you never let go, matt redman

~The Velveteen Woman~Crosswalk.com

The Velveteen Woman Sharon Jaynes Today's Truth "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10 NIV). Friend to Friend Most of us have read or heard of the childhood classic, The Velveteen Rabbit. Perhaps you first heard the story snuggled in your mother's lap or like me, as an adult with a child snuggled in your lap. For me, The Velveteen Rabbit is a treasure I discovered in motherhood, rather than in my childhood. And like many children's books, the message carries a profound truth that resonates more with adults than with kids. The story begins… "There was once a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid. He was fat and bunchy, as a rabbit should be; his coat was spotted brown and white, he had real thread whiskers, and his ears were lined with pink sateen. On Christmas morning, when he sat wedged in the top of the Boy's stocking, with a spring of holly between his paws, the effect was charming. "The boy loved the rabbit…for at least two hours, but then he was put on the nursery shelf with all the other toys. Because he was velveteen, some of the more expensive toys snubbed him. Some of the toys boasted about being fashioned as smaller models of real things, such as boats and soldiers. But the rabbit didn't even know that there was such a thing as a real rabbit. He thought all were just as he was, stuffed with sawdust. But one night, the rabbit made a fascinating discovery. "The Skin Horse had lived longer in the nursery than any of the others. He was so old that his brown coat was bald in patches and showed the seams underneath, and most of the hairs in his tail had been pulled out to string bead necklaces. He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger, and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away, and he knew that they were only toys, and would never turn into anything else… "What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?" "Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." "Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. "Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. When you are Real you don't mind being hurt." "Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?" "It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become real. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand." The Velveteen Rabbit wasn't even sure what a rabbit was supposed to do. He just knew there had to be more to life than being filled with sawdust and sitting on a shelf. Being real. That's what really matters. I don't want to wait until most of my hair has fallen out and I've lost my stuffing. I want to be real right now. So what if I don't look as shiny as the other toys in the nursery? Yes, sometimes it is painful to become real. It takes courage. But until we do, we'll find our existence sitting on the shelves a dim reflection of the freedom and jubilant dance that God intended in the fields of life. Join me next time as we look at a man in the Bible who learned what it meant to be real. Let's Pray Dear Heavenly Father, I know that You want me to be real and honest with those around me. Jesus was. He never pretended to be something that He was not and He didn't pretend not to be something that He was. I am Your child with many faults, failures and foibles. I made mistakes in my past and will make mistakes in my future. I pray that I will always have the courage to be real with those around me and never participate in religious pretending because of concern over what others may think. I'm just me: saved, sealed, delivered! In Jesus' Name, Amen. Now it's Your Turn You might be concerned that today's devotion didn't have more Scripture. So let's go ahead and prepare our hearts for Thursday's devotion. Read Genesis 25: 25:23, 24. Who was Jacob? How did he trick his brother? (Genesis 25:29-34) How did he trick his father? (Genesis 27) Jacob was pretending to be someone he was not. In the end, it caused much heartache. But that's not the end of the story. Stay tuned! More from the Girlfriends Being real is one of the themes of Your Scars of Beautiful to God. God doesn't want us to hide our scars. He wants us to be real and use the scars of our past to impact those in our present! To learn more, see Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding peace and purpose in the hurts of your past.

~Intercessory Prayer~

Intercessory prayer...just WHAT is an intercessor? It is one who "stands in the gap" for another praying for that person.

Here are some scenarios that can occur where someone would have to step into the gap to pray for another person:

• Praying for someone who is not saved
• Praying for someone who is too sick or too incapacitated to pray for himself anyore
• Praying for someone whose faith levels are too low with the Lord
• Praying for someone who is too weak in the Word
• Praying for someone who has very little, if any, personal relationship established with the Lord
• Praying for someone who has a sudden emergency getting ready to attack them
• Praying in agreement with others on an united prayer cause

One who "stands in the gap" for another is an unselfish person in that he/she chooses to take the time to pray for someone other than him or herself. God is calling those who follow Him to intercede for others. I used to think that an intercessory prayer warrior was simply "gifted" that way...that it was one of the spiritual gifts. We, as followers of Christ, are ALL called to intercede.

Some verses found in the Old Testament but relevant today are:

1. “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” (Ezekiel 22:30)
   
2. “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought salvation for him … (Isaiah 59:16)

How sad for God that He could find no one to pray! We need to wake up and realize that selfishness does not become a Christian. We need to realize the POWER of prayer! We need to be so close to Jesus and the Holy Spirit that we "hear" Him whisper to us regarding those in need of someone to step in and pray for them. Be alert to times when someone simply "comes to mind". You may not know just "what" to pray...but PRAY! By ALL means PRAY for that person!

Jesus is calling a few good prayer warriors! Choose to be one in the army against the spiritual warfare all around us!

*words in black taken from Liberty University Online

~Psalm 51:1-12 (NIV)~with added

¹ Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions....I haven't been living up to what a follower of you is to be this past week...

² Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin....Lord, forgive me for my un-Christlike thoughts...letting my mind be focused on things I know don't please You...forgive me for the gossip...the jealousy...my anger...and my bitterness...

³ For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me....those sins are difficult for me to forget and let go of...

⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge....

⁵ Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me....from the time I was born, doing right has been a struggle...because I so often want to do things that I know don't please you....

⁶ Surely you desire truth in the inner parts you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. ⁷ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow....my heart, mind, and soul know Your truth, Lord...I have studied your Word...let me start fresh in You...

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me....I so long to be holy and "whole"y Yours!

¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. ¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Let me encourage you to make this the prayer of your heart...daily. Post this, passages from it, or the entire Psalm 51 as a reminder to live a life that would give honor to our Savior, Jesus Christ!

~Boxing~

I've recently taken an interest in boxing! It will be a worthwhile challenge I have no doubt. I have a book explaining EVERYthing I need to know about boxing for women...the last few chapters are the workouts (4 weeks). I don't need much equipment...just a jump rope...and I don't HAVE to go to a gym for "real" boxing if I don't want to.

As I was reading through the book, "The Gleason's Gym total body boxing workout for women", I couldn't help but think of my spiritual life. I smiled as I remembered the old song, "The Champion" sung by Carman...the video was of satan and Jesus boxing" We, as Christians, all "box with the devil. We are presented with daily challenges (temptations) and struggles....as well as opportunities. In the book there is a chapter entitled, "Mental Preparation: Are You Ready?" I never really liked boxing as I was growing up watching ALL other sports with my dad, so I never really thought about how much mental preparation boxing took.

In this second chapter of the book, the authors pose questions to the boxer-wanna-be. I will also pose questions to the Christian lady:

1. How badly do you want to see results? Muhammad Ali states, "...Champions are made from a something they have deep inside them" Christian, how badly do you want to see results of your knowing Jesus? Is your deep desire to see others know Jesus also and to grow in Him? Jesus needs to be DEEP inside your heart!

2. Do you have the courage to take the risks? "Making a change is scary because it means you're opening yourself up to the possibility of success or failure. Accept that you WILL make mistakes during your journey of becoming a boxer." Christian, are you courageous for Jesus? You will need to decide whether or not you want to go along with friends and things they do and how they talk (among other things). Know that you WILL make mistakes. Jesus is right there to forgive you and help you move on.

3. Are you dedicated to making changes? "If you just go through the motions...you're not going to get anywhere." You need to choose to BE different! Live to see results for Jesus! Take ACTION!

4. Do you trust your trainer? "The last seconds of a match are just as challenging as the first seconds of a match...you have to learn to go the distance." Do you trust Jesus? ALL the way with your life? You will need to go the distance with Him. Things will NOT get easier...they may in fact become more difficult.

5. Are you ready to step into the ring and willing to take punches? Are you ready to stand firm for Jesus in ALL circumstances...whatever may come up...a co-worker gossiping about another, flirtatious advances of a "friend", speaking out for Jesus boldly when issues and concerns arise...confronting someone in love? "...getting hit should precipitate your counter punch" Be ready in all circumstances to jab for Jesus!

I encourage you to read Romans 12:1-8 DAILY and pray it for your life!

All quotes were from "The Gleason Gym total body boxing workout for women" and the small "s" and "d" for satan and devil were intended:)

~September 18th Conference~

I am posting the entire letter from our East Michigan Conference but will keep you all informed as the day approaches as to more details.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ –

We want to invite you to join us in an amazing outreach opportunity for our churches and communities. Beth Moore, renowned and beloved Bible study teacher, and worship leader Travis Cottrell will be live via satellite on September 18, 2010 at the Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church in West Branch, MI. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and doors open at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided and is included in the cost of your $20 admission ticket.

This promises to be a life changing event for all who attend and we are so excited for this amazing outreach opportunity for the women (and men) of our communities!

Our prayer is that our excitement will be contagious and people will see the love of Christ shining through us and want to come! One more soul for Jesus!

We are excited to see you there and worship together the One we love the most!

In Christ,

Megan Heintz

For more information or promotional materials contact:

Megan Heintz

Phone - 989-387-9947

Email – meganheintz@yahoo.com

or contact the church office at:

Phone – 989-345-2260

Email – office@ogemawhills.org

~Thunk~ makes you~Think~

As I sat at my desk yesterday, my chihuahua, Zip relaxed on the arm of our recliner watching the animal activity outside. The big picture window allows us to view birds at the bird feeder and bird bath. Suddenly, there was a LOUD thump on the window...Zip jumped and ran off...so much for bird-watching. I went to the window to see that there was a very stunned and sprawled out bird lying in the flower bed.

I hoped that the sprawled legs were fine and that soon the bird would gather its bearings and take off again...we have too many cats roaming the neighborhood. I returned to my desk but couldn't stay there long as I was curious about the bird. When I checked it again, it was sitting up, dazed, sort of shaking its head. It would be fine and take off soon....and it was and did.

This bird reminded me of a person simply zooming along in life...taking things for granted as we often do. The bird, like a person, doing its own thing until BAM! something hits it to slow it down.

We need to take time to notice things in life...take time to invest in others...take time to worship our Lord...we simply need to MAKE time for things that are worthwhile. It may take a THUNK to slow us down...I hope not...taking time for meaningful things for Jesus is our purpose in life.

We can enjoy life...soaring along...but we need to land often...for worthwhile life investments.

!!!Exclamation Marks!!!

I just read the editor's note in the magazine, "Real Simple". (July 2010 issue) She states something very interesting that I had never really thought about before. She quotes a lady, Monika Kochhar,"Sometimes I think Americans must have invented the exclamation mark--it's their state of mind."

I do use exclamation marks often in writing or leaving posts. It really does stand out! It brings the text to life and if used in conversation really brings your words to life.

After reading the editorial, I began to think. Am I living an exclamation mark life? Does what I say and how I live stand out and excite others for Jesus or simply encourage them? Check this out..."I want to live for Jesus."....OR...."I want to live for Jesus!" They both say the same thing...but which one is brought to life...which one encourages you or brings a smile to your face?

Just something to consider....I hope you choose to live an exclamation mark life. Energy comes from a wonderfully super natural Source...Jesus!!! Live it!

~Memorization~

I was recently presented with a challenge by a group I belong to on Facebook.

The challenge was to memorize a very good book of the Bible...what book isn't good (grins), but I believe I need to work on something that will be taken to heart at this time in my life.

When I was in high school, I memorized James. I like James because it is broken up in little "chunks" of what I call "mini-sermons" and it is easy to memorize because of that.

In challenge...author Janet Pope of "Revive Our Hearts" says:

You Need Hunger From the radio series: His Word in My Heart with Janet Pope

Would you say you have the kind of discipline you would need to memorize large portions of Scripture? Author Janet Pope says there’s a quality far more important than discipline. To memorize, you need hunger.

Memorize Scripture so that you can get to know God, so that you can invite God into your thoughts, so that you can commune with God throughout the day. Memorize because you’re hungry for God’s Word. You need Him. You want Him. When you are praying Scripture, then you’re praying with confidence.

So, I challenge you to memorize a meaningful passage. Before I memorize Romans 12 (for starters) I will study it and "pray" it...then work on memorizing it.

God bless and keep you strong in him!

Kutless- Smile

Words of Wisdom from Jill Briscoe

Please check out this site. I am connected with "Just for Women" in facebook. If you would like to connect with me in facebook I am listed as Lariann Evoy Hortop.

Here is the site: "Christian Prayer"

http://justbetweenus.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=96042

God Bless and Keep You Strong in Him!

~Time~

Do you ever let the things of life get you side-tracked? I sure do/have. The thing is, they are not major things...they are simply everyday little things. I am sure you know what I am talking about...I could create quite a list of trivial daily things.

The problem with getting side-tracked is that it often gets you even more side-tracked. It's like when you canoe down a river...and notice a little offshoot of that river...and decide to follow it....having no idea where you are going but the scenery sure is gorgeous! I remember when I canoed the Allegheny River prior to my senior year of high school. I did very little paddling but my friend and I often got sidetracked on all of the pretty little branches off of the river and we would take them. I enjoyed looking up at the over-hanging trees...the ripples of water over the rocks...it was so calming and peaceful. I think we canoed each little off-shoot we came across that entire afternoon. They were all gorgeous. Because we were off enjoying the "pretty places" we lost track of time and therefore were much later than the rest of our group arriving at the landing site. Oh, but the sites were so beautiful.

Life is like when I canoed that river. The things that get us side-tracked are often not "bad" things. They are simply things that we allow to take up our time. I once knew of a lady who would not only tithe her money to God but also her time. However much time she would work each week, she gave a percentage of that time to God somehow. I wonder what our lives would be like if we each not only had our quiet times with our Best Friend, but also tithed time to minister in one way or another for Him. It's something to consider.

God bless and keep you strong in Him!

~Peace~

Lately, I have been focusing on inner peace...the peace that only God our Father can give. Having an overwhelming sense of His presence...my inner-most being has an assured calm. So many things around us can try to steal that peace....loss of a job...loss of health...loss of a loved one...world situations...the list is endless....

Peace and inner Joy go hand-in-hand. Joy is not a giddy happiness...Joy is a depth of whispered strength. Peace and Joy are alive in our spirit and are evident to those around us through our eyes, our expressions, our responses, and our over-all body language. When a person exudes Peace and Joy, there is a calm that draws you near to them...into who they are.

"When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul..."

A river continues flowing...maybe not always at the same pace...but it flows forward...Peace is a lasting calm of being secure in Jesus...feeling His presence...His arms around us for hugs as needed...His calm, re-assuring voice....

When Peace and Joy remain in us through Jesus....our countenance is radiant....as the noon-day sun (says the Psalmist).

My prayer is that you will have His inner most Peace and Joy...that no matter what comes your way...you will be able to say...."It is well with my soul"...Jesus our Joy-giver and Hope who gives inner-most Peace be with you....may you feel Him abide in you as you continue on in His Word and communication with Him.

Grandma's Molasses Cookies~Memories

~~the best molasses cookies EVER (soft)~~

2 c. brown sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 c. molasses
1 c. sour cream
2 tsp. baking soda (put soda in cream)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
salt (1 tsp?)
flour (it says in pencil 5 1/2 c. and in pen 7 to 7 1/2 c. You just have to see what gives the consistency you want)

Roll out with flour, cut in circles
Bake 350 for 10-12 minutes

As a girl, my sisters and I would visit grandma during the summer and she always had these cookies made for us when we arrived. They are a wonderful memory I have of my grandma (who is now 97 as of Dec. 16, 2009).

Grandma would always share childhood stories as we sat on her bed at night and listened. Creating memories for our loved ones is very important. I want my boys to remember the loving as well as the fun things I did with and for them. Grandma will forever be remembered for the times we made her take out her false teeth...the times she told us of how when she was a girl she would ride a horse and buggy to school...there are many stories she told...and many precious memories of gardening with her...her trying to teach me how to use a sewing machine ( I still don't sew)...her sweet laughter...and the way her eyes sparkle when she laughs.

The cookies are a "sweet" reminder of Grandma. My prayer is that I leave a "sweet" lifestyle reminder to those who know me...especially my boys.

Quiet Monotony

I came across a quote today that caught my eye: "The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind." Albert Einstein


The monotony and solitude of a quiet life also stimulates the spirit. In Isaiah 30:15b it reads, "in quietness and trust is your strength..." I would have to re-think Einstein's quote as the quiet life in the spirit is far from monotonous. Quietness is too often trampled on by our daily occurrences. There is the "norm"...daily routine that most have...but often the "norm" is interrupted.

Are we inwardly prepared for interruptions? Let me first begin by saying I believe "quietness" spoken of here is not only non-verbal but also quietness is a "presence" or "attitude". Quietness is being settled...assured. I get energy from being around a person who has the quiet assurance. Their hope truly is in the Lord. When the world crashes in around them, they are not shaken because they know the One who is in control. They understand that life happens. Things beyond human control...happens.

They possess the spirit of quiet trust. We often think of the little old lady who has the inner spiritual strength we crave. If only her quiet strength would somehow "rub off" on us. Quiet strength...as physical strength...is not achieved in an instant.

Quiet strength is developed by spending time reading the Bible, talking to Jesus, and letting our soul (spirit) rest in Jesus. That way when our world crashes in...we can lean into Jesus...looking up to Him...our faces shining with His glory...a peace in our hearts that shows on our countenance and in our attitude.

May the peace of Jesus become part of who you are as you take the time to communicate with Him daily...quietly trusting and resting in Him.

Challenge: Look for opportunities to see others through the eyes of Jesus