back in charge again. You're nurturing your own set of rights and privileges. So back on the knees you go, submitting again to God. Here I am again, God. My life is yours. Not me, but You."

So the big question is, how do you stay there? The only way to maintain submission to God is through believing prayer. Back on your knees, give it back to God.

James 1:6-8 says the doubting Christian is "like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." The opposite of doubt is faith: standing on solid rock when the storm beats you from all sides. Believing prayer says, "Here I am again, God. I'm standing here on this rock. All the pressures of life and walking by faith are still as strong, but I'm still standing here."

If we recognize we're in a time of battle, & we need to be standing on that rock and praying like we've never prayed before. You know you need God's sustaining grace. Surrender once again to God. Get up from your work, step aside from whatever you're doing, bow your head at the traffic stoplight - wherever you are - give your burden to the Lord this moment, and day by day, and week by week. You can maintain your submission to God only through believing prayer.

Recommit your life to the Lord in unwavering submission to God by coming back to the throne of grace again and again.


I KNOW PERSONALLY, THIS IS WHAT I NEED TO REMEMBER TO DO SO I CAN ONLY ASSUME IT'S TRUE FOR ALL OF YOU AS WELL.


BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

CHOOSING AN OBEDIENT LIFESTYLE

16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:16-18 (KJV)


Though God is sovereign and omnipotent, many believers don’t trust Him to guide them. Instead they think about obedience on a case-by-case basis, evaluating how the consequences of various choices might affect their life. But the Lord desires followers whose lifestyle is submissive—in other words, people who’ve made a deliberate decision to surrender to His will in every circumstance.

When confronted with the idea of absolute submission, many of us are assaulted by anxious thoughts: What if the Lord wants me to do something I can’t? Or, What if I don’t want to do what He asks? We fear we wouldn’t have the strength, wisdom, or faith to carry out commands He might give. And we’d be right—if we relied upon our own resources. But if we commit to obedience, God equips us at the right moment to follow where He leads.

One obedient act prepares us for the next. Each step of faith shows us that God not only supplies the tools and preparation for doing His will; He also handles the consequences.

In spite of the God’s faithfulness, however, we will take a misstep every now and then. We’re not alone. As Scripture shows, even saints’ lives include occasional rebellious acts, because obedience is a learning process. Jesus rebuked Peter several times (Matt. 16:21-23; John 18:10-11; Mark 14:72). Yet He continued to train the disciple in righteousness.

Believers learn from both successes and failures how to live a lifestyle of commitment. But we must first make a decision to follow God regardless of the outcome. His sovereignty demands our obedience

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

The Desires of Your Heart

I MAY HAVE POSTED THIS BEFORE BUT IT STRUCKA CORD WITH ME THIS MORNING, SO ENJOY

READ

Psalm 37:1-8
 
Context is very important to our understanding of God’s Word and His ways. But I repeatedly hear one promise quoted apart from its scriptural framework: “God said He would give me the desires of my heart, and so I’m trusting Him to do that.” I would not dispute the Lord’s promise because He certainly did commit to blessing His children. However, believers must ready themselves to receive God’s blessings by doing some spiritual housekeeping.


A person’s capacity to desire is from God. Aspirations motivate people to hard work and achievement. Our yearnings can also inspire and energize us. Just think how boring life would be if we had nothing to work toward. The nature of one’s ambitions reveals that person’s character and sense of purpose. Furthermore, the way in which someone goes about fulfilling them says a lot about his or her understanding of God and His providence. Righteous desires are the result of a growing relationship with the Lord.

In today’s passage, believers are told what is required before they can lay claim to God’s promise of fulfilling their desires: they must delight in Him (v. 4), commit their ways to Him (v. 5), trust Him (v. 5), and rest in Him (v. 7). All of these spiritual activities are part of a maturing faith.

If we disregard the context of God’s promise, our hearts will be troubled rather than blessed. People get to fretting when their requests seem to go unnoticed. But believers can’t ignore scriptural directives. We must submit our desires to the Lord and patiently trust Him to fill them, if that is His will.


BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER.

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

DAWN

From Darkness to Light

People have asked for the one thing they could say to their unbelieving friends to make them become Christians. They want to know the one truth that no one can resist. But I have no such truth—nor does anyone else. There is nothing I can say or you can say that will make a person believe.


Conversion is a mystery. We have seen it happen it many times, but don't understand it. I don't understand why God uses someone like me to articulate a message, and then the Holy Spirit makes it resonate with the listener. But we have all seen it happen, even when you are speaking, as you watch a person's reaction. God's Holy Spirit is opening his or her eyes to the truth of the gospel. And when an invitation is extended and that person comes forward, it is exciting to see what God has done.

When we pray for unbelievers, not only should we ask God to open their eyes, but we should also pray they would turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Only God can open their eyes, but only they can turn from darkness to light. Only God can make them aware of their need for Christ, but only they can put their faith in Christ. God won't do it for them; He has given them a free will. Therefore, it is up to them to respond and decide.

There are a lot of people who are trying to live in two worlds. They know what is true. They effectively believe it is true. But they have not turned from darkness to light. Have you turned from darkness to light? Are you following Jesus Christ? Or are you just going through the rituals?
 

" 'Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes,

so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of

Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and

be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.' "

— Acts 26:17–18

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!

DAWN

"Warning Lights"

12 But there's also this, it's not too late—
God's personal Message!—
"Come back to me and really mean it!
Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!"
13-14Change your life, not just your clothes.
Come back to God, your God.
And here's why: God is kind and merciful.
He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot,
This most patient God, extravagant in love,
always ready to cancel catastrophe.
Who knows? Maybe he'll do it now,
maybe he'll turn around and show pity.
Maybe, when all's said and done,
there'll be blessings full and robust for your God!
15-17 Blow the ram's horn trumpet in Zion!
Declare a day of repentance, a holy fast day.
Call a public meeting.
Get everyone there. Consecrate the congregation.
Make sure the elders come,
but bring in the children, too, even the nursing babies,
Even men and women on their honeymoon—
interrupt them and get them there.
Between Sanctuary entrance and altar,
let the priests, God's servants, weep tears of repentance.
Let them intercede: "Have mercy, God, on your people!
Don't abandon your heritage to contempt.
Don't let the pagans take over and rule them
and sneer, 'And so where is this God of theirs?'"
Joel 2: 12-17 (MSG)

THINK ABOUT THIS ANALOGY....

Change Your Life

I didn’t think that the hesitation in my car engine and that little yellow “check engine” light on my dashboard really needed my immediate attention. I sang it away, saying that I would get to it tomorrow. However, the next morning when I turned the key to start my car, it wouldn’t start. My first reaction was frustration, knowing that this would mean money, time, and inconvenience. My second thought was more of a resolution: I need to pay attention to warning lights that are trying to get my attention—they can mean something is wrong.


In Joel 2:12-17, we read that God used the prophet Joel to encourage His people to pay attention to the warning light on their spiritual dashboard. Prosperity had caused them to become complacent and negligent in their commitment to the Lord. Their faith had degenerated into empty formalism and their lives into moral bankruptcy. So God sent a locust plague to ruin crops in order to get His people’s attention, causing them to change their behavior and turn to Him with their whole heart.

What warning lights are flashing in your life? What needs to be tuned up or repaired through confession and repentance? — Marvin Williams

God’s love is not some fuzzy thing That lets us do what we think best; 

It guides and warns, and shows the way, And always puts us to the test.

—D. De Haan

Conviction is God’s warning light.

NEVER ALONE

Christmas, for many, is the happiest time of the year. But, for some people, it can be one of the hardest times of the year.


Maybe it is because they have false expectations. Or maybe it reminds them of a loved one who has died, or a divorce or separation they have been through. Whatever the reason, Christmas is the most dreaded time of the year.

But what is the essential message of Christmas? It is that Immanuel has come to us. "Immanuel" means "God is with us." We read in Matthew 1:23, " 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us' " (NKJV).

Christmas is all about undoing loneliness. The message of Christmas is that you are not alone.

Jesus knew what it was to be lonely. He was probably the loneliest man who ever lived.

Yes, He always had throngs of people around Him, but on that final day, those multitudes were gone. Even His own hand-picked disciples deserted Him. And as He hung on the cross, even God the Father momentarily turned away, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?"

Jesus knows what it is like to be lonely. But He also says to us, "I am with you. I will never leave you or forsake you." That is the promise to the child of God: you are never alone.

And that is really the essence of the Christian life: God is with us. All other religions essentially say, "Do." Do this, and maybe you will be more spiritual. . . . Do that, and maybe you will get closer to God.

But Christianity could be summed up in one word: Done. Why? Because God is with us. It is not us doing something through God; it is God living His life through us. It is Immanuel, God is with us.

Without question, one of the most remarkable teachings in the Bible is that Jesus Christ Himself will actually enter and live in the human heart that puts its trust in Him. He said, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him" (John 14:23 NKJV).

That is an amazing statement when you think about it. Jesus also said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20).

It is difficult for us in the 21st century to understand the importance of having a meal together, because we are a fast-food culture. We eat on the go, and we are always in a rush.

But in the first century, dinner was the main event of the day. It went on for hours. It was a time to be with friends and family, a time to share the events of the day. It was very significant.

This is what Jesus is saying: "I want to come and have a meal with you. I want to relax with you, and I want you to relax with Me. I want you to bear your heart to Me."

The message of Christmas is, "But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, 'Abba, Father' " (Galatians 4:4–6 NLT).

Abba is the Hebrew equivalent for our contemporary word "Daddy" or "Papa." The idea behind it is intimacy. This is why Christ came—that we might come into intimacy with God.

But do we want God with us, not just at Christmas, but all year long? We have a choice this Christmas: we can either have God with us, or we can be without God. There really are no other options.

If you put your trust in any human solution to save you, then you will be disillusioned. And even if you put your trust in religion, you only will be let down.

Our only hope is Jesus, Immanuel: God with us and God in us.

 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

A New Connection with the Lord

I CAME ACROSS THIS AND THOUGHT I'D SHARE IT WITH YOU........


"Yesterday in my office, I was reading through a stack of my old journals. In these notebooks I've kept a chronicle of my own relationship with God and all the things that He's been teaching me over the years. When you go back and look at these records, you'd think that the sweetest times with the Lord would be the times of greatest victory. But that's not the case. The frequency of entries and the intimacy of fellowship are so much more apparent during times of hardship."


Why is that? Why is it that Christ seems so near during times of hardship? It's "the fellowship of His sufferings" that Philippians 3:10 talks about. Does Jesus know about suffering? Yes, He does. So when we suffer, we feel an affinity with Him. There's a way that He draws near to us like in no other way; as Hebrews 4 says, "He's touched with the feelings of our infirmities." First Peter 4:13 says, "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." Rejoice . . . rejoice. Twice in one verse, in the middle of a discussion on suffering, we're told to rejoice.

Why would I rejoice in my suffering?

Here's why: You share in Christ's suffering. You have a new understanding and new connection with Jesus. Some people say this verse is talking about a future time when we'll be glad when His glory is revealed to the world. It could also mean that we'll be glad when His glory is revealed in us - that we'll rejoice when we look in the mirror and see a different person, because the glory of Christ will be more revealed through our lives. Both options are pretty cool, and we can hold out this truth either way: there's a closeness with the Lord that comes through trials that doesn't come any other way. Rejoice in this opportunity.
 
 
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

Doubting God’s Goodness

READ

Genesis 3:1-7


Living in this fallen world can challenge our faith in God’s goodness. The pain and suffering that resulted from Adam and Eve’s sin may cloud our understanding of the Lord and tempt us to blame Him for every difficulty. Then we might wonder why He doesn’t always relieve hardship, fix our problems, and give us what we want.

When Eve listened to the serpent’s lies, she began to doubt that the Lord had made the right choice in forbidding her to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Why would He deprive her of wisdom and the enjoyment of food that looked so desirable?

Our thoughts are similar to Eve’s when we do not agree with our Father about what is best for us. From a human perspective, “good” refers to that which is enjoyable, delightful, comfortable, or profitable. But God has a much higher standard and is always working to achieve His purpose—to develop Christ-like character within His children.

Behind every restriction or commandment from the Lord is His loving care for His followers. He knows the tormenting consequences of sin and wants to deter us from rebellious choices that will wreck our lives. In refusing His will, we choose pain and trouble.

Eve learned through disobedience that God knows what is best. We have opportunity each day to discover His goodness by listening to His voice, obeying His commands, and trusting His wisdom. Whatever comes our way, we can know that He is working for both our temporal and eternal good.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

A LEGACY OF REPENTANCE

1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love.  Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.  Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.   4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight.  You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.[a] 5 For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.  6 But you desire honesty from the womb,[b] teaching me wisdom even there.  7 Purify me from my sins,[c] and I will be clean;  wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  8 Oh, give me back my joy again;  you have broken me— now let me rejoice.  9 Don’t keep looking at my sins.  Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.  Renew a loyal spirit within me.  11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit[d] from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. 13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.  14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.  15 Unseal my lips, O Lord,  at my mouth may praise you.  16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.  You do not want a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.

You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. 18 Look with favor on Zion and help her;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  19 Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit—
with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings.  Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.  - Psalm 51 (NLT)

All nations have heroes, but Israel may be alone in making epic literature about its greatest hero’s failings (Ps. 51). This eloquent psalm shows that Israel ultimately remembered David more for his devotion to God than for his political achievements.

Step-by-step, the psalm takes the reader through the stages of repentance. It describes the constant mental replays, the gnawing guilt, the shame, and finally the hope of a new beginning that springs from true repentance.  In a remarkable way, Psalm 51 reveals the true nature of sin as a broken relationship with God. David cries out, “Against You, You only, have I sinned” (v.4). He sees that the sacrifices God wants are “a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart” (v.17). Those, David has.

In his prayer, David looks for possible good that might come out of his tragedy and sees a glimmer of light. Perhaps by reading this story of sin others might avoid the same pitfalls, or by reading his confession they might gain hope in forgiveness. David’s prayer is answered and becomes his greatest legacy as king. The best king of Israel has fallen the farthest. But neither he, nor anyone, can fall beyond the reach of God’s love and forgiveness.  — Philip Yancey

REMEMBER-- Repentance is the soil in which forgiveness flourishes

How blest is he whose trespass Has freely been forgiven,

Whose sin is wholly covered

Before the sight of heaven. —Psalter

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!

DAWN

Take Care of Your Heart

Where is the easiest place to get a hardened heart? In church. The same truth that will set one person free can cause another person to become more hardened against the things of God.


WHY YOU ASK?
It really depends on how you listen and respond when you are in the presence of God's Word being proclaimed and God's people as they are worshiping. The same sun that softens the wax also hardens the clay. And the same truth that liberates one will cause another to say, "Well, I have heard that before. I know this. You can't tell me anything new."

Here is the problem: people with a hardened heart have never turned from darkness to light. They are just educated unbelievers. They may know more than the person who has never set foot in a church, but they are not one step closer to the kingdom of God. In fact I would venture to say they may even be a little further from the kingdom of God than the person who hasn't been to church. Why? Because when someone who has never been to church comes and hears it all for the first time, he or she might believe on the spot. But those who have heard it their whole lives and think they know it all might be so hardened and resistant that they might not believe.

They will end up like Herod Agrippa who put off a decision to believe, or the rich young ruler who said no to following Jesus, or Judas Iscariot who spent hours on end with God in human form, only to betray Him for 30 pieces of silver.

No matter how much we may try, we can't live in two worlds. It is not enough to be exposed to the truth. We must act on it
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

ALMOST CHRISTIAN

"Almost" is an interesting word, one that we sometimes use when we are delaying something, when we are not quite ready to commit. Maybe you've been in a restaurant where the menu is the size of a small phone book. When the server arrived at your table and asked if you were ready to order, you said, "Well, almost." We will use this word when are not sure about something.


We also use "almost" when we're procrastinating. For example, if a husband and wife are going out to dinner and he asks her if she is ready to go, she will say, "Well, almost."

While we like to use "almost" for a number of situations, there are certain words that don't work with almost, as in "almost pregnant." A woman is either pregnant or she is not. Another word that doesn't work with almost is "won." You either won or you didn't. The winner is the winner, so you can't almost win.

Another word that doesn't fit with the word almost is "Christian." Either you are a Christian or you are not. You may be well on your way to becoming a Christian. You may be looking into the claims of Christ and investigating them. But you cannot be an almost Christian.

When the apostle Paul presented the gospel to Herod Agrippa, he said, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian" (Acts 26:28). Almost. He was close, but not close enough. Apparently Herod Agrippa was moved by Paul's powerful and persuasive presentation of the gospel, but then he turned and walked away from it. He was the almost Christian.


I think there are a lot of people like Herod Agrippa in our world today: almost Christians who think they are Christians when they really are not.
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

Conquering Jealousy

READ

Psalm 37:4-6

What starts as a minor comparison between our own life and someone else’s can escalate into an overwhelming mess. Jealousy is like a snowball that grows larger and larger. And its consequences are often devastating.

Confusion, anxiety, and bitterness can flood an envious heart and skew thoughts until it’s nearly impossible to keep God’s plan in view. Instead, the focus becomes what we don’t have, which takes us down the crippling path of resentment toward others who have the desired object or trait. Then, fear of not measuring up can dominate our thinking, leading to irrational behavior and broken relationships.

What’s more, envy dishonors the Lord. Though He has a beautiful plan for each of His children, jealousy says, “I deserve more than You’ve provided, and therefore, I don’t trust that You truly give me Your best.”

If you find evidence of envy in your life, confess the comparison mindset. Recognize that you’re focusing on what God is doing in another person’s life rather than your own. Thank Him for how He is blessing the other person, and ask Him to place a love in your heart for that individual. Then, refocus attention on the Father’s work in your life. Finally, memorize and meditate on today’s verse.

If you are burdened with jealousy, you’re missing out on God’s best for your life. Don’t wait to deal with this sin, which will fester and grow if left unattended. The One who created you and designed a good plan for your life is able to conquer jealousy in your heart.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

AN EXPECTED END

A greatis verse to remember is, Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." God spoke these words to the Jewish people during their captivity in Babylon. They were discouraged and wondering if they ever would be free to worship God as they once had. So God spoke to them, effectively saying, "I have a future for you." That word "future" could be translated, "an expected end," or "a ground of hope."


Certainly we can apply this verse in principle to our own lives. God knows what we are going through right now, and He is thinking about us. Now if that verse simply said, "I know the single thought that I once had toward you," I would be happy with that. Just knowing that the Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe, actually thought even for a moment about me would be enough.

But that is not what this verse says. Rather, God says, "I know the thoughts that I think. . . ." So God's thoughts toward us are past, present, and future. How many thoughts would that be? Well, how high can you count? Psalm 40:5 says, "Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." His thoughts toward us are innumerable, and they are good.

REMEMBER THIS ALWAYS....

You are a work in progress, and God is not done yet. There is going to be an outcome. There is going to be completion. And when life is a mess and you can't sort it all out, God will pull it all together. He will work it all together for good.
 
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

Turning It Around for Good

"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-9


With all due respect to Rabbi Kushner, God does allow bad things to happen to good people. He doesn't cause them, but He doesn't prevent them either. The world is free and God doesn't very often step in and alter the fact that the effects of sin are visiting themselves randomly upon the creation. So God lets trials happen to the Christian just like He lets them happen to the pagans so that the superiority of the life lived in God can be demonstrated through our lives. The majority of the world is choosing not to worship God, but a few of us, by God's grace, can draw down upon God's promised resources to get us through.

God did not cause the horrible events in your life, but you need to embrace the fact that He allowed them. God could not make a world in which we are free and at the same time guarantee that everyone would choose Him. So the world is broken and bad things happen. But God promises that He will be with those who love Him. He will bring us through the fire, and we will come forth as gold.

God allowed Paul to suffer a "thorn . . . in the flesh." Paul said that God allowed "a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited" (2 Corinthians 12:7). Paul understood that God allowed this pain in his life for a reason. God allowed a demon to harass, or buffet Paul. The word buffet means to strike with a fist or beat. But God permitted it with a purpose: to keep [Paul] from being conceited.

God is so sovereign. He's so much in control that even when Satan tries to ruin our lives, God takes the weapon that Satan wants to use to destroy us and turns it into a good thing. God says, "If you will lean hard on Me in the midst of this difficult time, I’ll take that thorn and make it for your good."

We all have a thorn. We all have something that God has allowed into our lives that Satan meant for our destruction but that God has turned around to help us grow and change.
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

Forgiving Those Who Fail Us

READ

Acts 7:54-60

I wonder if thoughts of Stephen’s murder entered Paul’s mind while he was defending himself before the Roman tribunal. Although the apostle’s friends, disciples, and converts had not come to support him, he didn’t want the Lord to discipline any of them (2 Tim. 4:16). Paul offered a “cover” of forgiveness, just as Stephen forgave all of the men who were involved in stoning him to death.

Believers need to realize that forgiveness is the right response when others cause hurt. Grace is not only the Lord’s mercy towards us; it is also His mercy flowing through us. Holding a grudge does not fit the new, Spirit-filled person we became at salvation. Furthermore, Jesus Christ paid the sin-debt of those who harm us, even if they never accept His free gift of grace. Pardoning others is an aspect of growing more Christ-like.

No one claims that forgiving an offense is easy to do. Some people visit such terrible evil on others that they seem undeserving of clemency. However, God knows—and believers must understand—that offering mercy is far better for the wronged person than living with the alternatives: bitterness, revenge, and anger gnaw at the spirit until they consume good will, good health, and clear thinking.

The Holy Spirit will never fail to help us forgive. He gently draws out our hurt, betrayal, and anger—and then refills our heart with mercy. Only when we are fully yielded to Him can we say with Stephen, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” (Acts 7:60

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

The New Bad

It seems as if everything is turned upside-down in our culture today. Think about it: Good has become bad and bad has become good. This is even true of the slang expressions we use today.

Back when I was a kid, words like "far out" and "groovy" were popular, although I could never bring myself to actually say "groovy." Some of these terms have gone by the wayside, but certain expressions dating back to the 1950s are still popular today, like "cool." Here in the 21st century, people still say "cool."

But today, we have another word, "hot," which means the same thing as "cool." To take it a step further, if something is really cool or really hot, we say that it's "bad." If you have a really fast car, someone might ask you, "How fast will that bad boy go?" They wouldn't ask, "How fast will that good boy go?" because good is bad and bad is good. Everything is turned upside-down.

In the old days—back when more people would try to live a moral life—if someone did drugs or had sex before they were married, people would say, "Oh, that is bad," and "bad" actually meant bad.   But now in our twisted culture, which is reinforced by music videos, television, and all the rest, someone who might do these things would be considered—in a way—good. Meanwhile, someone who doesn't do these things would be considered bad.

Well, here is what the Bible says: "What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever" (Isaiah 5:20–21 NLT).

If you are a true follower of Jesus Christ, then you will be considered bad in the eyes of many, and by "bad," I'm speaking of the negative sense of the word. You will be thought of as conceited, lame, out-of-touch, or insensitive.  Here is what it comes down to: If you want to be a true rebel in today's culture, if you want to be a real bad boy or bad girl, then simply follow Jesus Christ. That is true rebellion.

In today's culture, it is not rebellious to do drugs. It is not rebellious to have sex before you are married. It is not rebellious to party. These things are the norm. But it is rebellious to live a godly life. It is rebellious to go against the flow of the culture.

Psalm 1 begins, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night" (verses 1–2, NKJV).

Look at the progression in this verse: First you are walking, then you are standing, then you are sitting.   And that is exactly how temptation works. You are just walking by, minding your own business. Then you are standing and thinking, Whoa! What is that? Then the next thing you know, you are sitting. You are doing something you shouldn't even be thinking about, much less engaged in. So be careful. The Bible says, "Don't be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant" (Galatians 6:7 NLT).

Satan will try to pull you in and destroy you. But Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10 NKJV).  In other words, He wants you to live a life that is full. You don't need drugs. You don't need alcohol. You don't need to chase after the things this world says you need to make you happy.

If the things that this world offers have all the answers, then why are people so miserable? Because that is not where it's at. It is found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Why settle for the cheap substitute when you can have the real thing?    Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life." That is life not only beyond the grave, but life during life.

Medical science seeks to add years to your life. But only Christ can add life to your years and give you a life that's worth living.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

Lessons From a Life Well Lived

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering

to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now

the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,

the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the

 prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

2Tim.4:6-8 (NLT)

Paul’s second letter to Timothy was written from prison. This time the apostle felt certain that the emperor would have him executed. But God’s faithful servant was ready to take the next step of faith.

We shouldn’t be surprised that Paul met death with calm acceptance. He lived every day—from his conversion on the Damascus Road to his final moments—in service to God, which meant consenting to whatever hardship he was asked to bear in Jesus’ name. “I have fought the good fight,” he reported to Timothy. From his many letters, we know that Paul battled the same enemies we face—the flesh (Rom. 7:14-25), the world (1 Cor. 4:11-13), and Satan (Eph. 6:12). When you’re tempted to think that he was somehow more holy than you, meditate on these passages. Paul persevered by faith, just as we must.

Even with his profound wisdom and admirable skill as an apostle, missionary, and statesman, Paul wasn’t so different from ordinary you and me. He was not perfect, and he had spiritual defeats. But Paul didn’t stay down. He got back into the fight. For this and for the life he lived, he anticipated the rich rewards of eternity. And he pointed out that heaven’s treasures were “not only to me but also to all who have longed for [Jesus’] appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8 niv).

Paul struggled and agonized, as believers today often do. But he kept the faith, and you can too. Fight the good fight, Friend. Battle your enemies by choosing to trust, obey, and rely upon the Lord. You will bring honor to Him and store up treasures in heaven for yourself.
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

WHERE COURAGE COMES FROM

Have you ever been discouraged? Are you facing discouragement right now? Have you ever felt as though your life were a failure? Have you been frightened about the future? Or do you feel that life is not fair?

Even the apostle Paul was discouraged at times. After he had spoken his final words to the elders at Ephesus, emphasizing that he wanted to finish his race well, he bid them an emotional goodbye. Then, while staying in Caesarea with Philip the evangelist, a prophet named Agabus wrapped his hands and feet in Paul's belt and warned Paul that if he went to Jerusalem, the Jews would bind him and deliver him to the Gentiles (Acts 21:11).

But Paul went to Jerusalem, and just as Agabus had prophesied, he was indeed arrested and incarcerated. So there was Paul, sitting in prison—again. Trouble could have been Paul's middle name. It was always something with the apostle, and he was discouraged. He was concerned about his future. The Bible tells us, "But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome' " (Acts 23:11). The word "cheer" is not really the best definition of the original word used here. The fact is that cheerfulness was the outcome of what Jesus actually commanded. A better translation of this verse would be, "Be of good courage, Paul."

This reminds us that God's presence gives us courage. People will help us at times. People will encourage us at times. And God will work through people. But don't look to people for answers. Look to God. Because ultimately it will come down this factor: God is with you. That is something you can be sure of.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with

such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will

never leave you nor forsake you."

  Hebrews 13: 5

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!

DAWN

FIRST & FORMOST

A while ago, a group of seminary students were given the task of organizing the Ten Commandments in their perceived order of importance.  Interestingly, these students felt that the sixth commandment—"You shall not murder"—should be placed first on the list. The seventh commandment—"You shall not commit adultery"—was also placed near the top.

But the group relegated the first commandment—"You shall have no other gods before Me"—to the bottom of the list. They didn't think it was all that important.

In God's listing, however, it is a different story. He puts this commandment at the top of the list. But why is it the No. 1 offense to God? It comes down to this: If you have broken this one, then everything else will fall apart.  One day, a man came to Jesus and asked Him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" (Mark 12:28 NLT). Jesus responded,

"The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." (Verse 29 NLT)

With that statement, Jesus essentially summed up the Ten Commandments: Put God in His rightful place. Make Him first in your life.  Could this be said of us today? A survey revealed that 76 percent of Americans believed they had been completely faithful to the first commandment. In other words, they might have problems with some of the other commandments, but for them, the first commandment was not a problem.

But is that really true? It's hard to say.   You see, everyone has a god. Everyone, including atheists, bows at some altar. We don't all worship the true God, but we all worship. Everyone has something they believe in, some passion that drives them, something that gives their life meaning and purpose.

For some, their god is possessions or money. Others worship their bodies. They worship at the church of the perfect physique. Still others worship success or pleasure or relationships. But we all worship someone or something.

With the first commandment, God was establishing the fact that He is our God and was showing us His place in our lives: "I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me" (Exodus 20:2–3 NLT).

It is amazing how much can be revealed by a simple little pronoun such as "I." Only one letter long, it conveys a profound and fundamental truth about who God is.

When He said, "I am the Lord," He was, in effect, refuting all other belief systems, including pantheism, polytheism, deism, and new-age thinking. When God says, "I am," He is revealing that He is a being, not a mere force of nature. He says, "I am. I feel. I think. I care."

God is not an impersonal force, as pantheism would teach. Nor is He one of many gods, as polytheism claims. God said, "I am the Lord your God" (emphasis mine).

As 1 Timothy 2:5 reminds us, "For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus" (NLT).

In contrast to the teaching of deism, which says that God has no interest in the affairs of men, the first commandment shows us that we have a God who sees and hears and cares. God reminded Israel that He had blessed and protected them up to this point: "I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery."

The Bible says that God is a jealous God. By "jealous," it doesn't mean that God is one who is controlling and demanding and flies into a rage without the slightest reason or provocation. The jealousy the Bible is speaking of is the jealousy of a loving Father who sees the possibilities and potential of His children and is brokenhearted when those things are not realized, or worse, are wasted and squandered.

Jesus said, "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" (Matthew 16:26 NLT)

THINK ABOUT THIS>> "Is God first in your life today? Or are you allowing other gods to crowd Him out?"
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

The Blessing of Giving

"And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that

He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

— Acts 20:35

When you are very young, you are usually preoccupied with what you are getting for Christmas. But as you get older, you start learning the joy of giving, and you actually find that it is indeed more of a blessing to give than it is to receive.

We need to learn to be generous with everything that God has given to us. Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38). You can't outgive God.

So let's learn the joy of giving. Let's learn the joy of giving of our time, our resources, our talents and abilities—whatever God has given to us. Some hoard what God has given them, not wanting to give, not understanding that as you give out, more is given to you: "The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself" (Proverbs 11:25).

It helps me when I can help you. It blesses me when I can bless you. And I will let you in on a little discovery I have made: I am probably more blessed giving than those who are receiving. If you apply that principle yourself, then you will learn a wonderful secret: the joy of giving in every area of your life. Have you discovered that secret yet?

We don't know how long we will live. But I believe that if we live each day as unto the Lord, then we won't have to worry about the length of our lives. So make every day count. Don't waste your life. Give out of what God has given you. Live your life well.
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

Spotting False Teachers

READ

2 Peter 2:1-3

People have an expectation that those who talk about God must also be serving Him and His people’s best interests. I wish that were always true. However, the many warnings about deceivers entering the church are as relevant today as when the New Testament writers penned them.

In case you think I am overstating the problem, let me point you to the words of Jesus: “See to it that no one misleads you” (Matt. 24:4). He warned that many would falsely claim God had sent them. Christ was not talking only about events in the decades of the early church. His caution was directed at the generations to come—particularly those living during the present earth’s last days.

The apostle Peter gives a helpful test with which to evaluate teachers and preachers of God’s Word:

1. A deceiver attempts to manipulate and exploit his hearers. He uses half-truths, exciting promises, and flowery language to draw in followers. In particular, we’re to be on guard against the erroneous doctrine that denies the truth of the entire Bible.

2. Many false teachers will have a problem with sensuality.

3. Most will also be greedy and materialistic. If we observe these habits in the life of a leader, we must reject his or her teaching.

How can you see past a false teacher’s camouflage, cunning, and/or charisma? Filling your mind with Scripture will enable you to compare what someone says and does with biblical truth. Follow the Psalmist’s example: treasure God’s Word in your heart so that you will not sin against Him (Ps. 119:11).

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

THE SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST

READ

1 John 4:1-6

In the church, the word antichrist usually calls to mind the prophesied leader in power during the earth’s last days. But in the Bible, it more often refers to an anti-Christ spirit—in other words, demonic forces opposed to truth. Examples include false teachers (1 Tim. 4:1) and the negative influence of the world (1 Cor. 2:12). John urged his readers to stand against enemies of the faith by using scriptural principles to evaluate their words and actions.

We are living in an “enlightened” age—or at least people think we are. Anyone with an opinion and a platform is welcome to share his or her version of truth. Subtly false messages come from unlikely places, such as the business world, the entertainment industry, or the media. We might be tempted to think that these venues are separate from our faith. But just as our beliefs are to impact every aspect of our being, so a bit of poison injected into our professional life or leisure pursuits can contaminate other areas.

Believers, therefore, must be aware of the type of information and attitudes that enter the mind. We need a discerning spirit to look past speakers’ charisma and eloquence and assess their message. But we will recognize an anti-Christ attitude only if we have a heart full of Scripture against which to compare.

Your local bank teller knows when a counterfeit bill passes through her hands because she has memorized the feel of a real dollar. In the same way, believers with sound biblical knowledge will recognize and discard an anti-Christ message or attitude when it reaches their ears.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!


DAWN

What God Deserves

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.


— Luke 17:15–16

I remember the first time I said, "Praise the Lord!" It seemed like a very awkward phrase to utter. All of my Christian friends would say it, and I thought, I am going to say that now. I consciously thought about it first. But I had a hard time getting it out. Once I did, it felt kind of good. So I said it again. It is a wonderful thing when "Praise the Lord" just flows from your lips.

In fact, that is what you were created to do. You were created to give glory to God. It is the highest use of your vocal chords, your mouth, and your lips. God wants to hear us give Him praise. We need to give God what He deserves, and that is glory. Psalm 29:2 tells us, "Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."

Yet far too often we are like the 10 men who suffered with leprosy and called out loudly to Jesus for intervention. He graciously heard their prayer and healed all of them of their dreaded disease. But only one returned to thank Him. Jesus said in response, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?" (Luke 17:17).

Often we are quick to ask God for help during times of crisis, but we are very slow to offer Him thanks after He intervenes on our behalf. In doing so, we are essentially telling Him, "Thanks, God. See you next crisis." When those leprosy-stricken men saw Jesus, they cried out loudly for His touch. But only one came back to loudly thank Him (see Luke 17:15–16).


We should be as devoted in our praise to God as we are in crying out to Him for help.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE AN OTHER!

DAWN

Our Godless Age

READ

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Scripture tells us that the years leading up to Christ’s return will be difficult. Because of man’s on-going rebellion against the Lord, ungodliness will continue to increase. In our own culture, opposition to Jesus is growing, and various sins that were once condemned are gaining acceptance. Many in our world have bought into Satan’s lie that we can live without the Lord and still find happiness, prosperity, and peace. The Devil tempted Eve to believe she could find satisfaction outside of God’s will, and he does the same with us today.


In 2 Timothy 3, we read about traits that will be common prior to Christ’s return:

“Lovers of self.” Self-centeredness (placing a priority on what will profit us most) and selfishness (wanting to keep what we have) will be rampant.

“Lovers of money.” The acquisition of wealth to fuel pleasures, provide security, or gain possessions will be a strong motivator. Greed leads many to lie, cheat, and steal.

“Boastful.” Pride caused Satan to be cast from heaven, and it prevents people from submitting to Jesus’ authority. Arrogance, which damages relationships and leads to financial ruin, will permeate society.

Other characteristics of the age will be abusive behaviors, unforgiving attitudes, and a lack of self-control.

It’s easy to see similarities between modern society and Scripture’s description of the years before Christ’s second coming. While discouraging, these prophetic signs are precursors of the day Jesus returns to set things right. Our hope is to rest in His promises, not in the circumstances around us.

 BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

FEASTING ON THE WORD

READ

Deuteronomy 8:1-6


The Bible should be the priority book in our literary diet. If we spent as much time in the Word as we do at the dinner table, our spirit and character would be strong and thriving. And no matter what our circumstances happened to be, we’d experience an inner joy. The satisfaction that comes from living an obedient life is not possible apart from Scripture.


In God’s Word, we find out how He thinks and what He does. We also discover the guiding principles for a successful life. After all, how can we trust God unless we know Him? And how can we be like Jesus unless we practice the habits He displays in Scripture?


God told the Israelites not to turn from His Word to the right or to the left. Only a straight route through His will would result in success, even when walled cities like Jericho stood in the way (Josh. 6:2). What this means in practical terms is that every time we must make a decision, we sift it through what we know of the Lord from Scripture. When we face a crisis, we dig into the Bible to answer the question, What would the Lord have me do? We do not live by reason, the opinion of others, or our own wisdom. Rather, we conform our minds, heart, and will to the biblical standard.


Bread will keep your stomach full, but your life will be empty without a holy daily meal that includes reading and meditation. Learn to recognize spiritual hunger pains, such as vague discontent or animosity toward the things of God—and quickly begin to feast on the Word.



BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE.
 
DAWN

A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

READ

Psalm 50

At first glance, the words sacrifice and thanksgiving have little connection, yet Scripture combines them in one phrase. Sacrifice brings to mind images of painful relinquishment or costly service, whereas thanksgiving conveys a joyous response prompted by overflowing abundance and blessings.

Generally, thanksgiving can be thought of as a verbal expression of gratitude for something good. In public worship services, we thank the Lord for His blessings with prayers and songs of praise, but these hardly seem like a sacrifice.

To gain understanding of this concept, let’s consider some costly ways of giving thanks to God. Words can be cheap, but a godly life given wholly to the Lord is extremely valuable to Him and sacrificial for us. This is not about perfection but rather a heart that is bent toward obeying the Lord and a life surrendered to His will and purpose. Those living this kind of self-less, Christ-centered life can offer genuine thanks which delights God’s heart.

Giving is another expression of gratitude that is costly. Since the Lord is the source of all provision and wealth, our grateful response should be to give Him a portion of all He has given us. Generosity is a good barometer of the authenticity of gratitude.

Offering thanks to God begins with words, but like children who grow in appreciation as they mature, so we should be growing in expressions of gratitude to the Lord. Give Him your whole life as a sacrifice of thanksgiving—you’ll experience amazing benefits because you can never outgive God

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

"It Is Good to Give Thanks to God"

Throughout the Psalms, we are reminded and even commanded to give thanks to the Lord. Thanksgiving Day should never become a substitute for the daily expression of gratitude to God for all that He has done.


Because our culture is largely characterized by ingratitude, we need to work at developing a grateful heart. Even in prayer, we can become self-centered and drift from one petition to another without a word of praise to God. Giving thanks refocuses our attention onto the Lord as we remember His love and faithfulness and praise Him for who He is and what He has done.

Thanksgiving refreshes our souls as we spend time with God, concentrating on His goodness and grace. Anxiety is replaced with peace, and despondency with joy. If you wake up each morning and thank the Lord for deliverance from the power of sin, provision for all your needs, and guidance for the day ahead, what is left to cause worry or discouragement?

Gratitude to God for His faithfulness in the past increases faith and strengthens trust in Him for the future. Remember how He carried you in times of pain, helped you in periods of weakness, and supplied all your needs. You can trust Him with whatever lies ahead.

To establish a habit of thanksgiving, recall God’s lovingkindness in the morning, and recount His faithfulness at night. Thank Him for blessings—and also for the deep work He is doing in you through difficulties. As you start to see situations from His perspective, your gratitude and trust will grow.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
DAWN

THANKSGIVING

Psalm 107 is all about thankfulness. Very specifically Psalm 107 repeats one verse four different times.

"O, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His wonderful works to the children of men."
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Praise and gratitude are inseparable. Praise starts from the soles of our feet and comes up through the muscles and sinews and joints and organs of our bodies and it bursts from our throat. It’s with all our hearts that we give God thanks. It is not something shallow or frivolous, flippant or superficial. Gratitude is the deepest expression of the soul in love with God. And he says, "With all my heart I give You thanks."

The original meaning of praise was "to give public acknowledgement." It's the thought of telling others about something that means much to us. Not the normal term for giving thanks.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not negative on gratitude. What really bugs me, though, is when people express their gratitude today, late in November and then return to their self-centered, dissatisfied, hopeless and pathetic outlook on life the other 364 days.

Gratitude is more than an annual ritual performed hastily before diving into the Thanksgiving meal. It's more than a holiday decoration, more than a snappy word that rhymes with "attitude." Of all the human emotions, gratitude is the most powerful. So powerful is gratitude, it can obliterate fear, hopelessness and doubt. Gratitude can heal a broken heart, slow the aging process and restore broken relationships. Gratitude creates hope and hope brings joy. It is in joy, not fear, that we find strength.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his

steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the

Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and

gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the

west, from the north and from the south… He led them by

a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let

them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous

works to the children of men! For he satisfies the longing

soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things."

Psalm 107:1-9

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!

DAWN

PRECIOUS FRUIT

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. Gal.5: 19-26 (NLT)

How much would you be willing to pay for a piece of fruit? In Japan, someone paid more than $6,000 for one Densuke watermelon. Grown only on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, this beautiful dark-green sphere looks like a bowling ball. The nearly 18-pound watermelon was one of only a few thousand available that year. The fruit’s rarity brought an astronomical price on the market.

Christians have fruit that is far more precious than the Densuke watermelon. It’s called the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). Each “fruit” is a different aspect of Christ likeness. In the Gospels, we see how Christ exemplified these virtues. Now He wants to produce them in our hearts—in what we say, how we think, and how we respond to life (John 15:1-4).

A rare and delicious fruit may bring a premium price in the marketplace, but Christlike character is of far greater worth. As we confess all known sin and yield to God’s indwelling Spirit, our lives will be transformed to the likeness of Christ (1 John 1:9; Eph. 5:18). This spiritual fruit will fill our lives with joy, bless those around us, and last into eternity. — Dennis Fisher

Think not alone of outward form;Its beauty will depart;

But cultivate the Spirit’s fruits That grow within the heart. —D. De Haan

Fruitfulness for Christ depends on fellowship with Christ.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!

DAWN