“Keep on Keeping On”….this statement is from a book I am reading right now, A Leader in The Making by Joyce Meyer.  I can hear God’s voice cheering us on. He tells us to keep going. If you come to think about it, He is our biggest cheerleader isn’t He? He made us who we are. He gave us our gifts and talents. He is waiting for us to acknowledge them and give them life! Why wouldn’t he be our biggest cheerleader? God wants us to do more with our life than we could ever imagine!

The first few chapters of the book, A Leader in the Making, talks about Developing our Potential. I wanted to share a few points that really struck home with me. However, before I do that I thought we could look at the word “Potential” first. One of the first things I think of is my children! I see so much potential in them, if they choose to work hard! If they put it into action. I see the gifts that God has given them. Taylor is a mini Jeff and has the gift of a beautiful voice. He has such great potential there and I know that if he would put his mind to it that He could be amazing some day.  I think of Allyson, who is a mini me, and I see many strong qualities in her. She is actually very talented in many things, but one that is on my mind today is her piano playing. She continues to work hard and I can see her playing in church years down the road. She also has a beautiful voice but is too shy to share it ( I only hear it when I sneak up by her door and listen as she sings while she cleans her room!) She also has great potential. Then there is Brooke, the one with attitude. She is a one of a kind that is going to impact the World one of these days. She is strong and mighty, but yet sensitive and full of compassion. She can do anything she puts her mind to. I know that whatever God has planned for her that she will accomplish His Will. She has so many possibilities!!

Webster’s dictionary defines potential as “existing in possibility, not in act”.  In order for our potential to develop we must have a plan, cover it in prayer, and take it into action!  In reality, we all have underdeveloped potential. God has amazing plans for our lives. Plans we can’t see. In order for us to develop our potential we MUST believe God and believe that we can do whatever He says we can do in His Word. How many of us can actually say that we truly believe we can do what God says we can do? Look at Moses….He protested to God over and over saying that he was inadequate for the job God asked him to do. He didn’t believe he could do what God told him to do. God knew the plan that He had for Moses. God had to convince Moses to believe in Him. Don’t we do the same? God has given us gifts and talents too. But we stifle them because of our unbelief. In order for us to fullfill God’s plan for our lives we must develop our potential. It begins with a plan. It takes root through prayer. It is developed through action! Let’s get started as I share some of what Joyce Meyer is teaching me.

1. Don’t be afraid of Failure! Get out of the safety zone and believe that with God nothing is impossible!

*** I think many times we don’t pursue what God is telling us because we feel we are inadequate ! We are afraid that we will make a fool out of ourselves and that we will not achieve what we set out to do. We must remember that He provides all we need(2 Corinthians9:8) and that when we are weak, He is strong!(2 Corinthians 12:10)! I also love  in the Bible where He tells us repeatedly that He will equip us…Ephesians 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:17, and Hebrews 13:21! Take some time and meditate on those promises!! They will encourage you!

2.  Take Action, Be Determined, but also to have Balance

*** I think that sometimes we jump too quick without having a plan and forget to bathe our journey in prayer. We go full strength and end up diving in too deep and feel like we are drowning. Balance is the key to success as we develop our potential. We need to strive to blossom, but we need to remember to balance our life as we pursue His calling. Too many become overwhelmed and weary as they forget the importance of staying focused , bathing their path in prayer, and pursuing God’s ways and not their own. Don’t forget WHO is in control!

3.Our Potential takes Investment

***This has got to be one of my favorite lessons so far! Galations 6:9 says “and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” This really spoke to me because I am impatient! When I feel like God is telling me something, I want to reap the harvest NOW. I don’t want it later, I want it now. Just like a two year old! I am so ashamed!  We need to remember that ministry takes investment. We need to remember that growth takes investment. We need to invest in what God has given us. It takes time. It takes development! When God nudges us we need to take the appropriate steps to follow Him. We need to remember that it starts from a seed planted in our hearts by God and that day by day by day it will be nourished and nutured until it gradually springs forth as fruit! (Joyce Meyer)

Lastly, lets look at one of my favorite verses  in Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily entangles us. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”

 I love these verses because they teach us that God has placed a race before us.  He has a plan. It is ours for the taking! Will you accept it?  Will you develop your potential that He has planted in you? It is a decision only you can make. He also tells us that He wants us to keep our eyes on Him, the one who initiates and perfects our faith.  If we stay focused on Him and run with endurance and strip off everything that slows us down He will help us to live effectively for Him. What is slowing you down? Is it too many committments? Is is wrong priorities? Is it sin? Is it fear?Is it the fact that you let others control you instead of relying on God ? What hinders you from developing your full potential? I ask that you pray for God to reveal that issue to you and that you would take action…let it go! God wants you to be free from all those things that hinder His plan for your life. He is cheering you on, my friends! Can you hear Him now?..”Keep on Keeping On!!”

The genie in the bottle…..have you ever imagined  what you would wish for if you had the opportunity? It makes me think of the Disney movie-Aladin! The big blue Genie with the voice of  Robin Williams! Oh, if only we could have 3 wishes! What would your 3 wishes be?

I am stuck right now and so I am drawn to think about Solomon as the Lord came to him in 1Kings3:5-13 and asked Solomon “What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you.” Could you imagine God coming to you with that question and having the option of telling him ANYTHING you would want and it be given to you by God!! Oh, friends, I can see your wheels spinning already! I am curious as to your response!!

Well, I have been asking for Wisdom for myself! I woke this morning seeking His Word so I could somehow grasp His direction for some answers that I need. I just needed to hear His voice, you know. Quiet TIme! Him and me! His Word and Prayer. Wisdom! Guidance! I thought I would share some of what God is teaching me as I take time to seek His truth and understand His Word.

First of all, let me give you a baseline of where I am standing. I have taught at a Christian  preschool for 6 years now and a few months ago made a decision to close that door so that God could open a new one for me. I love teaching preschool but felt like God was telling me there there was something else down the road and that I needed to trust Him to show me. So I made the decision to close a door so a new one could open.The past few months I have been searching and seeking to find out what door God wants to open for me. Of course, as I have kept my eyes and heart open, my eyes have been open to some opportunities to explore. Opportunities at a new church might be a door…going back to college might be a door….another teaching opportunity with older children might be a door….the list can go on and on ,but I have not concluded which door God is opening! That is the tricky part! If only there was a bill board…..SO, Wisdom is what I am asking for! Wish number 1!

Proverbs 2:3-11 tells me to cry out for insight and ask for understanding!! It also tells me to search like I was searching for hidden treasure! Keep searching until I find it! As you probably know, as you search in God’s Word you can find many treasures. His Word is full of treasures, more precious than rubies! But to find the one that is speaking to you right now sometimes takes a while! Ay, Mate!

So, as I have been struggling to find the exact treasure of wisdom and understanding for the last few weeks, this morning I was lead to James 1 and in  verse 5 it says “if you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking, but when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” Verse 12 goes on to say “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

I have read this passage before, but today it struck me in a new way. You see, I feel like I have been wavering like a sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. I have been wavering in my focus ,but I have been praying that God would show me His Will. How can I ask God to show me His will and direction when my loyalty is divided between God and the world?  A person with divided loyalty is not completely convinced that God’s way is best. They may ask for God to show them, but turn away once He has answered.If I truly trusted Him, I would commit myself wholeheartedly to Him. But I have been wavering between serving in His name, being open to His will, and pursuing my own agenda and seeking another career and pathway(the world). How can I do both and expect Him to answer me and to pour His blessings on my decisions? He says that when we ask, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Trust in what He is showing you. Do not waver. Do not be tossed by the winds and the waves. Rely on God to show you what is best for you! Remeber where your loyalty lays….is it in the Lord or in the World. He will bless your obedience.

I was also lead to Luke 14:11-27. Here Jesus is speaking  and he tells us that as we humble ourselves He will exalt us! It truly reminds me to humble myself and make a commitment to serve Him. I  hear his voice as he tells me that I can’t serve in His name without Him. I need to trust Him and allow Him to show me my limitations and give me strength to use the gifts He has given me. Jesus continues with a parable and talks about an invitation to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God.  But when the banquet was ready, those invited all began making excuses and delayed in responding to God’s invitation. They had their own agenda at hand and placed it above God!

All of these passages truly spoke to me and I hope that they have given you some insight too. Where is your loyalty ? Be sure that your faith is in God alone! If your loyalty is divided you should not expect to receive anything from the Lord and you will be unstable in everything you do! Do you want to be unsettled as the restless waves?

The Luke passage has truly made me think about if I have responded to God’s invitation! He has placed before me a new church with new opportunities (one’s I haven’t quite figured out yet, but I am sure He will speak to me soon!). Is that His way of inviting me to His banquet and seeing how I am going to respond? Will I delay in my response and seek my own agenda and make excuses as to why I can’t serve in His name and respond to His invitation? Will I take a full time job and fill my plate so that I don’t have room for Him? Or will I try and become more available , humble myself, and submit to His will? The last verse I read today is Luke 14:27. How deep do  I want to go? Where does my loyalty stand? Is He waiting for total submission and for me to trust in Him?  WISDOM…..did He answer? He is bigger than the Genie in the bottle!

At times, does it ever seem  that trouble, sorrow, pain, uncertainty or  anxiousness grabs ahold and doesn’t let go? Maybe you see it happening to others. Maybe you are experiencing it right now. You wonder if there is light at the end of the tunnel. When will it get easier? When will you begin to see the fruits of your labor or the load lifted from your shoulders? Why is it taking so long? Where is my help?

Your help comes from the Lord, maker of the heavens and the Earth!! Jeremiah 31:3 says that God loves you with an everlasting love. Hebrews 13:5 says that He goes before you, that He will always be with you, and that He will never, never, never leave you nor forsake you! Will you hold onto those promises? Will you trust in His words and let go of the struggles of the world and allow Him to carry the burdens for you? Let go and Let God!!

I know that it is easier said than done as there are times in our lives when we are burdened by so many circumstances surrounding us. They tend to overwhelm us and bring us to our knees. Strangely enough, this is exactly where the Lord wants us!! We must understand that our Lord is totally aware of the circumstances in our lives and He wants us to surrender it all over to Him. He sees us trying to fix everything instead of relying on Him to work it out! He sees us trying to take control instead of giving all control to Him. What does this show Him? It shows Him that we do not trust in Him. It shows Him that we lack Faith. It shows Him that we do not believe in the Power of the Lord!

I pray that whatever is burdening you that you would begin to place your trust in the Lord. Begin to believe in what you cannot see! Live by Faith trusting in Him in all things. Are your  eyes on Jesus or on your problem? Are your thoughts centered on God’s Word or on the circumstances that surround you? I know that I have been at both places! I  like to think I am in control and can handle what comes my way, but the truth of the matter is that when I try and handle things myself , I end up losing control and become a mess! I become anxious, stressed, and things begin to fall apart! But when I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, the result is a calm heart! The circumstances may still be there, but my heart is free from the anxiety as I know that in His time He will give me exactly what I need. I need not worry because He keeps His promises. I need not worry because His plans are bigger than mine. I need not worry because He knows exactly what I need.

I pray that if you are struggling  that you would put your trust in His Word and truly understand and grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ for you! (Ephesians 3:17-19) Go to your knees and surrender it all to Him. Be patient but wait expectantly…..for He has open arms for you! He has been waiting for the total surrender! Allow Him to embrace you and to show you His love!

I had a conversation with a friend the other day regarding church and what keeps people coming back…..have you ever thought about that??  Why do people join a church? Why do people leave a church?? What makes the church our home?? We could go so many directions here….church is a place to Worship, a place to Pray, a place to make connections with other Christians, a place to Serve, a place to hear God’s Word, a place to make friends, a place to go on a Sunday morning….what is it to you?

 Let me share a little of what it has been to me.I began going to church around age 30(my initial searching) and just recently changed churches. My heart still aches as I truly miss my church because it was like a second home to me. To me it is not just a place or a building..it is an experience filled with the Love of God. It’s comfort. It’s peace. It’s love. It’s light. It was where I came to know Christ. It’s where the Lord has touched my heart and soul.It’s  a place where God molded me and helped me to grow. It’s a place where I knew I could go to find strength, peace, and comfort. It was a place where I built relationships with other Christians that guided me on my journey. It was a place where I knew I was accepted no matter what was happening in my life.  It was a place where I knew I could eventually grow and share the Love of God with others. It has been a place of growth, of love,  and of opportunity! As I look back….I started with some little seeds and now I am beginning to see some green sprouting. I have a long way to go, but I know blossoms are coming! 

As God has helped me take root in some fertile soil, he has provided me with some  opportunities to serve  Him and give back. The church is a place where we can be a light for Him. Giving back to others ,some of what I had learned, has been a wonderful blessing for me. One of my favorite areas to serve was the prayer ministry…because it helped me to grow closer to God and because I began to learn the Power of Prayer!  I also knew that even though I was behind the scenes (my favorite place to be!), God could use me in a quiet way! There is nothing more Powerful than Prayer! I also formed an amazing bond with some other special women in the church that will always touch my heart! When two or more are gathered….amazing things happen, not only through prayer…but also within the souls of those praying!. The other area that I found to be truly a blessing in my life was serving in Women’s Ministry. I feel totally illequiped to be in Women’s Ministry but God tells us that He works through those that we think are the least likely!!  I am shy. I am quiet. I like to be in smaller groups or one on one. I don’t like crowds. I have trouble connecting with others. Why would God want to use me there? Why does He use those that are not equipped? I never truly understood that, but being called into Women’s Ministry… I now totally understand!! It is to bring Glory to Him…it is not by our Power, but by His! God has used me , in my weakest moments, to help others grow in their relationship with Christ and it has  been one of the biggest blessings in my life! I have seen His Power and Glory! There is nothing more powerful than seeing others become closer to the Lord and helping them to understand the relationship that He wants from us!

I remember when I first accepted Christ,  the Pastor’s Wife, a dear friend,had come up to me and whispered in my ear “I have been praying  for you for a year!” . I was full of joy and tears because I couldn’t even imagine someone taking the time to do that for me and also waiting for me to come to know Christ. I was overwhelmed by the amount of love that was poured out for me! I will always remember her prayers for me because it has been a great example for me to pray for others and to pour out my love to others who are searching for Christ! A church….full of followers that are centered on prayer and sharing the Love of Christ! That’s church!

So when I think of the question….What makes people stay in church?….I think of what the church has meant to me and why it has been like a home….Here are some of the things that have stood out to me:

1. The Presence of the Holy Spirit: I feel that Prayer should be the foundation of every church. If the church is going to flourish and grow, Christ needs to be the center. The Holy Spirity will not send its Fire upon a church that is not centered  as a House of Prayer! How many churches are grounded with Prayer??

2. A strong Spiritual Growth Foundation: God’s children are seeking  Him. They want to grow and develop their relationship with their Lord. They need guidance and leadership .  A church needs to have strong Spiritual leaders that  teach Biblical Truth with Passion, that are centered on God’s truth and that have a desire to reach God’s children in any way possible. They need to encourage, teach, and pray for other Christians within the church so that discipleship can occur. Discipleship needs to occur in order for the church to continue to grow.When people become stagnant, growth will not occur! What opportunites do our churches have that help develop Disciples for Christ? How are we helping others grow in their relationship with Christ? What is our time of Worship like- is there room for the Holy Spirit to move in? Are we teaching Prayer? Are we teaching how to study the Word? Are we guiding others to grow Spiritually?

3. Opportunity for Fellowship Connection/Growth: I have learned over the last year or two that building relationships with others is a key to connection and growth. God created us for relationship! Relationship with Him and with others! Fellowship opportunities help churches  build strong relationships and ultimately help with Unity within the church. As we build our relationships with each other we also become more authentic and more open with one another. This opens up more opportunity for growth as we learn from one another and seek to help and support one another during difficult times.

4. Multiple Service Opportunities: God works in amazing ways because as He touches our lives with His love and grace we begin to open our eyes to look beyone ourselves. We begin to see the opportunities to reach others  and serve in His name. Churches need to have outreach opportunities that are welcoming to the congregation. People want to have a place where they can serve and make a difference. These opportunities need to be clear and visible to them as they seek to find their calling, otherwise they feel like they just don’t fit in anywhere. We need to pray that God will guide us to see the talents He has given to His children and help them to plug into the right nimistries of the church.

No matter what church you attend….there are always going to be areas that need improvement.We should never think we are doing everything right!  As a church, we need to look at our strong suits and our weak areas. We need not point fingers or squabble over those areas that need work but instead acknowledge them and prayerfully consider the steps needed to turn them around to strengths. Remember, God’s temple should be a House of Prayer…centered on the Lord Jesus Christ so that we can experience the fullness of Him!! Now, that IS CHURCH!

 John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

I am enlightened by the Love and Sacrifice of Jesus as I reflect on the last moments of His life. I sat through a wonderful service tonight that spoke volumes to my son, Taylor. In his own words, he described the time of Worship as “That service is a tear jerker!” He was in tears at the end as he had images in his head of Jesus on the Cross and understanding the sacrifice that Christ made for him. We have brought Taylor to church since he was 4 years old( he is now 12). The girls have come since they were infants. There have been many seeds planted through the years and countless prayers prayed on their behalf by Jeff and I. They have all come along way in their understanding of the truths in the Bible. I pray that they would not only understand the sacrifice Christ made for them but also that they would desire to have a personal relationship with Him. I pray that they would grow in their knowledge of Him and that they would follow in His ways. I am thankful that God has been pulling them along the way and that they have begun their journey.

Knowing that I accepted Christ as my Savior at age 33, it makes me really think about all those lost souls that truly don’t know who Jesus is, why He came, and the Sacrifice He made for them. They say that the percentage of people that accept Christ dwindles the older they get. Those that are brought up in the church and are taught the truths of the Word are more likely to accept Christ. I am thankful that my heart was open and that God was knocking on my door. I am thankful that others in my life prayed for me during the time that I was seeking and searching.  Really, how many people don’t know the Truth? How many people don’t know how to have a relationship with Christ? How many people KNOW where they are going when they die?

Tonight I was reminded of how many don’t understand. I was reminded as I watched my children worship and pray tonight. I truly believe that seeds are taking root. I was reminded as I sat by a dear  friend who continues to grow in her relationship with Christ. I was reminded as I watched my husband lead the service and reflected on how he has grown as a Christian.But mostly, I was reminded as I heard Christ say “forgive them father, for they do not understand” . You see, even then…Christ knew that society didn’t understand. But still, He gave. Still, He loved. Still, He sacrificed. WHY? Because He loved us and because He wants all of us to come to Him. He sacrificed because He knew that we couldn’t be holy on our own. Someone had to sacrifice for our sins so that we could be seen as righteous before God.

Before He was crucified, He prayed not only for His Disciples but also for us…the future believers. He prayed that we would understand the love that He had for us. He prayed that we would be united as one just as He is one with the Father. He prayed that we would one day be with Him in Heaven. Do you understand how to get there?

I pray  tonight that  if you don’t know Christ as your Savior that you would open your heart to Him. I pray that He would enlighten you to the promise He has for you. I pray that you would understand the love and sacrifice that He made for YOU. He sacrificed for ALL of us. Romans 4:5 tells us that we cannot be saved by our works but ONLY by our Faith!  We cannot earn our salvation by being good or by working hard. Jesus offers us Salvation  as a gift because He loves us. We can’t get to Heaven without Him! I hope the following will help you understand:

1. Admit that you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23)

2. Be willing to turn from your sin (repent)

3. Believe Jesus Christ died for YOU, was buried, and rose from the dead. (Romans 10:9)

4. Through prayer, invite Jesus into your life to become your personal Savior. (Romans 10:13)

What to pray:Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Saviour.

My prayer for you, my friends, is that you have accepted Christ as your Savior and that you KNOW that you will be in Heaven with Him. John 3:16 tells us that whoever believes will not perish but have everlasting life! I pray that you will understand the sacrifice and love that He has for you and that through that knowledge you will desire to know Him even more through a personal relationship with Him. Open your heart to Him. Pray to Him. Read and meditate on His Word. Come to Him and He will come to you!