The first Mother’s Day was celebrated in West Virginia in 1912. Mothers were to be recognized as an important part of our culture and lives.  The heart of a mother is like a rare jewel.  They love their children during the worst and best of times. 

 Yet all mothers are not the same.  Author and speaker Patsy Clairmont says, “Normal is just a setting on your clothes dryer.”  We are all different.  She shared that as women we may “struggle, fail, start over, and celebrate.”   But we are mothers who can love unlike any other person.

 A familiar mother’s day poem written in the early 1900’s is:

 M is for the Many things she gave me,
O means only that she’s growing Old.
T is for the Tears she shed to save me,
H is for her Heart of purest gold.
E is for her Eyes with love light shining,
R means Right and Right she’ll always be.

Put them all together, they spell MOTHER.
A word that means the world to me.

 God created families and gave mothers a unique place in that unit.  We can love, give of ourselves, cook, clean, wash clothes, put Band-Aids on scrapes … be the first one up in the morning or the last one down at night.  We juggle a lot of things including raising children, working at jobs, managing a home, and sometimes finding time for ourselves.

 Each day is a new beginning of what lies before us.  We have destiny, purpose, and the power to do and be all that we are called to be.  Nothing can stop us except ourselves.  As mothers, we need to find the strength to face each day knowing that God loves us.

 This scripture seems to be written just for mothers.

 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. “  Philippians 2:1-4

 Our children need that unselfish love of a mother.  We as mothers need to love our mothers too. Long life is promised to all who show honor to them.

 “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.  “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:  If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

 Mothers make up a crucial part of our lives.  So whether it is a Hallmark card, dinner out, hug, or a kiss on the cheek, we should show we care.  It is so important to give our love to these dedicated women in our lives and don’t take them for granted. 

 “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” I John 3:18

DRLC has a new blog. Please continue to view the many devotionals. I pray you will be encouraged.

You may also follow us on Twitter @ drlchurch1 and Face book on Destiny R L Church.

Blessings,
Pastor Ellen

The Texas 40 by Martha Noebel

CBN.com – Have you ever heard of the Texas 40? Of course not, I made it up. And I am not talking about the recent Texas Longhorns score over the Texas A&M Aggies (40-29).

The Texas 40 is the difference in degrees from the morning temperatures and the late afternoon temps. You can wake up to the chill of 32 degrees and then later that day feel the warmth of the 70’s. It is the craziest thing.

But life doesn’t always make sense. If you watch the news or read the newspaper, you will see a large variety of things that are unbelievable. The world seems to get more violent and confusing as the days go by. So what are we suppose to do?

Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV) says,

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Well, it seems rather simple but it is so true. We are to trust in the Lord for the strength, wisdom, and power we need for each day. And the most important thought is that His love for us is so great – even to surpassing our finite knowledge.

So many times in my life when I have faced stressful situations and I didn’t know what to do, I would remember the awesome love of God for me. This would bring me such peace. It was the strength I needed to hold on until the better times came around.

I am certain that it is that way for you too. Remind yourself of the Father’s great love for you. Draw strength and peace from the presence of God in your everyday living. Tomorrow will be better. Just wait and see. We must actively lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus and not give up.

Psalm 40:4a says,

“Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD …”

Whether your life is in the 32 degree range, the 70’s, or anywhere in between, we can be encouraged if we believe and not doubt. I am praying for you – victory is right around the corner.

The Father’s Heart by Martha Noebel

God’s heart is so big for us. His love is so awesome. He wants only what is best for us.

CBN.com – I would like to take a few moments to share with you about your Father’s heart toward you. Yes, I am referring to your Heavenly Father.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).

That’s a lot of love. God loves us so much. The sins of this world have lead us to places we should not be going, doing things we should not be doing, and encouraging us to say things we should not be saying. But God’s love is so great that no matter what the sin, He sent His son to die for us so that we can be forgiven and made whole. Someone had to pay the price; blood had to be given as a sacrifice. God sent Jesus, the only sinless one, to be the payment for our sins. He did this by giving His life as a ransom for our sins.

We have seen great fathers in this world. The story of the father who pushed, pulled, and carried his son through a triathlon is a great example. He swam 2.5 miles, cycled 125 miles through hot lava fields, and concluded by running 26.2 miles with his son. You see, he loved his handicapped son so much. His son’s dream was to be in this contest. The father’s heart was to meet that need for and with his son. No, they were not in first place or even second place, but they did finish just under the deadline. The father ran the race with the son.

Our Heavenly Father is running the race with us. We are all in a race. If we have asked Jesus, God’s Son, into our hearts and to forgive us our sins, then we are pressing on to win the prize.

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

I also was thinking about the pastor of Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer. Their pastor certainly showed the heart of a father for these two young women as they were held prisoners in Afghanistan. He went overseas to help in any way he could. I think he was there for several weeks praying for them and trying to assist the best way he could. I was touched as I heard that story. He showed a very big heart for these two missionary women.

God’s heart is so big for us. His love is so awesome. He wants only what is best for us. Perhaps this Father’s Day we can think of not only the ones that love us here, but also of the Father in heaven that has a very big heart for us. He cares, wants us to be healed, cleansed from our sins, in right relationship with Him and others around us, and on our way to heaven. He has a wonderful place for us to go.

I pray that you can feel His heart of love for you today; the heart of a true loving, gentle, and kind Father.

The Battle Is The Lord’s by Martha Noebel

God is moving by His Spirit in the lives of His people all over the world. Reports are coming in every day of His faithfulness to complete that which He has started.

As I thought about how our battles are not ours but the Lord’s, God showed me that the battles many of us are facing today are because we are taking the enemy’s territory. The Lord is enlarging our borders and moving our tent pegs. In the spirit realm, He is taking what once belonged to the devil and making it ours.

As Christians, we are trusting in the Lord for our families to come back to God, our finances to be increased, our health restored — all this and so much more.

I looked at the situations in my life and saw how God was stretching my husband and me to believe for more, and to do more for the glory of God. Now, stretching hurts and is uncomfortable. We can’t see ahead everything that the Lord has in store for us or how He is going to work it all out. But we do know that if He is in the changes, it will be good.

When we are not able to see ahead, God is there. When the plans call for finances we do not have, He will provide. We will have all the wisdom and provision we need for every step of the way. God will give us the “power for our purpose.”

We do not need to fear and be filled with doubt and unbelief. What God has for us is for us.

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Yes, with songs of deliverance, victory, prosperity, favor, and blessing, God will meet our needs. Be encouraged and rejoice. Look for God in your situations because He has His eye on you. He is there to carry you through the battles and storms of life. He is there.

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Tweet: One For All And All For One devotional on cbn.com today! For more devotionals by Pastor Ellen Noebel – go to www.drlchurch.com

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The Real Meaning of Christmas by Martha Noebel

CBN.com – It’s that time of year again. December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of “Merry Christmas” to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas?

For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don’t have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmastime when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish and not a reality for some.

Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.

Luke 2: 4-19 says:
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Why did He come? Why did God send His son to this sometimes cruel and hard world? He sent Jesus to us so that one day, He would grow up to become a very important part of history. His story (history) is one of truth, love, and hope. It brought salvation to all of us. Without Jesus, we would all die in our sins.

Jesus was born so one day the price could be paid for the things we have done that are wrong. The Bible says that all have sinned. We are all born with a sin nature. We do things that do not please God. Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that sin nature. We need to have that removed. The only way is through Jesus. Jesus came so He could die on the cross for ALL of our sins. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, we can ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us. Then, we are clean and made whole. We can know that heaven is a place where we can go to when this life is over.

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” I John 1:9

We can truly be happy at Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we can know that we are His children. We then become sons and daughters of God. Heaven will be our home one day.

Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart. You will then have a “Merry Christmas.” The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season! Rejoice!

Tract available: Season of Great Joy – American Tract Society www.atsdirect.org Seasonal, Christmas Product # 32266

The Lord’s New Year by Martha Noebel

In previous years the Lord gave me a word to carry into the New Year.  In 2004 it was Looking for God and in 2005 it was Restoration of Everything Satan Took.  I was asked again this year for what I felt the Lord was saying to me and I feel this word applies for this year too.

I felt that God said it is “The Lord’s New Year.”  I was drawn to Isaiah 61 and I sensed these three main points were for the church in the days, weeks, and months to come.

1. There is a strong exhortation that we are anointed to preach.

2. There is a confidence that we are anointed to proclaim that this is the year of the Lord’s favor.

3. There is a sure reminder that we are anointed to be ministers of our God.

As I begin the New Year, I want to be sure I am focused on these thoughts and desire to make them a foundation for my plans.  I feel that the Lord is leading me to begin a ministry in Texas.  I need His wisdom for everything that I do in order to make this a reality.  I know that God is using me and I want to help many more families this year.  That is why I am starting “Destiny Revival Life Church.”

There is such a sense of excitement as I begin this work.  I look at the rest of Isaiah 61 and see there many blessings.  They are for me and for the body of Christ.  God spoke that this year would be a time in which we would feed on the wealth of nations and boast in their riches.  We are boasting because their increase becomes our increase.  Faith calls us to believe for our financial needs to be met.  There is no room for doubt here.  Yes, there are many needs in our country today.  But the Lord wants to pour His blessings on us in even greater measures than before.  The Word speaks of us inheriting a double portion.  I believe this and I pray your spirit can receive this Word and run with it.

God is so faithful to His people.  We are to rejoice in our inheritance and to walk in everlasting joy.  Then we will truly be called “a people that the Lord has blessed.”  Righteousness and praise will spring from us to the nations.

I choose to believe in these promises.  I want to encourage you to believe them too.  He has brought my family and me out of financial bondage and into a new freedom like we have never known.  He has turned my past situations into a new day of restoration.  I do not want to take this lightly as I feel blessed.  I am thankful for all He has done in our lives and look forward to sharing His love with others.

II Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

This year can be whatever you want it to be.  You can walk in your present circumstances or believe God for greater things.  I will be fulfilling the call to preach, teach, believe, and proclaim to a hurting world that Jesus is Lord to the glory of the Father.  This is “The Lord’s New Year.”  He will have His way in the lives of all who believe.  Happy New Year!

The Longest Minute by Martha Noebel

CBN.com – While running errands today, I encountered a storm like I have never experienced before. I was at a mall in Texas when a blast of dark brown dirt in the form of a strong wind blew through. I noticed the sky was getting darker. Suddenly a mighty gust of wind, carrying with it all sorts of debris, forced its way into town. As I sat in my car, I noticed that it was heading straight for me. The intersection I was sitting at was filled with cars from all directions. No one could even move. I seriously wanted to be anywhere but there.

As the storm hit our area, the winds were of a powerful speed. The trees were bending, the cars were rocking, and debris was hitting me from all sides. I watched as a large piece of cardboard from a local construction site flew passed me. Some objects were in the cloud of dirt and before I could see it I would hear the sound of the flying material banging into my car.

I reached for my cell phone so I could call my daughter at work and realized I had left it charging at home. The only thing I could do was to hold on and trust God for this to end quickly. I had a deep sense of knowing that He loved me and that I would be ok. It was just very scary.

I didn’t know what to do. I held on to the steering wheel and waited to see what would happen next. This lasted for about 60 seconds but it seemed like a lot longer. Momentarily, my world came to a stand still. It was the longest minute I have ever known.

After the blast of the wind of dirt came the hard rain. I was doing all I knew to do to get out of that area but the traffic was moving very slowly. I don’t know where all the cars came from. I have never seen it so busy. I’m sure everyone had the same idea I did and that was to go and go fast.

But I did manage to work my way around to the bank. Since I did need some cash, I pulled in and rolled down my window. I was pleasantly surprised to smell a wonderful fragrance. In spite of all the dirty wind and hard rain, the earth managed to give off a delightful smell. It was like the heavens had opened and rained flowers on me.

But isn’t this a lot like life? In the midst of our scariest times, frustrating moments, and absolute down pours of too much of a good thing, there are gifts from God. This gift was for anyone who took the time to roll down their windows and breathe in the fresh air.

God allows us to go through the hard times but He has certainly promised us the great times too. Out of what seems like no where, we can find Him and know that He cares for us.

He was there in the storm and the rain. But He was also there to protect me. I was not harmed and from what I could tell, no one else was either. Maybe we were all being tested to trust in Him. I am so glad that I know God in such a personal way that when the storms in life hit me with their best shots, I can know that I will make it.

The Word of God says,

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV

He is there for us and longs to refresh us when we need it, protect us from harm and danger, and provide the wisdom we need when we don’t understand the “whys” in life. Call Him today. His phone number is PRAYER. He is always there.

The Fear of God by Daniel Noebel

Can you love God but choose to not obey all of His laws?  Can you be a “friend of God” but not do His will?  So many people are convinced that they have a closer relationship with God than what they truly have.  How can you go get wasted all weekend, stumble into church on Sunday morning, and think everything is cool?  Or maybe you and your boyfriend or girlfriend have sex several times a week and try to be leaders in your youth group!  In the book Drawing Near John Bevere states, “A lack of disobedience stems from a heart that lacks holy fear; the root of all disobedience, and the misconnect is clothed in the deception of ‘knowing Jesus.”   It is easy for us to fall into the trap of thinking you know Jesus when you are living like the world.  It is when we are grounded in His Word we will see where our old perception of Jesus was wrong and we will see who He really is!

It all boils down to a basic fear of God!!!  If you do not fear Him, you will not always obey Him!  Now a “fear” of God does not mean that you are necessarily “scared” of God.  There is no reason to be scared of God if you understand His laws and abide by them.  And if you truly love Him, you will want to obey Him!  A holy fear of God means you long to do His will, that you strive to serve Him, and to do whatever it is that He wants you to do.  And by that, you will want to obey Him, not because you have to or He will kill you, but you will want to out of holy reverence for who He is!!!  And obedience is not just listening to the Ten Commandments and that’s it.  It’s also about obeying Him when He asks you to go pray for a certain person or to give that homeless man the five dollars you have in your pocket.  We have to obey God in the little things just as much as the big things!!!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  (Proverbs 1:7)

The fear of God is one of the first steps to true intimacy with God.  And in our intimate relationship with God, the Holy Spirit will impart “knowledge” to us (things we did not know).  It is impossible to have a true intimate relationship with God without having a true fear of God.  So I urge everyone to make sure they have a fear of the Lord because without it we will never really have an intimate relationship with God.  So remember:

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!  (James 4:8)

© 2006 Daniel Noebel