Need vs. Want – Don’t Get Confused!

Good morning, Family and Friends! The Lord put it in my heart this morning to talk to you about being thankful for what we already have. Nowadays, we see people chasing around after what they think they need. The new iPhone 7, some fancy car, a big house…. and there’s nothing really wrong with having those things as long as you keep your perspective and realize you don’t NEED them. The past few years in my life have been very eye-opening as far as what we want compared to what we need, and I’ve learned what true blessings are. There was a time when my husband and I made a lot of money, had large house, nice car, and fancy iPhones for everyone in the family. BUT…. the family was falling apart. My husband and I were getting a divorce, the kids were having trouble in school and out, and everyone was miserable. Some decisions were made, and life changed dramatically. We now have so much LESS in the material things, but so much MORE in the most important areas – God and family. Our kids are doing amazing things with their lives, and our marriage is still intact and doing better than ever. Is life perfect? No. But now we fully understand what’s truly important, and we tend to focus on that as being what we need. Sure, we still want things, but we now know we don’t NEED them, and so we make better choices. Be thankful for what you have. Let go of what you don’t need. And always, always always – put God first, family second, and all the rest will come naturally. 

Philippians 4:4-8 says – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”

As always, I pray these messages be a blessing to you, in Jesus’ name – Amen!

Judge Not…..

Good morning,  Family & Friends! Happy Saturday! I want share with you something  I wrote a while back, after seeing so many hateful posts show up in my news feed.

Let’s try to remember a few things…

Not ALL women think men are idiots.

Not ALL men are abusive to their wives or girlfriends.

Not ALL men cheat.

Not ALL women are faithful.

Not ALL republicans are bad.

Not ALL democrats are good.

Not ALL Christian’s hate homosexuals & lesbians.

Not ALL Christians are crazy religious fanatics.

Not ALL “Christians” are Christians.

Not ALL white people are racist.

Not ALL Islamic people are terrorists.

Not ALL teenagers are disrespectful.

Not ALL adults are polite.

Not ALL people on public assistance or SSI are drug abusers or alcoholics.

Not ALL drug abusers & alcoholics are unemployed.

Not ALL poverty level parents abuse or neglect their children.

Not ALL financially stable parents are kind & loving to their kids.

I could go on and on, but by now, I hope you get the idea. What I’m really trying to say is… For every finger you point, there are at least 7 more pointing back at you. Don’t generalize. Don’t stereotype. Judge not, lest you be judged. Walk in faith, hope and love. Treat others the way that you would like to be treated. It’s really pretty basic common sense, but if everyone in the world did it, think how much better things would be! It all starts with one person. Be the change you want to see in others! 
As always, I pray this is a blessing to you, and I pay the Lord forgives your sins, keeps you safe, and blesses you greatly, in Jesus’ name, amen! 
– Rev. Crystal

Let It Go!

I know this is late, but it’s been quite a day! However…. I just want to remind you that forgiveness works two ways. It benefits not only the person being forgiven, but the person doing the forgiving. Letting go of toxic feelings and forgiving someone heals your own spirit as well as theirs. Love is the law.

May God bless you, forgive you, and help you to forgive others, in Jesus’ name ❤
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”

Shelter Me

Good Morning Family & Friends! Today, I’d like to share with you one of my absolute favorite songs. Now I’m honesty not a fan of Christian music, and to see the lyrics you’d think that’s what this is. It may very well be considered such, but this is an awesome rockin’ blues song with a mean guitar riff, and it sums up how I feel about the Lord, so give it a listen. Those of you who’ve watched the TV show Sons of Guns have already heard part of it, because they used it for their theme, however it’s not about guns, which I honestly have no problem with when used responsibly! Okay, the caffeine has officially kicked in, so I’m gonna leave this right here. Have a very blessed day! ❤

Shelter Me – by Tab Benoit (click to see the video & hear the song!)

The earth can shake the sky come down*
The mountains all fall to the ground
But I will fear none of these things
Shelter me lord underneath your wings

Dark waters rise and thunder pounds
The wheels of war are going round
And all the walls are crumbling
Shelter me lord underneath your wings
Shelter me lord underneath your wings

Hide me underneath your wings
Hide me deep inside your heart
In your refuge – cover me
The world can shake
But lord I’m making you my hiding place

The wind will blow the rain can pour
The deluge breaks the tempest roars
But in the storm my spirit sing
Oh shelter me lord underneath your wing
Shelter me lord underneath your wing

Hide me underneath your wings
Hide me deep inside your heart

In your refuge – cover me
The world can shake
But lord I’m making you my hiding place

Now on the day you call for me
Someday when time – no more shall be
I’ll say death where is your sting
Shelter me lord underneath your wing
Shelter me lord underneath your wing

Hide me underneath your wings
Hide me deep inside your heart
In your refuge – cover me
The world can shake
But lord I’m making you my hiding place

Now on the day you call for me
Someday when time – no more shall be
I’ll say oh death where is your sting
Oh shelter me lord underneath your wings
I say shelter me lord underneath your wing
Shelter me lord underneath your wing

The Blessing of Confidence

Good morning, and Happy Saturday, Family & Friends!

The dictionary defines confidence as, “The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust; The state of feeling certain about the truth of something.”

The bible says in Jeremiah 17:7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.” And again, in Ephesians 3:12 “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” And even again in John 5:14 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

Are you seeing the same pattern I’m seeing? Here’s what I see – If you ask God for something in your life. Let’s say for example; the fulfillment of a dream or hope – you can confidently go to God with your dream or hope and if it is in line with His word, He will hear you and it will be given to you. The single most important part in there, is that whatever you ask of the Lord MUST be according to HIS will.

Why? Because as you can see in Isaiah 55:8: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.”

What that means is — FATHER knows best! God knows everything. Past – Present – Future. He knows everything that happened, what’s happening now, and what will happen tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, etc. We don’t. We only know what’s happened and what’s happening currently in OUR OWN little world, and believe me, in the grand spectrum of things, each and every one of us is a very small part of what’s happening in the big picture. And therefore, you MUST absolutely align your requests with what He’s given you in His word, in order for that to work.

Interestingly, God knows each and every one of us, He cares about what’s happening with us and He wants to help us. But we need to be doing everything we can to be obedient to His word in our lives so He can bless us accordingly. If what we’re asking for goes out of His perfect will, then it’s not gonna happen!

For example; Maybe you’ve found yourself in a situation where you want something that belongs to someone else, so you pray for God to give it to you. That ain’t gonna work, my friend! Why? Because God is NOT going to give you something that belongs to someone else! In fact, He even made Commandments about that! The 10th Commandment actually says; “You shall not covet” — The definition of Covet is; “Yearn to possess or have something – to desire, yearn for, crave, have one’s heart set on, want, wish for, long for, hanker after/for, hunger after/for, thirst for.”

See what I mean? So you must be very careful that you’re asking God for the right things for the right reasons. I know this can be difficult, because we are human and our emotions get in the way of our common sense, but it’s really important that we be in line with God’s word, or He can’t bless us, and believe me, God’s blessings are worth working for!

American Essayist Henry David Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined”
I agree wholeheartedly and am actually trying do that currently with my life and my dreams. BUT – I am doing everything I can to make sure I am walking in God’s word and doing my best to stay obedient to His will in my life.

Yes – I make mistakes all the time
Yes – I have to pray for forgiveness — A LOT!
Yes – When I fall – and I do fall – I have to pick myself up, dust myself off and try again!

And so should you!!!

Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Notice the order of operations: #1 Lord #2 Desires of your heart.

John 14:13 “And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

As always, these stories are written in the hopes that they will be a blessing to you in some way. May the Lord bless you, watch over you, protect you and guide you, in Jesus’ name – Amen.
-Rev. Crystal Bennett

The Stubborn Woman and The Dog

Good Morning Family & Friends! Happy 1st Day of Autumn! I’d like to share with you, a story I wrote a while back, which of course, has a lesson from the Lord.

The Stubborn Woman and The Dog

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There was once a family who had a dog. The family had to move to a new home where dogs weren’t allowed. The landlord at the old house told the family, “I will find someone to take your dog.” – Now the landlord had for several years, been an unpleasant person to this family. It was in fact, she who told the family they had to move because she wanted her friends to have the house.

The mother in this family did not like the landlord and knew this woman to be a gossip, who spread many false stories about the family, and didn’t want her help. She told her husband, “If this landlord finds a home for our dog, I will not allow him to go there, for surely every time the dog misbehaves for the new master, they will tell the landlord, who is their friend, and she will come back to us, or spread more rumors about us!”

The husband tried to comfort his wife, saying, “Woman, what concern is it of ours? She cannot harm us, for The Lord surrounds us with his favor as a shield! Don’t concern yourself with the matter. If she finds the dog a home, let him go there.”

The wife, still very stubborn and set in her ways, decided to take matters into her own hands, and set out to find the dog a new home. She searched and searched, and asked her friends, but no one wanted a dog. The wife even took him to an animal shelter to have him adopted, but the shelters were full and would not take him.

After much time and effort had been spent, the woman finally heard the voice of The Lord in her heart, saying, “Give it to the landlord, that she may find the dog a home.” Finally, the wife sighed and submitted to God’s will and to her husband’s advice. She found the landlord and said, “You may take my dog and find him a home if you wish. I thank you for your kindness and concern.” And the woman handed over the dog.

The landlord said, “Great news! I have already found your dog a home! I have friends who had a dog much like yours, but became sick and died. They have been grieving the loss of their beloved pet ever since, and would be more than happy to make a home for your beloved pet.” Upon hearing this, the wife realized that God had planned to bless both the family by finding their pet a home, and the couple who loved their dearly departed pet. She thanked the landlord, bade good-bye to the dog, and went in peace.

The wife learned the lesson in Proverbs 3:6 – “In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” When we try to force situations to go our own way, and don’t have an open mind to the will of God, we make life more difficult for ourselves. But if we only open our heart to what The Lord wants for us, we will have a much easier time, and we will be blessed for our obedience. The great news is that it also opens windows of blessings to others as well. And really… shouldn’t we all try to be a blessing to one another and make the world a better place?

As always, these stories are written in the hopes that they will be a blessing to you in some way. May the Lord bless you, watch over you, protect you and guide you, in Jesus’ name- Amen.

-Rev. Crystal Bennett

Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

I’m not gonna lie: I am NOT a morning person, BUT — The Lord likes to wake me up early whether I think I need to be or not. I can never get back to sleep, so I end up getting up, wander around and drink too much coffee. More often than not, I end up writing during the wee hours of the morning, which I find odd, because I can barely form an intelligent sentence with my mouth at 6 am. But — My fingers seem to know what they’re doing, so I give credit to God for that. So in that spirit, GOOD MORNING FAMILY & FRIENDS!! 😀

I want to tell you today about listening to God. Now hold on, hold on, before you think I’m gonna get all bossy-preachy over here, let me explain; I’m not talking about listening to rules and regulations. I personally hate rules. I’ve always followed the rules, (for the most part, anyway) BUT I don’t like them. That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about listening for God’s call on your heart to follow him down whatever path he leads you to. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Let’s think about that: ‘Be still’ — Stop moving. Be quiet. Rest a moment. Meditate. Listen. — ‘and know that I am God’ — Who is God? The creator of the entire everything. I mean, like seriously! EVERYTHING! He made it ALL. All He’s telling you to do, is ‘Listen to me, and let me handle this.’ When this was written, there were wars, strife, turmoil of all sorts going on. And there was God saying “Be still.” Why? Wouldn’t it be a tad difficult what with all the fighting? How can the Lord expect people in the midst of war, to stop and listen to Him?

I’ll tell you — because that’s when we need Him the most! When there’s all sorts of drama going on, and you don’t know which way to turn, or what to do — THAT’s the moment you need to “STOP! LOOK! LISTEN!” You remember that, don’t you? That’s what you’re supposed to do when you come to a train track. Why? Because you need to focus, in order to be safe. Think about that for a minute. God tells you to “be still” so you can be safe. In that moment, when your mouth is closed, and your eyes and ears are open, you can hear Him speak to your heart.

This hearing God thing – it doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes it take a while and it takes practice. I think it has more to do with the person doing the listening than with God, Himself. Why? Because some people learn fast and continue to make progress. Some of us – like me – take a little longer to get to the point where we finally let go of our own selfish need to control every situation and let God take care of it. But honestly, that’s what we NEED to do. Be still, and know that He is God. If you ask Him to lead you in the direction He wants you to go – He will do exactly that! That’s how I got to be here. I finally stopped trying to control every situation by stressing out and having temper tantrums. I STOPPED what I was doing. I LOOKED to God for direction. I LISTENED to His word on my heart. I’ll tell you something – I’m 48 years old, and I am finally doing what I should have done a long time ago! I’m trusting in the Lord, and I finally feel peace in my heart for the first time. Praise the Lord! 🙂

Proverbs 3:4-6: “So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.…”