The Science of Salvation

Text: Ephesians 1:6-14

1. A POWERFUL Salvation.
• Our ACCEPTANCE -V6
• Our ACCESS -V7; 1 John 1:7, Heb 9:22
• God's ASSETS to us -V8; James 1:5
• God's DIVING ARRANGEMENT - V9
2. A POLARIZING savior (Rom 13:1)
• Order: Yesterday, Today & Forever.
• Home, Church, Gov.
• He UNITES (2 Cor 5:21, Eph  4:32)
• God demand man to man.
• He DIVIDES (Gen 2:16-17, 2 Cor 6:14, Eph 2:8-9)
• himself, Mat 7:23, believers w-unbelievers, a relationship from religion.
3. A POSSESSION for the Saved -V11
4. A POSSESSION for the Savior -V12
• Sin makes us hide from God

Conclusion:

• Educate mind inspiring the heart.
• V7-Dirty heart has no access to heaven.
• V8-Living by Godly principles (wisdom)
• Always do what's right.
• Life is all a relationship (Prudence)

GB Essie

Divorce: What I know now! I didn't know then...

I believe there are people who struggle with this, and I believe God has put it in my heart to share.

I got divorced in 2011, remarried in 2013. I have 3 kids from my prior marriage and blessed with a fourth my stepdaughter. You can see our profile in About us Tab.

First, find a great home church. A church that the people love on you and help you grow with the Lord. For me it was White Oak Baptist Church with Mr. & Mrs. Peslak, they have shown us so much. When I first meet them I had no strength, tired, and drained. All I can think about is I wanted to live not die for my kids. Pastor Johnson & Pastor Peslak helped my husband, get closer to the Lord I had Mrs. Patty she took me under her wings and help me and showed me how to draw closer to the Lord.

Divorce was not our only sin, with my health my boyfriend (Current Hubby) moved in with me to help with the kids and my health. When we were attending White Oak Baptist Church and felt the tug in our hearts to get closer to God. Pastor Peslak was showing us our flaws. Living together not being married, was not good for us or the kids. The new life we wanted to live, didn't exist in the principles of the Bible. I didn't feel the need to get married again, especially when the time was ticking for me. Pastor recommended to pray about it, we did and I decided to do some bible studies on it. What we don't realize is that the world is a fleshly world and the enemy (DEVIL) is everywhere and he wants to make us believe that living together is not a sin, divorce is not a sin, swearing, not going to church, drinking is not a sin But it IS, is a SIN...

While studying the Bible and Googled prayer, divorce, etc, I stumbled upon this prayer book;  The Prayer book by Richard III I wanted to become better at praying, I felt like I needed something to bust my prayers. Well, I found this prayer in the book and I decided to pray for it my self in 2012. If I wanted to draw closer to God I needed to have peace in my heart. When I prayed this prayer I truly believe to be forgiven for my divorce and was able to move on and draw closer to God.

I praise you for your merciful kindness that is great toward me. 

Psalms 117:2 (For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth

of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.) I know that at my wedding

I vowed that I would stand fo my marriage and be in that marriage no matter what.

I meant that with my whole heart at the time. Now I can see that I allowed the enemy 

to come against my marriage, my spouse, and Your will for my life. Lord, I 

have recognized the sin of my divorce. At the time that it came about, 

I did not fully understand the terrible injustice I was doing. I just wasnt listening

 for Your voice to guide me in my life, nor was I seeking Your face, or looking in 

Your word for the right answers. I acknowledge my sin before You now Father 

and I seek the forgiveness that Your word says is mine if I repent and turn and 

sin no more. Acts 3:19. (Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that yoursins 

may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presencence 

of the Lord.) I am sorry for all the hurt and offenses I have caused and will 

endeavor to walk Your paths from now on. I ask You to heal the wounds I 

have caused, and bless my ex-spouse. I ask that You will free them from any

 unforgiveness or pain that they may still feel. I ask these things according

to Your word in 1 John 1:9 that says if WE confess our sins, HE is faithful and

just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Thank You Lord. Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Ever since my life has been amazing, we went through marriage counseling first, FYI I didn't do that with my previous marriage and we got married in 2013. We have been faithful to God since then and everything to help others draw closer to God. I have this blog, I have Journals, I have Youtube Channel (Faith, Family n Friends) Let's just say I am on my 2nd Prayer Journal. God is good. It is today 2018 and I am past my expiration date (2014).

What I know now, that I didn't now then:

1. God First - We pray together, we have quiet times together reading the Bible, we lift each other up to put God first.
2. Communication - even if we don't agree we still communicate. Everything, everything, everything "talk about it." Embarrassing we communicate, I don't smile we communicate.
3. Dates - We go on dates at least once a month, and a weekend every QTR. We meet up at places just to pretend we are having a first date.
4. Family - We have family outings at least 3-4 times a year. (Camping, Parks, Church & Dinners 2nd Sunday of the month)
5. Touch - Not just SEX, physical touch, affirmation.
6. To Agree or Disagree - When it comes to our mixed family we had sat down and come to an agreement. They have a father and a mother! We are STEP parents, we must not treat one better than the other, everyone has the same house rules based on age, and all have cleaning schedules. Punishment is based on the offense, and it was all agreed upon moving into the house. We have regular family meetings if items need to be discussed or changed. But we have our own private meeting first before.

My marriage now is not perfect we still have minor trials, we have trials with our ex-spouses, trials with are wayward children, our jobs, our friends. Every day is a new trial, But God always prevails and shows us that he is with us, he guides us and shows us his Mercy and Grace. As long as we live in this world we will always have trials are faith will always be tested. Is how we respond to the trials as Christians.

I recommend the following books to read if you are struggling with this topic;

5 Love Languages

5 Love Languages Devotional

Finding Hope After Divorce 6-week Bible Study

God Bless,

The Campbell's

The Christian's Journey #15

Introduction: When we reach a place of "wilderness" in our lives, the LORD sees and hears our complaint. He will provide that which we need, and amazingly, He provides in such a way we know it could have only been Him.

Wilderness of Sin

Text: "Marvellous things did he in the sight of their father, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan." Psalm 78:12-32

1. The Account:
• Exodus 16
• Numbers 33:11-12
2. The Details:
• This wilderness is a narrow plain which stretch along the eastern shore of the Red Sea for several miles toward the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula.
• Israel murmured while resting here when the corn which they had brought from Egypt had run out.
• God sent manna in abundance. Quail and water were also provided in following days of their journey.
3. The Application: - manna means "What is it?"
• to teach us that man does not live by bread alone (Deut 8:3)
• to prove the Israelites (Deut 8:16)
• to instruct them with His spirit (Nehemiah 9:20)
• to remind them of His covenant (Hebrews 9:4)
• to sustain them (Joshua 5:12)
• because they asked (Psalm 105:40)
4. The Recommendations:
• Choosing that God is to follow and to take what comes with it. 
• Read Psalms 148, 150 to stay strong (to praise the Lord)

Conclusion: No matter how long or how severe your wilderness may be, we have a God who, despite our murmuring and complaining, sees our needs and provides for them in His own wonderful, miraculous way. Learn the lessons He has for you along the way. Remember His provisions. And let His "manna" sustain you.

GB Essie

Creative Retreat Sept 2017 #5 Bible Journaling Process

Here is a video of my September 2017 Bible Journaling. Better late than never. I love her kits so I don't mind it being old. It still made the purpose to get closer to the word of God.



John 15:12-17

The Christian's Journey #14

Introduction: The Lord has a way of bringing us to a place of rest where we can find restoration, reviving, renewal, and new strength. He provides the essential elements to our spirit and our soul.

Elim

Text: "I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." Psalms 27:13

1. The Account:
• Exodus 15:27
• Numbers 33:9
2. The Details:
• Elim means strong trees
• This was the 2nd encampment after the Red Sea crossing
• Elim had 12 wells of water (natural springs) and 70 palm trees
• Israel may have remained here for 2 1/2 months.
• Elim was a place of abundant water and pasture
• Today, "a few palms remain dwarfs and trunkless, gnarled tamarisks and acacias, the sole relics of the grove that once flourished on this oasis."
3. The Application: - The goodness of the Lord. . .!
• satisfies (Psalms107:9)
• rejoices (2 Chronicles 6:41c)
• leads to repentance (Romans 2:4b)
• constrains (2 Corinthians 5:14b)
• prevents (Psalms 21:3a)
4. The Recommendations: - God's goodness in your own life: (Psalm 31:19, 52:1, 65:4, 68:10, 107:8, 15, 21, 31; Exodus 33:19, 34:6)

Write down some of the Lord's goodness to you in your life. . .

Conclusion: When you go through the Red Sea in your life, remember that the Lord will also bring you to an Elim. Here you can renew your strength. But remember you will not be there for long. Our journey is not done. Elim is not our destination, only a restful point along the way.

GB Essie

The Christian's Journey #13

Introduction: There is much debate about where the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea. We need to bypass this and look at what God did then and what He can do now.

Pihahiroth

Text: ". . . Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Exodus 14:13-14

1. The Account:
• Exodus 14:1-31
2. The Details:
• Pihahiroth is an Egyptian word meaning "the place where sedge grows"
• Sedge is rush-like or grass-like plants
3. The Application: - Look what God did!
• stood between Israel and Pharaoh's army (v 19-20)
• Brought a strong east wind all night (v 21)
• Made dry land in the midst of the sea (v 21-22)
• Made waters to be a wall on either side (v 22)
• Took off Egyptians' chariot wheels (v 25)
• Drowned Egyptians in midst of the sea (v 27-28)
4. The Recommendations: - Look what God can do!

When it is all said and done, you will have seen the great work of the Lord, you will fear Him, and you will believe in Him. Until then, when you're between a rock a hard place, wait on and hope in the Lord. (Psalm 37:7a, 34a, 38:15, 39:17, 119:81, 130:5; Romans 5:5, 8:25)

Wait

1. He will strengthen you (Ps 27:14)
2. He will defend you (Ps 59:9)
3. He will give and meet expectations (Ps 62:5)
4. He will increase your faith (Gal 5:5)

Hope

1. Brings rest (Ps 16:9b)
2. Provides mercy (Ps 33:22)
3. Maketh not ashamed (Rom 5:5)
4. Keeps you safe (Rom 8:24)
5. Magnifies Christ (Phil 1:20)

Conclusion: Those times when the Christian life gets extremely tough, and you feel like you have your back against the wall, facing the enemy can be disheartening. But wait for it. . .wait for it. . . wait for it. . . BOOM! The Lord will come through, and He will come through quite miraculously! Learn to wait on Him, hope in Him. Then you will see what God can do.

GB Essie

The Christian's Journey #12

Introduction: When looking at a map, the direction indicated in the downward position is SOUTH. The idiom "when things go SOUTH," means when the situation begins to decline or deteriorate.

Etham

Text: "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10

1. The Account:
• Exodus 13:20-14:31
2. The Details:
• Etham means place of turning.
• Israel's third encampment after leaving Egypt.
• Located on the edge of the wilderness, leaving he cultivable lands of Egypt behind.
• Etham is where the Lord commanded Israel to turn south.
• Just ahead of Etham, Israel would end up with their backs against the Red Sea and the Egyptians bearing down upon them.
• The Promised Land lay east, not south.
3. The Application
• Israel was leaving the provision of Egypt and entering the wilderness upon God's command.
• In this direction lay the Red Sea.
• Pharaoh decided to pursue Israel into the wilderness.
• But, what did Israel have in the wilderness?
• water, manna, quail, clothes & shoes lasting-God's provision.
• the pillar of cloud and fire-God's presence leading in love, kindness, patience, & faithfulness.
4. The Recommendations:
• God is aware and has allowed it (Job 23:10)
• God is still with us (Heb 13:5)
• God will continue to lead the way (Prov 3:6)
• God will provide for our needs as He sees fir (Deut 31:6, 8)
• God's love will never fail (2 Thes 3:5; Ps 89:33)

Conclusion: When the Lord directs our path and instructs us to "go south," we should obey. Just remember this: the wilderness is not our final destination, only part of the journey to the Promised Land. So "go south" at His command, and look to Him, His love, and His provision, for He is very close to you.

GB Essie

The Christian's Journal #11

Introduction: The last place Jacob resided was Egypt. Over 400 years passed before Israel would move to another location. By this time, Israel had grown from 70 to thousands. When the Lord provided the opportunity, Moses led Israel out of Egypt on toward the Promised Land. After leaving Goshen, their first stop was a place called Succoth.

Succoth

Text: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13

1. The Account:
• Exodus 12:31-13:22
2. The Details:
• Succoth means tents, tabernacles.
• There are two locations called Succoth. This location was close to Egypt while the other location was in Canaan.
• Succoth was Israel's first encampment after leaving Egypt.
• Succoth and Etham were on the edge of the wilderness.
3. The Application:
• Israel was transitioning from living in Egypt to living each day in the wilderness dependent upon God.

Three thoughts about this time:

• preparation: take up what God has provided
• v32 flocks, herds, dough-sustenance
• v35 jewels of silver, jewels of gold, raiment-future
• remembrance: note what God does and remember (Ex 13:3-18)
• v9, 16 to remind yourself
• v8, 14 to testify to others
• security: let God be your security v 21-22
• God makes Himself known (cloud by day, fire by night)
• God will lead (not push)
• God will not leave

      4. The Recommendations:

• Some scripture for your time of transition . . .
• security: Job 11:16
• strength: Ex 13:3, 14-16, 15:13; Neh 8:10; Ps 18:2, 32, 39, 27:1, 46:1, 59:9, 71:16, 73:26, 84:5; Prov 10:29, 24:5, 10; 2 Cor 12:9
• steadfastness: Ps 89:28b, 118:8, 1 Cor 16:13; Gal 5:1; Phil 4:1; 2 Tim 1:13; Titus 1:9; Heb 3:6, 4:14; Rev 2:13, 3:3, 11

Conclusion: Life always comes with transition, taking us from one place to another. Transition can be difficult, especially if we feel like our security being taken away. We have heard and seen that when and where God leads, He will provide. Never let the blessings that the Lord has given us become our strength and security. God is the One who brought those blessings and kept us secure, and we need to look to Him as our pillar of cloud and pillar of fire, leading us from Egypt on to the Promised Land. He will keep us, He will provide the strength, and He will hold us fast.

GB Essie

The Christian's Journey #10

Introduction: Jacob went down into Egypt (a picture of the world) at the instruction of the Lord. There Israel remained for over 400 years, ending up as slaves to the Egyptians. From there the Lord brought them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

Goshen

Text: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord. . . " 2 Corinthians 6:17a

1. The Account:
• Genesis 46:1-6, 28-29, 47:1-6; Exodus 12:33-37
2. The Details:
• Goshen means approaching, drawing near.
• Goshen is located east of the Nile River and west of the Promised Land.
• Goshen is a pastoral land where cattle was kept.
• Goshen was considered the best of the land (Gen 46:6-7, 11)
• Goshen was inhabited by Egyptians as well as Israelites (Ex 3:22, 11:2, 12:35-36)
3. The Application:
• Israel settled here until it was time to head to the Promised Land.
• Israel grew from 70 souls to millions.
• Israel may have been near Egypt's royal residence, but this was never home to them.
• Egypt enslaved Israel.
• Egypt/Goshen did not destroy Israel.
4. The Recommendations:
• This world is our Goshen, not our home (John 15:19)
• This world's riches will never satisfy our soul; only God will (Eph 3:16-20)
• This world is only temporary until we reach our eternal destination, Heaven (John 17:15)
• Don't let this world cause you to conform, be blinded from seeing your Heavenly Father, or steal your affection (Rom 12:2, 1 John 2:15, Phil 1:21)
• We will never be able to "blend in" this world (1 John 3:13)
• While living "in this world," do not be "of this world."
• keep clean (James 1:27)
• live right (Titus 2:12)
• Let your life "spoil" this world (they have nothing on God!) Rom 9:23, 11:33; Eph 1:7

Conclusion: This world is not my home, I'm just a-passin' through; my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue! The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door, and I can't feel at home in this world anymore!.

GB Essie

Bujo PWM week of 6/10 to 6/16/2018

Ever wonder how to organize your self with less stress, try bullet journaling.

This concept has changed my life forever.





GB

Essie

How to pray for other Christians?

Have you ever wondered how to pray for others, or how to pray for other Christians, or even how to pray for our missionaries? Here are seven ways to help you start today;

1. Be thankful for their faith and changed lives (Col1:3-4)
2. Ask God to help them know his will. (Col 1:9)
3. Ask God to give them spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Col 1:9)
4. Ask God to help them live to honor and please him. (Col 1:10)
5. Ask God to give them more knowledge of himself. (Col 1:10)
6. Ask God to give them strength for endurance and patience (Col 1:11)
7. Ask God to fill them with Joy and thankfulness. (Col 1:11-12)

GB
Essie

The Christian's Journey #9

Introduction: When you first met God at salvation, did your life begin to change? What kind of changes first came about? Some changes were probably very easy to accept because of the presence of the Holy Spirit within you. Other changes were probably very difficult to make because you simply were not ready to make them. The amazing thing is the grace that God gives to each one of us in our life and the patience He has a He waits for us to grow in grace.

Peniel (aka Penuel)

Text: "For I say through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3

1. The Account:
• Genesis 32:24-32
2. The Details:
• Peniel means face or vision of God, that sees God.
• Located east of the river Jordan.
• North of the river Jabbok.
• Peniel lay on the army route between Canaan and the East.
• In later years, Jeroboam made Peniel a frontier fortress (1 Kings 12:25).
3. The Application
• When Jacob saw God face to face, he was changed in every way for the rest of his life.
• body-he halted when he walked (Genesis 32:31-32)
• soul-he was submissive to his brother Esau (Gen 33:3-11)
• spirit-he rid his house of all strange gods (Gen 35:1-4)
4. The Recommendations:

Knowing about the Lord is a good thing. Knowing the Lord is best because once you come face to face with the Lord, you will be forever changed. But the Lord changes us little by little, giving us the grace to grow in faith in all three areas of our person.

• body-present a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1); abstain (1 Thess 5:22, 1Pet 2:11); glorify God (1 Cor 6:20); cleanse (2 Cor 7:1)
• soul-renewed (Eph 4:23); be transformed (Rom 12:2); rejoice (Ps 13:5); strengthen (Ps 27:14); love the Lord (Mt 22:37, Mk 12:30); magnify the Lord (Lk 1:46); be subject (Rom 13:1); have earnest of Spirit (2 Cor 1:22); cleanse (2 Cor 7:1); spirit of power, love, & sound mind (2 Tim 1:7)
• spirit-preserved (Job 10:12); glorify God (1 Cor 6:20); bear witness (Rom 8:16); purified (1 Pet 1:22)

The changes God makes in our lives is not for us to be like other Christians (2 Cor 10:12b), but rather to be like Him (2 Cor 3:18). He creates a clean heart and renews a right spirit within us (Ps 51:10). And we must remember that He doesn't just want to change one part of us (body, soul, or spirit) but every part "wholly. . . that our whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thess 5:23)

Conclusion: After studying these places Jacob went and the changes he made after meeting the Lord, I think that perhaps Jacob is no longer my least favored hero of the Bible. Jacob met the Lord face to face and changes were made in each and every area of his life. The Lord truly made a difference in his life! Our first encounter with the Lord was at salvation when He changed our soul. When we meet with God each morning, changes are sure to come. Follow the Lord's leading and direction, let Him make the changes He can, and you make the changes He asks you to make. Step forward in faith and grow in grace. You will see a difference!

GB Essie

Creative Retreat June 2018 kit review

Hello,



This is a monthly kit I get from Creative Retreat at www.creativeretreat.com this is the June 2018. This is mainly made for Bible journaling but I will be using it for both bible journaling and prayer journal.



GB

Essie

The Gospel's Power over Church Problems

Introduction: The book of Corinthians, is made out of 5 essays for 5 different sins and the answer is The Gospel. We need to remember Sin is EVERYWHERE.

We will be studying the book of 1 Corinthians

1. The Church's Sin: SCHISMS over Personalities - Chapters 1-4

• Their CONTENTIONS (1:10-13)
• Make Jesus the center
• Their CARNALITY (3:1-7)
• The CREDIT (1:24-30)

Paul's Solution: The Gospel Provides UNITY (3:6-15)

• Your foundation is Jesus.
• We all have someone who rubs us the wrong way.
• Mat 5:44; Luk 6:27; Exo 23:4

2. The Church's Sin: SEX SINS (5-7)

• Get your LOVE aligned with God.
• Show sexual INTEGRITY.
• Their ACCEPTANCE of Immorality (5:1-9)
• No one CARED at the Church's.
• Their ATONEMENT from Immorality (6:9-11)
• Being REMINDED of our Sin, but KNOW you are SAVED.
• Their ABSTINENCE from Immorality (6:15-18, 7:1)
• Having Sex prior to Marriage (Sex SINS - Porn, Romantic Novels, Sex, Physical Touching)
• Their ADOMISHMENT for the Unmarried (7:6-8, 10-17, 32-35)
•  Stay Single
• Wait until you are married
• Their AVENUE for Sexual Wellbeing (7:2-5, 8-10)
• Married - Steward your spouse's body.
• Pick up the pace, male or females out there. Don't let your significant other find interest in other places or people.
• Date your spouses all the way to the GRAVE.
• Prenatal SEX is a SIN ( 1 Cor 18-20)
• Sex is a horrible sin - The body is being defiled
• You are defiling the Holy Spirit, Gods Temple OUR BODIES.

Paul's Solution: The Gospel Provides SEXUAL INTEGRITY (1 Cor 6:19-20)

GB Essie

Camping Black Rock State Park CT 5 25 to 5 27 2018

Our Christian Idolatry

Introduction: We are not to worship IDOLS, God doesn't like are unfaithfulness, today we are tempering God and changing him to our way, our satisfaction, (IDOLATRY) our lifestyle.
Judges 6:25-28; 2 Cor 6:16

1. The REALITY of "Christian Idolatry"

• Idols are INVENTED (Lev 19:4; Lev 26:1)
• Idols are INFERIOR (1 Chr 16:26; Exo 20:4; Deut 27:15)
• Idols can be INCONSPICUOUS (1 Sam 15:23; Col 3:5; 1 Sam 13:14; Rom 6:13; 1 Sam 15:28.)

THINGS cannot bring you LONGTERM joy.

2. The REMOVAL of "Christian Idolatry"

• We must SEARCH our hearts. (Ps 139:23-24; Job 31:6; Ps 5:8; Ps 25:4)

Ask God to SEARCH your heart.

• We must STAND for the right. (Jdg 6:28)

Keeping God, the God of the BIBLE

• We must be SELECTIVE (2 Chr 24:18; Jdg 5:8)
• We must SANCTIFY (Clean Up) our temple (2 Cor 6:16)

3. The REWARDS of "Christian Integrity" 1The 1:9

• LIVE our lives Gods way; brings great BALANCE in our lives.

GB Essie

Faith over Fear by Illustrated Faith #6 Bible Journaling Process

2 Corinthians 5:7 - One of my favorite verses.