Grounded in Christ

 As we start to slow down for the evening, we begin to prepare our hearts and minds for tomorrow. Sunday. A day of worship. An opportunity to gather together with other believers. For many people it is also the only day they consider including God in their lives. You've read Millie's story long enough to know that my (momma's) heart is to live every day for Jesus. My heart is also to see my children walk in truth and fellowship with Christ.

Many children are raised with no spiritual grounding or knowledge. Some are raised with only going to church on Sunday or maybe a special holiday. Some are taught at home how to read their bibles, study scripture, pray, and praise. Scripture tells us that Jesus came and died for all those children equally. Each person has the opportunity to give their life to him through
A) Admitting they are a sinner
B)Believing Christ died on the cross to take their place
C) Confess Jesus as Lord.
Did you know some people will go their whole life 'living like a Christian' without ever simply choosing to follow the ABC's and submit their lives to Christ?

Early this morning as I came into the kitchen, I saw daddy at the table, bible open, head bowed, starting his day. He didn't announce it to the family. He wasn't being showy. He just chooses to start his day with Jesus. I am so grateful when I married this man 30 years ago as a baby believer that his heart was to learn, grow, and serve the Lord. It thrills my heart to know that he desires to see his children walk in truth just as much as I do.

We have taught our children about Jesus since they were tiny infants. As I have shared before, we 'bless' them each night before bed. "May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you his......PEACE" I capitalized peace because they always yell that part. It's the first word to the blessing that they memorize. You may have heard Millie say peace in her tea party video. That is her ending her prayer over her food. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=271961567491297

We read bible story books, we watch Nest bible videos, we play praise and worship music, we make an effort to put God's word in our children. All those things are great, but even greater still is our children seeing us follow Jesus. Have you heard that saying "do as I say and not as I do?". That never works out does it? That is where people start thinking Christians are hypocrites. In reality, they are probably not hypocrites as much as still baby Christians who have never gotten deep into God's word. They have belief but don't know where to go from there. Hebrews 5:12, New Living Translation talks about that...
"You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food."

Where are you tonight? Are you a new believer? Have you been a Christian for years but need to get into his word more often? Are you wondering if you even know him? I'd like to encourage you to do it NOW. Ephesians 5:15 tells us to "redeem the time because the days are evil...." meaning do it now, don't wait! However the whole chapter of Ephesians 5 is a good place to start.

Another thing to consider is what you fill your mind with. While driving today I was listening to KLOVE radio ( http://www.klove.com/ ). Each song is so encouraging. Each one I wanted to share tonight and say "YES THIS!!!" but I can't share them all. I encourage you to find this station either on your radio, the app, or livestream and dive in. Let me know if it speaks to you like it does me?

Millie asked to go to church whenever she was home. She loved to sing the songs and eat the doughnuts (we are Baptists, you have to have doughnuts...lol) In her last few days we often told her "did you know in heaven nobody has cancer? Nobody's tummy hurts in heaven. You get to see Jesus in Heaven." And on that last day, in the last few moments after blessing her one final time, we said "run to Jesus baby, don't be scared. We love you!". You see our assurance is that she waits for us there... Now our job here is to prepare our other children to know about Jesus so they can make the CHOICE to KNOW JESUS.

Praises:
💕 I’m grateful that Millie’s Miracle didn’t stop when her life did. The fact that she touched you all enough to want to read and pray for her (and our family) is tremendous. Thank you for letting me continue to share my heart.

Prayers:
🔹Pray for those reading tonight that needed to hear and believe that Jesus loves even them.
🔹Pray for Ady as she begins Immunotherapy this week. It can be a rough painful treatment. She has to do 5 rounds over 5 months. Pray it will be manageable or no pain.