These past few days, I have been overwhelmed by God’s grace.  As I think upon my life thus far, it is clear that I truly have been blessed by God’s grace.  By grace, I simply mean the undeserved favor of the Lord.  Let me explain.  

I’m only 28 years old, yet I have had the experience of someone much older than myself.  I have been happily married to the love of my life for almost 8 years, faced my husband’s battle with and victory over cancer when we were married only months, owned and sold a home, owned 3 businesses (two of which were franchises), sold a business, completed a college degree in Theology, been licensed as a Foursquare Pastor, served numerous volunteer hours as an assistant pastor doing everything from the books to running the youth and college ministries, and now I serve as the Co-Pastor alongside my husband at Lighthouse Foursquare Church in Santa Cruz.  

I have experienced the ups and downs of self employment.  I have experienced the prosperous mountaintops and the valleys of lack. I have often worked 60+ hour work-weeks, without pay… and even paid to do it since the business was lacking the finances to pay the bills on its own accord.  Yet through it all, God has been faithful!  His grace has been evident in my life.  I have experienced His undeserved favor time and again.   These testimonies…I want to share.  

I never wanted to own a business. I never saw myself as an entrepreneur.  Yet God did.  I bought my first business as a resale at the age of 23.  I saw it as an opportunity to run with the passion God had given me: ministering to women of all ages, sharing with them the hope I have in God.  2 years later, my husband and I sold our home to move to Fairfield so we could volunteer our time at New Community Church in order to serve and gain ministry experience.  Upon doing so, we were blessed with opening a second business in Fairfield.  I remember opening week…and every week thereafter…I got to minister to ladies one after another.  I was honored to pray with them, laugh with them and cry with them.  I was blessed to be in such a position of influence over the lives of so many ladies who were broken and in need of a Savior.  

What’s so funny is that during this time God taught me to rely on Him for my provision, not the businesses He’d provided me with.  He taught me the difference between His economy and the world’s economy; the difference between success in His eyes and success in the world’s eyes.  You see, if the world were to look at my life and business ventures they would say they were failures; yet in God’s eyes, they were great successes and investments in His Kingdom economy.  Women who were lost and broken came to the knowledge of a Savior.  Hurting children of God were restored.  The purpose was simply that women would be made whole: spirit soul and body.  And in many, this took place.

During the valleys of which there were many, God provided day by day.  Some examples of His provision:

• A beautiful car was given to me, with only 3000 miles on it…no strings attached.
• Though my husband took a huge pay cut to follow the Lord’s will in His career path, we were able to pay our bills, though on paper it would seem impossible.
• My husband was granted, without knowledge, stock back in 2001.  And this was made known to us when he left the company.  God’s provision for such a time as we needed it. 
• We sold a business when it was desperately needed. 
• We were forgiven a debt.
• And just a few months ago, we had no money to purchase replacement tires for our truck, yet someone anonymously donated the money for that specific purpose. 

I could go on and on about the grace and provision of God.  But there is one more I want to share:  Just yesterday, my husband and I decided that we will close our business in Fairfield.  This was the toughest decision I have ever had to make.  I simply couldn’t pay the rent and could barely make payroll.  So, I emailed my landlord and prayed for God’s favor.  The response of my landlord blew me away.  God’s grace was evident, His favor undeniable.  With the blessing of my landlord, I am able to stay in business a couple more months – rent free.  This allows me time to (a) transfer ownership of the business should someone want to purchase it or (b) close it in the proper manner, with integrity toward the membership.  Moreover, the landlord stated that he will forgive my debt of the remaining contract should I need to close after such time.  WOW!  Talk about undeserved favor of the Lord.  This was undeniably God’s grace at work.

Truly, everything I have is a gift from the Lord.  A loving and gracious husband, countless blessings, every possession, every debt forgiven…absolutely everything is a gift from God.  I am simply a gracious recipient of His undeserved grace.  Proverbs 10:22 says ”The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”  In the eyes of this world, I may not be rich, but even better…I am rich in His kingdom for I store my treasures in heaven.  This world and all that is in it is passing away, but God remains.  And in addition, I have complete joy and peace that God will continue to provide for me as I follow and serve Him faithfully.  After all, what a privilege it is to serve Almighty God.

As I was reading in Mark recently, I was struck by one verse: Mark 5:27(ESV).

She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment.

In this passage, Mark writes about a woman who had been sick with a specific issue for 12 years. In that time, she had spent all that she had in order to try to remedy the issue. She sought the help of multiple physicians, yet grew worse rather than better. This woman was at her last straw. She most likely was hopeless, believing she’d live with this condition for the rest of her life. Yet the Word states so simply “she heard the reports about Jesus.” Those reports are what we call testimonies. A testimony is an assertion offering firsthand authentication of a fact, or a first-hand report. It doesn’t say that she heard the (singular) report, or a couple reports, but she heard the reports about Jesus. This implies many. And it brings up a significant factor. People were telling their friends and family of their first-hand encounters with Jesus, the Christ. People who had encountered Jesus were changed. Some were healed, others were relieved of oppression, still others were called to follow him. These people knew they had encountered someone special because their lives were transformed, and they shared this good news of Jesus with everyone they knew. Those are the reports she had been hearing. And it was by the hearing of those reports that she was given a glimmer of hope. For this woman, broken in her body – she thought that just maybe if Jesus could do that for them, he can heal me of my sickness. You see, the reports that she had heard bore witness in her heart. Despite her circumstance, despite the fact that she’d been plagued with this illness for 12 years, despite all of her doctor visits and worsening of her symptoms…she had hope because of the reports. And the Word says she came up behind him and touched his garment, and was healed of her sickness.

I think we Christians in America don’t understand the importance and even necessity of testimonies. If you are a Christian walking with God, you are bound to have numerous testimonies of God’s hand at work in your life. I know I do, too many to count. And here’s my question:

What would the world look like if every Christian testified continually of God’s hand in their life? What would our world look like? What would our church look like?

As Christians, we know the creator. We have a relationship with Almighty God. We have received hope for our lives, healing of our brokenness and restoration to God the Father. The very message of the gospel is hope to the hurting, healing to the broken and restoration to God the Father. My point is this: EVERY testimony is indispensable

. For one report may not convince the woman she has worth in the eyes of God, two reports may not convice the addict he can be free from his addiction…but where multiple testimonies are heard, the hopeless will seek Hope in God, the broken will seek healing in God, and the lost will be restored to God who is Love. Testimonies are great in church, but they’re necessary and effective outside the walls of the church, for that is where the hopeless and broken live. Let’s seek opportunities to share testimonies of God’s hand in our lives. Let’s not be silent, but speak freely of God’s goodness in our lives!

I went to the dentist yesterday for the first time in a while. I had a regular checkup. During these visits, the dentist examines your teeth with a full set of x-rays as well as dental instruments. He probes into your teeth and gums to determine their health. It got me to thinking, we spiritually need to check ourselves on a regular basis; a heart check so to speak. So please, read on and go in for a checkup…

Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed… – Mark 4:3-4a(ESV)

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Jesus is speaking to a crowd gathered on the shore. Often when He spoke, he used parables to bring understanding to those who had ears to hear, spiritually

. The first thing to notice about this passage is the emphatic Listen! You can bet that when Jesus uses such strong language, we’d better pay attention. He goes on to describe one seed and 4 ways of the ground receiving the seed.

1. The first is seed that fell along the path. This means there’s little to no soil. Jesus says this path represents the heart of people who are not receptive. He says satan immediately steals the seed away.

2. The second is seed that fell on rocky ground. Rocky ground has soil, but there is nothing by which to take root. Jesus says that this soil represents the hearts of people who receive the Word of God with joy, and even endure for a while, but fall away due to tribulation and persecution because there was no root.

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3. The third is seed that fell among the thorns. Thorns grow amid the soil and will choke the life of anything in their vicinity. And of this type of soil, Jesus says that it represents the hearts of people who hear the Word, but allow the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of money and the desires for other things enter in and choke the Word, thus bearing no fruit.

4. The fourth is seed that fell on good soil. This soil was fertile, and produced good fruit. And of this soil, Jesus said that it represents the hearts of people who hear the Word, and accept it, and bear fruit. He goes on to say that these people will multiply their fruit-bearing thirtyfold, sixtyfold and a hundredfold.

I propose this question: What is the soil of your heart?

Which does it represent: the path, the rocky ground, the soil amid the thorns or the fertile soil?

We must ensure that the soil of our hearts is fertile, ready for the seed, the Word of God. Every time we come to the Bible – God’s living, breathing, active Word – wether in church or in our own quiet time, we MUST prepare our hearts to receive in such a way as to hear the Word, accept it and bear fruit according to it. This is called transformational growth. We are called to not only be hearers of the Word, but doers also (James 1:22). We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). This is our heart check- what measure of fruit is produced in you? Do you hear the Word? Do you accept it? More importantly, do you do it?

Okay, so this subject of tithe is one that many of us don’t like to acknowledge, as there are many misinterpretations and negative connotations associated with it. However, I’d like to discuss this in light of what the text actually порно нимфетки ру

says.

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 3:10-11(ESV)

There are numerous passages that speak about the meaning and importance of the tithe. We can observe from this passage the gravity of this subject. In the eyes of God, the tithe is non-negotiable. We see in verse 8 of this same passage that God accuses His people of robbing Him in the tithes and contributions (offering). It’s a statute that He set early on in the Old Testament and he expects that His children would honor it.

Tithe literally means 10%. God’s Word is clear that the first 10% of our earnings are to be given back to Him through the tithe. The purpose of it is made clear in this passage: that there may be food in my house. You see, the tithe is meant to support those shepherding the flock and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. (You can read about it in Numbers 18 or Nehemiah 10, 12).

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God’s promise of provision is given in the form of a challenge. He says “put me to the test…if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need”. It’s so contradictory to our human perspective. God says give me 10% and I will meet all of your needs. 10% is hard if you don’t believe that God is your provider. 10% is difficult to give if you trust more in money than in God. Don’t you know, God can do more with your 10% than you can do with 100%. Afterall, He IS Almighty God.

God’s promise contains not only provision, but also protection. He says “I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear”. These are written in the context of farming, as that was a common trade for the time period that Malachi was written. To clarify in modern terms, fruits of your soil implies protection of what you already have and the vine not failing to bear implies protection of future earnings.

So what does this mean for us? This promise of provision comes with parameters. We must abide within those parameters is we want to see God’s hand of provision in our lives. This means that we must be faithful to give God our firstfruits, the first 10% of our earnings – our Tithe. And we can be confident that as we continually abide within the parameters of His promise, all of our needs will be met. He say’s it another way in the New Testament:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

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Despite these economic times, let’s trust in God’s economy. It does not shift like ours. His economy does not change, and it yields lasting rewards. Let’s seek His Kingdom first by bringing the full tithe to Him and watch as He provides for our needs and protects us from this economy. I believe it! Do you?

This past week, as I have been reading through the book of Numbers, a biblical principle has become clear to me:  There are always parameters for the Promises of God.  So often we hear “mature Christians” and even pastors preaching on the promises of God, that they are there for us to claim at any time.  But do we hear the parameters that surround those promises?  I’d venture to say not often.  I was struck by this principle as I’ve been reading through the book of Numbers, and was prompted to study various promises throughout the Word of God.  All throughout the Bible, God has given His people promises: promises of hope, of restoration, of provision, of promised land, of joy, of comfort, of peace, of power, of victory, of a Savior, of eternal life…the list goes on and on.  And we as American Christians take almost an entitlement approach to them: God said it, so I deserve it.  But that’s not the heart of a humble servant to God Almighty.  That’s not the heart of a recipient of His grace.  I propose we instead say: God said it, I believe it and I will follow because it is only through His grace that I can receive this promise (whatever it may be). 

 
When I was a young girl, coming to the age of 16, I remember my parents promising me a car.  But there was a parameter for that promise: From that point until my 16th birthday I had to do well in school, get good grades and show that I was responsible. You see, I had a choice. I held they keys to the promise in my hand. The promise was made, but it was up to me to abide within the parameters set by the giver of the promise – my parents – and thus to fulfill my part in the promise.  And I did receive the promise of a new car on my 16th birthday, because I chose to abide within the parameters of the promise.
 

In the same way, God always has parameters for his promises. Often in the Bible, those parameters are phrased in such as way as to make them obvious “If you do this, then I (God) will do that“.  A few of the promises we see phrased in this manner are found below.

“I

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my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” – 2 Chron 7:14 (ESV)

“If

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 you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9 (ESV)

“If we confess our sins, (then) he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

 

There are other promises we find in the Word of God that are not so obvious. But when you carefully read the text, you come to an understanding of the parameters for promise.

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.  I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 3:10-11 (ESV)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;  

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he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” - James 1: (ESV)

When read carefully, studying the verbiage of these passages, it becomes clear that yes there are promises found in the Word of God,  but it is the responsibility of you and I to abide within the specified parameters of each promise in order to obtain the promise(s) of God for our lives.  Let us never forget that we serve a Great God, one who has plans for us, plans for good and not for evil, plans to give us a hope and a future (Jer 29:11).

I am so amazed at the grace and love of our God. Though I both know and believe in the truth of His Word, He never ceases to amaze me. Read Matthew 6:25-33(ESV) below:

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

These verses immediately follow Jesus’ statement “no one can serve two masters…You cannot serve God and money.” So often our worries in this life are over money. Whether it be that we simply don’t have enough for our wants or truly don’t have enough to cover our needs. The beauty of Jesus’ words is so evident. God knows our needs. Just as he clothes the lilies of the valley and feeds the birds of the air, He will fulfill our needs; the Word says “all these things will be added to you.” Our responsibility: we must seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. We must put God on throne of our hearts. We must choose to stand on the promises of His Word. We must be faithful in our tithing. We must seek God’s will and not our own; seek His perspective on our situation and not rely what our physical eyes can see.

I can speak of countless times God has met our needs in the short 7 years of our marriage. But I have a praise report from today. This morning, Brian and I were handed an envelope with money in it. The person that gave it wanted to remain anonymous, and only asked that we use it to buy 4 new tires for our truck. Wow! I was speechless when it was passed onto us. This is a praise God moment. Yet again, though we don’t have the funds to pay for something that is a necessity, God provided for our needs. He is ever-so-faithful to His Word. And we feel so blessed to be the recipients of His unexpected, undeserved blessing. Praise God!

I’ve always taken life for granted. Not to say that I have not appreciated the ultimate sacrifice of my savior, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins so that I might be reconciled to Father God. I simply have taken life here on this earth for granted. Time spent with loved ones. Time spent on those things most important in life: God, family and friends. This past week my understanding of the brevity of life was deepened. I’ve never had anyone close to me pass away during my adult life. It’s been a difficult last few days. My Nana passed away Tuesday morning before Christmas. Although I mourn her passing, I do feel that she has left a lasting legacy and she is now in the presence of Almighty God. There is no better place to be.

Knowing this fact, that she is now in a place with no more tears, no more sorrow, no more pain (Rev 21), that is comforting to say the least. I am in awe of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross so that my Nana might be restored to right relationship with God and pass on from this life to eternal life in heaven. It is baffling to me. It is awe-inspiring. I am brought to tears as I even think about it. God loved my Nana so much that He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die on the cross for her sins so that she might have the opportunity

to be reconciled to Him. He gave us freewill. We have the choice to confess Jesus as Lord of our lives or to deny Him. It’s our choice. God made the way, but we have to choose to accept Jesus and thus walk into right relationship with God. And just like God loved my Nana that much…He made that sacrifice for all. His Word says in John 3:16 “”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God desires that none should perish, but all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Each of us has a choice to make. We can either choose Christ and the payment He made on the cross for our sins, and be reconciled to Father God with the hope of eternal life or

we can choose to deny Christ and thus pay the price for our own sins and lose the hope of eternal life. I am so thankful for the price Jesus paid on the cross. I am so thankful that my Nana chose to accept Him for she is now in the presence of Almighty God rejoicing with the angels.