You are now alive

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good afternoon!  It’s a new day in the Lord, REJOICE and BE GLAD IN IT!!!

TFTD: You are now alive

Ephesians 2:1; 4-5

 ¹ And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)

Before Christ you were dead.  Before you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior you were a “dead man/woman” walking.  And if you have not accepted Christ as your Savior and asked for forgiveness of your sins, then you are currently reading this email as a spiritually dead man/woman.  Yes, before Christ we were dead.

Before we accepted Christ, we were slaves to sin.  We were held captive by our flesh.  We were disobedient and allowed our lust to rule our mind, body, and soul.  Destruction was our nature because of sin.  We were hell-bound to a death in a fiery grave before Christ.  BUT GOD!

God sent His only Son to die for us.  Yes, while we were sinners, wallowing in sin, bound for death eternally, God sent His Son to save us all!  His grace covered us all.  He gave us what we didn’t deserve and that is another chance.  That is His love.  We don’t deserve to be spared, but God loves us so much that He extended salvation to us all!  His mercy is so far-reaching that He reached way down to pick us up and block us from receiving the punishment we do deserve.  The moment you accept Christ you are ALIVE!!! 

• How many people are happy to be alive today?
• How many people are spiritually dead and ready to start living?

Salvation is FREE.  Romans 10:9 (NKJV) says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

• To all the believers: Stop walking around like you are dead.  You are alive so live a life that is pleasing to GOD.
• To all of those who are unsaved and those straddling the fence: Stop walking around living a life with no purpose, no meaning, no life.  It’s time to wake up and live!!!  You are spiritually dead until you accept Christ.  What are you waiting for? 

I pray that everyone begins to know their worth.  God gave so much so that we may have a life worth living.  Start living today! 

Have a blessed day. 

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Faith & Wisdom go hand in hand

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good afternoon!  Happy Friday to you all!

TFTD: Faith & wisdom go hand in hand

Psalm 101:2 (NKJV)

 ² I will behave wisely in a perfect way.  Oh, when will You come to me?  I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Psalm 107:43 (NKJV)

 ⁴³ Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the loving kindness of the LORD.

Proverbs 1:5 (NKJV)

⁵ A wise man will hear and increase learning,
      And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

Psalm 37:3 (NKJV)

 ³ Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

Hebrews 11:3(NKJV)

³ By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

If you live on the east coast you are aware that hurricane Irene is making its way up the coast.  Some people will not be affected directly, while others will be affected.  I want to encourage someone today that just because you take heed to what the news anchor is telling you about the storm, doesn’t mean you lack faith in God.  God calls us to exercise wisdom in all the things we do.  God has put people in place to give us information so that we can prepare for the storm.  Never mistake operating out of wisdom by preparing for trouble as lack of faith.  God calls us to use wisdom in all things.

I have faith that God will cover and protect my family during the storm and I also exercise wisdom to prepare for the storm.  We would be foolish not to take heed to the warnings that are being put before us.  Faith and wisdom go hand in hand. 

This principle applies to all areas of life.  When the doctor gives you a report that is not favorable you have to trust that God will heal you.  That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take medicine or see a physician.  You must exercise wisdom to take the medicine and have faith that God will work your healing out through those channels.  You may have lost your job and have faith that God will bless you with another.  That doesn’t mean never apply for another job because God will place one in your lap.  You still have to prepare and still operate in wisdom.  Continue to apply and trust that God will give you the wisdom to select the right job when that time approaches. 

Remember faith and wisdom go hand in hand.  Operating in wisdom is what God has called us to do.

I pray for every family that may be affected by Hurricane Irene.  I pray that God covers your homes and keeps you all safe.  I pray that you are prepared for the storm.  I pray that you exercise wisdom and remain safe.  I’d rather prepare for the storm and it passes over me then to not prepared and it hits us head on.  That is like our relationship with Christ.  I would rather live like there is a God and find out that there is not one, than to live like there is no God and find out there is one.

Have a blessed day.  Stay safe.  Continue to pray and operate in wisdom!

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Poetry Corner

Poetry Corner

Good afternoon.  Happy Wednesday to you all! 

If Jesus called your name

by: Nicole Ellis

If Jesus called your name today

Would you be ready?

If the moment you took your next breath

You ceased to release nitrogen, oxygen, argon and carbon dioxide

At that precise moment when you were no longer alive, but had died

Would you be ready?

If Jesus called you before the trumpet sound

Would you be ready?

If the next moment you reached to embrace your loved ones

Your equilibrium failed to function and your life as you knew it stopped

Would you be ready?

Man does not know the day nor the hour

But we do know one day we will die

The question is will you be ready

Or are you willing to gamble hoping you still have time

Where will your destination be

When Jesus calls your name

Are you destined for heaven or hell

Eternity in peace or suffering in fire

Would you be ready?

Would you be ready?

Food for thought: We live in a world, where people spread gossip, lies, retweet rumors and pass them off as truth, post messages on Facebook that will destroy people’s soul, but when was the last time you asked someone “If you died today, would you go to heaven or hell?”  It’s a tragedy to let people die without sharing the gospel with them.

John 3:16

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:9

⁹ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Take inventory over your life and ask yourself if Jesus called your name today, where would you go?  We are bold about everything else, it’s time to be bold about Christ.  Death is real and we don’t want anyone to die without knowing Christ.

Make spreading the gospel a priority.  *I dare you to share this with others on Facebook, Twitter, etc.*

Have a blessed day!

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Love them to life

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good afternoon.  Happy Monday to you all.  I pray that everyone had a wonderful weekend.

TFTD: Love them to life

Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)

⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,^[a]

My Pastor shared with us at bible study last week that God is in love with us. Even when we mess up and treat Him wrong, He chases us down with love. Imagine if the church did the same thing to one another? Imagine what would happen if when people spitefully used you and abused you, you would not return evil for evil rather you would chase them down with love?

When people are always negative and attacking you, most of the time the issue is not even about you.  Most of your enemies have been walking around spiritually and emotionally dead.  They may have been hurt by others or mistreated by people who are closes to them.  People tend to mimic the behavior they were exposed to the  most.  It’s time to love them back to life.  You may think they hate you now, but they will thank you later if you love on them.  I know it’s a tough pill to swallow, to treat others who mistreat you with kindness and love.  But God calls us to love one another and our enemies.

Sometimes we have to pray for God to reveal to us what may be hurting the person that is hurting us.  Instead of building a wall of anger and hate towards your enemy, start praying for a heart of compassion and sympathy.  You may find out that your enemy is truly hurting and you could help stop the hurt.  You could help love them back to life. 

This world does find all by itself, when it comes to tearing people down.  As believers in Christ, we should not tear down people.  We should love one another.  We should mimic Christ.  He loves you so much.  Try mimicking His love for you with others.  Even when they misuse you, chase them down with love.

Someone is on spiritual life support today and your kind word and gesture can bring them back to life.  What can you do to demonstrate love to others?  Will you extend love to your enemies?  It’s time for us to come out of our comfort zone and start loving the “mess” (Literal mess) out of people.

Have a blessed day!

 

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Comfort with sin = who you worship within

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good afternoon!  Happy Friday to you all!  I pray that your week is going well.  I want to wish you all a blessed weekend. 

TFTD: Comfort with sin=who you worship within

Exodus 20:3 (NKJV)

³ “You shall have no other gods before Me.

Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)

²⁴ “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Today is “Straight to the point Friday”.  Your  level of comfort with sin equals who you worship within.  If you are comfortable sinning and have no remorse or desire to repent than you are demonstrating to the world that you DO NOT worship the Lord.  YOU are allowing satan to be your ruler. 

Romans 6:23 (NKJV) tells us that ” the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Every time you sin and choose to stay comfortable in sin you are pushing closer to death and further away from God. 

As believers we all have sinned and have fallen short of Gods glory (Romans 3:23), but we should not continue to live in sin.  We have a choice that when we sin we can go to God and ask for forgiveness.  When you truly desire to live like Christ you will seek ways to not sin in the same area over and over again.  However if you are comfortable in sin then growing close to Christ is not on your priority list and you are telling Him that you do not worship Him.

ATTENTION TO ALL BELIEVERS OF CHRIST: There are people who are watching you closely to see how they are supposed to live.  We are doing a grave injustice to unbelievers when we live in sin comfortably.  STOP straddling the fence.  Pick a side!  Who will you serve; Christ or satan?  If you don’t profess with your mouth, your actions will speak volumes when you remain silence.

It’s time to cringe when we sin.  We should be so disgusted with our sin that we run to Christ and repent.  It’s time to get uncomfortable with sin.  Turn away from sin and turn to Christ.

What is your comfort level with sin?  Is it time for you to get uncomfortable?

Have  a blessed day and a wonderful weekend!

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Worship Wednesday

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good Morning!

Today is Worship Wednesday.  We are declaring and decreeing that we will worship Christ today and forevermore.  A few of my friends are on a move to spread the word of Jesus Christ on social media networks.  Join us on Twitter as we celebrate #WorshipWednesday.

Follow me at sunshine_ellis

All day tweet messages about why you worship Christ.  Be sure to hash mark #WorshipWednesday.

The world trends topics filled with smut, meaningless jargon, catchphrases, and so much more, but let’s trend a topic that will help save someone’s soul.  Let the world know why you worship Christ today.  Join us on twitter as we spread worship through the airways. 

I’m crazy enough to believe that God will touch even ONE person through a tweet.  140 characters can be powerful if you put it in God’s hands.

Will you join us on this #WorshipWednesday?  Will you accept the challenge? 

I worship Christ today for giving me the power and authority to speak over my life and set the atmosphere for people thousands of miles away.  #WorshipWednesday. 

Join us!  Let’s take the kingdom back one soul at a time!

Have  a blessed day! 

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Soul Winning 101

Good Morning,

Sunday at church, I received an insert in my program called “Soul Winning 101”.  This small insert had some helpful information on Evangelism and I wanted to share them with you. 

One of the greatest tragedies in life is having someone die and not know the Lord as their personal savior.  We should have compassion to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.  Never get so comfortable in your salvation that you allow your brother or sister to die not knowing God. ~Nicole Ellis

Here are tips on sharing the gospel:

1. Pray before you go, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you a loving and proper attitude.  This is so important.
2. Pick a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted.  Remember that Satan hates you and even the more so for trying to steal a soul from him by leading them to Jesus, and is going to try and stop you.
3. You cannot help to save anyone UNLESS they first realize that they are lost.  Ask them, “If you were to die in the next few minutes, where would you spend eternity?  In heaven or Hell?
4. Share with them the Romans Road.  Look them straight in the eye, and ask them if they would like to accept Jesus as their personal Savior.  Explain to them that they can be saved right where they are…They don’t have to wait to come to church on Sunday.

The Romans Road

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23 “But the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 10:9-10 “That if you confess with your mought, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 “For whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The Sinner’s Prayer

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and I am sorry for my sins and I ask for your forgiveness.  I believe in your Son, Jesus, that He was born a virgin, suffered and died for my sins, but arose from the grave and is alive with you in Heaven right now.  I accept you Jesus as my Lord and Savior and ask that you save my soul.  Seal me with the Holy Spirit.  For I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

       5. Tell them they need to tell someone who Jesus has saved them. 

       Read  with them Romans 1:16; Ephesians 2:8, 10 and Mark 1:15

I pray that this has been helpful to you.  It has been really helpful to me.  It is great that you are saved, but ask God to help you to spread the word with the lost.

Have a blessed day! 

~Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

 

 

Remember who you represent

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good afternoon!  Happy Friday to you all!

TFTD: Remember who you represent

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NKJV)

²⁰ Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

Growing up I was known as “Dennis and Treva’s daughter”.  People recognized me by who my parents were.  So it was important that I conducted myself in a decent manner because it would be reflected on my parents.  If I misbehaved they would say, “Did you know what Dennis and Treva’s daughter did….”  I had to remember who I represented. 

That is how it is when you profess that you are a Christian.  The moment you tell people that you are a Christian you are now associated with your Father in heaven.  It is important that you remember who you represent.  If you don’t know, allow me a few moments to remind you of who you are in Christ. 

You are an ambassador for Christ.  That means you are a high ranking spiritual diplomat who represents Christ.  People look to you to demonstrate the proper conduct for living a godly life.  As a spiritual ambassador God is pleading through you to the lost.  He is using you to help bring the lost closer to Him.  You were created in Christ image to live a life rightly dividing the truth.  You have a great responsiblity and reputation to uphold when you say that God is your Father.

You can’t praise God on Sunday and then cuss everyone out Monday thru Saturday.  Remember who you represent.  You can’t shout in church, but then lie, steal, fornicate, and fight outside of church.  Remember who you represent.  There are people watching you closely, trying to decide if it’s worth being saved.  You have to remember who you represent.  Every time you do something out of character you are causing people to think badly about your Father.

Food for thought: What if your life was the only bible a sinner would read; would they choose to follow Christ or fall deeper in sin?

Remember who you represent! 

Have  a blessed day! 

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

What do you have to give?

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good Morning!  Happy Thursday to you all!  This is truly the day that the Lord has made, be sure to rejoice today and be glad.  I am grateful to know that God reigns over all things, people, and attitudes.  God can change any situation around for His glory.  Choose to rejoice in all things.

TFTD: What do you have to give?

Proverbs 23:26 (NKJV)

²⁶ My son, give me your heart,
      And let your eyes observe my ways

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “What do I have to offer the Lord?”   What could you possibly offer the Lord, the One who created the heavens and the earth.  What can you give God that He doesn’t already have?  The answer is simple; your heart.  God wants your heart.  He wants you to give Him your heart willingly.

I love the Lord because He doesn’t force himself on me, He just covers me with grace and mercy.  Those twins are AWESOME!  He gives me things I don’t deserve and spares me from punishment that I do deserve; grace and mercy the dynamic duo.  God showers me with love that knows no bound and He does the same for you.

Some of you may be reading this and are saying, “I’ve already given God my heart.” But I would ask, “Have you really given Him your heart?”  Are you willing to love Him more than you love yourself?  Are you willing to love Him beyond your worldly desires?  Are you willing to empty yourself of lust so that He can fill your heart with love?  Are you willing to say Lord, I will trust you with my whole heart?

You may not have all the money in the world, you may not be popular with man, you may not have the fanciest car or home, but God doesn’t care about all that, He just wants your heart!  Will you give it to Him today?

Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

⁹ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Will you give God your heart today? 

Have  a blessed day! 

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Put your problems in the right perspective

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good Morning!  Happy Tuesday to you all! 

TFTD: Put your problems in the right perspective

Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)

¹⁷ No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.

Psalm 118:6 (NKJV)

 ⁶ The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

2 Chronicles 20:15 (NKJV)

¹⁵ And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s

A person’s perspective is their mental view or outlook on a particular situation.  There is a saying that “Perception is 95% reality”.  Whatever you perceive to be true is your reality. 

What is your perception about the problems that you face in life?  If you perceive your problems as impossible to conquer than you will not be able to beat them.  Your new reality is that you are incapable of beating the things that plague or attack you.  It’s time to put your problems in the right perspective.

Do you believe that no weapon formed against you will prosper?  If you believe that than your new reality should be that no person or thing will be able to defeat you.  They may test you, but they will not prosper.  It’s time to put your problems in the right perspective.

What can man possibly do to you with the Lord on your side?  Absolutely nothing.  If you believe that man can’t break you or destroy you with God on your side than your new reality should be that God conquers all.  It’s time to put your problems in the right perspective.

Do you believe that this battle is not yours, but it’s the Lord?  If you believe and know that God is sovereign and that He has ALL power in His hands to conquer death, hell, and the grave, than your new reality is that if God is fighting your battle you are already victorious. It’s time to put your problems in the right perspective.

It’s time to put your problems in the right perspective.  Put them under your feet and don’t allow them to rule your mind, body, or soul.  God is on your side and you are more than a conqueror!

Have  a blessed day! 

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.