We tried to go out and visit with our folks last night but it started raining on us when we got out to set up. So we went back out tonight and we were truly blessed. We gave out bread, snacks and muffins, jello, milk and clothes. Everyone was very thankful.
We met a few new folks and were able to explain to them why we were out there - serving them through Jesus' name.
We get a lot of questions at times asking what church we are from, or as with tonight, what are our church service times, but each time we tell them that we are not directly affiliated with a specific church....we are in Jesus' church - the body of Christ - and we are coming out to show that we love them because God loves them.
I, of course, gave some local church references that we are connected with - some that we know will be open and loving and working in their lives.
I also gave out our phone numbers tonight to a few familiar kids and told them that if they ever needed us for anything to please call us. One boy asked me if this was really our phone number....lol.
I think the most joy came to us tonight when a familiar hispanic family invited us over for dinner in their home. We told them that we would love to come and join them. So we will go next week and have authentic mexican dishes with this family. They seemed very excited and I know that we are. So please be praying that we will be able to have a time of fellowship with this family and be able to talk to them more about Jesus.
On another good note - Angela Battle prayed for another milk hook up for us - and guess what? We got it :) So if you have a prayer request - let me give you Angela's number. She obviously has a direct line to God. (Just kidding guys....) We are very thankful for all of you that were praying for that door to open up - all of those prayers that were said that we didn't even know about.
We are going to venture out of the Butner/Stem area soon and scope out some 'rougher' areas of Oxford next. We will continue to minister to and disciple the friends and family that we have already made - but we be on the lookout for some different areas. So be praying that the Spirit will give us discernment for where we need to go - and that we'll know if our message will be welcomed and received in the area. And if not...we'll know and we need to shake the dust off our feet and move along to the next area.
You know...kinda like the disciples in Luke 9.....
1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.
We want to share the gospel to everyone - but above all we want to be exactly where God wants us. The will of God is the most safe, most beneficial, most conducive, most loving, most glorious place to ever be - and that's where we wanna go!
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
It's Been A While!
Wow - how have we not posted on here since August 18th?? I am so sorry for those of you that look for our updates regularly.
We've had some changes since the 18th....and been doing the regular work too :)
God has truly blessed us with what we need, and when something changes, we just continue to trust Him. In the past few weeks we lost a huge bread/snack pickup that really helped us to supply the families that we minister to.
We also lost our weekly milk hook up. Drivers change routes and home offices decide that they want to begin inventorying every item that is not sold.
But we continue to trust! We still have one bread pick up and one snacks pick up - but both are sporadic. We will continue to graciously accept those items as blessings from above and use them to minister to the local families.
At any time if you are feeling led to give, but would like to give something tangible, we would love to accept fresh fruit and vegetable donations or cartons of eggs!!! The families in Twin Circles Mobile Home Park love it when we are able to bless them with those items.
Onto to other things.....Dean has been researching his CrossWalk idea. It seems that if we decide to do this as planned - we would be considered a parade. Two or more folks getting together and walking down the road is a parade. And that requires the "ok" from the town and the local police - and also "event insurance". Who woulda thought??? Red tape is glorious - isn't it?
So we'll be saving up for this "event insurance" and will keep you guys posted on the CrossWalk. We definitely still want to do it and feel it will really have an impact.
On August 21st we teamed up with Working Faith Ministries in Butner and took about 40 brand new bookbags with school supplies out to Twin Circles Mobile Home Park. We were able to team up with fellow family members and help out some local kids heading back to school. (I have pictures and will post later.) We were truly blessed by that experience and hope that we were able to continue to show the love of Jesus.
The following Tuesday we went back out to the area and set up tables with bread and tortillas and snacks and also some fresh watermelon. We had a grand time just fellowshipping with the folks over some fresh cut watermelon. It was really a hit and people were coming out and hanging out with us. We also played a little soccer with the kids and I was able to do some "Jesus Worksheets" with some of the older kids. Thanks to Gloria and her kids for coming and helping out too. They are really a blessing to us and are always willing to help out whenever possible!
Last Friday we visited with a family in Durham that we had met a few weeks before. Frances, the mother, had saw me driving around Durham one day and saw the magnet with phone number on my car, and it prompted her to call us to see what we were all about. We were able to take some food to Frances and her kids and also talk with them for over an hour just about life in general, our ministry, and our sweet Jesus. This past Friday was our second visit with them. We just went over to hang out and see how they were doing. We talked some more and shared our faith some more. We plan on going back soon possibly for a movie night and Bible study.
Frances is a single mom of two teenagers. The family has some Christian basis - but has also encountered a lot of misery in life - and is just hurting and needs some direction. So we are trying our best to point them in the direction and get them on the path to a true, intimate relationship with Jesus. Please join us in prayer for this family. I have really taken a liking to the teenage daughter. She is 15 and just starting high school. I have been able to talk with her pretty deeply about issues that plague the teenage girls in this society - and she seems to really understand and want a better way in life! She is very smart and loves to learn and it is very encouraging! Sometimes people just need someone to come alongside them and reinforce the love of Jesus for them....reinforce their importance in the eyes of God....and offer them friendship and a shoulder.
I believe that we are going to have a spur of the moment Bible study tonight at our home :) We haven't done one in our home in a while because we've been going out into the community on Tuesday nights. But I have been craving some serious group study - so when I suggested it, my dear hubby said that would be great - and then asked me what I was teaching on.....lol. So I've been seriously praying that the Spirit would reveal to me what I need to talk about tonight. I have no doubt He'll come through :) So if you wanna head out to our house tonight - please do!!!
Send us an email, facebook message us, call us on our cell.....whatever works for us :)
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
We've had some changes since the 18th....and been doing the regular work too :)
God has truly blessed us with what we need, and when something changes, we just continue to trust Him. In the past few weeks we lost a huge bread/snack pickup that really helped us to supply the families that we minister to.
We also lost our weekly milk hook up. Drivers change routes and home offices decide that they want to begin inventorying every item that is not sold.
But we continue to trust! We still have one bread pick up and one snacks pick up - but both are sporadic. We will continue to graciously accept those items as blessings from above and use them to minister to the local families.
At any time if you are feeling led to give, but would like to give something tangible, we would love to accept fresh fruit and vegetable donations or cartons of eggs!!! The families in Twin Circles Mobile Home Park love it when we are able to bless them with those items.
Onto to other things.....Dean has been researching his CrossWalk idea. It seems that if we decide to do this as planned - we would be considered a parade. Two or more folks getting together and walking down the road is a parade. And that requires the "ok" from the town and the local police - and also "event insurance". Who woulda thought??? Red tape is glorious - isn't it?
So we'll be saving up for this "event insurance" and will keep you guys posted on the CrossWalk. We definitely still want to do it and feel it will really have an impact.
On August 21st we teamed up with Working Faith Ministries in Butner and took about 40 brand new bookbags with school supplies out to Twin Circles Mobile Home Park. We were able to team up with fellow family members and help out some local kids heading back to school. (I have pictures and will post later.) We were truly blessed by that experience and hope that we were able to continue to show the love of Jesus.
The following Tuesday we went back out to the area and set up tables with bread and tortillas and snacks and also some fresh watermelon. We had a grand time just fellowshipping with the folks over some fresh cut watermelon. It was really a hit and people were coming out and hanging out with us. We also played a little soccer with the kids and I was able to do some "Jesus Worksheets" with some of the older kids. Thanks to Gloria and her kids for coming and helping out too. They are really a blessing to us and are always willing to help out whenever possible!
Last Friday we visited with a family in Durham that we had met a few weeks before. Frances, the mother, had saw me driving around Durham one day and saw the magnet with phone number on my car, and it prompted her to call us to see what we were all about. We were able to take some food to Frances and her kids and also talk with them for over an hour just about life in general, our ministry, and our sweet Jesus. This past Friday was our second visit with them. We just went over to hang out and see how they were doing. We talked some more and shared our faith some more. We plan on going back soon possibly for a movie night and Bible study.
Frances is a single mom of two teenagers. The family has some Christian basis - but has also encountered a lot of misery in life - and is just hurting and needs some direction. So we are trying our best to point them in the direction and get them on the path to a true, intimate relationship with Jesus. Please join us in prayer for this family. I have really taken a liking to the teenage daughter. She is 15 and just starting high school. I have been able to talk with her pretty deeply about issues that plague the teenage girls in this society - and she seems to really understand and want a better way in life! She is very smart and loves to learn and it is very encouraging! Sometimes people just need someone to come alongside them and reinforce the love of Jesus for them....reinforce their importance in the eyes of God....and offer them friendship and a shoulder.
I believe that we are going to have a spur of the moment Bible study tonight at our home :) We haven't done one in our home in a while because we've been going out into the community on Tuesday nights. But I have been craving some serious group study - so when I suggested it, my dear hubby said that would be great - and then asked me what I was teaching on.....lol. So I've been seriously praying that the Spirit would reveal to me what I need to talk about tonight. I have no doubt He'll come through :) So if you wanna head out to our house tonight - please do!!!
Send us an email, facebook message us, call us on our cell.....whatever works for us :)
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Back from Relaxation and Ready To Roll!
We're back from a nice family vacation to Carolina Beach. We left on Sunday and got back last night. We really needed the break and we are always eternally grateful to Larry and Tammy for allowing us to get away to their personal paradise.
Now we're ready to get back in the groove! Bread/milk pick ups and distributions will resume this Friday and Saturday.
Tonight we'll be heading out to Twin Circles to touch base with the kids about school supplies. School starts back next week, and we are teaming up with Working Faith Ministries to make sure local kids have what they need to start back. Working Faith has been collecting school supplies from their members and we will go out tonight and get a list together of kids that will be able to use the collected items. The distribution will be on Sunday afternoon. So if you have any school supplies that you'd like to donate - it's not too late! Just give us a call or shoot us an email.
Dean is also going to begin working on a project he's had in his mind for a while now....and it's very exciting for us :) It's a city cross walk of sorts....and you'll just have to check back for more details as he gets it all together. Please begin lifting us up in prayer for this Cross Walk and pray about how you can get involved. We would love to have you join us!
There is also a dinner and gospel singing that's being held in Creedmoor on September 9th. There are some great gospel groups coming to sing that night. Tickets will be only $15 - and that is for the concert and dinner. It's not a fundraiser for us though. And at this point I'm not 100% sure right now what our involvement is going to be - but I know we'll be there and at least getting the word out about our ministry and how people can get involved with us and reach out to the community. We might be able to provide a little entertainment, like a song or skit or something....but we'll just have to see how that goes. We're not exactly sure yet. No doubt we'll do what the Lord leads though.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day - and thank you as always for your support, love, prayer and friendship.
If everyone could please keep me in prayer I would greatly appreciate it. You know "us women-folk" are emotional beings and I've just been doing some extra struggling in that area lately.
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Now we're ready to get back in the groove! Bread/milk pick ups and distributions will resume this Friday and Saturday.
Tonight we'll be heading out to Twin Circles to touch base with the kids about school supplies. School starts back next week, and we are teaming up with Working Faith Ministries to make sure local kids have what they need to start back. Working Faith has been collecting school supplies from their members and we will go out tonight and get a list together of kids that will be able to use the collected items. The distribution will be on Sunday afternoon. So if you have any school supplies that you'd like to donate - it's not too late! Just give us a call or shoot us an email.
Dean is also going to begin working on a project he's had in his mind for a while now....and it's very exciting for us :) It's a city cross walk of sorts....and you'll just have to check back for more details as he gets it all together. Please begin lifting us up in prayer for this Cross Walk and pray about how you can get involved. We would love to have you join us!
There is also a dinner and gospel singing that's being held in Creedmoor on September 9th. There are some great gospel groups coming to sing that night. Tickets will be only $15 - and that is for the concert and dinner. It's not a fundraiser for us though. And at this point I'm not 100% sure right now what our involvement is going to be - but I know we'll be there and at least getting the word out about our ministry and how people can get involved with us and reach out to the community. We might be able to provide a little entertainment, like a song or skit or something....but we'll just have to see how that goes. We're not exactly sure yet. No doubt we'll do what the Lord leads though.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day - and thank you as always for your support, love, prayer and friendship.
If everyone could please keep me in prayer I would greatly appreciate it. You know "us women-folk" are emotional beings and I've just been doing some extra struggling in that area lately.
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Twin Circles Park Outreach - July 30th
Slideshow of some pictures that were taken during the July 30th outreach at Twin Circles mobile home park.
Sorry it took so long to post! We were having technical difficulties :)
A special thanks goes out to everyone in these pictures that came and helped out. There were many more behind the scenes who donated items or were there and helping out but just didn't get in the pictures.
Also a big thanks to Texas Roadhouse in Durham who graciously donated hamburger patties, hamburger buns and some water/drinks. Please go out and show your love to them :)
Monday, August 8, 2011
He Puts Them In Our Path!
We haven't been blogging very often, but rest assured it's because we're busy!!
God has really been able to put some families in our paths that we have been able to get to know and bless with some physical needs, but most importantly we've been able to share some prayer time and His Word.
We went to the home of a family on Friday night and we fell in love instantly with this family! We were able to provide some food for a family that was struggling - but we were also able to sit and talk with them for over an hour about their current problems in life and how God can and will be there for them. We prayed with all of them individually about current personal needs that they had and counseled the teenage girl on some high school problems she has been facing.
We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and hope to be able to continue to minister to them and build the friendship with them!
Then on Sunday we attended Working Faith Ministries in Butner. This church had teamed up with us on our July 30th outreach in Twin Circles. It was a great service and we really felt pumped up and encouraged by the Word that was preached.
This church is going to be having a Back to School drive very soon. They want to provide as many school supplies and bookbags as possible for local kids.
If you feel led to donate any amount of school supplies, please contact us! We would love to be able to get these to children in need.
I have been able to snag some really good deals at the local office supply stores the last week. Those of you that know me, know I love a good coupon :) But they limit the number of super cheap items you can get - so I wasn't able to get as many as I wanted....lol.
Tonight Dean will be heading out to Twin Circles to give out some bread, milk and sweets - and also to try and get some kids to attend the Vacation Bible School at Open Arms Fellowship tonight.
I'll be teaching the 1st and 2nd graders tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday - so please pray that the Lord will speak through me and clearly enough to get the message out to the little ones.
Also pray that He'll reveal to me exactly what He wants me to know from these lessons. It's no coincidence that last week I abruptly realized my Fruit of the Spirit hasn't been too abundant in some areas....and this week I'm teaching a group of children on it.
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
God has really been able to put some families in our paths that we have been able to get to know and bless with some physical needs, but most importantly we've been able to share some prayer time and His Word.
We went to the home of a family on Friday night and we fell in love instantly with this family! We were able to provide some food for a family that was struggling - but we were also able to sit and talk with them for over an hour about their current problems in life and how God can and will be there for them. We prayed with all of them individually about current personal needs that they had and counseled the teenage girl on some high school problems she has been facing.
We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and hope to be able to continue to minister to them and build the friendship with them!
Then on Sunday we attended Working Faith Ministries in Butner. This church had teamed up with us on our July 30th outreach in Twin Circles. It was a great service and we really felt pumped up and encouraged by the Word that was preached.
This church is going to be having a Back to School drive very soon. They want to provide as many school supplies and bookbags as possible for local kids.
If you feel led to donate any amount of school supplies, please contact us! We would love to be able to get these to children in need.
I have been able to snag some really good deals at the local office supply stores the last week. Those of you that know me, know I love a good coupon :) But they limit the number of super cheap items you can get - so I wasn't able to get as many as I wanted....lol.
Tonight Dean will be heading out to Twin Circles to give out some bread, milk and sweets - and also to try and get some kids to attend the Vacation Bible School at Open Arms Fellowship tonight.
I'll be teaching the 1st and 2nd graders tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday - so please pray that the Lord will speak through me and clearly enough to get the message out to the little ones.
Also pray that He'll reveal to me exactly what He wants me to know from these lessons. It's no coincidence that last week I abruptly realized my Fruit of the Spirit hasn't been too abundant in some areas....and this week I'm teaching a group of children on it.
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Recognizing Sources of Deception
I've taken this from InTouch magazine...a friend gave this to me to read an article on Helping the Homeless Regain Identity...but right after the article was the article actually meant for me :) I've been carrying this little article around for weeks and reading over it every now and again.
I know that I was able to learn so much from the truth in the article, and I know that someone else reading this blog post will be able to learn from it too.
1 John 2:15-17 - 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
We encounter many temptations in the Christian life, but all stem from one (or more) of three major sources: the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Each has its own unique way of deceiving us in an attempt to trip up our walk with the Lord. But if we can begin to discern the distinguishing traits of what threatens to ensnare us, we can ready ourselves with the truth and stand firm against every lie.
THE WORLD:
* The World competes with God for our loyalty and love. James 4:4 - 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
* The World incites lust and pride. 1 John 2:16 - 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
* The World chokes us with worries, riches, pleasures of this life, making us spiritually unfruitful. Luke 8:14 - 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
THE FLESH:
* The Flesh infiltrates our minds with its ways and lusts. Romans 8:5-7 - 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
* The Flesh sets its desires against the Spirit, urging us to satisfy ourselves. Galatians 5:16-17 - 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want
* The Flesh produces the deeds of the flesh - immorality, idolatry, relational discord, and sinful self-indulgence. Galatians 5:19-21 - 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
* The Flesh promises pleasure but reaps a ruined life. Galatians 6:7-8 - 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
THE DEVIL
* The Devil masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve
* The Devil tries to fill our minds with his lies and get us to do what he wants. John 8:44 - 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
* The Devil distorts the truth by mixing it with deception. Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-5 - 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”; 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
* The Devil misuses Scripture to delude us. Matthew 4:5-7 - 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
* The Devil tempts us to doubt and give up. 1 Thessalonians 3:5-8 - 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
* The Devil gets a foothold in our lives through sins like unforgiveness and anger. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 - 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
* The Devil is always on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8-9 - 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
I know that I was able to learn so much from the truth in the article, and I know that someone else reading this blog post will be able to learn from it too.
1 John 2:15-17 - 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
We encounter many temptations in the Christian life, but all stem from one (or more) of three major sources: the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Each has its own unique way of deceiving us in an attempt to trip up our walk with the Lord. But if we can begin to discern the distinguishing traits of what threatens to ensnare us, we can ready ourselves with the truth and stand firm against every lie.
THE WORLD:
* The World competes with God for our loyalty and love. James 4:4 - 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
* The World incites lust and pride. 1 John 2:16 - 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
* The World chokes us with worries, riches, pleasures of this life, making us spiritually unfruitful. Luke 8:14 - 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
THE FLESH:
* The Flesh infiltrates our minds with its ways and lusts. Romans 8:5-7 - 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
* The Flesh sets its desires against the Spirit, urging us to satisfy ourselves. Galatians 5:16-17 - 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want
* The Flesh produces the deeds of the flesh - immorality, idolatry, relational discord, and sinful self-indulgence. Galatians 5:19-21 - 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
* The Flesh promises pleasure but reaps a ruined life. Galatians 6:7-8 - 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
THE DEVIL
* The Devil masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve
* The Devil tries to fill our minds with his lies and get us to do what he wants. John 8:44 - 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
* The Devil distorts the truth by mixing it with deception. Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-5 - 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”; 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
* The Devil misuses Scripture to delude us. Matthew 4:5-7 - 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
* The Devil tempts us to doubt and give up. 1 Thessalonians 3:5-8 - 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
* The Devil gets a foothold in our lives through sins like unforgiveness and anger. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 - 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
* The Devil is always on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8-9 - 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Monday, August 1, 2011
Update on Family In Need from July 22nd
Dean and his mom Marcia were able to visit the family that we posted about on July 22nd. I was able to visit with them today. Both times we took food to them.
We have been able to verify the need and talk with the family.
This need is valid and we would appreciate any help that anyone could give.....
Good condition living room furniture (the one love seat they have is very dirty and worn and broken)
Non-broken cribs (yes, their current cribs are broken and being held together with duct tape) or toddler bed
Kitchen table and chairs (they had a set but the glass top broke)
Clean and usable bed/mattresses (their other older children sleep on air mattresses on the floor)
Please contact us for more details :)
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
We have been able to verify the need and talk with the family.
This need is valid and we would appreciate any help that anyone could give.....
Good condition living room furniture (the one love seat they have is very dirty and worn and broken)
Non-broken cribs (yes, their current cribs are broken and being held together with duct tape) or toddler bed
Kitchen table and chairs (they had a set but the glass top broke)
Clean and usable bed/mattresses (their other older children sleep on air mattresses on the floor)
Please contact us for more details :)
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
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