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Happy Friday!
This morning on my commute to school I began in prayer with the thoughts from last evening. The thought of God thinking of me brought me to my knees (figuratively) and reminded me that all that I have and all that I am comes from God. This same God that spoke the world into existence is the same God that I worship on Sunday morning, have prayer with in the morning and evening and count on throughout the day. We have an awesome God!
Acts 17:25-28 “Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring. “
Paul preached this passage on his second missionary journey. He was preaching Jesus Christ resurrected. When Jesus came to the earth His status changed from the Unknown God to the Known God. God made Himself known to us through Jesus Christ. Paul preached that this Unknown God was the same God who created the heavens and the earth and really did not need anything from humans but had given His life so that we might know Him. Paul claimed that Jesus had been sent by the Creator to be their Savior.
God so desires for us seek Him as the Creator, Redeemer and Lord of our lives. God wants us to know that he is never far from any of us. When we seek God as our creator, redeemer and Lord, then God has lordship over our lives. When God has lordship over our lives it is then that we can truly worship Him as the true and living God.
With the weekend before us and the busy errands that we run - grocery store, bank, manicures, pedicures and trips to Starbucks, remember the God who created the water, the sky and land and all that dwells in between is the same God who sent Jesus so that each one of us might be His new creation.
Take joy in the journey and humbly walk with the Lord our God. Wear comfortable shoes, count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to pray for each other each day. Love you all so very much, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
PS Tomorrow Travis turns 20 years old! Unbelievable!!!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Happy Thursday!
The first grade funny for the day. After school I was speaking to a fellow teacher and at the close of our conversation I told her I would see her tomorrow. One of my students said, “You have to come to work tomorrow and we get to stay home?” I replied, “Yes.” His final word on this was, “That is sad, Mrs. Chrystie.” Out of the mouths of babes…”
Proverbs 23: 15-16 “My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself; yes, my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things.”
My new prayer journal has a morning prayer, a scripture passage, a meditation and an evening prayer. The Morning Prayer began with “Father God, this morning I am mindful that you are thinking of me.” Are those great words to wake up to?! I was so awed to think that God would think of me when He has a lot more important things to think about than me. As I continued to read and meditate I remembered that we are children of the King. We have learned the King’s language and His desires for each of us.
God desires that we live lives of honor. God desires for us to speak words of honor, dignity and grace that reflect His eternal calling in our lives. God rejoices when we, His children, share His story of love, grace and forgiveness with others and when we live our lives in holiness. As I close this entry I am reminded of the Psalm, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart are acceptable to You this day.” And Lord, forgive me when I do not speak as You would like me to speak.
Evening Prayer begins: “Lord God Almighty, thank You for calling me by Your amazing grace to be your child and serve you in Your eternal Kingdom.”
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to pray for each other each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
The first grade funny for the day. After school I was speaking to a fellow teacher and at the close of our conversation I told her I would see her tomorrow. One of my students said, “You have to come to work tomorrow and we get to stay home?” I replied, “Yes.” His final word on this was, “That is sad, Mrs. Chrystie.” Out of the mouths of babes…”
Proverbs 23: 15-16 “My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself; yes, my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things.”
My new prayer journal has a morning prayer, a scripture passage, a meditation and an evening prayer. The Morning Prayer began with “Father God, this morning I am mindful that you are thinking of me.” Are those great words to wake up to?! I was so awed to think that God would think of me when He has a lot more important things to think about than me. As I continued to read and meditate I remembered that we are children of the King. We have learned the King’s language and His desires for each of us.
God desires that we live lives of honor. God desires for us to speak words of honor, dignity and grace that reflect His eternal calling in our lives. God rejoices when we, His children, share His story of love, grace and forgiveness with others and when we live our lives in holiness. As I close this entry I am reminded of the Psalm, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart are acceptable to You this day.” And Lord, forgive me when I do not speak as You would like me to speak.
Evening Prayer begins: “Lord God Almighty, thank You for calling me by Your amazing grace to be your child and serve you in Your eternal Kingdom.”
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to pray for each other each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Happy Wednesday!
James 5: 19-20 “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way and will save death and cover a multitude of sins.”
Many of us during our lives have turned away from the Truth (read: God) at sometime on our life. For whatever reason, we thought the pasture looked greener on the other side of the fence. I remember an episode of Touched by an Angel when a character began her life as an angel and Satan made her an offer she could not refuse. She, of her own free will as a God-created being, chose to walk away from God. Monica (the case worker and main character) confronted her and led her back into fellowship with the Father.
We may not be God’s created beings as angels, but our task is just the same. We can never let our spiritual lives slip because that is when Satan comes in and shows us an easier, more glamorous, wealthier way of life. Satan only shows us what is temporal, because he does not have the power of granting eternal life. You see, we can turn away from God and still remain His child and follower and be welcomed back into fellowship with him through asking forgiveness. Once God grants eternal life it is forever and ever. Amen!
This passage of scripture tells us to be watchful of those who are followers of Jesus who are walking down a path that is turning away from God. We can give direction to others through our daily walk with Christ. With His help, we can intentionally seek to turn back those believers who are walking away from God and return them into a right relationship with God. We do not perform this task through a superior attitude, but through the humble wisdom given by God to each of us through His Word, prayer and fellowship with other believers. “The gospel is only good news if people hear it in time.” So let us be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our own lives as we care for each other and help others find their way back to Him.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and warm socks. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another us in prayer each day. Love you all so very much, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
James 5: 19-20 “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way and will save death and cover a multitude of sins.”
Many of us during our lives have turned away from the Truth (read: God) at sometime on our life. For whatever reason, we thought the pasture looked greener on the other side of the fence. I remember an episode of Touched by an Angel when a character began her life as an angel and Satan made her an offer she could not refuse. She, of her own free will as a God-created being, chose to walk away from God. Monica (the case worker and main character) confronted her and led her back into fellowship with the Father.
We may not be God’s created beings as angels, but our task is just the same. We can never let our spiritual lives slip because that is when Satan comes in and shows us an easier, more glamorous, wealthier way of life. Satan only shows us what is temporal, because he does not have the power of granting eternal life. You see, we can turn away from God and still remain His child and follower and be welcomed back into fellowship with him through asking forgiveness. Once God grants eternal life it is forever and ever. Amen!
This passage of scripture tells us to be watchful of those who are followers of Jesus who are walking down a path that is turning away from God. We can give direction to others through our daily walk with Christ. With His help, we can intentionally seek to turn back those believers who are walking away from God and return them into a right relationship with God. We do not perform this task through a superior attitude, but through the humble wisdom given by God to each of us through His Word, prayer and fellowship with other believers. “The gospel is only good news if people hear it in time.” So let us be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our own lives as we care for each other and help others find their way back to Him.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and warm socks. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another us in prayer each day. Love you all so very much, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Happy Tuesday!
Today was my first class of the semester at Brite. I am taking Congregational Leadership. And even though it is not my intent to lead a congregation I am sure the information will be helpful and the class actually has familiar faces and a delightfully humorous professor. The class is from 6:45 to 9:15 PM. It makes for a very long day!
James 3: 13 “Who is wise and understanding among you , let him show by good conduct that his words are done in the meekness of wisdom.”
“Wisdom is gaining the knowledge of God’s character and desires and applying it to daily life. Wisdom is seeing the world through the eyes of Christ.” Jesus healed the blind man by the pool at Bethsaida and allowed the man to see clearly. Wisdom comes to us by the hand of God through the life of Jesus. God calls each of us to see all people as objects of God’s love and wants us to show His love to them. The life of Christ is shown to others by the way we walk in humble wisdom and see others through the eyes of Christ.
When we walk in the humble wisdom of Christ we are changed eternally and will change the lives of others. The only way I know to do this is by getting ourselves out of the way so that Christ might work through us. We can be a life giving force in the lives of others by letting Christ work through us and show His goodness and tender mercies to all we meet.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes/boots while continuing to wear extra socks because it is supposed to be 19 degrees in the morning. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another in prayer each day praying for wisdom and opportunity to share God’s love. Love you all so very much, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Today was my first class of the semester at Brite. I am taking Congregational Leadership. And even though it is not my intent to lead a congregation I am sure the information will be helpful and the class actually has familiar faces and a delightfully humorous professor. The class is from 6:45 to 9:15 PM. It makes for a very long day!
James 3: 13 “Who is wise and understanding among you , let him show by good conduct that his words are done in the meekness of wisdom.”
“Wisdom is gaining the knowledge of God’s character and desires and applying it to daily life. Wisdom is seeing the world through the eyes of Christ.” Jesus healed the blind man by the pool at Bethsaida and allowed the man to see clearly. Wisdom comes to us by the hand of God through the life of Jesus. God calls each of us to see all people as objects of God’s love and wants us to show His love to them. The life of Christ is shown to others by the way we walk in humble wisdom and see others through the eyes of Christ.
When we walk in the humble wisdom of Christ we are changed eternally and will change the lives of others. The only way I know to do this is by getting ourselves out of the way so that Christ might work through us. We can be a life giving force in the lives of others by letting Christ work through us and show His goodness and tender mercies to all we meet.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes/boots while continuing to wear extra socks because it is supposed to be 19 degrees in the morning. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another in prayer each day praying for wisdom and opportunity to share God’s love. Love you all so very much, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Happy Monday and b-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r! Baby it’s cold outside!
1 Timothy 6:17-18 “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, not to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.”
Well, another day has come and gone and the Publisher’s Clearing House truck has not made an appearance at 811 Austin St. And even though I really don’t expect it too, it is fun to fill out the emails that come to me several times a week because you never know…
And even though it would really be nice to not have to worry about money, especially with attending a Lutheran Seminary in our future, I know that these types of riches are temporal. But the riches Jesus gives us are eternal and everlasting. When we come into relationship with Jesus we are every spiritual blessing heaven can afford in Christ.
Tonight’s meditation teaches that provisions for our daily necessities are part of the blessing and “not just for our enjoyment, but for our employment.” God has given us these heavenly blessings out of His love for us so that we might bless others. This is what that scripture about laying up treasures for ourselves in heaven (Matthew 6: 20) is all about. Any earthly treasure we have is staying here, (even though I have an uncle who will give it his best shot!), but the blessings we share with others and the Christ we model for others are treasures that are already before the Father. Martin Luther said, “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hand, that I still possess.”
So friends, it is just after Christmas and if you are like us money is a bit scarce, but the blessings of God through Jesus are still being shared in abundance. So if you have earthly riches use them to bless others and it you have riches of the kingdom then use them to share Christ with someone. Show love to someone who is hard to love, forgive someone who has wronged you, affirm someone who is feeling defeated and let them know of God’s love for them.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and extra socks. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Prayer alert! A young lady named Stephanie (teenager) was kicked in the abdomen during a soccer game rupturing her spleen. As of today she was in the intensive care unit. Emergency surgery was performed. Please pray for this young lady and her family to have courage and gather their strength from the expertise of the doctors and surgeons while placing their trust in the Master Healer and Greet Physician. Peace, gc
1 Timothy 6:17-18 “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, not to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.”
Well, another day has come and gone and the Publisher’s Clearing House truck has not made an appearance at 811 Austin St. And even though I really don’t expect it too, it is fun to fill out the emails that come to me several times a week because you never know…
And even though it would really be nice to not have to worry about money, especially with attending a Lutheran Seminary in our future, I know that these types of riches are temporal. But the riches Jesus gives us are eternal and everlasting. When we come into relationship with Jesus we are every spiritual blessing heaven can afford in Christ.
Tonight’s meditation teaches that provisions for our daily necessities are part of the blessing and “not just for our enjoyment, but for our employment.” God has given us these heavenly blessings out of His love for us so that we might bless others. This is what that scripture about laying up treasures for ourselves in heaven (Matthew 6: 20) is all about. Any earthly treasure we have is staying here, (even though I have an uncle who will give it his best shot!), but the blessings we share with others and the Christ we model for others are treasures that are already before the Father. Martin Luther said, “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hand, that I still possess.”
So friends, it is just after Christmas and if you are like us money is a bit scarce, but the blessings of God through Jesus are still being shared in abundance. So if you have earthly riches use them to bless others and it you have riches of the kingdom then use them to share Christ with someone. Show love to someone who is hard to love, forgive someone who has wronged you, affirm someone who is feeling defeated and let them know of God’s love for them.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and extra socks. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Prayer alert! A young lady named Stephanie (teenager) was kicked in the abdomen during a soccer game rupturing her spleen. As of today she was in the intensive care unit. Emergency surgery was performed. Please pray for this young lady and her family to have courage and gather their strength from the expertise of the doctors and surgeons while placing their trust in the Master Healer and Greet Physician. Peace, gc
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Blessed Sunday to you all!
Worship this morning was amazing. The singing was so spirit filled as the Praise Team and congregation worshiped as we sang today.
In the Lutheran Church, today is the day we recognize the baptism of Jesus. Pastor Joel used scriptures from Matthew and Acts upon which to base his message. Pastor reminded each of us that at 30 years old Jesus was baptized and began His public ministry. And, no matter what our age or place in life, we need to begin our public ministry today. We are to preach Christ every day and share God’s message of love, forgiveness and grace to all we meet. This message does not just have to happen in our sanctuary. It can happen over coffee at Starbucks, in line at the grocery store, on the phone with a friend or at work. We don’t need to use any special language or be bible scholars. We just need to be open to the power of the Holy Spirit and listen for the words to say.
Luke 12: 22-24 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, not about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more that clothing. “
This passage is usually used when we are in need and times are pretty hard. But let us think about this differently tonight. It is a little scary to share Christ with someone else. We are afraid of being rejected or people being offended. But when we claim the name of Jesus and pray about what to say before we share Christ with someone then this passage tells me that we are not to worry because God will take care of it. This is how the kingdom of God grows here on earth.
Do you remember Bruce’s sign-off each with each email, “Preach Christ every day, if necessary, use words?” There are times we show Christ and then there are times we speak for Christ. If we open ourselves up to His leading, God will train us through His Word, through prayer and through others. He will help us know when to speak, what to say and He will provide the people who need to hear this message.
The Great Commission calls each of us to preach Jesus Christ everyday, baptize others in His name and spread the Word that God loves us.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift each other up in prayer daily. Love you all so very much, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Prayer Alert: The apartment of one of Geni and Travis’ co-workers was robbed on last evening. This young lady shares the apartment with another friend and her friend’s sister. It appears to be an act of vengeance as the thieves took food, clothes and pretty well stripped the apartment. Please pray for these three women as they attempt to recover from this act of intrusion and theft. Please pray for them to feel safe again. Thank you, mighty prayer warriors, Peace, gc
Worship this morning was amazing. The singing was so spirit filled as the Praise Team and congregation worshiped as we sang today.
In the Lutheran Church, today is the day we recognize the baptism of Jesus. Pastor Joel used scriptures from Matthew and Acts upon which to base his message. Pastor reminded each of us that at 30 years old Jesus was baptized and began His public ministry. And, no matter what our age or place in life, we need to begin our public ministry today. We are to preach Christ every day and share God’s message of love, forgiveness and grace to all we meet. This message does not just have to happen in our sanctuary. It can happen over coffee at Starbucks, in line at the grocery store, on the phone with a friend or at work. We don’t need to use any special language or be bible scholars. We just need to be open to the power of the Holy Spirit and listen for the words to say.
Luke 12: 22-24 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, not about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more that clothing. “
This passage is usually used when we are in need and times are pretty hard. But let us think about this differently tonight. It is a little scary to share Christ with someone else. We are afraid of being rejected or people being offended. But when we claim the name of Jesus and pray about what to say before we share Christ with someone then this passage tells me that we are not to worry because God will take care of it. This is how the kingdom of God grows here on earth.
Do you remember Bruce’s sign-off each with each email, “Preach Christ every day, if necessary, use words?” There are times we show Christ and then there are times we speak for Christ. If we open ourselves up to His leading, God will train us through His Word, through prayer and through others. He will help us know when to speak, what to say and He will provide the people who need to hear this message.
The Great Commission calls each of us to preach Jesus Christ everyday, baptize others in His name and spread the Word that God loves us.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift each other up in prayer daily. Love you all so very much, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Prayer Alert: The apartment of one of Geni and Travis’ co-workers was robbed on last evening. This young lady shares the apartment with another friend and her friend’s sister. It appears to be an act of vengeance as the thieves took food, clothes and pretty well stripped the apartment. Please pray for these three women as they attempt to recover from this act of intrusion and theft. Please pray for them to feel safe again. Thank you, mighty prayer warriors, Peace, gc
Happy Saturday!
Matthew 7: 7-8 “Ask, and it will be given unto you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be given unto you. For everyone who asks, receives, and he who seeks, finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
There are many denominations and many different faiths being practiced in the world today, but the one common thread in every faith practice is that we all pray. Communities of faith are people of prayer. One of the first lessons we learn comes from this passage. God asks us to pray and to ask.
When I can’t find something in the grocery store I may feel kind of silly, but I find someone to ask. And, being directionally challenged, asking for directions is a practice! But I never feel silly asking God for direction. God welcomes our requests and invites us to ask as often as we need. God knocks on the doors of our hearts and minds and so desires to be welcomed in.
Next, God asks us to seek. God wants us to seek the answers to our questions through prayer and study. But God also tells us He will not burst in on us, but will politely knock and wait to be invited inside. Prayer is inviting God in and seeking His knowledge, His direction, His wisdom, His forgiveness and His grace.
I pray each of you is a part of a community of faith that is a community of prayer. A community that prays for themselves and each other is a community that has the heart of God. So friends, let us follow the words of the scriptures and knock, ask, seek and live in the hope that God listens to each request, hears every groan and listens when we just need to talk.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift each other in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Matthew 7: 7-8 “Ask, and it will be given unto you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be given unto you. For everyone who asks, receives, and he who seeks, finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
There are many denominations and many different faiths being practiced in the world today, but the one common thread in every faith practice is that we all pray. Communities of faith are people of prayer. One of the first lessons we learn comes from this passage. God asks us to pray and to ask.
When I can’t find something in the grocery store I may feel kind of silly, but I find someone to ask. And, being directionally challenged, asking for directions is a practice! But I never feel silly asking God for direction. God welcomes our requests and invites us to ask as often as we need. God knocks on the doors of our hearts and minds and so desires to be welcomed in.
Next, God asks us to seek. God wants us to seek the answers to our questions through prayer and study. But God also tells us He will not burst in on us, but will politely knock and wait to be invited inside. Prayer is inviting God in and seeking His knowledge, His direction, His wisdom, His forgiveness and His grace.
I pray each of you is a part of a community of faith that is a community of prayer. A community that prays for themselves and each other is a community that has the heart of God. So friends, let us follow the words of the scriptures and knock, ask, seek and live in the hope that God listens to each request, hears every groan and listens when we just need to talk.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift each other in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
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