IT's NOT ABOUT ME

IT"S NOT ABOUT ME

"What would change if we finaly found our place and lived in it?"

Best selling author Max Lucado turns the greatest lie we've believed on its head. You know the one that says "It's all about me" and sets our sights on a different goal. "We were not made to live this way." -- Max inisits

I must admit I always look forward to reading books by Max Lucado. Oh how he just paints a picture with words.
This book is no different. Here are just a few of the quotes:
"God does not exist to make a big deal out of us. We exist to make a big deal out of Him. It's not about you. It's not about me. It's all about Him."
"God - centered thinking acknowledges, "It's God's; I have to respect it."
"My pain expands God's purpose.' " Life makes sense when we accept our place."
"We move from me-focus to God focus by pondering Him, witnessing Him"
"Beholding HIM changes us" -- Max Lucado

It really is all about God and we are only vessels should we answer the call that God has on our life. As so many of us know only the things from God has a voice. In addition to having a voice, there is no end why because its from The Creator God Himself.

This is a must have for every believer regardless of where they are on the journey. Oh by the way be prepared to hear God's voice in this. You can't help but read this book and come closer to God. I know I did

Know Who you Pray to

 I work at a Call Center where the calls are dealing with Health Insurance.  

In between calls I was reflecting on some of the Notes that I had taken from the Internat Campus at Saddleback. 

Reflection of this notebook could not have come at a better time.

On one of the Sermons it was talking about "Know Who You Pray To"

Man did this really get me to thinking.

So I wanted to share some things I came with.

I pray to the Creater of the Universe.
I claim every promise in the Bible as Mine
I receive every Blessing in the Bible as Mine
God is raising me up.
I have God's divine favor.
What God did in the Bible He can still do today.
God has gone before me and paved the road He wants me to take.
I will seek God first.
I will give God the glory for He alone is Worthy.
God created me to be a vessel.
Father, I thank you in advance that you will never give me anything that can't flow through me.
Thank you for that even in 2011 God can still do the same Miracles that I read about in the Bible.
What is a lunch to one person, when you factor God into this He can still feed a multitude.
Thank you Father for you still give Manna
Thank you Father that you are my Strength, MY Hope, My Healer, My Provider 
Thank you God that everything I will ever need is found within your Written Word
With God's help I can do what God has called me to do.
I have God's Divine Favor
I'm annointed
I'm predestined
God silences all of Heaven just to hear my Voice
I'm an overcomer
My God shall supply all my needs
There will never be anyone Greater in me than God
God's word is eternal ; it stands firm in the Heavens above.
I'm Blessed
If God is for me than who be against me?
When God made me He broke the Mold
God has given me gifts and talents that are to be used for His Kingdom.

The good news is the same is true for you. 

   

One Birth Changed History

 I was sitting at my desk when I looked and saw one of my sayings: 

"ONE BIRTH CHANGED HISTORY " 

Here are some of the things that came to mind about the Birth of Jesus

He came to fulfill all of the prophecies in the Old Testament
He came to set the capitives free and bind up the broken hearted
Once Sin entered the world there was a price that had to be paid for us.
We were bought by a price that we could not repay.  We are not our own.  We are to be bondservants to the Kingdom of God.

The  judgement between the Old Testament and the New Testament would definately change.
In the Old Testament there were 12 tribes.  Therefore there had to be twelve disciples.  In fact this was so important that in the book of Acts after Judas had ended His life.  Another disciple had to be chosen and that was Mathais.

John talks about if the all the miracles that Jesus did when He was here on Earth that they would not be enough room  to record it.  So just how many miracles are recorded in the book of John?

39 miracles are recorded which I thought was interesting since in the Old Testament has 39 books.

What is really interesting is  the Bible has 66 books.     
39 in Old Testament and 27 in New Testament - 40 authors.  It was written over a time period that was over 1,000 years yet it never lost its harmony.

Even in John Chapter 17 which is known as the High Priest Prayer Jesus asks God to protect those that would accept Him as His LORD and Saviour.  

When we pray and say In Jesus Name we are simply saying Father thank you for the gift of Jesus for if it was not for your precious Son I would not have a relationship with you today.

Needless to say the list goes on and on.  But these were just a few thoughts that came to my mind when I read  "ONE BIRTH CHANGED HISTORY'  and it did so much more.

In fact Jesus continues to intercede on our behalf.

Things that are rare yet they seem to go a long way

A word of encouragement

A smile

Adding value to those you come in contact with

Having a friend that is a good listener

Asking someone how they really are thing is the answers fine and okay are not acceptable.  Because you really do care

Taking a deep breath

Looking for a need

Sharing your lunch with someone

Allowing others to go before you

Realizing its not the circumstances that matter so much as it is your attitude.  For attitude goes a long way especially in the final outcome

Listening to God's voice

To keep it short and simple.  It just means being a vessel for God.  Being depedent on God.  You came to serve not to be served.

Prayer

Put Your DREAM to the Test

When I think about the countless hours that Dr John Maxwell spent in research to help people  reach their dream.   There is so much knowledge within the pages of the book  which makes me thankful He was willing to spend that amount of time doing research.

Having learned so much from John Maxwell and being a part of EQUIP[a non-profit organization].   I was excited to get this book to say the least.  For the readers who already know their dream.  This book will help you acheive it and not give up. This book is designed to help you achieve your dream when you follow the steps that are in the book.

But what about those whose dream  are in the process of dying?  This book is even more for them and those who are not quite sure what their dream may be.  When you read this book be willing to approach it with an honest attitude.  After all if you are not honest with yourself than who will be.  At the beginning of each chapter has a list of questions as well as at the end.  Its designed that way to help you acheive the dream that is within you. 

I know for myself it made me realize that my ultimate dream was to see people come to Jesus.  Just to see people accept Jesus as their LORD and Saviour for Eternity really does hang in the balance.

I believe if the reader is willing to answer the questions honestly they will be able to come up with a game plan to reach the dream and not give up without ever reaching it.  Plus there is an additional bonus in this book there is also "A DREAM MAP"  

 For those who may not know what their dream is well its even more for you.  The only thing that I would add to this book is another book which is "My Life Plan By: Michael Hyatt" Whcich will help you stay focused on your dream.  An excellent gift for the upcoming graduates

Thankful for the Art of Listening

I don't know about you but I have had conversaions with the another person thinking that they were listening only to find out they weren't.

What you are about to read would not have taking place had I not listened to a friend of mine.  With the economy being the way it its and gas prices it seems more and more people are learning how to coupon.

This past Sunday I went to Harris Teeter to buy groceries.  Here is what my receipt looks like.   
Here are some key rules Harris Teeter will double up to 20 coupons a day up to  99 cents.
I don't buy something unless its an item that will be used.  Usually oce a quarter Harris Teeter usually will double coupons  up to $1.98 and usually once each quarter they will triple coupons.

http://www.southernsavers.com/ is an excellent website that lets the consumer know in advance of what will be on sale at various grocery stores and if they have access to a coupon it will give you that info as well .  Pretty cool huh?? 

HARRIS TEETER

Idah Baby Reds Instant Potatoes                                                        1.19

Vic Savings                                                                                          .60-

Price You pay .59   

Idahoan 4 Cheese Instant Potatoes                                               1.19

Vic Savings                                                                               .60-

Price you pay .59

Idahoan Instant Mashed Potatoes                                        1.19

Vic Savings                                                                       .60-

Price you pay  .60

Total = 1.78 

2 @ 99 Hershey Special Dark Candy Bars 1.98 buy 1 get 1 free

Hormel Complete Lasagna Dinner                          2.47

Vic Savings                                                       .50-

Price You Pay 1.97 

Hormel Complete Spaghetti Dinner          2.47

Vic Savings                                             .50-

Price you pay $1.97

2 @ 2.39 Uncle Ben Wild Grain Broccoli & cheese Rice   4.78

2 @ 1.20 each Vic Savings 2.40    

Price you pay for  2 == $ 2.38  

StarKist Tuna Lunch Kit                             2.19

Vic Savings                                               .19-

Price you pay 2.00 

Crest Toothpaste 4.6 ounce              3.65

Vic Savings                                   1.16-

Price you pay 2.49

Blue Bunny Buy 1 get 1 free [each item rings up @ 1/2 price ]        6.59

Vic Savings                                                                              3.30-

Price You pay 3.29

3@ 2.89 Yo Crunch 4 pack yogurt                              8.67

3@ $.89 = Vic Savings                                          2.67-

Price you pay for 3 is  $6.00  

Bailieys Irish Liquid Creamer                         2.59

Vic savings                                                .92-

Price you pay 1.67

 Scanned Coupon                          .75-

Scanned Coupon                          .85-

Scanned Coupon                           .75-

Scanned Coupon                       .75 -

Crest Coupon                          1.50-

Scanned Coupon                      1.50-

Scanned Coupon                        .55-  

Scanned Coupon                    1.00 -

Scanned Coupon                    1.00-  

Scanned Coupon                    1.00-

Scanned Coupon                   1.00-

Multiplied Coupon                  .44-

Multiplied Coupon                  .75-

Multiplied Coupon                    .44-

Multiplied Coupon                     .44-

Multiplied Coupon                         .50-

Multiplied Coupon                               .55-  

7.75% NC Sales Tax     .35

2% NC sales Tax           .36

Balance Due                 11.22

Paid                      11.22

The Same Items without a Vic Card and  w/o coupons would have before tax $ 38.96

The Same Items without aVic Card but with any coupons before tax =  23.94

By taking the time to listen and go the extra mile  I saved 15.02 just in coupons

For additional information on money saving ideas

Check out:

http://www.southernsavers.com/

 &

http://couponmominwnc.blogspot.com/

    

    

  

      

Age Old Question

This past Saturday I watched a message from Dr. Maxwell that aasked a question so many people have.  Are my prayers getting through?

When you listen to this  you will want to take notes.  Personally I think watching this will do a person more good than me talking about it.  

http://gochristfellowship.com/   On the right just click on Latest sermon

The Take Action Bible

Put the Word of God into action. The Take Action Bible features real-life stories and full-color photos of people who are putting their faith into action. Actions range from raising money with a lemonade stand to relocating on the mission field. Read their inspiring stories, and follow their examples with 52 ideas for you to put God's Word into action.

The Take Action Bible is just that.  From Cover to Cover you will read about people who answer God's call to GO/ SERVE / GIVE / HEAL/ AND TEACH.  God's word commissions us to reach out to those around us.  To seek God's voice and to be a vessel for God. 

From Genesis to Revelation God calls ordinary people but then again were not the Disciples of Jesus just ordinary people with an extra-ordinary calling.

Some of the features of this Bible is its Concordance along with a Bible Reading Plan. 

Along with its Translation and text notes it has a 52 Take-Action idea.

The New King James Version is fairly easy to understand.  It even includes a PLAN to read the Bible in One Year.  The Bible is divided into 8 Sections.  At the beginning of the each Section it has a brief introduction for that Section of the Bible.  I really enjoyed the Maps in this Bible. I personally found it to be durable  with its Ultra-Slim Bible text.  Once again it is easy to Understand.   This Bible makes a great graduation gift.

To review this book BookSneeze has provided me with a complimentary copy of  The Take Action Bible for review but no further compensation was provided.

Max on Life

Max on Life
Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions

In this book Max address everyday questions that you might say we all have about Hope, Hurt, Help, just to name a few.
In My opinion Max Lucado is gifted when it comes to writing. He has a way of where He just paints a picture with words regardless of the question His answer is filled with Christlike love. Its almost as if who ever the reader is Max is writing it just to you. Each page that I read I couldn't help but feel the Love that Max has for His brother and for His sister in Christ. But even more important I could not help but feel the holy spirit.

One of my favorite pages is at the very beginning where He compares God's Love to Human love. Here is just a brief outline of that.
"Human love is convenient."
"God's love is eternal. You are always on God's itinerary."
"Human love is limited."
"God's love is unlimited."
"Human love is emotional."
"God's love is committed", etc...
Max ends this with something I need to remember for myself which is :

"We should all have someone in our lives on whom we can look back and say, "I saw God's love in that person." -- Max Lucado

Regardless of what you may be facing for everyone is facing something Max has a word of hope, encouragement, at least a couple of words to stretch your faith and bring you closer to God. No doubt this will be a best seller and will speak to Millions of people. What a blessing it has been to preview this book.

God;s Promises

In a world full of uncertainity.  Now more than ever we need God's Promises.
The purpose of this book is to bring each believer to a closer, intimate relationship with God then they ever had before. The closer a person is to God the more others can say "Now that is someone who loves God"  Have you ever noticed that God has a tendency to Whisper in your Ear versus Shouting.  I believe that God Whispers in a person's ear intentionally.  This book not only refreshes the inner part of each person reading the book but brings them to a Closer, Intimate level. 
The writers of this book have a gift they don't just write but they paint the picture for the reader.
God's Promises along with God's Word have withstood the test of time.
God's Promises Devotional Journal consists of over 15 of the top Christian Authors from Max Lucado to John MacArthur, Chuck Swindol, and the list just continues.
A great gift for Mother's Day, Birthday's, Graduation gift or maybe you yourself just want to grow closer to God.  Maybe its you that just needs to hear God's Voice more than you ever did before.
If that is the case than this is the book for you.  

101 Rules for Relationships

"Everyone has a story the question is do you know it?" -- Rick Warren


"What a person does today becomes their legacy." John C. Maxwell

"Bigger on the inside and smaller on the outside." John C Maxwell

If there is anyone who is a Guro in this area it would be the author Billy Hornsby. He is one of the Founders of ARC [Association of Related Churchs}, Serves On EQUIP Board, spends countless hours working with Missionaires, Pastors, lay people. One thing I can say about Pastor Billy is He loves people.


101 Rules for Relationships was written with the intent to help stretch a person. Whether you are talking to someone at work, at the Grocery Store, spending time with friends there is something that you can learn from the other person to strengthen that relationship. I'm convinced that each person knows at least one thing that I can learn. To do this requires me to be an effective listener which I might add is an art.

This is a book that once its read can strengthen a person in so many areas.

In essence its to help each person who has this book grow for Pastor Billy knows that adding value to someone's life is extremely important.

The Faith of Ronald Reagan

"For you see your calling, brethern, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty."
                                                                                                             -- 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 

For Ronald Reagan to become President  he felt that it was indeed a calling.  President Reagan is credited with restoring America's economic crisis at the time, ending the cold war and tearing down the Berlin Wall without firing a shot. That in itself was having God's favor. 
One of the reasons God has a tendency to choose the foolish things is so people will seek Him and say only God.

Some remember President Reagan as an Actor, others remember him as President Reagan, yet others remember how the Nation came together to Mourn His Death. But do you remember the faith of President Reagan? Did you know that he appointed more women into office than Presidents before Him?  But do you remember the faith of President Reagan?

I have learned a lot about President Reagan that I must admit I did not know.  If you are interested in learning more about President Reagan or maybe you want to find out some more about his faith well this is the book for you.

Voices of the Faithful Book 2

For those who has ever wanted to know what goes on in a day of a Missionaries Life.
 This is the book. It lives up to its name and then some. This is also an excellent book to help anyone regardless of where they are on the Christian journey to develop a more intimate relationship with their Heavenly Father. I especially love how the months are divided into sections. For example the month of January begins with prayer. Another month is focused on God, our Loving Father ecetra..

 God really is LOVE. One of my favorite quotes is: "If God's behind it, you'll have a mighty hard time stopping it." -- Beth Moore
Friends I only know that in my personal journey as a Christian I want God to be behind it. Life is too short for anything else.

The Principle of the Path By: Andy Stanley

Personally I could not think of a better title than what was chosen. The Principle of the Path: How to get from where you are to where you are going. You see rules and laws both can be broken. But it’s the principle of the path that everyone needs. It may not always be the most comforting but it is there to protect you and me. In this book Andy does a wonderful job revealing every aspect of The Principle of the Path. How it guides, protects, directs your steps. This can be applied to every minute of every day. Whether a person is willing to admit it or not. It affects everyone young, old, rich, and poor.




The Principle of the Path: How to Get from where you are to Where you want to be By: Andy Stanley is a must have

Where does your belief lie .... . ..

Every clean & unclean spirit have 1 thing in common. So what is it: Belief


Unforgiveness is belief that you have been wronged

Victim is belief that someone waited to overpower you

Hurt is belief that you have been hurt

Down cast is belief you have been defeated

---- Verses on the flip side-----

Joy is the belief in God for He is your strength

Encouragement is belief that every one has value

Faith is belief in the positive, in things that are unseen

List continues ecetra........

Point is whatever the emotion or feeling is there is belief whether negative or positive

On this Day . . . . . . . .

This is the first book that I have read by Robert J. Morgan. I must admit as I was reading this book I couldn't help but think of the countless hours of research that went into this book. For anyone who has ever done research at any level has come to realize that it takes time to find information.  Even in a world of technology even if a person only uses the internet to research something they soon find out that it takes time.

I agree with the author that "History is and must ever continue to be next to God's word....."  I must admit I can't even begin to imagine the countless hours of research that went into this book.  However, I'm indeed thankful for this book. 
The only requirements for this book are two:
1-- Willing to take the time to read
2-- Desire to grow spiritually

I don't know about you but there has been times I wondered if there was anything that happened in the Christian community on my birthday.  With this book I now know at least some of the things that happened in Christian History. I'm amazed at the time that went into the wrtiting so regardless of a person's spiritual level they would be able to understand it.



One of my favorite stories was how the late D.L. Moody started the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and who the first graduate was.  Maybe your interested in learning how Churches grew in various areas or what people went through just to spread the Gospel. 

One thing is for sure the people who have spread the Gospel from the Apostles to those who are spreading the Gospel today.  They all have come to realize one thing.  They know they are not their own but that they have been purchased with a price -- a price they can not repay which is the Blood of Jesus.   

Great gift for those who want to grow spiritually or even yourself

A Breath of Fresh Air

Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference on Christianbook.com


Yvonne reviewed Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference at Christianbook.com and gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

“In a day of uncertanity. In a time where the recession is lasting longer than it was supposed to . Once again Max Lucado offers not only a fresh word but a ray of hope. Have you ever wondered if God could ever use you? I mean to really use you to make a d...ifference? Well hopefully after reading this you will know that yes God can use you to make a difference. "There is enough food on the planet to offer every person twenty-five hundred calories os sutenance a day. We have enough food to feed the hungry. There are 145 million orphans worldwide. Nearly 236 million people in the United states call themselves Christians. Hmmm, lets say 6 percent helped. If so we could provide loving homes for more than 14.1 million children." Still think God can't use you to make a difference? I wonder what would happen if more people spoke words of encouragment to just 1 person a day. You don't want to miss reading this: "It all began with an hones look and a helping hand. Could this be God's stratedgy for human hurt? First, kind eyes meet desperate ones. Next, strong hands help weak ones. Then, the miracle of God. We do our small part, he does the big part, and life at the Beautiful Gate begins to be just that." Compared to Eternity my time your time here on Planet Earth is too short So the question must be answered one way or another "Will I let God use me as a vessel or will life just pass me by.....?"l ”See More

See More

.26 minutes ago via Christianbook.com BazaarVoice

Blessings in Disquise

Yesterday I was on my way to work.  I live in 1 county but work in another County.  In today's economy as many are aware a person has to go where the jobs were. I had just got off the Interstate yesterday still in main flow of traffic when my Car just up & died.

Usually if I'm in a car by myself I'm doing 1 of 3 things:
Praying
Listening to God's Precious Word
Listening to Praise Music

Yesterday for some strange reason I spent entire time praying.  I've read and qoted many verses about how God gives us what we need not what we want.  A popular verse is  "The LORD is my Shepherd I shall not be in want." -- NIV Psalm 23:1   Well that is exactly what happened. 

Even after the car broke down I just continued to pray it wasn't long
that a Gentlemen knocked on the window and offered to push me in the Yellow lane where I would be safe.  What a blessing that was.  It turns out He is in the Ministry in Missouri and as He left He just said God told me to stop  He even offered to wait and sit behind me until the tow truck got there.  I assured Him that I was fine.

The next person that offered to help drove by on the opposite side of the road and yelled do you need gas.  Once again a complete stranger offering to buy me gas when I told him no.  He went on.  It took about 2 hours before the tow truck got there.  There was 2 other strangers that offered to help.

Once it was towed to the Mechanics after they took a thorough look at it.  The time belt had broke came close to the engine blowing up.

Remember God has gone before you, God is beside you, God is behind you.
God still loves you 
I'm convinced the key was prayer and God took care of the rest.

Prayer really does work  
My sister said and once again I have a testimony
I say it was all God

For God so loved.............

Most writers write as if they were just writing to themselve.
Regardless of where a Christ follower is on the road its so simple yet profound and applies to every thing.
There are so many truths found throughout Gods word.
Both in the Old & New Testament its stated so many ways that the Creator of the Universe really loves you.

Many have  read John 3:16 and many have taken the time to memorize the verse.

Something that God has really been speaking to my spirit man that really needs to be shared.

Oh so thankful for Gods precious word and it is God breathed .

I just want to focus on part of the verse and my prayer is that as people read this that they would take the time to apply it to their daily walk.

For God so loved ....
 - God knew the end before there was ever a beginning
For God so loved ....
 - You were on Gods mind long before He formed your innermost being
For God so loved .....
- God knew the type of day you would have before you did
For God so loved ...........
-Lets face it many of us heard the Gospel many times before coming & asking Jesus to come into our hearts.
For God so loved........
 God knew just how big to make the heart and He made it with just enough room for Jesus to take up residence.
For God so loved...
- God has never giving up mankind regardless
For God so loved.....
- God knew it would take the Holy Spirit to bring each and every one of us to Him
For God so loved....
 -God has and will never choose the thoughts, actions, attitude of His son/daughter as the case may be.
For God so loved ....
 -- Have you thought I mean really thought of who you are praying to...........
For God so loved.........
 -- There is nothing that God can't use
For God so loved ..........
 - Its not the one who plants nor the one who water but its God who causes the growth
For God so loved ..........
 - God watches over you and calls you His prized possession
For God so loved ..........
 -Regardless of where you are on the journey
 -Regardless of what type of day you had
 -Regardless of how others treat you
 -Regardless of whether you share the Gospel with others or not
 -Regardless of the fact whether you choose to praise God or focus on the circumstances
-Regardless of the fact whether you choose to forgive another person or hold it against the other person
Remember you were not always saved
Jesus didn't always live in your heart
Yet God never gave up on you
After all God calls you His most prized possession
For God so loved ........

Servant /Leader vs Leader/Servant

Where I go to Church one of the Services is called Vertical.

The service started out with singles but was such a hit teenagers and married couples have even been added.

Recently we have been discussing Servant/Leader which is what a Christ follower is supposed to reflect. Now the world teaches just the opposite to get ahead of life well sometimes that may or may not mean steeping on people.  God has called us to live according to  what His word teaches not what the world teaches.  No matter what a person does in the world it will never withstand the test of time however what a person does as a servant for God's Kingdom will withstand the test.

God designed His Church to be a hospital to the hurting, to piece back the broken-hearted, and oh my how He loves the outcasts.

Tonight the Servant/Leader came to a close with washing other people's feet.

I must admit I got carried away with this.  So I went from 1 person to the next and I would start off I come to you as God's servant and then I would speak blessings and God's word over them.  I wish I could put into words what the Spirit spoke and do it justice.  However I can not begin to explain what it meant just to speak God's word over others. 

Things of the flesh will never line up with God's word." -- Yvonne Green



"Approach GOD's Word as God breathed." -- Beth Moore

If  1 person from Heaven could run the race of life what would Rebecca say -- serve others w/o expecting anything in return." John Maxwell
 
If I could only say one thing to people who run the race of life it would be:
"Stay focused on God at all times and there is no one that is to far from God for God not to say I love you."