One heart for Christ family support group

03/27/2020

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the LORD your God goes with you..." Deuteronomy 31:6

03/21/2020

I just want to say, I know people are worried and some have really taken a hit up close and personal in this battle. My heart and prayers go out to all those who are affected right now and by no means would I ever want to diminish the heartache some are experiencing. But, I know a man that rose from the grave after being dead for three days and he calls me friend. I know many of you know him too. And he told us many times over in his love letter to us "do not fear" for I am with you. If we know this man who died and arose to rule heaven and earth and reign as king of the world for ever and ever and know that he calls us his friends, would we also not take comfort that he will care for us as he promised he would? Because the good shepherd cares for those that are his sheep. He calls you friend....he will not leave you nor forsake you. In these troubled times when I see the shelves in the stores empty as people grab every bit of food to fill their stomachs...i am reminded that man cannot "live" on bread alone and I am thankful that I know the one who truly nourishes my soul and breathes the breath of life into my being and I am glad that my true food comes from my savior, my friend. When I look at how bare the shelves are it reminds me of how grateful I am that I truly have all I need and my soul is not as barren as the desolation I see and the emptiness that some feel deep within themselves that no earthly food will ever satisfy is something I never will feel again. My cup runneth over. I pray this day that your does too.

03/21/2020

Fear Not...
Neither be dismayed...
Isaiah 41:10

03/03/2020

There is a beautiful tree on the Adult and Teen Challenge Mid - America grounds that I believe is a River Birch though I'm not exactly sure. However, the River Birch sheds it's bark much like a human sheds skin to reveal new growth beneath the surface as it matures. As those pieces of bark fall to the ground they also serve as a sort of mulch that surrounds the tree to prevent any weeds and unwanted plants from growing up beside it that could be a threat to its survival. The River Birch does not have a deep root system but yet it stands tall and sturdy. It spreads out its roots very near the surface of the ground as these trees are usually found near rivers in which water is in abundant supply and water, as we know, is the tree's source of life. Security of survival is not in how deeply the roots are planted in the ground but only that the roots soak up the living water. From a spiritual standpoint, much like the River Birch we shed off layers of our old selves as new growth occurs in Christ and we leave the old behind in our past experiences, trials, tribulations, behavior, and choices that serve like mulch as lessons learned to protect us from allowing things to rise up again with us that could be a threat to our new growth and survival. I took these two photos on a visit up on campus recently while visiting my husband. Both were in the same day only minutes apart. No special effects were added other than the words. This tree sits behind the Chapel, beneath the prayer tower, overlooking the area that the new addition to the campus is going to be built. How very fitting for such a divine dwelling place. I encourage you today to take comfort that a new life is ahead of you no matter how dark the days have previously been that brings the peace, safety, security, joy, light, and love that only clinging to Jesus..the source of life can bring. He loves you and will care for you.

02/13/2020

It can be difficult to express love toward those who do not love, appreciate, or accept us and even more difficult is it to express love and forgiveness toward those who have acted in pure hatred towards us. But the word of the Lord directs us to the path that leads to healing for all involved. How so one may ask? Part of the process is that when we bless rather than curse we are released from the bo***ge another's sin toward us has imprisoned us in. We might also be able to see how sin births more offspring and begin to understand how another persons acts could have evolved from the sins against them. We have the power to break the cycle. If we hold onto it we perpetuate the growth of that sin in us that will in turn not only prevent us from freedom but it will also affect another. Break the chain...bless and do not curse.

02/07/2020

Sometimes tradgedy strikes in this life and many blame God when he does not act to change their circumstances. But most times our circumstances are are direct result of the choices we ourselves have made and we often expect God to bail us out even though he has given us plenty of warning through his word what choices we should make to avoid tradgedy. Sometimes though tradgedy just comes as a result of things way beyond our control and it is in those times that may question how God could allow such things especially to those who serve him and love him. God never promised that tradgedy would not befall us. But he did promise that he would be with us through it all (Mathew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5). And sometimes we fail to see that he has already acted when he streched out his arms and shed his life blood so that we may live again (John 3:16)in a time where there would be no more pain, no more suffering, no more death, or dying, and no more tears (Revelation 21:4). Today's prayer: may our God of all comfort walk with you through the storms of your life. May you feel his presence even when you feel hopeless. May he lift up your head so that you may see beyond your tears that your redemption draws near. And may he surround you with loving hearts that will help wipe your tears and give you strength. Our God is a loving God and just as any loving earthly father who may not remove our sorrows he will continue to pour out his love to see you through it.

02/04/2020

02/01/2020

This is a really powerful productions. It's so easy to get caught up in so many things that leave us so unfulfilled but God is always there desiring for us to return to him with his unfailing love. And he will fight our every battle for us because of his great love for us. Call out to him and he will answer.

Skit done on Saturday night at Winterfest in Knoxville TN. 2006

01/30/2020

You are never alone in the struggle. Cast your cares upon the Lord because he cares for you - 1 Peter 5:7.