Enter by the Narrow Gate (by Pastor Mark Parsons)

We live in a secular culture, a "wide-gate" culture. Without the redemption in Jesus, the world is on a path of destruction and chaos.

Remember, knowing what you stand for limits what you fall for.

Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate: For the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it." (Matthew 7:13,14)

NOW GO LIVE IT!

Arise and Stand On Your Feet (by Pastor Mark Parsons)

Before Paul was converted, he had an amazing experience on his way to Damascus to persecute faithful and devoted followers of Christ.

At midday, while the sun was at its brightest, suddenly a light from heaven brighter than the sun could ever shine was shining all around him and those who were with him. Everyone fell to the ground; and Paul heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads."   (...useless to go against God's will–New Living Translation) Paul said, "Who are you, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But arise, and stand on your feet, for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness..."

Today, we also as believers, having the light of the gospel of Christ appear to us, are to "arise and stand on our feet" for such a time as this. We are to be unashamed, giving witness and testimony as able ministers of a new covenant sealed with the blood of Jesus.

Isaiah declares, "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." (See Acts 26:12-16, Isaiah 60:1, NIV)

NOW GO LIVE IT!

The Reason For The Season (by Carolyn Marshall)

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD almighty will accomplish this.”

Isaiah 9:6-7



There are many scriptures throughout the Bible, in both the old and new testaments, that tell of the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. No matter what the scripture, the message is always one of hope, joy, peace, love … salvation. But the message isn’t just about the birth of a baby in a manger. It begins there, but is hardly the whole story. For without the birth of the baby Jesus and His life here on earth, there would be no crucifixion and death on the cross. Without the crucifixion and death on the cross, there would be no burial and resurrection. Without the resurrection, there would be no redemption for us and no salvation. And without redemption and salvation, there would be no life everlasting with God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, this December 25 (the day we have chosen to celebrate Christmas), remember the whole story of why this birth was (is) so special. And after that day has passed and all the trees, ornaments, and gifts have been put away, remember that the most important gift of all, the one from heaven above, can be enjoyed and celebrated 365 days a year. Don’t tuck it away in a box somewhere not to be pulled out again until next December comes around. Keep it open in view of all. It was meant to be shared with everyone.

God bless each and every one of you as you celebrate Jesus!

The Reason For The Season

Christmas is a season filled with laughter and good cheer,

A time to visit family and friends that we hold dear.

Trinkets dress our tree and pretty tinsel makes it bright.

An angel placed on top will keep us safe throughout the night.

The children are so happy that the day is almost here

To see what Santa brings them dressed in red and long white beard.

Excitement fills the air, and almost everywhere you go,

You’ll see the celebration with the houses all aglow.

But let us not forget on Christmas day so long ago

A child was born in Bethlehem and wrapped in swaddling clothes.

His bed was in a stable, just a manger made with hay.

And one bright star up in the East would help to lead the way.

Three wise men and some shepherds heard the news and left that night.

With gifts in hand they traveled far to see the Holy Light.

This baby boy was Jesus, sent to us from God above.

His only child, from virgin birth, would live with perfect love.

The reason for the season is the best gift God could give.

He loved the world so much He gave His son so we could live.

A gift of life eternal with the Father and the Son.

The reason for the season is the gift of God’s pure love.

Carolyn Marshall

© 12/16/04

Cuddle Up With Jesus (by Carolyn Marshall)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30)



(Circulated via email - Photographer Unknown)

Have you ever wanted to just run away, to leave the world behind, to crawl up in the lap of Jesus and cuddle with Him? This picture is a beautiful reminder of how simple it is to do.  How wonderful it would be to sit there and lay our head on His shoulder. We wouldn’t need to say a word as Jesus wrapped His arms around us. We would feel His love in those intimate moments with Him. Without speaking, He would let us know just how much He loves us and that every tiny detail of our lives is under His control. How awesome is that!

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites all of us who are weary or burdened to come to Him and He will give us rest - body, mind and soul. We should all follow the example of this trusting dog and seek comfort in the lap of Jesus. Oh, and by the way … the breed of the dog is a German “Shepherd”!

Invitation To The Thirsty (by Margaret Duran)

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and receive the purpose for which I sent it.'” (Isaiah 55:6-11)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

This scripture reminds us that God can bring forth beauty and grace where evil once flourished and turn sarcasm to gentle words. Where lust grew rampant and unrestrained, pure love can spring up. There is a thirst built within us that nothing in this world can satisfy. God did that purposely so that we would want to love and worship Him. He wants a relationship with us and, until that thirst for God has been satisfied, we can never be content or at peace with anything. It doesn’t matter what choices we make to satisfy that thirst, it cannot be until we turn our heart and mind over to God in worship and praise for who He is.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

Prayer In Secret (by Margaret Duran)

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

Years ago, as a very immature, disobedient child of God, I would pray for all the things I wanted (more than what I needed). But, as we mature, we learn to pray for others and their needs. It is such a joy when we see those prayers answered. I also learned that as I prayed for others I received the blessing as well. All my needs are met, and I am being abundantly blessed spiritually. This is the wonderful joy of intercession on behalf of your family, friends and those you come in contact with daily.

The Father does know all that we have need of, and when our hearts are turned to the needs of others, He truly blesses us even more. I feel very comfortable with simply talking to Jesus as I would talk to a very dear, close, intimate friend. He is truly all of these and more. Practice makes perfect. The more we pray, the more comfortable it becomes, until we can just pour out our soul to Him with all the love in our hearts. That's when answers come from the Father. "… The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16 (NIV)

TEACH ME HOW TO PRAY

Teach me how to pray, Lord,

For I want to know Your way.

Draw me closer to You,

Be my guide for each new day.

Show me who is needy

Of a kind and gentle hand.

Let me be Your water

On this dry and desert land.

Fill me with compassion

For the hurt and lonely heart.

Fan the flame inside me

So Your light can pierce the dark.

Bless me with Your Spirit,

When I don’t know what to say.

Guide me as I witness,

So the lost can find the Way.

(© 7/12/10 Carolyn L. Marshall)

May you truly be blessed and find peace as you talk with our Heavenly Father in your quiet time today and always.



I Love You -- God (By Carolyn Marshall)

What a wonderful assurance it is that we have in these words from our heavenly Father, “I love you!” It doesn’t matter what we’ve done, from where we come, or what we look like. He loves us just because … He does! That’s who He is. All He ever asks of us is our love.

If you know the Lord as your personal Savior, you live with His love in your heart and feel His presence. If you don’t know Him (or you aren’t sure), you can know today without a shadow of a doubt. God loves us so much that He made it very simple for us to have this peace beyond all understanding. Do you want to Know Jesus and how you can receive this wonderful, free gift? Follow the step-by-step, simple "Plan of Salvation" by clicking on the tab “Know Jesus?” above. God knew us before we were even born, and He made it easy for us to know Him. Just take God at His word, and He will help you live a victorious Christian life!

Whether you know Him, want to know Him or you just aren’t sure, please watch this video below, I Love You – God. Whatever the state of your heart, I know you will be blessed and encouraged by the message.

Israel - A Corrupt Generation (by Margaret Duran)

Moses is speaking about the Israelites in the following verses, but it applies to us today.

"Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; hear O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. They have acted corruptly toward him; to their shame they are no longer his children, but a warped and crooked generation. Is this the way you repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?" Deuteronomy 32:1-6 (NIV)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

The meaning is very clear. We are guilty of the same sins as were the Israelites. We are absorbed with the things in this world with no conscience of any wrong doings. But we must wake up and face our sin and repent, for we want to be ready when Jesus comes for us.

We are truly a corrupt generation. We sin each day and fall short of what God would have us to be. Can we change ourselves? No. But, through the power of the Holy Spirit and our surrendered will, He can change us and keep us in the will of God. This doesn't mean that we will never sin again. But the Holy Spirit will be there to help us recognize the temptation and, through Him, we can resist it.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

I was given a business card that said "Put God in the center and everything will come together." I have found that to be so very true.

The 7 "Ups" of Life (by Carolyn Marshall)

I know most of us find the tons of junk email we get everyday a little annoying. Many avoid it by having it immediately sent to trash mail "Never Neverland". I am one of the few who love to get it. It’s easy to tell pretty quickly what is real junk; but, occasionally, you find jewels among the garbage. Sometimes, you will find a poem, video, or inspirational message that makes your heart smile, and you just have to pass it on. Here’s one that has been around awhile, but is good advice for anyone to have a great day.

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

 

The 7 "Ups" of Life

1.  Wake Up

Decide to have a good day.

"Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

2.  Dress Up

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.

A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man

looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3.  Shut Up

Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one

mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he

who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise."

Proverbs 19:20

4.  Stand Up

… for what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap

a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."

Galatians 6:9-10

5.  Look Up

… to the Lord.

 “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

6.  Reach Up

… for something higher. Always try to better yourself. Have FAITH.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

7.  Lift Up

… your prayers.

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." Philippians 4:6

(AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

My prayer for all of you today is that you feel the power of change that these 7 "Ups" can make, and that God bless you with a new perspective in your life.

Reward For Obedience (by Margaret Duran)

©2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

“Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for He acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”       Psalm 91:14-16 (NIV)

God's gift to us for our obedience, worship and praise is so great. When we make time to sit alone with Jesus, there are great rewards that we know not of. Here are just a few of the many ways we are blessed:

Ø      Peace that passes all understanding;

Ø      Joy that fills our hearts to overflowing;

Ø      Rivers of living water will flow through and from us to everyone we meet;

Ø      Financial needs are met;

Ø      Our life begins to come together.

When we love someone, we want time alone with them, and so does Jesus. We must show Him that we love Him through our obedience.

 “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:3 NIV

Our purpose in life is to give Him love and praise. That is why He created us … a real, personal relationship. It's time now to test our hearts because Jesus is coming again. Will our lamps be filled with oil so we will be ready when the Bridegroom comes?

Reasons To Rejoice (by Carolyn Marshall)

Do you ever get up in the morning and think that you just aren’t sure how you are going to make it through the day? I can remember a time in my life when I dreaded going to bed at night because sleep would pass fast and then I would have to face the inevitable “tomorrow”.



© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

The people of our world are facing some very difficult times now. Regardless of whom we are, where we live, or how much money we make, at some point in our lives we all face times when we are afraid, sad, lonely, rejected, or poor (not necessarily in an economic way but, rather, poor spiritually) . Some find it difficult to cope because they feel there is no way out of their situation and that there is no hope for things to get better. But there is always hope, and there is always reason to be joyful. Here are just a few that Jesus gave us when he was speaking to His disciples:

“Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.” Luke 6:20-23

The bible is full from beginning to end with reasons for us to be full of hope and joy. If you are tired of running in never-ending circles; if you’re ready to say “goodbye” to the lies of the world, and “ Thank You, Lord!” for the promises of our Savior, then:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Now … REJOICE!

Are We Falling Away? (by Margaret Duran)

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:11-12, 14 (NIV)



© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

So often the cares of this life become more important than our relationship with Jesus and we become stagnant. We fail to grow and we are out of God’s will. It takes quality time with Jesus daily to grow and become disciples able to teach others the way to salvation. It is my hope that the following poem will touch your heart and bring you back to your first love for Jesus.

Determined To Hear God’s Voice

Please meet me in the garden, Lord,

That peaceful, quiet place,

And let me linger on Your lap

To gaze upon Your face.

I long to hear Your gentle voice,

Soft whispers in my ear;

With loving tugs upon my heart,

I feel You draw me near.

Too many times, in weakened state,

I let the world close in,

When all I ever need to do

Is trust my one true Friend.

Surrendered heart I give You, Lord,

And wait on bended knees,

Determined now to hear Your voice,

O God, please speak to me.

(© 12/08/09 Carolyn L. Marshall)

Life In The World (by Carolyn Marshall)

You could ask 100 people what Christianity meant to them, and you would probably get 100 different answers. Each response would depend on where they were in their own personal walk with the Lord.



© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1858-1901) was a well-known clergyman and noted for his writing in the 19th century. Many of you are probably familiar with the poem he wrote called This Is My Father’s World, which has been sung as a hymn for many years. He also wrote a wonderful description of Christianity that I would like to share with you today. It is simply called “Christianity”:

“Christianity is not a voice in the wilderness, but a life in the world. It is not an idea in the air but feet on the ground, going God’s way. It is not an exotic to be kept under glass, but a hardy plant to bear twelve months of fruits in all kinds of weather. Fidelity to duty is its root and branch. Nothing we can say to the Lord, no calling Him by great or dear names, can take the place of the plain doing of His will. We may cry out about the beauty of eating bread with Him in His kingdom, but it is wasted breath and a rootless hope, unless we plow and plant in His kingdom here and now. To remember Him at His table and to forget Him at ours, is to have invested in bad securities. There is no substitute for plain, every-day goodness.”

Let us all live this life in a way that will glorify our Lord. His love is too rich a gift to be (as Mr. Babcock put it) “kept under glass”.

His Yoke Is Easy (by Carolyn Marshall)

“A man was carrying a heavy basket. His son asked to help him. The father cut a stick and placed it through the handle of the basket so that the end toward himself was very short, while the end toward the boy was three or four times as long. Each took hold of his end of the stock, and the basket was lifted and easily carried. The son was bearing the burden with the father, but he found his work easy and light because his father assumed the heavy end of the stock. Just so it is when we bear the yoke with Christ; He sees to it that the burden laid on us is light; He carries the heavy end.” (John T. Faris)



© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

 There isn’t a man, woman or even a child living who doesn’t have “issues” that need to be dealt with every minute of every day. Those of us who have surrendered our lives to Christ do not get a “magic pass” to escape all of our burdens as some people may think, either. We struggle the same as everyone else, and sometimes more. Because now, as children of God, the adversary (Satan) has to work even harder to try to pluck us out of God’s hands. “Try” is the operative word here, because once we surrender our lives to God, we are forever His. Praise God! But it doesn’t stop him from trying.

You don’t have to be up to date with current events in the newspapers, on the radio, television, or Internet to know that we all deal with our burdens in different ways, either. Just open your eyes to the people around you - depression, alcoholism, suicide, divorce, bankruptcy, abortion, murder are on the increase at an alarming rate. As human beings, we tend to want to take control and deal with problems in our lives in our own way. In the beginning, we think we are strong enough to handle whatever life may toss our way because we are “tough”. Some may be able to hold on longer than others but, eventually, they will reach the end of the rope of “their own strength”. They will have to make a decision to keep struggling with their problem or let go and give it all to God.

So many times, we suffer needlessly because we don’t give our burdens to the Master problem solver, our heavenly Father. We read in Matthew 11:28-30:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

And, oh, what peace we find when we do surrender! We can come before God as His “child” and sit in His lap. Picture yourself laying your head on God’s shoulder, looking up into those beautiful all-loving eyes. Feel His arms wrapped around you. I can’t think of a better place to be. Can you?