Did you get a good tan?

That's a question you won't hear God ask at the final judgment.

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth."
Col. 3:1-2

I thought it would be fun.. and get us thinking about what's important in life to think of questions God will NOT ask us when all is said and done.

Post yours!!

I'm praying for you today...

Has someone ever said they would be praying for you.. and you knew the person well enough to know that it was absolutely true.. and it gave you such a sense of peace and security to hear those words? You knew that YOUR NAME was being lifted up into the throne room of the Most High God and you had peace and rest because the One who sits on the throne is GOOD and ABLE and HEARS the cries of His saints. That happened to me last week when my husband ever so sweetly spoke those words to me, "I'll be praying for you today." Those are cherished words, aren't they? Nothing is more powerful than prayer. Because no one is more powerful than our God.

Each Wednesday, I can tell you emphatically, that you are being prayed for. If you are a part of Ignite, if you ever will be a part of Ignite, or if you are simply reading this blog, then you can know, "I'm praying for you today". And so are a host of other women at Ignite. We have committed to praying for you each Wednesday all summer long. We don't know your exact circumstances, but we are entrusting you to the One who knows your name and knows your every need. And He is GOOD and He is ABLE and He HEARS our cries on your behalf.

So rest today, in the peace and security of the One who inclines His ear to hear the afflicted and needy, the One who lifts heavy burdens and removes the chains of sin, the One who makes all things new, clothes you in righteousness, gives you a new heart and a new spirit, and makes you a display of His splendor.

I'm praying for you today....
Linda

He calls me by my name

We've all heard the phrase and have probably said it once or twice ourselves, "He calls me by my name." This phrase took on a deeper meaning to me today. I was talking to one of my favorite gals that I have had the pleasure of developing a relationship with through my job here at the shelter. She popped in to see me this morning and was happily telling me about her new boyfriend. Now typically I cringe when she tells me of her boyfriends; I have watched her go from one abusive relationship to another, often evidenced by a bruised and shame covered face. But today was different. She was all smiles as she said this to me, "He doesn't ask anything of me and he calls me by my name." Now normally I do a pretty good job of handling lots of things at work but this one took me by surprise girls. My hand immediately flew over my heart and the tears in my eyes gave me away as I realized the implications of what she was telling me. Do you hear what she was saying?Relationship after relationship has brought her nothing but pain and heartbreak. This one is different. Now I don't know how "healthy" the relationship really is but I do know this: she is learning some important life lessons. She is soaking in some things that are new to her; a boyfriend that doesn't take advantage of her and he calls her by her name. Makes you wonder what she's been called in the past, doesn't it?


I thanked God today for the reminder that He calls me by my name. I don't want to forget the sweetness of it, the tenderness of it. If you have ever been called things that were cold and hurtful, I hope that you will relish in the truth today that Jesus calls you by your name. What an amazing Savior.

I love you all dearly.

Amazing Grace.. My Chains are GONE!

Blog post submitted by Danielle:

It all began last fall when I had a miscarriage. As devastated as I was, I thought I was over the emotional pain. Every time I went to the store and saw a brand new baby held by a proud mother I’d cry instantly without warning. There was nothing else I could do but seek God. Through much prayer and an emotional depressive state, God answered my prayers in a HUGE way!

January rolls around and I was super excited to go to the kick-off of Ignite and have an authentic relationship with God and these ladies that attended. The second Ignite meeting had me sitting at a very full table of women ready to discuss. I was excited to be the table leader because the women seemed so into the message that night. We were of all ages and all backgrounds. The discussion was rich and phenomenal. After that night’s discussion Erika and Kim said to me, “Be our friend. We all had pregnancy problems.” I didn’t think too much of it because many of us ladies are superficial sometimes in that we want to call people our friends, yet not have that commitment that it takes to keep a friendship strong.

That following week/weekend I received an email asking about a time to meet for dinner on Monday. I was included in the email as if I really had an opinion (haha). I get to Damon’s on Monday and meet Erika, Kim, and Amy. The atmosphere and discussion just felt right from the beginning.

Come to find out, God made us into accountability partners!! We decided to take our group further and study Breaking Free. Kim was struggling with unbelief as her captive or bondage. She was completely unaware of this problem until she started studying deeper. Through Kim’s experience the three of us girls got together and prayed over her every day. Few wanted guidance on what to say to her to keep her accountable. That next Monday when we were all a bit nervous of how the night was going to play out, wouldn’t you know it that God already took care of it! Kim came to us professing her unbelief (even though she was saved and baptized at a young age) and wanted to draw the line in the sand and give her life fully to God.

Monday, May 25, 2009 Kim rededicated her life to God by professing He is Lord who died on the cross and rose again for HER! Monday, June 1, 2009 Kim was re-baptized as a symbol that her unbelief, though will be challenged by the enemy, is gone and she will seek the Truth!

Ladies, come join Breaking Free!!! God is using Beth Moore’s lessons to draw us closer to Him! This study will reveal bondages or captivities that you don’t even think you have! Jesus can draw us closer to Him the more we see what our captivities are. Are you willing to step out on that oh so uncomfortable ledge and let God take over? Giving my YES to God to facilitate this study has felt so good! He’s got so much more planned for me! Let’s find out what He has planned for you!