BE the change you wish to see in your Faith
Be Fruitful in Your Faith Jesus explains to his disciples: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” [John 15:5-8] Notes 15:5-8: "Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine? If not you are missing a special gift he has for you." ----------------- So with Jesus' parable/story of the grape vine, imagine you are a grape and I am a grape. We are both of the same vine. We both feel we are good grapes. Of course we have our faults, but who doesn't. We may look about the same and even taste about the same, but if analyzed close enough, we are slightly different and each made uniquely. We both will grow, develop into our peak plumpness, then start to wither away (some may even sell us in a raisin box). Our purpose here on this earth will be full and complete. Now, a grape won’t go to Heaven, but we, as human beings, have the chance to -- by faith in our Friend, Jesus, who has prepared a room for us for all of eternity! “…Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” [2 Corinthians 4:16-18] ------------------- Jesus continues talking with the disciples: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love... I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." [John 15:11] Notes 15:11: "When things are going well, we feel elated. When hardships come, we sink into depression. But true joy transcends the rolling waves of circumstance. Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with his, he will help us walk through adversity without sinking into debilitating lows and manage prosperity without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily will keep us level-headed, no matter how high or low our circumstances." -------------------- Jesus continues: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." [John 15:12] Notes 15:12: "We are to love each other as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificail love; listening, helping, encouranging, giving. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today. Give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more." ------------------ “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” [Galatians 5:22-23] ----------------- BE Challenge: Every day: Be Love Be Joy Be Patience Be Kindness Be Goodness Be Faithfulness Be Gentleness Be Self-Control Be a Listener Be a Helper Be an Encourager Be a Giver you will be representing the Fruit of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Easier said than done, I know, but try. He will be pleased and so will others. :0) ----------------- You may be the only way someone can see/feel/get to know God. ----------------- Evidence that Jesus = 100% God + 100% Man Jesus said to Philip and the his disciples: “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evident of the miracles themselves.” [John 14:10-11] MIRACLES Challenge: Examples of Jesus' Miracles recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke & John If you want to dig deeper, look up the following scripture/miracles and write them down in your journal: John 6:5-14 Luke 8:22-25 Mark 5:25-34 Matthew 17:14-21 Mark 7:24-30 Luke 4:33-36 John 9:1-7 John 2:1-11 ----------------- JESUS QUOTES Challenge: Walk with Jesus this week and read what He had to tell his disciples in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) each day this week. In your journal, each day write down a Jesus quote, underline it in red, and write down what Jesus is telling you. Write 10 of these. Then, write a summary of who Jesus is and what he means to you. Share this exercise with a friend or bible study group and discuss your findings. ----------------- Closing Prayer Friend Jesus, The more I read your Words, Truth and your Way in the books, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the better I will understand you and your mission/purpose you had on this earth - that you were born to die - I pray that I begin to understand this. I pray that I grow in my faith and become more fruitful toward others by trying to become more like you. You are perfect and sinless. I am messy and sin everyday. But through your death and resurrection, I am forgiven, therefore the weight of my sin is lifted from me and placed on You. I didn't ask for this, but realize what a special gift your loving Friendship is to me. You are so full of wisdom. I pray for your guidance and that I may find my complete joy in this life in You! In God's Loving Name, Amen. ----------------- References Life Application Study Bible
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BE Purposeful ~ Be a Friend
Can Jesus count on me to be his friend? John 15:11-15 “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father." The Message I came upon this verse when i was working on another message and it reminded me of something I’ve repeated over the years. Not only do we have friends and make friends over the course of a lifetime. But am I a good friend? What do I do FIRST to be called a good friend? Do I take for granted that I am chosen to be a friend? Do I take for granted that Jesus has chosen me to be His friend? In this passage, Jesus drew the lines of friendship in a different way to discern who he would invest time with. Those who obeyed his commandments and communicated with Him were in His inner circle. He could trust that inner circle to carry out his legacy and plans, His purpose, when he left the Earth. Those friends committed to living a certain way to be trusted by Jesus; not perfect, but purposeful, a mutual commitment = friendship The Question for you is: Am I the kind of disciple that would have been in Jesus’ inner circle of friends? AM I in Jesus’ circle today? Would He call ME a friend? Can he count on me to fulfill His mission? If you are reading this today, you are growing into the inner circle...you may already be in it! Take steps today and every day to allow the spirit of God to help you love another as God loves you; put your life on the line for Jesus’ friendship.. We can count on Him - - - l want Him to count on us! Dear Lord ~ In the purpose of Jesus, may we love best by putting our life on the line for our friends...and that starts with YOU. Send me into the world with the purpose of becoming part of the inner circle of friends with Jesus, loving those around me as He commands. Help me BE a friend with a purpose. Amen. Wishing you a blessed day, Sandi Be Purposeful | Family ~ Heavenly Heritage Romans 8:16-17 “... The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,...” I wanted to focus more today on us as children of God. When we focus on the original purpose of ‘family,’ we will be transformed and our earthly family becomes more attentive to us. Based upon this verse, we are elevated into the position of co-heir with the Messiah; fellow-heir with Christ – joint-heir with Jesus; sharing God’s immeasurably rich inheritance with Him. As children of God, we are His heirs. Much like an earthly father leaves his children an inheritance, our heavenly Father bestows upon us an inheritance as well. But there is one major condition… we must be His child. We must be born again into His family, and pick up our cross to follow Him no matter what the cost. So what does it really mean that we are joint-heirs with Christ? It means that we share in His life example. We surrender our hearts to Him in all things, and we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide our lives. PLAN BE. As family, as an heir, we are born for this purpose...to be a blessing. As God’s children, "adopted" into His family, we have been assured an inheritance from our Heavenly Father. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ," Romans 8:17. This heavenly heritage is God’s purpose and will for us. We receive the promise of our inheritance by hearing the word of truth and believing in Christ. When we understand and value the glory that awaits us, we are better able to endure whatever comes our way in this life. We can give God praise even during trials because we have His guarantee that we will receive all He has promised: "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" 2 Corinthians 4:17. Prayer: Dear Lord, it’s amazing to me they my inheritance comes to me strictly by saying ‘Yes’ to Jesus Christ. Being heirs of God is one part of my inheritance, but being a joint-heirs with Christ is yet another. What an awesome thought that I have received an inheritance together with Jesus Christ! How humbling these thoughts are. How grateful I am. As an heir, I do not have to work to earn my inheritance. Help me to remember this always, and that the purpose of being a co-heir WITH Christ, my brother, is to be a blessing to others. To Be like Christ. Help me remain mindful, purposeful, grateful and honored as part of your Amazing Heritage, Amen. Cheers to your PLAN BE, Sandi References: Alyssa J Howard Living by the LIght of the King | allyssajhoward.com BE Purposeful in Faith ~ So BE it ~ Believe it!
2 Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.” Common English translations of the word Amen include "verily", "truly", and “so be it”. Faith is a muscle and working out your purpose-driven faith by filling your BEing with God’s promises will never fail. You might be a person who grabs a cup of coffee or an afternoon donut to sustain you during a long day. But the promises of God offer long-lasting results that will build your faith and sustain you every day and every week and every month. Take a moment and Re-read the verse of the day…. YES! Amen! “So BE It!” Where do you find God’s promises? In Scripture. You have the key to accessing faith and finding your purpose. Look up online or in your Bible the hundreds of promises; find 5 to reflect on as part of your Faith strength-training. Be Purposeful in building your faith...and then you will have the qualities to Be used by God for His purposes. YOUR PURPOSE. God's Power God's Promises You have them both ~ YES! SO BE IT! Take time with your dedicated life, to be still with yourself and God, to discover your Purpose. Now pray: Dear Lord, you have promised to sustain me and build my faith for your purpose. Help me now discover my YES and AMEN promises just for me. Inspire me to step inward and outward to BE purposeful in my faith training. I want your power and promises today and always. AMEN (So BE it!) In His Promises, Sandi BE Purposeful ~ According to His purpose.
Romans 8:28-31 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose... If God is for us, who can be against us?" What on Earth am I here for!? Haven't we all asked that question? The Purpose Driven Life is a bible study book written by Christian pastor Rick Warren and published in 2002. The book offers readers a 40-day personal spiritual journey and presents what Warren says are God's five purposes for human life on Earth: Purpose #1: You Were Planned for God's Pleasure (Christian Worship) Purpose #2: You Were Formed for God's Family (Christian Church) Purpose #3: You Were Created to Become Like Christ (Discipleship) Purpose #4: You Were Shaped for Serving God (Christian Ministry) Purpose #5: You Were Made for a Mission (Christian mission) The Purpose Driven Life was on the New York Times Bestseller List for over 90 weeks. It sold over 18 million copies by 2008,and 32 million copies within its first decade, 2012. According to both the author and publisher Simon & Schuster, 50 million copies had been sold in more than 85 languages by 2020. Incredible, right? Not really... because the remainder of the chapter goes on to explain how the quest for personal fulfillment, satisfaction, and meaning can only be found in understanding and DOING what God placed you on Earth to do. Just a week ago we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jrs. life and honored his death. Even though we may think his time was cut short here on the Earth, God has His plan. I believe Dr. King fulfilled God’s purpose for his time… based upon his quote below: “Use me God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use if for a purpose greater than myself.” -Martin Luther King, Jr. Christie and I have been stirring about this Plan Be | Be Designed To Be Ministry for many years! We believe that the truths of Scripture will transform your life when you make the time to understand them and then implement (DOING) them each day. Living in the confidence of God’s promises, the fruit of the spirit, developing a real relationship with Jesus - - -this is how you find your purpose and change the lives of those around you! Don't just understand Your Plan BE, DO your Plan BE!! Do you think Rick Warren had any idea his book would reach so many people around the Earth and transform their lives?! Did Martin Luther King, Jr. know then the impact his life and passion would make, probably forever? Don’t underestimate how God can use you! Be Purposeful…Pray each day this week for God to fill you with His Spirit and embrace the purpose He has for you on Earth. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Powerful Jesus: “Use me. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use if for a purpose greater than myself.” Amen In His Mighty Purpose for you, Sandi Mesquite Stuffed Bell Pepper “Cups”
BE - DEDICATED - to Healthy FOOD Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes (20 minutes of chopping + almost an hour of baking) Servings: 6+ 6 Bell Peppers, any color 4 Tblsp Olive Oil 8 oz Ground Turkey, cooked 8-10 minutes in a skillet - set aside in a bowl Salt & Black Pepper - freshly ground is best 1 Tbsp McCormick/Grill Mates/Mesquite Seasoning 1 Onion, finely chopped 2 Cloves of Garlic, finely chopped 1 Medium Zucchini, finely diced 4 Roma Tomatoes, finely diced 1/2 Cup Corn A Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes 1 Cup Cooked Brown Rice 1 1/2 Cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
NOTE: As each Pepper “Cup” provides a great, filling meal, you will have more of the Rice/Turkey/Vegetable mixture left over. The next day, scramble up some Eggs, cook up some Bacon and create Breakfast Burritos with Eggs+Bacon+Rice/Turkey/Vegetables+Salsa! EnJOY! Recipe by: Christie Lynch ![]() Be DEDICATED in FAITH to: Progress (not perfection) “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” [ Proverbs 3:5-6 ] Looking back, what does your life path look like? Have you made plans, but it deviated in different ways (positive and/or negative ways)? Do you seek perfection? Do you appreciate making progress? What does your path look like facing forward? We can make plans, but please understand that God is in control and if you pray (just talk to Him) and trust in Him, His Will will be done! He is for you, not against you. Begin with the first step today, by rededicating your faith to our Creator, thee Almighty God! B.C - A.D. If you’ve never asked God to help direct your beliefs and choices which ultimately direct your actions and destiny, I invite you TODAY to re-dedicated your life to God and in ALL your ways (e.g. in your faith, family, with friends, with your finances and in your food choices, fitness and fun), reach out, call out, acknowledge that he is your Creator and can do anything. He loves you more than you’ll ever understand. Lean on Him (not your own understanding) and TOGETHER, he will guide your life on the most fantastic path (involving the good, the bad and the ugly, but ultimately trust that it is all for His and your good, and His Will, for your life. How awesome that we can have this direct connection and relationship with the One and only, God. AND with Jesus Christ, who was brought down on this earth to be 100% man AND 100% God, so we can get to know Him and his loving ways. What a gift! ------------------------------------- Dear Heavenly Father, Today I rededicate my faith and my steps on this life journey, not to search for perfection, but to be content with progress. I understand that I am perfectly imperfect, but that You restore my soul. Today, I trust You and all your power and wisdom and lean not on my own understanding. In ALL my ways I will acknowledge YOU and ask that you come along this journey with me, helping me to make my path as straight as possible. No matter what my path will look like in the future, I am comforted to know that You are with me. For I know the plans you have for me - plans to prosper, and not harm me, plans to give me hope and a future.In God’s Name, Amen ------------------------------------“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pasture, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” [Psalm 23] -------------------------------------- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” [Jeremiah 29:11] ---------------------------------------- Journal How you can rededicate your faith today: _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ References: 1- Life Applications Study Bible 2 - Written by Christie Lynch Be Dedicated to: Family - Meal & NightTime Prayers
Today I asked my three boys (ages 19, 21, and 24, all out of the nest) if they remember what prayers we used to recite together on Colby’s bed every night when they were younger. They all texted me the same prayers! Amazing that they still remember as my memory had failed to recall some of these precious prayers but I loved the moments. God bless their young memories! Being dedicated to a family prayers can really have wonderful payoffs. I am sharing our precious family time prayers. Please feel free to use them, and/or share with us the ones you say with your family. Here is a trip down my memory lane ... DinnerTime (still say this even today, no matter where we are or who’s watching) Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts for which we are about to receive, from thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord, Amen. Then we would popcorn pray out loud for anyone/anything pressing (e.g. if a neighbor/family member/friend was sick, hurting or needing prayers of encouragement). ------------------------------------ (3) Blessings & (1+) Bummer During dinner we would then go around the table and everyone would share at least three blessings and one bummer of the day. This made for great family discussion and kept us attuned with where everyone was at in their stage of life. Please note, it is very important to keep your kids’ focus on the positives in life (“blessings”), but it is crucial to talk about young kids’ “bummers” too. If your kid has more bummers than blessings, then the family needs to be aware of this and try to help them, be supportive in working through their problems, and ultimately focus on the blessings in their life. Having everyone talk at the dinner table is a great way for each member to listen to each other, stay connected and support each other. Glass Half-Empty Some people think more negatively, therefore, this is a great exercise in focusing on the blessings in their lives which they may not even acknowledge. Glass Half-Full Some people may naturally think more positively, or may feel the need to appear a certain positive way, and may feel the need to keep negative emotions to themselves, therefore, this is a great exercise in expressing their thoughts instead of suppressing them. It's ok to have bummers. People disappoint. Life if far from perfect ;) ------------------------------------- NightTime Prayers with My Boys I’m happy to share our NightTime Prayers. Please note that this is just how we did it. You may have different prayers that are more relevant to your family. I applaud you to find your own Scripture that uplifts you and your kids, thereby drawing them closer to their Creator, developing a relationship with Friend Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” [Matthew 6:9-13, NIV] The Light of God surrounds me, the Love of God enfolds me, the Power of God protects me, the Presence of God watches over me. Wherever I am, God is. (Heard this prayer from someone on a morning talk show once) "A gentle word answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." [Proverbs 15:1] “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.” [John 3:16] "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. [Psalms 4:8] --------------------------------- It is never too late to pray with your kids (no matter how old they are). Start today! As a wise young man, who was a football player at Arizona State University told my son, Troy, when Troy was interviewing him for a sports broadcast, “The good news is that Jesus always meets you right where your two feet are!” I just love that and have never forgotten his words. I just wish I could remember his name. :/ Happy New Year and New Beginnings!
I had thee best shrimp and crab enchilada at a new Mexican restaurant in Rancho Mission Viejo, (CA) yesterday and I recommended it to at least six people via text shortly after. We always prefer a good recommendation on Yelp or especially from our family and friends. This is how I feel about Dave Ramsey and his financial planning teachings. It’s exciting to hear thousands of real-life examples of people achieving FINANCIAL FREEDOM through his teachings. Once you hear the excitement in people’s voices as they share how they’ve paid off certain debt within a certain amount of time, it becomes infectious and then you want to do it! Let’s face it finances are usually no fun but there will be a thrilling payoff in the end, but it takes DEDICATION. Imagine this: “You’re debt-free. You’ve got a fully funded emergency fund of 3-6 months worth of expenses. You’re putting away 15% of your household income into retirement investments. You’ve saved for your kids’ college fund. AND, you’ve got a paid-for house …. YOU DID IT!” “...you should continue setting goals and budgeting each month. Max out your 401(k) and Roth IRAs so you can continue to live and give like no one else - even in retirement!” #debtfreecommunity #babysteps This comes from an Instagram post, around January 12, 2021, from the well-respected, and wise, Dave Ramsey -- author and radio talk show host -- who encourages people to not live by the world’s standards of racking up debt, but to budget and pay it off as fast as you can. It’s transforming your mind and BEing DEDICATED to a plan toward FINANCIAL FREEDOM. 2020 was a bad year for everyone. Let’s not look back, let’s look forward :) Don’t blame all the excuses, just move forward with the resources (e.g. spiritual, physical, emotional, financial) you do have. Set a Financial Plan for 2021! Here’s how to start:
And if you think this sounds overwhelming and impossible, remember that it takes baby steps and the help and guidance of your Almighty Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Your Friend, Jesus, (100% God & 100% Man) told his disciples: “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. [John 14:12-13] Wow! Really?! But you may feel like you don’t deserve His Help because maybe you’ve been disconnected from him lately? Jesus is reaching out to you today and asking you to ask Him for His Help and Guidance!!! It’s a free gift! Join an amazing journey of growth and maturity. I can attest that miracles can happen through Jesus Christ! Trust. “Trust in the Lord, with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” [Proverbs 3:5-6] “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” [Ecclesiastes 11:7] “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” [Jeremiah 29:11] “In his heart a man [woman] plans his [her] course, But the Lord determines his [her] steps.” [Proverbs 16:9] "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." [Acts 20:35] --------------------------------- Lord, Today, Lord, I'm asking you to use me and to show me a miracle. I ask that you guide my steps toward achieving contentment and financial freedom, by lifting the weight of my debt off my shoulders through a plan. I understand that you are not a genie in a bottle who can magically make my debt disappear. I do understand and ask that your WILL BE DONE and your almighty wisdom fills my heart, mind and my soul and that you guide me on the narrow path of financial righteousness. Today, my prayer is: _______(journal this)_________. As I DEDICATE myself to YOU everyday, so I DEDICATE myself to a financial plan and ask you to bless this plan toward achieving peace in order for me to represent you in this world and be able to be charitable toward others and to give cheerfully. I trust that you are a God of miracles. Use my strengths to help the weaker. Your Ways are beyond my understanding. Show me. As I meditate on your Word through the above scripture, please, every day, let all my steps, decisions and actions be for Your Glory, Lord.” In your loving name, Jesus, Amen. ----------------------- References: 1 - Dave Ramsey Instagram, dated January 12, 2021 & www.daveramsey.com 2 - Bible Verses found in Life Applications Study Bible 3 - Written by Christie Lynch I have thee most amazing friend I want you to meet! My friend changed my life forever and I know he can help you change yours for the better too! My friend is an amazing listener, will love you unconditionally, will bring joy into your life, brings an inexplicable peace in his presence, is patient with me and my quirks, is kinder and better than anyone I know, is faithful to the God the Father, has a gentle tone and demeanor, is wise beyond this world, and demonstrates amazing self-control in this crazy life.
I'd like you to meet my rock, my soulmate: "Friend Jesus". "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." [ Galatians 5:22-23 ] Today, I ask that you pray that you get to know "Friend Jesus" through developing a relationship with him. I also pray that you develope good friendships in your life, based on Jesus-like characteristics. That may involve weeding out the bad seeds, avoiding the toxic and dedicating yourself to friends who will sharpen you, lift you up and make you a better human. "As Iron sharpens iron, so one man [woman] sharpens another." [ Proverbs 27:17 ] When I looked up this verses, I read the notes that went along with it. Here is what they said: 1 - “There is a mental sharpness that comes from being around good people. And a meeting of minds can help people see their ideas with new clarity, refine them, and shape them into brilliant insights. This requires discussion partners who can challenge each other and stimulate thought - people who focus on the idea without involving their egos in the discussion; people who know how to attack the thought and not the thinker. Two friends who bring their ideas together can help each other become sharper.” ----------------------------- “He [She] who walks with the wise grows wise, But a companion of fools suffers harm.” [ Proverbs 13:20 ] 2 - “When most people need advice, they go to their friends first because friends accept them and usually agree with them. But that is why they may not be able to help them with difficult problems. Our friends are so much like us that they may not have any answers we haven’t already heard. Instead, we should seek out older and wiser people to advise us. Wise people have experienced a lot of life - and have succeeded. They are not afraid to tell the truth. Who are the wise, godly people who can warn you of the pitfalls ahead?” ----------------------------- Dear Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for introducing me to "Friend Jesus". As I may not know him well now, I pray that I get to know him more intimately each day. I also thank you for those in my life who sharpen me mentally, emotionally and above all, spiritually. I pray that I continue to dedicate my search to find spiritual friendships and mentors. I pray that you guide me to these friends, whom I can connect with, have healthy discussions with, all so I can become wiser in Your Word. Above all, I pray that I dedicate my time, effort and myself to developing my identity with my amazing, best friend, Jesus Christ. In God’s Name, Amen. ----------------------------- References: 1 - Notes from Proverbs 27:17 - Life Application Study Bible - page 1337. 2 - Notes from Proverbs 13:20 - Life Application Study Bible - page 1303. 3 - Written by Christie Lynch Be Still ~ Be a Friend~ Display Yourself Mark 12:31 -The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” All of Christianity comes down to how we love God and how everything we do - relationships, work, entertainment, education, -- displays our love for God. No success, status, or possession will matter at the end of our days. How we loved God and loved others will be our victory. Be Still as a friend and build Godly relationships together . . . and Love yourself as you know God loves you. Nothing will be better or more rewarding. Share this song with your friends...or listen to it when you’re together. Send the lyrics to a new Christian friend. Or a forever friend. Being a friend in Christ is how God loves you as a friend. Listen, watch, Be Still with The Blessing by Kari Jobe This is your prayer today: https://youtu.be/Zp6aygmvzM4 The Lord bless you And keep you Make His face shine upon you And be gracious to you The Lord turn His Face toward you And give you peace The Lord bless you And keep you Make His face shine upon you And be gracious to you The Lord turn His Face toward you And give you peace May His favor be upon you And a thousand generations And your family and your children And their children, and their children May His presence go before you And behind you, and beside you All around you, and within you He is with you, He is with you In the morning, in the evening In your coming, and your going In your weeping, and rejoicing He is for you, He is for you He is for you, He is for you He is for you, He is for you He is for you, He is for you Amen and Hallelujah, Sandi Remember God’s Words
Deuteronomy 18-19 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children,speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates,…" The first thing that comes to my mind about Being STILL with family is being a living example of what that looks like. When are you STILL with the Lord? and is your family able to watch you? Then, when you sit down to eat, make lunch or breakfast, walk the dog, drive in the car, go on a walk, do homework, having an argument, ...whatever it is...then when you ask them to pray or give gratitude...they have seen you with your God. Your God is their God too! Just as we saw Jesus with his disciples… we are able to imitate and repeat what He did. Our children will follow us. We must be the ones who love the future generation. The only way is to Be Still. Teaching them the importance of time with their creator, savior, forever friend, counselor. Our God-given job is to love them and lead them to their Creator…. and pray that they will seek Him on their own one day. Show your children God’s love by loving them and others as Christ loves you. Remember God’s Words This Weekend. Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to remember your words...to Be STILL as an example to my family so that they can learn to Be Still with you, and when we are together as a family. Remind me to pray together, to be quiet, to be quick to forgive, to look for what’s best, and to speak gently into areas of their lives that need growth. Even one minute a day to Remember for each of us/all of us to BE STILL with you. Amen.- Sandi "Be STILL and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 Be still, shut off the TV, and listen to God in His Word. Have you considered there’s just too much noise? Too much movement... Have you ever wondered how some Christians can be going through the worst pain and suffering and still they have joy? It’s because they are being still. They put all their worries (and TRUST) in God’s hands. Instead of listening to the noise of your worries, listen to the voice of the Lord. We are not to let our joy come from our circumstances, because circumstances change. In order to build our faith in God's promises, we need to Be Still and reflect on His message and design for us. ACTION: Go find a lonely place. A place with less noise. When you stop and focus on the beauty of Christ, you will receive the peace that He has promised you. When you cry out to Him in prayer you will feel His comfort. BE STILL and relax in the Lord. He is in control. Remember the times that He has helped you, other believers, and people in Scripture. God promises to help you and never leave you. Talk to Him, trust in Him, be still, and you will hear His calming voice and rest upon His strength. We build our faith and trust by spending time with the things and people we care about. We can know and trust Jesus by having an intimate relationship with Him. That does not come from knowing ABOUT Him, but rather getting to personally know Him by what He says (in His Holy Word, the Bible), recognizing the things He does in our lives, and by way of His Holy Spirit who comes to guide and comfort us. Take time daily to BE STILL to grow in your faith in Christ and His promises for you. Prayer: Dear Lord, I realize that I am incapable of controlling life, and I can surrender my will to your will. It may be a matter of finally saying “I trust You.” Please let this open the door so that I may experience the fullness of all You want and have for me, for us. . After all, you are our Creator and you have a perfect plan for me when I let you orchestrate it. Amen. Have a blessed day! Sandi “Be STILL and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 Still: Verb: The word still comes from a Hebrew word meaning to “let go” or “release, cause yourself to become restrained or to let go.” In other words, we need to come to a place where we are willing to submit ourselves to God and acknowledging that He is in sovereign control. Be Still ~ Honor God and his power and majesty is being still. To be still before God implies that we must be still as to words; not speaking against or complaining of them; not darkening relationship by words without knowledge, or justifying ourselves and speaking great boasting words of vanity. Be still as to actions and outward behavior, so as not to oppose God, and as to the inward frame of our hearts, cultivating a calm and quiet submission of soul to the sovereign pleasure of God, whatever it may be. His being God is a sufficient reason why we should be still before him, in no wise murmuring, or objecting, or opposing, but calmly and humbly submitting to him. How we must fulfill this duty of being still before God? This command—“Be still…”—is written in the context of a time of trouble and war; therefore, we should consider the verse with that context in mind. Instead of interpreting “be still” as a gentle suggestion, the people of God should interpret the command for themselves to read more like: ‘snap out of it,’ ‘wake up,’ ‘stop fearing’—acknowledge who your God is—be in awe! God does call us to stop fearing, to be still and commit to him. ACTION: “In order to find security in God, we have to stop finding security in everything else. …Nothing in this world will offer you the security you have in God.” Prayer: Dear Lord, I realize that I am incapable of controlling life, and I surrender my will to your will. It may be a matter of finally saying “I trust You.” Please let this open the door so that I may experience the fullness of all You want and have for me, for us. After all, you are our Creator and you have a perfect plan for me when I let you orchestrate it. QUESTION: What does STILL or BE STILL represent in your life right now? Or not? QUESTION: What is your relationship with God? We can know Him by having an intimate relationship with Him. That does not come from knowing about Him, but rather getting to personally know Him by what He says (in His Holy Word, the Bible), recognizing the things He does in our lives, and by way of His Holy Spirit who comes to guide and comfort us. In John 14:26, Jesus says “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (KJV). “Be still and know that I am God; I will be honored by every nation, I will be honored throughout the world!” The KJV uses the word ‘exalted’ the entire world will someday lift up and glorify the Lord. meaning lifted up. Honored means highly valued or glorified. ACTION: THIS WEEK Take time to BE STILL this week With God For God This week Plan Be is focusing on Being Still -Don’t give up. 1) Ongoing process: as we keep practicing, we will find it...and we will lose it, and will find it again. 2) Prioritize: decide Plan Be is important, focus on it and do it 3) Be specific; Utilize our daily tools and practices to put yourself into ACTION. BE-ing is DO-ing 4) Participate with another person/group: draw from and give energy to each other, and be inspired through praises, prayers and affirmation! References 1) “Life Application Study Bible” 2) YouVersion - Bible App 3) Authors: Christie Lynch & Sandi Hanscom Our Story
FOR YEARS WE HAVE BEEN POSITIVE, HOPEFUL, FAITHFUL, JOYFUL, OPTIMISTIC, STRIVING, DEDICATED, RESILIENT CONTINUALLY REINFORCING TO OURSELVES AND OTHERS THAT WE ARE DESIGNED JUST AS WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE... DESIGNED BY GOD. God said, “Now, is the time!” to share our purpose. What is your Plan Be? We want you to find out! We will address a “Be” attribute through interactive questions, guest speakers, recipes for success, workbooks, virtual presentations and bible studies, and creative exercises in various areas of our lives. This is new . . . anything is possible! We want you to discover that you can “Be the person God Wants You To Be” and find peace in your everyday life! We want you to progress, and move forward. We will focus on your "Plan Be” based upon scripture and you. Below is a little bit about us: Sandi Hi, I'm Sandi, (Sandi with an i), and am from Huntington Beach and currently live in Newport Beach, California. I have been married to my husband Andrew for 25 years and we have have two adult children, my son is 22 and my daughter is a 4th year senior at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. We currently attend Grace Fellowship Church in Costa Mesa, California. I took baby steps to learn about having a relationship with Jesus and understanding about God’s plans and purposes...and without knowing ‘everything’ - my natural activator/achiever/leadership instincts led me to lead home discipleship groups, Experiencing God with Blackaby, working in faith based organizations, living out my faith through a breast cancer diagnosis and loving the concept of the 5th Gospel. I am currently working as the Grants Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, manage several family foundations part time, as well as involved with Free Wheelchair Mission, Night to Shine with Tim Tebow Foundation, Transformed in Him, and Northrise University in Zambia. Christie Hi I live in south Orange County, California with my wonderful husband, Ken. We have 3 sons: A sports broadcaster in Little Rock, AR, another who just graduated from the University of Utah, and the youngest currently studying at the Univ of Utah. I was raised Catholic but have attended and learned much about the bible from Saddleback Church (lead by Pastor Rick Warren). I have been a part of and lead a number of bible studies. One of the most rewarding and meaningful ministries I have been involved in, is being a lay counselor at Saddleback Church. In addition to working in advertising for a publisher, I love to spend my time at The Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano - it is an equine therapy facility dedicated to helping the disabled and US veterans. —————————-- How Sandi & Christie Met Sandi and Christie, both fresh out of college, began working at an ad agency in Los Angeles called DDB Needham. They became fast friends which turned into roommates. After they both got married, they became involved in bible studies together and even carpooled monthly to LA to be a part of a DDB Needham book club (which as of today, it’s been around 27 years!). During these long car rides, they developed a dream of ministering to others through scripture and family/work related topics. Sandi and Christie both had their kids around the same time and 15 years later found themselves competing on the club-volleyball court throughout Southern California. With their kids successfully out of the house, they are now both empty nesters and ready to share their wisdom of what they’ve learned throughout the years (the good, the bad and the ugly) of raising a family and tackling the work world - all with a positive attitude, dedication, always learning, always bettering themselves and striving for excellence and significance in all they do - not perfection, but excellence. Psalm 46:10 became our anxiety diffuser: Be still and know that I am God. And broke it down to: Be still and know that I am. Be still and know. Be still. Be. Q: Aren’t you curious what that could look like?! We want you to discover with us how to:
our hope and prayer is to let you know that you are uniquely designed by God! We welcome you and your small group/bible study to join us in this time of rebirth, transformation, and enjoy this adventurous and fabulous journey God has us on. This will be the ride of your life! Hang on! And “Be Inspired” ! We ask Jesus for all of this, “In God’s Name” ASK and you WILL receive. Inspiring you to BE Designed To Be. Thank you for BEing with us: To learn about our upcoming podcasts and future endeavors, please email us at: [email protected] |
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April 2021
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