A Picture Of God's Church

Is your heart shaped like outstretched hands or clinched fists?

By: Machelle McDowell

What should God’s church look like? I think I have a picture to show you! Envision with me, if you will, as I paint a mental picture on the canvas of your mind.

I was blessed to spend some time in Ghana back in the summer of this year. On one particular Sunday our team split into groups and was assigned different churches to attend and speak at. 

The little church that we attended had the sweetest fellowship! It left an everlasting imprint on my mind and heart. 

The service was very special for me that day for many reasons.  For one, my son, Josh spoke to the church with words of encouragement and challenge.  Following his message an offering was received. 

A medium sized plastic container was set on a chair and placed in the front of the church. We all began to sing with lifted hands in praise to the Lord as we danced in a line similar to “follow the Leader” up to the chair to lay down our offerings to God. 

As I placed my offering into the basin my heart was instantly touched!  The bottom of the container was covered with pesos and a few cedis, (at the beginning of the service a report was given of the tithes for the week before which was 15 Cedis equivalent to about $3.00 USD).

I couldn’t help but think of the widow's offering found  in Mark 12:44.

“For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.“ 

As the service came to an end the sweetest expression of God‘s love was demonstrated! The entire church walked out of the building and into the village directly behind it.

 It was such a feeling of what it might have been like to walk with Jesus and his disciples as they ministered to people along their way. We walked through the village to a home where a lady lost her mother to an illness. We prayed over the family and the church gave her a gift of a few (cedis) to purchase food. 

We continued to walk across the village to another home where a man had lost his brother.  We prayed for a man who was grieving the loss of his brother and the church comforted him. 

These acts of love we’re such an outpouring of Jesus! 

Have you ever given God everything you have? These people did not give out of abundance but out of poverty with joy!

I’m not just speaking of monetary things, but the things that consume our (whole) being. Things that cost us God’s blessing:  self absorption, pride, wrong motives, and negative attitudes. These things prevent us from giving our all to Jesus! 

The people of this church never once complained that they were going to be late for Sunday dinner or that their stomachs were grumbling from hunger. 

They were focused on completing this mission of loving like Jesus. It wasn’t done in a hurried fashion and they did it in unity. Every person in that fellowship that day spent an extra hour loving on people in their community. I am sure they all had other things they needed to do or could have done. But they gave Jesus their all that day. Witnessing this kind of love made me feel very superficial. 

Is our hearts shaped like an outstretched hand or a clinched fist? 

Jesus paid a ransom for us. He invested his life in us. He expects us to invest in others. 

This little church in Ghana hung a portrait of what the Family of God looks like on my heart that day. I pray we model that kind of love in our churches here. Let’s give Him our all! 

"Breathe On Me"

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing- C.S.Lewis

By: Machelle McDowell

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.’ As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. - John 20:19-22

Are you hiding behind locked doors? Is fear & anxiousness holding you captive? Are you looking for a peace in your heart about things that are burdening you? May I help you find it today?

There was a time not long ago that I was anxious about many things. So many that it began to spill over into my emotions and in turn created a battle field conducive for the enemy to open fire. He emptied a full arsenal of “doubt” into my heart and mind! This attack left me in a desolate place. 

My Jesus didn’t leave me in this place I put myself in for long! He came to my rescue. He has a way of breaking through locked doors of our hearts and mind! He wants to show us how to find peace in Him.

He virtually led me Into the room with the disciples described in this passage, John 20:20-22!

Let me set the scene: This was a time right after Jesus‘s resurrection and the disciples were locked in a room out of fear for their lives. Jesus came and stood among them and said not once but twice, “Peace be with you.”.... and then, he breathes on them and says “receive the Holy Spirit”.

This passage is such a beautiful picture of Jesus’ tender love for us! He touches us the same way he reached out to the disciples in this text.

Each verse reached out and stimulated my senses!  I Found myself literally experiencing this passsge in a physical way.

I could envision Jesus entering the room and a instant calmness flooding the hearts of His disciples. I could sense the joy that came over the disciples when he spoke the words, “Peace be with you.” I could not get past verse 22. I read it over and over again meditating on the visual of Jesus “breathing” on the disciples! What a comforting thought!

I could almost feel Jesus’ breath upon my skin as I reread those verses. I felt so peaceful and thankful for his presence only for Him to show me more!

As I walked out of my house towards the mailbox that morning, I rounded the corner of our garage. Instantly, a gentle breeze hit my face wisping my hair back off of my shoulders.

 Immediately, my heart and mind was reminded of John 20:22. It gave me a sense of assurance that His spirit was with me and would help me through any situation I was struggling with.

I sincerely believe that God worked all of these events together so He could speak peace into my life like He did with the disciples that day in that locked room so they could complete the task he had called them to do. And like He can do for you!

We are not to react in situations in fear or anxiousness but with confidence!  I love this verse! It says it all!

Isaiah 41:13 “For I, the Lord your God hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “ Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Believe it! 

You can find temporary peace through reaching out to a spouse or a good friend, but a true peace can only be found in Jesus. He will never leave nor forsake you. He is actively pursuing a relationship with you. If you reach out to Him…..He will take your hand and lead you. The peace that transcends all understanding will guard your heart!

Let Him breathe on you! Let Him give you the breath of life!

The Invitation

A Invitation of Love

By: Machelle McDowell

Isaiah 43:1- But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 

Have you ever received an invitation in the mail that you weren’t quite excited about accepting? 

That happened to me! I reluctantly accepted an invitation that changed the trajectory of my life! It didn’t come by mail, but by a male!

I received an invitation from Jesus through a human vessel, named Charles Miller 36 years ago! Say What?? Yes, this is my story!

God reached out to me and I took my redeemer’s hand through an invitation to go to church! 

When I came to know God I was not looking for Him, he was looking for me. He physically used another human being, Charles Miller to pursue me by showing his love in an unexpected way.

Charles and a few other Godly men would go out each week and visit people that the church had been praying for. In my situation, it was for salvation.

Charles Miller is one of the most dedicated, humble, Christian men I have ever known. He and his wife, Brenda have been role models for my family and continue to be to this day.

Charles offered an invitation to come to church and hear the gospel. An Invitation that I did not (really) want to accept, but I did, I went.

Even though it was the wrong motive, I went to church! But, only thinking by my going would stop the Saturday morning visits, LOL! It did, but not for the reasons I originally intended.

To my surprise, I would later praise and worship not only with Charles and Brenda but with my other new-found Church family as well! The Saturday visits turned into a lifetime of discipleship with a group of people I adore!

Accepting that invitation changed my life forever! I not only accepted the invite to church, but I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of my life.

I heard the truth about who Jesus is! He is much more than a “Get-out-of hell“ pass. I learned that He loves me and that He died for me. He shed His blood as a ransom for my sins. My sins are forgiven and remembered no more. He not only died for me, but He lives!

He conquered death and is in heaven preparing a place for all saints to be with Him forevermore! No worries, no pain, no sickness, and no death! What a valuable invitation!

Jesus has an invitation for you today! He is saying, “Come and be a part of the family you were created to be in.”

Accept this invitation to a life changing event! Salvation!

A Grateful Heart Mimics Jesus

A Grateful Heart Mimics Jesus

By Machelle McDowell

Jeremiah 32:19

“Great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve”. 

My friend Denise has taught me the true meaning of counting my blessings and being grateful. She gets up every morning and counts her blessings one by one. How do I know this, because It is evident in her lifestyle! 

You see, Many days she is basically confined to her home as she cares for her “special needs” son. He physically depends on her for all of his basic needs. It is difficult for her to transport him outside of their home which means she gives a new definition to a stay home mom. 

It is a treat for her to be able to go out and have her hair done or do a little shopping. To spend time with a friend over a cup of coffee is rare and far between for this sweet lady. She never complains. She always has a smile on her face and joy in her heart.

Our purpose in life is the very meaning of our existence and without knowing this we often painfully miss out on our own significance. 

We sometimes are guilty of getting caught up in the lie that our lives don't matter and we have no connection or impact on the world around us. 

The message that this precious lady heralds from within the walls of her home on a daily basis speak louder than any message we might hear from a podium or a podcast. 

Her conduct is selfless, sacrificial, and saintly. She embraces her plot in life as the greatest gift God could have given her. God assigned her to be, “special.” She is gifted to fulfill special needs of her son. God designed in her all of the right attributes to be given such an honor. Sound familiar?

We all know someone like this…. His name is Jesus!

Denise exemplifies Jesus and is fueled by a heart of gratitude and thankfulness. When we look for things to be grateful and thankful for each day, we will find them!  Overtime this type of behavior will change our mindset and how we look at the world. 

We will become a more positive person and be far less self-centered. She lives life the way Jesus instructs us to live! 

I Thess 5:18- Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

She counts this season of her life as blessed. Do we? Or do we spend the majority of our time focusing on our woes?  She finds joy in each day and brings new meaning to the song, “Count your blessings.” Name them one by one. Count your many blessings!

I want to challenge you today! Look around for the blessings that God has placed in your path today. You will not have to look far. You will find them, I promise!

Exhibit a grateful and thankful heart and it will change your outlook and the outlook of those around you. It changed mine!

Follow The Leader

Be careful who you follow!

Are you walking in the right direction?

By Machelle McDowell

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left”. - Isaiah 30:21

 I pulled out of my driveway this morning and headed down our street on my way to work only to realize everything looked blurry and I couldn’t see clearly!

It only took me moments to realize I had failed to put in my contacts nor did I have my glasses on! I was definitely going to be directionally challenged if I didn’t go back and better prepare for my day! 

How many times do we leave out in the early morning hours not having a clear direction for our day because we failed to use our spiritual eyes and ears to guide us down the path that God has ordained us to travel?

Proverbs 16:9 instructs us that, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” 

Being in God’s word in the mornings is such a blessing to me and serves as a roadmap not only for my day, but my life! 

Seeing God’s word,hearing his voice, and letting my heart dwell on Him empowers me for whatever the day may hold. 

As children we played a game called, “Follow the Leader,” most times than not the things that the leader had us to do were fairly easy… But when the things began to become harder we didn’t wanna play anymore. Isn’t that true of our Christian walk?

What does it look like to follow the Leader? Jesus said pick up your cross and follow me. 

Sometimes the road we travel is not easy! We encounter bumps along the way and sometimes we head in the wrong direction altogether. It Feels like we are living in a blur! There’s nothing worse than feeling lost! 

We cannot possibly carry our cross and follow Christ if we don’t even know what that actually means? If we have no sense of spiritual direction.

 It is hard to follow a road that you cannot see clearly. We must study the roadmap! But, not only must we study….We must follow it! 

If I am taking a road trip and I have studied the map backwards and forwards, but I decide to take another route anyway, it is not going to end well for me! 

I think sometimes as Christians we have the studying part down, but we’re not too good at the following part. It is hard to follow a road that you cannot see clearly. And in order to see clearly  The road God has prepared for us to travel, we must take what we know and apply it to our life. 

It is probably safe for me to say that I have completed over 100 Bible studies in my lifetime. But, if I never apply any of it to my daily life, what good is it? What have I gained other than a head knowledge? 

Are you tired of  walking with Christ in a blur? Not having a clear vision as to His directions for your life. Do you want to hear God say,  “This is the way walk in it?”

See through the eyes of Jesus! Listen for His voice! Let your heart be in the rhythm of His! Be careful who you follow. Seek a clear direction.

Apply the knowledge you have learned from his word and let the holy spirit be your road map. Let him show you the direction daily that God has purposed for you.

How Should A Christian Vote for the Governor? or President?

By: Jonathan Carl

Don’t you wish God made it more clear how you should vote?  Here are some biblical principles to consider before, during, and after you cast your ballot for Governor next week…and for the President next year.

Prayerfully.  Pray more, politick less.  Our nation and state are divided greatly with polarizing views between political parties.  What is a Christian to do?  Pray first.  Pray continually.  Pray consistently.  Pray equally for those leaders you agree with and also for those with whom you disagree.

1 Timothy 2:1–2 "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (ESV)

Biblically. The Bible has a lot to say about Biblical issues.  God cares about the poor, immigrants, marriage, dignity of life at all stages (including unborn babies, terminally ill, and elderly), racial equity, religious liberty, sexual ethics, war, economics, international relations, women’s rights, children’s rights, education, housing, and criminal justice.

Which politicians, if any, model a genuine trust in Jesus?  Which party’s policies and platforms are most in line with God’s plan for humanity?  These questions are important in clarifying how to vote in complicated and contentious times.  Know what God says before you vote.

1 Samuel 12:14–15 “If you will fear the LORD and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well. But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you and your king.”

Privately.  Why advertise your vote?  Is pride tied to your partisan politics?  Do you honestly think that your social media posts make people change their votes?  Would you change your vote or position because of someone else’s yard sign, t-shirt, bumpersticker, hat, or social media post?

Many Christians have done great damage to their Christian witness through political bias, pride, snarkiness, mockery, and endorsement of ungodly characters.  Go private with your political persuasions during this polarized season.

Proverbs 10:19 “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

Wisely. Are you willing to reconsider your vote?  Would you reevaluate your opinions? Have you listened closely and considered the positions of all sides?  Do you understand the perspectives of those with a different political persuasion?  Do your homework before you cast your ballot and don’t just trust the sound bites and media moments.

Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

Selflessly.  Do you vote only for what is in your best interest and agenda?  Or are you voting in the best interest of the common good? Vote in a way that benefits and prioritizes others more than yourself.

Philippians 2:3–4 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Humbly & Respectfully. Your vote is important, but what changes a nation ultimately is the Gospel.  Are you more passionate and public about your politics or about your Jesus?  Do you put more hope in the next election cycle than you do in Jesus’ return?

Godly Christians often feel led to vote in different ways.  Some may vote Republican.  Others feel led to vote Democrat.  Still others choose to vote for a third party candidate that might never win.  Others Christians may feel called not to vote at all.  You may be right in the choice you make, but then again, you could be wrong.  Be humble.

People will view issues differently than you.  Be kind.  Friends, family, coworkers and neighbors will vote differently than you.  That’s their prerogative, stay calm. Don’t let discussions devolve into arguments.  Know where you stand but be respectful towards others.

Romans 14:1 “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.”

May these truths and principles guide us into, through, and beyond this election season.

Is it possible for a Christian to lose salvation?

By: Jonathan Carl

The short answer is “no.”  The deeper answers are found in understanding what God describes (through the Bible) as true salvation, how we can understand if we have been truly saved, and what biblical assurance and perseverance means.  Unfortunately, many of us have witnessed people who claim to be Christians but their lives and beliefs do not agree with God’s Word or they eventually “fall away” publicly from their previous confession of Christ.

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?— unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

We are each called to examine the genuineness of our faith.  True believers confess with their mouths publicly that inwardly they love, treasure and trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior, believing that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross and was resurrected from the grave (Romans 10:9-10).  When God justifies us by faith in Jesus, He gives us His Holy Spirit within us (Ephesians 1:13-14) that outwardly evidences the inward reality of a new, saved heart through the fruit of His Spirit (Galatians 5:16-24).

More here on how to become a Christian and how to be sure you are a Christian:

• http://www.trustworthyword.com/how-can-i-become-a-christian

• http://www.trustworthyword.com/how-can-i-be-sure-im-a-christian

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:16

God wants us to keep watch on ourselves the teachings we receive and give to ensure a right understanding of who He is and His Gospel plan.  Once we are truly saved (justified), God continues His salvation through a process of change within us (sanctification), that continues until we meet Him in Heaven (glorification).  God promises that His children are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1), can never be separated from His love (Romans 8:31-39), and will never be put to shame (Romans 9:33).  God assures true converts that He keeps them in the faith (Jude 1:24-25) , finishes His saving work within us (Philippians 1:6), and promises their future resurrection (Romans 6:5) .

1 John is a great book to read that distinguishes true belief from false belief.  It is written to encourage Christians to know and have confidence in the genuineness of their salvation (1 John 5:13).  1 John also shows in various ways that there are others who have publicly claimed to be Christians, but evidence lostness through their words and actions.  Jesus’ parable of the soils is another place to see where there are some who have initially seemed to respond to the Gospel that eventual wither away or are choked out, evidencing their lostness by their fruitlessness (Luke 8:9-15).

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.” 1 John 2:19

More verses on biblical assurance here: http://www.trustworthyword.com/assurance and perseverance here: http://www.trustworthyword.com/perseverance 

Although true Christians will go through highs and lows, stumbling at various places in life, they will endure in their faith, preserving to the end in an evident way of increasing fruitfulness through God’s Spirit within them.  If you are struggling with your own salvation, I encourage you to study these Scriptures to either confirm your faith or to expose your need to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  If you are asking this question out of concern for a friend or family member I encourage you to pray for God to open their heart to salvation and to use you to share His truth and show His love.

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.” 1 Timothy 1:18-20 (ESV)

Bitterness And Its Minions

How Can I Escape a Bitter Root?

By Machelle McDowell

Does a bitter root have you enslaved? Where there is bitterness there is no room for forgiveness.Hebrews 12:15- See to it that no one feels to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” Springs up and causes trouble and by it many become defiled.

What is this verse saying to us? If bitterness takes root in our hearts and remains, it breeds contamination of our thoughts, deeds, actions, and attitudes. Our spirit is affected! It is like taking a pure glass of water and pouring ammonia into it. It becomes contaminated and not healthy for drinking. 

The living water that resides within the Christian cannot move freely if bitterness is present. The vessel becomes tainted. Bitterness seeps throughout our entire being. It takes on a mind of its own and invites its friends; resentment, anger, pride, and even hate.

How can forgiveness have a chance to filter out such contaminants in an environment of defilement?

Bitterness comes between us and God, therefore becoming an idol! Wow! This is much more serious than we realize.

The spirit must pass through our inward parts. This monster of bitterness that takes residence in our bodies begins to affect our testimony, our personality, and our relationships. Whoa! Pump the brakes! This thing is a snowball that leads to an avalanche of despair that can be stopped!

How to stop the bitterness in one proven step!

Begin to pray for the person that has embittered you! Taking this step is hard, but needed if healing is to take place. If we cannot bring this person’s name before our Holy God and allow Jesus to do the work of healing the relationship… We have a deeper issue. This is the hardest step to take but the most empowering and healing for both parties!

It is impossible to hold a grudge against someone you are praying for every day. 

Take a step further and ask God to turn the bitterness you feel into love for that person. You may feel that is undeserved. We didn’t deserve that kind of love either, did we? Jesus models this forgiveness on the cross!

This is the key that unlocks the prison doors that we have placed ourselves in under the guard of bitterness!

Jonah experienced this kind of bitterness against the Ninevites. In his heart of hearts he could not forgive the Ninevites! He was sure the consequences of their sin would bring demise from our Lord, but to his surprise God loved the Ninevites back into His good graces because of their repentant hearts. 

The Bible never mentions Jonah experiencing forgiveness for the Ninevites nor towards the Lord for the forgiveness shown to the Ninevites. This is a sad legacy to be remembered for.

Bitterness leaves you feeling out of control; so take back control by laying it at the feet of Jesus!  We must be willing to forgive. We forgive because we’ve been forgiven much. 

We don’t have the capability of forgiving others on our own, but God can empower us. Philippians 4:13 shares that promise, “I can do all things through Christ,”  Pray until you feel God melting away the bitterness you have against someone. Lay the bitterness aside so that the gift of forgiveness through the power of Jesus Christ can bring healing.

Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it.

Bitterness sours life; love sweetens it.

Bitterness paralyzes life; love empowers it.
Bitterness sickens life; love heals it.

Bitterness blinds life; love anoints its eyes.

Harry Emerson Fosdick