FOR I HAVE LEARNED TO BE CONTENT

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:11-13



Hale Koa, the chocolate lab and Heinz, the Dachshund know how to be content with one another.  Round and round they will run through piles of leaves for hours on end, until Heinz has to go home.  Although Hale Koa is much larger than Heinz and Heinz usually brings his sister Penny; making it twice as much running for Hale Koa.  The dogs have learned to be content.  But, it was not always that way.  In the beginning they had to learn to like one another.  There was much barking until it was decided that a big yard and running around together would be the best option!  The key to their relationship is they have "learned" to be content. 

While we are not dogs.  We can learn to rely on the promises in God's word.

In the book, The Bumps Are What You Climb On by Warren Wiersbe he says, "The word content does not mean "complacent,"... Actually, the word Paul used is best translated "contained."  It carries the idea of self-sufficiency.  In other words, Paul is saying, "I don't depend on things on the inside."  This inner sufficiency, of course, is the power of Jesus Christ."

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

How do we do that when circumstances seem overwhelming?

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

We can trust that God will meet our needs. 

I know that when I was going through really great trials in my life I had friends that would quote Philippians 4:11 to me.  They would try and comfort me with how Paul was content in his circumstances and I should try to be content too!  I was praying, I was in God's Word, I was in fellowship with other believers and still the circumstances of the trial were so great that I was "NOT" comforted by Philippians 4:11.  In fact, I felt even worse.  I felt I failed God.

What Paul is trying to tell us is that he had to "learn" to be content.  To be contained.  Meaning he was abiding in Christ. 

That is why Jesus says in Matthew 6:33-34 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

You do not need to feel like you failed God. Whatever it is in your life you are going through:  your marriage, your children, your job, family, illness, financial, etc... Give God first place in your life.  Learn to be "contained".  Learn to be "content."  Abide in Christ!

Remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

God Bless You Today!

Kelly

GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON

"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba Father!"  Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."  Galations 4:4-7

God Sent His Son...

When I think about Christmas... one of the best gifts is that of salvation through God's son Jesus Christ. 

When I think about Christmas... we have been given the gift to call God "Abba Father" which is like saying, "Daddy".

When I think about Christmas... we have been given the Holy Spirit into our hearts when we accept the free gift of salvation.

When I think about Christmas... I think about the name of Jesus Christ.



"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  Philippians 2:9-11

Everything Has a Name...

Think about it...
Plants, animals, food, people...

If you have children how much time did you spend selecting the name of your child?  What is the reason and meaning behind your name?

Well it says in Philippians 2:9-11 that God named his son Jesus Christ.  It says, "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,"

Wow!

No wonder it is so difficult selecting baby names!!!  Nothing compares to the name of our Savior Jesus Christ!


"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."  Romans 8:14-17


Letting Go Of Fear...

For many of you, today may be bringing a bondage of fear.

But it says in Romans 8:15 "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father.""

That means we no longer need to fear anything!  We are God's children and He is our Daddy.  What a privilege!

God has already given us His best gifts:  His Son, forgiveness, and eternal life.  We only need to ask him for whatever it is we need that is within His will for our life.

When I think about Christmas... I think about letting go of the fear of_____.

When I think about Christmas... I think about sharing love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,and self-control.

When I think about Christmas... I think about my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

Kelly

WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP

God Loves You Just the Way You Are!

"In this heart warming tale, Eli helps Punchinello understand how special he is, no matter what other Wemmicks may think. Children will learn a vital lesson: regardless of how the world sees them, God loves each of them just as they are."   Even if you are an adult, it is important to take the time to read this story.  The message is for everyone.  Not only for how you may see yourself, but how you may look at others.

"The world tells kids, "You're special if... if you have the brains, the looks, the talent." God tells them, "You're special just because. No qualifications necessary." Only one of those messages will find its place in their hearts. That's why every child you know needs to hear this one, reassuring truth: "You are precious in His sight." "

It is written, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."  Ephesians 2:10

We are God's Masterpiece!  His work of Art!

When I was teaching second grade in the public school I used to read the story of You Are Special by Max Lacado.  We talked about how important each one of us was with our own special talents and gifts.  We talked about how important it was to treat each other with love and kindness.

As we meet today and encourage one another in bookclub.  We will be discussing chapters 25-28 in the book The Bumps Are What You Climb On by Warren Wiersbe.

We will be talking about God is our hope who fills us with a deep sense of peace and joy.   Secondly, in our life, being a Christian we should have an attitude of love and joy, and when the storms of life come we have divine resources that help to strengthen and encourage us. Finally, we will be talking about setting our affection on things above, not on things of the earth.

As I was thinking about these four chapters, I kept being drawn back to the memories of Max Lacado's book You Are Special. 

It is written, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."  Ephesians 2:10

Yesterday I was having "One of those days!"  A bummer day!  One where you just find yourself sitting on the floor choked up with tears.  Sometimes they just happen!  What helped pull me out was that I had spent the morning in the Word...my Bible.  The Holy Spirit gently whispered Ephesians 2:10 over and over to me.  "You Kelly are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works! 

After a kiss from my chocolate lab and a love from my black cat.  I realized it was true.  Yes, I was God's workmanship!  Yes, I was created for good works!  So, I got busy and wrapped Christmas presents and created a new delicious gluten free recipe soon to posted for all to enjoy.  Soon I realized my dark cloud had lifted!  Praise the Lord!

I understand why it is so important to fill your heart and mind with God's word in the morning.  You never know when you might need it during the day.

So remember how special you are to God!

You are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works!

God Bless You Today!

Kelly
 

THE GIFTS OF HOPE, PEACE AND JOY

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

To be filled always with joy!  Wouldn't that be a wonderful gift?  This is my favorite picture from Saturday's Women's Koinonia at Church.  Such spontaneous laughter.  Our Heavenly Father wants us to have that joy and peace through His son Jesus Christ.

In the book, The Bumps Are What You Climb On by Warren Wiersbe, he writes, "The joyful Christian faces life without fear or complaint.  Each new day is a new challenge.  Each problem is an opportunity to grow and see God work.  Joy is really a by-product of a life of service to God and others.  If you start searching for joy, you will never find it.  But if you surrender to God and do His will, joy will come to your heart."

We will have peace when we surrender to God.  Jesus said in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;  not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

One of my favorite hymn's I learned as a child I still sing when trials come and I need to find joy in serving.  I remember mostly standing in church and listening to my dad belt-out in a loud booming voice the joyful words to my favorite hymn writers song.  My dad always seemed to have a smile on his face afterwards.

Praise Him! Praise Him!

by Fanny Crosby, 1820-1915

Praise Him! Praise Him!  Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!

Hail Him! Hail Him! highest archangels in glory;

Strength and honor give to His holy name!

Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children;

In His arms He carries them all day long:

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Tell of His excellent greatness;

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Ever in joyful song!

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

For our sins He suffered and bled and died; 

He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,

Hail Him! Hail Him!  Jesus the crucified:

Sound His praises!  Jesus who bore our sorrows,

Love unbounded, wonderful, deep, and strong:

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Tell of His excellent greatness;

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Ever in joyful song!

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Heavenly portals loud with hosannas ring!

Jesus, Saviour, reigneth forever and ever:

Crown Him! Crown Him! prophet and priest and king!

Christ is coming, over the world victorious,

Power and glory unto the Lord belong:

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Tell of His excellent greatness;

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Ever in joyful song!

Wiersbe says, "The future is always bright because God has the future in His hands.  For the Christian, the best is yet to come."

We have three wonderful gifts today.  We have the God of hope who fills us with His peace from the Holy Spirit when we believe in Jesus Christ.  We can sing praises to God and tell Him of His excellent greatness and He will bring us a peace and joy to share with others.

God bless you today.

Kelly

CALVARY CHAPEL RENO-SPARKS CHRISTMAS KOINONIA TOMORROW

As We Prepare For Tomorrow's Koinonia...

Saturday, December 18, 2010

We Remember...

God's Promises Through Jesus Christ

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

John 1:14

"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments."

1 John 5:1-2

"There is no fear in love;  but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.  We love Him because He first loved us." 

1 John 4:18-19

"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD."

Psalm 150:6

"The LORD your God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Acts 2:42

As you ponder today thoughts of God's goodness and love towards you.  Remember His blessings.  Remember He is a God full of mercy and grace.  He loves you very much.  It says in Acts 2:21 "And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved."

Tomorrow, Saturday, December 18th at 10:00 a.m. is our Women's Christmas Koinonia.  We will be meeting at Calvary Chapel, Reno-Sparks.

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

GOD USES SMALL THINGS FOR GREAT PURPOSES

You are important to God! So much that Jesus died for you!  You may think you are insignificant in God's plans, but you are not!  God takes notices!

Warren Wiersbe says in the book, The Bumps Are What You Climb On "God not only uses small things, but God uses small acts that seem insignificant to us and to others.  How many times have you done something goood and thought, Well nobody knows about that and it won't accomplish much.  How wrong you are!  There is no deed of sacrafice or kindness that goes unnoticed by God.  He can use these small deed of Christian love and accomplish great things."

It is written "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit;  so you will be My disciples."  John 15:8

Wiersbe says, "Faithfulness in the small things will lead to blessing in the big things.  David proved himself faithful in taking care of his father's sheep, so God gave him a whole nation to shepherd.  David trusted God in private as he killed the lion and the bear, so God let him kill the giant in public...If we are faithful in the small things, God will trust us with the bigger things if this is His will."

Today as you think about your life, don't go around comparing yourself with others.  Let God minister to you and prepare you for His purposes.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

Today, we will be discussing chapters 21-24 in the book, The Bumps Are What You Climb On  by Warren Wiersbe.

If you are reading along and would like to post your thoughts from any of the chapters.  We would love to hear from you.

God Bless Your Day Today!
And...
Check out the Delicious New Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe!  Another Gluten Free Wonder!!!

Kelly

THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR GREAT ENCOURAGER

"Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing."  1 Thessalonians 5:11

My friend Kimberly is a wonderful writer!  God has given her the gift of words and the ability to see beauty in the writings of poetry.  When I think of Kimberly, I see a woman of strength, courage and joy.  She is a wife, mother and loves her savior Jesus Christ.  Although most days Kimberly struggles with Lupus and her body seldom wants to cooperate with the desires of her heart, Kimberly reflects a love for her Lord Jesus Christ that she brings to others.  I think about Kimberly often as we both struggle with many of the same battles.  She encourages me to smile more...  She encourages me to write more...

************************************************************************

THE GREAT COMFORTER

"And I pray the Father, and he will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever."  John 14:16

It is great knowing that we have the Holy Spirit living inside us as Christians to help bring comfort to us and encourage us everyday.

In the book The Bumps Are What You Climb On  by Warren Wiersbe, he says the Holy Spirit encourages us as Christians by teaching us the truths of the Bible.  He prays for us and helps us to pray in the will of God.  It says in Romans 8:26-27 "Likewise the Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses.  For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

It is great encouragement knowing that as a believer even when we do not know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit helps you to pray according to the will of God.

Lastly the Holy Spirit encourages us to live the Christian life.  Galations 5:25 says, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."  This is a good reminder when we are living with anxiety and fear for the day. Wiersbe says, "Fear always destroys faith;  fear always takes away strength.  But when you have the Spirit of God encouraging you, there is no need to be afraid."

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

As Christians that means we are given: power, love and a sound mind.  The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fears....

Be encouraged today.  Feed on God's word and through prayer.  Trust Him and wait for His help.  He will never fail you!

God Bless You Today!

Kelly

REPLACING FEAR WITH FAITH

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns;  yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?  Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"  Matthew 5:25-27



Letting Go of Fear...
"Roosie", my beautiful Bantam Rooster spent the entire cold, windy afternoon outside with the large hens while my 23 (7 week old chicks were graduating to live in the entire coop).  You see for the past 7 weeks it was necessary to keep the baby chicks in a separate area where my other chickens, including Roosie could see them, but couldn't interact with them.  Otherwise they would have been "pecked" to death.  It is all about meeting and greeting. 

So many fears that I had, teaching my hens how to interact with my chicks, that I spent most of the afternoon and into the evening, sitting in the smelly barn in old chicken poop!  Was I teaching anything to these animals what God has not already by instinct taught them to do?  Not really.  But I was controlling some of the "Meeting and Greeting" with the big hens and a small nervous mouse.

When it was all said and done, the one I had the most fear over, "Roosie" was the one afraid most!  He did not want anything to do with the small baby chicks walking all over "His" hen house.  I went over and scooped him up and held him in my arms.  That crazy rooster closed his eyes and fell asleep!  Amazing!  Secure in the arms of love for him!



Replacing Fear with Faith
I tell you this story because God loves you!  We are of so much more value than the birds of the air!  So much more value than chickens.  But God's word tells us not to worry about our life: food, drink or clothing.  God will take of us!  It is a promise in His word. 

Philippians 4:4-7 says, "Rejoice with Lord always.  Again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentleness be known to all men.  The Lord is at hand.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Our joy comes from Christ dwelling within us. 

As we turn to Jesus Christ and pray and tell him what we are going through.  He will give us strength to go on.  Jesus will help our fears to leave.  Especially when we fill our minds with His word.

John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;  not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

I hope today you will find yourself safe in the arms of love.  You will replace whatever fear you have with faith in Jesus Christ.

God Bless You Today!

Kelly

WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

When We Walk with the Lord
by John  Sammis, 1846-1919

When we walk with the Lord, In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;  Not a grief or a loss,
Not a frown or a cross, But is blest if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove, The delights of His love ,
Until all on the altar we lay;  For the favor He shows,
And the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet, We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;  What He says we will do, 
Where He sends we will go;  Never fear, only trust and obey.

Chorus:  Trust and obey, for there's no other way,
To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey.

"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,

Whose hope is in the LORD his God."

Psalm 146:5

"My help comes from the LORD,

Who made heaven and earth."

Psalm 121:2

"The LORD is on my side;

I will not fear

What can man do to me?"

Psalm 118:6

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,"  1Peter 1:3-6

Walking With the Lord

This week as we meet and discuss the four chapters in the book, The Bumps Are What You Climb On  by Warren Wiersbe, we will find a common theme woven around putting our faith in Jesus Christ.

This morning as I thought about how our Heavenly Father helps us to have the strength to keep going, gives us victory over fear, has a perfect plan for our lives, and is our hope.  I realized that it really is something to greatly rejoice about!

Trust and obey!

Go back and spend a few minutes in the hymn written by John Sammis.  "When we walk with the Lord, In the light of His Word."  When we read our Bible God speaks to us and reveals his promises to us.  The hymn goes on to say, "While we do His good will, He abides with us still,"  This means when we are putting our focus on others instead of ourselves, our problems tend to grow smaller, at least for the time being.

When we are obedient we are blessed!  When we walk by faith we have hope in Jesus Christ.

My friend is getting ready to leave to Papua New Guinea to work as a teacher and missionary for Wycliffe Bible Translators.  This past week she was short a few hundred dollars in monthly support money in order to leave in January.  Within days the hand of God had moved and her needs were taken care of.  But her obedience and faith and trust in the Lord were in prayer and she took comfort in His word.

I hope today you find comfort in God's word and have something to greatly rejoice about!

God Bless You Today!

Kelly

RISE ABOVE

Eagles of Washoe Valley, NV  by Mary Jane

"But those who wait on the LORD

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint."

There is something I have been thinking about a lot lately.  I have observed how many who have started out to serve the Lord in ministry, marriages and families are giving up in the battle.  Once the initial excitement is over and the daily day to day sets in, or maybe continuous trials have beaten them down, emotional choices take over.  I know for myself my emotions are usually very high when I am very tired.  But I believe God wants us to stay faithful to our calling, to our life, our course and our ministry.

When we are tired from trials, illness, working, taking care of children, whatever it may be;  Psalm 37:7-8 says, "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;  Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;  Do not fret- it only causes harm." 

That is such good advice.

How often does anger and worry, two very destructive emotions get in and destroy our day?  God says to "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him."  that means we should not worry, instead, we should trust God.  We should be giving God our problems.  We should rise above through His strength.  When we dwell on our problems we become anxious and angry.  But when we place our faith and trust in God and his goodness, we will find peace.

The last part of Psalm 37:8 says, "Do not fret-it only causes harm."  It is good to remember that today.  If I worry, I am only harming myself.

We need to Rise above...

How do we soar with the eagles instead of crawling into a hole and hiding with our emotions?

Psalm 62:5 says, "My soul, wait silently for God alone,  For my expectation is from Him."  Sometimes we think our expectation should be in someone or something; our husband or our children, maybe a friend.  Sometimes we set our expectations in the holiday events being the "Most wonderful time of the year!" and that can lead to disappointments.

Warren Wiersbe says in the book The Bumps Are What You Climb On, "God promises to help us fly and to help us run, but He also promises to help us walk.  I think it is more difficult to keep on walking than it is to fly.  Somehow during those crisis hours of life we turn to the Lord and find His power to help us soar above the problems.  There is a special excitement and challenge about the emergencies of life; but what about the full daily routine of life?  It is one thing to mount up with wings as the eagle, or to run and not be weary - but what about walking, walking, walking, day after day?"

As you think about your day today, remember 1 Peter 3:4 "Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."  God wants us to be gentle and calm.  Not worried and anxious. 

So whatever is going on today.  Remember to wait before the Lord, and let him quiet you down.

God bless you today!

Kelly