Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
HELLO!!!
Have you ever heard the phrase, “We’re Twinkies!”? I hadn’t heard it until last night – and I am still not sure if anyone else actually says it other than my crazy friend! :D Apparently, it is said when two people have something in common! Whether it be the same clothes or liking the same thing…we’re Twinkies~ Last night…we were Twinkies because we have the same screen saver set on our computers! Can’t you see it! My friend and I dressed in Twinkie costumes on the side of the road! Or on the side of a bus – like an ad! Anyway…we had something in common – therefore…”we’re Twinkies!!!!”
My sister and I got some time with the house to ourselves last week. We did all sorts of fun things – grocery shopping, making a menu, reading at Dairy Queen, going to dance pictures…a lot of things!!! One day, we were randomly talking and she said that her stomach hurt. I asked her why and she said that it was because she had chewed gum. Now, this may seem really strange to all you readers, but I completely understood!!! Apparently, we are the only ones on the universe with this “thing” but when we chew gum, it makes our stomach hurt! Anytime, we tell anyone that, they think we are crazy! We determined that it was a “sister thing!”
We, as Christians, have a bond too! It may not be the same screensaver or stomach aches when we chew gum…Actually, it is a lot more important! We all have the love of Jesus! The love of God that surpasses all understanding! The love that gives us peace lives in each Christian all over the world.
The apostle Paul tells us to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Powerful words! Webster’s Dictionary defines unity as this: the state of being one, or united; oneness; something complete in itself; the quality of being one in spirit! Peace is the uniting force behind it all! Jesus Christ is the uniting force!
Jesus will unite all the people everywhere! We, as Christians, need to unite to tell the world about Jesus! We are like a box of Twinkies! We all have something in common – Jesus, but until we get out of our box, we do no good! So, jump out! And UNITE through the bonding power of JESUS CHRIST!!!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Early Out Days ~
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Good Morning!!!
When I was still in high school, early out days were the BEST! Instead of the usual 2:53pm bell, it would ring at 1pm or 11:30am!!! The teachers knew not to plan too much on early out days. The mood was just different. It was happier…like all in the world was right because we woke up to an early out day. Students were excited for what might happen…it was almost as good as getting a snow day! The days when you would wake up and you couldn’t hold the excitement in because you knew the roads would be covered in snow and ice and that they would call off school!!! I wish that same mood was around every day. Early out days were NOT ordinary days!
How did you feel when you woke up this morning? Did you feel excited? Did you feel like jumping for joy that God woke you for another day? Or did you feel lousy like it is just another ordinary day?
If God has a purpose for everything, He has a purpose for bringing the sun this morning! That alone should make us excited!! Psalm 118 tells us to rejoice in the day!!! Rejoice that God woke you this morning and that the Lord has created this day! He created a day for us to be excited for what might come! He creates an extraordinary day everyday!
We should wake up knowing that we have an extraordinary day ahead of us and that should make us energized for whatever life puts in our path! May you find the extraordinary in what seems to be an ordinary day ahead of you! May you be blessed by what you find!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Good Morning!!!
When I was still in high school, early out days were the BEST! Instead of the usual 2:53pm bell, it would ring at 1pm or 11:30am!!! The teachers knew not to plan too much on early out days. The mood was just different. It was happier…like all in the world was right because we woke up to an early out day. Students were excited for what might happen…it was almost as good as getting a snow day! The days when you would wake up and you couldn’t hold the excitement in because you knew the roads would be covered in snow and ice and that they would call off school!!! I wish that same mood was around every day. Early out days were NOT ordinary days!
How did you feel when you woke up this morning? Did you feel excited? Did you feel like jumping for joy that God woke you for another day? Or did you feel lousy like it is just another ordinary day?
If God has a purpose for everything, He has a purpose for bringing the sun this morning! That alone should make us excited!! Psalm 118 tells us to rejoice in the day!!! Rejoice that God woke you this morning and that the Lord has created this day! He created a day for us to be excited for what might come! He creates an extraordinary day everyday!
We should wake up knowing that we have an extraordinary day ahead of us and that should make us energized for whatever life puts in our path! May you find the extraordinary in what seems to be an ordinary day ahead of you! May you be blessed by what you find!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Not Too Difficult!!!
Deuteronomy 30:11 (NIV)
“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.”
Hello!
Last night, Jacob, my four year-old brother, wanted a bowl of cereal. Then, he wanted to eat it in the living room – sure, he’s eaten in the living room before! After he was finished, Grandma asked him to bring it back into the kitchen. Boy, did we have a fit! He didn’t want to do it…any part of it! He pushed the bowl and spilt the remaining milk and cereal all over the coffee table! I told him no Nintendo DS unless he cleaned up the mess. A simple request! (It wasn’t a huge mess!)
Grandma sat and talked him through it! “Jacob, bring me your bowl so you can get your DS back.” Jacob went and got his bowl – still throwing a HUGE fit! He only brought it so far and was so reluctant to do it at all! “Jacob, take the wash-rag and do ‘this’ a few times and bring it back.” Well, he FINALLY did it and he got his DS back.
God had just given the Israelites A LOT of laws and regulations! God provided a way for the Israelites to worship Him in everything – even the ordinary things! It may seem crazy to us in the 21st century, but God means the best for His children. Sometimes, what God commands seems crazy. Sometimes, it seems hard. I don’t know if I would have survived trying to remember all of the different sacrifices! And sometimes, God asks something of you that you really don’t want to do.
Jacob thought that the job was too hard for him. “I can’t know how to do it!” he yelled! He didn’t want to know how to do it because then he would have to do it! This Scripture in Deuteronomy reminds us that God will never ask something of you that is too hard that you can’t handle it! God will never ask you to do something that you can’t do! You may have to learn something new!
So the next time God asks you to do something, have the confidence to know that God will be there every step! He would never ask you to do something that is too hard or impossible! He promises…It is NOT TOO DIFFICULT!!!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.”
Hello!
Last night, Jacob, my four year-old brother, wanted a bowl of cereal. Then, he wanted to eat it in the living room – sure, he’s eaten in the living room before! After he was finished, Grandma asked him to bring it back into the kitchen. Boy, did we have a fit! He didn’t want to do it…any part of it! He pushed the bowl and spilt the remaining milk and cereal all over the coffee table! I told him no Nintendo DS unless he cleaned up the mess. A simple request! (It wasn’t a huge mess!)
Grandma sat and talked him through it! “Jacob, bring me your bowl so you can get your DS back.” Jacob went and got his bowl – still throwing a HUGE fit! He only brought it so far and was so reluctant to do it at all! “Jacob, take the wash-rag and do ‘this’ a few times and bring it back.” Well, he FINALLY did it and he got his DS back.
God had just given the Israelites A LOT of laws and regulations! God provided a way for the Israelites to worship Him in everything – even the ordinary things! It may seem crazy to us in the 21st century, but God means the best for His children. Sometimes, what God commands seems crazy. Sometimes, it seems hard. I don’t know if I would have survived trying to remember all of the different sacrifices! And sometimes, God asks something of you that you really don’t want to do.
Jacob thought that the job was too hard for him. “I can’t know how to do it!” he yelled! He didn’t want to know how to do it because then he would have to do it! This Scripture in Deuteronomy reminds us that God will never ask something of you that is too hard that you can’t handle it! God will never ask you to do something that you can’t do! You may have to learn something new!
So the next time God asks you to do something, have the confidence to know that God will be there every step! He would never ask you to do something that is too hard or impossible! He promises…It is NOT TOO DIFFICULT!!!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Go CONDITIONER!!!!
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Hello!
Contrary to what my profile picture shows, I have very curly hair. Short, curly hair! I try hard to take care of it. I am careful not to drown it in too many chemicals and gels. I shampoo it with a special shampoo for curly hair. And, I even take the time to use conditioner!
So, I did a little research on why I should use conditioner. I think I should know why I use it! Here are some of the reasons I found:
Keeps hair healthy.
Makes hair smooth.
Keeps hair moisturized.
Allows hair to shine.
Needless to say, I never forget to use conditioner! But, I wonder how many of us forget to use our conditioners in our spiritual lives. The conditioners that make our lives healthy and running smoothly (even on the bumpiest parts of the road). The conditioners that keep our hearts soft and allows our lives to shine!
Just as we want our hair to shine, we also want our lives to shine. And we should allow them to shine in praise of our Glorious Creator God! We should remember the light that is within us when we have Jesus in our lives and we should rekindle the flame everyday! Create it into the torch that it should be! We can do this by praying, reading the Word of God, worshiping, spending time with other Christians, fasting, giving, and being in mission!!!
No matter what you choose to do to renew and condition your life, you will be blessed! Others will see the light that you give to the world, and they will give thanks to God! And those who don’t know about our Savior Jesus Christ will ask…and you can give the reason for the hope you have. (1 Peter 3:15)
So break out the Bible and your smile…and let the light flow forth! Just as you would never miss a step in the shower – don’t forget to use the conditioners in your life to SHINE for God!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Hello!
Contrary to what my profile picture shows, I have very curly hair. Short, curly hair! I try hard to take care of it. I am careful not to drown it in too many chemicals and gels. I shampoo it with a special shampoo for curly hair. And, I even take the time to use conditioner!
So, I did a little research on why I should use conditioner. I think I should know why I use it! Here are some of the reasons I found:
Keeps hair healthy.
Makes hair smooth.
Keeps hair moisturized.
Allows hair to shine.
Needless to say, I never forget to use conditioner! But, I wonder how many of us forget to use our conditioners in our spiritual lives. The conditioners that make our lives healthy and running smoothly (even on the bumpiest parts of the road). The conditioners that keep our hearts soft and allows our lives to shine!
Just as we want our hair to shine, we also want our lives to shine. And we should allow them to shine in praise of our Glorious Creator God! We should remember the light that is within us when we have Jesus in our lives and we should rekindle the flame everyday! Create it into the torch that it should be! We can do this by praying, reading the Word of God, worshiping, spending time with other Christians, fasting, giving, and being in mission!!!
No matter what you choose to do to renew and condition your life, you will be blessed! Others will see the light that you give to the world, and they will give thanks to God! And those who don’t know about our Savior Jesus Christ will ask…and you can give the reason for the hope you have. (1 Peter 3:15)
So break out the Bible and your smile…and let the light flow forth! Just as you would never miss a step in the shower – don’t forget to use the conditioners in your life to SHINE for God!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
See With Your Own Eyes...
Deuteronomy 10:21, 11:7 (NIV)
“He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes…But it was your own eyes that saw all these great things the Lord has done.”
Hello!
Have you ever seen something beautiful? So beautiful, that it was breath-taking!? Some people look out my window in the fall and feel like the view is breath-taking. Some people have the chance to look out upon the Grand Canyon and experience the awe and wonder of God’s creation. Maybe it was holding your child for the first time. Or maybe it was sitting in that chair as a wedding of your child was taking place. Perhaps it was a special someone. Or perhaps it was the ending to a good movie. What have you seen?
What about with God? Have you seen what He has done and what He is doing? Have you ever felt the love of God embrace you? Have you ever experienced one of His miracles? Have you ever felt the relief that comes when you experience Jesus? Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit filling your heart?
My friend, look around you and see the beauty of the earth – it was all created by God. The God who loves YOU!!! Look and find the miracles that He is causing! Feel the beauty of your sin being completely washed away. See the people around you who are being set free by the love of God! You can see it with your own eyes!!! See the great things the Lord has done!
And once you see the beauty of it all (creation and life)…go tell someone about it! Tell them about the love of God and the wonderful things that He can do in their life. Tell how you have been released from your sin and captivity into a new life! Tell them how they can experience the love of God!
Father God, I ask you to fill our sight with a breath-taking view of your awesome wonders. I ask that you will remind us of what you have done for us—You delivered us from our own captivity by doing something beautiful on the cross. I ask that you would encourage us to tell someone about Your love so that they, too, may know of your wonders. Thank You Jesus! Amen.
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
“He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes…But it was your own eyes that saw all these great things the Lord has done.”
Hello!
Have you ever seen something beautiful? So beautiful, that it was breath-taking!? Some people look out my window in the fall and feel like the view is breath-taking. Some people have the chance to look out upon the Grand Canyon and experience the awe and wonder of God’s creation. Maybe it was holding your child for the first time. Or maybe it was sitting in that chair as a wedding of your child was taking place. Perhaps it was a special someone. Or perhaps it was the ending to a good movie. What have you seen?
What about with God? Have you seen what He has done and what He is doing? Have you ever felt the love of God embrace you? Have you ever experienced one of His miracles? Have you ever felt the relief that comes when you experience Jesus? Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit filling your heart?
My friend, look around you and see the beauty of the earth – it was all created by God. The God who loves YOU!!! Look and find the miracles that He is causing! Feel the beauty of your sin being completely washed away. See the people around you who are being set free by the love of God! You can see it with your own eyes!!! See the great things the Lord has done!
And once you see the beauty of it all (creation and life)…go tell someone about it! Tell them about the love of God and the wonderful things that He can do in their life. Tell how you have been released from your sin and captivity into a new life! Tell them how they can experience the love of God!
Father God, I ask you to fill our sight with a breath-taking view of your awesome wonders. I ask that you will remind us of what you have done for us—You delivered us from our own captivity by doing something beautiful on the cross. I ask that you would encourage us to tell someone about Your love so that they, too, may know of your wonders. Thank You Jesus! Amen.
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
On Dad's Shoulders
Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Good Morning!!!
When I was little, Dad would give me piggy-back rides! But, I would convince him to let me up on his shoulders. So I would sit on his shoulders and wrap one arm around his head (usually so he couldn’t see) and then touch the ceiling with the other. I always liked the feeling of being tall. (In case you don’t know me…I am short – really short!!!) I was able to touch the ceiling – something I would have never been able to do without Dad’s help!
As Father’s day weekend has been approaching, I think of how much I have enjoyed growing up in my father’s house. I think of the times when he and I were both young enough to do piggy-back rides around the house. I think of the times that Dad, my brother, and I would wrestle on the living room floor (for fun). I think of the chocolate chip cookies that Dad makes every year around Christmas—that happened to be a secret family recipe that is on the back of every package of chocolate chips!!!
This Father’s day weekend, I encourage you, not only to remember your earthly fathers, but also your Heavenly Father. Remember the good times you have had! Remember the things that you have been able to do with God’s help!
When we accept Christ into our lives, He raises us up! He raises us out of the pit of self destruction into a new life. A new life where we can sit on our Father’s shoulders! And once we are on Dad’s shoulders, we, too, can reach for things above! We can set our minds to reach for the ceiling! Reach for the impossible…because on God’s shoulders—nothing is out of reach! The impossible can be possible and accomplished!
Set your mind to reach for the sky! Because on Dad’s shoulders—nothing is impossible!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Good Morning!!!
When I was little, Dad would give me piggy-back rides! But, I would convince him to let me up on his shoulders. So I would sit on his shoulders and wrap one arm around his head (usually so he couldn’t see) and then touch the ceiling with the other. I always liked the feeling of being tall. (In case you don’t know me…I am short – really short!!!) I was able to touch the ceiling – something I would have never been able to do without Dad’s help!
As Father’s day weekend has been approaching, I think of how much I have enjoyed growing up in my father’s house. I think of the times when he and I were both young enough to do piggy-back rides around the house. I think of the times that Dad, my brother, and I would wrestle on the living room floor (for fun). I think of the chocolate chip cookies that Dad makes every year around Christmas—that happened to be a secret family recipe that is on the back of every package of chocolate chips!!!
This Father’s day weekend, I encourage you, not only to remember your earthly fathers, but also your Heavenly Father. Remember the good times you have had! Remember the things that you have been able to do with God’s help!
When we accept Christ into our lives, He raises us up! He raises us out of the pit of self destruction into a new life. A new life where we can sit on our Father’s shoulders! And once we are on Dad’s shoulders, we, too, can reach for things above! We can set our minds to reach for the ceiling! Reach for the impossible…because on God’s shoulders—nothing is out of reach! The impossible can be possible and accomplished!
Set your mind to reach for the sky! Because on Dad’s shoulders—nothing is impossible!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Running on Empty?
Isaiah 40: 29-31 (NIV)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Happy Tuesday!
Yesterday, I pulled out of my driveway and realized that I needed fuel. Just as I pulled out, weird things started happening. My car was NOT acting right. The steering wheel locked up and different lights started flashing on my dashboard. For a moment, it scared me. I had to drive all the way into Bowling Green for Morgan’s stage rehearsals, and we did not have time for my car to act up! Luckily, I made it all the way into town without too many problems. I was relieved when I pulled up to the gas pump! I excitedly filled my tank with as much fuel as it could hold! And after it had plenty of fuel to run on, my car didn’t act up at all!
Sometimes, I wonder if we don’t do the same as Christians. Do you try running on low fuel? Are you low on the fuel that keeps you running throughout the week, or even just today? God can fill us up with fuel to keep us going! Fuel that will keep you going on to perfection each and every moment. NO CHARGE!!!
Just as my car wasn’t acting right with the proper amount of fuel, we don’t act right without our fuel either. Without being fueled by God, we sin – more than usual! We don’t have our conscience kicking in when we are doing something wrong. We don’t have the hope to know that we will make it through the next phase in our lives. We feel alone, like we are stranded somewhere without our cell phone! Sometimes, we get scared!
Though I was short on time, I decided to stop and get fuel. We need to do the same thing with our relationship with God. We need to fuel it! We need to take a break in our busy week and honor the Sabbath. Go to church and be in fellowship with other Christians. We need to spend time everyday in prayer and in the Word of God.
And when you have plenty of fuel, get out and share the Gospel. Share the good news, because that too will top off your tank! Be excited to fill your tank with the fuel of God. Don’t run on empty today, but be filled with the strength and love of God!!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Happy Tuesday!
Yesterday, I pulled out of my driveway and realized that I needed fuel. Just as I pulled out, weird things started happening. My car was NOT acting right. The steering wheel locked up and different lights started flashing on my dashboard. For a moment, it scared me. I had to drive all the way into Bowling Green for Morgan’s stage rehearsals, and we did not have time for my car to act up! Luckily, I made it all the way into town without too many problems. I was relieved when I pulled up to the gas pump! I excitedly filled my tank with as much fuel as it could hold! And after it had plenty of fuel to run on, my car didn’t act up at all!
Sometimes, I wonder if we don’t do the same as Christians. Do you try running on low fuel? Are you low on the fuel that keeps you running throughout the week, or even just today? God can fill us up with fuel to keep us going! Fuel that will keep you going on to perfection each and every moment. NO CHARGE!!!
Just as my car wasn’t acting right with the proper amount of fuel, we don’t act right without our fuel either. Without being fueled by God, we sin – more than usual! We don’t have our conscience kicking in when we are doing something wrong. We don’t have the hope to know that we will make it through the next phase in our lives. We feel alone, like we are stranded somewhere without our cell phone! Sometimes, we get scared!
Though I was short on time, I decided to stop and get fuel. We need to do the same thing with our relationship with God. We need to fuel it! We need to take a break in our busy week and honor the Sabbath. Go to church and be in fellowship with other Christians. We need to spend time everyday in prayer and in the Word of God.
And when you have plenty of fuel, get out and share the Gospel. Share the good news, because that too will top off your tank! Be excited to fill your tank with the fuel of God. Don’t run on empty today, but be filled with the strength and love of God!!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
WHY DID TURTLE CROSS THE ROAD?
WHY DID THE TURTLE CROSS THE ROAD?
Romans 1: 16 (NIV)
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
I live out in the country. This time of year, I see a lot of turtles crossing the road. Actually, I don’t really see them moving. They always seem to hide in their shell. I did see one turtle a long time ago that was actually moving around!!! AND…even when I passed him driving, he didn’t hide! I was very excited, though that was only one turtle out of how many that I passed??? I was curious on why turtles are always in their shell when I pass them on the highway. And it is because they are scared or sleeping!!!
Are you a turtle? Are you one who likes to hide in your shell? You may be saying, “Well, Samantha, I am not a turtle, so therefore I don’t have a shell!” But, then I would reply, “Yes, you do.” What is your shell? Where do you make yourself comfortable? Is it in the pew at church? (because I find those things very uncomfortable!) Is it inside your home? Is it behind your desk at work? Is it in your bed?
Won’t you take a risk and get out of your shell? Don’t be ashamed of who God made you to be! God wants you to help Him share the gospel! But to do that, you’ll need to get out of your shell. It might be a little uncomfortable at first, but I guarantee that you will be able to make a difference in this world. And most importantly, don’t be ashamed of the gospel! There is no reason to be. It truly is the power of God that can save the people of this world!
The one turtle that I saw not hiding in its shell took a risk! Are you willing to take a risk and share the gospel today? Don’t worry…God will be there every moment!
Why did the turtle cross the road? We may never know…but he was willing to take the risk!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
Romans 1: 16 (NIV)
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
I live out in the country. This time of year, I see a lot of turtles crossing the road. Actually, I don’t really see them moving. They always seem to hide in their shell. I did see one turtle a long time ago that was actually moving around!!! AND…even when I passed him driving, he didn’t hide! I was very excited, though that was only one turtle out of how many that I passed??? I was curious on why turtles are always in their shell when I pass them on the highway. And it is because they are scared or sleeping!!!
Are you a turtle? Are you one who likes to hide in your shell? You may be saying, “Well, Samantha, I am not a turtle, so therefore I don’t have a shell!” But, then I would reply, “Yes, you do.” What is your shell? Where do you make yourself comfortable? Is it in the pew at church? (because I find those things very uncomfortable!) Is it inside your home? Is it behind your desk at work? Is it in your bed?
Won’t you take a risk and get out of your shell? Don’t be ashamed of who God made you to be! God wants you to help Him share the gospel! But to do that, you’ll need to get out of your shell. It might be a little uncomfortable at first, but I guarantee that you will be able to make a difference in this world. And most importantly, don’t be ashamed of the gospel! There is no reason to be. It truly is the power of God that can save the people of this world!
The one turtle that I saw not hiding in its shell took a risk! Are you willing to take a risk and share the gospel today? Don’t worry…God will be there every moment!
Why did the turtle cross the road? We may never know…but he was willing to take the risk!
________________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Road Home
The Road Home
Hebrews 12: 2 (NIV)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and was sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Good morning!
For those of you who live in the St. Louis, MO, area, you remember the storm that we had last night—Well, I was driving in it! Let me tell you what happened:
All I wanted to do was get home. It was dark. I was alone in my car (me and God). The rain was beating all around me. And the rain NEVER stopped. Sometimes, the rain would not rain as hard as before. The roads were slippery at times. The rain definitely covered the road – and at times, I wasn’t sure where the lines were—especially, with the few spots where the fog would start rising off the road. When someone passed me, their lights seemed brighter than ever, but because my windshield is dirty on the inside, it made it hard to see. The frogs were jumping all over the road looking for safety from the storm. There was debris on the road. There were fallen trees just missing my path. I had to drive REALLY SLOW!!! I have never driven 30mph on highway 79—When the speed limit is 60mph! Sometimes, I would get behind someone who thought they needed to drive extra slow—though, I usually got angry at these people and very annoyed….they kept me going at a good pace so that I wouldn’t get hurt and go off the road! When I finally got home, I was relieved! It felt like I had just accomplished something amazing!
Then I realized that this is kind of what the road of life is like! Sometimes, we feel very alone. The world is always beating down on us. And the world never stops. Sometimes, life gets to be a little easier…but sometimes, life is just hard—and it seems as if it will never stop and things keep coming down!!! At times, life can be a little slippery—those are the times that you really don’t know what to choose! You have to be careful or who knows what will happen. Life can make you lose your way. And sometimes, you have to realize that you don’t always know the way. Sometimes, God hasn’t blown the fog away for you to see where you are going—sometimes, you have to take risks! Sometimes, people try to help out…give more light to the situation! BUT, if we aren’t open to advice…we won’t be able to receive some of the best help in the world! Sometimes, we need to clean the inside of us too…not just the outside!
Life can be a little tough with debris showing up! Leftover issues that were never resolved before can create debris in your life…but remember that it can show back up anytime another storm blows into town! Take care of the leftover debris in your life—so your life won’t get covered underneath it. Every so often, trees fall in our way…and sometimes, we need a little help moving them. Sometimes, it seems like people get in our way! BUT…the one thing I remembered the entire way home—that you should remember in life, is to keep your focus.
If I would have lost my focus, I would have been off the road easily. I would have driven right into the back end of someone else who was taking a little more precaution. If I would have lost my focus…things would have been a lot harder. Now…my focus was getting home safely…but I think we need to have the same focus when it comes to Jesus. Hebrews says to “fix your eyes on Jesus.” Fix your eyes on the prize! Focus your eyes on Jesus, and though, things will get in your way, you too can make it home safely!
___________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Hebrews 12: 2 (NIV)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and was sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Good morning!
For those of you who live in the St. Louis, MO, area, you remember the storm that we had last night—Well, I was driving in it! Let me tell you what happened:
All I wanted to do was get home. It was dark. I was alone in my car (me and God). The rain was beating all around me. And the rain NEVER stopped. Sometimes, the rain would not rain as hard as before. The roads were slippery at times. The rain definitely covered the road – and at times, I wasn’t sure where the lines were—especially, with the few spots where the fog would start rising off the road. When someone passed me, their lights seemed brighter than ever, but because my windshield is dirty on the inside, it made it hard to see. The frogs were jumping all over the road looking for safety from the storm. There was debris on the road. There were fallen trees just missing my path. I had to drive REALLY SLOW!!! I have never driven 30mph on highway 79—When the speed limit is 60mph! Sometimes, I would get behind someone who thought they needed to drive extra slow—though, I usually got angry at these people and very annoyed….they kept me going at a good pace so that I wouldn’t get hurt and go off the road! When I finally got home, I was relieved! It felt like I had just accomplished something amazing!
Then I realized that this is kind of what the road of life is like! Sometimes, we feel very alone. The world is always beating down on us. And the world never stops. Sometimes, life gets to be a little easier…but sometimes, life is just hard—and it seems as if it will never stop and things keep coming down!!! At times, life can be a little slippery—those are the times that you really don’t know what to choose! You have to be careful or who knows what will happen. Life can make you lose your way. And sometimes, you have to realize that you don’t always know the way. Sometimes, God hasn’t blown the fog away for you to see where you are going—sometimes, you have to take risks! Sometimes, people try to help out…give more light to the situation! BUT, if we aren’t open to advice…we won’t be able to receive some of the best help in the world! Sometimes, we need to clean the inside of us too…not just the outside!
Life can be a little tough with debris showing up! Leftover issues that were never resolved before can create debris in your life…but remember that it can show back up anytime another storm blows into town! Take care of the leftover debris in your life—so your life won’t get covered underneath it. Every so often, trees fall in our way…and sometimes, we need a little help moving them. Sometimes, it seems like people get in our way! BUT…the one thing I remembered the entire way home—that you should remember in life, is to keep your focus.
If I would have lost my focus, I would have been off the road easily. I would have driven right into the back end of someone else who was taking a little more precaution. If I would have lost my focus…things would have been a lot harder. Now…my focus was getting home safely…but I think we need to have the same focus when it comes to Jesus. Hebrews says to “fix your eyes on Jesus.” Fix your eyes on the prize! Focus your eyes on Jesus, and though, things will get in your way, you too can make it home safely!
___________________________
© Copyright 2009, Samantha Fomera
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
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