Happy New Year!!!!

I am sitting in my apartment with the lights off catching glimpses of the firecrackers going off all around me welcoming in the New Year. It is a comforting sound. Whatever successes and failures occurred in 2009 are over and the New Year 2010 is officially here. Wow, thank you God! Let's just think about that for a minute. Why? Why do we start over? Time doesn't end. Why don't we just continue counting? That is a good question and I believe there is an answer.

In Genesis the first chapter we find out that God created everything including day and night and the days of the week. v14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years..." The earth had been void and without form then God set up the earth, a mature earth, ready to support all kinds of life and on the sixth day of creation He made man.

Man was not immortal and omnipotent and omniscient like God. Man was a finite created being made as a reflection of God, filled with His breath, formed by His hands and made to be instruments of praise and fellowship. We had limits. God created those limits and provided for our needs before He ever placed us on this earth. What a provider!

Every created thing has limits. A sea can only go so far. A tree can only grow so tall. A building can only hold so many. A glass can only hold so much. Also, man can only work so long and go without food for a short time and grow just so old before we reach our time of death. God graciously created time for us.

In Leviticus chapters 25 and 26 God talked to His people about the Year of Sabbath which was to occur every seven years and the Year of Jubilee which would take place every 50 years. He ordered the Israelites to take every seventh year off. He told them the land needed to rest and replenish so no crops were to be grown. This day and age farmers rotate crops. They found the ground does indeed get depleted of nutrients which are now partially replaced with fertilizer. The ground is a living thing that has generations as seen in Genesis 2:4 and God takes care of all of His creation.

God promised the Israelites that He would provide enough food in the sixth year to supply their needs through the Sabbath year and through the first year after the Sabbath, until the harvest came in. The Israelites had to work for their food since the curse on the ground from Adam and Eve. They knew how hard it was to secure food! They were afraid to trust.

Now think about the gift God was offering them. The men who worked the fields and such, the heads of the home could actually be home. They could spoil their wives, bond with their children and worship in the temple. They could develop deep friendships and hold each other accountable and really be a nation. Yes, there could have been problems but I imagine that they would've had an incentive to work and something to look forward to every seven years. How precious would it be to know that every seven years your load would be lightened and you could see your family? Do you see the incredible grace of God in that? Oh how He truly loves us! God is Jehovah Jireh. He is our provider. It is not what He does but who He is.

The Year of Jubilee was an even greater year. What's greater than a year off? How about a year where your debts are forgiven and every slave could be bought back and returned home? A year of freedom from God! Wow! Talk about a fresh start! That year everyone was provided for and redeemed, given mercy by the hand of the Most High God. Or so, that's how it was supposed to be.

Lamentations 3:21-23 "This I recall to mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." How different our lives could be if we could learn to trust God on this level! The very God who created a mature earth meant to support us before we were ever created, who built breaks into creation so we could relax and recharge and who made us to have fellowship with Him-THAT God, we need to trust.

If we mess up so badly that we use up every drop of His grace that day, which we cannot do, His mercies are new every morning! Praise God! That God gave us new mornings, new weeks, and yes, new years. Now that is worthy of celebration, fireworks, prayers, tears and hope. Yes, I think that will do nicely.

From my candlelit living room to you-Happy New Year!

To my Gracious God be all the power and the glory, Amen!
Jamie

God's Mercy Continues

What a wonderful day! God is so very good to me. I had the pleasure of escorting a fellow resident of my apartment community on a job hunt today. She went in to each place, I prayed. She had a critical need and if she didn't come up with a large portion of her back rent today was to be her eviction day. We shared and cried all day.

We were invited to lunch by a friend who has been my partner in ministry for quite some time. She shared my burden for this woman and her children. We exchanged phone calls all day, praying and seeking God's guidance for her. Spent at the end of the day my discouraged neighbor went home still uncertain of her future. Our landlord was holding out hope for the hand of God, encouraged by the concerned phone calls he gave her an extra day. My friend and I agreed to go to our homes and fervently seek God's will in the matter.

A couple of hours and many tears later, God gave me a name of a man we attended church with. I knew this man to be a faithful brother in Christ and though I haven't really done anything like this before, I called him on my neighbors' behalf. I promised God that if He chose to work through people for this need and He gave me a name I would ask for this money. After explaining the situation and the need, the man did what I knew he would. He told me he'd pray about it and asked if he'd see me at service.

I went to my neighbor's home to pick them up for church and she didn't even come to the door. I know what discouragement is. Sometimes you just can't do one more thing. I'd seen this sister hold on all day only to return home "empty handed". I went to church. My Brother in Christ was there and handed me an envelope with a substantial amount of cash in it. My friend felt impressed to relieve some of my neighbors burden, but couldn't give it all. I now held in my hand almost the exact amount of my neighbors' considerable debt. I asked him if it made any difference that someone had already paid some on the debt. He said, "No, isn't it almost completely paid now?" He never even hesitated. God gave him a specific amount and he was faithful in giving. Knowledge of some already given never made him blink. He never doubted what God asked him to do, and he walked away making me promise she'd never know his name.

After this evening service I spoke with my Pastor. He felt impressed that we needed to attempt to tell my neighbor of her lifted burden tonight and to be persistent. We did just that. She was greatly relieved and I know she will sleep tonight. So will I!

My friend and I count ourselves blessed to be witness to God moving in this way. He is so faithful to hear the cries of His people and we should be broken for these situations. We should grieve for one another and bear each others burdens! It was my pleasure to travail in prayer today, to have the time to devote to this and the God-given desire to do it. That was not in me but in the Holy Spirit inside me and my friend and my faithful Brother in Christ. Hebrews 13:3, "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." My friends, the thought that we might get this right or we might possibly walk out Romans 13:9 and love our neighbors as ourselves sets our enemy on edge. May it become second nature to us to behave this way.

Dear God, help us this day to become aware of the needs of those who are in our path. Create in us a desire to care and let that desire pass to our children. Your word says that in the last days our love for one another will wax cold. Though we know Your coming is soon, please let our hearts remain broken, for they must if we are to do Your will. May You come upon us in power with a fresh filling of Your Holy Spirit and allow us to minister out of it. Keep us humble and kill our pride. Help us to forsake our needs for theirs because You who are Faithful can supply all our needs according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Your Word says, "Give and it will be given unto you:good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over will be poured into Your lap. For with the same measure you use, it shall be measured to you." Luke 6:38 We need not fear even if we do lack temporarily because of obedience, but count it to Your glory to share in the sufferings of Christ. Amen.

To God be all the glory and the power and the praise, Amen!
Jamie

"Oh For Grace to Trust Him More..."

God is good all the time, all the time God is good. This is a well know phrase and echo repeated in congregations all over the globe. It is a rally cry to worship and praise. Today, as I write this blog I do not need a rally cry to worship my Lord. I sit here absolutely overcome by His generosity and care.

It is no secret that I haven't worked for some time because I broke my leg and have had a slow recovery. However, God has sent people to take care of me and to provide for me. He has placed me on the heart of others who have not withheld a blessing. He is an awesome God!

Because of His provision for me when someone called this past week with a need I was able to give from my pantry what He had blessed me with. The recipient was concerned for me because I was not working. I assured her that God would take care of me. Although I did not say that lightly I was not prepared for what my God did next. The very next morning someone came with three bags of canned goods and boxed things. What did I get? Much of what I gave, but returned double or more in most cases. I laughed! In fact, I had made this person some chicken soup and I received a can of chicken soup. Pretty awesome display of grace! I was overjoyed.

Just in case I didn't understand, and because He could, today I received another blessing. A sweet lady I used to work with and her husband came to my door bearing a huge box of groceries and several bags of blessings. In these bags and boxes were the remainder of what I had given and then some. Most things were given back with duplicates, some were given back in the same number but bigger containers! I laughed and cried as I unpacked the box and bags and said to God, "No one will believe it! I wish they could see it!" I am so overwhelmed! I called around to see if anyone needed groceries and finally found someone with whom I could share God's abundant gift to me.

The gifts were not just food but also money and a gift card and present. I am absolutely overwhelmed by God's gracious gift. He chose to use people to bless me. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and all the silver and gold belong to Him. He could've provided for me however He wished, but He chose to use the spirit filled flesh covered beings I have known as friends. Not only do I get to enjoy the provision of my God, but the warm and real touch of a person who gave this gift. He not only sent me gifts, but a hug and fellowship.

I have said it before and I'll say it again, you cannot out give God! "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."Luke 6:38 I am living proof of that. I say that not to boast in myself, for I am nothing and I own nothing, but I boast in the God who made me and saved me and provides for me today. Won't you trust in Him? If you don't know Him, find Him today, or contact me and I'll help you find Him. If you do know Him and have never trusted Him with your life decisions, your money or your time, please, do it today. I speak from what I know, not from what I've heard. And God will care for you, too.

To God Be the Glory,
Jamie

Grace, Grace, God's Grace...

Can it be that it's been almost a month to the day that I've blogged? I am so sorry! Busy, busy, busy with good things.

I am so very excited to share what's been going on with the ministries. The Ladies Bible study on Tuesdays is on hold for now only because Moms have so many extra responsibilities that we couldn't get our schedules together. But we have many exciting studies to do once the New Year begins.

Our Next Door Bible Study Group is doing great. More material will be loaded onto the Facebook pages so you can study with us. The past few weeks we've been studying through Genesis 25 and took a break in the middle to study Islam vs Christianity, the Koran vs the Bible. One of the young men in our group was Muslim and was saved by grace. He explained what life was like for him and how his father modeled his Muslim faith. His father is a moderate Muslim, yet there was no peace in their lives. He described some very tense moments and his decision to return to Georgia and to live with his Christian mother. He asks for prayers for the rest of his family to know Jesus. It was a very moving testimony. I hope you will check out the Mercy Abounds Facebook page or the Next Door Bible Study Facebook page and join us in our study through Genesis.

The Friday night UP Bible study is just rocking along. We finished volume 2 of the UP Bible Study series featuring Grits, Building 429 and Jessie Daniels. Through the holidays we'll be taking a break. We've watched Pilgrim's Progress which the kids loved, and we'll be watching Facing the Giants this Friday. I was not aware that my Facing the Giants movie had a Bible study with down loadable session sheets. The studies teach some very good principles, once the New Year starts we will begin this study with the kids before returning to Volume 3 of UP. We will be taking our first field trip to the Walk Through Bethlehem and The Next Door Bible Study and U-Turn Ministry members will assist us with their younger brothers and sisters in Christ as guides during the wait and the walk. What an opportunity for the older to teach the younger! I'm very proud of these guys.

Saturday Morning King's Kidz is so much fun! I hate you missed last Saturday. Poor Tracey had seven children to be responsible for herself and their were at least that many from the neighborhood who gathered to hear the Christmas story and decorate my tree. Every time I look at my tree I have to smile. The kids meticulously (as meticulously as 2-13 yr olds can) placed the lights, garland and ornaments and then they proceeded to knock it over! A great time was had by all. We did right the tree but I can't bring myself to redecorate it! It is adorable to me just like it is. We are having a great time talking about the Lord and celebrating His birth.

My Pastor from Green Acres Baptist Church in Warner Robins (www.greenacresbc.com ) has been challenging us to share the gospel this month more than any other because Jesus will be talked about in December more than any other time in the remaining eleven months. I passed this challenge on to the Next Door Bible Study today. I'd like to pass it on to you.

I know that some are hostile toward the mention of Jesus right now, but more are hoping toward that Name this time of year more than any other. There are people who need a miracle now. They need to see the Savior. Won't you share your testimony with someone this month? Tell them of the difference having Christ has made in your life. "Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His Name. "They will be Mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." Malachi 3:16-18 What a promise God gives if we will speak of Him! I ask you, won't you tell someone of His love this month? Today?

Thank you for your prayers for these children and please continue to pray for my healing. I am still struggling with walking again. I had hoped by now to have all my strength and range of motion back and that has not happened yet. I will be speaking with the doctor soon to decide what further action to take. Look out for those less fortunate, remember God's fondness for widows, and orphans, and those in need. Again, thank you for everything. If I can do anything for you, please contact me at the email provided.

To God be the glory,
Jamie