Good Morning my beautiful GEMS and sisters in Christ!
I just want you to know that I am praying for you today and that I love each of you! I am still flying high from last evening and know that God is and is going to do amazing things in our midst this year! Woo Hoo!!!!!!
Lisa leaves this morning for the DR and I told her we would all be praying for her! If you can, stop right now as your reading and say a prayer for her and the women and the ministry/conference which she is participating. Thank you! She will be back on Monday and I hope she will share some of the highlights with us and maybe I can even post some pictures.
Wasn't the lesson shared last night powerful. Our identity in Christ!!!! I am posting the Bible verses Lisa gave us last night, as she indicated I would. I am going to write each one on a card and have it for easy reference.
Don't forget your "homework" for your Small Group Meetings! Some of the questions are very thought provoking. Be sure to be in the Word and before His Throne in prayer as you study your questions! HE will guide and we will follow and grow together!!!
I love y'all!
Cheri Lynn
Here are the verses!
9/23 - Thursday
John 1:12-13
I am God's child!
Does it seem too good to be true that God loves you just exactly as you are? I think the key to embracing this truth is in verse 13...it's not because I am so great that He loves me and accepts me...it's because He wants to...it's His will.
9/24 - Friday
John 15:15
I am Christ's friend!
He calls us friend - and He has made everything known to us through daily reading the Bible, praying, and simply enjoying being in His presence. Today, really focus on talking to God as your friend...tell Him about every little thing that you are doing...just like you would to a friend on a cell phone...."call" on Him.
9/25 - Saturday
Romans 5:1
I have been justified!
Justified means being declared "not guilty". Even though you have sinned, when you ask Jesus to be your Savior and believe in Him, God does not hold your sins against you. If He did, Jesus died on the cross for no reason. Jesus died for your sins. Accept that grace and walk in confidence today.
9/26 - Sunday
1 Corinthians 6:17
I am united with the Lord!
You know those things that you just don't seem to be able to break free of? Think of it in the right way...you are united to God...ALL THE TIME. When you choose to sin, He is with you...and you are denying the Holy Spirit in you. Once you are His child, you cannot have God on a "sort of" basis. You are united. Live today thinking about the FACT that the Holy Spirit lives in you.
9/27 - Monday
1 Corinthians 6:19b-20
I have been bought with a price. I belong to Him!
We all want to "fit in" and be part of something. Because He loves you...and always has, He laid down His life for you...and He did it for me. This blows me away when I really stop to absorb it. I am that important...I am that necessary to Him...the God of the Universe paid for me. That should make every one of us stand up taller and stronger...and willing to do things His way.
9/28 - Tuesday
1 Corinthians 12:27
I am a member of Christ's Body!
Because He paid for me, I am connected to every person who has committed to living for Him. As I reach out, these Christians become more than folks at church...they become my brothers and sisters...and we are blood relatives...we are related by the Blood of Jesus Christ.
9/29 - Wednesday
Ephesians 1:18-19a
I am a saint!
This was big news to me when I learned it. I always thought saints were incredibly religious, perfect, extraordinary people. Turns out, that's not what the Bible says. Saints are Christians; people who are holy (set apart) and who follow God's ways. Yes, we sin, but we are not sinners. Romans 5:8 tells us that Christ dies for us "while we were sinners". Once we accept Him by faith, we become a saint.
9/30 - Thursday
Ephesians 1:5
I have been adopted as God's child!
Not only are you God's child...but you are a chosen child. It's not that God is stuck with you because He gave birth to you...He has adopted you...chosen you. That adds an extra dose of love...I'm His because He chose to have me.
10/1 - Friday
Ephesians 2:18
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit!
We do not need an earthly priest to talk to God for us. The Bible is clear: Jesus is our high priest forever. (Hebrews 4:14-16) He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Holy Spirit in us allows us to speak directly to our Father.
10/2 - Saturday
Colossians 1:14
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins!
Back up and read verses 9-14. WOW! Now that you know you are a saint, understand that all of those promises there are for you! You are forgiven. In order to live life in the "kingdom of light" - to live freely, we need to accept that forgiveness...and forgive ourselves.
10/3 - Sunday
Colossians 2:9-10
I am complete in Christ!
The NIV Bible says "fulness", but most other translations say "in Him you have been made complete". Without Jesus being full part of your life, you are incomplete. You will try to fill your hurts, anger, pain, depression and disappointments with things that are destructive. They can never fill you - only He can.
10/4 - Monday
Psalm 139:13-14
I am wonderfully made!
The truth is that you are fearfully (awesomely) and wonderfully made. Your Heavenly Father has known you since before you were born. There is nothing junky about someone that God has made. If you do not accept that you are wonderful, it is very difficult to act wonderfully! Accept the truth - you are wonderful. Act like it today.
10/5 - Tuesday
Genesis 1:26-27
I am created by God!
Sometimes we forget and we give our parents all the credit for "creating" us. The truth is that you were created by God. It wasn't man's idea to come up with the way to make babies! God has always known you. You are His precious creation.
10/6 - Wednesday
2 Corinthians 3:18
I am being transformed!
God did not stop with His creation of you...He continues to work in your life to transform you from your old (or current) selfish ways. His Holy Spirit, living in you, is pushing against the sin in your life...the sin that has you in bondage. As you turn from old ways, you walk toward good and righteous things. This is holy and transformed living.
See y'all tonight (10/6)!!!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Praise the Lord!!
What a night we had last night! Praises to our Lord and Savior and Heavenly Father!!!! It was awesome!!!! I was so excited when I got home that I couldn't unwind!! The kids too! Everyone seemed to have a great time and we were definitely in the Lord's presence, even with the technical difficulties.
I hope all of you felt the same!! We are excited about the new format and all the changes that God has brought about. I will post more later, but I just wanted to share my excitement!
I love y'all!
Cheri Lynn
I hope all of you felt the same!! We are excited about the new format and all the changes that God has brought about. I will post more later, but I just wanted to share my excitement!
I love y'all!
Cheri Lynn
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
GEMS is COMING - September 8th at 6pm!!!!!!!
Good Evening GEMS!
YES!!! We are getting ready to kick off another year with some changes and exciting news. You will not be disappointed as you come and join us for our Fall kick-off of GEMS! There will be Food, Child care, Fellowship, Worship, Prayer, Teaching, Prayer and more Fellowship!!! You don't want to miss it!!!
We can't wait to see all of you and re-connect! Bring a friend and we will all do life together!
God is good ALL the time - ALL the time God is good!!!!
Can't wait to see you!
Love y'all!
Cheri Lynn
YES!!! We are getting ready to kick off another year with some changes and exciting news. You will not be disappointed as you come and join us for our Fall kick-off of GEMS! There will be Food, Child care, Fellowship, Worship, Prayer, Teaching, Prayer and more Fellowship!!! You don't want to miss it!!!
We can't wait to see all of you and re-connect! Bring a friend and we will all do life together!
God is good ALL the time - ALL the time God is good!!!!
Can't wait to see you!
Love y'all!
Cheri Lynn
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Tribute to a Single Mom
Happy Mother's Day all you beautiful ladies!
Lisa sent the following to me and I thought I would share! Enjoy!
TRIBUTE TO A SINGLE MOTHER
Parenting is never easy,
But it’s widely known
That raising children is still harder
When you’re all alone.
All the duties two would split
Are now maintained by one.
With so little help
It’s often hard to get things done.
This is why the single mother
Gets our highest praise.
Her life of sharing has a way
Of filling up her days.
She’s asked to be both warm and loving.
Filled with patience rare;
But when her strength is needed,
She is also firm and fair.
She must fill in where fathers do,
Expand her mother’s role.
To every new requirement
She gives her heart and soul.
She seldom gets her proper share
Of rest and relaxation.
Her life is one of sacrifice
And selfless dedication.
She gives so much and asks so little
Of the world around her
That one could say that fate has blessed
The children who surround her.
-Bruce B. Wilmer
(Copyright© 1989, 1991 Bruce B. Wilmer)
Enjoy your Mother's Day!
Love y'all!
Lisa sent the following to me and I thought I would share! Enjoy!
TRIBUTE TO A SINGLE MOTHER
Parenting is never easy,
But it’s widely known
That raising children is still harder
When you’re all alone.
All the duties two would split
Are now maintained by one.
With so little help
It’s often hard to get things done.
This is why the single mother
Gets our highest praise.
Her life of sharing has a way
Of filling up her days.
She’s asked to be both warm and loving.
Filled with patience rare;
But when her strength is needed,
She is also firm and fair.
She must fill in where fathers do,
Expand her mother’s role.
To every new requirement
She gives her heart and soul.
She seldom gets her proper share
Of rest and relaxation.
Her life is one of sacrifice
And selfless dedication.
She gives so much and asks so little
Of the world around her
That one could say that fate has blessed
The children who surround her.
-Bruce B. Wilmer
(Copyright© 1989, 1991 Bruce B. Wilmer)
Enjoy your Mother's Day!
Love y'all!
Happy Mother's Day!
Hope you ALL have a wonderful Mother's Day! Enjoy every minute of the day as you engage with your little blessings or as you remember their childhood or remember their formative years, or talk to them on the phone or letters or Skype, etc. Enjoy Motherhood!
I received the following and thought you might enjoy it as well! Happy Mother's Day!
**Happy Mother's Day!**
Things I learned from my mother, and what my kiddo is learning from me :)
1. *My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE *.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. *My mother taught me RELIGION*.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. *My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL*.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. *My mother taught me LOGIC*.
"Because I said so, that's why."
5. *My mother taught me MORE LOGIC* .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. *My mother taught me FORESIGHT*.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. *My mother taught me IRONY*. "Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. *My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS *.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. *My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM*.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. *My mother taught me about STAMINA*.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. *My mother taught me about WEATHER*.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. *My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY*.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. *My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE*.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
14. *My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION *.
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. *My mother taught me about ENVY*.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have
wonderful parents like you do."
16. *My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION*.
"Just wait until we get home."
17. *My mother taught me about RECEIVING *.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. *My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE*.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to get stuck that way."
19. *My mother taught me ESP*.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. * **My mother taught me HUMOR.*
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. *My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT*.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. *My mother taught me GENETICS*.
"You're just like your father."
23. *My mother taught me about my ROOTS*.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. *My mother taught me WISDOM*.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
And my favorite:
25. *My mother taught me about JUSTICE.*
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you."
Happy Mother's Day Sweet GEMS!!!
I received the following and thought you might enjoy it as well! Happy Mother's Day!
**Happy Mother's Day!**
Things I learned from my mother, and what my kiddo is learning from me :)
1. *My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE *.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. *My mother taught me RELIGION*.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. *My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL*.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. *My mother taught me LOGIC*.
"Because I said so, that's why."
5. *My mother taught me MORE LOGIC* .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. *My mother taught me FORESIGHT*.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. *My mother taught me IRONY*. "Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. *My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS *.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. *My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM*.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. *My mother taught me about STAMINA*.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. *My mother taught me about WEATHER*.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. *My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY*.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. *My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE*.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
14. *My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION *.
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. *My mother taught me about ENVY*.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have
wonderful parents like you do."
16. *My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION*.
"Just wait until we get home."
17. *My mother taught me about RECEIVING *.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. *My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE*.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to get stuck that way."
19. *My mother taught me ESP*.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. * **My mother taught me HUMOR.*
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. *My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT*.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. *My mother taught me GENETICS*.
"You're just like your father."
23. *My mother taught me about my ROOTS*.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. *My mother taught me WISDOM*.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
And my favorite:
25. *My mother taught me about JUSTICE.*
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you."
Happy Mother's Day Sweet GEMS!!!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Discipline of Service: March 3, 2010
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
The Discipline of Service
John 13:1-17
1. Jesus modeled being a servant: Phil. 2:6-11; Acts 3:13, 26; 4:27, 30; Isa. 53
2. Jesus knew who He was. (Jn 13:3) - He was from God and returning to God
3. Jesus' service was not showy. (Jn13:4)
4. To be strong in the discipline of service, we must understand the difference between service and self-righteous service.
5. Christian service involves: * surrendering (more) time and rights
* understanding God's economy
* wanting to live this lifestyle through prayer,
confession, repentance and listening
Serve in and by: Hidden things; Small things; Guarding other' reputations; Being served; common courtesy; Hospitality; Listening; Bearing others' burdens; Sharing the Word; and Furthering the Kingdom!
Act of Service: so you can check it off your list as done (leaves you exhausted)
you pick whom you will serve
we fit it in - when it is good for us
Being a Servant: never feel like you are done (doesn't exhaust you, but fills you up)
He shows you who to serve and you don't care
Let's go and let Him show you
Serve no matter what - be sensitive
Will you SERVE? Bring Him Glory!!!!!!
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
The Discipline of Service
John 13:1-17
1. Jesus modeled being a servant: Phil. 2:6-11; Acts 3:13, 26; 4:27, 30; Isa. 53
2. Jesus knew who He was. (Jn 13:3) - He was from God and returning to God
3. Jesus' service was not showy. (Jn13:4)
4. To be strong in the discipline of service, we must understand the difference between service and self-righteous service.
5. Christian service involves: * surrendering (more) time and rights
* understanding God's economy
* wanting to live this lifestyle through prayer,
confession, repentance and listening
Serve in and by: Hidden things; Small things; Guarding other' reputations; Being served; common courtesy; Hospitality; Listening; Bearing others' burdens; Sharing the Word; and Furthering the Kingdom!
Act of Service: so you can check it off your list as done (leaves you exhausted)
you pick whom you will serve
we fit it in - when it is good for us
Being a Servant: never feel like you are done (doesn't exhaust you, but fills you up)
He shows you who to serve and you don't care
Let's go and let Him show you
Serve no matter what - be sensitive
Will you SERVE? Bring Him Glory!!!!!!
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
Bible Reading for March 4th - March 17th
Hey Ladies!
Here are the Bible Reading passages for the next two weeks! Enjoy!
Thursday - March 4th
Phil. 2:1-11
This is a remarkable passage about Jesus' example of Him becoming a servant in order to fulfill God's will. If He would do it, we should follow His example to serve others.
Friday - March 5th
Matt. 20:26-28
In this passage Jesus is getting to the heart of having a servant mindset. He clearly states what His definition of greatness is...those who serve others are great in God's eyes.
Saturday - March 6th
Luke 22:24-30
Jesus talks here to His disciples and again, He redefines greatness. He assures His disciples (and it transfers to us) that when they serve, their reward will be great.
Sunday - March 7th
Mark 9:33-37
Those rascals! They were arguing AGAIN about who was the greatest! Jesus takes a child and points out that serving in the small things is BIG in His eyes. Where is God calling you to serve in His kingdom?
Monday - March 8th
1 Cor. 10:24
Short and sweet! This passage is about our freedom in Christ...and using our freedom in constructive ways. Serving others is a GREAT way to be seeking the good of others.
Tuesday - March 9th
Gal. 6:1-10
Many of the aspects of serving are found here: guarding others' reputation, small things, bearing other's loads, serving in the kingdom...and more!
Wednesday - March 10th
Rom. 12:1-8
Another great passage about how we should view ourselves...as a person who lives to please God. What gifts has He given to you that you can offer back to Him?
Thursday - March 11th
Matt. 24:36-51
I thought this was an interesting look at not putting off being plugged in and serving. We never know when Christ will return...we want to be serving Him when He does! If we would live every day in that way, His peace would reign in our lives.
Friday - March 12th
2 Tim. 2:22-26
Look at Paul's words to the young pastor, Timothy. The guiding thought in this passage is for those who follow God to do so with humility and strong character. It's about having a servant's heart...not just "doing" acts of service.
Saturday - March 13th
Gal. 5:13-15
Wow - Paul could cut to a point in a powerful way! He writes here that we should not use our freedom to look out for ourselves...but to serve others in love!
Sunday - March 14th
James 2:14-17
Good deeds will not get us saved - only faith in Christ gives us salvation. But if you have put your faith in Him, He expects His followers to be actively doing good deeds for others as an expression of their faith.
Monday - March 15th
Matt. 25:31-46
Jesus teaches about the importance of having a servant's heart in the way we interact with others.
Tuesday - March 16th
John 12:23-28
This is a packed passage. Jesus is talking about His mission as a servant...to save the world by laying down His life. He also says that those who follow Him will be like Him by serving others and ministering to them in Jesus' name.
Wednesday - March 17th
Matt. 25:21
At the end of the day, this is all I want to hear from my Lord.
See you tonight!!!!!!
Here are the Bible Reading passages for the next two weeks! Enjoy!
Thursday - March 4th
Phil. 2:1-11
This is a remarkable passage about Jesus' example of Him becoming a servant in order to fulfill God's will. If He would do it, we should follow His example to serve others.
Friday - March 5th
Matt. 20:26-28
In this passage Jesus is getting to the heart of having a servant mindset. He clearly states what His definition of greatness is...those who serve others are great in God's eyes.
Saturday - March 6th
Luke 22:24-30
Jesus talks here to His disciples and again, He redefines greatness. He assures His disciples (and it transfers to us) that when they serve, their reward will be great.
Sunday - March 7th
Mark 9:33-37
Those rascals! They were arguing AGAIN about who was the greatest! Jesus takes a child and points out that serving in the small things is BIG in His eyes. Where is God calling you to serve in His kingdom?
Monday - March 8th
1 Cor. 10:24
Short and sweet! This passage is about our freedom in Christ...and using our freedom in constructive ways. Serving others is a GREAT way to be seeking the good of others.
Tuesday - March 9th
Gal. 6:1-10
Many of the aspects of serving are found here: guarding others' reputation, small things, bearing other's loads, serving in the kingdom...and more!
Wednesday - March 10th
Rom. 12:1-8
Another great passage about how we should view ourselves...as a person who lives to please God. What gifts has He given to you that you can offer back to Him?
Thursday - March 11th
Matt. 24:36-51
I thought this was an interesting look at not putting off being plugged in and serving. We never know when Christ will return...we want to be serving Him when He does! If we would live every day in that way, His peace would reign in our lives.
Friday - March 12th
2 Tim. 2:22-26
Look at Paul's words to the young pastor, Timothy. The guiding thought in this passage is for those who follow God to do so with humility and strong character. It's about having a servant's heart...not just "doing" acts of service.
Saturday - March 13th
Gal. 5:13-15
Wow - Paul could cut to a point in a powerful way! He writes here that we should not use our freedom to look out for ourselves...but to serve others in love!
Sunday - March 14th
James 2:14-17
Good deeds will not get us saved - only faith in Christ gives us salvation. But if you have put your faith in Him, He expects His followers to be actively doing good deeds for others as an expression of their faith.
Monday - March 15th
Matt. 25:31-46
Jesus teaches about the importance of having a servant's heart in the way we interact with others.
Tuesday - March 16th
John 12:23-28
This is a packed passage. Jesus is talking about His mission as a servant...to save the world by laying down His life. He also says that those who follow Him will be like Him by serving others and ministering to them in Jesus' name.
Wednesday - March 17th
Matt. 25:21
At the end of the day, this is all I want to hear from my Lord.
See you tonight!!!!!!
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