When was the last time you said, "I can't do it. That is just too hard!" Maybe it was earlier today or maybe it has been awhile. Personally, I have said it too many times about too many things. In the past few weeks-maybe even months-I have been preparing to get my new book out into the world. The Lord laid this message on my heart, gave me the words and the courage and led me through each step to hold a final product in my hands: Spiritual Training 101: Preparing for Eternity.
Has it been easy? No. Has it been rewarding? Yes, because I am doing what I have been called to do. However, when I was first called by the Lord to write, I had misgivings and feelings of inadequacy which I still wrestle with. However, I am learning that God is always near. He has a special relationship with us through the blood of Jesus Christ. He gave His Son so we could have a personal relationship with Him. When Jesus left the earth, He sent the Holy Spirit to minister to our hearts and lead us in all things. We are fortunate to be able to have such a close personal relationship with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
I think of the passage in Matthew 14:22-33, when Peter has the opportunity to grow in faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The disciples had a busy day, following the Master, listening and learning how to reach out to people. Jesus needed to go off by Himself and spend time in the presence of His Father. He sent the disciples off in a boat across the lake to meet up with them later. While they were in the boat a storm came up and rocked and twisted the boat. They became very afraid. As time passed, they looked across the water and beheld a vision like that of a ghost walking on the water. Their hearts grew very afraid and they cried out in fear. Jesus then called out to them, "Be of good cheer,! It is I; do not be afraid." The disciples could not believe their ears. Peter quickly answered Jesus telling Him, "Lord if it is You; command me to come to You on the water."
I'm not sure if Peter had thought about what he was saying or if it just came out. I wonder if he was going through a moment of terror as he actually heard these words coming from his own mouth. Have you ever experienced that thought, wondering who was saying that, then realizing the truth...it was me?
Jesus then told Peter to come to Him and Peter did. In that precious moment, Peter truly walked on water! He had his eyes fixed on Jesus. He must have been gushing with excitement, overflowing with joy. Then something happened. His mind kicked in and the realization of the storm blocked his view of Jesus. He began to sink, the fear of drowning swept over him like the dark of night. He cried out for Jesus to help. "And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'"
You see, doubt and fear are two of our greatest hindrances. Whenever they creep in, they have the potential to overwhelm us and cover us to the point of death. Jesus came so we could have life to the full. He can give us the power and strength to do all things. Isn't that a wonderful promise? Do you believe it? Do you have the faith in Him that He can get you through all of those tough things that you cannot see accomplishing? He is waiting for you to call out in His name and request the strength from the Father to do and be all you are called to be. You do not have to feel oppressed. You have the power of Jesus Christ to cling to.
I have been completely amazed by what He has done in my life. He has given me the strength to accomplish things I have never thought possible. He has opened doors I could not see a way of even peeking in. Jesus is absolutely amazing and the courage and strength He offers as a gift will amaze you if you will take the time, jump out of the boat and go water walking with Him.
~quotes from the NKJV
Dear Heavenly and Gracious Father,
I thank you for this wonderful day. Thank you for giving me the gift of life. Lord, I know you have asked me to __________________. Lord, in Jesus name I ask for the strength, courage and power to do the work You have given me. I pray that You will stay by me and help me to grow in my faith of You. Keep me in Your loving care and may my focus never leave You. In the powerful and blessed name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Pictures from Spiritual Training 101 Book Launch
May you grow in the grace of Jesus Christ.
With many blessings, Natalie
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Spiritual Training
I launched my new book Spiritual Training 101: Preparing for Eternity on Tuesday. We had a wonderful time of laughs, music and fellowship. These are the things God calls us to do; share our gifts and talents with those around us so they may see His glory shine through. Matthew 5:16 Tells us to, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (NKJV) I am excited that God has blessed our family with the gifts and talents He has and that we can do skits, share the Word and sing His praises. Thank you Lord.
God has given us all a purpose and wants for us to fulfill it. One of those things for me is to write. This book is a Bible study taking the reader on a journey with the Lord to grow in their faith and spiritual discipline. Please understand that it was a struggle for me by times because I did not just record these things, but God lead me through each one. Jesus held my hand and wiped my tears as I reached beyond myself and had faith that He would be with me. Growth is never an easy thing, but He has promised to be with us always.
Preparation is something we do for every aspect of our lives, so why not for our eternal life? It is the most important thing so shouldn't we take it more seriously and make spiritual training an essential, daily part of our lives? Spending time in His presence and pouring our hearts out to Him draws us closer and into a deep, personal relationship. That is what His desire is. John 3:16-17 say it best, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (NKJV)
Have you answered the call to His voice? Are you ready to take a leap in faith? What do you have to lose?
God has given us all a purpose and wants for us to fulfill it. One of those things for me is to write. This book is a Bible study taking the reader on a journey with the Lord to grow in their faith and spiritual discipline. Please understand that it was a struggle for me by times because I did not just record these things, but God lead me through each one. Jesus held my hand and wiped my tears as I reached beyond myself and had faith that He would be with me. Growth is never an easy thing, but He has promised to be with us always.
Preparation is something we do for every aspect of our lives, so why not for our eternal life? It is the most important thing so shouldn't we take it more seriously and make spiritual training an essential, daily part of our lives? Spending time in His presence and pouring our hearts out to Him draws us closer and into a deep, personal relationship. That is what His desire is. John 3:16-17 say it best, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (NKJV)
Have you answered the call to His voice? Are you ready to take a leap in faith? What do you have to lose?
Monday, May 16, 2011
Obedient Prayer
It amazes me how God can speak to the heart and accomplish just what He says He will do. As humans we can be fickle and forgetful, but God is not like that. Let me share an awesome experience.
Last week, I had a lot going on in my life and house. There were days that I did not spend as much time in the Lord's presence as I would have liked to. I think that happens to all of us by times. Sunday mornings we get up and ready for church and go early so we can pray. (We are in the middle of replacing our church which was consumed by fire on the 22nd of March so our prayers are not only for the service but for direction and unity in the body as we stretch toward the goal of rebuilding.)
We were a bit late on this past Sunday-later than usual anyway-and I rushed to the place where I normally go to meet with the Lord. As I took my spot and opened my prayer, I felt the urge to just be still and quiet. As I knelt there I felt a peace and stillness fill my heart. Within a short time a still, small voice within my soul asked me to pray for the seats in our sanctuary. I quickly thought that I didn't know how many there were, but just as quickly remembered my husband telling me two weeks ago that they changed the layout and set up 109 chairs.
I trusted in the fact that if God asked me to do it and I was obedient, He would do what He said. We had a wonderful service and I was filled. After the service was over, I went to the back and checked the count and what do you suppose I found? 109! I felt a joy and peace flood my soul. What a wonderful gift! Who else could do something like that? I must admit, I was amazed but I shouldn't be. God is so good-ALL the time. He is trustworthy and keeps His promises. It wasn't long after that I realized each and every time we pray in His will, what He wants for our lives, He will provide.
His reminder to me is one I share with you because we all need to know that we serve a Saviour who loves us and desires a personal relationship with each of us. Have you opened your heart and your prayer life to Him? Do you take the time to quietly wait in His presence for an answer? He is waiting for you. He wants all of you. He will ever be with you and lead and guide your life to give you life more abundant.
With many blessings,
Natalie
Last week, I had a lot going on in my life and house. There were days that I did not spend as much time in the Lord's presence as I would have liked to. I think that happens to all of us by times. Sunday mornings we get up and ready for church and go early so we can pray. (We are in the middle of replacing our church which was consumed by fire on the 22nd of March so our prayers are not only for the service but for direction and unity in the body as we stretch toward the goal of rebuilding.)
We were a bit late on this past Sunday-later than usual anyway-and I rushed to the place where I normally go to meet with the Lord. As I took my spot and opened my prayer, I felt the urge to just be still and quiet. As I knelt there I felt a peace and stillness fill my heart. Within a short time a still, small voice within my soul asked me to pray for the seats in our sanctuary. I quickly thought that I didn't know how many there were, but just as quickly remembered my husband telling me two weeks ago that they changed the layout and set up 109 chairs.
I trusted in the fact that if God asked me to do it and I was obedient, He would do what He said. We had a wonderful service and I was filled. After the service was over, I went to the back and checked the count and what do you suppose I found? 109! I felt a joy and peace flood my soul. What a wonderful gift! Who else could do something like that? I must admit, I was amazed but I shouldn't be. God is so good-ALL the time. He is trustworthy and keeps His promises. It wasn't long after that I realized each and every time we pray in His will, what He wants for our lives, He will provide.
His reminder to me is one I share with you because we all need to know that we serve a Saviour who loves us and desires a personal relationship with each of us. Have you opened your heart and your prayer life to Him? Do you take the time to quietly wait in His presence for an answer? He is waiting for you. He wants all of you. He will ever be with you and lead and guide your life to give you life more abundant.
With many blessings,
Natalie
Friday, May 6, 2011
Faith in the Fire
"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!"
Psalm 27:13,14 NKJV
Have you seen the goodness of the Lord or have you given up? Are you wondering if He is really there or if He has forsaken you? I have been there. I have wondered if God really cared. Over the past few years I have learned something very important in all of this.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5 NKJV
I have found that to trust in Him means to step out on faith, to do the things He asks of me even when they are hard. Sometimes it means people won't like me and sometimes it means I run the risk of looking like a fool. God is real, He is there and He has a perfect plan for your life. To find His plan may mean you have to give up your plan. It may mean giving up on the pursuit of something you think is so incredibly important. It remains true that if your plan lines up with His will-He will bring you to that place victoriously despite the circumstances that may be blocking you. His plan is perfect for your life and that may also mean walking through some fires.
Don't despise time spent in the fire. Change your focus and attitude about it. When we put precious metals into the fire, it refines them and makes them pure. With your attitude and heart focused on God, your time in the fire will refine you too. While in the fire, focus on seeking His face and His will, His Word and His ways and you will come through the fire, refined and pure...victorious in Him.
With many blessings,
Natalie
Psalm 27:13,14 NKJV
Have you seen the goodness of the Lord or have you given up? Are you wondering if He is really there or if He has forsaken you? I have been there. I have wondered if God really cared. Over the past few years I have learned something very important in all of this.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5 NKJV
I have found that to trust in Him means to step out on faith, to do the things He asks of me even when they are hard. Sometimes it means people won't like me and sometimes it means I run the risk of looking like a fool. God is real, He is there and He has a perfect plan for your life. To find His plan may mean you have to give up your plan. It may mean giving up on the pursuit of something you think is so incredibly important. It remains true that if your plan lines up with His will-He will bring you to that place victoriously despite the circumstances that may be blocking you. His plan is perfect for your life and that may also mean walking through some fires.
Don't despise time spent in the fire. Change your focus and attitude about it. When we put precious metals into the fire, it refines them and makes them pure. With your attitude and heart focused on God, your time in the fire will refine you too. While in the fire, focus on seeking His face and His will, His Word and His ways and you will come through the fire, refined and pure...victorious in Him.
With many blessings,
Natalie
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Perfect Peace
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" John 14:27 NKJV.
Do you believe this promise? Can you begin to wrap your mind around this promise that came to believers right from His own lips? This morning in my oldest daughter's Bible lesson was this promise. I read it over and over considering myself. Do I believe this? Yes, I do!! Does my heart get troubled? At times it does. Why? Because I have failed to imprint this promise on my heart and claim it for my own.
As a growing and maturing Christian, I love to read and study the Word of God. His promises are woven in the text of the Bible throughout every bit of writing from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21! That excites me beyond anything else I can imagine. As I read and study, the Bible comes alive to me. The words that are recorded speak to my soul in ways that I cannot describe.
This morning as I read through this Scripture, I had to stop and think about it. How do I prevent fear and worry to take over? The solution is the same prescription as getting rid of any other negative: more of Him. More of God, more of the Word of God, more time spent in His presence in prayer, fasting and listening for His voice. More following His will and His way for each moment of every day of my life. The closer I draw to Him, the fewer times of fear, hopelessness and despair I will experience.
What about you? Are you ready to take the plunge to trust in the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit? Are you ready to believe that He can give you lasting and perfect peace? Are you willing to take the time to memorize and study the Word of God so you will be able to claim His promises for your life?
We do not live in a perfect world. Jesus told us we will have times of trouble, but in the same breath He promised that He is in control (John 16:33). Will you allow Him to be in control? Will you take the time necessary to develop a deep and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? Will you call on Him and obey His voice so you can accept His gift of everlasting peace and eternal life?
Consider it dear one. Jesus loves you and will come to you if only you will call on Him. "Jesus said to Him, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6 NKJV).
Do you believe this promise? Can you begin to wrap your mind around this promise that came to believers right from His own lips? This morning in my oldest daughter's Bible lesson was this promise. I read it over and over considering myself. Do I believe this? Yes, I do!! Does my heart get troubled? At times it does. Why? Because I have failed to imprint this promise on my heart and claim it for my own.
As a growing and maturing Christian, I love to read and study the Word of God. His promises are woven in the text of the Bible throughout every bit of writing from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21! That excites me beyond anything else I can imagine. As I read and study, the Bible comes alive to me. The words that are recorded speak to my soul in ways that I cannot describe.
This morning as I read through this Scripture, I had to stop and think about it. How do I prevent fear and worry to take over? The solution is the same prescription as getting rid of any other negative: more of Him. More of God, more of the Word of God, more time spent in His presence in prayer, fasting and listening for His voice. More following His will and His way for each moment of every day of my life. The closer I draw to Him, the fewer times of fear, hopelessness and despair I will experience.
What about you? Are you ready to take the plunge to trust in the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit? Are you ready to believe that He can give you lasting and perfect peace? Are you willing to take the time to memorize and study the Word of God so you will be able to claim His promises for your life?
We do not live in a perfect world. Jesus told us we will have times of trouble, but in the same breath He promised that He is in control (John 16:33). Will you allow Him to be in control? Will you take the time necessary to develop a deep and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? Will you call on Him and obey His voice so you can accept His gift of everlasting peace and eternal life?
Consider it dear one. Jesus loves you and will come to you if only you will call on Him. "Jesus said to Him, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6 NKJV).
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Grace Revealed
Easter is almost upon us and I can't help but think of the sacrifice that was made for believers once for all time. All those years ago, Jesus walked His final footsteps on the dusty paths of this Earth on His way to the cross. What must He have been thinking? I'm sure I don't know, but I know His heart must have been overflowing with love because at any point in time He could have called on "more than twelve legions of angels" (Matthew 26:53 NKJV) to come to His rescue and changed the course of life for all of us.
If Jesus hadn't died on the cross we all would be getting what we deserve, death (Romans 6:23). Because of His sacrifice, we have the choice to spend eternity with Him. Have you made your choice? You may think you have all kinds of time, but only God knows the time you will leave this earth. It is reality. We are all born and we all die. There is hope though. Hope in a risen Saviour who went to the cross and died for the sins of anyone who will humble themselves and pray for the forgiveness that only Jesus can give (John 3:16).
But the story didn't end there. It didn't end on the cross. The story continued. Three days later, Christ rose from the grave. He defeated death and the grave. He defeated the enemy of humankind. Jesus defeated the powers of sin in our lives. We can choose to live our lives in obedience to God (Romans 6:12-14). Isn't that an exciting promise? Looking toward Easter, what better gift could you receive than the one Jesus holds out to you now - the gift of eternal life with Him. He is holding it out to you, waiting for you to accept it.
If you would like to accept His gift of salvation here are the steps from a post I wrote last year titled The Greatest Promise.
If you are not a Christian but would like to join the family of God, the steps to becoming part of the family are very simple. The first thing one must do is admit that they are a sinner because we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We are all sinners and make mistakes. It does not matter how many good things we do, we are still sinners. With this admission we also need to realize that the penalty for being a sinner is death (Romans 6:23). We neither deserve to live eternally, nor do we deserve forgiveness, yet God has so graciously provided a way. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we can come to Him.
The next step is to believe with everything in you that Jesus Christ died for your sins (Romans 5:8). He died for each of us, but it is important that you make it personal. Can you say, Jesus Christ died for my sins, and truly, completely in your heart know it and believe it? If you are struggling with this truth, I recommend you read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Read them praying that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes so you may see the truth of what Jesus has done for you.
Last but not least; you must commit your life into His capable hands (Romans 10:8-10). Confess to the Lord that you need Him to lead and guide your life. Give your life into the hands of God and let Him make the changes He desires in your life. He created you and has a plan for your life. Will you submit to Him and give Him full control?
May this Easter find you at peace and part of the family of God. Wherever you are, whoever you are remember, God loves you. He adores you and as one of my favorite hymns says, "Jesus blood can make the vilest sinner clean."
May God bless you and keep you.
In Him,
Natalie
If Jesus hadn't died on the cross we all would be getting what we deserve, death (Romans 6:23). Because of His sacrifice, we have the choice to spend eternity with Him. Have you made your choice? You may think you have all kinds of time, but only God knows the time you will leave this earth. It is reality. We are all born and we all die. There is hope though. Hope in a risen Saviour who went to the cross and died for the sins of anyone who will humble themselves and pray for the forgiveness that only Jesus can give (John 3:16).
But the story didn't end there. It didn't end on the cross. The story continued. Three days later, Christ rose from the grave. He defeated death and the grave. He defeated the enemy of humankind. Jesus defeated the powers of sin in our lives. We can choose to live our lives in obedience to God (Romans 6:12-14). Isn't that an exciting promise? Looking toward Easter, what better gift could you receive than the one Jesus holds out to you now - the gift of eternal life with Him. He is holding it out to you, waiting for you to accept it.
If you would like to accept His gift of salvation here are the steps from a post I wrote last year titled The Greatest Promise.
If you are not a Christian but would like to join the family of God, the steps to becoming part of the family are very simple. The first thing one must do is admit that they are a sinner because we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We are all sinners and make mistakes. It does not matter how many good things we do, we are still sinners. With this admission we also need to realize that the penalty for being a sinner is death (Romans 6:23). We neither deserve to live eternally, nor do we deserve forgiveness, yet God has so graciously provided a way. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we can come to Him.
The next step is to believe with everything in you that Jesus Christ died for your sins (Romans 5:8). He died for each of us, but it is important that you make it personal. Can you say, Jesus Christ died for my sins, and truly, completely in your heart know it and believe it? If you are struggling with this truth, I recommend you read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Read them praying that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes so you may see the truth of what Jesus has done for you.
Last but not least; you must commit your life into His capable hands (Romans 10:8-10). Confess to the Lord that you need Him to lead and guide your life. Give your life into the hands of God and let Him make the changes He desires in your life. He created you and has a plan for your life. Will you submit to Him and give Him full control?
May this Easter find you at peace and part of the family of God. Wherever you are, whoever you are remember, God loves you. He adores you and as one of my favorite hymns says, "Jesus blood can make the vilest sinner clean."
May God bless you and keep you.
In Him,
Natalie
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