Stand Out!

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." ~ Romans 12:2

As adults, we often warn children of the negative effects of peer pressure. But even as adults, we face peer pressure too. Everyday, the world pressures us to conform to its ways - to act how it acts, to talk how it talks, to like what it likes, to live how it lives.

God, on the other hand, calls us to stand out, to be different, to go against the grain! We all are called to a unique purpose. But our purpose is predicated on us standing up and standing out!

Dare to be different today!

God bless,
J.W.

Get Connected

Do you know that God has a plan for your life?

I'm not talking about some grand, overall scheme, but a very detailed and specific plan for where He wants you to go. He knows everything that's going to happen to you from day to day. The key is to get connected to Him so that He can reveal the plan to you.

Get connected today!

God bless,
J.W.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" ~ Jeremiah 29:11

The Desert

"For forty years you sustained them in the desert they lacked nothing their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen." ~ Nehehmiah 9:21

Are you experiencing a "desert" in your Spiritual life right now?

Just as God provided for the Irealities when they wandered for forty years in the desert, He is the same God who promises to provide what you need to get through this desert. If you look closely you will see that He is sustaining you.

You may have been in your desert for 40 minutes, 40 days, or 40 years. But no matter how long it has been, you are not alone. God is with you. You may not feel His presence, but you can see the evidence if you look hard enough.

God bless you always!

Rev. Janis Barnes

Get Busy

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." ~ Matthew 16:24

On this past weekend, the Praise Team at my church sang a song that touched my heart. The words include the following:

“I give myself away,
I give myself away so you can use me,
I give myself away.
My life is not my own,
to you I belong,
I give myself,
I give myself to you.”

These words may seem very simple when you read them, but when I sung them, I began to remember that my life is truly not my own. I was bought with a price. He that knew no sin gave up His life for me and for you. He was tortured, humiliated and crucified so that the penalty for my sins and your sins would be paid. Then, on the third day He arose, so that we could have new life… eternal life with Him and our Father.

Do you realize that your life is not your own? Do you realize that we have much work to do in the Kingdom of God and that the Lord wants to use us? We must realize that our journey is about not just seeking the Kingdom of God, but also about building the Kingdom of God. We have to be about our Father’s work, because time is winding up and Jesus is soon to return.

So let us deny ourselves and live and work for the Lord on a daily basis, not just Sundays and Wednesdays. Every day that we awaken, is a day that we should be giving more and more of ourselves to God for His use, for “the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37).

Elder Carol Tolbert

The Gift of Life

Michele is so excited right now. In just a few short weeks, her sister is due to give birth to a beautiful baby girl. We're about to be an aunt and uncle for the sixth time. So very exciting!

But all the excitement got me thinking. In John 10:10, Jesus says came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

So, while women are absolutely amazing in their ability to give birth, how much more amazing it is to know that One who is the source of all life.

Have you taken advantage of this amazing opportunity yet? If not, what are you waiting for? He's standing with open arms, waiting for you (Revelation 3:20).

God bless,
J.W.

A Few

Often times, in life, we get caught up in "numbers" - how much money we make, how many cars we own, or how many friends we have. Yet God calls us to walk in the narrow way, not the broad (Matthew 7:13-14).

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

So please don't be discouraged if you're not hitting your "numbers." God honors your dedication and commitment in the few rather than the many.

God bless,
J.W.

Release

Release It!
By Rev. Janis Barnes

"In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders their yoke from your neck the yoke will be broken" ~ Isaiah 10:27a

What yoke are you carrying around your neck today? It is financial, work, family? Or is it you?

Whatever the yoke is, God does not want you to carry it. In Matthew 11:29-30, Jesus said "take my yoke upon you and learn of me. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

So, release it today! Trust the Lord! He will make a way! I'm a witness!

Let's focus on the Lord, keep our eyes on Jesus, not on our problems our situations.

Hallelujah,
Janis Barnes


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrrHJYxDyyA