Consumed by Christmas

With Christmas only days away, the rush has begun! Today, I was walking through Walmart trying to get some last-minute shopping done, and on every aisle, I heard at least one kid saying that they wanted something. To be honest, my son was one them. As we walked each toy aisle, he found something new that he had to have. Even at 3-years-old, my son is not satisfied with what he already has. At home, he has a room full of toys, food on his table every day, and more than he really needs. However, society has made him think that he’ll never have enough.

Stores full of excess always leave you feeling like you need more. When I go to Walmart to go “grocery” shopping for 3 items, I never get out of the store with only those 3 items. There is always something more that I think I need and when I get home, I’ll always think I need something else. As I drive home, I pass by huge houses and beautiful cars that I would love to own. Car lots are full of shiny vehicles much nicer than what I own. It’s hard not to want when there is so much to offer in this world. As a Christian, you must train your mind, re-focus on what matters, and not let the world consume you. It’s not easy, but with prayer and dedication, it can be done.

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17

To covet means to desire what does not belong to you. Never having enough money is regarded as a symptom of the love of money.

What do you desire that you don’t have today? Maybe it’s a new phone? Car? Bigger house? More money?

We are living in the age of “want.” In Exodus 20:17, the Bible tells us not to covet several things including people, oxes/donkeys, our neighbors house, and anything that belongs to our neighbor. The last part sums it all up – “do not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Your neighbor is your friend at school, your family member, or even the person at the store that you don’t even know. There will always be someone in this world that has more than you, and there will always be someone that has much less. Either way, do not get distracted by the consumer mentality that this world has to offer. This world offers a lot of “things”, but our God can give you more than you’ve ever imagined.

During Christmas, take your focus off what you don’t have and remember what you do have. If you are reading this today, you probably have a phone or a laptop, internet access, a roof over your head, and maybe you’re even eating a snack while checking out my blog. Wherever you are, or whatever you are doing, you are blessed. You may not have 100 presents under your tree, the best new phone, or everything you’ve ever dreamt of, but you can have the one that matters, Jesus Christ.

Christmas was never meant to be about presents and goodies. Christmas is meant to remind us of the birth of Jesus Christ and His life and love for His children.

This Christmas, make time to sit down and thank God for His love for you. Don’t let the rush of Christmas stress you to the point that you forget what it’s all about in the first place.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

November 10^th – 17^th, 2018, my husband went on his second mission trip to Cuba. His first trip was in April of 2018, and after that trip, he knew he would go back the next time he had the chance. To be honest, before the trip, we had no idea how we would be able to afford for him to be able to go back. Even with the church paying a portion of the trip, we would not be able to afford it.

About a month before the trip, our Pastor announced that there were still openings for the Cuba trip. Looking at my husband, I knew he wanted to go, but I also knew that we had medical bills a mile high that limited our financial ability. For about 6 months prior to the mission trip, I experienced major health problems with my blood pressure. The doctors tried multiple medications and sent me to a cardiologist for a full work. In the next few months, I had an EKG, ultrasound of my kidneys, CT scan, echo-cardiogram, and multiple rounds of bloodwork. Each test came back with no results but hefty bills. In the meantime, I was left being a test dummy for medication after medication with multiple side effects. It was the longest 6 months of my life. Age 30 was not going too well for me. Eventually, the doctors seemed to get my blood pressure under control but told me to expect to be a frequent flyer to the cardiologist for the rest of my life. High blood pressure and heart trouble runs in my family, so I try my best to stay as healthy as I can.

Needless to say, bills were flowing in and money was flowing out. We were pushing it to make it from paycheck to paycheck. A few weeks before the trip, I reached out the group leader and asked her what the cost would be for the trip. I knew that if it was God’s will for Dustin to go on the trip, we would find a way. Within a few minutes of messaging the leader, she messaged me back and said that his way was paid in full. We may never know how or why this happened, but we do know that God had a plan. Just thinking about that day gives me chills. When I walked in the living room and told my husband he needed to start packing for Cuba, he was overjoyed with excitement. God provided a way for my husband to serve him in Cuba when there was no way we could do it on our own.

 ^“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

When Dustin returned from the trip, he was full of stories about how God worked while they were there. From the 80 lights they were able to provide to the new church in Cuba to the families that received Christ, he was overjoyed and filled with the Spirit. One of the stories that stuck out to me the most was of a woman that they met on their previous trip. When they went to Cuba in April, they met a woman on visitation and were able to lead her to the Lord and give her a new testament Bible. She was so proud of her new Bible she received in the Spring that they decided to take her a full Bible when they went back in the Fall. Tears came to her eyes as they handed her the full Bible. She hugged the Bible the entire time the team was there talking to her.

How often do we forget the simple things in life? How often do you forget how blessed you truly are? My husband and I probably have 5 extra Bibles sitting on our bookshelf at home. On top of that, we have another bookshelf filled with Christian devotionals and commentaries that we’ve probably only read a time or two. We have so much to be thankful for yet we hardly even think about the little things right in front of our eyes.

When was the last time you hugged your Bible and thanked God for His Word? There are people all over the world that may never hold the Word of God in their hands, yet you are privileged to own multiple Bibles. When you feel like you have nothing in this world, hold onto His Word and remember how blessed you truly are.

In James Chapter 3:1-12, James opens our eyes to the fact that not every word that comes out of a person’s mouth is needed. When you speak, are you speaking as though Christ dwells within you? What do your words say about Christianity? Do they encourage others to follow Christ or showcase hypocrisy and deter people from going to church?

One of the most common excuses I’ve heard from people about why they won’t go to church is, “the church is full is hypocrites.” To be honest, it’s the truth. The church, as well as the world, is filled with hypocrites that act one way on Sunday, holy and happy, then drastically change their attitude the minute they wake up on Monday morning. In a two-faced world, how can others see the love of Christ? How does your attitude differ on Sunday? Can you tell a difference?

Just last night, I had an argument with a good friend that really struck me off guard.

Keep in mind, the morning after our argument, I went to Sunday school and our scripture was on James Chapter 3 about  “controlling our tongues.”

About a month ago, we had a get together where apparently something was said that offended her. The whole night we talked, laughed, and let the kids play while we played a few board games. (I know it sounds lame but it was a lot of fun) In my eyes, nothing was wrong when she left, and everyone had a good time together; however, in her eyes, I extremely upset her in some way. For over a month, we didn’t talk to each other. I would send her messages and she would rarely send back anything. I knew something was wrong but didn’t want to bother her. To be honest, I just thought she was busy with work and didn’t have time to get back to me. We are both adults, so life does get busy. Last night, I finally gave in and asked her if everything was okay. What did I do that was so wrong? Did I hurt her in any way? When she finally told me what happened, I literally was shocked. I had no idea that at some point during that get together about a month prior I had offended her by some comment that I had made. I still don’t know what comment was, but I do know that it hurt her pretty bad and that breaks my heart. I perceded to ask her for forgiveness and try to figure out where I went wrong but somehow the conversation blew up in my face and now I don’t know what will become of our friendship. It only takes one word, or perception of a comment, to ruin a friendship and ruin your “Christ-like image. One way or the other, one of the words I said, hurt one of my best friends. I can never take those words back, but I can learn from my mistakes and grow in my walk with Christ by trying to be more like Him and less like myself.

The Bible says in John 3:30 “He must increase and I must decrease.” I think it’s time I remind myself to let Him take the lead with my words.

Was I wrong for being sarcastic, making a joke, and not even knowing I hurt someone? Or was she wrong for not confronting me about it immediately so the problem could be resolved? The truth is, we both were in the wrong, and hopefully we both learned a lesson that we can grow from, restore our friendship, and prevent future struggles. Friendships are not easy at any age. Treasure your friendships and treat each friend as though they are a gift from God. One day, they will be gone and you’ll wonder what you did to push them away.

When you speak, think twice about what you say. What if you never see that person again? Was that simple argument worth being the last words you spoke to them? What about your silence, if you lost your friend today, would you miss that month you ignored them? What can you do to be a better friend, family member, or even coworker?

For now, I don’t know where our friendship will go or if it will be restored, but I do know that I will watch my mouth a little closer next time and all the time.

“Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.” James 3:4-5

Your words will direct your path and the paths of others. Beware of what you say, one wrong word could send a friend down a path of destruction, depression, and pain. What path are your words leaving behind?

This poem was written as the last words of someone you hurt. Don’t let this friend be the friend you left behind.

When I die will you miss me?

Will you know who I was?

Will you remember our last fight?

Will you remember the words?

What will happen when you open your eyes?

When you realize I’m gone and no longer alive?

What about the words you can never get back?

The night I left and felt under attack?

The silence we started will forever go on.

Because you never realized one day I’d be gone.

Think before you speak. Words have more power than you know.

Your friends are gifts from God, always treat them and all people, with respect and love. Show them Christ even when you are joking or just kidding around. Christ’s love is your witness to this world. Are you sharing His love with others?

“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body and sets on fire the course of our life and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.” James 3:5-8

Your words can either set a fire that spreads the love of Christ for generations to come or a fire that destroys everything in its path. The choice is yours, choose wisely.

May God Bless You and Show You His Grace Every Day!

As I sat down after a long day of painting my kitchen, then my dining room, and then my chairs…I finally had time to check my Facebook and just rest. Aaaahhhh…calm…kids are asleep…nice and clean from a shower…then bam…my phone is dead. Then it clicks, I left my charger at my sister’s house earlier in the day. Ugh! Oh well, I decided I would do like most people and get on my laptop to publicly announce my phone is dead in case anyone needs me. (I mean really? Will anyone need me for a few hours?) Anyway, I opened my laptop and noticed Wi-Fi wasn’t working right so just like any tech genius would do, I turned it off and turned it back on again. When I looked at the screen it said this, “Please wait…” It was updating. While I waited “patiently” I turned on Netflix… “Netflix encountered an error. Please wait…” Wow! What a night. Now my router was flashing, and my Wi-Fi was not coming back to life. I guess someone was trying to tell me something.

“Please wait…”

Sometimes God tells us to move forward with things, continue the path we are on, or turn a different direction. Other times, He graciously tells us, “Please wait…” What is God telling you today?

Patience is not a commandment you can just ignore. It’s a repetitive call to action in the Bible showing us it’s importance in our daily lives. I myself struggle with patience. I have two young boys, now ages 2 and 5, and I’ll be honest, patience is my biggest battle. That night, I about lost it over Wi-Fi and a dead phone!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

BUT GOD says, “Please wait…be patient.”

In life, I’ve waited for a lot of things.

In my teenage years, I waited for Mr. Right by trying to find him myself without God’s help. God sat back and waited for me to listen to Him and “be patient.” It took time and a lot of pain and heartache to realize I needed God’s help. Years later, I’m married with a beautiful family of my own.

In marriage, I waited for a child. I wanted a child in my timing, But God said “wait.” My husband and I had our first miscarriage just a few years into our marriage.

In trials and struggles, I waited for peace and understanding. Years later, I’ve used my testimony to connect with other women and show them how trials are sometimes just a part of God’s plan. You just have to wait to see the end picture.

We now have 2 handsome young boys that can’t wait to grow up. I tell them every day, “Please wait..”

Waiting is never easy, but God’s plan for your life takes time and can only be revealed by your Heavenly Father’s direction. Just wait. Be patient and trust in God.

It’s hard to see the end of your story when you are in right in the middle of it. I’m 30 years old and the average life span is somewhere in the mid-70s. I guess you could say I’m close to being right in the middle of my life. (mid life crisis?) As a child, I couldn’t wait to grow up and get older. As a baby, I imagine I wanted to be old enough to walk around and get into anything I wanted. Maybe I dreamed of being tall enough to reach the cookies one day.  (I still struggle with this now but I can climb at least) When I started walking and talking, I dreamed of being old enough to ride a bicycle, have my own phone, drive a car, get my own job, move out, go to college, and get married to the love of my life. Day after day, my dreams got bigger and bigger. I was so impatient with life. Even in college, I couldn’t wait to finish school and get a job. (Why on Earth would someone want that? Adulting is not easy!) Now that I’m older (the famous saying) I want to enjoy each day more and treasure each year treating it as a gift God has given me. When I think of getting older, I don’t dream about the new aches and pains that will come along with age, or the hot new set of wheels I’ll get on my wheel chair one day. I dream of the day I’ll be able to sit down with Jesus and hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I can’t imagine what Heaven is going to be like, but I can pray that you’ll be there with me one day.

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62:5

So often we get wrapped up in the worries of today and the dreams of tomorrow that we forget that our lives here are noting but a blink compared to eternity. One day, you’ll either spend eternity with your Heavenly Father in peace or sadly you’ll end up in Hell completely separated from the peace God can offer you. God is the God of second, third, and even one hundredth chances, but only on this Earth.

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:7-8

God is a patient God. I am so thankful that He is. But God wants you to know that He is waiting. He is patiently waiting for you to answer His call and trust in Him. Don’t get so wrapped up in life that you forget about what is important. Take time to listen to God, seek Him for direction. Trust in God and be patient knowing that your life, your past, present, and future are all in His hands.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

“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 straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Our level of patience should mirror God’s level of patience. Does yours? How patient are you today?

My prayer today is that you evaluate your life and let God reveal where you struggle most. If it’s patience, pray for patience. Whatever it may be, just pray and ask God to help you so you can better show the love of Christ to others.

Until next time… “Please wait…”

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

 

God says, “  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Is your past holding you back from the future God has planned for you?

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 1 Corinthians 5:17

Trust Him. Know that His forgiveness is not conditional. His love is everlasting. He is there for you.

He also says we are a new creation when we are in Him. We are no longer who we used to be – and if you are – if Christ really in you?

 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 34:18-19

Trust in Him.

After forgiving yourself for your past, move forward continuously and forgive others as well.

“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15

Forgiveness is hard but not being forgiven by your Heavenly Father….how would that make you feel?

As a review from Wednesday night when I spoke at Six Mile Baptist Church, “Forgiveness takes faith, trust Him, and always rely on His direction for your life.”

Who has done you wrong? Who needs to ask you for forgiveness?

That’s an easy one. Most people know of at least one person that has hurt them in the past that either they want them to ask for forgiveness or basically they want them to cease to exist? Am I right?

The Bible tells us to love everyone, but what about our enemies? I don’t know about you but I’ve been hurt pretty bad by some people that I just don’t know how to forgive – and honestly – I’m still working on forgiving some people in my life. It’s not easy. Go back to John 16:33 – Life is not going to be easy. BUT GOD has overcome the world! 

There aren’t steps to forgiveness or levels of people who deserve it. God simply says, “ forgive others and I’ll forgive you.”

OUCH.

Here are a few other verses that will encourage you to forgive yourself, forgive others, and move forward in faith. 

Romans 12:20-21 

To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Luke 6:27-28 

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Proverbs 24:17 

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,

Matthew 5:38-39 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Luke 10:27 

And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

1 John 1:8 

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

John 14:26 

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.   (HE WILL HELP YOU DO WHAT YOU THINK YOU COULD NEVER DO – FORGIVE)

Galatians 2:20 

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 It all boils down to this…follow His commandments. Simple. Forgive. Let go and let God show you what He can do with your present and your future. You will find joy again. Just have faith and trust Him.

John 14:15 

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Mark it in your Bible, write it on your mirror, memorize this verse as you follow His will for your life.

May God Bless You and Show You His Grace Every Day!

Kayla Rampey

Sundays are always memorable, but some Sundays are just days you’ll never forget. You’ll never forget the day you got saved, the day you looked over and saw a friend in tears and all you could do is hug her and pray, or the day you heard a message that sounded like the Pastor was talking directly to you (from God) and to no  one else. Those are days you’ll never forget.

Yesterday, before the opening music even ended, a young girl walked up and asked Preacher Jamie if we could have special prayer for a teenager that died in a car accident the night before. The thought of a 17 year old dying so young is devastating, but to hear later that she was in the car with a drunk driver and other young teens, it’s terrifying.

Ladies, please be careful. My son always says he’s going to get to Heaven before his brother because he’s older. He’s 5 and his brother is 2 but death has no age and no one is promised tomorrow. There will be days and times in your life (at all ages) that you feel invincible like nothing or no one could harm you or take your life away, but in a split second, you could be facing eternity. Where will you spend eternity? Are you ready for that day?

I still remember the first teenager that I knew that passed away at a young age. Adam Harris was in my youth group and suffered from heart trouble off and on all of his life. He was so tough and just flat out hilarious! Everyone loved him! We spent our Summers racing jet skis on the lake and going on youth trips with the church. He was always fun to hang out with and just listen to. He had the greatest Southern accent/drawl I guess you could say. I can still hear it now just thinking about him. He was a friend to everyone.

After a bad four wheeling accident, multiple surgeries, he didn’t  recover and bounce back as quickly as we hoped he would. All I know is one day I woke up and my mom told me he was gone. He was too young to die. He had his whole life in front of him but he was gone…just like that.

I’ll never forget that first Sunday going to church and he wasn’t there. I thought I was strong enough to sit there and listen to the sermon and funny stories we could all tell, but I couldn’t. I remember going down the steps crying my way out. I couldn’t handle it.

Today, as I sat in church, at 30 years old, my heart broke for the teens and the families that were broken for the loss of their friend. When I got home and heard that a 19 year old was driving drunk when the accident happened, my anger turned to sorrow. Yes, the driver was completely and utterly in the wrong, but why were they drinking in the first place? Where did they get the alcohol? None of that matters but what does matter is that the driver woke up from that accident and one of the passengers didn’t. Can you imagine the guilt, the pain, the anger at yourself? Life is short. Don’t make it shorter by making bad decisions.

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say this again, program my number in your phone and I will pick you up – no questions asked – and take you home safely. 864-915-8094 (KAYLA RAMPEY) and yes text works too  – I am a mom – I wake up anytime my phone rings, beeps, or buzzes and I will be there for you if you get in a situation you need help out of. I’m not here to judge you, but I am here if you need help or just someone to talk to. Don’t live life alone or in a fog using alcohol of drugs to cover up your pain. It’s not worth it, I promise.

And if you can’t get me – call an adult you can trust and find someone that has not been drinking AT ALL to just take you home. I’ve been there, I’ve done that, it’s not worth the risk of maybe or maybe not making it home alive. Get a ride – save your life and he lives of others.

My dad told me hundreds of times the same thing yet I never called him. I’m ashamed to say that there were nights I’m not sure how I made it home. All I know is God had a better plan for my life and his protection is the only way I survived my rebellion. Not everyone survives. Don’t waste your life running from God and trying to do things your way, run to Him, and let Him change your life.

Yesterday, at the end of the service, 2 young ladies walked to the front to pray. Shortly after they kneeled down, a few more came behind them. One by one, two by two, crowds circled around them and just prayed. That was powerful…the power of prayer not only reaches God in Heaven but it reaches those around you. It encourages, it displays His love, and it inspires others to step up and trust in Him.

There are times that honestly you won’t know what to say or what to do to make someone feel better, but you can pray. You can grab there hand, no matter where you are, and simply pray for them.

Youth – you can be an encouragement to kids, teens, and even adults. Just last week, I was working at the Easley Fall for the Arts Festival when a young lady walked up to me from church and asked me how I was doing. (for those of you that don’t know I’ve had a lot of health problems for the last 6-8 months – and it’s really gotten me down and depressed at times). I told her I was getting better and then we talked a minute and she asked if she could pray for me….right then….right there. WOW. With people all around, in public, a teenager put her hand on my shoulder and just prayed that God would give me peace, heal my body, and answer my prayers. Tears came to my eyes as I realized I needed to do that more often. It was such a blessing to me.

Teens – you can make a difference. You can be the change this world needs. Step up and show the world Who God really is!

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

Do you struggle with anxiety or depression?  At some point in life, whether it’s right now or happened years ago or years in the future, anxiety will try to steal your joy. As women, we are emotional, compassionate, and caring. The world wants us to be independent, strong, and confident, but we all know that’s not how we are every day. Even as an adult, I struggle to be strong and confident. The girls that look confident, strong, independent, and happy could be breaking down on the inside. We’ve all heard the saying “Never judge a book by it’s cover,” but have you ever thought about why? Just the other day, a friend of mine told me that she noticed one of her students was acting different during class. Normally she was bubbly and energetic, talkative and smiling, but that day, she was just quiet. When her grandmother picked her up, she asked her if the girl was feeling okay. The girl’s grandmother looked up and said, “She’s going to be okay but her parents both went to court today and lost custody of her. They’re both going to jail.” The beautiful bubbly little girl that always had a smile on her face was broken on the inside. Who do you know that’s hiding behind a smile?

Challenge: This week I want you to go on a scavenger hunt. I want you to search the word anxiety in the Bible App and find resources that can help you when you struggle. There are tons of 5-10 day Bible Studies that can help you on your toughest days. If you need more help, reach out to a friend, ask them to pray with you and help you find the joy in your life. Take a stack of note cards and write down scripture that will help you along this journey. Post them around your room or carry them with you for instant comfort. Whatever you do, don’t give up! You are a child of God, precious, and chosen. Choose joy and choose to let God win.

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!