I have been on an exciting journey of learning how to enjoy life in abundance, to the full, until it overflows . . . just like God intended for each of us to live. This blog is a chance for me to share or comment on the things I've learned recently. And I suppose should admit it may just be my rambling thoughts at times. :-)

March 3: Can Money Fix Things?

I'm sure you've heard that everyone's solution to the housing and financial crisis is to throw a bunch of money at it. But can money really fix it?

I heard Huckabee say that the US isn't facing an economic crisis but rather a moral crisis and I really agree. The problem is that the handouts teach people that you will be rewarded for bad behavior and you don't have to be accountable because someone else will bail you out. Neither are principles that you will find in the Bible.

Before you can use money to fix something, you need to fix the underlying issue. In this case it is immorality, irresponsibility, greed, entitlement attitudes, and lack of accountability. Once those attitudes and behaviors are corrected, then money can be used to help the situation. Without a change in attitude or behaviors the same thing will keep happening (and probably get worse) because people didn't learn the right lesson from the situation.

To read more on my thoughts about this, I invite you to visit my blog Christian Debt Free Living.

Blessings to you and your family!

Christy

February 27: Are You A Warehouse or A Distribution Center?

A warehouse is a place where items are stored, set aside and accumulated. A distribution center is a place where items flow freely in and out. When it comes to your money, are you a warehouse or a distribution center?

A warehouse makes me think of a stagnant pond. Without circulation things begin to die. But a distribution center has a constant flow that brings life. God is always searching for people who will be distribution centers because He wants to use them to bring life to other people.

One thing that's important to note is that before God will start giving you money, He needs to know that you will be a faithful steward and use it how He desires. To start, He may ask you to buy a simple cup of coffee for someone. Sounds easy, right? However, He then tells you to give it to the lady you don't like at work. Will you do it out of obedience to God or will you walk away? As we prove ourselves in these little tests He will begin to entrust bigger things to us.

My husband and I have fun giving big tips at restaurants. I love to think about how excited the waitress will be when she picks up the tip after we've left and finds it is more than expected. It seems simple but if we learn to hear God in these situations, we will be better able to hear him in bigger situations. I know some people who have given away cars, houses and airplanes because God asked them to. We aren't there yet but I would love to get there some day. If you want to learn to become a distribution center for God it is very easy. Simply make your heart's desire known to God and ask Him to use you to reach others. It's an exciting journey that you will never regret!

Deuteronomy 28, Proverbs 3:9-10, Proverbs 28:27, Isaiah 48:17, Malachi 3:8-11, II Corinthians 9:6-11

Blessings to you and your family!

Christy

February 15: Differences Between Catholics and Non-Denominational Christians

It's common to hear people wonder what the differences are between the different Christian denominations. The first thing to remember is that there is to be one united Christian church. This is the Body of Christ. However, man's individual interpretations of the Bible have caused them to break off and start their own denominations. Denominations were man made, not God made.

I was raised Catholic but am now a non-denominational Christian. Because of my first hand experience in both denominations, I thought I would share some of the facts that I have learned.

1. Many Catholics believe that we are to see ourselves as sinners and many often live under a blanket of guilt and condemnation because they are taught to always try to earn their forgiveness. But the Bible tells us that once we are born again (which means to verbally declare Jesus as our Lord and Savior -Romans 10:9-13 ) we become new creations. We are no longer sinners. We are made the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus and it is a free gift of God's grace. God sees us through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross and we are made white as snow. There is no amount of good works or pennance that we could do that could earn our right standing with God. If Jesus' death on the cross wasn’t enough, there is certainly nothing we could ever do to earn it on our own. It is only through God's grace and Jesus dying on the cross that we have been forgiven.

2. Jesus told us to pray to the Father in Jesus' Name. (If you want the verse let me know and I'll look it up.) Some Catholics believe that they aren't worthy and don't think their prayers will be answered. Therefore, they pray to Mary and the saints to ask them to pray to the Father on their behalf. However, this is not Biblical and can turn into almost a worship of Mary. This then violates the commandment of having no other gods besides the Father.

3. Catholics believe that only a priest can forgive your sins. However, this is not Biblical. Before Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, people looked to the priests to intercede on their behalf. A priest would go behind the veil and enter the Holy of Holies to intercede on the people's behalf before God. However, God’s presence is so powerful that just not anyone could enter. A person with sin would be destroyed because sin cannot exist in God’s presence. Therefore, only priests went behind the veil. But even then, they entered with a rope around their waste so that they could be pulled out if they were struck down.

However, Jesus' death on the cross tore the veil and qualified us to now come into God's presence. (Colossians 1:12-14) Jesus is our High Priest and He paid the price for our sins. It is through His blood that we are made white as snow and can now come boldly to the throne of grace to receive favor in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16, 9:11-14, 10:10-22)

I'm not saying that the Catholic church is bad. It's just that I have seen some Catholics not live the full and enjoyable life that God wants us to live because these beliefs were holding them back. That saddens me because God wants more for us. We are the King's Kids and Jesus came so that we could have life, in abundance, until it overflows. (John 10:10). If you want to learn more about God's promises of abundance an overflow, I encourage you to go to the Living in the Overflow study on this site.

Blessings to you and your family!

Christy

February 13: Can I Just Tell You?

Can I just tell you how great my God is? This week has been a true overflow of God's blessing and presence in our lives.

My husband has been taking a physics class which is REALLY tough. The instructor takes pride in flunking people if that gives you any idea of how bad it is. We have been praying together about the class and believing God to help him. Out of 28 people in the class, my husband just got the highest grade in the class on this week's test. With 15 people failing the test, that is huge. Perhaps even more amazing is that my husband said he still doesn't understand the stuff. There was no way he could have passed on his own. It had to be God who helped him through it. Neat, eh?

But that's not all.

Even in this tough economy, our company did well enough last year to be able to pay out bonuses this week and they contributed matching funds to our 401K as well. God promised that in times of despair in the world, His children would have overflow to share. I know this extra income is because we have been faithful to sow seeds into God's Kingdom and this is our harvest. I also know it is because of God's blessing on me and my company. (Galatians 3:14, 29)

It gets better!

We finished our taxes this week and found that we will be getting a lot of money back. More overflow right from God!

We also received a check from my husband's company this week to reimburse him for a class that he took.

The favor even extends to the things that seem minor. I used to tease my mom because she would pray for a good parking spot but now I find myself doing it . . . and it is awesome! I pray that God will perfect my path and have just the perfect parking spot for me when I arrive. I prayed for that on two occasions this week and both were prime spots.

The Bible tells us that if we give it will be given to us, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over and that you won't have room to receive it. That is exactly how I feel this week. I feel like God just keeps pouring His blessing on us and there is so much it is running over everywhere. I know that God loves me but this sure makes me feel like His favorite child this week!

I heard Keith Moore say that he had a similar experience of overflow and he told God something like "That's more than than I need." And God responded by saying "I know, isn't it cool?" He is extravagent but not wasteful. God not only takes pleasure in supplying our needs, He also takes pleasure in giving us above and beyond. One reason is because we are His kids and He likes to "spoil" us. I also believe it is because through this amazing overflow we see just how big our God really is. He can move mountains. He can do above all that we could ever think or ask and that is the key that we need to keep working on. Nothing is impossible with God. However, He is limited as to how much he can do in our lives based on our limited low expectations. If we don't think He can supply a pair of socks, we certainly can't imagine that He can provide two new cars . . . one for us and one for us to give away! We need to raise the level of our expectations so that we can let God demonstrate His wonder working power in our lives. And through this, others will see how great our God is too!

Blessings to you and your family!

Christy

February 7: Our New Identity

I've been reading various blogs today of people who say they are Christians. However, I noticed a few common themes that are so sad to me.

I often see these comments where people identify themselves as sinners saved by grace. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior then this is a true statement. However, this is not our identity. Once we become born again, we are the righteousness of God in Christ. We are more than conquerors. We are the King's Kids and we have an inheritance. We are co-heir's with Christ. We should no longer be identifying ourselves as sinners because God doesn't see us that way. We are to leave that old identify behind and identify with the new person God has made us.

I specifically used the word "made" for a reason. We did not become righteous. We were made righteous. Instantly . . . The moment we accepted Jesus we were changed. We were immediately righteous, or in other words, in right standing with God. The next step is sanctification which is a process. It is the refining process we go through as we purge our old ways of thinking and acting and start thinking and acting in ways that line up with God.

I believe that the first step in Christianity is getting to know God's character and learning how He sees you. Once you have that firm foundation you can start standing on God's promises and see them manifest in your life. That is what my "Living in the Overflow" study is about. Building that foundation so you can step out into the overflow that God has for you. If you are interested, Click here to jump over to that study.

Blessings to you and your family!

Christy

January 29: What Else Are You Amazed About?

Here's another few things that amaze me about God.

He forgives and FORGETS immediately. Probably faster than we can comprehend. Isn't that comforting?

He sent His Son to die a painful death for us so that we could live forever with Him.

He NEVER fails or forsakes us.

God's Blessing is working in our lives all the time.

It is His will that we be in health.

It is His will that we be prosperous in every area of life.

It is His will that we have favor in the sight of all people.

God supplies all of our needs therefore we don't have to toil for a living.

If God calls us into something, He will fund it.

Such great thoughts to meditate on as we head off to sleep tonight.

Blessings to you and your family!

Christy

January 20: How Do We Make Our Way Prosperous?

During these tough economic times, everyone is asking how do I make wise decisions and become prosperous. The answer is found in Joshua 1:8.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success."

Can it really be that simple? Absolutely!

When you begin to immerse yourself in God's ways, you begin to think and act like God. He will tell you where to invest (or not invest). He will give you favor, promotion and increase. When we live by God's Kingdom principles, we will see God's results in our life. Isn't that exciting?

January 18: What Amazes You About God?

We had a guest speaker at our church today. His name was Curt Coffield. He is a well known worship leader and song writer. He started his message out today by asking "What amazes you about God?" I thought that was such a great question. Have you ever stopped to think about that?

My husband's answer was the best. He said he is amazed that God loves us as much as He loves Jesus. I agree. That is amazing! Even though the Bible tells us this, it can definitely take time to get your mind around that one. Wow!

Here's another one that amazes me. We are children not servants to God. He had servants. He wanted children to love and who would love Him. He wants our affection not our service. In addition, as children we are able to receive the inheritance that God prepared for us. Wow!

Ready for another one? How about the fact that when God breathed into Adam He placed the Zoe life of God in Adam. That means that the same thing that "makes God God" is inside of us. The same creative power in God is in us. It is not weaker or less. It is full strength and full of wonder working power. Wow!

Of course, these are just a few examples to get you started. Spend some time thinking about what amazes you about God and drop me an email to let me know what you came up with.

January 16: Protection From The Economic Collapse

I was reading Proverbs 3:25-26 and I felt that God was saying that this relates to our current economic situation.

"Be not afraid of sudden terror and panic, nor of the stormy blast or the storm and ruin of the wicked when it comes [for you will be guiltless], For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger]."

The economic collapse is the ruin of the wicked but those of us who have put our trust in God and have sown seeds into His economy, will be protected.

Isn't that a great comfort and encouragement?

January 6: How Cute Are These?

3-year-old Reese: "Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen."

A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys."

A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother, Joel, were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough. "You're not supposed to talk out loud in church." "Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked. Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers."

January 4: More Than Just a Penny!

I received this via email once and thought I would share it.

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc.

This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend.

The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.

The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live.

The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so she was enjoying herself immensely!

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts.

Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her.

Finally, she could stand it no longer!

She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

"Look at it." He said.

"Read what it says."

She read the words "United States of America."

"No, not that; read further."

"One cent?"

"No, keep reading."

"In God we Trust?"

"Yes!"

"And?"

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it!

God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS still in God at that moment.. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him.

For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me.

Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change.

I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.

It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful!

And, God is patient...

Have a blessed day!!

Christy

December 28, 2008: Phew . . . We Made It!

Wow! I feel like making it to today was quite an accomplishment. We have successfully survived another Christmas season. All of the shopping to do, decisions to make, Christmas cards to send, parties to plan and/or attend, meals to prepare, and thank you notes to write have all been accomplished. I now just have a few returns to make and I am finished. Done. Completed. That door has been closed. Now I can enjoy looking back at all of the great memories from the season. I love Christmas but the long to do list certainly makes it a busy time of year. I look forward to time off this coming week where I can catch up on things and possibly even get ahead before going back to work.

Blessings!

Christy

December 10, 2008: The Christmas Rush

I'm sorry to have been offline for awhile. Between traveling for work, vacation, and now getting ready for the holidays, things have been pretty hectic. I just wanted to stop back to say hello and let you know that I will be back soon. If you are stressed about all that you have to do before Christmas, Click here to spend time soaking in some verses that will help you to let the peace of God rule in your heart and mind. (When you get to the next page, click the blue links to see the full text of the verse.)

Blessings!

Christy

October 14, 2008: Keep the Future in Mind

With all of the uproar around the economy, it's easy to lose sight of other key issues in our world. Pat Robertson sent out a letter recently explaining the tinderbox in the Middle East and that the real showdown is being delayed until after our election. Here's a link to the letter so that you can read it for yourself. I was blown away at what is expected to happen. As you pray about who you want to place your vote behind during the upcoming election, consider which candidate is going to have the godly wisdom and strength to stand up for what's right for our country. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read the letter as I believe this will may affect your decisions.

Please keep the following items in your prayers.

1. Pray that God's mighty angels would surround and protect our nation in these perilous times.

2. Pray for unity among the body of Christ as we intercede for our nation and our world.

3. Pray that America's leadership will seek godly wisdom as they face critical events in the weeks and months ahead.

4. Pray for the Holy Spirit to sweep across the globe, preparing the hearts to accept Jesus and enter God's Kingdom before tragic events unfold.

5. Pray for God to change the hearts of leaders in Russia, Iran and other nations who wish to harm Israel.

6. Pray that God will turn things around in Michigan and that she will get her voice back.

7. Pray for our elections that God would put godly leaders of His choice in office.

Blessings!

Christy

October 13, 2008: I'm Not Moved By What I See!

I'm not moved by what I see in the media. My God, who created the universe, is bigger than the situation in front of us. I believe He can change the hearts of men and remove the blinders from their eyes so that they can see the Truth.

Don't give up hope or skip voting because you think it's over. This election isn't over until the end of Nov 4 and your vote could be the deciding factor. Don't miss the opportunity to bring positive change to our country!

Blessings!

Christy

October 12, 2008: The Chance of a Lifetime

Do you realize that you have a chance of a lifetime at your fingertips? When you place your vote on November 4, you have the chance to affect history and change the direction of the country.

Another important point to keep in mind is found in I Peter 4:5 where we are told that everyone will have to give account for their actions before God on Judgement Day. Whether or not you vote, and who you vote for, are actions that you will be held accountable for. Don't let your emotions rule you and don't let a persuasive speech lead you away from what you know to be right. Be sure you vote in line with God's Word.

Below are some links to sites that will inform you about what the candidates stand for. Invest time in prayer and find out who God wants as our next president.

Christianity Today

Godvoter.org - 2008 Christian Voter Guide

Michigan Voter's Guide

Blessings!

Christy

September 29, 2008: Come On In!

A neat thing happened at church yesterday that I wanted to share.

I can't think of the song name but there is a verse that says "He tore the veil. He made a way when He said that it is done." While we were singing that I could picture Jesus holding back a big flap to a tent. It was as if through this gesture He was trying to say . . .

Come on in. Leave the cares of this world outside the doorway and just come in and fellowship with Me. Bask in My love and grace. Be strengthened by My love. Get to know Me and My thoughts for I will direct Your path during these turbulent and troubled times. The solution to your problems is found in here with Me.

We may live in this world but we are not of it. We are residents of the Kingdom of God and we are here on earth doing Kingdom business. We don't have to live by this world's economy and toil for our provisions. God supplies all of our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. As long as we put Him first, seek His way of doing things, all things will be added unto us.

Below are just a few verses to stir up your faith in this area.

Psalm 32:8, Psalm 138:8, Proverbs 3:5-8, Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:6-7, 19, John 14:27, John 16:33, Colossians 3:15, Hebrews 13:5-6, 2 Timothy 1:7, Deuteronomy 8:18,Deuteronomy 28:8,12, I Peter 5:7

Click here for more verses by topic.

Blessings!

Christy

September 26, 2008: Owe No Man Anything...

While I was listening to the President the other day Romans 13:8 came to mind.

Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one's fellowmen, meeting all its requirements].

The problem with our economy is that people aren't living Romans 13:8. I'll share more of my comments on this at a later time. I just wanted to plant the seed tonight. Drop me an email and let me know what you think. I'll post your answers on this page.

Blessings!

Christy

September 23, 2008: Is It Really That Easy?

The other night I was reading in Luke 5:12-13 where the leper was healed. What caught my attention was what he DID (or didn't do) to get healed. I realized that he didn't go through his big checklist. You know the one . . .

Spent 1 hour with God ... check

Went through my list of daily confessions . . . check

Studied my Bible for 1 hour . . . check

Interceded for friends and family . . . check

Did five good deeds today . . . check

Of course, I'm not saying any of these things are bad. My point is that he simply RECEIVED it because of who Jesus was and what Jesus could do. Now really, can it be that easy? Well of course it can!

The leper didn't fast for a week. He didn't stand in countless prayer lines. He didn't feverishly work his checklist. He hadn't been saying faith confessions for a year in preparation. Sometimes I think I get caught up in doing the "right" things (studying, confessing, etc) that I forget the key point is to simply receive by faith through grace what Jesus did. I think my struggle is that I know that I have a responsibility in the covenant to do my part. However, it's tough sometimes to know where the line is between fulfilling your responsibility and becoming works minded. I think the key to remember is that studying, confessing, etc are important actions that plant the Word seeds, pump the well, keep the weeds out and raise my faith but ultimately it's God, and only God, who makes it grow. If that stays in the forefront of your mind I think that helps to keep the right perspective.

Has anyone else ever encountered this?

Blessings!

Christy

September 21, 2008: Ever Been Offended?

Well, another weekend has flown by again. Our pastor spoke on offenses today which I think is a good reminder to most people. I think often we see offenses as something big that happened. But every day we have many opportunities to get offended over little things.

Someone pulled out in front of me. Didn't they see me coming?

Someone took my parking spot. Didn't they see me waiting "patiently" for it?

The waitress wasn't as nice as I expected her to be.

Why do people have to call to try and sell me something? If I wanted it I would go buy it.

Do people not realize I can't hear what the pastor is saying about offenses over their screaming kids? (Yes, this happened to me this morning as I listened to the message. Ironic, eh?)

All of these situations bring choices before us. Do we choose to forgive, TRULY forget, and then move on or do we hold onto it? Do we choose to "nurse and rehearse" how bad or unfairly we were treated? Do we dwell on the situation all day long? Do we let it affect our attitude? Mood? Energy? Outlook on life? Do we use it as an excuse for our own actions?

God is love and He instructed us to walk in love with all people at all times. If we choose to allow ourselves to become offended, we step out from the flow of God's love. I don't mean that God doesn't love us anymore. What I am saying is that if we choose to walk in the flesh (which is getting angry and resentful at what someone did to us) then we aren't walking in love. If we aren't walking in love, then we aren't walking with God.

I am so excited that God is in the process of working on making me better every day. However, I know that I need to be just as aware that if I get offended, I just go "off" and "end" the process that He started. I don't know about you, but I need to see God's promises manifest in my life. As a result, I need to make sure I stay in love so that I can stay connected with God and His plan for me.

Blessings!

Christy

September 20, 2008: Why?

So why did I build this website? I was noticing that people were in essence "throwing the baby out with the bathwater" when it came to faith principles. They might confess a Scripture one time and then when they don't see change they criticize the whole faith movement.

I realized that people didn't get the fact that the Christian walk is like a car. You can't move the car with just one tire. There are several critical parts that work together to make things happen. In the faith world I have heard this called synergy. It's the working together of the different principles and elements that Jesus taught us.

We have to spend time in the Word and study it so that we know what God said. The Bible tells us about God's character, His nature and His great love for us. The Bible tells us about who we are in Christ and what we have in Christ. Once we have revelation knowledge about that we can start putting into practice the foundational principles such as faith, love, grace, confession, etc.

Well, there I go again. Starting into another article. Until next time, God's Blessing be upon you and your family!

Christy