Hey Ladies! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 14th! From 7:00- 8:45 p.m., we'll be cooking, eating and laughing in Cari Caraway's kitchen. We'll prepare one dish that can be frozen for a quick and easy meal later. And Chrissy Mayer, our resident health guru, will share a few tips for healthy-but-easy cooking. Bring a friend! Cari's address is: 15819 Trackside Drive Odessa, FL 33556.
More details (like what to bring) will be posted in a couple days.
...a place for ladies to connect and be encouraged.
Guest Devotional - Sandy Mayer
In the last week I have heard and read in five different settings about the importance of spending time in God’s word and praying. I’d like to share these valuable lessons with you as well.
The first mention of spending time in God’s word was from the Christian author and speaker, Kay Arthur, whom I heard while attending the ‘Deeper Still’ conference in Orlando. She stated that we need to study God’s word and make it a part of our lives so we may rest in our faith. The rest in faith that Kay described comes from finding what the Word of God says about a particular situation in our lives, and then believing it! Can that particular situation also include the planning of a wedding? (My daughter became engaged last week!) I’m going to be depending on that rest!!!
Then, on Sunday, while sitting at the table, my mouth dropped open as I listened to my friend JP share his testimony. It was as if I was hearing the words of Priscilla Shirer again. His statement was, ‘Once I fixed my focus on Jesus and not my problem, I saw change in my life.’ Don’t we have the tendency to spend more time on our problems than turning our eyes to Jesus? My present distractions include our finances, a place for a wedding, a wedding coordinator, inside or outside, a reception, how many people and where are they going to stay. The list keeps getting longer.
A couple days later, my devotion read, “The word of God reveals God’s mind, so we should learn it; God’s heart, so we should love it; God’s will so we should live it. The word of God is not only a sword for battle; it is a light to guide us in this dark world, food that strengthens us and water that washes us.” Beth Moore also spoke at the Deeper Still conference talking about the evil in this world. She said that in order for us to know what we humanly can’t know, we must know His word. We need divine revelation in a dark world so that we are not “Punked” or deceived.
Lastly, Hal’s message last Sunday focused on the acronym “SOAP” (Scripture, Observation, Application & Prayer). He used the same verses that were used in the conference. Ps 119: 103-105 “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” I know I must focus my eyes on Jesus to have discernment, peace and joy while planning my daughter’s wedding. How will getting in God’s word and praying help get you through your upcoming challenge?
Guest Devotional - Claudia Lisotta
I grew up Catholic, always had faith and believed in God. However, it wasn’t until three years ago when Tony, now my husband who has always been there for me, invited me to go church. It was so different from what I was used to.
A couple of months go by and I began to learn how God works miracles. A verse that really made me want to learn more and understand what real faith means is when I read Luke 1:26-33. It says, “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph. Gabriel appeared to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.’ Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. ‘Don’t be afraid Mary, the angel told her, for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end.’”
Now I’m sure Mary wasn’t waiting for an angelic encounter that day, but I love how God works in the lives of ordinary people like us. This verse not only shows that the “Son of Most High” was going to be conceived, but that salvation through Jesus is available to all of us.
Jesus, the name that means “Savior” came to seek people like me, like us.
So three years have gone by and God is still proving the validity and consistence of his words. He included me and you in his plans and his perfect will.
A couple of months go by and I began to learn how God works miracles. A verse that really made me want to learn more and understand what real faith means is when I read Luke 1:26-33. It says, “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph. Gabriel appeared to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.’ Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. ‘Don’t be afraid Mary, the angel told her, for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end.’”
Now I’m sure Mary wasn’t waiting for an angelic encounter that day, but I love how God works in the lives of ordinary people like us. This verse not only shows that the “Son of Most High” was going to be conceived, but that salvation through Jesus is available to all of us.
Jesus, the name that means “Savior” came to seek people like me, like us.
So three years have gone by and God is still proving the validity and consistence of his words. He included me and you in his plans and his perfect will.
Deeper Still Reflections!
“Am I gaining approval with God? Am I experiencing rest of faith – by uniting the word of God with faith for each situation. God is Able. Spend more time turning to God, than the problem. Be still and know you are not God. Love with knowledge and insight. We can have divine revelation in our human encounters.” –Sandy Mayer
“Keep growing. You need to have a good foundation. Listen to what God is telling you.”
–Rhonda Ellis
“This was the first conference like this that I have attended. I loved it! I too am still digesting everything that was presented - it was a lot. Priscilla's message really resonated with me the most. I needed the reminder that all of my little things are enough to take to God in prayer. I am often guilty of trying not to be "selfish" in my prayers when others have much bigger problems. Her comment to ask for what we need in prayer, or more, if that is what God wants to do, sunk in deep with me. Such a seemingly simple concept that I have missed out on. I'm praying a little different these days thanks to her!” –Linda Meyn
“God used the conference to confirm some things in my life that He is teaching me. The speakers gave a refreshing view of God’s ability to go “beyond the beyond,” the importance of not ignoring or underestimating our “spiritual gut,” and to fix on our eyes on Jesus as we seek to hear Him and find peace in our relationship with him. As I’ve faced the trials of this week, my mind has become flooded with scripture and words spoken at the conference – it was NOT by chance that I sat in that arena this past weekend!” -Melissa Walker
“I felt that the message I got from the Deeper Still is the same message that Pastor Hal was trying to get across.That is that no matter the circumstance to stay in the word and keep giving God all the praise and glory. Sometimes that is the hardest thing to do, but if you do then he will carry you through the storm.”
–Angela Taylor
“Keep growing. You need to have a good foundation. Listen to what God is telling you.”
–Rhonda Ellis
“This was the first conference like this that I have attended. I loved it! I too am still digesting everything that was presented - it was a lot. Priscilla's message really resonated with me the most. I needed the reminder that all of my little things are enough to take to God in prayer. I am often guilty of trying not to be "selfish" in my prayers when others have much bigger problems. Her comment to ask for what we need in prayer, or more, if that is what God wants to do, sunk in deep with me. Such a seemingly simple concept that I have missed out on. I'm praying a little different these days thanks to her!” –Linda Meyn
“God used the conference to confirm some things in my life that He is teaching me. The speakers gave a refreshing view of God’s ability to go “beyond the beyond,” the importance of not ignoring or underestimating our “spiritual gut,” and to fix on our eyes on Jesus as we seek to hear Him and find peace in our relationship with him. As I’ve faced the trials of this week, my mind has become flooded with scripture and words spoken at the conference – it was NOT by chance that I sat in that arena this past weekend!” -Melissa Walker
“I felt that the message I got from the Deeper Still is the same message that Pastor Hal was trying to get across.That is that no matter the circumstance to stay in the word and keep giving God all the praise and glory. Sometimes that is the hardest thing to do, but if you do then he will carry you through the storm.”
–Angela Taylor
Guest Devotional - Alexis Albright
Music is a love of mine. And every once in a while, a song hits me hard. Here’s a song that brings me to tears each time I hear it and gives me a glimpse into the day I will stand before my Maker:
There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well”
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
I know I will stand before Him. I am His child. But I long to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” For at that moment, I will rise! All the suffering – physical, emotional – gone. The way He allowed me to be used to reach others, even when it was unpopular or uncomfortable or even when I was rejected – all worth it because He is the One I lived my life for, the One I longed to please. And at that moment, “I will rise on eagles’ wings.”
Today, I know I serve a mighty God. But as I have life yet to live here on this Earth, I desire to seek His presence and His glory above all else and at any cost, because He still has work for me to be done here. And just as John the Baptist was on a mission to do great things for the sake of Jesus Christ, he kept one thing very clear – John 3:30 “He must become greater; I must become less.” It is my mission to do a work here on Earth that is all about reaching those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I’m so thankful for the opportunity we all have with our new launch at CATB and within each of our own respective communities. An opportunity to do “Whatever it Takes!” while the song in my heart plays, “I Will Rise.”
There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well”
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
I know I will stand before Him. I am His child. But I long to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” For at that moment, I will rise! All the suffering – physical, emotional – gone. The way He allowed me to be used to reach others, even when it was unpopular or uncomfortable or even when I was rejected – all worth it because He is the One I lived my life for, the One I longed to please. And at that moment, “I will rise on eagles’ wings.”
Today, I know I serve a mighty God. But as I have life yet to live here on this Earth, I desire to seek His presence and His glory above all else and at any cost, because He still has work for me to be done here. And just as John the Baptist was on a mission to do great things for the sake of Jesus Christ, he kept one thing very clear – John 3:30 “He must become greater; I must become less.” It is my mission to do a work here on Earth that is all about reaching those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I’m so thankful for the opportunity we all have with our new launch at CATB and within each of our own respective communities. An opportunity to do “Whatever it Takes!” while the song in my heart plays, “I Will Rise.”
Guest Devotional - Cheryl Holmes
What does it look like to be considered a woman after God’s own heart? Does that mean attending church, giving money to the church, helping the poor, or spending quiet time with God? I have been reading “A Woman after God’s Own Heart,” by Elizabeth George. In her book, she says that in order to make this heart change, I need to follow God in every area of life by nurturing my relationship with Him, loving my husband, enjoying my children, caring for my home, experiencing personal growth, and giving to others. I want us to delve deeper into the part about nurturing our relationship with Him.
If we look at Luke 10:42 it says, “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Jesus was in the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Martha was busy in the kitchen preparing food for the guests and she became agitated because Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach instead of helping her. She interrupts Jesus’ teaching and says to Him, “Don’t you care that I’m doing all the work by myself? Tell Mary to help me!” That’s when Jesus points out the one thing we all need to hear. It doesn’t matter if your to-do list is completed if you did not do the most important thing that we as Christians are called to do, which is to spend daily time with God. It doesn’t matter if your kitchen is dirty or the laundry got put away or if you responded to all your emails. If you did not stop and get in God’s presence to spend time with Him and hear what He wanted to tell you today, then your time was not well spent.
So, today, choose God’s way at every opportunity. In every decision, word, thought, and response, choose God’s way. Acknowledge God and seek His direction and He will say to you, “This is the way, walk in it.” - Isaiah 30:21
If we look at Luke 10:42 it says, “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Jesus was in the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Martha was busy in the kitchen preparing food for the guests and she became agitated because Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach instead of helping her. She interrupts Jesus’ teaching and says to Him, “Don’t you care that I’m doing all the work by myself? Tell Mary to help me!” That’s when Jesus points out the one thing we all need to hear. It doesn’t matter if your to-do list is completed if you did not do the most important thing that we as Christians are called to do, which is to spend daily time with God. It doesn’t matter if your kitchen is dirty or the laundry got put away or if you responded to all your emails. If you did not stop and get in God’s presence to spend time with Him and hear what He wanted to tell you today, then your time was not well spent.
So, today, choose God’s way at every opportunity. In every decision, word, thought, and response, choose God’s way. Acknowledge God and seek His direction and He will say to you, “This is the way, walk in it.” - Isaiah 30:21
Guest Devotional: Chrissy Mayer
A Lily Among Thorns: A Set Apart Life
“Like a lily among thorns, so is my darling among the maidens.” - Song of Solomon 2:2
True purity is more than simply saving sex until marriage. True purity is a complete set-apartness for our heavenly father – Our Prince. True purity is not only practiced in relationships and sexuality, but in every aspect of our existence.
I know what most of you are thinking right now…Purity…Seriously? Isn’t that something we talked about in Sunday School when we were younger?Doesn’t that have something to do with some promise ring?Girl, that’s something that went missing long ago!
Over the last few years, God has continued to show me new areas that can use some ‘cleaning’ up. And thank goodness He’s in the cleaning business because some of these nooks and crannies are going to need some divine intervention! God tells us in His Word that purity is not something reserved only for our daughters, granddaughters, sisters, and nieces. Purity is a way of life – a way of existence.
In Matthew 23:25-26, Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.”
Purity, I fear, has gotten mixed up in people’s minds with “Puritanism,” which, in the popular imagination, is a dour, brittle revolt against all the pleasures of the flesh. The concept of purity does not deny life; rather, it refers back to the very Giver of Life Himself. Purity means freedom from contamination, an undivided set-apartness from anything that would spoil the taste, essence, reduce the power, or in any way adulterate what Christ has called-us-out to be. It means cleanness, clearness…no additives, nothing artificial…in other words, “all natural”.
Things to think about…
How does culture view purity?
How does culture attempt to influence you to lower your standards of purity?
Check out these verses…
Philippians 4:8: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phillipians%204:8&version=NLT
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%204:7-8&version=NLT
2 Timothy 2:22: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%202:22&version=NLT
After reading the above scripture, pray and ask God to search out your heart. Ask Him to show you where you could use some reorganizing, dusting, or maybe even an entire renovation! Ask His forgiveness, for settling for empty boxes that the world wraps up beautifully and serves to you with a big pretty bow. Finally, share with a friend the areas God is challenging you in and encourage one another.
“Like a lily among thorns, so is my darling among the maidens.” - Song of Solomon 2:2
True purity is more than simply saving sex until marriage. True purity is a complete set-apartness for our heavenly father – Our Prince. True purity is not only practiced in relationships and sexuality, but in every aspect of our existence.
I know what most of you are thinking right now…Purity…Seriously? Isn’t that something we talked about in Sunday School when we were younger?Doesn’t that have something to do with some promise ring?Girl, that’s something that went missing long ago!
Over the last few years, God has continued to show me new areas that can use some ‘cleaning’ up. And thank goodness He’s in the cleaning business because some of these nooks and crannies are going to need some divine intervention! God tells us in His Word that purity is not something reserved only for our daughters, granddaughters, sisters, and nieces. Purity is a way of life – a way of existence.
In Matthew 23:25-26, Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.”
Purity, I fear, has gotten mixed up in people’s minds with “Puritanism,” which, in the popular imagination, is a dour, brittle revolt against all the pleasures of the flesh. The concept of purity does not deny life; rather, it refers back to the very Giver of Life Himself. Purity means freedom from contamination, an undivided set-apartness from anything that would spoil the taste, essence, reduce the power, or in any way adulterate what Christ has called-us-out to be. It means cleanness, clearness…no additives, nothing artificial…in other words, “all natural”.
Things to think about…
How does culture view purity?
How does culture attempt to influence you to lower your standards of purity?
Check out these verses…
Philippians 4:8: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phillipians%204:8&version=NLT
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%204:7-8&version=NLT
2 Timothy 2:22: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%202:22&version=NLT
After reading the above scripture, pray and ask God to search out your heart. Ask Him to show you where you could use some reorganizing, dusting, or maybe even an entire renovation! Ask His forgiveness, for settling for empty boxes that the world wraps up beautifully and serves to you with a big pretty bow. Finally, share with a friend the areas God is challenging you in and encourage one another.
Guest Devotional-- Jen Allinder
I serve in the 1-2 year old room during the second service each Sunday. Do I do this because I enjoy wiping other children’s noses? Nope. Because I love holding screaming children while they are rubbing snot and tears on my new silk blouse, which now has to be dry-cleaned? Nope. Because I enjoy changing stinky and/or soggy diapers on children that aren’t my own? Nope. Then, WHY?
I serve in the kids’ ministry because I like children, and mainly because I know first-hand how a new parent in a new church feels. I know the prayers of visiting parents: safe environment, loving staff, appropriate curriculum, fun toys, and other happy kids. Answering those prayers enables the parents to concentrate on their own worship experience without worrying about their kids.
It amazes me each week to see the children in our class and how much they’ve grown. Kids who can’t yet talk much, know to “Pat the Bible” before we eat. We read Old McDonald and when we ask who made the animals, guess what? The answer is “God did.” They play their musical instruments and dance to the Lord, singing “If you’re happy and you know it.” At the end of our version, they shout AMEN! And after a few weeks in the class, I see the relief in the parents’ eyes when their child walks into our class and is excited when they are picked up. THESE are the reasons I serve.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me…” (Mathew 19:14). He tells us to have a special place for His children. We have that at CATB! Each age group learns about God in an age-appropriate setting.
I dare you to take a step of faith and help in the children’s ministry.
I love instant gratification and kids, therefore I choose to serve in the kids ministry at CATB. I also love the fact that I'm making an impact on children and introducing them to God's kingdom.
We are commanded “to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,” (Deuteronomy 10:12). Part of my service is in the kids’ ministry at CATB.
I serve in the kids’ ministry because I like children, and mainly because I know first-hand how a new parent in a new church feels. I know the prayers of visiting parents: safe environment, loving staff, appropriate curriculum, fun toys, and other happy kids. Answering those prayers enables the parents to concentrate on their own worship experience without worrying about their kids.
It amazes me each week to see the children in our class and how much they’ve grown. Kids who can’t yet talk much, know to “Pat the Bible” before we eat. We read Old McDonald and when we ask who made the animals, guess what? The answer is “God did.” They play their musical instruments and dance to the Lord, singing “If you’re happy and you know it.” At the end of our version, they shout AMEN! And after a few weeks in the class, I see the relief in the parents’ eyes when their child walks into our class and is excited when they are picked up. THESE are the reasons I serve.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me…” (Mathew 19:14). He tells us to have a special place for His children. We have that at CATB! Each age group learns about God in an age-appropriate setting.
I dare you to take a step of faith and help in the children’s ministry.
I love instant gratification and kids, therefore I choose to serve in the kids ministry at CATB. I also love the fact that I'm making an impact on children and introducing them to God's kingdom.
We are commanded “to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,” (Deuteronomy 10:12). Part of my service is in the kids’ ministry at CATB.
Guest Devotional-- Stacy Heckman
My 4-years old is constantly bringing home new vocabulary words that I wish I could magically erase from his mind. Most of them are harmless at this age, although one phrase he has recently picked up is, “Oh my God!” He excitedly blurted this out the other day when he was playing with his Matchbox cars. I instinctively corrected him saying, “Payton, let’s try using ‘oh my goodness’ instead.” I’m not sure he understood why I was correcting him. And then I thought, This is such a common phrase in today’s language… why am I correcting him? Interestingly enough, my Bible study last week had an entire day focused on this exact topic. I thought it might be a good refresher for all of us to think about this simple phrase that is uttered so frequently in everyday conversations.
First, let’s start with the basics: In Proverbs 9:10 it talks about a way that we can receive wisdom, and it says, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” The term “fearing the Lord” can sound intimidating, but really it means that we revere Him and show Him great respect. It means we hold His knowledge and truth in higher regard than our own.
My Bible study put it this way, “God is our father and we should speak His name. But we should do so with fear or reverence – never causally or crassly. We should guard ourselves against using God’s name without respect or “in vain,” as the Third Commandment says. God is not a stand in for ‘wow!’”
While “Oh my God” is not seen as profanity in today’s society, wouldn’t it be refreshing if everyone revered God so much that His name would only be used in respectful, honoring references? I encourage you to give it a try this week and only use God’s name in the most loving and respectful ways. See if it changes your perspective on the power and wisdom that is behind His glorious name.
First, let’s start with the basics: In Proverbs 9:10 it talks about a way that we can receive wisdom, and it says, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” The term “fearing the Lord” can sound intimidating, but really it means that we revere Him and show Him great respect. It means we hold His knowledge and truth in higher regard than our own.
My Bible study put it this way, “God is our father and we should speak His name. But we should do so with fear or reverence – never causally or crassly. We should guard ourselves against using God’s name without respect or “in vain,” as the Third Commandment says. God is not a stand in for ‘wow!’”
While “Oh my God” is not seen as profanity in today’s society, wouldn’t it be refreshing if everyone revered God so much that His name would only be used in respectful, honoring references? I encourage you to give it a try this week and only use God’s name in the most loving and respectful ways. See if it changes your perspective on the power and wisdom that is behind His glorious name.
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