Sunday, April 24, 2011

Don't Feed The Birds

Do you remember when you were a teenager and you could not wait until you could do whatever you wanted to do? I mean move out of your own house and be the boss of yourself. No more school or parent rules! You would dream about sleeping in, putting off cleaning your room and whatever else you did not want to do on the weekend or any day of the week for that matter. Freedom from unnecessary rules was all you wanted.

Well, I was at a beach restaurant a few weeks ago eating key-lime pie with a close friend. I read the sign: Do not feed the birds, which was adjacent to three grown men. You guessed it. They were feeding the birds. What about those poor birds? They are going to depend on people to feed them and themselves. The sign is there for their good. Now that I am older, I understand that rules are for my good! I thought to myself, just because you are grown up does not mean that you should not follow rules. Yet the reality is that we do get to choose. It tells us in Isaiah 1:9 that if we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land. If not we will be devoured by the sword. Folks, they are consequences for everything. If you keep showing up to work late, you may have your pay docked or you may get fired. If you sleep around, you may get an STD. There are consequences for everything! But they are blessings when are obedient and live our lives right. This is the flip side to following the rules or signs around us! God gives us many signs. He uses His word and people. He can speak to us in many other ways, but we have to looking and reading the signs!

As I get older, I also see that rules are there to provide protection. You see, if I feed those birds, they are more apt to poop on me and or the eating area making it unsanitary. It’s just like in the Bible where it tells us not to forsake getting together with the congregation. I understand that as an adult there is no rule that I have to go to church. But when I don’t, I am less apt to grow, commune with God, and get to know good Godly people.



No matter what age you are, remember you have a choice. You can choose to feed or not feed the birds. The choice is up to you! What is God speaking to you? What signs is He sending you?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2010:25&version=NIV
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%201:19-20&version=NIV

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Date Night With Jesus


Dear Friends,
I have been thinking a lot about my time lately and how I spend it. I want to take every opportunity to spend time with the Lord. For example, I now look at church nights as a date with Jesus. I actually got this concept from a close friend I have prayed with several times and have spoken into her life. I kept hearing Him say I am your husband. I want you to be whole. I was so happy to hear her say, "Mrs. Reich, I have date with Jesus tonight!" This was last week. Again, it renewed my thinking. Yes, I was glad that she had a rekindling of her relationship with Christ, but it really ministered to me.

I have to tell you; I am excited about date nights with Jesus. Are you? God is looking for a people who are real with Him and His people. Where do you stand? Do you date the Lord? If not, it's time to rekindle your relationship. He wants to date you. Say, yes Lord!

In Christ and with Easter remembrance and joy,
Illy

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Rebecca Black - Friday (OFFICIAL PARODY VIDEO) - Sunday - Sadie B

Enjoy this song! Hope to see you at church on Sunday (if you live in North Port, FL)! I'll be there worshiping!!!! Will you?

Saturday, April 2, 2011

"How You Live (Turn Up The Music)"

Hey Folks,
The song "Turn Up the Music" by Point of Grace confirmed what I was hearing from God this morning. What matters is how we live and not what we do! It's time to live........ It's time to face things and live. Why not take a few chances like the song said? I don't want to be regretting when I look back in twenty years. Do you?

Selected lyrics from the Song :
Kiss all your children
Go to the games
Dance with your husband
Give to the needy
Pray for the grieving
Make peace with God
Make peace with yourself
Turn up the music!!!!!!

I hope this inspires you like it did me!


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