The Greatest Christmas Gift

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.


The greatest gift on Christmas Day does not come in a box, it comes from the heart. This gift can transcend even death. Sometimes this gift might not cost you much at all and at other times it might cost you everything. While we know that we should give this gift to all there are some that make giving this gift difficult at times. This gift is Love. Instead of spending money we don’t have; to please people who could care less; why not give the gift of love this holiday season.


Love expresses itself in many forms. 1 Corinthians 13 describes love this way; Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,


Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.


Love is a very powerful force. Jesus came to this earth because the Father has love for each of us in his heart. The word of God declares we are his workmanship. God loves us. We did not earn it. We cannot lose it. And there is nothing we can do to stop him from continuing to love us. The scripture tells us that God so loved this world that he gave. He is our primary example of what love is. He gave his all, he gave HIS son.


I leave you with these parting thoughts found in the lyrics of a song performed by The Temptations: Give Love on Christmas Day ~ “People making list, buying special gifts, Its time to be kind to one and all, Its that time of year when special friends are so dear, And you wish you could give more than just presents from a store, Why don’t you give love on Christmas Day”….. God Loves you and so do I…. Pastor Tammy

The Truth About Deception

John 8:32” And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Sir Walter Scott, "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." The Bible says the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Since this is true, none of us are above deception. If we think we are, then we’re deceived already. At one time or another, we've found ourselves caught in a web of deception of our own making.

During the past year the media has brought news of various forms of deception in extra marital and illicit affairs, extortion, ponzi schemes and wrongdoings by some well known persons and others who are not so well known.

Simply put we are just too concerned about ourselves and not enough about the hearts of others and the character of God. One of the clearest proofs of this is our deceitfulness toward others. In addition, we depend upon our own methods of preservation or acquisition rather than depending upon God to deliver us through the truth and give us what we need through our honesty. Jesus declared in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The consequences of telling the truth often seem too threatening compared to living a lie or too limiting if we don't "stretch the truth" to get what we want. Unfortunately, we seldom anticipate the real cost of our deceit when the truth finally is known; and it usually becomes known; at the worst possible time. And the cost of the deception ends up being very high.

However, the most dangerous part of the deception is getting away with it. The lie steals a part of us, depriving those we deceive of seeing the real us and creating a wedge in our relationship that robs each side of genuine intimacy. As the web of deceit grows, it touches more and more aspects of the relationship until the very foundation of the friendship, marriage, contract, fellowship, or partnership is entangled in the deceit and the very foundation of the relationship is threatened. Even if our deceit is never discovered we are damaged and become selfish and abusive people who fear no consequence.

Eph 4:25-26 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Choose today to be truthful from this day forward. Don’t start deception. God is truth and he does not lie. He placed his principles in HIS word so we would live prosperous lives and be in peace and harmony with each other. When someone confesses their deception and asks for forgiveness, as hard as it may be we must forgive, it is the will of our Father. If long term deceit is revealed it may take the help of a counselor to help bear the weight of the crushing weight of the secret or deception.

“The cruelest lies are often told in silence”. - Robert Louis Stevenson. We can’t blame all this deception on the devil. Nor can we be ignorant to his devices. Part of the enemy’s job is to find and exploit the idolatry in our hearts: the deceitfulness of riches, the pride of life, the lust of the flesh, or anything else that causes us to give God’s place to another. Once Satan finds that idolatry he will tempt you with it. At that point we have a clear choice: we can walk in darkness and deceit or walk in the light. And you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. “Speak the truth in Love” ~ The Bible. God loves you and so do I…Pastor Tammy

Finishing Your Course With Joy

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Single-mindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to do God’s work. Today I began reflecting on how much passion, enthusiasm and energy I had when I first began my Christian race in 1986. It took me some time to realize that God has a unique plan and purpose for all our lives. And that each of us must step up to life with purpose, and vision to fulfill these God given tasks.

Our purpose and life is directly linked to our relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You cannot and will not find your purpose outside of a life committed to Christ. When we make a commitment we become single minded in our focus to that commitment. Whether it’s in marriage, our families, employment or a quest for a healthier lifestyle, we have a single focus.

The Apostle Paul was a man totally devoted to Christ through all situations, seasons, and circumstances. His life reveals his commitment to serving the Lord. He served with humility, with tears and with many trials. I can identify with the apostle Paul; there have been times, when I have had to serve in humility. I wanted to say some things that may have been considered unkind or not “Christian”, but I held my peace. There were other times when I served with tears and great opposition.

Early in my walk with Christ, I went through a period where people tried to make me doubt my identity. I was told many reasons why women could not and should not be a pastor. Being a babe in Christ, I took those issues to the Lord in prayer. And one day the Holy Spirit revealed a passage of scripture to me Gal 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” That forever settled in my heart any concerns I may have had.

Life has not been easy and will at times throw you a curve, storms will come and strong winds may blow, but each of us must decide how we will finish our course. We can live a life full of anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and regret or we can finish our course with Joy. Real joy comes when we are not so consumed with ourselves, but when we can make a difference in the lives of others.

Paul did not count his life dear unto himself. His life was not for him to use and do as he pleased, not for earthly comfort or pleasure. His life was for Christ. His life was a precious and valuable possession of the Lord. Ps 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings” Each of us is as the apple of God’s eye and like Paul we have to make the decision to consecrate and dedicate our lives back to the One who gave us life in the first place.

Paul finished his course and ministry not because he had to, but because he chose to. And he did so with joy. Ralph Sockman says “Love is the outreach of self towards completion”. Finish your course with joy. God Loves you and so do I….Pastor Tammy

Peace in the midst of Pressure

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

Earlier in life, I can remember times when as a young mother, I longed for times of peace and quiet. My children would awake; my day started and the pressures of life seem to start closing in the minute our feet hit the floor. Life at times can seem out of balance. The balance of everyday living can create a lot of pressure and become overwhelming. Our Heavenly Father, states in his word, HE will keep us in peace, in perfect peace, inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace at all times, under all events. This peace shall he put us into, and we shall keep possession of, whose mind is stayed upon God, because we trust in HIM.

When evil tidings arise, those who hearts have been fixed and trusting in the Lord will not fear. Psalms 112:7-8 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. (NIV)

Our Father’s love and support never changes. From the cradle to the grave, God has promised to give us the strength to meet any challenge. God has promised to lift us up and guide our steps if we let Him. God has promised that when we entrust our life to Him completely and without reservation, He will keep us in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him. This gives you and the courage to face any trial and the wisdom to live in His righteousness.

Henry Kissinger said: “A diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure.”

Pressure reveals what is on the inside of us. We must resist the temptation to blame other people for our reactions. Some of us like to shift the blame because we don't have to take responsibility for our own mistakes and weaknesses. Christian maturity is revealed by how we behave in everyday life, particularly under pressure. How do we act when someone cuts us off in traffic? Or a person gets in an express check out lane at the grocery store with more than the required number of items? How do we act on our own in the little things reveals pretty much how we will react in bigger things?

Jesus is the Prince of Peace! He is the only one who can offer permanent peace. The Lord not only wants us to know His peace, but also He wants us to distribute His peace. Matt 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”. Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. God Loves You and so do I….Pastor Tammy

Knocked Down But Not Knocked Out

2 Cor 4:8-9: “We may be troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

In the sport of boxing a boxer can be considered technically knocked out, if a boxer is knocked down, and unable to get up to his feet and gain his balance and composure before the referee counts to 10. If and when he gets to his feet, he’s given a standing 8 count. If the referee feels that although the fighter is on his feet but he’s in no condition to continue the fight, the referee will stop the fight, and the boxer is considered technically knocked out. Then there’s the three knock down rule.

The book of Proverbs says a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again. It is good to know that no matter how many times we get knocked down, we can get back up again. And the good thing is we may not have our full balance and composure, but just the mere effort of us trying to get up, grabs God immediate attention.

The Bible teaches us that it’s in our weakest state that God’s strength is made perfect. And because of this promise, God always shows up in our weakest moments. Every time we’re knocked down in life by some tribulation, some disappointment, some heart break, or by trials, and even the storms of life, we are not distressed.

We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken.

We may feel hedged in on every side and troubles and oppressions may be present in every way, but we are not crushed. God knows how much we can bear. Perhaps today you might be feeling perplexed which simply means confused bewildered and cannot seem to find a way out. Despair means to be hopeless. Or maybe you are being persecuted; harassed in a way that causes suffering because of principles or religious beliefs. There are many who are forsaken or forgotten about.

God never promised us a life free from troubles. Like a good boxing match we are going to take some punches. We must also learn to defend ourselves by arming ourselves with the Word of God. Not just quoting the word but having faith in God and his promises.

Paul reminded us in our scripture today that though we may be at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of hope. Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering. But God never abandons us. Because Christ won victory over death, we have eternal life. All our risks, humiliations and trials are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate his power and presence through us.

When life knocks you down, remember you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus, so get back up again. If God be for us who can be against us? Yes, I may get knocked down, but thank God I am not knocked out. God Loves You and so do I ~Pastor Tammy

Enough is Enough

Numbers 11: 15 “If this is how you intend to treat me, do me a favor and kill me. I've seen enough; I've had enough. Let me out of here." (The Message Bible)

I have seen enough; I’ve had enough. These were the words of Moses, a man chosen by God to lead the children of Isreal out of the land of Egypt. This statement is made after hearing one complaint after another from the people. The people complained about their misfortunes and how life was so hard for them. In other words, they complained about their problems instead of praying to God about them. They complained about the lack of meat or the things that they did not have. We can all find things to complain about; let’s try and find some things to be thankful about.

Moses was a very meek man. The word meekness means strength that is under control. But sometimes, even the strongest person gets weak. After hearing the people continually complaining and whining, it began to affect Moses. Moses went to God and asked him why was he treating him this way? What did he do to deserve this? Why was all this responsibility on his shoulders? He began to rehearse to God what the people were saying to him. Finally, he said I can’t do this by myself, it is too much.

Perhaps today you may be feeling like Moses. You want to know what did you do to deserve what has happened? And where is God in the midst of all this adversity? God is always with us, his goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. Ultimately, we must all come to the conclusion that Moses did; I can’t do this by myself; it is too much. We need the Lord’s help to make it through each and every day. With the changes in our economy, the job loss, the stress in marriages and just the financial strain alone you may want to throw in the towel. You might even be saying enough is enough, but don’t quit.

When we complain to one another nothing is accomplished. But when we take our concerns, our dreams and desires to the Lord much can happen. Ps 62:8- Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (niv) I want to encourage you today, to pour out your hearts before God.

Prayer can release our tensions in times of emotional stress. When we trust God to be our rock, salvation and defense it changes our entire outlook on life. Prayer will change things. True relief does not come when the problem is resolved because more problems are on the way. True relief comes from an enduring hope in God’s ultimate salvation.

Prayer: Lord I do not understand why you have allowed this trouble to beset me. I have exhausted all my possibilities for changing my situation and circumstances and found that I am powerless to change them. All things are not possible with man, but all things are possible with you. In the face of discouragement, disappointment and anger I choose to believe your word, that if God is for me who can be against me. It is with patient endurance, steady and active persistence that I run the race, the appointed course that is set before me. I know that if you bring me to it, you can bring me through it. I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me. In Jesus name, AMEN…… God Loves you and so do I….. Pastor Tammy

A Lesson from Amos: Have we become too comfortable?

Thought: I need you to survive

Amos 5:14-15 “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate:”

When life is going smoothly, we need to be careful. It’s at that time we are ripe for complacency and a downfall. In the day of the prophet Amos, the people of Israel were prosperous and began to think they could make it without God. This sounds a lot like us today! We can slip into that dangerous place sometimes without really thinking. This behavior led the people of Isreal toward a path of destruction.

The name Amos means burden or burden bearer. He carried the heavy burden of God’s message to the people. Because the people had become so complacent they acted as if they did not need each other.

They exploited the weak and poor. They were indifferent to the pain of those around them. They enslaved the helpless through extortion and heavy taxation. God created us to live in relationships, not in isolation. This is stated very clearly in the words of a song entitled, I need you to survive by Hezekiah Walker. The lyrics: I need you, you need me, we’re all a part of God’s body, stand with me, agree with me, we’re all a part of God’s body, it is his will that every need be supplied, you are important to me, I need you to survive.

A final similarity between the Israelites and our culture is that many of them kept up outward appearances of religion even though they had abandoned their faith in God. I think many are in danger of falling into the same trap. Are you performing to get the approval of your boss or friends? Are you hiding your failures from your spouse, pretending you're faithfully following God's way when you're not? God is not so concerned with how we appear on the surface; he sees through our false appearances even if others don't. God cares about the attitude of our heart. Man looks at the outward appearances and God looks at the heart.

Remember we must all answer to God for how we live. A complacent present leads to a disastrous future. When we become self sufficient we develop a false sense of security. All that we have has come as a blessing from God, so let’s remember to be thankful. God made all people, therefore, to ignore the poor is to ignore those whom God loves and whom Christ came to save. We must move beyond just feeling bad for the poor and act compassionately to help care for those who are in need.

At times we can become too comfortable with life. We must not only be concerned with obvious threats but also to slowly developing ones. Indifference is a slow developing threat that eventually leads to complacency. We are our brother’s keeper and we must show a genuine concern to help when and where we can. In closing I will use additional lyrics from the song; I need you to survive referenced above. The chorus of the song says: I pray for you, you pray for me, I love you, I need you to survive, I won’t harm you with the words from my mouth, I love you, I need you to survive. Today, let us seek good and not evil and live. It’s time for us to grow and develop into the person we were called to be. God Loves You and so do I……… Pastor Tammy

Let Us Go On By Faith

There are many people today who have been adversely affected by the events in this world. I awakened this am thinking of all the people who are on the verge of giving up or giving in due the pressures and cares of daily living. I want to encourage you today, BE STRONG and let us go on by faith. Today, let us walk by faith and not by sight. We might not be able to see where we are headed; and when we can’t trace God’s hand; we can trust HIS heart.

We can choose today to be overcomers or overcome; a victim or victorious. The word of God declares we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. We are loved by the Father regardless of whether we love him or not. The life given to us is a precious gift. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

Faith says: Let us go on. Unbelief says let us go back to where it is safe. When Moses sent the spies into the promise land to check out the land and bring back a report; two reports came back, one of faith and one of unbelief. Joshua and Caleb stated to the people we are more than able to defeat the enemy and take the land, let us go up at once. The other 10 men said we are not able. What a contrast of faith vs. unbelief.

It’s amazing how God can use the personalities of ordinary people to teach us some very simple principles. Joshua and Caleb were men of faith. They had faith and believed God. God honored them. And because of their belief they entered the promise land.

God hasn’t changed, and the principle of faith hasn’t changed. What seems to have changed is the attitude of God’s people: We no longer believe God and act by faith in His promises. His promises never fail but we can fail to live by the grace of God and not enter into all that He has promised for us. God has “brought us out that He might bring us in,” but too often we fail to “enter in because of unbelief”

“Have Faith in God” God Loves you and so do I….. Pastor Tammy

A Family Affair

"A Family that Prays Together will stay Together"

The strongest institution on this earth is FAMILY. Family bonds are a link to our beginning and a guide to our future. We all want to belong and feel accepted and being in a family helps us to do that. A question arose a few days ago about being born into the “right” family. My response, I don’t believe there is a “right” family. When we become born again and give our lives to the Lord, we have the privilege of being a part of the “right” family. A part of God’s family!!

The Word of God declares that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s Glory. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:5) While some may have grown up in less than desirable environments; where abuse and suffering was a daily part of your living. Hurting people hurt people. For some your life really wasn’t bad, but it was something less than what you wanted it to be. It was simply a matter of unfulfilled expectations.

Our very spirit can either blossom or wither within the family unit. When we don't have the security and influence of strong family bonds early in life, the ground work is laid for an emptiness, which is often sought to be filled, through destructive means. If a person does not receive love as a child, they may later seek love and acceptance in a way that brings them harm. Some would call that looking for love in all the wrong places.

We can choose to resent our families and family members for our lives growing up or we decide today, we are going to make a difference in our families across this world. I grew up in the South and my mother is really big on the family getting together every Sunday for dinner at “Big Momma’s House”. And yes, she did all the cooking for everyone. This was our time to come together, laugh, cry and yes sometimes get into arguments and some pretty close “hand to hand” combats. But through it all, the family loved each other and came back to Big Momma’s house the following Sunday. Family also includes people who are not related by blood. Princess Diana said: ‘”Family is the most important thing in the world.” Are you a member of God’s family? Why not? When you come to HIM, he will in no wise cast you out. God Loves You and So do I………..Pastor Tammy

Unwavering Faith in Unstable Times

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What is faith? Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The word substance means the foundation, assurance, the guarantee. The word evidence means conviction. Simply put, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith is being described as an act in Hebrews, an act of the mind and the heart. Our hearts and minds believe something and we have the assurance and conviction that it is true. Faith is not something a Christian is going to posses; we already possess it. We can possess it now, we cannot see it, but we can actually possess the very substance of it by believing and entrusting our lives to it.

William Barclay said: “Faith means that we are certain of the things we hope for, convinced of the things we do not see”

These two qualities need a secure beginning and ending point. The beginning point of faith is believing in God’s character; that is believing he is who he says he is. The end point is believing in God’s promises; he will do what he says he will do. When we believe that God will fulfill his promises even though we don’t see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate true faith.

Biblical faith does not deal with what is unreal, imaginary, superficial or deceptive. Biblical faith is the knowledge, experience and possession of things hoped for. True biblical faith deals with truth and reality.

The reality is we are living in perilous times. The economy is unstable, the auto industry is unstable, and even the banking system is unstable. We must believe in our hearts and in our minds that God has a good plan for our lives and that he will perfect that which concerns us. The plan that he has for our lives is not conditional nor dependent upon our circumstances, the economy or environment in which we live.

Of course, any Christian can see that that worldview is at odds with faith. For the church, however, what is more significant than secularism, which rejects all forms of religious faith or worship; is sociologically when we start dealing with social questions or problems, focusing on cultural and environmental factors rather than on psychological or personal characteristics. In other words, the world would have us believe that religious ideas, institutions, and interpretations are losing practical social significance. Nothing could be further from the truth!

God declared in Matt 19:26 “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” If you are facing tough times, I want to encourage you today to be Strong in the Lord and the power of his might. It is very easy to allow your circumstances and situations to speak so loudly that you cannot hear the voice of God. Stand up and declare today, I have the assurance and conviction that all things are working together for my good.

In the rhythm of grace, we go to sleep, and God begins his work. As we sleep he develops his covenant. We wake and are called out to participate in God’s creative action. We respond in faith, in work. But always grace is previous and primary. We wake into a world we didn’t make, into a salvation we didn’t earn. And he asks of us one thing: Have Faith in God…… God Loves you and so do I….. Pastor Tammy

What's the plan?

Hold on and Hold out, Help is on the Way!


Ps 46:1- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

There are times everything in our world gets turned upside down. There are times when all the plans we have made, suddenly change. We have been living our life and the doctor tells us that we have an incurable disease. Or perhaps one spouse says to another, I don’t love you anymore. Or perhaps it is your 16 year old who tells you they are pregnant. These unwanted misfortunes can and will cross, social, racial and economic barriers. No one is exempt from these and many other adversities.

The word trouble in the above psalm refers to being pressed in; like being between a rock and a hard place. Many people today find themselves in that position. Psalm 46 furnishes the background for assuring the people that God will be present whatever the outward circumstances. We have to hold on, hold out because help is on the way.

Some of these tribulations can become pretty intense in severity and nature. Have you been feeling like you are in a pressure cooker and can’t get out? Some are under severe stress, and not just with the external and more obvious issues; some are fighting with inward struggles. These inward struggles come in the form of fear, doubt, worry, stress, insecurity. On the outside everything looks fine, but on the inside we are screaming and we wonder why no one hears us. There is brokenness in our spirits, and in our hearts.

God often uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop. It takes broken grain to give bread. He will take a broken heart and mend it back together. He will take the broken things of your life and produce something good. Isa 61:3- To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

The plan today is to go to God and give him our ashes, the things that have burned up in our lives so that he can give us beauty. The things that have caused us to mourn or have hurt us and caused us to be sad, we give HIM these so that he can give us the oil of joy. And if you feel that you have gone as far as you can and you can’t take another step. He will give you the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

We have a spiritual adversary we are fighting every day. Whether you choose to believe it or not. He wants to wear us down and wear us out. He does not want us to have any joy. Joy is different from happiness. Joy is eternal; it is based upon who the Lord Jesus Christ is in us. Happiness is temporal. It is based upon my outward circumstances and feelings. That’s why the bible declares the Joy of the Lord is my strength. We go through all that we do that God might get some glory out of our lives.

Be encouraged today, even in your darkest hour God has a plan for your life. The plan today is to place all your trust in God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. I may not understand everything that is happening around me, but I do know this God is still in control.

For we know that all things are working together. The good things, the bad things the not so pleasant things, they are all working together. Hold on, Hold Out, Help is on the Way. What’s the plan? Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. God Loves you and so do I…. Pastor Tammy

Sight but no vision

Where are you going? Where are you headed in life? Do you have a goal or destination in mind? What is the vision for your life? Too many people walk around and don’t have any idea where they are going. A nowhere destination always results from a nowhere plan.

Hellen Keller was asked “What would be worse than being born blind?” She replied, “to have sight without vision.” Proverbs 29:18 says “that where there is no vision the people perish”. With a vision life has direction. What you can see is what you can be.

People with vision possess two things: they know where they are going and they are able to persuade others to follow. Hebrews 11:1 says: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is vision and vision is seeing a worthy possibility before it actually takes place. To fulfill a God given vision you must take the limits off your thinking. Why it is that two people can be in the same place at the same time and both see entirely different things? Could it be that we see what we are prepared to see? In other words, what you see if what you get.

I want to encourage you today to look within yourself. What do you see? Vision starts from within! Look behind you, what have you learned? Leonard Lauder, president of Estee Lauders Said “When a person with experience meets a person with money, the person with experience will get the money. And the person with the money will get the experience. Look ahead of you what is the big picture? Look above yourself, what is God expecting of you? Great visions are bigger than one person. Look beside you, what resources are available to you? A vision should be greater than the person who has it. Look around you, who are the people you are associating with? When a vision is hindered it is usually a people problem!

While pursuing your vision remember to put in the things you love. People carry pictures of other people and things they love with them. And remember to achieve the vision you are pursuing takes time. So, take time to stop and rest, smell the flowers, encourage someone and stay your course. We all need to be refreshed from time to time, mentally and physically.

To fuel your vision you must have passion. Passion shows itself in different ways in different people. Vision is more than just a mental image of the future. Vision sees a better, more desirable future and provides direction and fuels motivation for its achievement. To turn your vision into reality:

• You must picture the vision

• Give your heart to the vision

• Make sure your vision pleases God

• Get focused

• Get organized to accomplish your vision

• Step out on faith and take a risk

• Put your faith into action

God’s gift to me is my potential. My gift back to God is what I do with that potential. Revisit, revamp and renew the vision for your life. And let’s not be a person who has sight but no vision!!! God Loves You and so do I. Pastor Tammy

Rest for your weary souls

Matt 11:28-12:1-Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Are you struggling with life? Are you hurting inside? Is there something you need that you’ve learned just doesn’t exist anywhere else? Perhaps you have been going and going and there does not seem to be an end to it all. Are you taking care of a parent whose health is failing them? Or maybe you have gone from a two income household to a one income household. Do you feel the stress of day to day living pressing in upon you?

Christ paints two pictures in the passage above. One picture is of extreme weariness. This is the person who has gone as far as they can; they can go no farther, they cannot take another step. The other picture is of extreme pressure. This is the person is about to explode; they cannot take anymore. Christ does not say what caused the weariness or pressure (heavy burdens) whatever caused the weariness or the pressure he gives a great and open invitation to all. He says Come unto him.

The first invitation is to come. Who is to come? The weary and the burdened the person who is laboring and heavy laden, weary and burden, exhausted and despairing, extremely tired and weighed down, ready to stop and collapse.

What are some of the things that exhaust us: relationships, work, family, activities, and fears, just to name a few?

Jesus is a keen observer of people. His eyes are always wide open to people, to their situations, to their struggles and to their burdens. We never see Jesus distracted or disinterested. Even at times when He is on His way to important events, the church, dinner, a meal with friends, He allows for unscheduled interactions and interruptions involving people.

Why should the weary and heavy laden come to Christ, very simply, Christ will give them rest. Christ will give rest to the struggling and despairing soul and to the empty and lonely soul no matter how intense the struggle and despair or the emptiness and loneliness. No person has gone too far for Christ to inject His rest into him, if the person will call only upon Christ.

What are the conditions for finding this rest? There is only one condition. A person must simply take Christ yoke and begin to learn of Him. This simply means that we are to learn how to live and labor under his leadership direction, guidance and care.

Every man has his yoke, that is, his life to life and his task to do while on earth. There are plenty of roads in life that promise joy, health, peace, or transformation. Most of them, however, don't lead in that direction. You can literally exhaust yourself seeking all the things the world promises you if you just work harder and spend more money.

There is rest for your weary souls! Come, Take, and Find Rest. God Loves You and so do I…. Pastor Tammy

Think on These Things

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Our life today is a result of our thinking yesterday. Our life tomorrow will be determined by what we are thinking today. What occupies our mind and what we think means more than anything else in our life.

What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, honest, just pure, lovely of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. The word think means to consider reflect reason and ponder. The idea is that of focusing our thoughts until they shape our behavior. The truth is:

§ What we think is what we become
§ Where we have kept our minds is where we are
§ Our thoughts shape our behavior
§ What we do is what we think

A person who centers his thoughts upon the world and its things will live for the world and its things: money, wealth, lands, property, houses, power, position recognition and a host of other worldly pursuit. A mind that is set upon the world and the flesh is what leads to anxiety, and worry, emptiness and restlessness. A worldly mind never knows peace, not true peace, not the peace of God.

Think on these things. Whatever things are true (real and genuine) Many things in the world seems to be true, but they are not, they are false and deceptive, an illusion, and a counterfeit. They seem to offer peace but the offer is deceptive.

We are not to fill our minds with junk whether through rumors, radio, television or even in music. Be careful what you set your heart on for you’ll surely get it. Be careful about what occupies your mind, because it will greatly determine what you’ll become tomorrow. If you think you can, you can. If you think you are, you are.

Our life must be influenced by our expectations, not by our experiences, others examples or even exhilaration .

It’s amazing how many people allow their thinking to determine how much they accomplish in life. Comments such as: “Its never be done before” or don’t get your hopes up too much “have hindered the potential of many would be achievers in life. In the words of the children’s book: The Little Engine that could, we can all recite the words, “I think I can, I think I can”. And yes we will. As a man thinketh so is he. The mind is a powerful thing; and a terrible thing to waste. Let us redirect our thinking so we can ultimately redirect our lives. God Loves You and so do I….. Pastor Tammy

Confidence Equals Competence

Thought: Don’t throw your confidence away!!!

I can, I will, I must. The scripture says, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.” Unknown

The definition of confidence: full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing. There are two types of people confidence builders or confidence shakers.

Confidence is not set in cement. It is possible to lose it. Our choice of associates will have a tremendous bearing on our confidence level. If you are unsure of yourself a confidence shaker can do you in.

Confidence shakers see the negative side of everything. A confidence shaker can talk you right out of success. Maybe you wanted to become a doctor and you were told you are not smart enough; you don’t make the grades or even have the money to go to college. But you had a dream. When you buy into it the very thing that was helping you to become successful has now become your down fall.

Unfortunately the negative process can and does affect Christians. We all go thru periods of testing wondering if God can and will meet our every need. With a little discouragement from a confidence shaker we will begin to doubt his ability and our own. This can begin a downward spiral that ends in the pit of failure and frustration. Our confidence has not only been shaken, but it has been uprooted.

It is difficult for those who do not believe in themselves to have faith in anyone else. Self confidence breeds confidence in others. Why do we need confidence in ourselves? It gives us stability in every area of our life. Confidence equals contentment. Self contentment knows you have all you need for your present circumstances.

You may feel distress, you may even feel despair. You may feel press down, but you may never feel defeated. Paul says we have unlimited resources and when we say we can’t do something; we are failing to draw on the resources that Christ provided by his loving kindness.

Contentment is being confident that you can measure up to any test that you face because Christ has made that strength available within you. You cannot perform consistently in a manner that is inconsistent with the way that you see yourself. How do you see yourself today? Do you see yourself as confident and contented or do you see yourself insecure and worried?

Know that every time you start out you will have someone to remind you, you have not, you are not and you will never become. So surround yourself with confident people who believe in you and will encourage you to become your very best. I can, I will, I must. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…….. God Loves You and so I. Love Pastor Tammy

Stay Focused

Ps 108:1- O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

What is your focus today? Are you willing to focus your thoughts and energies on God’s blessings and upon His will for your life? Or will you turn your thoughts to other things? As I arose this morning, I found a lot of distractions bidding for my attention. There are times before we can get out of bed; our minds are racing with all the things that we need to do or get done for the day.

Too often, we allow the worries of everyday life to overwhelm our thoughts and cloud our vision. What we need is a clearer perspective, a renewed faith, and a different focus.

I woke up thinking about my mother who has some very serious health issues that she is facing. My heart was heavy, because I knew in the natural there is not much I can do to help her. I begin to pray for her and in the midst of the prayer another situation arose that wanted my attention and begin to take my thoughts in a different direction. I finally sat down in a quiet place so I could focus.

Life will try to toss us to and fro, but we must fix our hearts today on God. This is not an option! I could not imagine living my life without God. I don’t expect him to make everything easy for me. And I do know that he will be there as I go through difficult times. He said in his word, I will never leave you or forsake you and I stand on that promise. God created us in His own image, and He wants us to experience joy and abundance. But, God will not force His joy upon you; you must claim it for yourself. You have to decide if the Joy of the Lord will be your strength today. When we focus on the frustrations of today or the uncertainties of tomorrow, we rob ourselves of peace in the present moment. But, when we focus on possibilities instead of roadblocks, our worries no longer bully us.

Ps 57:7- My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

To help me stay focused, I begin listening to some uplifting music and just begin to sing and give praise. As I began to do this my thoughts begin to change. My focus begins to change. The condition of your character is determined, to a surprising extent, by the direction of your thoughts. If you focus your thoughts and energies on positive matters your spirit begins to lift. But if you focus too intently on the distractions and temptations of our 21st-century world, you’re inviting problems.

Ps 112:7- He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

It is not difficult to look around our world and see that things are changing everyday. And a lot of the change is not good. A bank in Germany has declared by the year 2011 the houses in the U.S. will be worth half of what we owe on them. With all the layoffs, unemployment, foreclosures and a host of other woes, we have to remain focused on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Lord himself told us in John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Make up in your mind today that you are going to be of good cheer and stay focused. Our attitude makes all the difference. God Loves You and so do I…. Pastor Tammy

When the going gets tough, the tough get going

When the going gets tough, the tough get going !!!

Are you facing a tough situation? There is a word of encouragement for you today. We will look into the lives of 3 mighty men found in 2 Samuel 23: 8-12 and let us gain some perspective into the challenges and battles faced and how each of them responded.

The first mighty man, Adino, slew 800 men at one time with a spear. This tells me that there will be challenges that we will face in life that we may be able to deal with at once and defeat them. The Hebrew translation for Adino’s name means to be sharp or strong.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Sometimes you have to make up in your mind that you are going to have what God says you can have and you will not be intimidated because of the size or the number of the opponent. We no longer wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. One of the main attacks by the enemy is against the mind. If he can get you to think the situation is bigger than you are, he is hoping that you will back off, and not pursue your dreams and goals because the obstacles seem bigger than we are. But I have good news. We serve a God who is all powerful. He speaks and sets things in motion. He requires that we have faith and believe that With God all things are possible. So if you have a dream, a vision, a ministry, a work a goal you would like to accomplish in this life; remember With God, not without him, but with God all things are possible. We must make up in our minds that we will put on the whole armor of God and be prepared to fight if the Lord instructs us to do so. And if you are going to fight, then fight with all your might.

The second mighty man, is Eleazar. He is found fighting until he was so weary and his hand stuck to the sword. There are some fights in life that will make us become weary. But you cannot put down your sword. We must continue fighting and continue steadfast in the Word of God. Then the people came back and begin taking the spoils. You have to understand that some people are not going to stand with you as you are in the fight, but they will show up when the dust settles to collect the spoils. They show up when you no longer need any help.

The third mighty man is Shammah. Shammah came upon a piece of ground full of lentils. And the Philistines also came upon this same piece of ground. The people fled from the area, but Shammah stood in the midst of the ground defended the land. And the Lord was with him and he had a great victory. In each of these examples the Lord is the one who gives the victory.

Sometimes we have to fight for what you believe in even if you have to stand by yourself. Don’t look for everyone to stand with you or even be in agreement with your cause or your fight. Sometimes we spend too much time asking other people what they think instead of moving forward in the things of God. I am not saying that you should not listen to others; there is safety in the multitude of counselors, however sometimes we become too dependent upon what people say instead of what the Lord says. Be strong in the Lord and the Power of His Might. God Loves you and so do I……. Pastor Tammy

Finding Hope in Difficult Times

What would it take to restore your hope? In this life, we will all find ourselves at one time needing someone to help lift our spirits. Someone to remind us that our present condition is not the conclusion of the matter. Hope means "to desire something with confident expectation of it's fulfillment." The state of Hopelessness has been suitably described as a type of "Hell on Earth" filled with endless despondency and despair.

Today, more and more people are finding themselves alone and depressed. Many of us have at one time or another felt the sting of hopelessness and despair. It is possible to find Hope in Difficult Times. Help is available, not the kind the world has wherein it wishes for the best. It is one thing to wish, and quite another to have faith based on the promises of God.

And, perhaps most important, you need direction. Psalm 16 is a great source of encouragement when you are in need of hope. Psalm 16:7-9 states I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Even if you reach what you consider to be your lowest point, God's word say's He will never leave or forsake you (Matt 28:20). He will give you peace and comfort even in the worst of circumstances. He can and will lead you through, over or around the muck and mire of your situation, and again set your feet on solid ground.

Our God is the God of new beginnings, and with Him nothing is impossible. Whether you are very young, or considered to be very old, trust in Him because with Him it is always just the beginning. You may even find yourself in such a situation through divorce, death of a spouse, loss of health, finances, or whatever, that forces you to begin all over again, but is that so bad? Trusting God in difficult times forces us to seek His guidance, and to trust in Him.

Trusting God through these uncharted waters takes faith and courage but is worth every effort. The path of His choosing is the only one that leads to true happiness.

As the Psalmist stated in Psalm 16 I will bless the Lord who hath given me counsel and even in the night seasons he will instruct me. When you can’t see your way, the Lord will instruct you. The Psalmist realized one key factor in finding hope; we must set the Lord before us always. When you truly believe God is intimately acquainted with you and your situation; and that he will put no more on you than you can bear; and that his grace is sufficient you will find hope even in the worst situation. If you can’t trace HIS hand, trust HIS heart.

In order to reap the benefits of the Christian life and to have protection, guidance, and comfort from the Holy Spirit one must first be born again and become a child of God.

The born again child of God has the unique privilege of talking to, and hearing from God, but this, the greatest resource available, is often neglected. We should always pray! Even in the darkest moments, when you don't feel His presence and think you will never smile again, pray anyway, because He is there; He is listening, and is an "ever present help in time of trouble" (Psa 46:1) God Loves You and so do I……. Pastor Tammy

Stop Giving Your Past Permission To Speak

Jer 29:11 “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.” NIV

God has a plan for your life. And that plan is to prosper not harm; to give hope and a future. What an awesome plan!!! God’s Word teaches us that He loves us and wants the best for us. God is ever present and always watchful. He does not consult your past to justify his blessings on your future.

It is difficult to look towards our future when we are constantly allowing our past to speak. Maybe mistakes have been made in the past. Failure is not final, but it can be used as fertilizer to help us grow. We must take the adversities of this life and allow them to become stepping stones into our future. No one has ever become great overnight.

There are many celebrities who have overcome obstacles in their past and pushed forward into their future. James Earl Jones overcame a stuttering problem as a child, now we have the pleasure of hearing him speak in a deep baritone voice. Halle Berry, well known actress was diagnosed with diabetes and fell into a diabetic coma 7 years ago. Michael Jordan, cut from his high school basket ball team, later to become one of the greatest NBA players. These celebrities did not allow their past to speak into their future. They continued moving towards the future that was ahead of them becoming men and women we all know and love.

Zig Zigler said: “Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful”. Successful people do not allow the past to tell them what can or cannot be done. Today, make a non-negotiable decision you will not allow your past to speak into your future. The first thing we must do is change our mind. The bible says be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. You are what you think! Some of us have given up on our dreams because of what others have said. We have to encourage ourselves with the knowledge that God has a good plan for our lives and even if we don’t understand the plan we can trust it.

We must be prayerfully persistent. Or as I like to say, we must watch and pray. Maybe we got off on the wrong road or made an wrong turn, or possibly headed down a one way street, it’s okay if we have to make a U-Turn or change directions. The point is it is God who will lead and guide us. A man’s heart devises’ his ways but the Lord orders his steps. It’s time to re-position yourself. Expect something great out of life today. Don’t get comfortable with compromise. The only person that can stop you from becoming all you were destined to be is YOU…. God Loves You and so do I….. Pastor Tammy

Unfinished Business

Unfinished Business
“Letting go of the past and reaching forward to the future.”

If you’re like most people, you like being in control. You want things to happen according to your wishes and according to your timetable. But sometimes, God has other plans, and He always has the final word.

The enemy loves to use things of our past to stop us from reaching our future. Maybe you have done some things you are not proud of. Maybe some things happened to you that were outside of your control and left you emotionally incapacitated. You find it hard to love others. Maybe you don’t trust others and feel that people have a hidden agenda when trying to get close to you.

Perhaps someone you truly loved someone who, told you they loved you only to betray your love and confidence in them. Maybe it was a marital relationship and your spouse committed adultery. Now you find it hard to love or even trust again. Growing up as a child did you suffer abuse as a child only to grow into adulthood and promise that no one would ever hurt you in that way again?

If any of these things sound familiar you have unfinished business in your life and you need closure. The word of God tells us to forget the former things and do not dwell on the past. God does not want us looking at the past because he has such a wonderful plan for our future. The past is past and there is nothing that we can do about it. We cannot change it. The enemy would desire that we keep living in the past. But God always gives us a glimpse of our future. He said behold, I am doing a new thing, Shall it not spring forth.

Never underestimate the importance of closure. Through out our life, we have so many opportunities for closure and new beginnings. When we refuse to let go of the past we have unfinished business. We can’t have a fresh start without an end first. Life teaches us that we cannot experience a fresh start until we deal with the closure preceding it.

Many people minimize the importance and impact that real closure can bring. People talk about forgetting the past and getting on with their life. Closure is a mental physical and emotional process. If you are unable to trust, love or commit yourself, you need closure.

Some people have a whole string of broken relationships, because they underestimate the impact of closure. They never learned how to make a new beginning really work. It’s time to take care of any unfinished business so that you can move on with your life. We can remain angry and upset with people, which perpetuates the cycle of pain and heartache. Forgive others and forgive yourself. We must grow up spiritually to a place of surrender and rest in God. Come to terms with life and realize, it’s not my will but THY WILL be done. And handle your business!!! God Loves You and so do I…Pastor Tammy

Love not the World

Love Not the World

Worldliness is not so much a matter of activity as of attitude. It is possible for a Christian to stay away from questionable pleasure and doubtful places and still love the world, for worldliness is a matter of the heart. To the extent that a Christian loves the world system and the things in it, he does not love the Father.

Worldliness not only affects your response to the love of God; it also affects your response to the will of God. “The world passeth away but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:17). Doing the will of God is a joy for those living in the love of God. “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” But when a believer loses his enjoyment of the Father’s love, he finds it hard to obey the Father’s will.

When you put these two factors together, you have a practical definition of worldliness: anything in a Christian’s life that causes him to lose his enjoyment of the Father’s love or his desire to do the Father’s will is worldly and must be avoided. Responding to the Father’s love (your personal devotional life), and doing the Father’s will (your daily conduct)—these are two tests of worldliness.

Many things in this world are definitely wrong and God’s Word identifies them as sins. It is wrong to steal and to lie. Sexual sins are wrong. About these and many other actions, Christians can have little or no debate. But there are areas of Christian conduct that are not so clear, in which even the best Christians disagree. In such cases, each believer must apply the test to his own life and be scrupulously honest in his self-examination, remembering that even a good thing may rob a believer of his enjoyment of God’s love and his desire to do God’s will.

The world has three systems it uses to trap us: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. The flesh” does not mean “the body.” Rather, it refers to the basic nature of unregenerate man that makes him blind to spiritual truth (1 Cor. 2:14). Flesh is the nature we receive in our physical birth; spirit is the nature we receive in the second birth. A Christian has both the old nature (flesh) and the new nature (Spirit) in his life. And what a battle these two natures can wage! (Gal. 5:17–23)

God has given man certain desires, and these desires are good. Hunger, thirst, weariness, and sex are not at all evil in themselves. There is nothing wrong about eating, drinking, sleeping, or begetting children. But when the flesh nature controls them, they become sinful “lusts.” It is important to note that no Christian becomes worldly all of a sudden. Worldliness creeps up on a believer; it is a gradual process. The world is passing away and we must be careful not to be conformed to this world lest we find ourselves being condemned along with this world. But he who does the will of the Father will abide forever. Remember my brothers and sisters we are “in” the world, but not “of” the world. Guard your heart for out of it flow the issues of life. God loves you and so do I…Pastor Tammy

Waiting for my Change

Waiting for my change

Change can best be described as making something different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. Ovid states: All things change, nothing is extinguished. There is nothing in the whole world which is permanent. Everything flows onward; all things are brought into being with a changing nature; the ages themselves glide by in constant movement.
Job 14:13-14 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man dies, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

Job’s three friends came to comfort him, but they ended up criticizing him. Mortal human beings are far too ignorant to understand fully the ways of God. For us to fit God into our own little “theological boxes” is to limit Him and make Him less than God.

Job appeals for sympathy. His friends did not show love and understanding; to them Job was a theological problem, not a suffering saint. Job then appeals for a chance to confront God. Job appeals to his basic integrity. He denies that he is secretly a sinner. He knows his own heart. He appeals to his faith in God. Yet God seemed to have abandoned Job. He then appeals to die. He asks God to hide him in a grave; a place where he can find rest until the situation had past and that God would remember him.

Today you might be in the midst of some of life’s unfortunate storms. Like Job the storms may not be a result of anything you have done or even brought upon yourself. Maybe you have sought help, counsel or support from friends and can’t find any love or understanding. As we read in Job some events in life are for an appointed time. In other words trouble will not last always. Job realized that even in death there is a change. All the days of our life are in God’s hand and when we are facing the storms of life, whether physical, spiritual, mental, emotional or even financial.

One of the most inspiring individuals I have read about is Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President. He was the youngest president in U.S. History. As a child he was weak and sickly for many years. While being confined to the indoors he developed a love for reading and learning. Upon entering the presidency, Roosevelt had established a style of his own that he retained throughout his life. He was a reformer. He challenged convention to achieve what he believed to be morally right. He handled controversy well, a trait essential for someone with his thirst for quick action. He had learned to adapt to change.

Franklin Roosevelt says “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Today if you are suffering any hardship, be encouraged this too (name it) shall pass. And like Job, wait for your change to come. I’m waiting for my change !! So let’s wait together. Be Blessed. God loves you and so do I….Pastor Tammy

The Next Step

The Next Step
(Where do I go from here?)

Ps 16:11- Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Job loss, foreclosure, health crisis, can leave us wondering where we go from here. Maybe you have been putting in job applications and you have not received a call for an interview, what do you do to try and support your family? The path of life referenced above denotes variety abundance and immortal blessedness. If you are experiencing tough times, you may be asking yourself, "What does God want me to do next?" Perhaps you're pondering your future, uncertain of your plans, unsure of your next step. But even if you don't have a clear plan for the next step of your life's journey, you may rest assured that God does.

Jer 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

God has a plan for the universe, and He has a plan for you. He understands that plan as thoroughly and completely as He knows you. If you seek God's will earnestly and prayerfully, He will make His plans known to you in His own time and in His own way. God makes His plans for His people, and they are good plans that ultimately bring hope and peace. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid or discouraged. In every situation, however, God’s people have the responsibility to seek the Lord, pray, and ask Him to fulfill His promises, for the Word and prayer go together.

Perhaps your vision of God's purpose for your life has been clouded by a wish list that you have expected God to dutifully fulfill. Perhaps, you have fervently hoped that God would create a world that unfolds according to your wishes, not His. If so, you have probably experienced more disappointment than satisfaction and more frustration than peace. A better strategy is to surrender your will for God’s will (and not to struggle vainly in an attempt to conform His will to yours).

Sometimes, God's plans and purposes may seem unmistakably clear to you. If so, push ahead. But other times, He may lead you through the wilderness before He directs you to the Promised Land. So be patient and keep seeking His will for your life. When you do, you'll be amazed at the marvelous things that an all-powerful, all-knowing God can do.

My next step is to wait on the Lord, be of good courage and he will strengthen thine heart, wait I say on the Lord. Don’t be anxious for anything, but by prayer and supplication make your request known to God…...God Loves you and So do I…….Pastor Tammy

Drawing Close to God - The Necessity of Quality Time with God

Drawing Close to God
The necessity of Quiet Time with God


Where is God? There are times in our life when it seems as if we are waiting on God. Truth be told, God is waiting on us. I need quiet times because I need God. He is the one who makes sense of life for me, in times of crisis or calm. I came to realize that just as my body needs regular meals to be healthy and energetic, so my relationship with God also needs regular nourishment. Thinking about God is important, but it is not easy.

Because we live in a society influenced by secular culture, unless we take conscious precautions, we too can develop God-blindness. And like colorblind people, we go about our lives without realizing that something is wrong. When we practice quiet time, we counter the forces of God-blindness. Quiet time focuses our spiritual sight so that we can meet with God.

Ps 42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? (NIV)

Attending church and all sorts of religious activities can have the appearance of seeking God when in fact it is another means of avoidance. The compulsive busyness of our culture is also a means of avoiding God. Most of us spend forty to sixty hours a week at work. We have families, children with after school activities, bills to pay. Even as we maintain such a crazy pace, we lament it. If we ever slowed down, the presence of God might just begin to get through.

What is a quiet time? A quiet time is a meeting with God. The presence of God is the birthright of every believer. This is important to fix in your mind. It is always possible to know God better than we do. When we have a quiet time, we feed our souls. We lift our eyes beyond the here and now to the eternal. If we want to meet with God, we have to set aside time. This is not easy. Most of us feel that we have too much to do and not enough time.

How can we establish time patterns that will allow us to meet with God? We must choose to set aside holy time. We are busy people who live in a busy world. But if we are going to spend time with God, we will have to slow down our pace. We must create a space in our lives to be with God. Find a meeting place. We need special places for spiritual nourishment. We must practice Solitude. Solitude is being alone on purpose. Loneliness happens to you. Emotionally and mentally step out of all your personal connections, not because they aren’t important, but because you want to come back to them strengthened and refreshed from your time alone with God.

God creates time, meets us in time and orders time. Therefore the use of time is to revolve around him. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. God Loves You and so do I….Pastor Tammy

Character and Values

Character and Values


We can be secure in the knowledge that our value and worth are not dependent upon who we are or what we think or say or do. It is based on who we are in Christ Jesus. Joyce Meyer

Whether you realize it or not, your character is shaped by your values. Society seeks to impose its set of values upon us, however these values are often contrary to God’s Word and our own best interests. The world makes promises that it simply cannot fulfill. It promises happiness, contentment, prosperity, and abundance. But genuine abundance is not a by-product of possessions or status; it is a by-product of your thoughts, your actions, and your relationship with God. The world’s promises are incomplete and deceptive; God’s promises are unfailing.

We live in a world that is filled with countless opportunities to make big-time mistakes. The world seems to cry, “Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, and your thoughts!” But God commands otherwise: He instructs you to worship Him and Him alone; everything else must be secondary.

Do you want to strengthen your character? If so, then you must build your life upon a value system that puts God first. If you’re a thoughtful believer, then those values are shaped by the Word of God.

Many times Christians do not think of evaluating the character of those that they choose to be in relationships with. They often think that to do so would be to be judgmental. Instead of looking to the kinds of character traits that God deems important, we look to external things that do not have much to do with how someone ultimately performs in relationships.

As you think of people to date and become close friends with, or to put yourself under spiritual direction with, think about those issues. Does your relationship with them help you to grow spiritually and get closer to a loving God? Does it help you to become more loving and relational? And does it help you to grow as the person God wants you to be?

We all need to know what it is that we are looking to confront and to avoid. If you are going to give your heart to people and trust them, you have to know what you are looking for. And remember that God wants you to be able to recognize character problems for two reasons. One is to confront each other with the truth so we can see our faults and overcome them; secondly, for our own protection and growth.

In addition to learning about the character of others, we must find out what it is about us that causes us to make such poor, hurtful choices. The truth is that it is not just a lack of knowledge. We usually make such choices out of our own weaknesses. If you find yourself dealing with the same issues time and time again; its time to re-evaluate the decisions you are making and more importantly; investigate what is causing you to make the choices that you do….Character and Value really do go hand in hand. ”Life is Better; when we get there together” God Loves you and so do I……..Pastor Tammy

No Greater Love

No Greater Love
(Thank you for your Sacrifice)
St. John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” First, I would like to thank all the servicemen and women who place their lives on the line for our safety. You are loved and appreciated not just today, but everyday. To the family of those who have “fallen”, we are in prayer with and for you.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans have forgotten the true meaning of Memorial Day. Traditional Observances included; many people vsiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers often place American flags on each gravesite at National Cemeteries. Many Americans also use Memorial Day to honor other people who have died. In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also used as a time for picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and sporting events. One of the longest-standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.

It is not important who was the first in celebrating Memorial Day; what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all. This would help greatly to return the solemn meaning back to the day, and to help return minds and hearts to think upon the ultimate sacrifices made by those in service to our country. Just one day out of the year to honor our loved ones, our ancestors, our friends who died in conflicts and wars -- not to honor war, but those that died in those conflicts and wars. Whether or not we agree with the war in Iraq we still have family, friends and loved ones who are giving us the greatest gift of love by putting their lives on the line. We should love, support and pray for them each day.

This brings to mind a man, who laid down his life for mankind, Jesus. St. John 10: 11” I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” Jesus did not die as a martyr; killed by men. He died as a substitute, willingly laying down His life for us. Jesus is the good shepherd and as with any good shepherd he cares for the sheep. He knows his sheep. He knows our nature. While all sheep are alike in their essential nature, each sheep has its own distinctive characteristics; and the loving shepherd recognizes these traits. One sheep may be afraid of high places, another of dark shadows. A faithful shepherd will consider these special needs as he tends the flock. He also knows our needs. As the shepherd cares for the sheep, the sheep get to know their shepherd better. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. They get to know Him better by listening to His voice (the Word) and experiencing His daily care. As the sheep follow the Shepherd, they learn to love and to trust Him.

Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” Today as we remember those who have fought the good fight. Let us remember the ONE who laid down his life so that we could be reconciled back to the Father. If you do not know Christ as your personal savior Today is your day!!! The song says JUST AS I AM, without one plea, but that thou blood was shed for me, and that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God I come. Won’t you come ? Pray and invite the Lord to come into your heart and to forgive you of your sins. If you prayed this prayer, please contact me so I can send you some additional resources and to help you in your new walk and I would like to pray for you . And remember God Loves You and so do I…….. Pastor Tammy

Crossroads

CROSSROADS
“From the Point of Decision to Destiny”

A crossroad has been defined as the place where the road intersects; a point at which a vital decision must be made. Choices have consequences, whether good or bad. These consequences will be for our betterment or will work to destroy us. We are all responsible for our choices. Every decision ultimately leads us to our destiny.

Another way to put it is that things will get better or worse for us. The Bible challenges us with this admonition in Deuteronomy 30:19: "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live"

One of the messages stressed in our society is about the “right to choose”; but we have not balanced it with the message that our choices also have consequences. Hollywood movie producers and some celebrities have glamorized many things that are bad for us and have not generally shown the destructive side of the things that are portrayed to bring so much happiness. (drugs, alcohol, adultery, fornication, gambling)

From the time we get out of bed until the time we go to sleep we are making decisions that are leading us one step closer to our destiny. The efforts which we make to escape from our destiny only serve to lead us into it. Because God gave us freedom of choice, we can ignore the will of God, argue with it, disobey it, and even fight against it. But in the end, the will of God shall prevail; because “the counsel of the Lord stands forever” –
If we obey God’s will, everything in life holds together; but if we disobey, everything starts to fall apart. Nowhere in the Bible is this truth better illustrated than in the experiences of Elimelech and his wife Naomi.In the book of Ruth chapter one, we find several mistakes that we must avoid as we deal with the problems and trials of life.


1. We cannot run from our problems
2. Be careful how we represent God in times of adversity
3. Don’t try to hide your mistakes, learn from them
4. Don’t let life make you bitter, but a better person
5. Don’t forget God is “with us” and “for us.”


Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi led to her meeting Boaz and ultimately being in the lineage of Jesus. The decisions we make today will wash up on the shores of tomorrow. When facing a crossroad, pray to the Father, not my will, but thy will be done……God Loves You and So do I …….Pastor Tammy

Do you have a Compassion deficit?

DO WE HAVE A COMPASSION DEFICIT?

The definition of compassion is: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering or suffering with another.

Global statistics report at least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day. According to UNICEF, 25,000 children die each day due to poverty. 1.1 billion People in developing countries have inadequate access to water and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation. Nearly 28,000 children under age 5 die daily from illnesses that can be prevented, like pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, malnutrition, poor hygiene and lack of clean water.

Sometimes, we don’t have to go around the world to find someone in need of compassion. We have ample opportunities each day to show compassion and demonstrate grace and love to all mankind. It may be the person next door or the single parent across the street. The elderly couple on a fixed income trying to decide if they are going to buy their medication or food to eat. The person at the cash register who does not have enough money for their purchase.

Lamentations 3:22-23 “ It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

God’s compassions never fail. Great is HIS faithfulness. What about us? Are we compassionate towards one another or is there a compassion deficit in the world today. The Good Samaritan parable tells us a certain man went from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves. They stripped him, beat him and left him half dead. A priest saw him and passed by on the other side. A Levite saw him and passed to the other side. But a Samaritan saw him and had compassion on him. Lack of love is easy to justify even though it is never right. Our neighbor is anyone in any race, creed or social background in need of help. Love means acting to help meet that need.

In the words of President Barach Obama: “You know, there's a lot of talk in this country about the federal deficit. But I think we should talk more about our empathy deficit -- the ability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes; to see the world through the eyes of those who are different from us -- the child who's hungry, the steelworker who's been laid-off, the family who lost the entire life they built together when the storm came to town. When you think like this -- when you choose to broaden your ambit of concern and empathize with the plight of others, whether they are close friends or distant strangers -- it becomes harder not to act; harder not to help.”

Jude 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Do you have a compassion deficit in your life? Are you no longer moved by those who are in need? I challenge you today to help someone feel a little better about themselves or their situation. Put your love into action. And show some compassion; making a difference. God Loves You and so do I ………………..Pastor Tammy