Sacrifice

I want to ask you a question that might be hard to answer at first. Not because you don't know the answer but because you don't want to say the answer aloud. What are you not giving up for God? What worldly object is holding you back from our Father? Is it television, friends, school, work, hobbies, food, addictions, etc. Some of these things are acceptable, but are you putting them before God? At church a few Sundays ago our pastor made a comment that really stuck with me. He said that we never miss our favorite television show, but we can miss church on Sunday mornings. That one comment really put things in perspective for me. I never realized that I was putting televison, work, and school before God. So I made the decision to change. I will be completely honest with you, and tell you that it is very hard to change your lifestyle. If you are really serious about it, and give it up to God he will walk with you every step of the way. "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect he is will really is. " (Romans 12:1-2, NLT) God wants all of your energy and resources, so put aside whatever is getting in the way. Spend your time loving on God and allow Him to love on you.

Spread the Word

Pastor Casey at KPC, really inspired me today. He shared a verse during his sermon that really stuck with me. "The truth is, a kernel of wheat must be planted in the soil. Unless it dies it will be alone--a single seed. But its death will produce many new kernels--a plentiful harvest of new lives." (John 12:24, NLT) Jesus spoke these words to his disciples to explain why He must die. Jesus died on the cross to bring new life to this earth. But He has called us Christians to spread His word. Without us, the harvest can not be complete. Do not let fear of man stand in your way. God has called us to spread the Word, to be a light for others. We can not let the fear of man hold us back from fulfilling God's will. "If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will openly acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven. But if anyone denies me here on earth. I will deny that person before my Father in heaven." (Matthew 12:32-33, NLT) Jesus Christ died on the cross for me and for you. Keeping your lips sealed is the same as denying him openly. Stand firm for what you believe in, stand firm for your King. "We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20, NLT) Go out and spread the word to the world. I challenge you to not let fear stand in your way, share the love with Jesus Christ with one person this week. I will praying for this opportunity right along with you. If you feel led to, please share your experience with all of us on the blog, to give God all the glory.

Blessings,
Amy Swank

Being Obedient

Has the Lord ever asked you to do something for him? Maybe he asked you to befriend someone that you really didn't like or maybe he asked you to pray with your mother-in-law. Did you obey or did you disobey? Many of us miss the chance to be obedient to our Father God. Then stand by and watch as someone else gets the chance we missed out on. But those of you who listened and obeyed know how great it is to be obedient. The Lord begins to work in you in so many ways. You start receiving blessing after blessing. Deuteronomy 5:10, NLT states, But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations. I love that He mentions even for a thousand generations. He will never stop blessing his children as long we love and obey Him. I know that sometimes it is a challenge to obey God at times. But the Lord knows what He is doing, you just have to trust Him. I heard someone say that before we can fear the Lord we must not fear man. Sometimes it is very hard to disregard what others my think of our actions. Will we be made fun of or called crazy? But we must remember who the task is for, not those people (even though they may benefit from it), the task is for God. Everything we do should all be for the glory of God. We must obey God rather than human authority. Acts 5:29, NLT

I would like to share how God blessed me recently for being obedient. My office had been going through some hard times. Most of the staff was very unhappy. I was in a really hard position as well. I had to hear the supervisors worry about the economy and then I had to hear how the staff was worried about what the supervisors were planning to do. It was very difficult to handle. I didn't even want to go to work anymore, it was to depressing. So I started to pray about it and ask God what could I do. After a few days of prayer the Lord told me to start a bible study for all the ladies at work. By the way all the employees are women. I thought this would be a great idea. The ladies would be able to actually have some positive God time in the work place. Instead of all the negativity that was flying around. The hard part was I had to ask my boss if it would be okay. I was a nervous wreck for two days. I was so worried that when I finally got the chance to ask, he would say NO. But I had to keep reminding myself, the Lord called me to do this, my boss had to say yes. And the great news is, he did!! I was so excited. So we started out meeting once a month. Only a few people showed up each time, but when you are obedient to the Lord, it turns out amazing. The Lord showed up each time. The entire experience created a group of amazing women who love God and want to grow into a deeper relationship with Him. The last time we met was this past Monday and it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Two of us were baptized in the Holy Spirit. God showed up in a big way!! It was awesome!!! The whole night I kept thanking the Lord for blessing me for my obedience. If I hadn't obeyed the Lord then I wouldn't have had those amazing moments with our Father God. Plus the Lord has continued to keep using me in many ways. For instance this blog. I want this blog to be a resource for the women in NWA to share their testimonies, Scriptures, or anything else amazing. I look forward to your comments.

Blessings,
Amy Swank