The Other Side

When I started this blog back in September I had finally admitted to myself that I wasn't taking this move very well. I was very lonely and homesick for the connections with like-minded believers in my home church in Augusta - Fleming Baptist Church. We had been visiting several churches - five actually and it was difficult to find one that all three generations (my 77 year old Mother, Paul and myself, and Cleve) felt at home in. Of course Jenna was considered as well, but she is away at college most of the time. Most importantly, we wanted to be where God wanted us. A place where we could serve, be ministered to, and in turn minister to others. Several people invited us to other denominations and non-denominational churches. Each time I was able to tell them I was a Christian first but that I loved the cooperative efforts of the Southern Baptists in their mission endeavors. We certainly wanted to be in a church where missions was a central focus - local, state, national, and international missions. We wanted to be in a church that preaches the truth of the gospel and the truth of God's Word as ABSOLUTE truth.

God led us to Harps Crossing Baptist Church! I'm so thankful! We all joined as a family yesterday. A major blessing is that Cleve made his profession of faith in Christ public yesterday and wants to be Baptised! Praise the Lord! I knew God would be faithful to lead us to a church where we could belong and be used. I can't wait to see how we will be used and be able to minister to others in the body of Christ! One exciting tidbit is that the Pastor, Dennis Watson, was actually one of my youth Pastor's during my junior and senior years of High School. He served for two years at Fleming Baptist Church in Augusta before being called to Harps Crossing 26 years ago! It's a blessing to me to find that a man that had a huge impact on my spiritual growth as a teenager is the Pastor at the church where God has called me to as an adult! God has used Dennis in a mighty way in this church! Another blessing is Dennis' son, Chris, who is the Youth Pastor at Harps. In the few times I've heard him speak, I know he has a heart for the youth ministry and was taught very well by his Father. I'm sure Cleve will learn many valuable lessons under his leadership. Another blessing is that Mother is in a Sunday School class with other older women - many of the other churches we visited did not have a ladies only class and with mother being a widow for only two years now - she was not comfortable being in a class with couples or with women at varying ages. And Paul and I have been attending a couples Sunday School class for many weeks now. We've met many wonderful people and look forward to getting to know them more and serving along side them as God leads!

GOD IS GOOD!! HE IS FAITHFUL AND WILL NEVER LEAVE US NOR FORSAKE US!! I KNEW HE WOULD NOT LEAVE ME IN THE STORM BUT WOULD BRING ME TO THE OTHER SIDE!! PRAISE HIS NAME!! LIFE CHANGES - BUT GOD DOESN'T!! HE'S THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW!!

If you'd like to check out Harps Crossing - here is a link to their website:
http://www.harpscrossing.com/
http://www.harpsyouth.com/

Ten Predictions

TEN PREDICTIONS FOR AFTER THE ELECTIONS!

1. The Bible still has all the answers.

2. Prayer still works.

3. The Holy Spirit still moves.

4. God still inhabits the praises of His people.

5. There is still God-anointed preaching.

6. People are still singing praises to God.

7. God is still pouring out blessings upon His people.

8. There is still room at the Cross.

9. Jesus still loves you.

10. Jesus still saves the lost.

"Oh No! She's Awake!"

Ouch! My devotion this morning was about God using us in spite of our weaknesses. In fact he often uses our weaknesses to fulfill our purpose in life. And this week in my Bible Study about the life of David, we were told to let go of the "devastations" in our lives and live in the knowledge that God can and will use those devastations/weaknesses to take us so far that we could never imagine it. Look how far he took David - he took him from a lowly shepherd boy to the throne of Israel. And of course when we are living in the purpose that God has called us to, we will face opposition from Satan. But David always sought after God first whenever he faced opposition. He waited for a word from God and then he DID exactly what God told him too. David gave Satan Hell!! Today I wonder, when I wake up every morning does Satan look to all his buddies and shout "Oh No! She's Awake!" or does he just shrug and say "no worries there"!

Lord, Help me to live each day according to your will and purpose for my life. Help me to not make excuses for why you could never use me. I know I'm not good enough, not smart enough, not fit enough, etc., and I never will be this side of Heaven. Here I am, with all my imperfections. I want other's to see You, Father, and your perfection shining through my weaknesses. Help me to let go of devastations and look forward with anticipation to what it is you've brought me here to do. I want to live a life so dependent on you, so on fire for you, in such a way to impact the lives of those you put in my sphere of influence. Lord, I want the devil to shout "Oh No! She's Awake!" every morning! Amen!

I loved this devotion for today because it goes right along with the title of my blog! Life Changes/God Doesn't! Halleluia!!!

October 27, 2008
God Never Changes
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)

Friend to Friend

As I think about how our emotions can flit back and forth on any given day, (I love how you can substitute just about anything for the word emotions here and this truth will NEVER change - for example you could substitute "the political climate" or "a relationship status" or "my health", etc. and still be) comforted by the fact that we serve a God who never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) The Bible is full of different names for God that describe for us unchangeable characteristics of His nature. He is Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides; Jehovah-rah, the Lord who heals; Jehovah-shalom, the Lord our peace; Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord who is there. God can change anything He wants to change, but remains unchanged in Himself. He is our Rock that is without deviation.

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10)

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, as the ever-changing world swirls around me, I am so thankful that You remain the same. Thank You for being the constant in my life -- the North Star that guides my compass and gives me direction as the world and my life spin on its axis.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Think of all the things that have changed in your life over the past year.

Make a list of the ways that you've seen God remain the same through the changes.

How does God's unchanging nature give you hope in a changing world?

How would you like to memorize half of a psalm in the next sixty seconds? Want to give it a try? Turn to Psalm 136. After each sentence, there is an echo, "His love endures forever." If you repeat those words twenty-six times, you have quoted half of the psalm! David begins by reminding us that God created the world, led the captives out of Egypt and through the desert, and conquered the enemies of the Israelites so they could move into the Promised Land. While He works in many varied ways and with many different people, one thing remains the same -- "His love endures forever!" He never changes.

Wringing of Hands No More Part 2

Ok so yesterday I wrote of my disappointment and distress over a friend voting for Obama. Her response to me along with the liberal news media polls showing BHO being in the lead, the events of our economic breakdown, etc. - it all made me want to run and hide and wring my hands. BUT GOD (love those words), reminded me that He is in control; He reminded me of the story of David going against big ole Goliath; He reminded me that "if my people who are called by my name..."; and I too, was called to pray more fervently!

I love Fox News! But too much of a good thing (and not enough of the BEST thing - BEST being time spent with God) can still bring you down. I love the computer as well, and spend way too much time on here that would be much better spent on my knees. I can't say that I won't be forwarding any more emails about the election, but you should be receiving less from me. I for one appreciate the things you have sent me via email because it has encouraged me to know "I'm not alone", and I have been better educated because of them. But instead of spending so much time on the computer forwarding emails "preaching to the choir" I'll be spending more time in personal prayer and examination. I'll also be using some time each day to make phone calls on behalf of the McCain/Palin ticket instead of forwarding so many emails "to the choir". I called 20 people last week. And my goal is to call 40 this week. I get the names and phone numbers from the Mcain.com web site.

My decision to do this was confirmed in worship Sunday when I was reminded that I serve a mighty God and He is in control - there is no need for "wringing of hands". "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10

And then I received the following email from a fine Christian friend that was also confirmation of what God was leading me to do - she got the same message!

Dear Friends:
"You may be well ahead of me, but this is the "CHANGE" America so desperately needs.

I don’t know about you but I’ve already learned all and more than needed to understand that Barack Hussein Obama has a planned background and a planned future that is NOT good for America and our children yet to come.

Most of my many email forwards go to those of you who most probably already plan to vote for McCain-Palin. Basically, I (& I think maybe we) have been “preaching to the choir”.

God willing, you’ll receive far less of such emails now. During my sleep last night I thought / dreamt that I need to spend less time on the computer and more time in God’s Word. Rather than focusing on things that make me upset, angry, and fearful, I need to turn my focus to the only one who can make a difference in this whole situation.

Does this mean that I have become discouraged and given up? NO, it means I have become ENCOURAGED and committed myself to fall in line with the army of the GOD OF HOSTS. He has (at least) “ten thousand angels” at His call and has provided us, the people of His Church, “the whole armor of God” IN ORDER THAT we may “stand against the wiles of the devil… in the evil day.” (Eph.6:10-18) Only God knows, but I think what’s going on today with BHO running for president is an EVIL day; I believe the devil and his hordes are wreaking havoc in the minds of people all across this God-given nation. And I believe those who are called by the name of Christ better heed the trumpet call and rush to the battleground – on our knees.

THIS is the “CHANGE” America so desperately needs. God help me, a computer addict, to respond appropriately. Then “vote my values” and rest in the assurance that I’ve done my part.

It is said that you become what you focus on. I want to become an excellent soldier in the army of God!

He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think! *Eph.3:20

I will build My Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Mt.16:18 " end of email.


So - NO MORE WRINGING OF HANDS!!! Be encouraged my friends - God still sits on His throne!

Wringing of Hands No More Part 1

I'm sorry for the length of this blog, but I'm compelled to write it all out. I hope many read it and then stick with me for Part 2 tomorrow. God is doing a work in me!

I'm sure that both political parties are guilty of doing things they shouldn't do. But one particular party is pulling out all the stops. They are even signing up prisoners to vote! They intend to win this election, in whatever way they can. Also, I'm sure there are many well-meaning people, good moral people, who have been deceived. If they could only see the truth and reality - they would not vote the way they plan. ONLY the Holy Spirit can open their eyes.

I recently received the following response to an email I sent out from a dear childhood friend whom I've remained in contact with over the years. After I read this email I literally felt sick to my stomach because I wondered "how many more of my well-meaning friends have been deceived, Lord?" Thus the beginning of "wringing of hands".

October 7, 2008 (From a friend who hit "reply to all" in a response to a political email I sent out)

"Michelle, I LOVE you and I love the fact that we live in a country where we can vote for whom ever we choose to for President. I have been working in the political arena since April running a local superior court judge race (as campaign manager) and politics is a crazy thing. I have learned that there is so much spin on each side that it would amaze you. After much prayer and studying the issues for months I will be voting for Obama to lead us out this mess we are in. I have always voted for the person and not the party and the same holds true here. I respect your love for McCain and love the fact that you are so passionate for him....I wish more people were this excited and involved in this election, and especially local elections. Just thought I'd let you know where I stand...and I promise I will not send you any Obama/Biden information."

How did I respond? Kindly - that's it! I didn't reveal my horror, my disappointment. I didn't say alot of things I wanted to say or should have said. I didn't let another friend send a response back to her that had alot of very good arguments in it. Why? Was it for the reason I stated "I don't want our friendship hurt. Then I would have no influence over her." Or was it lack of courage? This is the response that should have gone to this "well-meaning" friend:

"Friend", I've done ALOT of praying and studying the issues myself! I've even worked in the political arena on the local level many years ago and I know there is spin on both sides. That's why I love God's Word - there is NO SPIN there!

You speak of God. He’s the giver of life. Do you support abortion, even the Partial Birth procedure? Obama does. Would you advocate letting a suffering newborn baby lie alone in dirty linen until he dies? Obama does.

God says He abhors homosexuality. Do you realize that it’s an “in your face” denial of and rebellion against the union of Jesus Christ and His Bride? Obama supports homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

God says those who work should receive their pay and if you refuse to work, you shouldn’t be fed by those who do. Do you believe in “redistribution”? This is Obama’s stated goal.

(Side note: The above arguments are God's - not mine. As awful as the above 3 things are, and as much as God abhors them, He loves the sinner and wants nothing more for the sinner to be reconciled to Him, in a right relationship. God's grace is sufficient to cover a multitude of sins and He calls each Christian to lovingly speak the truth about such matters.)

"Friend", Through your studies of Obama, have you also:
* revealed the unanswered questions of where this man - who was deserted by his Muslim father, raised by non-wealthy grandparents, had no scholarships, and will not tell the answer – got the money for his private education and his Harvard tuition?
* explained his continuing contacts with people who hate America, desire to destroy it, & employ strong-arm tactics to intimidate people and businesses to put money where they demand?
* found why he has used different names through the years?
* explained why he “has no responsibility” for the economic crisis while he has been protecting Fannie & Freddie and collecting $126,349 from them in political donations as a Congressman for 4 years?

Oh dear friend, History shows a lot of nice people who fell for the socialist / Marxist line only to regret it later. Let’s pray for America, our children, and their children that you don’t end up being one of these. "

I received this email the next day:

October 8, 2008 (From the American Family Association)
"The upcoming election is the most critical election in the history of our nation. The very future of our nation’s foundation is at stake. Every person will be affected. If the liberals win, then our foundation will no longer be based on the traditional Judeo-Christian morality. It will gradually but assuredly be based on an ever shifting, ever moving foundation. If the liberals win, the damage can’t be stopped with elections two, four or forty years from now. America will forever be changed. We will keep seeing a gradual and growing hostility toward people of faith, especially Christians. The morals of our nation will continue to decline. Our children and grandchildren will pay the price."

FRIENDS - THIS ELECTION IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE. WHAT CAN WE DO? Well - stop wringing our hands and PRAY!! and then VOTE our values and convictions!!!

This is one verse we can pray. ONLY the Holy Spirit can open the eyes of individuals to see that they are being deceived, etc.

Acts 26:18 ".....open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me(Jesus)."

Blast From the Past

I ran across an old journal of mine yesterday. How old you ask? THIRTY YEARS OLD!!! Oh My! The pages are yellowed and it is quite musty smelling! So funny how foreign some of the words and thoughts seemed at first but the memories flood in as I read it . It was a journal I had to keep for Mr. Barnwell's Literature class in the 8th grade at Sego. We really had no boundaries or requirements as to what we wrote about - basically just what was going on in our lives. As I read it I am reminded of great friendships, romance, football games, but most importantly, the foundation I received in my Christian walk in the Fleming Baptist youth group. Many of my entries mention youth activites, Bible Study, fellowships, Acteens, and even a retreat to Camp Daniel Marshall at the lake! Wonderful memories!! Lasting lessons!!


I thought I'd share what I wrote 30 years ago to the day - how funny!

9/25/78 - Today has been fan-tas-tic!! I won all my games in ping-pong!! Marlette Padgett and I are tied, we won 18 games each. Guess what? I just got my test paper back and I made a 100!!! Yahoo!!! I'm so happy!!! I hope I continue to do this well on my tests! Well there are only 9 days to my birthday!! I'll finally be 14!!! I can't wait. I'm having a slumber party with a few girlfriends this Friday!!! It's going to be terrific!! Well gotta go!! Bye!


Reading this reminds me - I was athletic (don't laugh - ping-pong takes stamina), I was smart when I applied myself, and I was always up for a party!! Four things that are important to life - recreation, knowledge, social activities, and exclamation points!!!! I must have more of these in my life today! For starters - I'm going for a walk!!!!!!!!!!!!


Oh on a side note - we also had to write a quote after each journal entry. The quote for 9/25/78 was "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F Kennedy


So I'll take this opportunity to remind you - a MAJOR election is coming up! If you aren't registered to vote DO IT NOW!!! Time is running out. And if you are registered to vote, then begin praying daily for the elections and our future President! Those are 2 things you can do for your country today!

When Did It Become Wrong For Our Leaders to Pray For Our Troops?

Is anyone excited about the upcoming election? Can't you just feel the energy since Governor Palin was nominated VP by McCain! My Mother and I will sit most of the night watcing any and every interview on TV. We watch them all, McCain, Obama, Palin, Biden. But we try never to miss a Palin interview or any coverage of her. Of course - we watch Fox mostly. But last week it was ABC and Mr. Gibson's interview we didn't miss!

Family Research Council stated in an email - "If you missed the interview Charlie Gibson had with Governor Palin last Thursday, you missed a very revealing moment that demonstrated just how out of touch our media elites are with the American people and American history."

During the exchange, ABC played a truncated clip of Governor Palin in her church praying for our troops, praying that their mission is in accordance with God's plan.

After reciting just a small portion of her prayer, Mr. Gibson glibly asked Governor Palin, "Are we fighting a holy war?"

"One wonders if Mr. Gibson would have asked the same question to President Bill Clinton, John F. Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, or any of the other Presidents who have offered similar prayers for the troops in times of war."

But that was the tone of the whole interview - very skeptical, and condescending. Ask hard questions Mr. Gibson, but please! Show some respect!

Lord, help us to elect ONLY leaders who pray in accordance with your will! AMEN!!

Praying for the Elections!

Will you join me in prayer?

We don’t know who it will be, but I know one thing, in this, the greatest country in the world, whoever is elected President in November will need our prayers. Shortly after taking office, President Harry Truman said to reporters: "Boys, if you ever pray, pray for me now.” Truman understood the importance of prayer to the presidency. Our new president will face a huge job and will bear the weight of incredible responsibilities including:

• 303,824,640 residents—each with an opinion
• A budget of $2.568 trillion in revenuesand $2.73 trillion in expenditures
• A debt of $ 9,697,453,381,850
• 3,537,438 square miles of land
• 12,380 miles of coastline and 7,476 miles of borders with Canada and Mexico
• The world's third-largest country by size (after Russia and Canada) and by population (after China and India)
• A government constituency of 50 states, over six time zones and an additional five territories, coordinating efforts with 55 governors
• A Congress of 435 representatives and 100 senators, some members of his party, some not
• 1,436,642 members of the Armed Forces of which he is Commander-in-Chief
• A workforce of 153.1 million
• An unemployment rate of 6.1% and 12% of the population living below the poverty line
  

Don’t you agree—our new president will need prayer? We have an opportunity to give that support in prayer right now, knowing that God hears our prayers and will work, in His sovereignty, to prepare all things for the next occupant of the Oval Office. Will you agree to pray for the next president in the coming days? There may be no greater act as a citizen that you could perform. Sign up HERE, and join your efforts with millions of caring Americans.

The Storm

I've been in denial. I'm in the midst of a storm like I've never experienced before. And no - it's not Ike! We just moved to a new city 3 months ago, my mother moved in with us, we left our friends and church family behind, our daughter just went off to college (GO DAWGS!), and I thought that I would adjust better than any of us. NOT!! Cleve has started a new school (7th grade) that he really loves and he has made some good friends in the neighborhood. Paul is doing what he does best - work. Jenna has gone off to school at UGA and is managing perfectly. But I'm beginning to feel like a hermit and suddenly seeing alot of things for what they really are. It's funny how a busy life can mask alot of things. When life slowed down it was as if a spotlight shines on all that is not as it should be with my life. Various things - some too personal to mention here. But I've come to realize that I am in several storms. Storm of lonliness, storm of laziness, storm of bitterness, storm of self-doubt, storms all around me! But I was reminded in worship today that Jesus will see me THROUGH it! He never said we would not have trouble in this life. But my God is the same here as he was in Augusta. He is always with me and He does have a plan. I see Him working already in the midst of these storms. I have FAITH that He will walk through them with me! Thank you Jesus! And I kind of get the feeling that He's going to be teaching me many things along the way! So if you're like me, and going through a storm right now in your life - there are many that plague us at various times in our lives - sickness, depression, financial, relational, etc. - remember that God is right there with you - He'll never leave you nor forsake you! And He promises to get you to the other side! Mark 4:35-41