Verse and Message (Week of Oct 26-Nov 1, 2008) October 29, 2008

Isaiah 5:20

Destruction is certain 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.

Mark 13:8

Nations and kingdoms will proclaim war against each other, and there will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, and famines. But all this will be only the beginning of the horrors to come.

 

   

Some of the signs of the return of Christ are described in Scripture as “birth pains.” I recall some birth pains I experienced when I was nearing the end of my pregnancy with Connor over thirteen years ago.  The doctor diagnosed some of the pains as “Braxton Hicks Contractions” or false labor pains.  As the time drew near for Connor’s birth, however, the contractions increased and intensified.  The pains transformed into true labor contractions until he was born.

 

 

I have always been intrigued with the prophetic points in Scripture.  In fact, the majority of the Bible is prophetic.  I cannot help but recognize the signs of our current times.  In thinking about some of the horrific events that have taken place in my lifetime, I wouldn’t be surprised if Christ returned within my lifetime, or at least my son’s lifetime….and lately I’ve been thinking – it may be sooner than later!  Of course, some would challenge that these “birth pains” our generation is experiencing are only “Braxton Hicks Contractions.”  However, it’s interesting to note the frequency and intensity of the birth pains.

  

I am not a “gloom and doom” evangelist, but I don’t think we can ignore the times.  I could list pages of events that I would consider “birth pains” of Biblical prophesy.  Wars and natural disasters are only the tip of the iceberg when observing the warning signs apparent today.  One particular sign not mentioned above would be how everything regarding morals and values have been compromised. There are so many “gray areas” with regard to values, morals, and ideals. An observation would be that these gray areas have already transformed into full blown evil.  Although a lot of what we see in the news also took place decades ago, it wasn’t widely accepted as it is today, even among Christians. 

 

The Ten Commandments are broken every single day with absolutely no remorse.  As sad as it is to comprehend, the majority of people in the world are living pagan lifestyles with no concern for Eternity. Satan has confused the masses….deceiving them to think that evil is good. In fact, Satan’s biggest lie is to whisper in our ear that God is holding back something really good for us. The enemy’s philosophy is live for today.  As Christians, our philosophy is live for ETERNITY!

 

As we are preparing for a very intense presidential election, we must take into account Who we live for!  No matter what happens with the economy or this election, we can be certain that GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. I know that if our nation doesn’t repent and fervently pray for mercy, things will get worse before they get better. We are seeing the consequences of years of disobedience in this country...it’s all too de ja vu when reading Jeremiah in the Old Testament. 

 

It is our responsibility to pray for the lost.  It is our responsibility to live for Eternity. These responsibilities should be a deep desire as well.  Someday soon our Lord will return.  It is not a matter of “if” but “when” He will come back. As followers of Christ we MUST stay focused on Jesus and wear our armor so that we won’t be vulnerable to the world and it’s influence.  We are supposed to be the INFLUENCE!

Our ultimate goal: THE GREAT COMMISSION. 

 

Here’s a couple of quotes that I obtained from Beth Yoe’s “Sharing Bread” devotion that parallels this message…..

 

“Christians don’t fail to live as they should because they are in the world; they fail because the world has gotten into them.  We don’t fail to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit because we live in a sea of corruption; we fail because the sea of corruption has gotten into us…..Most ocean-going ships have pumps running constantly, sucking out any water that might have leaked into the hull.  Similarly, we need to keep the ‘pumps’ of repentance running.  We need to plug the holes with the truth of God’s Word.  Don’t let the world sink your ship!”  Billy Graham

 

 

“Serious and sincere repentance routes us back into God’s will.” 

Robert J. Morgan

 

Lastly, I wanted to share what Pastor Chris Hodges noted on his blog today about how John Maxwell encouraged him to pray in these desperate times…

 

*For Wisdom – Lord knows we need it now – in our families, finances, the elections, etc.

 

*For Favor – Nothing is accomplished by our own merit or ability.

 

*For Protection – Realize that your enemy is scheming at this very minute of ways to steal, kill, and destroy you.

 

*For Anointing – We need God’s presence more than anything else in the world.

 

Blog Link: http://shift.churchofthehighlands.com/

 

WE SHOULD BE OBSESSED NOT WITH FEAR OF THE END–

BUT FEAR OF NOT SHARING THE TRUTH!

GOD IS ABOUT TO SAY “ENOUGH!”

BE PREPARED, AND SHARE THE ONLY GOOD NEWS LEFT!!

PRAY AND SHARE JESUS!

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Week of Oct 19-25, 2008) October 22, 2008

John 14:6

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”   

                    

To begin this week’s verse and message, I have included a video on the following link.  I received this powerful video from a couple of people (thanks Darlene G. and Jennifer L.) in the past two weeks, and I have already posted it on my facebook page.  However, as I begin to think more about it, I decided that writing about Christ as “Our Bridge” couldn’t come at a more appropriate time. In light of the economic crisis, and the intense presidential election build-up, Americans are looking for security and stability.  However, security and stability can only be found complete in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Indeed, true security and stability would be nonexistent, had Christ not become our Bridge to God. Grab the kleenex…..

 

http://www.maximumreferrals.com/videos/bridge/bridge.html

The story in the video is heart-wrenching…..but we need to recognize how difficult it was for God to use Jesus as our Bridge. The pain Jesus endured was necessary so that we wouldn’t be derailed from spending eternity with Him. I also found the following pictures to illustrate how Jesus is our Bridge to God, thus our Bridge to true life…. 

As Christians, we have been criticized for claiming such a narrow point of view. But, doesn’t the Holy Word say that the road is NARROW? (Matthew 7:14)  Before Jesus, there was an incredible chasm between us and God.  There wasn’t a way to cross to the other side. Now, we have Jesus as that Bridge to God.  Without Him, we would fall into the ravine, with no hope after this life, or the opportunity to experience true life in this world.  There have been many fine teachers, preachers, apostles, and prophets…..but none could carry us across the divide.  Only by the Blood of the Ultimate Sacrifice “the only way” are we able to have a perfect link to God.  Jesus stands in the gap for us.   Below I have created an acrostic with BRIDGE to further elaborate on this beautiful plan of our Creator.

B – BIBLE

The Holy Word is perfect evidence that Jesus is the ONLY WAY.

 

R - REDEMPTION

Redemption could only come from the Sacrifice of the Spotless Lamb. Thus, Jesus became flesh and lived a perfect life, void of sin.  Yet, He faced every temptation known to man. 

 

I – INIQUITIES

We were all born into the sin nature. The wage of sin is death.  We must confess our sin and ask forgiveness by accepting Jesus Christ to be our Savior.  He is the only One who can save us from eternal death. Without Jesus we will fall into the depths where we would never get to God.

 

D - DIE TO SELF

Jesus had to die on the cross, therefore, we have to die to self in order to take on His nature.  The Holy Spirit helps us to take up our cross each day, and we become one in Him.

 

G – GOD

God is sovereign, and we can only get to God through Jesus.

 

E – ETERNAL LIFE

Everyone has eternal life. Where we spend eternity is the issue. As Christians, it is our purpose to let others know that there is only a limited time that the Bridge will be available before God’s designated time is up. (2 Peter 3:9)

 

JESUS - OUR SOLID BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS!

DO YOU WANT TO SEE GOD?  GET JESUS!

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Week of Oct 19-25, 2008) October 22, 2008

Archives of my weekly Verse and Message can be found at my blog link:

http://susiemc.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

 

John 14:6

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”   

                    

To begin this week’s verse and message, I have included a video on the following link.  I received this powerful video from a couple of people (thanks Darlene G. and Jennifer L.) in the past two weeks, and I have already posted it on my facebook page.  However, as I begin to think more about it, I decided that writing about Christ as “Our Bridge” couldn’t come at a more appropriate time. In light of the economic crisis, and the intense presidential election build-up, Americans are looking for security and stability.  However, security and stability can only be found complete in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Indeed, true security and stability would be nonexistent, had Christ not become our Bridge to God. Grab the kleenex…..

 

http://www.maximumreferrals.com/videos/bridge/bridge.html

The story in the video is heart-wrenching…..but we need to recognize how difficult it was for God to use Jesus as our Bridge. The pain Jesus endured was necessary so that we wouldn’t be derailed from spending eternity with Him. I also found the following pictures to illustrate how Jesus is our Bridge to God, thus our Bridge to true life…. 

As Christians, we have been criticized for claiming such a narrow point of view. But, doesn’t the Holy Word say that the road is NARROW? (Matthew 7:14)  Before Jesus, there was an incredible chasm between us and God.  There wasn’t a way to cross to the other side. Now, we have Jesus as that Bridge to God.  Without Him, we would fall into the ravine, with no hope after this life, or the opportunity to experience true life in this world.  There have been many fine teachers, preachers, apostles, and prophets…..but none could carry us across the divide.  Only by the Blood of the Ultimate Sacrifice “the only way” are we able to have a perfect link to God.  Jesus stands in the gap for us.   Below I have created an acrostic with BRIDGE to further elaborate on this beautiful plan of our Creator.

B – BIBLE

The Holy Word is perfect evidence that Jesus is the ONLY WAY.

 

R - REDEMPTION

Redemption could only come from the Sacrifice of the Spotless Lamb. Thus, Jesus became flesh and lived a perfect life, void of sin.  Yet, He faced every temptation known to man. 

 

I – INIQUITIES

We were all born into the sin nature. The wage of sin is death.  We must confess our sin and ask forgiveness by accepting Jesus Christ to be our Savior.  He is the only One who can save us from eternal death. Without Jesus we will fall into the depths where we would never get to God.

 

D - DIE TO SELF

Jesus had to die on the cross, therefore, we have to die to self in order to take on His nature.  The Holy Spirit helps us to take up our cross each day, and we become one in Him.

 

G – GOD

God is sovereign, and we can only get to God through Jesus.

 

E – ETERNAL LIFE

Everyone has eternal life. Where we spend eternity is the issue. As Christians, it is our purpose to let others know that there is only a limited time that the Bridge will be available before God’s designated time is up. (2 Peter 3:9)

 

JESUS - OUR SOLID BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS!

DO YOU WANT TO SEE GOD?  GET JESUS!

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Week of Oct 12-18, 2008) October 15, 2008

 

My buddy Justin Joffrion sent me the following message written by Rick Warren. If we would only consider taking these points seriously….our outlook and perspective in life would be AMAZING (even during these chaotic times). 

I have added a few comments in black below each point. 

 

“Changing Your Behavior”

by Rick Warren

Be careful how you THINK; your life is shaped by your thoughts. 

Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)

 

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent and praisworthy–THINK about such things.

Philippians 4:8

 

One of the great psychological discoveries of the past century is that our thoughts control our actions.  If we want to change the way we act, we must first change how we think. 

 

The Bible says our thoughts influence six areas of our lives:

 

*My interpretation influences my situation.  It’s not what happens to me that matters as much as how I choose to see it. The way I react will determine whether the circumstances makes me better or bitter.  I can view everything as an obstacle or an opportunity for growth – a stumbling block or a stepping stone. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4 NIV)
 

–I realize through many trials in my life that the JOY that the Lord provides within me can combat even the most discouraging situations I face. Sometimes I buy into the devil’s lies, and unfortunately view a picture of despair and hopelessness. But, I must take captive every thought placed within me by the Holy Spirit; I must reject the nonsense offered by the enemy. If God allows something difficult to take place in my life, then He has more than enough power to turn it around for His glory!

*My impressions influence my depressions. In other words, my mind affects my mood; my thinking determines my feelings. If I’m feeling depressed, it could be because I’m choosing to think depressing thoughts – about my work, family, or anything else. While you cannot always control a feeling, you can choose what you think about, which will control how you feel. “Hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught . . .” (Psalm 55:2 NIV)

 

–When I am feeling oppressed or depressed, it is my goal to find someone else experiencing a low point. Instead of allowing the “misery loves company” concept…I decide to encourage the socks off another person. In turn, that encouragement boomerangs back to me, quite often instantaneously. I believe that when I encourage someone going through a trial, my mind is far removed from my own minor issues. We must take ACTION instead of dwelling on a feeling! 

 
*My beliefs influence my behavior. We always act according to our beliefs, even when those ideas are false. For instance, as a child, if you believed a shadow in your bedroom at night was a monster, your body reacted in fear (adrenaline and jitters) even though it wasn’t true. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you are operating on true information! Your convictions about yourself, about life, and about God influence your conduct. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”

(John 8:31 NIV)

 

--There is a clear answer to problematic situations when we understand the weapons we have as Christians. We must take hold the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. We can use The Word to defend against our enemy and claim the beautiful TRUE promises of our Lord. No matter what happens, our behaviors will follow what we believe!

 

*My self-talk influences my self-esteem. You are constantly talking to yourself unconsciously. When you walk into a room full of strangers, what do you tend to think about yourself?  To develop more confidence you're going to have to stop running yourself down! "As he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV)

 

--Simply put....SPEAK WORDS OF LIFE.  Don't allow anything negatives to be spoken. Claim the Name of Jesus and break anything spoken that does not line up with His perfect will. In addition, this goes for words spoken by others.  We can choose to receive or reject words that others speak over us. Words are POWERFUL! 

 

*My attitude influences my ability. Winners expect to win. Your perception controls your performance. Mohammed Ali only lost two fights in his career. Before both of them, he said something that he hadn't said before other fights:  "If I should lose this fight...."

"All things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23 NKJV)

 

--Whenever I perform in an activity or an athletic event....I will picture myself succeeding.  I will first be prepared, and then, I will imagine victory.  Thinking victoriously...brings victory! A winner is someone who claims to be a winner! Jesus picks winners....so anyone who clings to the CROSS is a WINNER!

 

*My imagination influences my aspirations. In other words, your dreams determine your destiny.  To accomplish anything, you must first have a mission, a goal, a hope, a vision.  "Where there is no vision, the people will perish."(Proverbs 29:18 KJV)

 

–God places vision within us…..we must allow ourselves to dream no matter what obstacle may appear.  Cast those obstacles aside, and go for it! Ask God to make your purposes known to you.

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” 

Norman Vincent Peale

 

ROSE COLORED GLASSES…WHY NOT?

JESUS GAVE ME VICTORY, I SIMPLY MUST CLAIM IT EVERY SINGLE DAY!

SUSIE MC

 

Verse and Message (Week of Oct 5-11, 2008) October 7, 2008

Isaiah 30:18

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. 
For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who WAIT for him!

  

Isaiah 40:31

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.

 

I had the opportunity to view the new movie FIREPROOF on Friday night.  There has been much discussion and hype regarding this inspirational film, so I had to check it out for myself. I suggest anyone who is engaged, married, or divorced to make a point to see this flick.  It could change your life. 

 

Actor Kirk Cameron plays a firefighter in the movie.  He begins a 40-day experiment known as “The Love Dare” recommended by his dad in an attempt to save his marriage. 

  

This verse and message includes the lyrics and video of a song on the soundtrack of FIREPROOF. Incidentally, while I was getting ready for work last Wednesday, WDJC played the song, and the lyrics stopped me in my tracks.  I clearly heard the voice of God. The song is entitled “While I’m Waiting” and basically was written while John Waller was desperately hurting and waiting on God. He observed that it’s important to remember one thing while we are waiting on God: ”While we are waiting on God is to not just wait but to actively wait.  Serve, worship, and be faithful with what you have, where you are….’even while (you) wait.’”

   

You know how when you are sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, some people complain that the wait is too long? Many times when people are in waiting rooms, they tend to pick up some reading material, or rather, strike up a conversation with someone else waiting. In the waiting room of our lives while we are here on earth, God wants us to actively wait by serving Him.  While serving He wants us to build relationships and utilize the best reading material available called SCRIPTURE. 

  

While we are actively waiting for the Doctor (our Healer), our final destination will begin when the doctor calls us to the nurse station of angels.  Our goal should be to pass our exam with a clean bill of health. (FYI..only ONE WAY to have a clean bill of health….JESUS CHRIST) And, while we are preparing, its a wise idea to weigh light on the scales not carrying any unnecessary burdens that we’re not meant to carry….that job is for the doctor.  In other words, while we are waiting on whatever or whoever we are waiting on……there’s no need to worry about outcomes, because the Doctor’s diagnosis cannot be thwarted. Therefore, why not make the most use of the journey and follow the doctor’s orders?

  

We can stare at the walls of distraction and discouragement that the Enemy paints in our waiting room.  Or, we can choose to make wise use of that time seeking the Father’s direction until He completes His perfect plan in and through us.  Good news……chances are, if you are following God’s prescription, your desires will conform to His desires.

 

Now without further delay, please watch this moving video which is a recap of FIREPROOF combined with that amazing song, “While I’m Waiting.”    

  

While I’m Waiting
John Waller

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3b2jw1rjBc

 
I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

  

Finally, it’s not what happens to us, it’s how we react to what happens to us.  Additionally, when we use our time and gifts wisely WHILE WE ARE WAITING, the bonus is definitely worth the wait!

 

Oh, and if you are interested in checking out the preview for the movie FIREPROOF, click on the following link:

  

www.fireproofthemovie.com 

  

WHILE YOU ARE WAITING….WORSHIP WITH WONDER!

  

BE PATIENT DURING THE WAIT….THE PAYOFFS ARE DIVINE!

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Week of Sept 28-Oct 4, 2008) October 2, 2008

Highlands Sunset

Isaiah 53:5

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

  

 

Three years ago, I attended my first women’s retreat with Church of the Highlands.  I am preparing my heart to participate in reCREATE, this year’s women’s retreat to take place at the end of October.  As I reflect on my time of that first encounter, I am reminded of one of the most profound messages that I believe defines our faith as Christians.

 

To those of us who have grown up in church, we all are well versed in recognizing that God sent His Son, Jesus,to be our Savior.  We realize the incredible sacrifice at the Cross that was made to atone for our sins.

 

However, what some of us may not fully connect in our minds is that there was much more to the Cross than the gift of Eternal life. Before that moment in spring of 2005, I only understood the basics of the Cross.

 

In her message entitled “The Power of the Cross,” Tammy Hodges, our pastor’s wife, gave a thorough explanation which added to my perspective on all that Jesus did for me. 

 

If we remember the four wounds of the Cross, and we receive and claim those benefits in faith, we are able to live a life of true freedom.  Indeed, we can have genuine joy and a peace that transcends all understanding no matter how complicated and painful our circumstances appear to be. This includes anything that we may experience physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, or spiritually. Again….we don’t have to be rattled by the chaos of this world. 

 

Below, I have noted the four benefits of the Cross that Tammy presented. In addition, I have included some Names of God to parallel these benefits.

 

Four Wounds of the Cross

 

  

 

1.  Jesus was wounded. 

OUR HEALER – JEHOVAH RAPHA

The whipping and scourging that Jesus endured allows us to have a breakthrough in our physical bodies.  Sickness does not have to have dominion over us.  We don’t have to be overcome with illness.  By His wounds we are healed!

 

2.  Jesus was punished.

OUR PEACE – JEHOVAH SHALOM

OUR HELPER – JEHOVAH SHAMMAH

OUR PROVIDER – JEHOVAH JIREH

The crown of thorns pressed on His head gave us a breakthrough in our minds.  We do not have to be bound by depression, fear, worry, anxiety, or confusion.  Jesus took the pain of the thorns for our peace of mind.

 

3.  Jesus was pierced.

OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS – JEHOVAH TSIDKENU

OUR SANCTIFIER – JEHOVAH M’KADDESH

OUR BANNER OF VICTORY OVER THE DEVIL – JEHOVAH NISSI

The nails provided for us a breakthrough in our conscience.  Our hands represent what we do.  Jesus took the nails so that we could be free from guilt and shame.  We do not have to be a slave to sin.

 

4.  Jesus was crushed.

OUR HEALER – JEHOVAH RAPHA

OUR SHEPHERD (COMFORTER) – JEHOVAH ROHI

OUR SUFFICIENT ONE – EL SHADDAI

The spear demonstrated a breakthrough in our spirit.  He wants to fill us with joy and mend our broken hearts.  Our Lord died of a broken heart–evidence of this occurred as both water and blood poured once the spear crushed Him.

 

We must not forget the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE and the abundance the Cross provided us!  The next time the enemy attempts to deceive you or derail your walk, study the points above.  It is a guarantee of the renewed confidence and power that is yours in

Christ.

 

BROKEN? BUILD ON THE BENEFITS OF THE CROSS!

THE AMENITIES OF HIS SACRIFICE NEVER END!

  

SUSIE MC