"What lies behind you and what lies ahead of you is of very little importance when it is compared to what lies within you." Oliver Wendell Holmes How true this simple statement is!
"Seek ye first His kingdom" First and formost I want to do all for HIs glory. To die on the cross with Christ is to have a secured hope in knowing that a resurrection morn will be mine. I spent 19 years of my adulthood in the guise of Agnosticism yet God with his beautiful mercy and splendid grace resurrected my repentant soul and accepted me into His kingdon. For what greater purpose than to live for Him.
Interests
I live in Knoxville, Tennessee. I have a very special group of friends at Christ Community Church, Whitestone Church, Crossroads Christ Fellowship Church, Real-Life Church, and at Old Beverly Baptist Church. God has blessed me indeed with wonderful friends, and so many helpful pathway partners.
I have a daughter, Emily and a son Ron who are both adults (for the most part anyways).
I love the Lord and want to serve Him through serving others through the many great gifts he has given me. I work as a volunteer in several capacities for the homeless here in the east Tennessee area.
Movies
The Ultimate Gift,
Facing the Giants,
Contact,
ShawShank Redemption,
Groundhog Day,
anything with layers
Music
Casting Crowns,
Andrew Peterson,
Buddy/Julie Miller,
Mercy Me,
Joel Engle,
http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/773586
M.W.Smith,
The Steel Drivers,
Mindy Smith,
New Road,
All "quality" music
Books
The Bible,
all of A.W. Tozer's works,
all of Robert Fulghum's works,
most of Max Lucado's stuff,
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36
Reflection
Blessed are you who believe, for never shall your soul perish! Life is yours—and the power of life today and always! God gifts His people with the vivacious resurrection of His Son! Rejoice in your life eternal! Praise Him with your new life and please Him with your days!
TinaCoen says ...
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11
Reflection
Our lives prior to our personal redemption consisted of various backgrounds—some of which were very carnal (see the list in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Yet as Christians, those are now things of the past and should no longer control us. We have been washed! When we became Christians, we were cleansed of our sins. Sanctification is the process of setting us apart for God and growing in righteousness. Lastly, we were justified because of Christ's work and atonement. Our destination is not eternal bondage of sin and grief, but by the grace of God, we have a heavenly destination! A place of eternal joy and everlasting peace!
TinaCoen says ...
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: John 1:12
Reflection
The right to become God's own children! Halleluiah! How blessed are we who believe! To become children of God's right hand, adopted into everlasting glory, is such a wondrous act of mercy that we can only respond with praise never-ceasing! Holy, holy, holy is our Lord! Hallelujah! Rejoice!
TinaCoen says ...
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1 Corinthians 1:30
Reflection
God is the one who chose us from the foundation of the world. He chose us as the foolish things of the world so that, in Christ, His wisdom would be declared. Christ has become our divine wisdom, which is our righteousness, holiness, and our redemption. Though we might be of little value in the world's eyes, we are of the vastest worth in God's eyes—for it was Christ Himself who gave His life to redeem us.
TinaCoen says ...
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Peter 3:13
Reflection
We as believers have a hope and a promise from God that there will be a new heaven and a new earth, which is the home of the righteous! These mortal things will soon pass! We merely await His glorious return! Let us cry with a great hope: "Come quickly O Lord!"
TinaCoen says ...
Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory. Psalms 73:23-24
Reflection
My Prayer: Gracious Father, thank You for continually being present within my life! Thank You for loving me with such unconditional adoration! Make me worthy of Your wonderful devotion toward me that I may give You honour and praise. Cause me to have a passionate desire toward Your word that I may please You in all I do and say. May I desire nothing on this desolate earth but the future glory with You!
TinaCoen says ...
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15
Reflection
This is the first promise of the remarkable salvation that would bridge the gap between sinful man and a gracious God. From the beginning of creation, God had a redemptive plan that would begin and end with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the promised Seed, entered the world with the purpose of bruising the head of Satan (Romans 16:20) and claiming God's children to be His own. Thus, Christ destroyed the power of the evil one and freed mankind from the tremendous bondage of sin. From this, His grace flows forth and draws us as believers to His side.
TinaCoen says ...
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed down. Psalms 145:14
Reflection
Ever is the Lord faithful to strengthen those of His who are wounded and bolster His children who are weighed down. His might is become our might. His sovereignty lifts our head in troubling times. Look to Him for your rest and comfort and ever shall you find it!
TinaCoen says ...
For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel [will be] your rereward. Isaiah 52:12
Reflection
Never need the bride of Christ, when arrayed in her battledress, proceed anxiously to meet the enemy. Nor shall she flee from villainous hoards, defeated and brought low. She is the queen of God's right hand and ever shall He protect her comings and goings, guarding her both before and behind, and ever granting her sword arm the full measure of His omnipotent strength. Rejoice in the Lord! Rejoice in your strength!
TinaCoen says ...
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. John 16:15
Reflection
By His Spirit, God will take that which belongs to Jesus and make it known to us. Amazing! Thank Him for the revelation of His Word that he spoke through the apostles; our God is an awesome God
