Wednesday's Word

The Relationship of Believers to Christ and each other.

John 15: 9-17 (NLT)

9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 
10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 
11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 
13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 
15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 
16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 
17 This is my command: Love each other.

Blessings & Love <3 

Carolyn

The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life

Hey Everyone,

Book-It Tuesday... It's that day again, when I suggest to you a book worth reading. "The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life" by Dr. Charles Stanley is such a book, I don't recall when I came across this book, but it has been many years ago. This book became a divine breakthrough for me; I can remember as a young girl, the Holy Spirit was SOMETHING  that I wanted nothing to do with, imagine my joy as I began to grow in our Lord Jesus and revelation came about Holy Spirit and who "HE" is.

Praise God, then I came across this book that was on my mother's bookshelf, that's when I found greater understanding of Him, all praises to a Holy Father. This book has meant so much to me, that I've even given it as a gift a few times. As Christians, when we come into the Grace of who Holy Spirit is and His purpose in our lives, we are able to flow in the things of our Father with greater ease, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

So, if you know of someone who is struggling with the 'idea' or the purpose of Holy Spirit and who He is, this book would be a wonderful teacher for that individual. You can read an excerpt of this book here.

Blessings <3

To Provoke or Not To Provoke...

Hey Everybody,

As always, I hope all is well with you and your family. This is the final week of school, then summer VA-CA... here I come. I've got a cute little story to share with you. One of my 4th graders was sitting on the front seat, my Pre-K student was sitting directly behind him. My 4th grader says, "Ms. Carolyn, tell her to stop looking at me like I'm stupid". I glance up in the student mirror, I don't see her watching him, and I tell my 4th grader, "Well, you know you're not stupid." A few minutes later, "Ms. Carolyn, tell her to stop looking at me." I glance up in the student mirror and there she is staring him down, she's so cute and little and the icing on the cake; she wears glasses :) She may have been looking at him like he was stupid, but she was also looking at him like, "I will cut you" in my Bon Qui Qui voice. I called to her and she sat back, I tried not to smile about the situation, but I couldn't help it, I know some of the student's must have seen me. Why she was doing it, I don't know, but they all do things to provoke one another; not a day goes by that they don't irritate one another... sometimes unintentionally, but most times... on purpose.

So my question to you is, Are you provoking others? Are you doing things perhaps, unintentionally... that sets another person off? My dad had this thing, he could not stand the sound of popping gum and I could go to town with some gum. Now, I wasn't doing it on purpose... I just forgot. The first few pops he didn't say anything, it wasn't until I found my rhythm, he would say, "what did I tell you about popping that gum." I know your mind went to that seen in that "Madea" film. I was going to post that clip, but decided against it, LOL. Anyway, that was my cue to leave the room. Just in case you think that's not you, let me give you the definition for provoke.

PROVOKE - to anger, enrage, exasperate or vex, to stir-up, arouse, or call forth (feelings, desires, or activity). To incite or stimulate (a person or animal, etc.) to action. To give rise to, induce, or bring about.

That definition hits on all levels, whether it is another person or animal. You can probably recall a time when your children may have provoked or stimulated the family pet; you've even witnessed your own children going at it from time to time, just nit-picking. Perhaps, you may have provoked someone by being "flirtatious" or dressing in a "provocative" manner. Have you ever seen someone who was already upset or angry and someone comes along and adds fuel to a situation that has been kindling, maybe you were that person. I'm just throwing this out there to get us all thinking about the ways we may provoke someone.

Galatians 5:19-26 (KJV)
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Don't think of the word provoke as only associated with negativity, we can provoke others to good works, our word of choice is usually; motivate, encourage, or inspire. When I'm in the gym and can barely do another rep, my fitness instructor provokes me to push through. The word of God provokes us to do His Will, not out of fear (fight or flight or paralyzing fear) but reverential fear (loving respect and honor for a Holy Father). The Grace of Jesus, provokes us to live in His righteousness.

Hebrews 10:24 (KJV)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:s. When we look at all that our Lord has done for us how could we not have a desire to please Him.

Ephesians 6:4  (KJV) 
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Love & Blessings <3

Wednesday"s Word

Scripture Reading from Tuesday Night Intercessory Prayer

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Living Bible (TLB)

12 And may the Lord make your love to grow and overflow to each other and to everyone else, just as our love does toward you. 13 This will result in your hearts being made strong, sinless, and holy by God our Father so that you may stand before him guiltless on that day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns with all those who belong to him.[a]

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Living Bible (TLB)

1 Let me add this, dear brothers: You already know how to please God in your daily living, for you know the commands we gave you from the Lord Jesus himself. Now we beg you—yes, we demand of you in the name of the Lord Jesus—that you live more and more closely to that ideal.

The Power of a Praying Woman

Hey Everyone,

Happy Tuesday... I hope you are having a wonderful day. My day has been filled with so much joy, not just today, but the previous days as well and the world did not give it to me; my Lord did. Today is Book-It Tuesday, this is the day that I like to share with you all the books that have helped change my life. "The Power of a Praying Woman" by Stormie Omaritan is one of those books.

Usually, I'm hesitant about reading a book of prayers, but this book helped me to have a breakthrough in my prayer life, we all struggle with prayer and what to pray for. Sometimes we find ourselves falling into habitual prayer, just going through the motions out of obligation; no real connection to our Holy God. There is no shame in pulling from a book like this, it helps to re-awaken our own spirit; helps us to refocus on what is truly important to our Father.

Another great feature about this particular book is, she shares some of her own testimonials and there is some teaching in it as well along with bible scriptures. The prayers are specific to the need, such as, prayer for self-control, worship, obedience, wisdom, healing, etc. You just might want to add this one to your library.

You can read an Interview that Stormie Omaritan did in 2013. Below are some scriptures that you may find beneficial to your own prayer life, the link I pulled this from is at the bottom.

Continued blessings and love to you and your family <3

God speaks to us through His written word, the Bible. Christians speak to God through prayer.  Prayer is an important part of the Christian’s life; we pray in words and sometimes we pray in song.  Here are twenty important scripture quotes about prayer.

How Often Should We Pray

1 Corinthians 1:4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Philippians 1:3-4 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,

Colossians 1:3 (KJV) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing

How Should We Pray

Psalm 66:17 I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue.

Psalm 95:2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV) After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 14:15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

What Should We Pray For

Psalm 50:14-15 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Psalm 118:25 Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success!

Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!

Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Who Should We Pray For

Romans 15:30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,

2 Corinthians 1:11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

James 5:13-14 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-prayer-20-important-scripture-quotes-2/#ixzz32GLaskvE

Wednesday's Word

Hey Everyone,

Happy Wednesday to you. Today I will be sharing a word that my Pastor shared on Tuesday night's prayer service.

This word really hit me in my heart, just as His word always does... His word challenges us to be all that we can be for our Lord. Our time on earth is not long, James said, life is like a vapor; it's here and then it's gone. 

James 4:14 (New Living Translation)
How do you know what is going to happen tomorrow? For the length of your lives is as uncertain as the morning fog—now you see it; soon it is gone.

May we all use out time more wisely, it is an honor and a privilege to be used by our Father, it's exciting to know that He has a plan and a purpose for the life He has given us. Sometimes it takes us a while to figure that out, mainly because we are still trying to go our own way.

Matthew 24:36-44 (The Message Bible)

36 “But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.

37-39 “The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah’s. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.

39-44 “The Son of Man’s Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.

Do you ever think about your relationship with Jesus?
Do you ever think about where you will be spending eternity?
Do you submit your will to His Will?
Do you ever share the gospel of Christ with others?
Make it your MISSION to attend Bible Study, Sunday School and Worship Service on a regular bases. Allow the Word of God to speak to your heart and then go out and be TRUE DISCIPLES for His Glory.

Let us be about our Father's business, Jesus is coming SOON! If you don't have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus or perhaps you are unsure about your salvation, repeat the prayer below and give your heart to Jesus today.

*“Dear Lord Jesus,

I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.

I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead.

I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior.

Guide my life and help me to do your will.

In your name, amen.”

If you said this prayer, tell someone that you've made Jesus your choice and then find yourself a good Church that stands on the Word of God.

Continued Blessings to you and your family <3

Honor's Reward

BOOK-IT TUESDAY

Hey Everyone,

Happy Tuesday... hope your day is great and your family is well, my family is well. Jessica got her driver's license last week, Woo Hoo!!! Yes! You just don't know... then again you probably do. I'm still counting down the weeks to summer VA-CA... two weeks and one more to go, another Woo Hoo!!! My Father has been GRACIOUS, I never would have made it with out Him. In the coming weeks I will share the "Lessons Learned" during this whole process of being a School Bus Driver, it was truly a pro-cess.

Today, I want to share with you, one of the books that has made a difference in my life "Honor's Reward" sub-title "How To Attract God's Favor And Blessings" by John Bevere. The title is pretty self explanatory, right... it's an easy read, full of scripture references, by the time you're finished, you'll be more aware of the opportunity to honor others. He talks about honoring those that are in authority over us; government, pastors, bosses... honoring our families, peers and the rewards that are to follow.

John Bevere on Joni Table Talk

When we live a life of Honor towards our Father, we can know and believe that He will Honor us in return. It all begins with HONOR, giving our Father the reverence that He deserves. Let us not lose that reverential fear. When you think about it, we Christians know Him to be the CREATOR of the Heavens and the Earth and its fullness... He created us. So, why don't we trust Him with US? Give Him HONOR.

If you click on the link above, you can see his discussion with Joni Lamb about this book. I hope that this will be a book of interest for you in the near future or maybe, you may know someone that would benefit from reading this book.

Continued Blessings To You And Your Family <3

He Still Gets The Glory

Hey Everybody,

Today, was one of those days... so glad they are far and few in between. In case you haven't guessed I'm talking about being a school bus driver, this is my ordeal at least once a week, but I think today was the worst. Imagine if you will... my problem children sit on the front seat, maybe I should say, children who need my attention. They are grades K-4th and I have SIX of them. You may be wondering; why do I have all of them on the front seat, well... in my Jack Nicholson voice, "they can't handle the other seats".

My Elementary Kids start getting on the bus at 3 pm; they get on  being disagreeable and today they all hate each other. They are like wild horses that need to be broken; by the Grace of God, this shall come to pass. By the time I WAIT AND PICK-UP at the other schools, they are really going at it. Between 3:25 and 3:30 we pull off. Are you still with me? I chastised and chastised until I wore myself out.

Finally, I said within myself, "Lord, you have got to help me, I know you are here because you live in me." At that moment, I felt led to just let them fuss, let them get it out of their system, as long as they didn't hit one another I was alright. After about two minutes, they calmed down, thank you Jesus. Were they absolute angels the rest of the way home? Of course not, but it was a whole lot better. He still gets the Glory.

Continued blessings to you and your family <3