Crossroad Church has been blessed so much this past year, and I am incredibly thrilled to be a part of it! There is so much growth and healing in our midst and it's very exciting! This year we were blessed to gain David and PJ Yount into our church family! They are incredible sheppards and have introduced our church to an incredible discipling tool. It is a series of 12 lessons that they wrote and published themselves. The series is titled 'How to Grow' and focuses on discipleship of new believers and old believers alike.
I began my own discipleship on 12/2/10 and today, I began descipling my eldest son's girlfriend Meg. She is such a sweet girl and I just love her to death! She was the first that came to mind when I was told I would become a discipler after completing my own series. At first I was hesitant because I feared a conflict of interest with me being her boyfriend's mom, youth leader and friend; however, I could not shake her from my heart and mind. I am so glad I did not pass this up! We had such an amazing lesson today and were able to share so much, so freely with eachother. We laughed, we cried, we got serious...it was everything I hoped it would be and more!
As of this very moment, I am discipling 2 women, and have one that we're just waiting to find a good meeting time. This, I have come to realize, is what this life is all about! This is the great commission! Matthew 28:19-20 says:
"19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
I am honored and thankful for this wonderful opportunity to do what I was created to do! I love my ladies and look forward to growing relationships and many years to come of faithful service to the One I love most! Thank You sweet Lord, for loving me and allowing me to love You in return! ~Amen
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
This House-Edison Glass
I just want to share this video. I can't watch it without crying. It is by one of my favorite Christian Artists, Edison Glass. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLYmBRgO7uU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLYmBRgO7uU
The Vilest of Offenders
Today is such a beautiful day! It's a perfectly gorgeous, blue skied sunny Southern California day! I am so incredibly blessed to be here! It saddens me to think of all the days that go by that I just take for granted without even noticing the shade of blue or indigo in the sky. tisk tisk.
Well, today in my quiet time I read a few chapters in my Bible. First I read John chapter 6, then I finished reading Matthew chapter 7 from yesterday. Although those 2 chapters are filled with beefy goodness, I was particulary struck by Acts chapter 9, the conversion of Saul. Now, Saul was the persecutor of all persecutors. This man was ruthless against Christians, and was singlehandedly responsible for more Christian deaths than any other. Saul was evil, through and through. In this chapter, we learn that Saul had an encounter with Jesus, and that Jesus spoke. Saul was blinded by a great light that came down from heaven and when he cried out "Who are you Lord?", Jesus repied "I am Jesus, who you are persecuting." Jesus then gave Saul some instructions on where to go to regain his sight. So he went down the road to Damascus to meet up with a man named Ananais, just as Jesus had commanded.
Now, here's where it gets tricky and my attention was caught. Jesus also approached Ananias to make sure he would be prepared for Saul. When Ananias heard this news, his immediate reaction was that of accusation. Beginning in verse
He made sure to point out to Jesus just exactly who Saul was. Don't we do just that? Don't we look at people, and their vilest offenses, and think they are unworthy? Don't we look at criminals on death row and think they don't deserve another chance? Don't we look at child molestors and rapists and think they should be doomed? Saul was going around killing people for no reason other than that they were Christ followers. Ananias obviously thought he was unworthy. But listen to what Jesus says picking up in verse 15 "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel." Saul was a chosen vessel! The Lord took the vilest offender and CHOSE him to be His witness!
13 "But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."
He made sure to point out to Jesus just exactly who Saul was. Don't we do just that? Don't we look at people, and their vilest offenses, and think they are unworthy? Don't we look at criminals on death row and think they don't deserve another chance? Don't we look at child molestors and rapists and think they should be doomed? Saul was going around killing people for no reason other than that they were Christ followers. Ananias obviously thought he was unworthy. But listen to what Jesus says picking up in verse 15 "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel." Saul was a chosen vessel! The Lord took the vilest offender and CHOSE him to be His witness!
Let's think about this. Jesus met Saul on the road to Damascus and revealed Himself. Didn't Jesus already know who Saul was? Didn't Jesus already know of the things Saul was accused of? Did He need Ananias to give Him the rundown of who this man was? Even though Christ knew who this man was, He still chose to use him. Who are we to judge, or even voice our opinion about who deserves to know Jesus? Everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY deserves the opportunity to make their life right and come to know the Lord. He uses people with unpleasant testimonies in a mighty way everyday. Do we look back on our past and forget that we were guilty, too? I am so thankful for Jesus seeing past the ugly and giving me the chance I never deserved! Let's practice compassion and forgiveness. Let's not play God. We are commanded as Christians to tell the world about Jesus. It's not up to us to pick and choose who to tell....we are to tell everyone!
*Heavenly Father, I pray that You will give Christians around the world the boldness to get out there and share Your love with even the least lovely. ~Amen*
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Up From the Depths...the Renewal
Well, it's seems it's been forever since my last blog post. In looking back on where I was, and I'm going to try to keep this blog a bit more personal and authentic. No more copying and pasting devotionals that I think are cool...unless they are really special. I'm challenging myself to dig in and create my own devos and journey into the real adventures of Kelli.
So many new and exciting things are happening in the life of Kelli. A new business venture is hatching and I am very excited to see what happens. It's actually to answer a calling on my life. About two years ago, God called me to full time ministry. For the past year I have been going to school working on my degree in Sociology: emphasis Human Services, in order to enrich my skills and understanding in the field of my business. I do not want to divulge too far in to details about the business other than it is to provide a safe haven and positive alternative to partying for teens.
I really have NO idea how it's going to happen, but I trust wholeheartedly that God will iron out all the wrinkles. I have been praying for Him to send the right peole my way. I need an attorney to help me form by-laws; I need an accountant to help with financials; I need go getters to help raise funds. I really just need a lot of love and encouragement right now. It becomes very difficult and overwhelming at times, but thank the Good Lord the excitement makes up for it all!
On another note, I am so super uber thrilled and excited to say that there is a fire within that has been rekindled and has brought me back to life! I once again have the passion and desire to not only know the Lord, but to share Him with the world! I'm sad to say that my pilot had gone out...but I'm back!! I just finished a course in discipleship and am now discipling 3 women. Well, 2 and 1 in the queue. It's funny how just a little time with God can bring you back from the dead and to share that with other women is totally rewarding! Thank You Lord, for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th...1,000th chances!!
Today before my math class, I spent some time in the Word. I read Matthew chapter 7. I believe this passage was meant just for me today. Maybe it was meant for you too?
Matthew 7:7-11
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and tho one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father whi is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
God loves us all so much and He wants the best of the best of the best for us. All we have to do is ask Him. Seek Him. Let Him in. What's holding you back?
TTFN~kel
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
The Invisible Bridge
The Invisible Bridge
This Devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.—Hebrews 11:1
In the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indy Jones takes a journey to find the Holy Grail – the cup Jesus drank from at the Last Supper. Along his quest, he uses his father’s journal as a resource to guide and show him how to overcome the obstacles present in order to find his treasure. The last test he comes up against is a test of faith. He must step onto the “invisible bridge” in order to cross a cavern. Everything he read in his father’s journal told him it would work, but it is hard to put your life on the line for something you cannot see. It was not until he had put his full weight on the bridge and had taken a step that he discovered with certainty that the bridge was real.
Faith comes first in believing that God is who He says He is. John 3:16 says that whoever believes that God gave His son as a sacrifice for our sins shall have eternal life. The first step in being a Christian is to move forward in faith and believe. The second step comes in believing God will do what He says He will. It is about believing in God’s promises even when it doesn’t feel like they are promises. It is trusting in Him, even when those around you think you are crazy.
Hebrews’ chapter 11 is known as the Hall of Faith. It documents amazing people of the Old Testament who lived out their faith. It was by faith Noah built an ark; it was by faith Abraham left his home and his inheritance; it was by faith Sarah had a child in her old age; it was by faith Moses’ parents hid him from the Egyptians when he was born; and it was by faith the people of Israel walked through the Red Sea on dry land. There are many stories of people relying on their faith in God, even when it didn’t make sense.
Sometimes, taking those steps of faith is difficult. It is hard to step forward into the things unseen and to rest in faith. The great news is that we have a letter from our Lord. A letter that tells us that we are loved children of God. A letter that confirms that our faith is based on truth, a letter that tells of the blessings the Lord has for us when we are willing to take a step of faith. This letter is the Bible. No matter what part of the journey you are on right now, God is with you and He is for you. Take a step of faith in Him; put your full weight onto His promises. He will not let you down.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Devotional by Greg Laurie
Hey there!! Seems it's been a little while since my last post!! I received this devotion today, and I thought I'd share it with you...it was written by Pastor Greg Laurie, and here it goes:
He Is Greater
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.— 1 John 4:4
The devil can gain a foothold on your life in many ways. I think one way is through drugs. Sadly, we are seeing a real revival of drug use today. Another way I think you can open the door to demonic power is through these occult activities that people dabble in today. You may think of them as innocent, but they open the door a little bit.Now, can demons tempt Christians? Absolutely. Can demons harass us? Without question. Even the great apostle Paul spoke of a demon power that would come and buffet him (see 2 Corinthians 12:7). But God won't let you face more than you can handle. He always will put His hedge of protection around you.
The Bible clearly promises that when Christ comes in your life you are free and protected. Jesus Himself said, "'Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed'" (John 8:36).When Jesus comes into your heart, it is not in a timeshare plan where He occupies the heart part of the time and the devil part of the time. No, Jesus takes control and He is there to stay. Christ made this clear when he proclaimed, "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (John 4:4).But, if you are not a Christian, if Christ is not living in your heart, you are open game for the devil. Maybe you are not a drug addict or an occultist. But I will tell you this—you are still a sinner. Everybody has sinned and broken God's commandments (see Romans 3:23). Reach out to Jesus now. He is greater than the devil. He will forgive you. He will transform you.
He Is Greater
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.— 1 John 4:4
The devil can gain a foothold on your life in many ways. I think one way is through drugs. Sadly, we are seeing a real revival of drug use today. Another way I think you can open the door to demonic power is through these occult activities that people dabble in today. You may think of them as innocent, but they open the door a little bit.Now, can demons tempt Christians? Absolutely. Can demons harass us? Without question. Even the great apostle Paul spoke of a demon power that would come and buffet him (see 2 Corinthians 12:7). But God won't let you face more than you can handle. He always will put His hedge of protection around you.
The Bible clearly promises that when Christ comes in your life you are free and protected. Jesus Himself said, "'Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed'" (John 8:36).When Jesus comes into your heart, it is not in a timeshare plan where He occupies the heart part of the time and the devil part of the time. No, Jesus takes control and He is there to stay. Christ made this clear when he proclaimed, "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (John 4:4).But, if you are not a Christian, if Christ is not living in your heart, you are open game for the devil. Maybe you are not a drug addict or an occultist. But I will tell you this—you are still a sinner. Everybody has sinned and broken God's commandments (see Romans 3:23). Reach out to Jesus now. He is greater than the devil. He will forgive you. He will transform you.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
FAITH
In your personal opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to go to Heaven? Let's consider how the Bible answers this question....it's a matter of FAITH....
F is for Forgiveness
We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness.
(Ephesians 1:7a) In Him we have redemption through His blood...
A is for Available
Forgiveness is available.
It is-Available for ALL
(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life
But it is NOT automatic
(Matthew 7:21a) Not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" to Me will enter the the kingdom of heaven...
I is for Impossible
It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven
-Because of who he is: God is loving and just. His judgement is against sin
(James 2:13a)..because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful
-Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner.
(Romans 3:23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
But how can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no sin?
T is for Turn
Turn means repent.
Turn from something- sin and self
(Luke13:3b) But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
Turn to someone: trust Christ only
(Romans 10:9) That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved
H is for Heaven
Heaven is eternal life.
Here...
(John 10:10b) "I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly"
and Hereafter....
(John 14:3) "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you with me that you may also be where I am"
How? How can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Lord and Savior? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness.
Here is another acrostic you can use for FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
If you would like to take that step of FAITH right now, please pray this prayer with me wherever you are:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have sinned against You in many ways. I believe You died for my sins and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask you to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I want to follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving and forgiving me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
If you just prayed that prayer for the very first time, welcome to the family! You are now "Born Again" and you are now my brother, or sister in Christ. It is VERY important that you tell someone!! Find someone you know that is a Christian, so that they can pray with you, and for you, and help you get dialed in with a Bible, and help in getting you plugged into a church. If you need help in any of those areas, please let me know! You can contact me by leaving a comment for me! And please, leave me a comment anyways, and just let me know of the decision you just made so that I can be praying for you! God Bless you...
F is for Forgiveness
We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness.
(Ephesians 1:7a) In Him we have redemption through His blood...
A is for Available
Forgiveness is available.
It is-Available for ALL
(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life
But it is NOT automatic
(Matthew 7:21a) Not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" to Me will enter the the kingdom of heaven...
I is for Impossible
It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven
-Because of who he is: God is loving and just. His judgement is against sin
(James 2:13a)..because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful
-Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner.
(Romans 3:23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
But how can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no sin?
T is for Turn
Turn means repent.
Turn from something- sin and self
(Luke13:3b) But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
Turn to someone: trust Christ only
(Romans 10:9) That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved
H is for Heaven
Heaven is eternal life.
Here...
(John 10:10b) "I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly"
and Hereafter....
(John 14:3) "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you with me that you may also be where I am"
How? How can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Lord and Savior? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness.
Here is another acrostic you can use for FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
If you would like to take that step of FAITH right now, please pray this prayer with me wherever you are:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have sinned against You in many ways. I believe You died for my sins and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask you to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I want to follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving and forgiving me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
If you just prayed that prayer for the very first time, welcome to the family! You are now "Born Again" and you are now my brother, or sister in Christ. It is VERY important that you tell someone!! Find someone you know that is a Christian, so that they can pray with you, and for you, and help you get dialed in with a Bible, and help in getting you plugged into a church. If you need help in any of those areas, please let me know! You can contact me by leaving a comment for me! And please, leave me a comment anyways, and just let me know of the decision you just made so that I can be praying for you! God Bless you...
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