Blessed: November 2008

Daily Bible Verse

6/16- So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:13

5/25-For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

5/19-And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. - James 5:15

5/18-Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

5/12-praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. - Acts 2:47

5/11-They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. - Acts 2:42

5/6- There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of land or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid them at the apostles feet and it was distributed to each as any had need. - Acts 4:34-35

5/5-And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18

5/4-Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. - Ephesians 6:10

4/30-When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." - John 8:7

4/24-It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have - 1Corinthians 12:11

4/22-33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. - 1 Corinthians 14:33

4/20-An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. - Proverbs 31:10

4/17-For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." - Matthew 18:20

4/14-And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” - Romans 10:15

4/12-He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." - Matthew 28:6-7

4/10- When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!" - Matthew 27:54

4/8-Be joyful always - 1Thessalonians 5:16

4/7-When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. - John 19:30

4/6-Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. - Revelation 3:20

4/4-But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

4/2-O The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? - Habakkuk 1:1-2

3/30-For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. - 1 Corinthians 14:33

3/26-Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" - John 11:25-26

3/23-You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. - Leviticus 19:18

3/17-For this is what the LORD Almighty says: "After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye - Zechariah 2:8

3/16-And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. - II Corinthians 12:9

3/15-The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. - Zephaniah 3:17

3/14-Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, "Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at." - Numbers 11:4-6

3/13-Do not conform any longer 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. - Romans 12:2

3/10-Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. - Romans 8:26

3/9-Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit - Matthew 28:19

3/7-The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. - 1 John 2:17

3/5-Pray without ceasing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

3/4-In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

2/28-An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. - Luke 2:9

2/27-I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay upon them. - Ezekiel 39:21

2/20-And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7

2/18-"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" -Psalm 46:10

2/17-Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit - Matthew 28:19

2/16-Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus - Philippians 2:5

2/14-Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. -Hebrews 12:1

2/13-But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

2/12-Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget abut self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence. - 1 Corinthians 10:12

2/11-Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. - Luke 16:10

2/10-You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. - Isaiah 26:3

2/9-In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. - Proverbs 25:22

2/8- If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. - Proverbs 25:21

2/5-Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:21

2/4-To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” -Romans 12:20

2/3-Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” - Romans 12: 19

2/2-If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. - Romans 12:18

2/1-Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. - Romans 12:17

1/31-Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. - Romans 12:16

1/30-Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. - Romans 12:15

1/29-Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not - Romans 12:14

1/28-Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. - Romans 12:13

1/22-Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12

1/17-Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. -Romans 12:11

1/16-Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. -Romans 12:10

1/14-Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. -Romans 12:9

1/13-the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. -Romans 12:8

1/12-if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; -Romans 12:7

1/9-Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; -Romans 12:6

1/8-so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another -Romans 12:5

1/7-For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function -Romans 12:4

1/6- For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. -Romans 12:3

1/5- Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect -Romans 12:2

1/2-Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. -Romans 12:1

1/1/09-Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. -Romans 12:9

12/28-Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. -Jeremiah 29:12

12/27-For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope -Jeremiah 29:11

12/26-My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior - Luke 1:46

12/25- For to us a child is born, to us a son is given -Isaiah 9:6

12/23-Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.

12/22-Let your seadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. -Psalm 119:76

12/21-My eyes long for your promise; I ask, "When will you comfort me?" -Psalm 119:82

12/19-And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. -Hebrews 11:6

12/18- As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. -Psalms 103:12

12/17-Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32

12/14-O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. -Psalm 139:1-2

12/13Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

12/10-For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us -Romans 8:18

12/9-Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Mas everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death in to life. -John 5:24

12/8- Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26

12/2-For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God -Ephesians 2:8

11/25-do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

11/24-Offer to God a sacrifice of Thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High Psalm 50:14

11/23-Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. Psalm 30:4

11/19-You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

11/18-Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. Psalm 22:9-10

11/17-Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart Psalm 119:2

11/15-This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

11/12-Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

11/11-Today, if you woud hear His voice do not harden your hearts. Psalm 95:7-8

11/5-"Do no let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me." John 14:1

11/4-From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16

10/30-I will hurry, without lingering to obey your commands. Psalm 119:60

10/27-Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

10/26-Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

10/25-One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

10/24-In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

10/20-The Lord will bless His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

10/19-Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

10/18-There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven...a time to be silent and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3:1,7

10/17-He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

10/15-The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1

10/8-Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. Proverbs 12:17

10/4-O Lord, our Lord , how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9

10/2-Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

9/30-God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctifiction by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 2Thessalonians

9/26-All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:14

9/25-The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord. Proverbs 20:27

9/24-As for you, stand here by Me, that I may speak to you. Deuteronomy 5:31

9/22-Search me, o God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24

9/21-Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livesock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. Genesis 1:26

9/17-Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

9/16-My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

9/15-Have I not comanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

9/11-24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, 25 as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

9/9-1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. 2Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. 3Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; Psalm 136:1-3

9/8-And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:37

9/4-Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

9/3-Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD! Psalms 134:2

9/2- Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

9/1-God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

8/31-I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

8/30-For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ehpesians 2:8-9

8/29-Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12

8/28-As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31

8/27-And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Thank you...

...for the hard times.

This past Thanksgiving I was reading blogs of folks that I follow pretty regularly and boy, oh boy was the Lord planting seeds in my heart. So today I am going to tell you a little bit about my struggle over the past few days.

Thursday evening I was sitting drinking coffee trying to have a few quite moments after a long busy day and read. Read about others and what they were thankful for this year. This past year for me has been a struggle in many ways. The biggest struggle I have faced is the split in a church that I loved dearly. This was my home, my family, my safety and my comfort zone. I could go there and always feel safe. Well... as I was reading one of my favorite blogs by Kelley she said something that made me say Wow! She said, "I'll trade a building and its conveniences for a closer walk with Him any day of the week." Have you ever had one of those light bulb moments when things seem a little clearer? The statement brought tears to my eyes.

I went on to read another favorite blog by Kendra and her blog sent me to a Blog called "Bring the Rain" I know that you are thinking all she does is read blogs. Well...some days you're correct. Today the Lord was using my obsession for his will. In this blog the lady that was writing it talked about the loss of her child. She had come to a point where she could see that every bad thing that happens could be used to glorify God. She asked the readers to post things they were thankful for...not your everyday things, things that were probably not so pleasant in your life but you knew that the Lord had used them for His glory.

By this time God was speaking to me very loudly. I was in tears not only because of the touching story that I had just read but because I had been struggling so long with this pain. I knew what He was wanting me to do but I just didn't think that I could do it. How could I thank Him for all of the sadness that I had experienced since July? How could I thank Him for all of the sadness that I had seen in my girls faces over their lives being turned upside down? How? How I kept saying to myself? Well, I sat there and read several hundred replies. I guess I was stalling. The more I read the more good things I found myself saying about the split. God had provided a place to worship, four wonderful loving pastors, new friends, old friends, bible studies, and a new desire to learn all I could about God. I was smiling about something that has been weighing so heavy on my heart. God can take something that is so terrible (or at least something we think is so terrible) and do something absolutely amazing with it.

I clicked the little box that said add comment. I started typing God thank you for splitting my church... I never thought the words "thank you" would of come out of my mouth about this subject. I have been learning that everything is not about me, me, me! It is all about Him, Him, Him! All this time I was thinking about me and my pain and I couldn't see past the tears and anger. God is going to use both of the churches for his glory! Why? That is not for me to ask or be concerned with. God is in control and He has a plan. AMEN! I pray for PBF and for THBC to grow and thrive and to bring glory to His name. AMEN!!

I think I will always look at dificulties in a different way. Not that I will enjoy them but I will know that everything works for the glory of God. Give thanks for your difficulties today. God is so Good.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving 08

I can't believe its over...

Today is Thanksgiving and as I said earlier in the week this is one of my favorite holidays. Today on facebook I put on my status-Debbie is thankful for so much. Jesus, family, friends and my church. God has blessed me and I am humbled by His generosity.

My! Oh my! Am I ever humbled by His generosity. I can't believe that God has let me have so many things to be thankful for this year. Just to think that we had all of this food and so many had none. I found myself several times today getting choked up while I was looking around the room at my family. Even with all of our quirks we are so lucky. Every now and then today it got so loud you couldn't hear yourself think but I couldn't help but smile. Thank God we have so much to talk about and like to share with each other. Just thinking about it right now I get teary eyed. If the girls were here with me they would say "Mom you're being silly" so I am going to move on and show you some great memories we saved in our minds today. These memories will be brought up next year or ten years from now and we will smile, probably get so loud we can't think or laugh till we cry...I'll probably cry.

The morning started off with Lucy getting a bath. This is Granny Jan's new puppy and she had to look and smell good to meet the family.

There was plenty of good desserts. Cherry pie, chocolate pie, chocolate pecan pie, oreo cookie pie and three pumpkin pies. Shelby made the oreo cookie pie and the pumpkin pies. And they were great! Kacey helped us with a little bit of everything. She has turned into a good little cook.

Finally a good pic of me and Kenny!

The traditional pulling of the wishbone. Kacey won and here she is making her wish and Shelby is pouting. There is always next year Shelby!

This year Thanksgiving was so wonderful I just can't believe that it is over. In the coming year I am going to try my best to soak up the blessings and be more thankful throughout the year not just on one day. Wouldn't it be great if we had this feeling all year...Wow! How awesome would that be? I know I couldn't eat like this everyday (I would look like the broad side of a barn) but I should be able to thank God for all the special blessings that he gives me daily.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

He Grew The Tree

These are a few of the words of one of my favorite songs. I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for my salvation but most of all my families salvation.

He moulded and built
A small lonely hill
That He knew would be called Calvary

Then He placed a seed
that would grow to be
thorns that would make his Son bleed.

Then He made the green stem
gave it leaves and then
gave it sunshine and rain
and covered it with moss.

He grew the tree
He knew would be
used to make the old rugged cross.

Nothing took his life
With love He gave it
He was crucified
On the tree that he created

With great love for man
God stayed with his plan
He grew the tree
So that we may go free.

God is so Good!
Thank you Jesus!

Monday, November 24, 2008

PBF's First Thanksgiving

Another First...

The table decorations were provided by our children. It was so sweet.

Since July we have had so many wonderful firsts. This was our first Thanksgiving as a church family. I stood back and said, Wow! God is so Good. I am so thankful for this absolutely amazing church family and look forward to many more firsts with them.

We had great food, wonderful fellowship, touching moments, laughter, thankful moments, a few tear jerkers and some kissing...We had a very blessed afternoon!

God is so Good!