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He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.   If you haven’t read the book of Esther, I encourage you to do so.  First, because it’s in the Bible and reading the Bible is highly encouraged.  Second, because some cool twists come into play, that makes this story super interesting.  I don’t want to give anything away, but I want to mention a noteworthy part. A part that particularly hit home for me. It’s kind of a promise tagged in with a slap in the face reality check. Here is goes: God’s faithfulness is never in question.  Our obedience is.  See what I mean? GOD. IS. ALWAYS. FAITHFUL. But, how often is my obedience in questions?  How often do I fail to trust God?  How often am I unwilling to step out of my own agenda to fulfill His purpose?  — more than I care to admit. But, this

Did you know that nothing can take space in your head or heart unless you let it?  For something to take root and have influence, you have to surrender to it and permit it to take authority.  I have to remind myself of this often because I love to shift blame and pretend I have no choice — I’m helpless to the power of something. Sounds stupid, right?  I’m starting to realize that this victim mentality I’ve become comfortable with is really telling of a deeper issue — I’m not surrendering to the Lordship of Christ.  In failing to do so, I submit myself to every emotion while claiming to be a victim. It’s ridiculous. I must stop giving power to the unhealthy things that want to take control in my life.   It’s like God told Cain, “If you do well, will you not be accepted. And if you

  Brothers’ Keeper, affectionately known as “BK” for short was established in the year 2000. Based at Parchment Valley Conference Center reaches out every year to the community for mission projects. Most are construction projects for low income families or families with a handicapped member. Youth groups from around West Virginia and surrounding states have come in to do mission work in Jackson County, West Virginia. Every year Brothers’ Keeper serves over families all over Jackson County, all while developing a mind for mission work in over 100 youth missionaries and our adult counselors and crew chiefs. At the center of yearly planning is Gospel Scripture from the book of Matthew, chapter 25, verse 40. What better way to serve Christ than by serving His creation? Projects consist of a variety of home maintenance and repair; minor construction such as wheelchair ramps, porches, decks, porch roofs; painting inside and outside;

If I had to pick one quote to sum up Tested and Approved: 21 Lessons for Life and Ministry, it would be this:  “The true foundation of success is to know and do the will of God.” (p. 23) Doing the Will of God is our greatest goal as Believers and the ultimate marker of success as Christ-followers — What is God’s Will? — that we love Him and love others.  That’s what this book aims to help us do as it encourages us to trust God’s character, value people more than progress, and be accountable to our Christian conduct. “Results without relationships are just noisy, busy activity that really amounts to nothing.” (p. 13) ABOUT THE BOOK:  Tom Lane began this book over twenty years ago as a legacy for his children. He wanted to personalize some of the life lessons he learned over the years to one day share

“What if your setback is actually a setup for what God has for you next.” Annie Dixon     There is so much hope, wisdom, and promise in this statement. As much as I’d love to say that I readily see this in my life, I do see it in the life of Joseph. Joseph was in line to take over as head of the family, but one setback turned into many, and years went by when he didn’t know if he’d ever see his family again, let alone be their leader. Being groomed to become the head of the family set him up to know God and establish bold faith as he learned his people’s heritage and saw God’s continual deliverance. But head knowledge isn’t enough to make you a great leader, and God had a greater purpose for Joseph than head of his family. To fulfill his God-sized