Discover Your Gift!
"The same day went
Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went
into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying,
Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured
them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no
deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And
some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth
fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples
came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given
unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall
be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore
speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And
in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye
shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and
their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand
with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your
ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things
which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore
the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked
one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that
received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he
not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he
is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and
the deceitfulness of riches, spoke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground
is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some
sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:1-23 KJV)
I loved the Parable of the Sower. Christians have so many
different gifts and at different points in their lives. We may start out as sowers, seed planters. We tell people
about Jesus, we spread the Good News, we share a word of Testimony about what the Lord is doing or has done in our life and
it touches the lives and hearts of others. It is nothing we do though - it is Jesus and He is working in the lives of
others around us, we just have to be a willing vessel to be all we can be for Him. I promise He will use you if you
are willing.
Some people
have the gift of encouragement. We are placed in each others life to encourage one another to walk each day with Jesus.
We try to handle life's problems on our own and then we get frustrated and think God why are you doing this to me?
Well, really if we are trying to handle a valley without submitting it daily to the Lord - who is causing the frustration?
We sometimes stay in a valley because we are not open to what the Lord is saying. We may not always like where the Lord
is taking us, but only He knows what will happen in our lives and we need to open our hearts and our ears to what He is saying
in our lives and prayerfully submit to Him each morning.
What is your gift? Some of us are in a "student stage." We are a baby
in the word and we are just learning how to study His word. We have a hunger to learn - but we don't know where
to start. Listen for what the Lord is saying. Study His word each day and pray that the Lord will give you wisdom
to hear and open your eyes to see the path He wants you to take in your life. He loves you and even if it was just me
or just you in this world He would have still given His life - because that is what His mission was. What is your mission?
Are you a willing vessel?
I am praying for each of you reading this today. I pray the Lord touches your life in a mighty way today. Have
a blessed weekend. Invite someone to church with you this Sunday. If you are not going to church what a great
weekend to start! Give yourself a gift. Pray that the Lord leads you to a church where the word of God is spoken.
Have a great Friday. Please continue to remember Presley Melton and the Craven family and also my friend Bobbie Hanlon.
Love, Tracy
Look No Further
November 16, 2006
"Wherefore
putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin
not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more:
but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let
no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace
unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let
all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye
kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:25-32 KJV)
At my Church we are studying the
book of Ephesians. I was reading this verse this AM and I was thinking about all the times we need to practice what
we "preach". It is funny how each one of us can read this word above and get something entirely different
from it. That is the Holy Spirit working in our hearts. I try not to go to bed angry, but that doesn't always
work - and who is it hurting? The person I am mad at? No, they might not even have a clue, it hurts me because
I am losing sleep. I try not to speak badly about another person, but do I sometimes - yes. Don't we sometimes
get caught up in it even though we know we should change the subject?
The Lord puts these verses in the Bible to teach us. To show us the path we should take and the path
we should stay away from. It is how we grow as a Christian. People see that who are around us and then they desire
the same walk. My preacher was saying last night (paraphrasing), our walk with Jesus is just that ... it is a walk.
We shouldn't try to rush through it. We shouldn't be like a child and "sin" now and take the consequences
later. There might not be a later. Take each day like it was your last. Make a difference for Jesus.
If something bad happens in your life, look for the rainbow! Jesus promised us a rainbow.
I love the song that goes ... praise Him, praise Him, praise Him
in the morning, praise in the noontime, praise Him, praise Him ... praise Him when the sun goes down. Continually praise
Him. He loves you and His desire is for our hearts to draw closer and closer to Him each day. Soon and very soon
He is coming to take His children ... are you 100% sure that when that day comes you will be meeting Him in the air?
Something to think about. If you could not answer YES without having to think about it, open your Bible to the book
of 2 Corinthians 6:1-2. Today is the Day of Salvation ... then Romans 10:9-13 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2010:9-13;&version=9;
I pray you all have a Blessed day! Tell someone about what the Lord has done
in your life this year! Please continue to remember Presley Melton in prayer as she starts her rehabilitation.
As far as I know she still does not remember anything about the accident. Also, please pray for Steve and Sandra Craven
this afternoon. A friend of mine requested prayer for her Mother in Law, Her name is Rita and she was just diagnosed
with saliva cancer - she will be starting radiation. Please continue to remember Bobbie Hanlon. Thank you all!
Love, Tracy
In Everything, Give Thanks!
November 15, 2006
"Not boasting of things
without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be
enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in
another man's line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not
he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." (2 Corinthians
10:15-18 KJV)
Let every breath we have be for the Glory and honor of the Lord.
I was thinking about what Thanksgiving means to me. As I get older it seems like all the old traditions that I
loved growing up are slowly fading away. I can remember Thanksgiving day growing up in New Jersey. My Aunt, Uncle and their 2 sons from Pennsylvania would come stay with us for the
weekend. It was mornings of Entenmanns donuts and coffee cake and the house smelled of a fresh pot of coffee.
Thanksgiving day there were small candy dishes of powdered mints (bought especially for this day) and walnuts with a nut cracker
laying beside the bowl. Everyone dressed up in our "Sunday best." Kids running inside
and out, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the TV My sisters and Mother in the kitchen making stuffing and preparing
to put the Turkey in the oven. I can just picture this like it
was yesterday instead of 30 years ago. I miss those traditions so much. My kids will miss out on that. I
grew up in a house with 8 brothers and sisters and about 30 something first cousins (not to mention their spouses and children)
our family get togethers are always a big party! My children have each other 2 first cousins and 5 second cousins.
We hardly see each other these days. Life changes doesn't? But one thing that will never change is Jesus.
His love for us never changes. We may change - but that never changes. I am so thankful for the memories I have
growing up. I am thankful for the struggles my parents went through, because I learned from them. Even though
life was hard for them - my Mother was always thankful to the Lord for what she did have and she always told us that.
We learn. Our children learn from us. I hope you are telling your children. Children today worry about way
more than we ever even thought about! Our childhood was so simple compared to today's kids. As a matter of
fact by today's standards we would all be classified as "nerds" (if they even still use that word)! We
need more "nerds" in the world.
What are you thankful for today? Can you sit and write a list on a piece of paper? Or have circumstances got
the best of you? Be thankful in all things and give God the Glory, honor and praise - He loves you! Even someone
with the deepest valley can say Lord, I don't understand, but I praise you in the storm!
I hope you all have a great Wednesday, Happy Birthday to my sister Laura! Please remember my friends Anita
and Paul in prayer, Paul's Dad (Wally Dost) passed away last night. Please pray for the family and for traveling
mercies as they drive to Seneca and back to Rock Hill. Please continue to remember Presley Melton, she is making remarkable
progress and remember Steve and Sandra (Matt and Winston) Craven as the holidays are coming up, may they feel the mighty presence
of the Lord. Love, Tracy
And Jesus Said ...
November 14, 2006
And Jesus Said ...
"Then
said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And
again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom
of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld
them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Then
answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And
Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall
sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every
one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's
sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the
last shall be first." Matthew 19:23-30 KJV
Try not to misinterpret what this verse
is saying ... the main message is ... With men this is impossible; but with God
all things are possible. Anything is possible - with God. If it is not the plan of
the Lord, the will of the Lord or the path that the Lord has for you He will change your direction. This verse is not
saying if you have money you can't go to Heaven, this verse is saying, money will not save you and get you to heaven.
Jesus then said, follow me and you too will be with me in Heaven. So many of us try to follow the path and plan we have
for ourselves without even praying to Jesus about it. What our desires are may not be the will of the Father.
That is why doors are being closed. Troubles will come, but lets bow our heads in humble prayer. It is not our
will that will get us through. We are still left empty when we are not in the will of the Lord. We
can have everything materially and still feel empty and have nothing because we are without Christ! We
may seem happy on the outside, but our hearts still desire more because we have not satisfied our spiritual heart. We
may know Jesus with our heads, but until we know Him in our hearts the emptiness will continue to grow.
Knowing the Lord and having a personal walk with Him each day is so special. Each one of us will
grow and travel down different roads. The Bible says (Jesus speaking), "If you are ashamed of me, I will
be ashamed of you before My Father in Heaven." Why is it that we let what other people think of us rule
our thoughts? Who cares if you do not meet the expectations of your peers? We should be ashamed of that behavior!
The only one who we should care about is Jesus. I think the saying "What Would Jesus Do?" has become a thoughtless
comment. But honestly, we should think that about every action we make. We should wonder, is God being honored
here? Or will He be ashamed of me. Don't get caught up in the moment of things - do the unexpected.
When people see you, do they see Jesus?
I hope you all have a blessed day. Please continue to remember Presley Melton in prayer as well
as Bobbie Hanlon and the Craven Family (Steve, Sandra, Matt and Winston). Thank you so much!
Love,
Tracy
Seeking His Word, Following His Plan ...
"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us
for an example. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies
of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind
earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:"
Phillippians 4:17-20 KJV
I like to read the other translations of this verse ... The Message ...
"Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this
same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them.
I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's
Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise;
all they can think of is their appetites. But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're
waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like
his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should
be, under and around him."
Have you ever
just watched others around you? Some people are just searching and searching for something to make them happy.
They go through relationship after relationship, they have no "real" friends, they are critical of everything and
no material thing makes them happy. They are always trying to find something that is the answer to happiness.
We need to stop looking for others to make us happy. Things won't bring us happiness.
I used to joke around and saying I know money can't satisfy my soul, but it sure can't hurt it. Well, that
is not true, it can hurt. Our prayer for the Lord to supply for our needs (not our wants) should be our daily prayer.
I have seen many people, even in my own church, where money has destroyed their walk with Christ. Their eyes turn
to money instead of staying focused on the cross. If the Lord blesses you with money, use it wisely. Pray and
ask the Lord how you should be spending it and how you should be saving it. He will open doors beyond anything you can
believe.
I pray you all have a great Monday. Thank you for your continued prayers,
please remember the Melton family, I received word last week that Presley was sitting outside in the sun in a wheelchair,
sunglasses and a hat. We praise God for that. I believe she has been moved to rehab. I will try to get an
update today. Also, continue to remember Steve and Sandra Craven and Bobbie Hanlon (treatments for cancer). Have
a Blessed day. Love, Tracy
In The Beginning ...
November 10, 2006
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing
seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it
shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon
the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that
he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Thus the heavens and
the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he
rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. Genesis 1:29-31 and 2:1-2
KJV
I was just looking out the window today at the beautiful blue sky, the bright green grass, the leaves that have turned orange,
brown and red and I am just reminded of the wonderful beauty of the Lord. Imagine what Heaven is going to be like!
It is so awesome. Even if your day is dark and cloudy you have to think about the rain that is nourishing the land.
It is an amazing thing.
God's word is our nourishment. We need to get a piece of
it each day to grow and to bring us through the valley's we may experience. On the seventh day - God rested.
We stay so busy in our lives we don't make time for that seventh day. I know this is true in my own life.
My son has played fall football and we have just been busy since August, I am glad it is over so we can slow down and I can
enjoy that seventh day!
I hope you all have a
great weekend. Invite someone to church with you this Sunday, if you not go to church begin to pray for the Lord to
direct you and your family to a place of worship.
Love, Tracy
Come To Him ...
"Then said Jesus to those Jews
which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and
the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man:
how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin
is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore
shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because
my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your
father." John 8:31-38 KJV
I love verse 32 Then you will know the truth and the truth
will set you free! Jesus loves you. The devotion can't end right there though ... do you love Jesus?
How do others know you love Jesus? My family knows how I feel about them by how I treat them, how I talk to them, how
I hug them, how I brag about them, how I praise them, etc... How would Jesus know I love Him? Yes, He knows my
every thought, but just thinking I love Him doesn't make it so. I have to read His Word and study what His Word
says to get closer to Him and to know Him. Can you really love someone you don't know? I once received an
invitation to a wedding and it said, "Today I will marry my best friend" The couple was dating about 6 months
and got engaged. Scott and I only dated 2 months and we were engaged - but I would not have said at that point, Scott
is my best friend. Is was nothing personal against Scott, but I was still learning things about him. I remember
that the first thing I thought about that invitation was how can these people be best friends in 6 months? They are
still learning things about each other. It is like our walk with Jesus, Jesus will become you best friend. He
will be your confidant - He will be your comforter - He will be your ROCK! You have to read His Word every day and try
to stay focused. Surround yourself with Christian friends that will help you on your journey - not hinder your walk.
One of my Pastor's was teaching in Bible Study last night about the character of
Jesus. He said one sentence that has just struck me - that was all he had to say last night because this comment was
a message in itself. I wrote it in the front of my Bible.
"Anyone,
can spread lies about you and ruin your reputation - but no one, can touch your character. Your character
is who you really are (that is paraphrased - where I wrote it down is in the car). I just thought that was a huge statement.
Don't ever forget who you are and who you represent!
Have a blessed
day. Please continue to pray for Presley Melton and the Craven Family as well as Bobbie Hanlon. Thank you all - have
a great day.
Love, Tracy
It is OK
November 8, 2006
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV
I was reading a devotion this morning by Dr. Charles
Stanley. He gave an example in this first ... Being grateful is easy when you get a promotion, but what about when you
lose your job? Or if you get a flat tire, or the look on the Doctors face when he gives you bad news. Since expressing
gratitude at such times seems unnatural, circumstances can cause us to doubt the truth of that verse. So why does scripture
say that we give thanks in everything?
Dr. Stanley goes on to say that thanking
God in difficult circumstances keeps us aware of His presence! We also start to seek Him, asking Him why and looking
for a purpose in this trial. Saying Thankyou Lord, even though I don't feel grateful. Have you even experienced
this? You know deep down that the Lord has a purpose, but sometimes we just don't want to be thankful! Sometimes
in our valley it is hard to be grateful. I think the Lord knows that. He is constantly and consistantly placing
someone in our path that can learn from our circumstance, or that can be a witness to us that Jesus surrounds us.
Has the Lord placed something in your heart today that you need to be grateful about? Have you been
obedient ~ do you thank Him for the thorns or just wallow in them? I know many times I get caught up in my circumstances
and forget to understand that we all have valley's and some of us seem to experience many of them ... are you drawing
near to the Lord or is the valley turning you further away? God is trying to get your attention ... feel His presence
today. His love is like no other. No things can comfort you like the presence of the Lord. Take a minute
to thank Him for the thorns today. I love you Lord, I don't understand why I am in this valley, but thank you for
whatever it is you are going to teach me through it. Reveal it to me Lord and I pray that I am obedient to your will
and desire for my life. In Jesus name I pray AMEN.
I hope you all have a blessed
day. Take a second today to please pray for Presley Melton, the Cravens and Bobbie Hanlon. Please also say
a special prayer for safe travel for my family who are driving from New Jersey to South Carolina today. Thankyou !!
Love, Tracy
Don't Give Up ...
November 6, 2006
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;
but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for
in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially
unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:7-10 KJV)
I have a lot of people contact me on a daily
basis regarding the Prayer of the Day so I get to speak to people with all different church backgrounds, from all different
parts of the country with all different hurts. Most people just don't understand or cannot accept that God can love
them so much and forgive them for whatever they have done in their life. But it really is that simple.
I read this verse today and I was thinking about "reaping what you sow."
So many times used in a way of condemnation. We can really look at that in a positive light as well ... if we are sowing
the fields for the Lord. Planting seeds in the minds of others, telling them "the good news" we will also
reap what we sow!
I like this
verse in Colossians 4: 2-6 (NIV) "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And
pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am
in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of
every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
When we get to Heaven, not only will we hear from
the Lord about those we have told about Jesus, we will hear from those we did not even know heard the Good News - just through
our actions. My Mother always used to say, actions speak louder than words. What a true statement.
What are your actions saying to the people around you today?
I hope you have a blessed Monday - Don't
forget to vote tomorrow!!! It is not only a privilege, it is your right. Please continue to remember
Presley Melton in prayer as well as the Craven Family and Bobbie Hanlon. Have a great day! Love, Tracy
I like this song by Ray Boltz ...Thank You
I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me;
We walked
upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea.
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name.
We turned and saw a young man running
And he was smiling as he came.
And he said, "Friend you may not know me now."
And then he said, "But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer
Before
the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer,
I asked Jesus in my heart."
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.
Then another man stood before you
And said, "Remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And
his pictures made you cry.
You didn't have much money,
But you gave it anyway.
Jesus took the
gift you gave
And that's why I'm here today."
Thank
you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad
you gave.
One by one they came
Far as the eye
could see.
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity.
Little things that you had done,
Sacrifices
made,
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven, now proclaimed.
And I know up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears
in your eyes.
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord.
He said, "My child, look around
you.
Great is your reward."
Thank you for
giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am
a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave
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