I had the pleasure of dog sitting today. One of the dogs was a Jack Russell terrier who had some behavior issues the last time I saw her. Sadie desperately wanted to be loved. She would tentatively approach you and then, when you were just about to pet her, she would bare her teeth and growl. That sounds like so many people I know!
This time, Sadie just sat at the end of the couch and would only turn her eye to look at me. Her head remained pointed forward. She saw me pet the other dog and gradually made her way to me. I left my hands at my sides and just let her crawl onto my lap. She continued her approach and I just talked to her. "Nothing but love for Sadie."
Soon she was licking me and sitting on my chest, pushing her head under my chin trying to get as close as she possibly could. I gradually began to pet her and continued to talk to her. She began to whimper with her absolute cry for attention. She eventually accepted my petting and hugging and then to my utter amazement, reached a satiated level and jumped down.
I was absolutely amazed to the point that it drew tears. This dog was so hurt at one time that she couldn't accept what she so desperately craved, love and physical attention. But she has been going to classes with her owner and she is learning. I was beside myself that Sadie had learned how to love and to accept love again! It was beautiful, she was normal again!
I was profoundly impressed that we humans react much the same way. I react much the same way. I could understand why Jesus tells us to forgive! It's not for others. It is truly for us! He knows that as long as we nurture the bitterness we cannot accept the love we so desperately need and desire. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Luke 11:4. Lord, help me to learn this lesson once and for all and to live and love as I am meant to do.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
The Righteous, Merciful Judge
So much has happened over the past month! We've had a break in The Next Door Bible Study and the Up Bible Study is in full swing. The Kings' Kidz are taking a break right now. But, we've had a request to resume the Lady's study. Wow! God is mixing it up...
Tuesday, at the Ladies' Bible Study, we learned from Anne Graham Lotz about Heaven and what those of us who are chosen, surrendered Saints will see. What an encouragement. Fellowship and Food of the Word. Awesome.
Tonight the Up Bible Study learned about The Righteous Judge. God is the only One qualified to fill this position. It was a powerful message and God was here! Check out the Mercy Abounds Facebook page to see the study guide. If you don't have time for that, check out the main text; Deuteronomy 30:11-29. It is a very clear instruction from the Lord.
Pray that God would definitely pour His heart out over us. Remember that if you need prayer or encouragement that just as we serve these young ones in the Bible Studies, we are here for you, also. You may choose to leave a comment or message us on the Mercy Abounds Facebook page. You can also reach us at the email address provided on this page. And, as always, thank you for praying for our kids.
To God be the Glory!
Jamie
Tuesday, at the Ladies' Bible Study, we learned from Anne Graham Lotz about Heaven and what those of us who are chosen, surrendered Saints will see. What an encouragement. Fellowship and Food of the Word. Awesome.
Tonight the Up Bible Study learned about The Righteous Judge. God is the only One qualified to fill this position. It was a powerful message and God was here! Check out the Mercy Abounds Facebook page to see the study guide. If you don't have time for that, check out the main text; Deuteronomy 30:11-29. It is a very clear instruction from the Lord.
Pray that God would definitely pour His heart out over us. Remember that if you need prayer or encouragement that just as we serve these young ones in the Bible Studies, we are here for you, also. You may choose to leave a comment or message us on the Mercy Abounds Facebook page. You can also reach us at the email address provided on this page. And, as always, thank you for praying for our kids.
To God be the Glory!
Jamie
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Change in the Wind
It has been a while since my last post. Things have been in transition here at Mercy Abounds. God is never confused or taken by surprise, but sometimes we sure can be.
It has been five years for the Next Door Bible Study. But, sadly, for the first time in five years my house was silent this Wednesday as no new High School students knocked on my door. The last of the college bound students moved, the others are working or have moved away. So, now the question is, what to do with my Wednesdays? School has been in session for about 3 weeks so I'm not sure if any more will come. What is next for Mercy Abounds? Some of the older kids have said they would like to get together on another day, maybe later in the evening. Please help me pray about this. I know now what empty nest feels like. I have lived for Wednesday afternoons for the past 5 years.
The Up Bible Study on Fridays is picking up. We watched "To Save A Life" on Friday and it was awesome. We have had five new faces in the past two weeks. But, success is never measured in numbers but in the impact you have on the life of one for Jesus. We are interested in what the seeds planted produce. Please help us to pray for these lives. The movie was powerful, but, kids today are so very jaded and hard. They have seen too much for their young lives. It's hard to fight that. We just have to stand for Jesus consistently and pray.
King's Kidz was great this morning. Talking about the miracles of Jesus. We talked about the 5 loaves and 2 fishes this morning and we talked about the miracles God has done for some of us in the group. Then we prayed for the miracles we need in the group.
God has given us such a wonderful and wounded group of kids to minister to. Most of the kids have or have had issues with their parents being in compromised positions or being absent from their lives. Most of them have had someone in their families affected by addiction or who have been in prison. There are other big issues facing these children. It is with the utmost respect and love for them that I ask for you to pray for them. God is adding to our numbers and with the numbers come problems and pain. We can never be enough. Pray they will see Christ in us, "Christ in you,the hope of Glory." Col 1:27.
Pray also, please, for God to clearly instruct me on what to do next. Do I meet later on another day of the week with the older ones or what would He have me do? Thank you so much for your prayers and support.
To God be the Glory,
Jamie
It has been five years for the Next Door Bible Study. But, sadly, for the first time in five years my house was silent this Wednesday as no new High School students knocked on my door. The last of the college bound students moved, the others are working or have moved away. So, now the question is, what to do with my Wednesdays? School has been in session for about 3 weeks so I'm not sure if any more will come. What is next for Mercy Abounds? Some of the older kids have said they would like to get together on another day, maybe later in the evening. Please help me pray about this. I know now what empty nest feels like. I have lived for Wednesday afternoons for the past 5 years.
The Up Bible Study on Fridays is picking up. We watched "To Save A Life" on Friday and it was awesome. We have had five new faces in the past two weeks. But, success is never measured in numbers but in the impact you have on the life of one for Jesus. We are interested in what the seeds planted produce. Please help us to pray for these lives. The movie was powerful, but, kids today are so very jaded and hard. They have seen too much for their young lives. It's hard to fight that. We just have to stand for Jesus consistently and pray.
King's Kidz was great this morning. Talking about the miracles of Jesus. We talked about the 5 loaves and 2 fishes this morning and we talked about the miracles God has done for some of us in the group. Then we prayed for the miracles we need in the group.
God has given us such a wonderful and wounded group of kids to minister to. Most of the kids have or have had issues with their parents being in compromised positions or being absent from their lives. Most of them have had someone in their families affected by addiction or who have been in prison. There are other big issues facing these children. It is with the utmost respect and love for them that I ask for you to pray for them. God is adding to our numbers and with the numbers come problems and pain. We can never be enough. Pray they will see Christ in us, "Christ in you,the hope of Glory." Col 1:27.
Pray also, please, for God to clearly instruct me on what to do next. Do I meet later on another day of the week with the older ones or what would He have me do? Thank you so much for your prayers and support.
To God be the Glory,
Jamie
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Making Headway...
What a wonderful week! Next Door Bible Studiers will be back in Genesis this coming week. They watched a film this week as I was standing in for the secretary at church. Whew! Pray for them. The copier was confused by the operator and therefore couldn't do what it was supposed to, which was print the prayer sheet loaded with information about our members and things to come.
Isn't that just like us? We get confused by people we choose to give authority over us. There is a cure for that and it's giving only God authority over you! For God is not [the author] of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinth. 14:13
Now we may have to abide by the rules at work and we may have to abide by the rules at school. We do NOT have to allow them to abolish our spirit and crush our joy! God is still the giver of all good things. He is the lifter of our heads. He is the One who tells us, "I [am] the LORD your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10. While the workplace and school and every other authoritative body over us may appear to be the center of our provision, our real provision is Jesus Christ. He gives the breath, the ability, the resources, the employers/employees- everything, period. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12. Do you get the picture?
Once we are under the proper authority and yielding to it, then we can do what we were created, designed and placed in position to do. Just like the copier, once it was tweaked with the right program (and a few other minor annoyances dealt with), it did what it was designed to do, and the prayer sheets were printed.
So, what were we created to do? Glorify God, tell others about Him and make disciples. I love our church mission statement, because I believe in it. It says, "Under the Lordship of Christ and by His power, the mission of Green Acres Baptist Church is to passionately worship Him, win the lost to Him, and equip every believer to be a disciple of Him." This is our purpose.
I am so pleased to see God working in the lives of our Middle Schoolers. Thanks for your prayers and continue to pray. Pray that God continues to break through the darkness and deceit that we are born into and that the world portrays. We so need Jesus! The kids are really beginning to open up and get to the root of their fears, problems and concerns. This is showing a great deal of trust on their parts. Kids today don't trust anyone and their beliefs are wide open and off the charts! They seriously lack wisdom as they've been taught to give in to every whim and desire by today's society. They are immersed in it! They need the helping hand of God to pull them out. Can you picture it? Do you remember what it was to be without the love of Christ? Alone, confused, hurt? Hopeless.
We are beginning to see the honest work of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for us! This is not something that can be done in a week or two! This takes an unfailing commitment! This takes endurance. We cannot leave these children and abandon them to the world! We must continue to love them and pray for them and fight on our knees! Help us in this. You may not be a leader in this ministry, but you are surely a partner if you pray for these children. We may never know, I'm sure we never will. BUT, God does and He will honor those prayers.
The Kings Kidz met this morning and again we saw the softening of hearts as they are learning how to love their families. We learned about helping our family through the story of Moses and Miriam in Exodus 2. Pharaoh was killing all the male Hebrew children. Moses' mother had to do something! She made a basket and coated it with tar to waterproof it and put it in the river where it couldn't float off but would be discovered, and she left her daughter there to watch him. Mom returned to her forced slave labor. Giving up a child to the complete abandon of God to save them is not an easy thing! But Moses' sister was there to watch God put the puzzle together and when it was time, she did her part.
Miriam watched as Pharaoh's daughter came to bathe and she found the "abandoned" child. Now they didn't have grocery stores or QT's then. Someone had to feed the baby. The only one who could was someone who'd just had a baby. Miriam knew this and jumped in! She went to Pharaoh's daughter and asked if she wanted a Hebrew woman to feed the child. Of course she did! Miriam fetched her Mom-Moses' Mom, and Pharaoh's daughter offered to pay her to take care of her own child.
When Pharaoh was finished nursing, he lived in a place fit for a king. A palace actually! Read it for yourself! But, if they had not trusted God and helped each other, baby brother Moses could've died. He lived to be God's deliverer for the entire Hebrew nation. By saving him, they saved themselves.
Who is your Moses? Who in your family or church family is in harm's way? What can you do to help? Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do [so]. Pro 3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give [it]," When [you have] it with you. Pro 3:29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety's sake. Pro 3:30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. God's Word is pretty clear here.
The kids this morning promised to find ways to help their families; cleaning, being obedient, thinking of others before themselves, and praying for each other. Not a bad lesson. Not a bad group of kids.
This is what God has called us to do. Our leaders love these kids and give so much of themselves and their resources. There is so much you can do. If you don't want to partner with this ministry, why not start one of your own? You don't have to go overseas, all you have to do is open your door and your heart and say, "God, here am I." Then, watch as He fills your house with children or adults. He's just waiting...
We are having another Bible drive. We are asking people to leave prayer requests on the Mercy Abounds facebook page and providing them with Bibles if they need one. Please help us with this. You may use the Pay Pal at this site or contact Sharlene Bond at Green Acres Baptist church to donate for postage or Bibles or you can message me on the Mercy Abounds Facebook page or email me at the email on this site to donate Bibles. Most importantly, pray for those who might ask. Praise God we can still read and have Bibles in America today without dying for them!
Thanks for all you do and God bless you this week!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Isn't that just like us? We get confused by people we choose to give authority over us. There is a cure for that and it's giving only God authority over you! For God is not [the author] of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinth. 14:13
Now we may have to abide by the rules at work and we may have to abide by the rules at school. We do NOT have to allow them to abolish our spirit and crush our joy! God is still the giver of all good things. He is the lifter of our heads. He is the One who tells us, "I [am] the LORD your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10. While the workplace and school and every other authoritative body over us may appear to be the center of our provision, our real provision is Jesus Christ. He gives the breath, the ability, the resources, the employers/employees- everything, period. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12. Do you get the picture?
Once we are under the proper authority and yielding to it, then we can do what we were created, designed and placed in position to do. Just like the copier, once it was tweaked with the right program (and a few other minor annoyances dealt with), it did what it was designed to do, and the prayer sheets were printed.
So, what were we created to do? Glorify God, tell others about Him and make disciples. I love our church mission statement, because I believe in it. It says, "Under the Lordship of Christ and by His power, the mission of Green Acres Baptist Church is to passionately worship Him, win the lost to Him, and equip every believer to be a disciple of Him." This is our purpose.
I am so pleased to see God working in the lives of our Middle Schoolers. Thanks for your prayers and continue to pray. Pray that God continues to break through the darkness and deceit that we are born into and that the world portrays. We so need Jesus! The kids are really beginning to open up and get to the root of their fears, problems and concerns. This is showing a great deal of trust on their parts. Kids today don't trust anyone and their beliefs are wide open and off the charts! They seriously lack wisdom as they've been taught to give in to every whim and desire by today's society. They are immersed in it! They need the helping hand of God to pull them out. Can you picture it? Do you remember what it was to be without the love of Christ? Alone, confused, hurt? Hopeless.
We are beginning to see the honest work of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for us! This is not something that can be done in a week or two! This takes an unfailing commitment! This takes endurance. We cannot leave these children and abandon them to the world! We must continue to love them and pray for them and fight on our knees! Help us in this. You may not be a leader in this ministry, but you are surely a partner if you pray for these children. We may never know, I'm sure we never will. BUT, God does and He will honor those prayers.
The Kings Kidz met this morning and again we saw the softening of hearts as they are learning how to love their families. We learned about helping our family through the story of Moses and Miriam in Exodus 2. Pharaoh was killing all the male Hebrew children. Moses' mother had to do something! She made a basket and coated it with tar to waterproof it and put it in the river where it couldn't float off but would be discovered, and she left her daughter there to watch him. Mom returned to her forced slave labor. Giving up a child to the complete abandon of God to save them is not an easy thing! But Moses' sister was there to watch God put the puzzle together and when it was time, she did her part.
Miriam watched as Pharaoh's daughter came to bathe and she found the "abandoned" child. Now they didn't have grocery stores or QT's then. Someone had to feed the baby. The only one who could was someone who'd just had a baby. Miriam knew this and jumped in! She went to Pharaoh's daughter and asked if she wanted a Hebrew woman to feed the child. Of course she did! Miriam fetched her Mom-Moses' Mom, and Pharaoh's daughter offered to pay her to take care of her own child.
When Pharaoh was finished nursing, he lived in a place fit for a king. A palace actually! Read it for yourself! But, if they had not trusted God and helped each other, baby brother Moses could've died. He lived to be God's deliverer for the entire Hebrew nation. By saving him, they saved themselves.
Who is your Moses? Who in your family or church family is in harm's way? What can you do to help? Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do [so]. Pro 3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give [it]," When [you have] it with you. Pro 3:29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety's sake. Pro 3:30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. God's Word is pretty clear here.
The kids this morning promised to find ways to help their families; cleaning, being obedient, thinking of others before themselves, and praying for each other. Not a bad lesson. Not a bad group of kids.
This is what God has called us to do. Our leaders love these kids and give so much of themselves and their resources. There is so much you can do. If you don't want to partner with this ministry, why not start one of your own? You don't have to go overseas, all you have to do is open your door and your heart and say, "God, here am I." Then, watch as He fills your house with children or adults. He's just waiting...
We are having another Bible drive. We are asking people to leave prayer requests on the Mercy Abounds facebook page and providing them with Bibles if they need one. Please help us with this. You may use the Pay Pal at this site or contact Sharlene Bond at Green Acres Baptist church to donate for postage or Bibles or you can message me on the Mercy Abounds Facebook page or email me at the email on this site to donate Bibles. Most importantly, pray for those who might ask. Praise God we can still read and have Bibles in America today without dying for them!
Thanks for all you do and God bless you this week!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Saturday, July 3, 2010
I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ
I can certainly tell you ministry is not for the faint hearted, nor the lazy of Spirit! I promise you that each time I open my door to the kids at this ministry, that I open my door to the unsaved, the unexpected and sometimes the unloveliest of this world, in the mindset of those who are not yet His.
These middle-schoolers give us a run for our money! I am convinced that God brought all of us together as leaders to minister to these chosen children. Chosen by God to be given His Word and Truth 2 hours a week in the form of song and fellowship and the dividing of His divinely inspired, inerrant Word of the Living God. I am encouraged and challenged and prayerfully covering this group and I am asking for your prayer covering as well.
So many times when we meet the lesson is not what we plan out. These children begin to pepper us with questions of a profound spiritual weight. We never know what they will ask, but God never fails us and we have developed enough of a relationship with these children that, if we cannot answer, they understand what we mean when we say some things must be believed by faith. However, this week was a challenge and a very hotly contested meeting by some. For the first time since we began as a group, as we explained God's truth and read His word to answer questions asked by these children did we see resistance to His word being read. I saw at least two children, maybe three, with their fingers in their ears! They literally were trying to block the hearing of God's word as the truth was applied to their questions of hell, homosexuality and free will. I was shocked and immediately the scripture, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Ti 4:3-5 I witnessed this very scripture last night.
These children were having a hard time, a struggle, with God's word and our teaching. It was hard for them to truly consider that someone might actually go to hell. Why would God allow this? What's wrong with homosexuality; God knew people would be that way so why can't they go to Heaven? Why won't God just let us do whatever we want? Will Catholics or people of other religions go to Heaven? These are the questions that weighed on their minds, not the lesson I began to teach. I cannot tell you how many times this happens. It is such a blessing to be able to minister to these kids and make no mistake, we answer with the Word of God, each child has a Bible and reads with the leaders. But Friends, it is so hard for them to hear the Truth and apply it.
I would ask you to please pray for these children in their struggle! They want to believe us and they are trying to believe God's word, but everything they hear tells them differently. We are studying "Worldview" and the importance of it, material from the North American Mission Board. They are coming face to face with the Truth and it's hard! We know their struggles having been there. Please, pray for these children!
And as you read this blog, would you please comment and let me know that you are praying for them as a source of encouragement to the leaders here.
This is a critical time to be teaching God's word. The Bible says, " And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man," Luke 17:26. They had no regard for God's word and did as they pleased and when they were warned of destruction they laughed and did not repent. They (Noah's friends) refused to believe that there was a God who would judge and as we taught last night, we saw the same thing in the faces of these kids who have trusted us and listened to us. It is not God's desire to see one perish and it is certainly not our desire either. As we prayed last night, each persons' unsaved family members and these kids were heavy on our hearts. God help us! We cannot make anyone believe, nor will we try to "brainwash" by manipulation or playing on sympathies. BUT we will teach the whole counsel of God and answer the questions these children ask with the Word of God. We encourage them to read the Word themselves, to think about it and make their own decision. Again, please pray for these children, for us, for the lost in your families and lives, for your church leaders and for yourselves. And may God hear the fervent prayers of His saints!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
These middle-schoolers give us a run for our money! I am convinced that God brought all of us together as leaders to minister to these chosen children. Chosen by God to be given His Word and Truth 2 hours a week in the form of song and fellowship and the dividing of His divinely inspired, inerrant Word of the Living God. I am encouraged and challenged and prayerfully covering this group and I am asking for your prayer covering as well.
So many times when we meet the lesson is not what we plan out. These children begin to pepper us with questions of a profound spiritual weight. We never know what they will ask, but God never fails us and we have developed enough of a relationship with these children that, if we cannot answer, they understand what we mean when we say some things must be believed by faith. However, this week was a challenge and a very hotly contested meeting by some. For the first time since we began as a group, as we explained God's truth and read His word to answer questions asked by these children did we see resistance to His word being read. I saw at least two children, maybe three, with their fingers in their ears! They literally were trying to block the hearing of God's word as the truth was applied to their questions of hell, homosexuality and free will. I was shocked and immediately the scripture, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Ti 4:3-5 I witnessed this very scripture last night.
These children were having a hard time, a struggle, with God's word and our teaching. It was hard for them to truly consider that someone might actually go to hell. Why would God allow this? What's wrong with homosexuality; God knew people would be that way so why can't they go to Heaven? Why won't God just let us do whatever we want? Will Catholics or people of other religions go to Heaven? These are the questions that weighed on their minds, not the lesson I began to teach. I cannot tell you how many times this happens. It is such a blessing to be able to minister to these kids and make no mistake, we answer with the Word of God, each child has a Bible and reads with the leaders. But Friends, it is so hard for them to hear the Truth and apply it.
I would ask you to please pray for these children in their struggle! They want to believe us and they are trying to believe God's word, but everything they hear tells them differently. We are studying "Worldview" and the importance of it, material from the North American Mission Board. They are coming face to face with the Truth and it's hard! We know their struggles having been there. Please, pray for these children!
And as you read this blog, would you please comment and let me know that you are praying for them as a source of encouragement to the leaders here.
This is a critical time to be teaching God's word. The Bible says, " And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man," Luke 17:26. They had no regard for God's word and did as they pleased and when they were warned of destruction they laughed and did not repent. They (Noah's friends) refused to believe that there was a God who would judge and as we taught last night, we saw the same thing in the faces of these kids who have trusted us and listened to us. It is not God's desire to see one perish and it is certainly not our desire either. As we prayed last night, each persons' unsaved family members and these kids were heavy on our hearts. God help us! We cannot make anyone believe, nor will we try to "brainwash" by manipulation or playing on sympathies. BUT we will teach the whole counsel of God and answer the questions these children ask with the Word of God. We encourage them to read the Word themselves, to think about it and make their own decision. Again, please pray for these children, for us, for the lost in your families and lives, for your church leaders and for yourselves. And may God hear the fervent prayers of His saints!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Monday, June 28, 2010
Never Abandoned
Time seems to escape me lately! Is it like that for you? Do you wish there were more hours in the day? Don't you know that God never has that problem. He didn't need night or day, He is light! He didn't need time, He's timeless. He never had to travel to be somewhere, He's everywhere at the same time. I cannot wrap my mind around it! I get so tired, but God never tires. Psalm 121 is my favorite Psalm. My help comes from the God who can do all of that! Wow!
We have been studying Psalm 22 with the Up Bible Study. Anthony Evans sings "Never Let Go" and he does a fantastic job! You would be blessed to hear it! This study has done such a work in these kids. We sat down with our Bibles and blew the doors off the popular myths about Christ and Christianity. We learned that David could speak boldly in front of God because he had a relationship with Him. Like we spout off to our best friends when we are angry, David did the same thing! He asked why God had abandoned him and as he poured out his complaint his heart began to lighten and he began to strengthen himself with God's word and character. Before you know it David is speaking a prophetic Psalm, the very one Jesus quoted while He was on the cross.
With the help of the scriptures we learned that God does not abandon His children. Read this...
Psalm 22:24-26, "For He has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one;
He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to his cry for help.
From you comes the theme of My praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear You will I fulfill my vows,
the poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the Lord will praise Him-
may your hearts live forever!"
Now God may have let Jesus' physical body die, but He NEVER planned on leaving Him in the pit of hell! Never! God is not about to give up what is His! If He was going to do that why didn't He just let Satan take over Heaven? Because He will NOT share His glory, nor will He allow it to be destroyed! Now we may see terrible things happen to things of God and children of God, but don't think for one minute that God does not see or that He does not care. He does! And be assured of this one thing: He is never taken by surprise and it will ALL work for His glory in the end. Satan doesn't really even get to win one round, because God is always on the throne and He is NOT giving it up. Remember Jesus said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house, falleth." Luke 11:17 How could God abandon David, Jesus, or us?
Now we are working on a Biblical world view with these Up middle schoolers. They are learning how to put on God's eyes, His "glasses" by reading His word. Won't you pray for them. They have to turn away from everything they're being taught in 8 hours of school for two hours of Bible study every week. They need your prayers.
The Kings Kidz did an awesome job this week. Sky, Tracy's daughter, taught the lesson on Sunday. It was awesome opossum! We are learning how to get along with our families. Easier said than done sometimes as we see today and in Biblical times. They were people just like us!
We took a break from the Biblical characters last week and watched something related, videos on "The Ten", commandments that is! We'll be studying Rachels' children this week. Check out the Mercy Abounds Facebook page for more details!
Mercy Abounds is a ministry dedicated to teaching God's Word and loving His children. As you consider what God would have you to do with your time, talents, money and other blessings, would you consider this ministry? Just put it before the Lord and see what He would have you do. Thanks for your prayers and for caring about these kids. If you get the chance watch the movie, "The Secrets of Johnathan Sperry". It's about a man who does what we do and it's a true story including what happened to the kids later in life. What an inspiration!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
We have been studying Psalm 22 with the Up Bible Study. Anthony Evans sings "Never Let Go" and he does a fantastic job! You would be blessed to hear it! This study has done such a work in these kids. We sat down with our Bibles and blew the doors off the popular myths about Christ and Christianity. We learned that David could speak boldly in front of God because he had a relationship with Him. Like we spout off to our best friends when we are angry, David did the same thing! He asked why God had abandoned him and as he poured out his complaint his heart began to lighten and he began to strengthen himself with God's word and character. Before you know it David is speaking a prophetic Psalm, the very one Jesus quoted while He was on the cross.
With the help of the scriptures we learned that God does not abandon His children. Read this...
Psalm 22:24-26, "For He has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one;
He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to his cry for help.
From you comes the theme of My praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear You will I fulfill my vows,
the poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the Lord will praise Him-
may your hearts live forever!"
Now God may have let Jesus' physical body die, but He NEVER planned on leaving Him in the pit of hell! Never! God is not about to give up what is His! If He was going to do that why didn't He just let Satan take over Heaven? Because He will NOT share His glory, nor will He allow it to be destroyed! Now we may see terrible things happen to things of God and children of God, but don't think for one minute that God does not see or that He does not care. He does! And be assured of this one thing: He is never taken by surprise and it will ALL work for His glory in the end. Satan doesn't really even get to win one round, because God is always on the throne and He is NOT giving it up. Remember Jesus said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house, falleth." Luke 11:17 How could God abandon David, Jesus, or us?
Now we are working on a Biblical world view with these Up middle schoolers. They are learning how to put on God's eyes, His "glasses" by reading His word. Won't you pray for them. They have to turn away from everything they're being taught in 8 hours of school for two hours of Bible study every week. They need your prayers.
The Kings Kidz did an awesome job this week. Sky, Tracy's daughter, taught the lesson on Sunday. It was awesome opossum! We are learning how to get along with our families. Easier said than done sometimes as we see today and in Biblical times. They were people just like us!
We took a break from the Biblical characters last week and watched something related, videos on "The Ten", commandments that is! We'll be studying Rachels' children this week. Check out the Mercy Abounds Facebook page for more details!
Mercy Abounds is a ministry dedicated to teaching God's Word and loving His children. As you consider what God would have you to do with your time, talents, money and other blessings, would you consider this ministry? Just put it before the Lord and see what He would have you do. Thanks for your prayers and for caring about these kids. If you get the chance watch the movie, "The Secrets of Johnathan Sperry". It's about a man who does what we do and it's a true story including what happened to the kids later in life. What an inspiration!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Friday, June 11, 2010
Rewind and Renew
So much has happened since the last post! We took a two week break from everything but the Next Door Bible Study because my 25 year High School reunion took place this past Friday. Notice the new picture and you'll see me with my friend of over 30 years. It was interesting to see old friends and make new ones. Girls and boys morphed into women and men. Some people looked totally different to me.
I was very pleased that so many of us made it. Some were not with us because of time and travel. Some were not with us because their lives had come to an end. I was also glad to see that so many had come to know Christ as their Savior. 25 years is a way out! God was gracious to give us this time and there are still some who don't know Jesus. It reminded me to continue to pray for my family and friends who are lost, and I rejoiced to see everyone, no matter their walk. As long as there's breath in a body, there's a prayer for salvation. Only God knows who will and won't turn. As the song says, "I'll sing until the whole world hears!"
This has been another terrific week at Mercy Abounds. The Next Door Bible study family are working our way through Genesis, the sons of Jacob and the beginning of the nation of Israel. We are learning so much. This particular week from Genesis 25 we learned about falling and getting back up.
After Dinah had been raped and Simeon and Levi murdered an entire city of men, took the women and children and all of the family of Jacob (now called Israel by God) had to travel out of the area, God took them back to the place where He had introduced Himself personally to Jacob. Again He reminded Jacob that he was no longer to be called by his given name of Jacob, which means "supplanter, deceiver, liar..." but Israel meaning Prince with God. Only God elevates the lowly! Every other culture and some religions ignore or pity the poor and pitiable. BUT GOD, I love to hear that, "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." James 4:6.
Jacob told his family in Genesis 35:2 that they were to "put away your foreign gods (thanks again Simeon and Levi for bringing all the foreigners and their gods in....emphasis mine), purify yourselves, and change your clothes." Isn't that just how we should approach God? Putting away all our idols, everything that has stolen time from God; purifying ourselves, get rid of the false and the flamboyant; and change our clothes, come clean and humble before the Lord. Then, go back to where it all began. Where was it that God gave you your calling or made you that promise? Where was it that He told you what you were to do or where to go? Go there again, make a new altar, get a fresh Word from Him and be refreshed, reassured and renewed of strength.
When God reminded Jacob of His plan for a nation through him there was no reprimand. God did not yell at Jacob, nor did He mention, according to the scripture the offenses committed. Jacob and his family had outwardly done the act of repentance. Turning from their sin to God. When they left, Jacob buried Rachel and his past (the old man) and Israel (the new man) moved on according to Genesis 35:20,21. I love that God's Word put it just like that! Following is a genealogy of his family.
Now, I believe with all my heart that we should take instruction from God's instruction manual, His Word. We now do inwardly what Jacob and his family did outwardly by repentance that leads to salvation through Jesus Christ. We put away what was once important as we turn humbly to God leaving all that was false and flamboyant so that we can be made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Before we can be refreshed, reassured and renewed with strength we have to be redeemed by the blood of Christ. If you've never experienced what I'm talking about, would you consider the possibility that you may not truly know Christ as your Savior? I'm not judging or accusing, just opening the question for exploration.
A good litmus test for salvation is to be able to understand the Bible and hearing God speak through it. I'm not saying that the minute you get saved you can open the Bible and preach. However, Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." John 10:27. So, if you have never heard God speak to you through the scripture and you are not following Him, you might want to take some time with Jesus to reconsider things. Or, maybe not. You do certainly have a choice. I hope you make the same one I did, because this choice is one with eternal consequences.
Maybe your heart is hurting and you are angry with God, the choices you've made and the fact that He allowed you to make them. I have certainly been there. Would you allow me to serve you by telling you that God is in the same place you left Him, everywhere, all the time, and He knows everything that happened. He saw it, and He cares. The fact that He allowed pain into your life doesn't make Him a liar or unfair. Jesus told us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33, and, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." John 15:18. How much more honest can God be? Could it be you didn't know these things because you don't know the Word? Knowing God's promises from the Bible are like knowing your algebra equations. You must study to know it.
There is so much more to tell but I'll write in a couple of days. If there is anything I can do to encourage you in the Lord, please allow me to do so. My contact information is on this blog or go to the Mercy Abounds FB page and message me. May God bless you as you search your heart these next few days!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
I was very pleased that so many of us made it. Some were not with us because of time and travel. Some were not with us because their lives had come to an end. I was also glad to see that so many had come to know Christ as their Savior. 25 years is a way out! God was gracious to give us this time and there are still some who don't know Jesus. It reminded me to continue to pray for my family and friends who are lost, and I rejoiced to see everyone, no matter their walk. As long as there's breath in a body, there's a prayer for salvation. Only God knows who will and won't turn. As the song says, "I'll sing until the whole world hears!"
This has been another terrific week at Mercy Abounds. The Next Door Bible study family are working our way through Genesis, the sons of Jacob and the beginning of the nation of Israel. We are learning so much. This particular week from Genesis 25 we learned about falling and getting back up.
After Dinah had been raped and Simeon and Levi murdered an entire city of men, took the women and children and all of the family of Jacob (now called Israel by God) had to travel out of the area, God took them back to the place where He had introduced Himself personally to Jacob. Again He reminded Jacob that he was no longer to be called by his given name of Jacob, which means "supplanter, deceiver, liar..." but Israel meaning Prince with God. Only God elevates the lowly! Every other culture and some religions ignore or pity the poor and pitiable. BUT GOD, I love to hear that, "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." James 4:6.
Jacob told his family in Genesis 35:2 that they were to "put away your foreign gods (thanks again Simeon and Levi for bringing all the foreigners and their gods in....emphasis mine), purify yourselves, and change your clothes." Isn't that just how we should approach God? Putting away all our idols, everything that has stolen time from God; purifying ourselves, get rid of the false and the flamboyant; and change our clothes, come clean and humble before the Lord. Then, go back to where it all began. Where was it that God gave you your calling or made you that promise? Where was it that He told you what you were to do or where to go? Go there again, make a new altar, get a fresh Word from Him and be refreshed, reassured and renewed of strength.
When God reminded Jacob of His plan for a nation through him there was no reprimand. God did not yell at Jacob, nor did He mention, according to the scripture the offenses committed. Jacob and his family had outwardly done the act of repentance. Turning from their sin to God. When they left, Jacob buried Rachel and his past (the old man) and Israel (the new man) moved on according to Genesis 35:20,21. I love that God's Word put it just like that! Following is a genealogy of his family.
Now, I believe with all my heart that we should take instruction from God's instruction manual, His Word. We now do inwardly what Jacob and his family did outwardly by repentance that leads to salvation through Jesus Christ. We put away what was once important as we turn humbly to God leaving all that was false and flamboyant so that we can be made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Before we can be refreshed, reassured and renewed with strength we have to be redeemed by the blood of Christ. If you've never experienced what I'm talking about, would you consider the possibility that you may not truly know Christ as your Savior? I'm not judging or accusing, just opening the question for exploration.
A good litmus test for salvation is to be able to understand the Bible and hearing God speak through it. I'm not saying that the minute you get saved you can open the Bible and preach. However, Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." John 10:27. So, if you have never heard God speak to you through the scripture and you are not following Him, you might want to take some time with Jesus to reconsider things. Or, maybe not. You do certainly have a choice. I hope you make the same one I did, because this choice is one with eternal consequences.
Maybe your heart is hurting and you are angry with God, the choices you've made and the fact that He allowed you to make them. I have certainly been there. Would you allow me to serve you by telling you that God is in the same place you left Him, everywhere, all the time, and He knows everything that happened. He saw it, and He cares. The fact that He allowed pain into your life doesn't make Him a liar or unfair. Jesus told us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33, and, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." John 15:18. How much more honest can God be? Could it be you didn't know these things because you don't know the Word? Knowing God's promises from the Bible are like knowing your algebra equations. You must study to know it.
There is so much more to tell but I'll write in a couple of days. If there is anything I can do to encourage you in the Lord, please allow me to do so. My contact information is on this blog or go to the Mercy Abounds FB page and message me. May God bless you as you search your heart these next few days!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Saturday, May 15, 2010
How Big is Our God!!!!
What an amazing time we've been having at Mercy Abounds! I hope that you will be able to take time to stop by the Mercy Abounds Face book Page and study with us!
This Wednesday in the Next Door Bible Study we talked about Jacob's return home in Genesis 33. This chapter is rich with history and meaning! Jacob was a fearful man though he knew God was with him. He had just faced down an angry mob, invited Laban to kill anyone who had stolen his property. His speech was bold and persuasive! In fact, he wrestled with God and God changed his name to Israel (meaning Prince with God) which was no small thing! Yet, when it came to facing his past he almost could not bear it. I know about this fear-do you? Jacob sent presents to appease his brother whom he had wronged. He sent his family in groups so in case his brother was angry he might kill the "less important" first. Oh, my! God had plans for his entire family yet Jacob was deeming some less important than others. We can certainly blow it when fear gets out of control! For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isaiah 55:8. Oh, God knows what He's doing and we can trust Him when He leads us!
There was a good thing that resulted from Jacob/Israel's fear, he said his first recorded prayer of repentance! Up to this point he had acknowledged God, but had not realized who He was. That is good news! I love the Bible because it is SO REAL! How many times have you heard someone say that they believed in God but they weren't sure if they died tonight that they would go to Heaven? MANY times it is because they lack repentance. True repentance comes when you realize and agree with God that you are not in control-that you are too small and imperfect to solve your own problems. Then and only then will you voluntarily give your heart and will to the Savior you-WE- so desperately need, turn from your own ways and follow God. Jacob gave his heart to God. But even then his fear was strong. Can you imagine what he would've experienced if he hadn't known God was with him? Could he have gone home? Would he have run? Would you?
Thank God Jacob walked on in the strength of the Lord, scared or not, and the rest is history! We will be studying "the rest" of that history and I hope you will join us!
Friday Up was awesome! We watched Indescribable by Louie Giglio which you can see on You Tube. It is the most amazing description of God the Creator of the universe and if you've never realized how big God is- this is just the thing for you! I watched the kids as they watched the unfolding of the glory of God! At one point one of the girls' mouths dropped open in absolute awe and I couldn't help but giggle. I watched the faces of my leaders. Faye and Charlotte at different points were absolutely worshiping God is silent prayer. It was POWERFUL! God impressed on me several verses to share at the end, Numbers 24:14 and Matthew 24: 29-31. That same powerful God who loves us so much will be coming back and this time He isn't coming as a Savior, but as a Judge. I hope you know Him today. If you don't, won't you consider this and email me or talk to a pastor or someone you know understands this truth? No one knows the hour! Do not be careless about this or put it off. I wouldn't do this if I didn't believe and hadn't had this revelation myself!
I will leave you with that thought. Pray for all our groups as the King's Kidz learn how to get along with their families through God's Word and the Up and Next Door groups continue on our present paths. God bless you!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
This Wednesday in the Next Door Bible Study we talked about Jacob's return home in Genesis 33. This chapter is rich with history and meaning! Jacob was a fearful man though he knew God was with him. He had just faced down an angry mob, invited Laban to kill anyone who had stolen his property. His speech was bold and persuasive! In fact, he wrestled with God and God changed his name to Israel (meaning Prince with God) which was no small thing! Yet, when it came to facing his past he almost could not bear it. I know about this fear-do you? Jacob sent presents to appease his brother whom he had wronged. He sent his family in groups so in case his brother was angry he might kill the "less important" first. Oh, my! God had plans for his entire family yet Jacob was deeming some less important than others. We can certainly blow it when fear gets out of control! For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isaiah 55:8. Oh, God knows what He's doing and we can trust Him when He leads us!
There was a good thing that resulted from Jacob/Israel's fear, he said his first recorded prayer of repentance! Up to this point he had acknowledged God, but had not realized who He was. That is good news! I love the Bible because it is SO REAL! How many times have you heard someone say that they believed in God but they weren't sure if they died tonight that they would go to Heaven? MANY times it is because they lack repentance. True repentance comes when you realize and agree with God that you are not in control-that you are too small and imperfect to solve your own problems. Then and only then will you voluntarily give your heart and will to the Savior you-WE- so desperately need, turn from your own ways and follow God. Jacob gave his heart to God. But even then his fear was strong. Can you imagine what he would've experienced if he hadn't known God was with him? Could he have gone home? Would he have run? Would you?
Thank God Jacob walked on in the strength of the Lord, scared or not, and the rest is history! We will be studying "the rest" of that history and I hope you will join us!
Friday Up was awesome! We watched Indescribable by Louie Giglio which you can see on You Tube. It is the most amazing description of God the Creator of the universe and if you've never realized how big God is- this is just the thing for you! I watched the kids as they watched the unfolding of the glory of God! At one point one of the girls' mouths dropped open in absolute awe and I couldn't help but giggle. I watched the faces of my leaders. Faye and Charlotte at different points were absolutely worshiping God is silent prayer. It was POWERFUL! God impressed on me several verses to share at the end, Numbers 24:14 and Matthew 24: 29-31. That same powerful God who loves us so much will be coming back and this time He isn't coming as a Savior, but as a Judge. I hope you know Him today. If you don't, won't you consider this and email me or talk to a pastor or someone you know understands this truth? No one knows the hour! Do not be careless about this or put it off. I wouldn't do this if I didn't believe and hadn't had this revelation myself!
I will leave you with that thought. Pray for all our groups as the King's Kidz learn how to get along with their families through God's Word and the Up and Next Door groups continue on our present paths. God bless you!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Saturday, April 24, 2010
What a week!!!
We had the most fantastic time at the Lake House retreat with the guys from Next Door Bible Study! We (the guys-I cooked/cleaned/taught...)swam, fished, played tennis, ping pong, etc. We painted the lake house deck and even had devotionals with the Skit Guys every day. Charlotte, Dusty and Dakota joined us on Saturday. I hope they lived up to the theme of the weekend "Wise Guys". I know they learned some things they'd never heard. They even surprised Mrs. Faye by planting flowers underneath her mailbox and they are making her a sign that says "Faye's Refuge" to hang at the entrance to the driveway.
We studied Spiritual warfare, cleaning up our mouths and making our walk match our talk. We ended up the weekend with learning to run the race. It was pretty cool! We had a scavenger hunt each day relating to the lesson where the discovered a treasure for each young man to keep and the last scavenger hunt was a race with the winner recieving a CD from Need To Breathe. Tee Shirts with our logo was another gift. Wonderful weekend!
This week the Next Door Bible Study met again. Renee had the awesome pleasure of leading someone to the Lord over Facebook! She called me at midnight to tell me. She was so excited. That is what this ministry is all about, discipleship, teaching these kids the truth of Christ and how to pass it on. We are planning the girl's trip to the lake and then we will back in Genesis next week.
The UP Bible study met this week. We are talking about storms in our lives. We have studied, "Why Me?" Why would God choose me to do something. This week and next week we are studying "Why Now?" The story of Esther who was chosen for "...such a time as this." We are also chosen for such a time as this. God has specific calls on all our lives and He has equipt us with the tools we need to get the job done. Then He stategically places us in the arena where that gift is to be used, though sometimes we may not be the most willing participants. Fear of the unknown and discomfort and unwillingness to change are enemies of God's plan . We must array ourselves in the armor of the Spirit in order to see success. We are listening to the song "We Live" by Superchik. The kids asked us to play it a second time and they sang with it. It was great!!!
I would ask you to pray for these children. All of them are going through hard time right now. Pray specifically that God would open up their ears and their minds to the things of God and that they might be saved.
No King's Kidz this weekend. We are lakebound to list the service projects for the girls. We will resume next weekend. Pray for us as we seek the Lord in prayer and ask for specific guidance. We hope to have some breakthroughs! God bless you all this week.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
We studied Spiritual warfare, cleaning up our mouths and making our walk match our talk. We ended up the weekend with learning to run the race. It was pretty cool! We had a scavenger hunt each day relating to the lesson where the discovered a treasure for each young man to keep and the last scavenger hunt was a race with the winner recieving a CD from Need To Breathe. Tee Shirts with our logo was another gift. Wonderful weekend!
This week the Next Door Bible Study met again. Renee had the awesome pleasure of leading someone to the Lord over Facebook! She called me at midnight to tell me. She was so excited. That is what this ministry is all about, discipleship, teaching these kids the truth of Christ and how to pass it on. We are planning the girl's trip to the lake and then we will back in Genesis next week.
The UP Bible study met this week. We are talking about storms in our lives. We have studied, "Why Me?" Why would God choose me to do something. This week and next week we are studying "Why Now?" The story of Esther who was chosen for "...such a time as this." We are also chosen for such a time as this. God has specific calls on all our lives and He has equipt us with the tools we need to get the job done. Then He stategically places us in the arena where that gift is to be used, though sometimes we may not be the most willing participants. Fear of the unknown and discomfort and unwillingness to change are enemies of God's plan . We must array ourselves in the armor of the Spirit in order to see success. We are listening to the song "We Live" by Superchik. The kids asked us to play it a second time and they sang with it. It was great!!!
I would ask you to pray for these children. All of them are going through hard time right now. Pray specifically that God would open up their ears and their minds to the things of God and that they might be saved.
No King's Kidz this weekend. We are lakebound to list the service projects for the girls. We will resume next weekend. Pray for us as we seek the Lord in prayer and ask for specific guidance. We hope to have some breakthroughs! God bless you all this week.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Friday, April 9, 2010
Amen!
Wonderful, Counselor, Almight God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! To God be the glory for tonight! UP Bible Study tonight~!~ Amazing! Bobby opened the lesson- we listened to the song "Everlasting" and talked about the words in the song, the attributes of God. Bobby explained the difference between mercy and grace-Mercy-not getting something from God that we really deserve (God withholding the punishment from us that we deserve like death and hell) and Grace -getting from God what we don't deserve (like forgiveness when we deserve death). My Bible quotes Jesus as saying, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me." John 12:32 And so He did tonight at this Bible study! The kids began to pepper off question after question and to testify about what God had done for them. They asked foundational questions about Baptism and fighting vs turning the other cheek. They learned that only Jesus has the right to judge motives and about loving your neighbor as yourself and how our hearts are deceitful. They learned about spiritual warfare and the list goes on! We toured verses from Ezekial, Jeremiah, Romans, and more. We touched on so many topics I cannot remember all of them and I wish I could. We barely got a breather before it started again! What a way to honor God! I would to God that more and more they would just pour out their hearts and beg for answers! The Holy Spirit guided the answers and they were solid! What a night! All of the leaders were encouraged, excited and exhausted!
Wednesday at The Next Door Bible Study we talked about Genesis 31 again and how the murderous mob of Laban's family came upon Jacob and his family. God protected them from harm although Rachel had done a very stupid thing and stole Laban's idols. We talked about how being a child of God means His protection even when we mess up! There is such a thing as consequence, but thank God for mercy and grace, just as we discussed tonight.
We still have King's Kidz to go in the morning but I was so excited I couldn't wait to tell you about tonight! When you pray tonight please keep these kids in mind. Satan hates that they are learning and he will surely try to drag them down, but we will pray for God's protection! Praise God for these children and His love for them. "Suffer the little children to come unto Me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14.
Enjoy the pictures of the Easter Egg Hunt outreach on my Facebook page and on the Mercy Abounds Facebook page. You can also pull up greenacresbc.com and view them on a slideshow.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Wednesday at The Next Door Bible Study we talked about Genesis 31 again and how the murderous mob of Laban's family came upon Jacob and his family. God protected them from harm although Rachel had done a very stupid thing and stole Laban's idols. We talked about how being a child of God means His protection even when we mess up! There is such a thing as consequence, but thank God for mercy and grace, just as we discussed tonight.
We still have King's Kidz to go in the morning but I was so excited I couldn't wait to tell you about tonight! When you pray tonight please keep these kids in mind. Satan hates that they are learning and he will surely try to drag them down, but we will pray for God's protection! Praise God for these children and His love for them. "Suffer the little children to come unto Me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14.
Enjoy the pictures of the Easter Egg Hunt outreach on my Facebook page and on the Mercy Abounds Facebook page. You can also pull up greenacresbc.com and view them on a slideshow.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Easter Outreach
Today was a wonderful day! We had our Easter Egg Hunt Outreach and 47 precious children attended and some parents.
I had to laugh at the beginning,the boxes were being unloaded and I saw the potential for error and said,"Make sure you keep all the boxes of the different age groups together, don't mix them up!" and I must have said it a bit sternly because a brother of mine said, "And Jesus loves you, Ms Jamie doesn't, but He does!" I had to laugh about that (I'm such a Martha sometimes)and just think about the REAL reason for the outreach; not to have everything right, although He is a God of order, but to show Christ. How funny that we can be attempting something wonderful for Christ and be His worst representative! Yep-it can happen to anyone if we lose our focus-and it doesn't take long! God is loving to rebuke us! I knew then that He was in control of the situation and He was big enough to handle any problem coming my way. I love the verse, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Matthew 11:30. Once we take all the steps of obedience and step out to do what He's called us to do, He takes it from there-and so He did! We told the Easter Story, played games and hunted eggs. There were testimonies given and an explaination of salvation. What a wonderful time!
We had such a wonderful group of people at the event, the kids are talking about the story time now (I've heard from some parents this evening) and talking about "some man was ressurrected"! That was the plan! Thank God that He showed up. John 12:32 "And I, if I be lifted up,will draw all men unto Me." Now each child has a Bible and some Bible stories or for the oldest kids, Bible activities.
Please join me in prayer that these families will now have a curiosity about the Man who was ressurected and that they might even come to church! Not to boost attendance numbers, but to learn about the One who died for them. It's all for His glory and honor and for their salvation.
May you have a blessed Easter celebrating the defeat of death for us all through the Risen One! He is the Amen!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
I had to laugh at the beginning,the boxes were being unloaded and I saw the potential for error and said,"Make sure you keep all the boxes of the different age groups together, don't mix them up!" and I must have said it a bit sternly because a brother of mine said, "And Jesus loves you, Ms Jamie doesn't, but He does!" I had to laugh about that (I'm such a Martha sometimes)and just think about the REAL reason for the outreach; not to have everything right, although He is a God of order, but to show Christ. How funny that we can be attempting something wonderful for Christ and be His worst representative! Yep-it can happen to anyone if we lose our focus-and it doesn't take long! God is loving to rebuke us! I knew then that He was in control of the situation and He was big enough to handle any problem coming my way. I love the verse, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Matthew 11:30. Once we take all the steps of obedience and step out to do what He's called us to do, He takes it from there-and so He did! We told the Easter Story, played games and hunted eggs. There were testimonies given and an explaination of salvation. What a wonderful time!
We had such a wonderful group of people at the event, the kids are talking about the story time now (I've heard from some parents this evening) and talking about "some man was ressurrected"! That was the plan! Thank God that He showed up. John 12:32 "And I, if I be lifted up,will draw all men unto Me." Now each child has a Bible and some Bible stories or for the oldest kids, Bible activities.
Please join me in prayer that these families will now have a curiosity about the Man who was ressurected and that they might even come to church! Not to boost attendance numbers, but to learn about the One who died for them. It's all for His glory and honor and for their salvation.
May you have a blessed Easter celebrating the defeat of death for us all through the Risen One! He is the Amen!
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Preparation, Outreach, AWANAs
What a wonderful week! This Saturday our church's (Green Acres Baptist)AWANA quizzing team competed to the glory of God and our TREK (middle school) won first place, and Journey (high school) won second and third with another church from Warner Robins taking first place. Our church actually practiced with them. Now, I must admit, I am bragging a little because I am a TREK leader but I really said this to brag on the kids and, of course, on Christ.
During quizzing competition kids are asked for verses, doctrinal information, and definitions. The most beautiful sight in the world to me, and to most of us was when repeatedly all the teams got the questions right. At one point, especially during the TREK quizzing, we wondered if anyone was going to score. We were all encouraging the kids and one of the judges even praised God at one point. It was remarkable! God truly got the glory for the day!
I think about this country lately and the decisions being made that will affect these children, their generation, directly. There was a rainbow of colors representing many ethnic groups, Christ bringing unity, and these children were strong in their passion and convictions having truly hidden God's Word in their heart. I was so encouraged! So encouraged! They will truly need the knowledge to hold them in times of trouble. 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people who are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from thier wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We had the chance to see that these kids may be able to do just that. After all AWANA stands for "approved workmen are not ashamed". These children have no reason to be ashamed. And this was just one section of Georgia! All over the country, in every state God has reserved for Himself some children who are hiding His word in their heart! Thank you, Jesus, for the encouragement! And thank you God for AWANA and the discipleship that program offers!
We did not meet for King's Kidz or UP Bible study this week-spring breaking! But, The Next Door Bible study did meet. We stuffed approximately 1200 eggs and around 50 Easter bags with a new Testament and either Bible stories or activities. There is much preparation still to be done. We will meet again this next Wednesday to finish it up and then the Egg Hunt outreach will be Saturday from 10 AM-12 Noon. I am so very excited for the opportunity to share the Easter Story, a New Testament and testimonies with these children and their families. Thank God!
Please continue to pray for Mercy Abounds as we reach out to those in need of Christ. May God bless you this week as you honor Him with your life.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
During quizzing competition kids are asked for verses, doctrinal information, and definitions. The most beautiful sight in the world to me, and to most of us was when repeatedly all the teams got the questions right. At one point, especially during the TREK quizzing, we wondered if anyone was going to score. We were all encouraging the kids and one of the judges even praised God at one point. It was remarkable! God truly got the glory for the day!
I think about this country lately and the decisions being made that will affect these children, their generation, directly. There was a rainbow of colors representing many ethnic groups, Christ bringing unity, and these children were strong in their passion and convictions having truly hidden God's Word in their heart. I was so encouraged! So encouraged! They will truly need the knowledge to hold them in times of trouble. 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people who are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from thier wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We had the chance to see that these kids may be able to do just that. After all AWANA stands for "approved workmen are not ashamed". These children have no reason to be ashamed. And this was just one section of Georgia! All over the country, in every state God has reserved for Himself some children who are hiding His word in their heart! Thank you, Jesus, for the encouragement! And thank you God for AWANA and the discipleship that program offers!
We did not meet for King's Kidz or UP Bible study this week-spring breaking! But, The Next Door Bible study did meet. We stuffed approximately 1200 eggs and around 50 Easter bags with a new Testament and either Bible stories or activities. There is much preparation still to be done. We will meet again this next Wednesday to finish it up and then the Egg Hunt outreach will be Saturday from 10 AM-12 Noon. I am so very excited for the opportunity to share the Easter Story, a New Testament and testimonies with these children and their families. Thank God!
Please continue to pray for Mercy Abounds as we reach out to those in need of Christ. May God bless you this week as you honor Him with your life.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Saturday, March 20, 2010
A Position of Submission
It is just my absolute honor to be able to tell you again about everything going on here at Mercy Abounds. But something special happened this morning that I'd like to share.
Our lesson at King's Kidz this morning was on Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in His own image;in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them." Such a beautiful picture of God. We drew pictures of creation this morning and took pictures. We discussed that just as pictures on your phone or computer or in your hand were images of ourselves, so we are images of God. God painted us on His canvas with just the right amount of skin coloring and imperfections to make us each His own masterpiece. Each one unique to the DNA. No two are alike, even twins, identicle twins, will have some distinctive traits.
I prayed this morning thanking God for His treasures, for making each one of us different and unique. I prayed that we would get in agreement with God that we are who we are on purpose, looks, intelligence, etc. and that we would agree with God that we are fearfully and wonderfully made just as we are.
When I finished praying, Tracey had the sweetest smile on her face, her child who is still learning to walk had been laying face down during the prayer and when we finished she sat up. I thought, "What a wonderful picture of how we should enter the presence of the King. Created beings bowing in submission, carrying our petitions to the throne of grace." This baby knew something some of us have forgotten. You see as we grow we begin to have a lot of ideas about how we should pray, and what we deserve as children of the King. Elena did not know or care about these things, she instinctively laid on the carpet face first. And when we finished praying she sat up. No one else was on the carpet, we were sitting up, or standing but the smallest, most unwise of us all was face down. What a beautiful image of who I should be, who we all should be.
Matt 26:34 says, "He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." Jesus humbled Himself before God. We should be able to humble ourselves, not caring how we look to others, not for show but for "owe", for we owe Him the debt of our salvation and the sacrifice of praise.
Beth Moore taught at a conference I attended once in 2005 at the National Women's Convention in Chatanooga, Tennesee- "Set Apart, Passionate for Truth." She was reading all the scriptures from those of Moses to Revelation about those who humbled themselves as they sought the Lord and went face down. She finished this with an example of what we can do when we find ourselves in this position. She talked about how David's nemesis Goliath fell, upon his dying, face down in front of David. Also, will we forget the statue of the Dagon in 1 Samuel 5 that fell face down before the Ark of God? So, when we go willingly face down before a holy God, He will have our enemies go face down, also! How wonderful is that?
Up Bible study on Friday was wonderful! Looking into the God who caused Sonic Flood to write "Everlasting". What a wonderful song and message.
More Easter Egg Hunt preparation this next week for the Next Door Bible study and Green Acres Baptist Church. Much work to do. Please pray God will bring the children that He would have be there. We are preparing for 100 children. Please pray God brings all 100!
God may we all strike a position of submission, just as this sweet baby and your child, Jesus, did. Help us to remember there is a plan and a reason for suffering and rearranging even if we don't understand.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Our lesson at King's Kidz this morning was on Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in His own image;in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them." Such a beautiful picture of God. We drew pictures of creation this morning and took pictures. We discussed that just as pictures on your phone or computer or in your hand were images of ourselves, so we are images of God. God painted us on His canvas with just the right amount of skin coloring and imperfections to make us each His own masterpiece. Each one unique to the DNA. No two are alike, even twins, identicle twins, will have some distinctive traits.
I prayed this morning thanking God for His treasures, for making each one of us different and unique. I prayed that we would get in agreement with God that we are who we are on purpose, looks, intelligence, etc. and that we would agree with God that we are fearfully and wonderfully made just as we are.
When I finished praying, Tracey had the sweetest smile on her face, her child who is still learning to walk had been laying face down during the prayer and when we finished she sat up. I thought, "What a wonderful picture of how we should enter the presence of the King. Created beings bowing in submission, carrying our petitions to the throne of grace." This baby knew something some of us have forgotten. You see as we grow we begin to have a lot of ideas about how we should pray, and what we deserve as children of the King. Elena did not know or care about these things, she instinctively laid on the carpet face first. And when we finished praying she sat up. No one else was on the carpet, we were sitting up, or standing but the smallest, most unwise of us all was face down. What a beautiful image of who I should be, who we all should be.
Matt 26:34 says, "He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." Jesus humbled Himself before God. We should be able to humble ourselves, not caring how we look to others, not for show but for "owe", for we owe Him the debt of our salvation and the sacrifice of praise.
Beth Moore taught at a conference I attended once in 2005 at the National Women's Convention in Chatanooga, Tennesee- "Set Apart, Passionate for Truth." She was reading all the scriptures from those of Moses to Revelation about those who humbled themselves as they sought the Lord and went face down. She finished this with an example of what we can do when we find ourselves in this position. She talked about how David's nemesis Goliath fell, upon his dying, face down in front of David. Also, will we forget the statue of the Dagon in 1 Samuel 5 that fell face down before the Ark of God? So, when we go willingly face down before a holy God, He will have our enemies go face down, also! How wonderful is that?
Up Bible study on Friday was wonderful! Looking into the God who caused Sonic Flood to write "Everlasting". What a wonderful song and message.
More Easter Egg Hunt preparation this next week for the Next Door Bible study and Green Acres Baptist Church. Much work to do. Please pray God will bring the children that He would have be there. We are preparing for 100 children. Please pray God brings all 100!
God may we all strike a position of submission, just as this sweet baby and your child, Jesus, did. Help us to remember there is a plan and a reason for suffering and rearranging even if we don't understand.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Trusting For Mercy
Hey guys! It's Alexis again. Last month I posted a blog called "Greetings from Alexis" and I just wanted to post another one telling everybody what a success Jamie's Bible Study has been. From the time I posted the first blog we've had about four new people coming and maybe another one on the way. Last night we talked about our life in the next couple of weeks and how our lives will change when we listen to what God wants us to do for him and we watched a movie called Facing the Giants. It's about a football coach who has a bunch of problems like his car won't work most of the time, his stove stops working, his football team can't seem to win a game and his wife just won't get pregnant. And towards the middle of the movie he puts everything aside and listens to what God has to say and someone gets him a brand new truck, his team wins the state championship two years in a row and his wife gets pregnant. See that's really what life is all about. Listening to God and to what he has in store for each person on this earth to do.
Before I go, I wanted to tell everybody who's reading this that God loves you!:)
You never would've guessed that that was from a 12 yr old. She turns 13 in October. She loves to write and loves to blog. I hope you don't mind.
We did talk about creation and Easter this morning for King's Kidz. I have to say it was neat to see them tuned in. They watched a short documentary on the real Easter Story-their choice, while we ate breakfast pizza, and then we talked about creation, the first days of it. How wonderful to see that God made everything perfect before He created us. We talked about God preparing the earth for us like new parents preparing a nursery for a new baby. Everything was fine until we, the Adams, entered into an agreement with Satan that God was a liar and not kind. We, along with Adam and Eve, agreed that God owed us "more". Instead of boasting of how He created us and gave us everything. I still think I know best at times and I can still think I need other than what God has given me. Am I alone in that?
UP Bible study, we did indeed finish up "Facing the Giants". Our challenge to the kids was to do what the team did. The turning point for the team was to be obedient to those in authority above them. The coach turned to God, the team began to obey their caoches, teachers and parents and to live with a new philosophy, "If we win, we praise Him-if we lose, we praise Him." The kids promised to try this until Spring Break. I'm praying they continue in it! I am praying for their salvation.
Wednesday at The Next Door Bible Study we had, again, new faces. We continued in Genesis talking about Jacob and his departure from Laban. We talked about how God was taking care of Jacob. In fact, God told Laban in a dream, "Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad." Genesis 31:24. Pretty powerful stuff! It would be exciting enough if your father stood behind you telling someone murderously angry with you that same statement, but to have the God of the universe invade your enemy's sleep with a stern warning! Wow! That's what I want! Don't let them sleep God, terrify them before they even get to me. That's my God!
We talked about God being a God of grace and how that grace glorified Him. We talked about the world being black and white, a place of absolute truth, God's truth. It is true that if you blur the lines and try to live in the gray area of life that you deny God and the grace that delivers us from that rigid standard. God said, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion..." Exodus 33:19 It is God's decision on how His people are delivered from situations. He knows how to do it and do it well. We do not trust Him to care for us, the very beings He created from dust. That is so arrogant. But thank God for the grace given to us because He understands our fears.
We will be gearing up for the Easter Egg Hunt outreach. Would you please keep us in your prayers? Thank you for the Bibles we have recieved! I appreciate the support. Please pray for the Ladies' Night Out at Green Acres Baptist Church this Thursday. I believe God has a message for some people and possibly some answers to some questions. May He bless you this week and may you glorify Him.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Before I go, I wanted to tell everybody who's reading this that God loves you!:)
You never would've guessed that that was from a 12 yr old. She turns 13 in October. She loves to write and loves to blog. I hope you don't mind.
We did talk about creation and Easter this morning for King's Kidz. I have to say it was neat to see them tuned in. They watched a short documentary on the real Easter Story-their choice, while we ate breakfast pizza, and then we talked about creation, the first days of it. How wonderful to see that God made everything perfect before He created us. We talked about God preparing the earth for us like new parents preparing a nursery for a new baby. Everything was fine until we, the Adams, entered into an agreement with Satan that God was a liar and not kind. We, along with Adam and Eve, agreed that God owed us "more". Instead of boasting of how He created us and gave us everything. I still think I know best at times and I can still think I need other than what God has given me. Am I alone in that?
UP Bible study, we did indeed finish up "Facing the Giants". Our challenge to the kids was to do what the team did. The turning point for the team was to be obedient to those in authority above them. The coach turned to God, the team began to obey their caoches, teachers and parents and to live with a new philosophy, "If we win, we praise Him-if we lose, we praise Him." The kids promised to try this until Spring Break. I'm praying they continue in it! I am praying for their salvation.
Wednesday at The Next Door Bible Study we had, again, new faces. We continued in Genesis talking about Jacob and his departure from Laban. We talked about how God was taking care of Jacob. In fact, God told Laban in a dream, "Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad." Genesis 31:24. Pretty powerful stuff! It would be exciting enough if your father stood behind you telling someone murderously angry with you that same statement, but to have the God of the universe invade your enemy's sleep with a stern warning! Wow! That's what I want! Don't let them sleep God, terrify them before they even get to me. That's my God!
We talked about God being a God of grace and how that grace glorified Him. We talked about the world being black and white, a place of absolute truth, God's truth. It is true that if you blur the lines and try to live in the gray area of life that you deny God and the grace that delivers us from that rigid standard. God said, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion..." Exodus 33:19 It is God's decision on how His people are delivered from situations. He knows how to do it and do it well. We do not trust Him to care for us, the very beings He created from dust. That is so arrogant. But thank God for the grace given to us because He understands our fears.
We will be gearing up for the Easter Egg Hunt outreach. Would you please keep us in your prayers? Thank you for the Bibles we have recieved! I appreciate the support. Please pray for the Ladies' Night Out at Green Acres Baptist Church this Thursday. I believe God has a message for some people and possibly some answers to some questions. May He bless you this week and may you glorify Him.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Saturday, February 27, 2010
The Saving Kind
"My life was filled with darkness and no matter where I turned there was no light and in my desperation and loneliness I cried out in the night. And I know there is a God, Lord, I know you're out there somewhere please come tonight. As I fell to my knees I felt the power of the love I call the saving kind." A beautiful song by Gold City. That's what this ministry is all about and Friday night we had the privileged of leading one of our children to the Lord. I hope I never lose the excitement of a sinner coming home!
At ten years old this child heard preaching on Revelation and God put within her heart a holy fear of Him. She knew what the Pastor Johnny (www.greenacresbc.com-sermon archives) said was true and she was afraid. There were only three children at Up Bible Study this night and we wondered what was going on. One child even left early. She watched the Facing The Giants clip on praying for Revival and listened as we began to teach on that subject. 2 Chronicles 7:14 was the verse we focused on. We defined the word "revival" and the kids learned you must be physically alive to be brought back to life and spiritually alive to be spiritually "revived".
We again covered the ABC's of salvation and we dug into the verse at hand. We broke down @ Chronicles 7:14 and the kids learned in a relationship there are two parts, two sides. The first part of the verse lists four things that we, as God's children, must do to mend the fences of a broken relationship with God so that we can be revived. We covered humbling ourselves in detail, then prayer, seeking God's Face, and turning from our wicked ways. THEN we learned, then God would hear and forgive and heal. We talked about how God knew if we really meant what we said and how He wouldn't accept less.
The leaders were so gracious and each person added from their own experiences. All the while this young lady soaked it all in. When she couldn't keep silent anymore she shared her concerns. When we asked her if there was ever a time when she realized she was a sinner and needed a Savior she said, "No". We covered what it meant to be standing in opposition to God as His enemy when you are not saved and how the promises of what we were talking about only applied to those who were adopted into His family. She wanted that. We told her when she was ready she could pray to receive Christ and she decided she was ready right then.
Some of you might think I've spent a long time talking about this, but there is just no other thing to celebrate like the salvation of someone you love and God loves. We pray for these children, love them, teach them and worry about them when we don't see them. There is no other gift that can give us the peace of knowing that we no longer have to worry about her life for she is in the hands of the Master, the One who made her. We will teach and love and celebrate her, but if she ever leaves this earth, she will be going home. I cannot express the relief and joy I feel for her.
Please pray for this sweet child and for our ability to continue to minister to her so God can grow her. May she disciple many others in Jesus' Name!
This past week with The Next Door Bible Study we had our initial meeting for the Easter Egg Hunt and we are starting to plan and to get everything in order. This morning with the King's Kidz Tracey made breakfast burritos and Michael taught us about having faith and not doubting Jesus' ability to heal. We are all sporting band aids today with the name of someone healed or saved by Jesus so we can remember all day that He heals and saves and we can trust Him. Mine says "Lazarus". We sang "Faith Talking" by Hope's Call and had a wonderful morning.
If you are not praying for these kids you are missing a blessing! They are awesome and God is working in their little lives. What a Mighty God we serve! Don't forget to pray for the hunt, we are taking donations, you can drop them off at Green Acres Baptist, 901 Elberta Road and thanks for your support of this ministry and the children we minister to.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
At ten years old this child heard preaching on Revelation and God put within her heart a holy fear of Him. She knew what the Pastor Johnny (www.greenacresbc.com-sermon archives) said was true and she was afraid. There were only three children at Up Bible Study this night and we wondered what was going on. One child even left early. She watched the Facing The Giants clip on praying for Revival and listened as we began to teach on that subject. 2 Chronicles 7:14 was the verse we focused on. We defined the word "revival" and the kids learned you must be physically alive to be brought back to life and spiritually alive to be spiritually "revived".
We again covered the ABC's of salvation and we dug into the verse at hand. We broke down @ Chronicles 7:14 and the kids learned in a relationship there are two parts, two sides. The first part of the verse lists four things that we, as God's children, must do to mend the fences of a broken relationship with God so that we can be revived. We covered humbling ourselves in detail, then prayer, seeking God's Face, and turning from our wicked ways. THEN we learned, then God would hear and forgive and heal. We talked about how God knew if we really meant what we said and how He wouldn't accept less.
The leaders were so gracious and each person added from their own experiences. All the while this young lady soaked it all in. When she couldn't keep silent anymore she shared her concerns. When we asked her if there was ever a time when she realized she was a sinner and needed a Savior she said, "No". We covered what it meant to be standing in opposition to God as His enemy when you are not saved and how the promises of what we were talking about only applied to those who were adopted into His family. She wanted that. We told her when she was ready she could pray to receive Christ and she decided she was ready right then.
Some of you might think I've spent a long time talking about this, but there is just no other thing to celebrate like the salvation of someone you love and God loves. We pray for these children, love them, teach them and worry about them when we don't see them. There is no other gift that can give us the peace of knowing that we no longer have to worry about her life for she is in the hands of the Master, the One who made her. We will teach and love and celebrate her, but if she ever leaves this earth, she will be going home. I cannot express the relief and joy I feel for her.
Please pray for this sweet child and for our ability to continue to minister to her so God can grow her. May she disciple many others in Jesus' Name!
This past week with The Next Door Bible Study we had our initial meeting for the Easter Egg Hunt and we are starting to plan and to get everything in order. This morning with the King's Kidz Tracey made breakfast burritos and Michael taught us about having faith and not doubting Jesus' ability to heal. We are all sporting band aids today with the name of someone healed or saved by Jesus so we can remember all day that He heals and saves and we can trust Him. Mine says "Lazarus". We sang "Faith Talking" by Hope's Call and had a wonderful morning.
If you are not praying for these kids you are missing a blessing! They are awesome and God is working in their little lives. What a Mighty God we serve! Don't forget to pray for the hunt, we are taking donations, you can drop them off at Green Acres Baptist, 901 Elberta Road and thanks for your support of this ministry and the children we minister to.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Oh For A Thousand Tongues to Sing!
Hope you have all had a wonderful week! We have had a slow week due to school being out here this week. But God is working nonetheless. He works in the quite times even when we don't see Him working. We should pray for peace where we are so the gospel can go forth.
I had the unique opportunity this week to speak with our new apartment manager. After a lengthy discussion about the ministry here and my concerns about gang members in the area occupying certain areas of the complex she voiced her agreement. The complex has two large unoccupied buildings up for "grabs". One of which the children and I used to meet in, however I can no longer afford. She has a direction and a vision for these buildings and even would like to either make one a mini-police station, apparently there's been discussion of it in the past, or an apartment for security. Her plan is to also somehow incorporate the ministry. Her thoughts are that areas that are occupied on a regular basis are less likely to be infiltrated so easily. I agree wholeheartedly. Another concern is the High School right up the street. If this large complex is given over to gang/drug activity it is so very close to the school that we may as a city loose safety of the area and the children who must attend there.
This smart lady would like to see the complex waive the fee for one of those buildings and let us occupy it at least three times a week to house the ministries and encourage more to come to foster a sense of community. This is exactly what we want to happen! Please be in prayer for her, that God would give her favor, that he would influence the owners hearts and that these children would be provided a place! How the gospel could spread in this time of peace! Also pray for the other complexes I am about to contact again. Due to my broken foot things were put to a screeching halt!
We had no Next Door Bible Study this week, almost all of the children were out of town. We had no Saturday study, already planned it off. But what an Up Bible study did we have!
Jeremy taught about what matters in our life. Ecclesiastes was the book he taught from and he proved several times from this book how everything is "vanity", "vapor", "meaningless" apart from God. Everything. We watched the clip from "Facing the Giants" and then made lists of things in our life that seemed important but because they didn't glorify God were in fact meaningless. At the end of every list we wrote "everything". We talked about the list, traded papers, then had a funeral for the things in our lives that did not glorify God. We put to rest things like TV, cell-phones, "Twilight", vampires, past pain and past victories, then everything. We laughed and "dramatized" our way through the funeral but the meaning was not lost on these kids! We learned that our lives are supposed to glorify God and if there is something we're doing apart from glorifying God it is meaningless.
How many truly meaningless things do we do a day? For myself, far too many. Jeremy taught us "Soli Deo Gloria" which means, "Glory to God alone". I would love for my life to give Soli Deo Gloria. What a great night! Did I say it was a great night? Jeremy is in college to be a math teacher and I believe he will be wonderful. I have to give it to the leaders God has drawn to this group, they are interesting and unique and the kids never know what our leaders are going to do! We also as leaders love and respect each other and we love these children. God is so good to me to let me participate.
Once again I ask for your prayers for these groups of children, for the use of the facilities here and whatever God would have us do here. Also, we still need Bibles and the Easter Egg hunt is coming, pray for supplies, safety, workers and God to be glorified! Soli Deo Gloria! Thanks again for supporting this ministry.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
I had the unique opportunity this week to speak with our new apartment manager. After a lengthy discussion about the ministry here and my concerns about gang members in the area occupying certain areas of the complex she voiced her agreement. The complex has two large unoccupied buildings up for "grabs". One of which the children and I used to meet in, however I can no longer afford. She has a direction and a vision for these buildings and even would like to either make one a mini-police station, apparently there's been discussion of it in the past, or an apartment for security. Her plan is to also somehow incorporate the ministry. Her thoughts are that areas that are occupied on a regular basis are less likely to be infiltrated so easily. I agree wholeheartedly. Another concern is the High School right up the street. If this large complex is given over to gang/drug activity it is so very close to the school that we may as a city loose safety of the area and the children who must attend there.
This smart lady would like to see the complex waive the fee for one of those buildings and let us occupy it at least three times a week to house the ministries and encourage more to come to foster a sense of community. This is exactly what we want to happen! Please be in prayer for her, that God would give her favor, that he would influence the owners hearts and that these children would be provided a place! How the gospel could spread in this time of peace! Also pray for the other complexes I am about to contact again. Due to my broken foot things were put to a screeching halt!
We had no Next Door Bible Study this week, almost all of the children were out of town. We had no Saturday study, already planned it off. But what an Up Bible study did we have!
Jeremy taught about what matters in our life. Ecclesiastes was the book he taught from and he proved several times from this book how everything is "vanity", "vapor", "meaningless" apart from God. Everything. We watched the clip from "Facing the Giants" and then made lists of things in our life that seemed important but because they didn't glorify God were in fact meaningless. At the end of every list we wrote "everything". We talked about the list, traded papers, then had a funeral for the things in our lives that did not glorify God. We put to rest things like TV, cell-phones, "Twilight", vampires, past pain and past victories, then everything. We laughed and "dramatized" our way through the funeral but the meaning was not lost on these kids! We learned that our lives are supposed to glorify God and if there is something we're doing apart from glorifying God it is meaningless.
How many truly meaningless things do we do a day? For myself, far too many. Jeremy taught us "Soli Deo Gloria" which means, "Glory to God alone". I would love for my life to give Soli Deo Gloria. What a great night! Did I say it was a great night? Jeremy is in college to be a math teacher and I believe he will be wonderful. I have to give it to the leaders God has drawn to this group, they are interesting and unique and the kids never know what our leaders are going to do! We also as leaders love and respect each other and we love these children. God is so good to me to let me participate.
Once again I ask for your prayers for these groups of children, for the use of the facilities here and whatever God would have us do here. Also, we still need Bibles and the Easter Egg hunt is coming, pray for supplies, safety, workers and God to be glorified! Soli Deo Gloria! Thanks again for supporting this ministry.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The More I Seek You...
"The more I seek You, the more I find You, the more I find You, the more I love You. I want to sit at Your feet, drink from the cup in Your hand, lay back against You and breathe, feel Your heart beat. This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand, I melt in Your peace, it's overwhelming," from a popular Christian song. What comforting words and what real possibility. Have you ever put your head into the chest of a parent, brother, friend or spouse when you were hurting or sick? You know they would take the pain from you if it were possible. It is possible with Jesus Christ. He is the Healer, Jehovah Rapha, "The Lord who heals". The more we cleave to the bosom of Christ the more comfort we are surrounded with. "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant." Psalm 119:76
We used to sing this song frequently at the Next Door Bible Study on Wednesdays before Dusty got sick and some others starting missing meetings because of college. It is such a healing song. Even more wonderful was while I enjoyed the song today, one of those sweet young men, Josh, called me just to talk and encourage me. He shared with me how God has been working in his life lately and things he'd learned. He plans to be a Psychologist and I have no doubt he will be. I shared how proud I was of each of them and how much it meant that he called me. He told me I should be proud because part of the way he and others had turned out was because of the work God had done through this ministry and the teaching they received. I was thrilled! Now that is encouragement. To think that God could use such an imperfect vessel for the purpose of His plan still amazes me. I don't come close to getting it right every time, but He honors my willingness and availability and most of all His Word that is taught. Praise God for His faithfulness just as the verse says even when we, including me, are not!
Today we did not have King's Kidz due to the snow. And, of course, we didn't have UP Friday night because of the snow. But Wednesday at The Next Door Bible Study we had four new young men! I don't know if they will come back, however they were thrilled when they found out they could invite more. I told them just to let me know so I could have enough food and they agreed.
Now that leads me to a need. When anyone comes here if they don't have a Bible we give them one, so I am running low on Bibles. I like to have a variety of Bibles for the kids to choose from so if they find one they can understand, they can take it. I have had NIV, NLT, KJV, NKJV, and study bibles. If any of you would like to provide a few Bibles to be given away I would appreciate it. I don't mind if they are used as long as they are in condition enough to last through a kid and they have all the pages. That would be a huge help!
Also, pray for the groups of kids themselves as they begin to study with those they don't know. Pray that they would be good examples for these youth and that they would show the love of Christ. Many of these have just begun to learn themselves and it's hard for those of us who've known Christ sometimes to love a complete stranger. Please pray for the coming Easter Egg Hunt that we will begin work on soon. And as always, pray that God continues to make me a usable vessel. Thanks for all you do for the Kingdom of God and for Christ's sake.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
We used to sing this song frequently at the Next Door Bible Study on Wednesdays before Dusty got sick and some others starting missing meetings because of college. It is such a healing song. Even more wonderful was while I enjoyed the song today, one of those sweet young men, Josh, called me just to talk and encourage me. He shared with me how God has been working in his life lately and things he'd learned. He plans to be a Psychologist and I have no doubt he will be. I shared how proud I was of each of them and how much it meant that he called me. He told me I should be proud because part of the way he and others had turned out was because of the work God had done through this ministry and the teaching they received. I was thrilled! Now that is encouragement. To think that God could use such an imperfect vessel for the purpose of His plan still amazes me. I don't come close to getting it right every time, but He honors my willingness and availability and most of all His Word that is taught. Praise God for His faithfulness just as the verse says even when we, including me, are not!
Today we did not have King's Kidz due to the snow. And, of course, we didn't have UP Friday night because of the snow. But Wednesday at The Next Door Bible Study we had four new young men! I don't know if they will come back, however they were thrilled when they found out they could invite more. I told them just to let me know so I could have enough food and they agreed.
Now that leads me to a need. When anyone comes here if they don't have a Bible we give them one, so I am running low on Bibles. I like to have a variety of Bibles for the kids to choose from so if they find one they can understand, they can take it. I have had NIV, NLT, KJV, NKJV, and study bibles. If any of you would like to provide a few Bibles to be given away I would appreciate it. I don't mind if they are used as long as they are in condition enough to last through a kid and they have all the pages. That would be a huge help!
Also, pray for the groups of kids themselves as they begin to study with those they don't know. Pray that they would be good examples for these youth and that they would show the love of Christ. Many of these have just begun to learn themselves and it's hard for those of us who've known Christ sometimes to love a complete stranger. Please pray for the coming Easter Egg Hunt that we will begin work on soon. And as always, pray that God continues to make me a usable vessel. Thanks for all you do for the Kingdom of God and for Christ's sake.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Duplication and Disciple Making
What a wonderful week! God is making headway in this ministry! Imagine that, He is the God of all creation. The kids have undergone some rough stuff the past two weeks, two had a break in at their home, two involved in altercations at school involving bullies and gangs, one is being shifted from place to place due to parental problems. There is more, but I'm sure you see a pattern. So why would it be a good week? Because we know that when God takes an interest in someone, so does His enemy. These kids are not giving up! God has a plan for their lives that He's had since the beginning of time.
Last Saturday morning we had the opportunity to sow into the lives of a child and parent. Some went well, some did not. When you reach out to help, you reach all the way out! Don't hold back, do what God directs you to do! The results are up to Him and people have the God given right not to respond like we would want them to which is giving up to God completely. I walked right past God's grace, even turned my nose up and railed against Him for twenty two years. What right do I have not to offer God's grace even if it is not accepted or respected. But in the balance lies two lives who desperately need the Master's care. Please pray for this situation.
Last Friday we enjoyed another segment of the Bible study from Facing The Giants. What an awesome movie. The kids are still learning and can relate to the material. Bobby did an excellent job and it was great to see the kids learn! We have such a great time studying God's Word and celebrating a birthday. Good times. I think I'll send a note to the Sherwood Baptist Church Pastor to tell him how we're enjoying it.
But this Wednesday was such a wonderful day. One of my young men from the Next Door Bible Study, Greg, started a ministry with his younger brother Doug and the younger brother of Tayler (also from TNDBS) who's name is Heath. It is called U-Turn ministry and it began as Greg and these young men began to reach out to their friends. For a little over a year they have been sharing their testimonies and speaking about randomly selected Bible verses. But this year, God has called these three young men to buckle down and study their Bibles to begin to tell people about God. Greg said, "I've been talking about what He's done for me, now He wants me to talk about Him." Amen to that! They plan to begin in Romans, do verse by verse inductive study with their materials checked by a more seasoned Christian, and print study guides.
As Greg shared his plans he spoke of how he learned to study the Bible through The Next Door Bible Study. He said that the young men in the group were pressing him to say what to read and study (praise God!) but that he and another young man knew that we didn't complete whole chapters at a time. Sometimes we could only do part of one in a lesson because the Word was filled with so much to discuss. My heart was completely thrilled as I thought about how I learn from my Pastor, Dr. Johnny Ellison, and Dr. David Jeremiah and Adrian Rogers. These men poured into me their knowledge and I have poured into these kids as much as I can and now Greg is pouring into others! That is every teachers' dream. I can do nothing but praise the One who is the Author of it all!
I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am that God's Word is spreading from these humble walls that I call home. I don't own the walls, I rent them, with money from God's hand. He gives me everything! My ability to read and understand His Word, to move and be and to minister to others. That is why I say to God be the glory! Please be a part of this ministry through prayer, or however God leads you. Better yet, begin your own! Make yourself available to God and see what He will do!
In Christ,
Jamie
Last Saturday morning we had the opportunity to sow into the lives of a child and parent. Some went well, some did not. When you reach out to help, you reach all the way out! Don't hold back, do what God directs you to do! The results are up to Him and people have the God given right not to respond like we would want them to which is giving up to God completely. I walked right past God's grace, even turned my nose up and railed against Him for twenty two years. What right do I have not to offer God's grace even if it is not accepted or respected. But in the balance lies two lives who desperately need the Master's care. Please pray for this situation.
Last Friday we enjoyed another segment of the Bible study from Facing The Giants. What an awesome movie. The kids are still learning and can relate to the material. Bobby did an excellent job and it was great to see the kids learn! We have such a great time studying God's Word and celebrating a birthday. Good times. I think I'll send a note to the Sherwood Baptist Church Pastor to tell him how we're enjoying it.
But this Wednesday was such a wonderful day. One of my young men from the Next Door Bible Study, Greg, started a ministry with his younger brother Doug and the younger brother of Tayler (also from TNDBS) who's name is Heath. It is called U-Turn ministry and it began as Greg and these young men began to reach out to their friends. For a little over a year they have been sharing their testimonies and speaking about randomly selected Bible verses. But this year, God has called these three young men to buckle down and study their Bibles to begin to tell people about God. Greg said, "I've been talking about what He's done for me, now He wants me to talk about Him." Amen to that! They plan to begin in Romans, do verse by verse inductive study with their materials checked by a more seasoned Christian, and print study guides.
As Greg shared his plans he spoke of how he learned to study the Bible through The Next Door Bible Study. He said that the young men in the group were pressing him to say what to read and study (praise God!) but that he and another young man knew that we didn't complete whole chapters at a time. Sometimes we could only do part of one in a lesson because the Word was filled with so much to discuss. My heart was completely thrilled as I thought about how I learn from my Pastor, Dr. Johnny Ellison, and Dr. David Jeremiah and Adrian Rogers. These men poured into me their knowledge and I have poured into these kids as much as I can and now Greg is pouring into others! That is every teachers' dream. I can do nothing but praise the One who is the Author of it all!
I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am that God's Word is spreading from these humble walls that I call home. I don't own the walls, I rent them, with money from God's hand. He gives me everything! My ability to read and understand His Word, to move and be and to minister to others. That is why I say to God be the glory! Please be a part of this ministry through prayer, or however God leads you. Better yet, begin your own! Make yourself available to God and see what He will do!
In Christ,
Jamie
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
There Is No Grey, But There Is Grace...
Grace to you!
So much has happened since I last blogged! Let's begin with the ministries...
The Next Door Bible study is doing well. We are up to date with the studies on the Mercy Abounds Facebook page so you can print the study guides and follow along. How I wish you could be here with us! There is no way I can put into a study page the depth of study we actually do. We spoke for a long time about Jacob and how his name would be changed to Israel. How from soon after Genesis 29 God would refer to Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We talked about how Jacob left home with the reputation of a "Momma's boy", a thief and a cheat and how God changed him in one encounter. He changed Jacob so drastically that when this man, who didn't do physical labor, got to a certain well he rolled the large stone from the well with no help. God changed Jacob and if we have truly encountered Jesus Christ He has changed us. It will be noticeable!
The Up Bible study on Fridays had an interesting development. Once long ago when the Next Door Bible Study met the police came to see us for a erroneous complaint. This past Friday it happened again. What are the odds that it would be the same police officer? Sure enough, it was and he remembered us. It was clear he didn't really want to be there but we are meeting opposition from my neighbor who had to "beef up" her story to get them here. Bobby took the chance to glorify God for the resistance to His work and we prayed for her! He didn't miss a beat! The kids are doing well and we've started some new things including a rewards program. They get to choose from a basket of gifts if they put forth the effort to learn God's Word. God gives us rewards, too. I can't tell you how many times a scripture I've learned has come to mind in certain situations and saved me from trouble! What an awesome Savior. From time to time the kids will post a note in a blog for you. Stay tuned to this ministry.
The Kings' Kidz are doing well! We missed this Saturday because I was ill but we'll be back on track, God-willing, this Saturday. My dear friend Tracey who helps me on Saturdays received the best gift ever Sunday. Her husband was saved and now has a relationship with Jesus Christ. There's nothing like being sure of your salvation. He was stirred by another saint who found Jesus as an adult and couldn't rest until it was settled. God is so incredibly good!
If you have any doubt about your relationship with the Lord, nail it down! There are no gray areas when it comes to salvation or living according to God's word. "Gray areas" imply that God's direction is not clear or uncertain but God is a God of order and He, "God, who does not lie," Titus 1:2b, means what He says. When you come into agreement with God you agree with His opinion of you and your condition. When you decide to do God's will there is no halfway or it's not His way. Living for Christ can be hard but we can't let that stop us. There is no "grey area" but there is grace. "Grey" means we give ourselves the "break" we think we deserve. "Grey" means we aren't fully agreeing with God. God will not work in "grey", but He specializes in grace. In fact, God is the only giver of grace and God gives us far more than we would give ourselves. "In Him we have we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Ephesians 1:7,8 I would not give my only son to die for others wrongs especially if they were my enemies. Surely one who gives His enemies this opportunity for salvation and forgiveness surely knows how to bless His own child. Make sure you know this Jesus.
For those who have been praying for my provision, I was hired for a part time position with hours that will not at all affect these ministries. They are aware of my limitations and are working with me. This will lift some of the burden and worry from me so I can focus on the important. It is an opportunity to learn something totally different and some never get that chance this late in life. I have been so blessed. Please continue to pray for this ministry and the children it serves. They so desperately need Jesus.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
So much has happened since I last blogged! Let's begin with the ministries...
The Next Door Bible study is doing well. We are up to date with the studies on the Mercy Abounds Facebook page so you can print the study guides and follow along. How I wish you could be here with us! There is no way I can put into a study page the depth of study we actually do. We spoke for a long time about Jacob and how his name would be changed to Israel. How from soon after Genesis 29 God would refer to Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We talked about how Jacob left home with the reputation of a "Momma's boy", a thief and a cheat and how God changed him in one encounter. He changed Jacob so drastically that when this man, who didn't do physical labor, got to a certain well he rolled the large stone from the well with no help. God changed Jacob and if we have truly encountered Jesus Christ He has changed us. It will be noticeable!
The Up Bible study on Fridays had an interesting development. Once long ago when the Next Door Bible Study met the police came to see us for a erroneous complaint. This past Friday it happened again. What are the odds that it would be the same police officer? Sure enough, it was and he remembered us. It was clear he didn't really want to be there but we are meeting opposition from my neighbor who had to "beef up" her story to get them here. Bobby took the chance to glorify God for the resistance to His work and we prayed for her! He didn't miss a beat! The kids are doing well and we've started some new things including a rewards program. They get to choose from a basket of gifts if they put forth the effort to learn God's Word. God gives us rewards, too. I can't tell you how many times a scripture I've learned has come to mind in certain situations and saved me from trouble! What an awesome Savior. From time to time the kids will post a note in a blog for you. Stay tuned to this ministry.
The Kings' Kidz are doing well! We missed this Saturday because I was ill but we'll be back on track, God-willing, this Saturday. My dear friend Tracey who helps me on Saturdays received the best gift ever Sunday. Her husband was saved and now has a relationship with Jesus Christ. There's nothing like being sure of your salvation. He was stirred by another saint who found Jesus as an adult and couldn't rest until it was settled. God is so incredibly good!
If you have any doubt about your relationship with the Lord, nail it down! There are no gray areas when it comes to salvation or living according to God's word. "Gray areas" imply that God's direction is not clear or uncertain but God is a God of order and He, "God, who does not lie," Titus 1:2b, means what He says. When you come into agreement with God you agree with His opinion of you and your condition. When you decide to do God's will there is no halfway or it's not His way. Living for Christ can be hard but we can't let that stop us. There is no "grey area" but there is grace. "Grey" means we give ourselves the "break" we think we deserve. "Grey" means we aren't fully agreeing with God. God will not work in "grey", but He specializes in grace. In fact, God is the only giver of grace and God gives us far more than we would give ourselves. "In Him we have we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Ephesians 1:7,8 I would not give my only son to die for others wrongs especially if they were my enemies. Surely one who gives His enemies this opportunity for salvation and forgiveness surely knows how to bless His own child. Make sure you know this Jesus.
For those who have been praying for my provision, I was hired for a part time position with hours that will not at all affect these ministries. They are aware of my limitations and are working with me. This will lift some of the burden and worry from me so I can focus on the important. It is an opportunity to learn something totally different and some never get that chance this late in life. I have been so blessed. Please continue to pray for this ministry and the children it serves. They so desperately need Jesus.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Mercy Witnessed in the Flesh
Just a quick note to tell you all about Dusty. Dusty is a young man God gave me the pleasure of meeting and teaching in April of 2009. There are some people you just click with and He was indeed one of those young men. He was encouraged to come by his cousin Jeremy who is now one of the UP Bible study teachers along with Charlotte, Dusty's grandmother, and her husband Bobby.
A couple of months later Dusty was in the fight of his life. It was a long, hard struggle and Dusty almost lost this battle a couple of times. Some had given up but this family believed in the power of Almighty God and His ability to save! There were hundreds, possibly thousands of people affected by this young man's illness. Many people seriously looked to God for hope and answers.
Dusty survived and is now in the long process of recovery from the damage done to his brain during this attack on his life. He is walking and talking now with no apparent residual of injury. His reasoning and judgement is still under repair and the outcome of that is not yet known, however, we prayed for a complete recovery and God is not finished!
When we (a small group of people Dusty requested) visited last night Dusty and gained a few inches of height and breadth! He is a growing boy! But he recognized us and began to give details of knowing us. This is incredible because it shows that he can recall the past. He even recalled situations that were going on at the time. One of the girls had always admired a poster he had in his room of the cross with John 3:16. He gave it to her last night. He remembered and wanted her to have it!
He played a racing video game and his hand/eye coordination was great! He wanted us to stay until he won and thank God he finally did because he was getting tired. He asked to speak with me alone when we were about to leave. It was precious because that is what he did before. Dusty would always just ask for a minute alone to share his heart. That was such an incredible gift to me. He is healing and I am so grateful. Please continue to pray for this young man.
I would have you know that prayer was behind this healing. Prayer to an Almighty God who considers it precious when His children come to Him for a moment alone to share their heart. Whether it be a need or request or something wonderful that has happened. The sweet privilege of Dusty's confidence is only a small taste of the joy and kinship God must feel when His children come to Him. I absolutely beg you to spend some time with God in prayer today! He is the Only source of help. He is the Only power, the Only wisdom, the Only living, present, sure being Who can do anything for any of us. Any one or anything else is just either a representative of Him OR an imitation of Him. You can know the real God. Please start your relationship with Him today in prayer.
If you don't know Him and don't know what to say use this example prayer:
Dear God,
I know my life is not what it should be. I know that I have not pleased You and that I do not know You and have no right to ask for anything except that You would forgive me. (Romans 3:23"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.") I do not want to make excuses for my behavior or actions, but I want to be cleansed from my past. I am asking You to come into my life and save me from everything I've done to myself and things that have been done to me. (Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.")
I have heard about Your Son Jesus Christ, that He died to save me and I want to believe that. I want to believe I can be saved and I am asking You to do that and remove any doubt from me about Your power to save me. (Acts 2:21 "And everyone who calls upon the Name of the Lord will be saved.") I am asking You to help me from now on not to repeat these same behaviors. I want You to show me how to live because I know I can't do it alone. (2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore is anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come!") I am asking You to be Lord(manager, controller, Savior) of my life. Even if I can't keep my promises I need You, because You can. (Philipians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.") In Jesus' Name, Amen.
If you have prayed this prayer please contact me at the email address on this blog or contact your pastor or a friend you know that follows God. (Romans 10:9 "For if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that He rose from the grave you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and with you mouth that you confess and are saved." Matthew 10:32 "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.") We need to get a Bible for you and to help you find a church where the word if God is taught and people can pray for you and encourage you. You have just made the best decision of your life!
To God be the glory,
Jamie
A couple of months later Dusty was in the fight of his life. It was a long, hard struggle and Dusty almost lost this battle a couple of times. Some had given up but this family believed in the power of Almighty God and His ability to save! There were hundreds, possibly thousands of people affected by this young man's illness. Many people seriously looked to God for hope and answers.
Dusty survived and is now in the long process of recovery from the damage done to his brain during this attack on his life. He is walking and talking now with no apparent residual of injury. His reasoning and judgement is still under repair and the outcome of that is not yet known, however, we prayed for a complete recovery and God is not finished!
When we (a small group of people Dusty requested) visited last night Dusty and gained a few inches of height and breadth! He is a growing boy! But he recognized us and began to give details of knowing us. This is incredible because it shows that he can recall the past. He even recalled situations that were going on at the time. One of the girls had always admired a poster he had in his room of the cross with John 3:16. He gave it to her last night. He remembered and wanted her to have it!
He played a racing video game and his hand/eye coordination was great! He wanted us to stay until he won and thank God he finally did because he was getting tired. He asked to speak with me alone when we were about to leave. It was precious because that is what he did before. Dusty would always just ask for a minute alone to share his heart. That was such an incredible gift to me. He is healing and I am so grateful. Please continue to pray for this young man.
I would have you know that prayer was behind this healing. Prayer to an Almighty God who considers it precious when His children come to Him for a moment alone to share their heart. Whether it be a need or request or something wonderful that has happened. The sweet privilege of Dusty's confidence is only a small taste of the joy and kinship God must feel when His children come to Him. I absolutely beg you to spend some time with God in prayer today! He is the Only source of help. He is the Only power, the Only wisdom, the Only living, present, sure being Who can do anything for any of us. Any one or anything else is just either a representative of Him OR an imitation of Him. You can know the real God. Please start your relationship with Him today in prayer.
If you don't know Him and don't know what to say use this example prayer:
Dear God,
I know my life is not what it should be. I know that I have not pleased You and that I do not know You and have no right to ask for anything except that You would forgive me. (Romans 3:23"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.") I do not want to make excuses for my behavior or actions, but I want to be cleansed from my past. I am asking You to come into my life and save me from everything I've done to myself and things that have been done to me. (Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.")
I have heard about Your Son Jesus Christ, that He died to save me and I want to believe that. I want to believe I can be saved and I am asking You to do that and remove any doubt from me about Your power to save me. (Acts 2:21 "And everyone who calls upon the Name of the Lord will be saved.") I am asking You to help me from now on not to repeat these same behaviors. I want You to show me how to live because I know I can't do it alone. (2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore is anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come!") I am asking You to be Lord(manager, controller, Savior) of my life. Even if I can't keep my promises I need You, because You can. (Philipians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.") In Jesus' Name, Amen.
If you have prayed this prayer please contact me at the email address on this blog or contact your pastor or a friend you know that follows God. (Romans 10:9 "For if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that He rose from the grave you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and with you mouth that you confess and are saved." Matthew 10:32 "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.") We need to get a Bible for you and to help you find a church where the word if God is taught and people can pray for you and encourage you. You have just made the best decision of your life!
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Greetings from Alexis!
Hello everyone! My name is Alexis and I am a part of Jamie's Bible Study. I just wanted to tell everyone about how great it is!
We all gather around in the kitchen and get a plate of food that Jamie and other leaders have made for us and after we are all finished eating, we go into the living room and start our lesson for the week. Of course we start with prayer then move on to watching a video or reading bible verses. This week's lesson ( the week of 1/10-15/10) is to always have faith in Jesus Christ. Another girl who is also in the Bible Study was blindfolded and asked to put her arms straight out and to just fall backwards into someones arms. She did this 3 times and the first time she didn't have a lot of faith that someone would catch her, but the second and third time she had more and more faith. The main point was that no matter what kind of situation you're in, God will always help you get through it.
Just remember to always have faith in Jesus Christ!
That's my Lexie! She and her brother are visiting and we're just inside on a rainy day. She had never seen the blog before so I invited her to say "Hi!"
So, exciting stuff going on today. Four of us get the pleasure of visiting Dusty today. He's home after surgery to repair his mouth. I haven't seen him since he left Warner Robins the day he went into a coma. He is feeling up for visitors so... I'll have to let you know how it went. I am so glad God saved his life. Lots of prayers went up for him and our faithful God heard.
Last night at UP we did exactly what Lexie said. A wonderful lesson of faith and Hebrews 11 the hall of faith! What a chapter. We had a special prayer time afterward. I'm really enjoying the prayer afterwards. I love hearing the kids and leaders open their hearts to God and just lifting praises and concerns to the Only One who can do anything about our problems. He is a very present help in times of trouble. I am so glad that this is what God called me to do. I get so much joy from seeing the growth in the kids and learning them. I learn so much from teaching and seeing God move in other people's lives.
The King's Kidz this morning was also a lesson in faith from Acts. We did sign language to some of the message as Tracey taught. The youngest kids were lively this morning and it was hard to pay attention but God prevailed! The kids were able to understand anyway. It was great!
The breakfast was awesome as well! Struesel loaves and tangerines with hot chocolate! All I can say is if you weren't here-you missed out!
Speaking of missing out, tomorrow is Sunday. All of us have the opportunity to find a Bible believing church somewhere and lift up the Name of God. We can lift up praise and petitions to the Only One who can help. Won't you go see Jesus tomorrow? If you don't have a church home I invite you to mine-Green Acres Baptist-901 Elberta Rd. Warner Robins Georgia. Sunday School starts at 9:15, Church at 10:30-I'll save you a seat. Come and worship the King!
To God be the glory,
Jamie
We all gather around in the kitchen and get a plate of food that Jamie and other leaders have made for us and after we are all finished eating, we go into the living room and start our lesson for the week. Of course we start with prayer then move on to watching a video or reading bible verses. This week's lesson ( the week of 1/10-15/10) is to always have faith in Jesus Christ. Another girl who is also in the Bible Study was blindfolded and asked to put her arms straight out and to just fall backwards into someones arms. She did this 3 times and the first time she didn't have a lot of faith that someone would catch her, but the second and third time she had more and more faith. The main point was that no matter what kind of situation you're in, God will always help you get through it.
Just remember to always have faith in Jesus Christ!
That's my Lexie! She and her brother are visiting and we're just inside on a rainy day. She had never seen the blog before so I invited her to say "Hi!"
So, exciting stuff going on today. Four of us get the pleasure of visiting Dusty today. He's home after surgery to repair his mouth. I haven't seen him since he left Warner Robins the day he went into a coma. He is feeling up for visitors so... I'll have to let you know how it went. I am so glad God saved his life. Lots of prayers went up for him and our faithful God heard.
Last night at UP we did exactly what Lexie said. A wonderful lesson of faith and Hebrews 11 the hall of faith! What a chapter. We had a special prayer time afterward. I'm really enjoying the prayer afterwards. I love hearing the kids and leaders open their hearts to God and just lifting praises and concerns to the Only One who can do anything about our problems. He is a very present help in times of trouble. I am so glad that this is what God called me to do. I get so much joy from seeing the growth in the kids and learning them. I learn so much from teaching and seeing God move in other people's lives.
The King's Kidz this morning was also a lesson in faith from Acts. We did sign language to some of the message as Tracey taught. The youngest kids were lively this morning and it was hard to pay attention but God prevailed! The kids were able to understand anyway. It was great!
The breakfast was awesome as well! Struesel loaves and tangerines with hot chocolate! All I can say is if you weren't here-you missed out!
Speaking of missing out, tomorrow is Sunday. All of us have the opportunity to find a Bible believing church somewhere and lift up the Name of God. We can lift up praise and petitions to the Only One who can help. Won't you go see Jesus tomorrow? If you don't have a church home I invite you to mine-Green Acres Baptist-901 Elberta Rd. Warner Robins Georgia. Sunday School starts at 9:15, Church at 10:30-I'll save you a seat. Come and worship the King!
To God be the glory,
Jamie
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