Dreaming Big for God

Dreaming can be healthy for the spirit of a Christian. Having dreams, big hopes, and immense ambitions for ourselves isn’t necessarily vanity or selfish thoughts. A popular life coach said, "Dreams can be goals and aspirations that stir your heart and saturate your soul with joyfulness at the mere thought of them! It’s not wrong, in my opinion, to want to live your life at God’s highest calling." His highest level of Christian living – in what you do, how you do it, and what kind of Christian you are becoming in the experience. It’s okay to dream big! You know that old adage – “Go big or go home!” We should never become "status quo" on serving God. Let's put action behind our dreams. Dr. Billy Graham said decades ago, "People need us!" It still rings true today.

I believe that our dreams reflect who we are – within Christ Jesus. A book I read said, "A dream is like a burning fire within you – and you cannot ignore it forever. Dreams of a heavenly nature keep returning to your mind, simply because it’s part of who you are!" Dreams draw us closer to God – like a magnet attracts itself to steel. {Life Moment: Not every dream is of God’s origin. Christians understand this. But! When your dream is God-focused, it is an unstoppable fire within you! Also - Be cautious not to chase a dream that God didn’t put into your heart!}

So you ask – how do I KNOW my dreams are blessed by God? You’ll know it by:

#1 -  It brings Glory to God

#2 – It is a burning fire that cannot be extinguished by discouragement

#3 – It meets a need that man cannot fulfill

#4 – It’s bigger than you – it cannot be met without God’s provision

I encourage you, Christian, to get alone with God. Dream big! Accept that you have dreams! It’s okay! Turn off the iPod – turn off the television – put the kids down for a nap (whether they’re 4-legged or 2-legged in nature).  We have to get alone with God and listen. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God."

You’ve probably seen an old movie or episode of The Lone Ranger where young Indian boys would be sent out into the wilderness, not to return to the tribe until they had received their “vision quest.” This was a real custom among many Indian tribes. Those who became easily discouraged came back in the early hours. Those who stayed until they had a vision later became the leaders of their tribe.

What do you dream about? What ways do you want to glorify God that nobody knows about?

I admit, I have big dreams! I dream of making a difference in the lives of Believers and non-believers.

Look UP my friends!

June's Top 6 Encouraging Quotes

Encouragement is something we can all benefit from. We need it! Let’s try to lift up and edify each other more. I’ve searched and meditated over several scriptures and resources and came up with June’s “Top 6 Encouraging Quotes.”
I pray that these motivational quotes will give you the inspiration you need to stay on track, to connect, and fully move toward your life purpose. I pray these quotes will help you focus your mind and reach higher as you continue to fulfill God's Will for your life.  {PS - One internet friend told me that she hangs these quotes in her closet, in her car, and in her child’s bedroom each month – I was very humbled by that! The reason I’m sharing that isn’t to boast, but to encourage you to post them near your desk at work, on a mirror you routinely use, or somewhere you’re apt to look throughout the month!}
June’s Top 6
"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." ~ E. M. Forster

"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." ~ Mark 9:23

"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light." ~ Helen Keller

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19

"Christians are rare people on earth." ~ Martin Luther

"What your soul needs is a check up." – Dr. Henry Brandt

Look UP my friends!

Children Need the Gospel

1 John 2:12 - I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

Be warned: I’m on my soapbox again. If you stop reading now, I do understand!  I don’t want to come across haughty, judgmental, or confrontational, but I truly believe that without a single doubt, every adult in a child’s life is accountable to guide and help him or her! Every adult is responsible for exposing and reinforcing Christian values AND Christian living to our youth. Our kids are sooooo pressurized in a variety of ways. As parents, teachers, Sunday school teachers, Coaches, Grandparents, Neighbors, Friends, Aunts, Uncles, and Mentors…we have a job to do! We must help our youth reclaim their innocence – reclaim God as a necessary part of their childhood. It isn’t easy, but aren’t our kids and grandchildren worth it? Isn’t the next generation of the Church worthy of the investment?!

This is a very serious situation – the current standing of our youth. Have you been in a middle-school cafeteria lately? A high school gymnasium? The Food Court at a large mall? What about your church’s youth group? (If your church doesn’t offer youth-centered events, ask yourself what are the children in your life gravitating to?)  It’s time to take an assessment ourselves! Our children need the Gospel just like adults! Maybe even more so! I firmly believe Christians have mission fields in our very own back yards! Our youth!

Young people must know they are valued and loved. They need a stable home where God is first and adored on a DAILY basis. Adults are inundated with media, Hollywood, music, magazines, and every kind of genre known to mankind. So are our kids! They need to be sheltered and protected! Don’t let a society void of God mold our children! They will NOT receive the kind of foundation needed for adulthood! Our kids need to be exposed to the Gospel routinely – you cannot over-expose God to children! They need to hear Bible stories. Read their Bible. Attend a Christ-centered church. Sing in the choir. Attend Vacation Bible School. Fellowship with other Christian friends.  It’s not about entertainment. It’s about salvation and teaching Biblical principles that will help them as adults. Kids need to hear mom and dad, or the adults in their life, talk about Jesus sincerely. (They need discipline, but adults should NOT destroy the child’s self-worth. After all, Jesus Himself said suffer not the little children).  Humiliation and punishment that belittles the child will not help him learn suitable behavior, including how to dress.  Like the old hymn says, “softly and tenderly” we must demonstrate our love for the Savior and our love for the kids we’re around. It isn’t easy, but we MUST teach our children Christian values and let them see those values actively dwelling and practiced within OURSELVLES. {We’re raising a generation of people who do NOT know God. It really breaks my heart. And there’s boldness in today’s nonbeliever. There’s no humility!}

I have come to believe that we are to be continually teaching our children and telling them about God. And if we live in the spirit of God, He will lead us as we teach our children right from wrong. It will help our kids if they SEE our humility. Our ability to face rejection from modern man. Our commitment to the church! These are real cornerstones of character for the Christian – young and old alike!

I encourage you as emphatically as I can…Involve your child in God-centered things first! Be the example they need spiritually. Be the connection with church and God while they’re young and trainable. The information and the knowledge they gain there will help them to understand how Jesus wants them to live. It will prepare them for their heavenly home!

We MUST acknowledge that kids grow up. We only have ONE shot to make an eternal difference in the souls of our kids. Invest the time well!

Look UP my friends!

What's the Key?

Perhaps you’re not familiar with the great Welsh revival of 1904? The Welsh Revival (1904–1905) was the largest Christian revival in Wales during the 20th century. It isn’t vastly known, yet, it was one of the most dramatic Christian events in terms of its broad impact on the population, and it had repercussions that impacted far beyond the Welsh border. That one revival propelled a series of revivals in other countries. Thousands of souls came to the saving knowledge of Jesus through ONE revival. I hear it quite often - that today America needs a great revival! Other countries too! We need a movement from God! It sounds overly simplistic, but it starts with one person.

Let’s ask ourselves the following: What about God has changed from 1904 to today? What part of the power of Christ’s resurrection has lessoned from then until now? [Absolutely nothing!] What part of the work of the Holy Spirit has changed? [Again, nothing! We know God doesn’t change!]

So what’s our key to surviving – to living a happy, fulfilling Christian life even though many of our families, churches, and work places have fallen on desperate and disappointing times? We’ve largely distanced ourselves from God. (Life Moment: I notice that many people are so caught up within their own circle of life to reach out in a genuine manner to someone else. I said notice – not judge). Yes, many Christians, churches and families are suffering, but, not because of attendance, money, or lack of association. We are in desperate times because we desperately need a movement from our Almighty God and nobody seems to realize it!

So, allow me to briefly outline what we should NOT do:

1)    Don’t focus on our failures. Admit them. Confess them to Jesus. Accept what it is. But, then seek forgiveness. As humans we all fail. God uses our failings to help us grow in Him. Don't become overly frustrated when you fail. Think of it as an opportunity for God to teach you how to better trust in Him.

2)    Not understanding God’s Word. Most of us didn’t speak a second language in kindergarten did we? We didn’t succeed at geometry in the 4^th grade? No. It takes time. God’s infallible Word is like that too. That’s why it’s important to listen to as much Bible preaching as possible. Fill your heart with good, God-centered music. {There’s nothing wrong with the old sacred hymns! There’s good music in today’s world too. Just choose carefully. Fill your mind and your heart with those heavenly things}

3)    Don’t be Overly Impatient! Things don’t happen overnight. We often wish they would, but there’s a reason adults don’t always receive instant gratification. Good things do come in time. You know that out of battles – out of sorrow – God delivers joy!

4)    Don’t succumb to Feelings alone! When bad things happen, it’s natural to experience the pain and disappointment. It’s also natural to have our mind exacerbate the situation. Our minds can do terrible things to our countenance!

Sometimes our walk of faith isn’t fun – anyone who tells you that it’s always fun isn’t being honest in my opinion! It can be tough! It requires strength! This Christian walk requires FAITH!  And sometimes we have to walk by that faith. Whether you feel glad or sad, discern that God still loves you. He is with you to help you along your journey of faith.

So, what’s the key to persevering?? Know. Discern. Believe. Remember. Trust. That God loves YOU. No matter what.

Look UP my friends!

When I Say I'm a Christian

When I Say I’m a Christian

By Kimberly Hemric 6-5-13

When I say I’m a Christian…

I’m not speaking with vanity’s pride

I’m admitting that I make mistakes

And that I need God by my side.

When I say I’m a Christian…

I’m confessing my iniquities deep within

I’m not saying that I am worthy

For countless are my forgiven sins

When I say I’m a Christian…

I have nothing to brag within my own

My best attempts are as filthy rags

Yet, He gave the greatest love ever known.

When I say I’m a Christian…

It doesn’t mean that I don’t fail

It doesn’t mean that I’m better than you

It just means I’m saved from a place called hell

When I say I’m a Christian…

It means I want you to accept Jesus too

Because He is my dearest friend

And He died for me and you

When I say I’m a Christian…

I ask you not to look at my pain

For I’m just a regular person

Who continually calls on Jesus’ name

When I say I’m a Christian…

Don’t expect perfection or grace

But I am trying to live for Him

Until I see His blessed face.

When I say I’m a Christian…

I do not criticize you or judge

For, I have no desire to do that…

I just want you to know the Savior’s love

What about you, friend? Are you searching for unconditional love? Peace? A refuge from your current storm? If you would like to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you can say this heartfelt prayer:

Heavenly Father, I admit I need you in all areas of my life. I am a sinner. I believe that you will forgive my sins through the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus. I invite Jesus into my heart, to be the Lord of my life. I ask you to save my unworthy soul. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I thank YOU, Father, for directing my life and giving me a new life in Jesus. Amen.

This prayer has many correct variations – many RIGHT ways to pray – the best way is to believe in your heart and just ask God into your life. It doesn’t have to be long, fancy, or religious. Just regular conversation between you and God is enough! I encourage you to read a few verses in the Book of Romans such as the following:

Romans 3:10 - As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 10:9-10 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,

I would be honored and love to pray for you. I can also send you any further information on what it means to be a Christian. Just email me for any further information.

Look UP my friends!

Are You Listening?

The Voice of God

· Reassures the Christian

· Encourages His children

· Leads you

· Calms you

· Speaks to you like no other!

· Convicts you

· Enlightens you

· Feeds your spirit

· Stills you

· Comforts His child

· Touches the deepest part of our soul

· Directs your paths

· Never guides you wrong!

The Adversary's Voice

· Confuses you

· Worries you

· Condemns you

· Frightens you

· Rushes you to make wrong choices

· Lies to you

· Stresses you

So, now you're able to quickly differentiate WHOSE voice you're listening and responding to most often! Be aware, friend. Not everything you hear is the truth.

Look UP my friends!

Shallow Theology

Someone gave me a small pamphlet recently entitled, “Why I Stopped Being a Christian.” Initially I was a little shocked; maybe even a little prideful at the moment, because my immediate thought was, “Does this person not know that I am a sincere born again Believer?” I took a few minutes to read this “brochure” (hoping to learn something to encourage this person) but promptly tossed it in the trash. I didn’t think it was appropriate or wise for me to keep it – in fact before I tossed it out, my heart began to beat a little faster, my hands felt heavy, and my spirit was convicted! Take it from me, don't even entertain garbage if you don't have to! Just toss it! As Christians, we need to understand that the spirit of the world doesn’t operate on what you mean – it operates on what you say. Before we assail principalities and powers of the adversary, the Christian must be aware of two things.

#1 – Our past                        #2 – Our future

One of the things that re-educated me in the earlier referenced brochure is that many people, many Christians, are at their breaking point. The common denominator seemed to be the feeling of “giving up because it’s not worth it.”  People are hurting for a mixture of reasons. Folks are facing disappointments and troubled times. I’m hearing it more and more as I receive feedback through Cornerstoneofstrength. I think it is a natural emotion for most people to feel like giving up from time to time – merely from exhaustion, unreturned efforts, or lack of support. But, I think it’s important to note that while we may want to give up on OURSELVES, the Christian should rarely entertain thoughts on quitting on their love for God. It’s a dangerous road to travel!

Have you considered spiritual attacks – spiritual warfare? It’s a real occurrence. One of the surest signs of spiritual attack is the feeling that you want to throw your hands up and quit. A growing number of ministers have communicated with my husband in recent months, sharing their concern for those in their flock. Members who are simply giving up!

Be wise fellow Christian! You must have the TOOLS for spiritual warfare. It starts with God’s Word. It begins by turning to Jesus. To hear some ministers tell it, every Christian is receiving miracles. Everybody is getting instant answers. Everybody is happy. Send in your “seed money” and you’ll get rich very soon. Everyone is living well – problems are easily solved upon praying a single prayer. Basically, the whole world is bright and rosy if we just THINK positively about life.  

Oh, my friend. This is heartbreaking! I do wish all of those good and healthy things for God’s people, but that’s not the way things are for a large number of very sincere and honest Christians. Beware of shallow theology! Shallow theology is an insult to a lowly Jesus who left the glories of heaven to dwell among the poor. One writer said, "The lowly Jesus, who died a failure in the eyes of the world. We must remember our FUTURE when we’re under spiritual warfare."  It’s also healthy to remember the adversary’s future. Revelation Chapter 20 says he will be cast into a lake of fire!  “I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."

One of our neighbours has a beautiful cactus in her front yard. As you know, they are survivors! The cactus grows in dry, barren land. The cactus doesn’t quit during a drought! We should take a lesson from them. (I’ll include a photo for you to enjoy).

Look up my friends!