Getting Ready

As we have seen so many times in the past, an attempt to accomplish something for God's glory always brings attack from the enemy. Of course it would since God's glory is the very thing Satan despises.

I don't bring this up to be discouraging...I bring it up to remind us to pray before we start. And to be encouraged!

Luke 10:17-20 says: "...'Lord even the demons are subject to us in Your name! And He said to them, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.' "

We are victorious because Jesus is victorious. We may fight and struggle but we are not defeated...we canNOT be defeated because Jesus Himself has won this war. So rejoice...not in the battle but in the victory that is ours. When we place our faith in Jesus, our names are written in heaven and nothing Satan tries can ever change that.

So know that I am praying for us as a family. Praying that God will be glorified and that we will be changed. Praying that when we get to Christmas 2010 we know God more fully, His will more clearly, and His love more deeply.

Merry Christmas!
holly

Remembering My Father

Today is my father's birthday. He passed away 4 years ago. I can't remember him sitting down and reading the Bible to me but I remember him living out the words. I remember one time in particular. When I was in the 10th grade the rule at school was you had to wear your shirt tail tucked in. Well the school made a decision about something (don’t even remember what) that the students didn’t like so a bunch of us guy got together and “un-tucked” our shirts in protest for that day at school. It was a small town, word got around, and Daddy got a call from the principle. That night when we got home he and I had a talk and I was to be grounded for the next week. “But Daddy” I said. “Friday night is an important basketball game and I really wanted to go.” (There wasn’t much else to do in a small town.) As he thought about this he said. “Do you remember what the sermon was last Sunday? God doesn’t give us what we deserve but because of His love for us He forgives us and blesses us.” He then lived out the word. He forgave my transgression, dropped my punishment and blessed me with the cost of the ticket to the basketball game. Why would I remember something that small for so many years? Because he planted God's Word in my life by living it. I believe that’s how we make it grow in our lives and the lives of those around us.
As we read through the Bible this coming year, let's plan to live what we learn.

When You Read

I came across this as I was studing this morning:

"When you read your Bible, receive and savor it.... like a love letter from God to you. Remember, you're reading in order to meet Someone. Ponder what you have read, and apply it to your present circumstances. Let it go down into the core of your being. And as you read, expect Him to commune with you."
--- Bruce Wilkinson

As We Prepare To Start

We have decided as a family to read through the Bible together in 2010. My prayer is that while we are doing this we will learn more about our amazing God and His love and plan for each of us. Also as we share our thoughts and questions with each other that we will grow closer as a family.

I'm excited about this project and the potential for great spiritual growth that is before us. But we can accomplish this only by God's grace and only for His glory.