What Our Salvation Cost

Break Every Chain

If you haven’t yet heard Dr. Leo Day from First Baptist Dallas sing “Break Every Chain,” then you’re in for a real treat.

Every once in a while, I’ll pull up this magnificent song on YouTube because I love to hear it again.

Dr. Day’s voice is a gift from God. His worshipful songs have touched the lives of many.

Watch below as Dr. Day shares his passionate and distinctive vocals in this amazing song.

I can close my eyes and listen to it over and over. And sometimes, tears will fall down my face.

What Our Salvation Cost

what our salvation cost

Thank You Jesus for dying on the cross to pay the ultimate price for our sins

so that we could have eternal life.

Our union with Christ also guarantees our sanctification. Sanctification is the process by which we become more and more like Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus was freed from the power of sin, we are free from the power of sin.

Justification is a transaction. It happens in an instant. The moment we trust in Christ as our Savior, God declares us not guilty. But sanctification is a transformation. It begins the moment we are saved and continues until God calls us home to be with Him. As someone said, “Justification is the work of a moment. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime.”1Dr. Robert Jeffress – First Baptist Church Dallas. Pathway To Victory.

May we never forget what our salvation cost

###

1Quotation from Dr. Robert Jeffress, Bible teacher, pastor, and author. Taken from Pathway To VIctory with Dr. Robert Jeffress. “Christian, Thou Art Loosed.” (Accessed June 11, 2019, para. 4).

Share

Why Not Phone A Friend?

Why Not Phone A Friend?

Why Not Phone A Friend?

Are you “all thumbs?”

You may be, and didn’t even realize it.

It’s time we talk about your problem.

Okay, I’m kidding, let’s talk about “our” problem.

Many people I know text a lot.

Or, at least their teenagers do.

Don’t get me wrong, texting is necessary sometimes … but all of the time?

With all this “convenience” technology, aren’t we losing something?

Generally, I’m not a fan of texting.

This dislike developed over time and it took a comment from my amused better half to make me realize I was falling into a bad habit.

There have been instances when a friend and I have texted back and forth for quite awhile, prompting my husband to ask a good question: “Why don’t y’all just call each other?”

He has a good point.

Texting has easily become a mindless habit.

Even though I text a lot, I realize that I do miss hearing people’s actual voices.

Does anybody else out there miss personal telephone calls?

“With our digital wands — TVs, smartphones, iPhones, iPads, etc. — we trick ourselves into believing that we are better connected … But are we?” Times Union Online article.

Something To Think About

Smart phones, Smart this, Smart that … in our homes, in our cars, at work.

We have so many conveniences available to us to make our lives easier.

Even though some of the latest medical and scientific breakthroughs are amazing, others are downright creepy – like the Big Dog robot.

Is that menacing-looking thing really necessary?

It also makes me cringe when I hear news headlines about topics like:

Artificial intelligence

Implanted chips

Genetically-modified whatever

Whoaaaa.

When it comes to those kinds of advancements, I want to say “slow down, mankind!”

We are not God.

When you really think about it – is that what life is all about?

Is that what God desires – for our lives to be easier and more convenient?

Christians should know the answer to that one.

The growing “disconnect” in our communication with each other makes me sad, even though I’m sometimes guilty of it myself.

Ultimately, this isn’t heading to a good place.

So, I think I’ll go phone a friend right now – the old-fashioned way.

A Prayer For Biblical Discernment

God, in this time of incredible technological advancement, give us clear eyes to see what is happening through a biblical lens. Give us the mind of Christ. May we be wise and careful in how we employ emerging technologies.

May we not invest them with out-sized importance.

Set our hope on the coming kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, who will heal every disease and give us glorified, resurrected bodies. – Dr. Robert Jeffress, First Baptist Dallas.

# # #


* Quotation from Times Union Online, “Techonology Only Hurts Interaction.” Web. Accessed April 5, 2019. https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/Technology-only-hurts-interaction-4392687.php

**Quotation from Dr. Robert Jeffress, Bible teacher, pastor, and author. Taken from Worldview Today with Dr. Robert Jeffress. “Prayer.” Accessed April 5, 2019.

Share

A Parent’s Mission Field

A Mission Field For Busy Parents

a parent's mission field

For the moms and dads who feel guilty about not going on church mission trips – please don’t beat yourself up.

If you’re able to take your vacation time to go overseas for mission work – what a rewarding and memorable experience it will be.

But what if you can’t afford to take that time off yet? Some Christian parents are working two jobs just to make ends meet.

Although the U.S. economy is improving, it’s a longer recovery period for some hard-working parents.

Mission Field At Home

God sees your life and He knows your heart. He also knows how busy you are trying to feed your family.

If a mission trip isn’t doable right now, will God be mad?

No – your salvation is not dependent on how many mission trips you go on.

An encouraging thing to remember as a busy parent, is that you also have a mission field right in your own home.

You can have a huge impact on the culture by starting with your own kids and family.

Your youngsters are going to grow up and be the next ambassadors for Christ.

Perhaps you are a stay-at-home parent, who thinks, I could never influence the culture. But God has given you influence over your children. In the Old Testament, Hannah faithfully taught her son Samuel the fear of the Lord, and Samuel became a great prophet. Did Hannah influence her culture? You bet she did. – *Dr. Robert Jeffress, Pathway Magazine.

Married or single, if you can’t make it to the mission field in another country – it just may be that God is calling you to a mission field right in your own home, or neighborhood, or during your lunch hour at work.

We can pray for those opportunities.

We live in a world in desperate need of the Lord.

Not just today, or tomorrow, but every day.

###

*Quotation from Dr. Robert Jeffress, Bible teacher, pastor, and author. Taken from Pathway Magazine, “Choosing the Extraordinary Life.” Accessed September 25, 2018. Page 16 of Impact Your Culture For God.”

Share

How About A Christian Vacation?

Help!

I need a vacation!!

Like, right now.

What a day, what a DAY.

(I said that twice on purpose.)

Here’s the thing:

This gal is ready to eat an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Chocolate chip cookies heaven sent

(Please don’t judge me. I have feelings.)

Have you ever had a “Calgon Take Me Away” moment?

C’mon, you know you have.

Perhaps your kids are screaming for attention.

Or, your formerly cute dog is getting comfy on your bed after a romp outside in the mud.

I need a vacation

Maybe it’s your husband asking you sweetly “What’s for dinner?” when you’re bringing in sacks and sacks of groceries.

The thought of getting in your car, driving for hours, and not telling anyone where you’re going isn’t out of the question.

Just Breathe

Take a deep breath.

Take a deep breath

B r e a t h e.

Now, think about what would calm you.

Is it walking on a sandy beach in the Caribbean?

Is it getting cozy by the fire, while the snow falls gently outside?

How about a Christian vacation this time?

Ahhhhhhhhhh, I’m picturing it now.

On everyone’s list of favorite words: VACATION.

Where to Go for Fun and Inspiration

My husband and I are always interested in meeting up with other Christians somewhere fun. Seriously, somewhere FUN!

How does cruising to Alaska sound?

Alaskan cruise

Or setting sail to the Grand Cayman Islands?

Christian Travel Vacations? They’re That Good

Here are some of the highlights of taking a Christian-themed vacation:

    • Just as in your marriage, God is the foundation of every one of these vacations. You will be blessed.
    • The destinations often include performances by well-known Christian bands. You get to sing along with these artists and meet them personally. The “very cool” factor of this experience is off the charts.
    • You also get to hear topical sermons from well-respected pastors along for the trip. For example, you can hear great preaching and personal testimonies from the likes of Chuck Swindoll, Dr. Robert Jeffress, and Skip Heitzig.
    • The whole adventure “feels” like heaven on earth. Fun people from all over the country are getting together to enjoy beautiful scenery, great music, and hear the Word.
    • Depending on where you go, your free time may include snorkeling to your heart’s content. Snorkeling is one of my favorite things to do. Think of a pristine ocean, waves lapping at your ankles, and water every shade of blue. Or, if you head up north, you could catch a glimpse of a mighty whale as you aim your camera lens towards a magnificent glacier in Alaska.
    • Some of the nicest people from all over the country are joining you, and you have the opportunity to form lifelong friendships. Christian travels and tours are unforgettable.
    • You can enjoy all of the beauty and adventures of a popular tourist spot, and yet you don’t feel like a stranger. There’s always someone to talk with and make plans for dinner that evening.

Fun Times With Dear People

The next time you have a “Calgon” moment, I highly recommend that you start planning a trip with fellow Christians.

How about a Christian vacation?Every time our Christian getaway is over and my husband and I head back towards home, my thoughts are when we can go again?

Here’s where you can get information on some future destinations:

http://www.inspirationcruises.com/ifla

Important tip: Please don’t wait too long to book your trip. They can sell out fast.

God bless!

Share

Remembering September 11th

Remembering September 11th

Remembering September 11I remember waking up that September 11th morning in 2001. I turned on the news like I always did while getting ready for work. The news anchors were talking about a “small” plane that had crashed into the World Trade Center, but details were very, very sketchy.

I had an ominous feeling about the whole thing, but headed off to work as usual. Fortunately, I had a job at the time where I could work while the TV was on in the background. My boss was away on a trip so I had the whole office to myself.

I turned on the TV and I could tell from the news reports that the alleged small plane “accident” at the WTC was much, much more. I stopped what I was doing and spent the next hour glued to the TV.

It gets me emotional just thinking about it. My boss called me a short while later to ask if I’d heard about the attacks and that I could go home. I called my husband and his whole office was talking about it too.

I begged him to come home and he said the office would probably let them go soon.

The dread and reality of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil finally sunk in and made me sick to my stomach. I drove back home in shock, probably like everyone else in the world, and turned the TV back on.

Feeling Helpless

I was thankful I had our dogs with me until my husband got home. I just felt helpless. There was nothing to do except to watch and pray.

This can’t happen in America. Any belief I had of feeling safe in the greatest country in the world was shattered that dark day.

The images of people jumping off the towers were horrific and unforgettable. For those people to have to make that awful choice – I can’t even go there in my mind.

Dear God, what is happening? Please let this be a nightmare.

My husband got home and I remember we didn’t say much. There was just a numb feeling, a deep sadness, like at a funeral of someone you hold dear. Later that evening, we took a walk around our neighborhood like we always did when the sun was setting.

But that evening was different.

We lived about 15 minutes from the airport and there were no planes in the sky.

I cried that day, and for days afterwards.

I will never, ever forget.

thank you first responders

A Big Thank You

On this day of remembrance, I want to thank all of the first responders who risked their own lives to save others and continue to do so.

A thank you also to the loyal and brave service dogs and their trainers who were instrumental in all of the recovery efforts.

I pray this will never happen again, but I believe we’ve been betrayed but those in high office who promised to protect us and our freedoms. Ultimately, this is a spiritual battle and we need to pray for our country.

I pray that God will heal our land. One look at the news every night and it doesn’t look good. Satan is prowling around and the influence of the evil one is everywhere…in high political offices, in public school curriculum, in some churches, the list goes on.

September 11thWe are at a crucial time in our nation’s history. God has allowed some major wake-up calls and there will be more. Biblical prophecies always come true.

Are You Prepared?

I know I’ve said this before, but I believe some people still think that none of these world events going on will affect them.

It will. Pay close attention to some of the national meetings taking place later this month.

America is in deep, deep trouble.

I encourage you to read the Book of Revelation with a good commentary. Pastors John MacArthur and Dr. Robert Jeffress have excellent teachings on the events to come. You can find their teachings in video and written form simply by doing an online search.

Our only hope is in God and salvation through Jesus Christ. If your faith is lukewarm or nonexistent, please don’t put off THE most important decision in your life.

Nothing and I mean nothing is more important than making sure yours and your family’s faith is in Jesus Christ.

Stay strong and faithful and God bless you all!

###

 

Share