Skin

So - any of you that have electronics know about "skins" to protect these "gadgets".  Now - what exactly does this "skin" protect from?  It protects from things that would damage it, ruin it and make it lose it's worth and value.  It keeps away the scratches and the dings.  It keeps them from being "broken" and unable to be used again.  See - if you drop your cell phone and don't have a skin or case on it - more than likely it is going to shatter and will be unable to be repaired - THUS - you can't use it for anything anymore and it becomes garbage.

Well, I went to our church's Christmas Eve service today, and Pastor Mark Balmer (the best pastor I've ever heard other than my Dad) said that when Jesus came to Earth in the form of a man, He was "God with SKIN".

 A trigger went off in my mind and it started racing during the service - thinking about how Jesus is our PROTECTIVE SKIN.  When we walk with Him daily, we are protected.  When we are dropped, we don't have to worry about being broken, we can be used in a better way because we didn't shatter.  Things can happen to us and we can choose to do life without the protective skin of God and we can shatter into a million pieces and can never be any good to anyone ever again - OR - we can choose to wear our protective skin and when we do fall, get dropped or even break - we are still valuable - we can be refurbished and used in ways that we never imagined.

We choose so many different types of "skins" for our gadgets - I look for the pink ones - my husband looks for those that make getting to his devices easy - some look for hard covers - some for soft - we want them to make our gadgets look even better but we have to get the one that is specific for the individual device.  We can't put an Ipad skin on an MP3.  Our job as Christ Followers is to "Make God Look Good".  The only way to do that - is to have on our protective skin - the one that fits US perfectly and uniquely thus protecting us in EVERY way - HE was made just for us.

The next time you are out or searching on line for a protective skin for your cell phone, Ipad, Kindle, MP3, etc - don't forget your Protective Skin.  It'll fit snug and even sometimes feel tight - but NOTHING will be able to harm you.

Thank You, Jesus - for coming to earth as God with SKIN.

Why we should celebrate Christmas

CCM Daily Devotions | Jesus Gave Us the Real Gift

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Jesus Gave Us the Real Gift Posted: 17 Dec 2010 04:00 PM PST Based on “How Jesus’ Birth Changed Everything, Part 2” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 12/11-12/10, Message #MB442; Daily Devotional #5 - “Jesus Gave Us the Real Gift” Preparing the Soil (Introduction):  In this holiday season we hear the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth in a stable because there was no room in the Inn.  Angels then appeared to tell the Shepherds in the fields to come see the newborn King.  But keeping the “main thing, the main thing,” there is much more to celebrate than Jesus’ miraculous birth.  The real gift of this season is His miraculous life, death, and resurrection to give each one of us the peace of eternal life!  Jesus was born to give hurting people peace and comfort, hope for broken hearts, and “light” for those who feel trapped.  But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole.  He was whipped so we could be healed. (Isaiah 53:5, NLT) Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): This is the gift-giving season, and everyone is frantically trying to find the perfect gift for loved ones.  Yet, Jesus is the one who gave the perfect gift: His life for ours.  Most of us love the wonderful Christmas season and all the parties and presents that go with it, but this same newborn King would soon become despised and rejected by men (including you and me).  We already see the rejection of Christmas in our society today.  King Herod tried to get rid of Jesus before age 2.  King Herod felt threatened that this newborn King would shine light on his darkness, and give new hope to the people.  Herod feared that he would lose his kingdom.  The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:4-5, NLT).  Jesus was born to save us from the darkness, to show us how to have real peace and hope and to live empowered lives, not dead lives.  I am happy to celebrate His birth, but I am even more thankful for His life, death, and resurrection.  Jesus, born King of the Jews, laid down His life and died the death of a criminal in order to be a sacrifice for our sins (Philippians 2:6-8, NLT).  Jesus gave us the real gift, the gift of peace that comes from knowing we are justified and have eternal life because He died for our sins. We have the peace of mind of forgiveness of our sins.  We have the gift that we don’t have to follow all of the over 600 laws and commandments in order to get to heaven!   …he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7, NLT). Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response):  Wii, $200; Kindle, $150; flat screen TV, $500; peace of mind: priceless! There are some things money can’t buy indeed!  “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27, NLT). Jesus was the real gift, born out of God’s love to give light to those who want to receive it.  While Christmas is usually a warm time of year for most of us, it can also be a hard time of year for those who are hurting.   As Christ followers, we have the real gift living inside of us.  Jesus left us the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering us to be light in a dark, hurting world.  We have the power to be the compassion, hope, and peace that Jesus' birth, life, and resurrection gave to us. Cultivating (Additional Reading): John 3:16-21 JE Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673 All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted. New Living Translation = NLT

"Cardoba House"

This is a very concise description of the New York "mosque" issue.  Newt summarizes it very well - in my opinion.  If you find yourself perplexed by this issue - please read his very clear statement.  If you agree, you just might want to pass it along.                              

                                                               

 Newt hits a home run.

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Statement on the Proposed “Cordoba House” Mosque near Ground Zero

Newt Gingrich

July 21, 2010 6pm

There should be no mosque near Ground Zero in New York so long as there are no churches or synagogues in Saudi Arabia. The time for double standards that allow Islamists to behave aggressively toward us while they demand our weakness and submission is over.

The proposed "Cordoba House" overlooking the  World Trade Center site – where a group of jihadists killed over 3000 Americans and destroyed one of our most famous landmarks - is a test of the timidity, passivity and historic ignorance of American elites. For example, most of them don’t understand that “Cordoba House” is a deliberately insulting term. It refers to Cordoba, Spain – the capital of Muslim conquerors who symbolized their victory over the Christian Spaniards by transforming a church there into the world’s third-largest mosque complex.

Today, some of the Mosque’s backers insist this term  is being used to "symbolize interfaith cooperation" when, in fact, every  Islamist in the world recognizes Cordoba as a symbol of Islamic conquest.  It is a sign of their contempt for Americans and their confidence in our historic ignorance that they would deliberately insult us this way.  Those Islamists and their apologists who argue for "religious toleration"  are arrogantly dishonest. They ignore the fact that more than 100 mosques already exist in New York City. Meanwhile, there are no churches or synagogues in all of Saudi Arabia. In fact no Christian or Jew can even enter Mecca.  And they lecture us about tolerance.

If the people behind the Cordoba House were serious about religious toleration, they would be imploring the Saudis, as fellow Muslims, to immediately open up Mecca to all and immediately announce their intention to allow non-Muslim houses of worship in the Kingdom. They should be asked by the news media if they would be willing to lead such a campaign.

We have  not been able to rebuild the World Trade Center in nine years. Now we are  being told a 13 story, $100 million mega mosque will be built within a year overlooking the site of the most devastating surprise attack in American  history.

Finally where is the money coming from? The people behind  the Cordoba House refuse to reveal all their funding sources. America is  experiencing an Islamist cultural-political offensive designed to undermine and destroy our civilization. Sadly, too many of our elites are the willing  apologists for those who would destroy them if they could.

* No  mosque.

* No self deception.

* No surrender.

The time to take a stand is now - at this site on this issue.

If, after reading this, you  agree with it, please pass it on to others. This is the most clearly stated, sensible, and historically accurate statement that I’ve read on this issue.

  

This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it.  Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it.  ~ Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861

Are we REALLY a Christian Nation?

I received the below as an email and started thinking, "What if Christians started standing up for their rights?"  "What if we fought for our Christian Nation to actually be a Christian Nation?"  I think it's time for us to take back what the devil has stolen from us.  Read the below email.  It's something that Andy Rooney quoted.  Tell me what YOU think. 

Andy Rooney says:

I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December.  I  don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and  hire a lawyer when my high school  teacher  taught his Theory of  Evolution. 

Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal?   It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts.  They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game. 

But it's a Christian prayer,  some will argue.

Yes, and this is the United States of America a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1.  So what would you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna? 

If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I   would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.

If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. 

If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.

And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.

When in Rome   .....

”But what about the atheists?” is another argument.

What about them?  Nobody is asking them to be baptized.   We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds.   If that’s asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs.  Go to the bathroom.   Visit the concession stand.  Call your lawyer! 

Unfortunately, one or two will make that call.  One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don’t think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.

Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights.   Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing.  Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. 

God, help us.  And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.

The silent majority has been silent too long.  It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want.  It is time that the majority rules!   It's time we tell them, “You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him.  That is your right, and we will honor your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away.  We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!"

God bless us one and all...Especially those who denounce Him, God bless America and Canada, despite all our faults, and we are still the greatest nations of all. God bless our service men that are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God. 

Let’s make 2010 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. Keep looking up.

Breaking Down Every Barrier

Pastor Mark Balmer is doing a series right now called "Enjoying Marriage on the River of Life".  This devotion was written by one of the staff based off of part 3 of that series.  Enjoy.

Breaking Down Every Barrier Posted: 24 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT Based on “Enjoying Marriage on the River of Life, Part 3” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 9/18-19/10, Message #MB423; Daily Devotional #5 - “Breaking Down Every Barrier” Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? (Amos 3:3) In recent times, we have witnessed various fallouts in our society, especially economically. Banks have been bought out, financial institutions closed down, and investments have lost value.  A book I studied as a young student referred to chaos in the society and described how “things fall apart and the center can no longer hold”.  In a world where nothing is constant and everything is subject to change, God’s Word and love for us is steadfast and unchanging (Lamentations 3:22-23). There is hope for relationships, marriages, and homes today. Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans: 5:5).  Satan is out to destroy our homes and marriages, but Jesus came so that we may live life to the fullest (John 10:10). God is love, and an essential part of the marriage triangle, the ‘bond’ that holds it all together. Understanding the purpose and how to love begins with a personal relationship with God. Coming to God, just as we are, opens the door for Him to teach our hearts how to respond to His love (1 John 4:19). When God gives us the ability to love just like He does, then we start to comprehend the depth of His agape love for us. Humanly speaking, we cannot effectively love someone else in our own strength; it only results in what I describe as ‘conditional love’. God’s love for us is unconditional, and He wants us to love unconditionally as well.  This unconditional love does not depend on what someone does or owns. God’s love in our marriage helps us love in all areas. Relationships are no longer a constant struggle as we obey God’s command in response to His love for us. Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20) Where are we presently on the river of life? It all depends on if Jesus is in or out of our boat. Even as believers, it is possible for Jesus to be out of the boat! Sometimes our marriages are in trouble because we have built various barriers around ourselves. They could be barriers resulting from offenses, bitterness, pride, and even financial problems. All these barriers are strategies from the enemy and not of God. God has the power to break down every barrier in our relationships and marriages. Let God have His way in your life.  He has a greater purpose for you and your home. Christ follower, you can make it! God wants you to be a shining light in your world and has given you all you need to accomplish that. Cultivating (Additional Reading): 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 LO Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673 All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.

Truly Organic

So ~ I have a lot of friends that have chosen to live "Organic".  I think it's pretty cool.  I myself am an ice cream, sugar  and soda addict, so I haven't quite made the switch ~ however ~ I did want to post some views on living Organic. I think it's very important to see the similarities in living Organic Spiritually and living Organic Physically ~ so ~ here goes.


People that eat Organic food are concerned about what goes into their bodies.  Today we have to be so careful about what we eat.  Sometimes, I'm not so sure those nuggets are actually Chicken if you know what I mean.  But I wonder ~ are we as concerned with what goes into our Spirits?


Now, like I said, I'm not the "Organic Queen" but I know a little bit about how Organic people live (thanks to Dina).  They are dedicated to living a certain way.  They spend time, money and effort on being Organic.  I have several friends that have started planting their own gardens.  Others only shop at certain stores and buy certain items.  They take time to plan out their meals and make sure they are doing their best to have the best foods and products for their families.  They exercise their beliefs and have made "Organic" their lifestyle.  They are dedicated and no one can take them off course.  I believe this is the way we should live.  I haven't quite mastered it myself, but I figure no one is perfect and we're all striving, right.


Here are some questions I want to throw out ~ just something to think about  


Are we as dedicated in our spiritual walk as people are to live Organic?  Do we take time daily in the Word of God to make sure that we are doing our best and giving our families the best?  Do we exercise our faith like we do our bodies?  When I look at my own life, the answers would have to be no.  See, I will NOT be late to go to a movie, a sporting event or a concert ~ but let me tell you what ~ it's a miracle if my family is on time to church.  Kinda shows where our priorities lie doesn't it?


See, the Bible says in Philippians 4:8 ~ Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.


I don't know about you ~ but when I evaluated what I was watching on T.V., or at the movies, what I was listening to on the radio ~ it didn't really match up with that verse.  See ~ the inappropriate language, the sex, the violence, the anger, rage, hatred, disrespect, lust, etc started to become part of my life ~ it's what was on the inside and it started coming out ~ hmmm ~ how can I expect God to work things out for my good ~ when I'm meditating on things that aren't pleasing to Him?


When we take in the wrong food, or too much food goes into our bodies ~ we suffer.  We get sick, over weight, can have serious health issues ~ we just don't feel good.  The same goes for our spiritual lives.  If we take in the wrong musical lyrics, movies, T.V. shows, friends ~ we suffer.  We become accustomed to things the world says are okay ~ even if God says it is not okay and then all of a sudden, we are OF the world ~ not just IN it.


Now, every one of my friends that has kids knows, if your child is any where near me ~ I will be the FIRST to give them candy, soda, ice cream, etc.  Some parents don't mind.  Others do ~ and they have every right to be concerned about what goes into their child's body.  My question to all you parents out there is this ~ are you just as concerned ~ if not more ~ about what goes into their mind and spirit as you are about what goes into their mouth?  Are you as concerned about what YOU are watching on T.V. that they are seeing?  Even if they aren't old enough to know what's going on ~ the images they see, last a life time.  Do you care enough to be concerned about damaging their minds or are you only concerned with what vaccinations will do to them?


The Bible teaches us that we don't just have an obligation to our children physically.  We are to train them up in the ways of the Lord, so when they are old they won't depart from it.  Do we live our lives so on fire for Christ that they see that in us?  Do they "taste and see that the Lord is good" and how to live properly or do they only learn how to eat properly?  


We can't just know about eating right and exercising and expect our bodies to look great ... we have to do the work.  Same thing with our spiritual lives ~ we can't just listen to what the pastor says or just "read" the Bible.  We have to take action and apply it to our every day lives.  When we do this ~ people will see the difference in us and desire to know more about "how we got like that". They will ask, "Can you show me how?" just like they do when you have an awesome physical body and they want you to train them.


What happens when you're a health nut and you "sneak" junk food in private?  People don't notice right?  Well, eventually they start to see the extra pounds ... the breakouts on your face ... your insides get messed up.  When you have "secret sin" people start to see the extra weight you're carrying around as well.  Your attitude and priorities are messed up as well as your insides and that comes out for everyone to see.  


What's the point you may ask.  Has Kymm fallen off her rocker?  Nope!  Am I saying that you shouldn't watch T.V. or go to the movies or listen to music?  Nope.  Not at all ~ just wondering if what we focus on is contrary to the Bible. I challenge you to reference your life ~ what you watch ~ what you listen to ~ where you go ~ against Philippians 4:8 ~ if need be ~ ask the Lord to help you make the necessary adjustments.


Living Organic is hard, but it's not so bad.  I want to eat healthier, live healthier and be healthier.  I just don't always have the desire to put those wants in to action.  But here's my view on living the Spiritually Organic Life ~ Love God FIRST ~ with all your heart ~ and the desires of your heart will be to serve Him and follow His commands.

True Success

Has anyone ever seen the movie Castaway with Tom Hanks?

In the movie, Tom plays a Fed Ex employee that gets stranded on a deserted island for years and to keep his sanity, he talks to a soccer ball he has named, Wilson.

I'm just wondering if anyone out there has ever felt like they have been stuck on a deserted island.  Like you’re all alone and no one cares for you?  Like you’ve been forgotten?

In the movie – there is a Fed Ex box that has survived the crash and Hanks feels compelled to deliver the box should he ever get off the island.  Any of you ever wonder what was in that box?

There was a Fed Ex commercial made to show how their employees will deliver your packages no matter what, and the “Castaway” finally was able to deliver the package.  In the clip, they give their version of what was in the box:

·          A satellite phone

·          A GPS locator

·          A fishing pole

·          A water purifier

·          Seeds for planting a garden

Every one of these items could have changed his life and saved him from 5 years of pain and suffering on this deserted island – IF HE HAD JUST OPENED THE BOX.  Each item could have saved him in different ways.  For example:

·          He had to hunt and scrounge around for food – eating things that weren’t too great.  If he would have found the seeds in the box, he could have planted his food.  It would have been right there at his finger tips.  Same goes for the fishing pole.  He could have used it to catch fish everyday and he would have eaten well.  Instead – he nearly starved to death.

·          He could have used the satellite phone to call for help or turned on the GPS locator.  The coast guard could have come and gotten him in a matter of hours.  Instead he stayed there for 5 years.

·          Instead of having dirty water – he could have had clean drinking water.

ALL HE HAD TO DO WAS OPEN THE BOX!!!!!

Now let’s talk about us.  We all feel like we too are on a deserted island.  Like no one cares, we’re alone and sometimes we feel like there is no escape, no help, no salvation from our situations.

Friends – God has sent us a “Fed Ex” box with the exact tools we need to get through our daily lives without struggling – to make the hard times a lot smoother – we just have to open the box – that box is the Word of God.

John 10:10 says, “A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.”  The devil is the thief that this verse talks about.  He comes and tricks us into believing that we’re no good.  That God can never love us, but God says differently.

See, God Loves YOU.  God wants to make sure that you know that He will do anything and everything He can for you to know that He wants you to be in His family.  He doesn’t care what you’ve done – He doesn’t care that you have tattoos – He doesn’t care that you’ve done drugs – He doesn’t care that you have stolen something – He doesn’t even care if you’ve murdered someone - He doesn't care if you're a "good person" - He doesn’t care about ANY of the things you have done to keep yourself from Him and your heart hard towards Him – HE CARES ABOUT YOU and He wants you to live life to the fullest.

Revelation 21:4-6 says “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone."    The One who was sitting on the throne said, "Look! I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted."    The One on the throne said to me, "It is finished. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to anyone who is thirsty. 


God wants to make you brand new today.  All we have to do is ask God to forgive us and He does.  See with God, through Jesus, there is SUCCESS after failure.  You may feel like you’re a failure, society may even tell you you’re a failure – but if you have been made new in Christ – He sees you BRAND NEW.


I know that sometimes, in our situations, it may seem that there is no way out.  There is no way to do what God would want us to do because life is just too hard, but that is not the case.  See, when you have God’s wisdom, you see the correct way to deal with situations.  To get God’s wisdom – you have to spend time with HIM daily.


In the Bible – you will find murders, thieves, adulterers, drunkards, molesters, rapists, liars, cheats, you name it – you can find it in the Bible.  And when they asked God for forgiveness – He forgave each and every one of them without hesitation.


The Bible says in Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”  Now, a lot of people believe in Jesus or in God, but that doesn’t mean that they are or will be saved.  The belief that the Bible is talking about is the belief that causes you to act differently.  You believe in God so much that you desire to obey His Word and nothing else matters.


A lot of Christians teach that in order to be saved or to be a Christian – you have to follow the do’s and don’ts – I however do not believe that.  I believe that if you love God FIRST above all else – you can then do whatever you want.  The reason I believe this is because if I love God FIRST – I really love Him and Trust Him and put Him above everything – I am only going to want to do the things that are pleasing to Him.  The things that He says in the Word that I should do.  That is what the Bible means when it says if you “Believe” you will be saved.


Today, I just want you to remember that God loves You.  He died for You and would have done so – if you were the only person on the earth.  Remember, He doesn’t care about your past – He cares about your present and your future.  If God doesn’t have access to your heart – you will never change.  Today – give him access to your heart – choose to believe in Him like never before – trust Him and let Him change your life so that you can become successful.