Inspirations & Photography

As Martha was preparing a very special meal, she saw that Mary was not helping her make the most important meal of her life. Troubled and irritable, she said to Jesus “Lord doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Luke 10:40

I can empathize with Martha. I would probably feel the same way if Jesus himself was coming to my house for dinner and no one was there to help me prepare for such an occasion. Talk about stress! But what’s amazing is Jesus response to Martha, let’s take a look at what he said to her in verse 41 & 42 “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!  There is only ONE THING worth being concerned about.  Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

In life Jesus said there will be times that will be troubling. Times that can, if we allow them, to cause us to be overwhelmed with worry, anxiousness and stress.  Times when it seems life will seem unfair.  And by Jesus response to Martha, shows us that we do not have to fall victim of such troublesome times.  In fact, he simply said to Martha that instead of being stressed out about life, Mary decided to sit at Jesus feet and listen to his words. Words of life, words of comfort. Words filled with wisdom that produces Peace in our lives.

The good news is that when we “choose” that “One Thing” as Jesus said in Luke 10, our choice will open the door to a shelter that only  God can provide. Shelter from every storm in life that comes our way, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. BUT anyone who HEARS my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Mathew 7:24-26 nlt

Because we live in Florida, we have experienced many hurricanes but none of them have touched us or brought harm to our family, why? Because we were protected by “shelter” Our home kept us safe from the elements. God’s word is “shelter” and it will protect us from anything that comes our way. But we must take the time to “Hear” His words, and not just on Sundays. One sermon a week is not enough. It is so very important to take some time each day to read the words of Jesus.  His words will shelter us from any unforgiveness that tries to creep into our lives, God’s very words will help us overcome any pain inflicted by those we love and know.  If our financial situation is not what we’d like it to be we can hear Gods words and do what He says. His promises and faith in his promises will help us to tap into God’s amazing provision, our hope in His words will bring comfort and peace.   If we need healing for our bodies, we have God’s promises that teach us that it is God’s will for us to live a healthy life. Rehearsing Jesus words and God’s promises helps us to face and overcome any obstacles that come our way. That is why it is so important to follow Mary’s example by taking the time to sit at Jesus feet. How? Open your Bibles and read his words of life, hope, encouragement and faith.

“So then Faith (hope, peace encouragement) comes (increases) by hearing and hearing by the word of God” Romans 10:17

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Have you ever met someone that left a lasting imprint on your life? I have met many people in my lifetime but I’ve never encountered someone so full of love and compassion as my best Friend. He has never left my side. He’s been with me through the happiest and even the most trying times of my life and because of his amazing love, has helped me through them all!  His name is Jesus.

It was over 30 years ago and although I could not see him in this natural realm he showed himself so real that it was almost as if I could.
As time went on I began reading about His life and character.  I read in the scriptures how he interacted with people during his lifetime on this earth.  Real life stories of how he treated others. One of my favorites is Jesus encounter with the woman who was caught in adultery and how unconditional his love was toward this young woman. He was on his way back from the Mount of Olives and a crowd gathered and he sat down to teach them, “As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of a crowd. “Teacher” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:1-11 NLT.

This is the Jesus I met one evening 30 years ago. His love and grace left such an imprint on my life that I have been spending each and every waking moment with him ever since, learning from him and doing my best to follow his example. Giving and showing the same love and mercy that was extended to me many years ago. Loving my enemies as he did when he said to God while hanging on the cross, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” after they beat him and hung him on the cross to die.  Luke 23:34 KJ

If you have not met him yet, I encourage you to  open up your heart and mind. In fact he is standing at the door of your heart  right now, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20 NLT.  When you make what I believe to be the most important decisions of your life,  you will not only meet  the Savior of the World, the Prince of Peace, you’ll meet the only Friend that will forever stay by your side. Your new relationship with Jesus will allow you to  get to know him and experience his amazing love on a daily basis. You will also be able to have one on one conversations with him (this is a form of prayer, just talking to the Lord) and he promises that he will “hear” and “answer” you.  He will then begin to show you His purpose for your life…all the good that He has planned for you.  All you have to do is talk to him.  Tell Jesus that you believe in him, that you believe that he is the Son of the living God, and that you believe that he died and that God raised him from the dead. Ask him to forgive you of all your mistakes and ask him to help you love others and forgive them as he forgives you. My personal prayer many years ago went something like this: “Jesus, I believe in you. I believe that you died for me and that God raised you from the dead. I believe that you love me and forgive me of all my mistakes. I believe you have a purpose for me, I want to follow you, I want everything you have planned for my life. I receive your love right now, be my Lord and Savior, thank you Jesus.”  Now that you’ve made this decision find a church that teaches that Jesus is the Son of God and that teaches that believing in Jesus is the only way to heaven.  A church that also teaches his commandment to “Love your neighbor” by helping others as He taught in the Gospel of John chapter 15, Mathew 25 along with  James chapter 2, and 1John 3.

May the Lord Bless you, protect you and give you His Peace.
Pastor Nina Tidwell

Visit our website at poncechurch.com or Facebook

Just the other day I heard the Lord say to me these words: “A Father’s Love”.  I believe he was trying to get my attention to remind me of  “His” love for me.  Sometimes we can all go through life working and trying to figure things out for ourselves.  Full of questions that are sometimes accompanied by fear and anxiety.  I believe he was bringing me back to a place that I had experienced over 30 years ago.  Coming from a broken family, a mother who took her own life when I was just 14 years of age. The guilt I carried for years because I blamed myself.  Drowning the hurt and pain with alcohol, drugs and wrong relationships until one evening while no one was home I decided that I had had enough.  I was tired of the mess I had made of my life. I was ready for a change: I decided to give God a try.  I remember quite vividly that night, asking God to forgive me of all that I had done wrong and surrendered my life to his Son Jesus, believing and accepting what he had done for me when he gave his life for all mankind. As I prayed, I felt as if God had covered me with a blanket made out of his love.  I remember crying for what seemed to be hours, they were not tears of sorrow they were tears of joy.

Out with the Old and In with the New: I knew something had changed. Although I was the same person on the outside, the inside was very different.  I later found out after studying the scriptures what took place inside of me that night, Jesus described it as the New Birth: “There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”  “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, “You must be born again.” The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but cant’ tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” Jesus went on to explain further what he meant regarding the things of heaven which then led to the famous scripture taught and preached all over the world, even at football games, you know the guy who holds up the sign that reads, “John 3:16″ “For God so LOVED the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus then said in verse 17, ” God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:1-17

The Father’s Love began to work from the inside-out.  His love began to help me to forgive myself and begin a new life.  A life free from sorrow, pain and guilt.  I began to see that he loved me no matter what I had done wrong. As I started to read the Bible I began to “see” this love in His Son Jesus and how he treated others.  His Love  healed the sick, raised the dead and freed others from the torment of demons.  His Love showed mercy on others and allowed him to forgive his own enemies while hanging on the cross.  His Love even showed mercy on his own followers, his disciples who had left him just before his crucifixion. The Father’s Love was powerful enough to raise Jesus from the dead.  Even today, the Fathers love is readily available 24/7 for anyone who desires it.

I felt his Love that night 30 years ago and many days since.  If you are longing for a Father whose love will always be there for you, one who promises to never abandon you, then all you have to do is believe.  Tell him you believe in his Son Jesus and that you believe that he went to the cross for you, paid for all your wrongs, and tell him that you believe that he raised Jesus from the dead. When you do this and mean it from your heart, you will experience your heavenly Father’s love. No one and nothing can ever compare to it.

Believe it or not the subject of “Love your enemies” is just as much therapeutic for me as it will be for you.  Before I have ever started blogging, I have always enjoyed writing. Sometimes I would write to God about my concerns, worries, fears and even anger toward others. I have also been very good at writing people, especially if someone has hurt me, my family or church.  There have been many times in my life where I have been able to relate to Peter the disciple of Jesus. For those of you who have never heard the true story, Peter took his sword and cut off a mans ear because they were coming to take Jesus away! Folks, this was a man of God, a follower of Jesus and he was so angry and protective that he lost it! When this incident took place Jesus said to Peter, “You do not know what spirit you are of…” and proceeded to heal the mans ear.

As human beings the first thing we want to do is retaliate! Some of us are ready to rip others up one side and down the other, especially when they’re cruel, unkind and sometimes just downright ignorant.  Continue reading

For thousands of years the story of Jesus death and resurrection have been told in churches, meeting places and homes all over the world.  Jesus himself began to speak of his death even before they laid a hand on him. “Listen” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again” the gospel of Mark chapter 10, verses 33 & 34.

Celebrating Easter is more than the traditional  chocolate bunnies and colored Easter eggs, it’s remembering Jesus laying down his life for all mankind and God raising him from the dead. Why? Jesus Christ the Risen One was sent to us because of God’s amazing love.  Jesus endured the beatings for you and me. He allowed them to hang him on the cross to pay for our sins.

In the old testament Adam and Eve chose to not follow God’s instructions and when they disobeyed what the Father told them sin came into the earth.  Prophets in the old testament spoke of the coming Messiah who would take away the sin of the world.  “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2Corinthians 5:21  Because of the wonderful mercy and love of God, he sent his one and only Son to die for you and me, and when God raised Jesus Christ to life again, he made it possible for us to be put back in good standing with God our heavenly Father again.  All God asks of us is to believe. Believe that he sent Jesus to us, that he went to the cross for us, died and believe that God raised him from the dead.

Jesus Christ is alive and well today. He sits at God’s right hand in Heaven and because of the power of the resurrection, he lives in his people, his followers, Christians today. How? “The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11

As you celebrate Easter this year remember God’s amazing love for you and all of mankind. Realize and accept the truth that we need our sins forgiven. Understand that with our own strength or works we cannot make that happen, forgiveness only comes through believing in Jesus Christ and that he died for us.  Open your heart to Jesus and follow Him. Once you make this decision, your life will have meaning.  “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced…Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:8-13

Happy Easter!

Pastor Nina Tidwell
Ponce Church, Ponce Inlet, Florida

Everyone Welcome! We’re Surfside and we’re Casual!
Sundays 10AM
4670 S. Peninsula in Ponce Inlet

Have you ever been engaged in a conversation with someone and have them say something so “off-the-wall” that it leaves you speechless? Well that happened to me during my walk just the other day. While enjoying the beautiful ocean and river view from the jetty a friend was passing on their bike. We both stopped to say hello and chat a bit. During our conversation we got on the subject of family and friends that have struggled with addictions such as drugs and alcohol.  This person began to share how for some reason people who are struggling in these areas are drawn to them.  As they elaborated more about this subject they began to express how they believe God puts the addiction on these people, and basically said that is their lot in life. When I heard this I just about FELL OVER!! Friends, this ridiculous man-made philosophy could not be farther from the TRUTH! (This is a good example of folks not knowing nor understanding the Love, Grace and Power of God)  Please allow me to share why. Firstly the word of God  is truth and HIS TRUTH says that Jesus came to set the “captives” free, Luke 4:18. Do you know what that means? ANYONE and I mean anyone who is imprisoned (in a life-long struggle) by drugs, alcohol, and anything else that keeps one from enjoying life, has been given an opportunity to walk free.  Jesus who holds the key to their freedom came to unlock their prison door and let them out! 1Corinthians 10:13 says that God, has provided a “WAY OUT” of temptation, trials or troubles (including addictions) period!  It’s as if the One who has the key to your freedom (Jesus) comes and opens your cell door and says, “Come on out, you’re FREE!”  The word of God also says that Jesus has “rescued” us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son” Colossians 1:13 nlt
My friend this is GOOD NEWS! Your ticket to freedom comes from a very LOVING God, and He demonstrated His amazing love by sending His Son Jesus to set you free! This is no joke. This is not just a nice story, this is the power of God, and He is ready, willing and able to take you on a new journey to freedom. One, He is asking you to allow Him to help you. If you’re not a Christian yet and you want to be, all you have to do is ask Jesus to be a part of your life. Say this prayer from your heart: “Jesus, I believe in you. I believe God sent you for me, that it is your will for me to be free! Be my Lord and my Savior, show me YOUR way. Show me the way of your peace. Help me to be free from the things that can harm me. I want you now. You are my strength. Because of you I am no longer bound by this addiction. It no longer has power over me. Forgive me Father for my sins and I thank you that you love me and no longer remember my mistakes. Thank you God, and thank you Jesus! Amen.”
YOUR NEW JOURNEY, A FRESH START: Now one of the next steps to take on your journey of recovery is to give your mind NEW thoughts. The Bible says to “renew your mind” with the word of God. Why would He say that? Because God’s word is spirit and Life. When we become a Christian, a follower of Jesus, the Bible says we are a NEW creature in Christ Jesus. We’re forgiven, we now have God’s very Spirit living inside of us, but our minds always need renewing. Our mind continually needs to be nourished with God’s truth. God’s word washes away all of the negative thoughts that have kept us bound.  “And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing, FIX YOUR THOUGHTS on what is True (God’s word), and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. THINK ABOUT things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me–everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the GOD OF PEACE  will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 nlt.
The Lord has put “pastors and teachers” into the body of Christ (Christians) and has given them gifts to teach God’s word. I would encourage you to find a church that teach Jesus Christ as the Son of God and that teaches Faith and Love.  I cannot tell you how when I first became a Christian, how powerful it was for me to “hear” God’s word and be in a church that teaches the truth. You especially want a church that teaches Gods love and that God does NOT put evil on you to teach you a lesson. You want a church that teaches about God’s Grace, Love and Mercy. If you do not know where to start, send me a message and I will be more than happy to help you find a church that offers what I have shared with you today.
Know this: God is NOT mad or angry with you. He is so loving and merciful. The word of God says that it is His love and goodness that leads us to Him. He is with you every hour and every second of the day. You can literally call out to Him and He WILL help you. He is that awesome and so faithful, ready to pour out His Love on you. I know, I met Him over 30 years ago and He has never let me down, ever!

I also encourage you to listen to Pastor Rick’s messages. His newest series “The Great Escape”  is now available to listen for free or download and listen to at any time.  Go to  poncechurch.com

Lately I have been thinking about families and how so many relationships within each family unit are hurting.  Although it is included, I am not just singling out couples such as husbands and wives I am also referring to our relationships with our mothers, fathers, in-laws, our brothers and sisters and in some cases even our own children. I recently shared with a friend how God helped me to forgive my own parents.  Because I was tired of carrying my own personal baggage overflowing with hurt emotions the Lord was able to help me finally rid myself of the pain through the amazing power of “mercy” and “forgiveness.”  I know that those two words seem almost impossible to consider, but I guarantee that if you continue reading, the Lord will help you to enter a new phase in your life free from your own baggage and replace it with real happiness, joy and peace.

Because it seemed so difficult to conceive the idea of forgiveness I asked the Lord to show me how.  One of the main scriptures that he used to help me understand why people do what they do was the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior.  Imagine for a moment  Jesus,  hanging on the cross inflicted with such immense pain  brought on by beatings and nails driven into his hands. Not to mention those closest to him who chose to run and hide from and even deny him and how through it all  Jesus  was able to pray this prayer, while hanging on the cross: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”  I know, our first immediate response is “of course they know what they’re doing, how dare they” but surprisingly enough he helped me to see that they really did not know how much pain they were inflicting.  In my case, once I realized and accepted this amazing truth, He was able to help bring me to a place where I no longer suffered pain by the words and actions of others.  Later through study and research I have found that “Hurt people hurt others.”

Before my mother died, she was trying to deal with her own pain: The devastation of my father leaving. (read my post “Girl Meets God”) I remember one day because she was hurting so much inside that she tried to get me to hurt my father during a phone conversation. I was between the ages of 10 and 11 years old. I remember she handed me the phone and tried to force me to say “I don’t love you anymore” to my father. I remember crying, I could not do it. As I look back I see and understand now that my mother was suffering. She was living in her own torment of pain, brought on by anger, bitterness and unforgiveness toward my father.

Every family is different. We may all have different issues that we are dealing with but one thing we all have in common is we all have been given the opportunity to be free from the pain caused by others.

Another truth that the Lord was able to show me as a young Christian is found in Mark chapter 11:25, “And when you stand praying forgive, for if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive you your sins.” This scripture helped me to see that I needed the Lords mercy for things I had done in my past and for the last 30+ years as a follower of Jesus,  this  truth has helped to keep me in check when it comes to loving and forgiving others. God is a gentleman. He will NEVER force his will on us. He has given us the freedom to choose. One scripture says, “I have set before you LIFE and DEATH: CHOOSE LIFE”.

This kind of Love toward others has helped me to be free! Free from the hurt and pain brought on my others, all because of two very powerful words put into motion: Forgiveness and Mercy. This freedom is only available to the one who is willing to forgive and let go.  Our key to becoming free is Love:  Jesus said “Love one another as I have loved you.”

ATTENTION: If you or someone you know is in real physical danger contact the Violence Hotline: 1-800-799- SAFE (7233) for help.  You can also contact your local police department and authorities to help get you and your children to safety. Note: Although my story is not about physical abuse, there are many families who are facing dangerous situations and so I felt it was important to share this information to help individuals and families that are in need of such services.

Jesus Love is not limited. When he walked this earth as a man he shunned no one. He loved everyone especially those who were despised and ridiculed by others.  As I was thinking the other morning, I remembered a true story in the Bible where Jesus and his disciples were invited by Mathew (a despised tax collector) for dinner at his home, “Later Mathew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. BUT..when the Pharisees (people who claim they love God but show NO mercy to others) saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do.” Then he added, “Now GO AND LEARN THE MEANING OF THIS SCRIPTURE; I want YOU  to show MERCY not offer sacrifices (sacrifices today are doing all the ‘right’ things outwardly yet inside there is no mercy or love toward others). “For I have  come to call not those who THINK they are righteous, but those who KNOW they are sinners.” Mathew 9:10-13 nlt

As I remembered this passage of scripture he began to show me a very important point: The fact that Jesus sat and dined with sinners (we’ve all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God) was proof that he was not condemning them, but in fact demonstrating God’s Love and Mercy in action. The religious people could not stand even the thought of being around them which was a sure sign, proving their lack of mercy with hearts full of judgment and condemnation (Mathew 23:23-26)

As a Christian, a follower of Jesus, I have chosen to live a life of mercy as He has commanded me to. Just as the scriptures say, “those that have been forgiven much, show others much love.”  In my 30 years as a follower of Jesus I have been forgiven of much and have lived and continue to learn that Loving others in the way He has loved me is the only way of life for me.

Something my wise husband who has been a teacher of the Bible for over 30 years said this in regards to the religious phrase “hate the sin love the sinner”: “We don’t need to hate the spec in our brothers eye-The log in our own eye is a full-time job.” Well said. Meaning, don’t get caught up in others mistakes, but rather take that energy and work on improving our own lives. Love God, Love Others, Love Life.

Loving others is not easy especially those who irritate or rub us the wrong way. Many times in my walk with the Lord I have had to endure people that are difficult to be around. No matter where you are in life, you will have such experiences and there is no avoiding it. Sometimes even now when loving others does not come easy I remember what my husband Pastor Rick  shared with me not so long ago: “Given their situation or circumstances they are doing the best they can.”
I remember while living and raising our children in Arizona I had a hard time with forgiving some members of my family.  I knew as a Christian how important it was to love and forgive others, but in REAL life I found it to be extremely difficult at times. As  a young Christian I remember Jesus teaching me the importance of love and forgiveness.  In  Mark chapter 11 Jesus says, “…and when you stand praying forgive. If you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive you your sins.”  I must admit, even today this scripture ALWAYS keeps me in check. Why? Because I have been forgiven of so many things in my life and God expects me to show that same love and mercy to others.In my own life I have found that when I love others I am happier and at peace. I am able to really enjoy life.  You could say that LOVE has a “freeing” affect on the one who chooses to give it out.  So go ahead, begin to look at others as God looks at you, with love and compassion.  I guarantee you will find that your life will be full of real happiness and joy!