Archive | August 2014

I Can’t Resist A Good Challenge!

Aug29

Wonderful post from a fellow blogger who has been living with ALS!

Unshakable Hope

Ice Bucket Challenge Donations Top $100 Million in 30 Days compared to $2.8 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 29).

Mary looked at me like I was crazy when I told her that I wanted her to dump a bucket of icy water over my head.
“You might gasp and breathe in water and choke,” she warned. But after a few days of prodding she finally agreed to play her roll in the Ice Bucket Challenge. I was hoping that the ice cold water being poured over my head would cause me to jump out of my chair and run, like my Australian friend, Phil, but (SPOILER ALERT) unfortunately that didn’t happen.

Seventeen years ago, almost a year after being diagnosed with this horrible disease known as ALS, I was asked by MDA to participate in the local portion of the Labor Day…

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Don’t stop asking!

Aug28

I used to think that if I asked God for something and He didn’t respond immediately the answer was no. My faith was immature and not based on scripture. One of my favorite parables today is found in Luke 18. It is the parable of the persistent widow. I love this parable!  For years I had read it but had not really grasped it’s importance. Jesus told this parable, IT IS IMPORTANT!  🙂 Understanding it’s importance has changed my prayer life.  When I am praying for something or someone that is very important to me,  I no longer ask a few times and then assume God is saying no.  When I consider giving up I remember this parable and remember that there are times God expects us to persevere in our prayers. If something is important enough to ask Him for, we must be willing to show Him we are serious about it.

When my children were little, often one of them would ask me for something and then when I answered, “We’ll see,” the request would soon be forgotten. When they didn’t forget and kept asking I knew this was something they really wanted. Sometimes adults, like children ask for silly things that they really don’t want or need. Sometimes we come to God and ask for foolish things that would harm us rather than help us. James 4:3 NIV 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.  It really is a blessing that God does not answer some of the prayers we offer up. In hindsight, I know in my life I have asked for some things that would have not been good for me in the long run.

When we have a serious request or burden and we take it to the Lord in prayer we must be willing to persevere. We must be like the persistent widow and show our seriousness about the matter. Jesus himself shared this parable, Jesus who knows the heart of the Father like no one else. If He is saying we must be persistent than that’s good enough for me!

Luke 18:1-8 NIV 

18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

 Jesus tells us that if the unjust judge will eventually give in, how much more can we count on a holy, just God to answer His chosen ones! We who follow Christ, must not be wishy washy when we come to God with our prayers and petitions. Through the blood of Christ, we can boldly come before the throne of God with our requests.  If our requests are asked with wrong selfish motives, God will not answer them but if we come to Him with legitimate requests that are not simply for our own selfish pleasures, we can expect an answer. We must be willing to not give up, just like the persistent widow. We must continue to bring our requests to the ONE whose timing is perfect. He WILL answer!

We should pray when we are in a praying mood, for it would be sinful to neglect so fair an opportunity. We should pray when we are not in a proper mood, for it would be dangerous to remain in so unhealthy a condition.~Charles Spurgeon

 

 

 

Reading the signs?

Aug22

Earlier this week I was sad to I read about American journalist, James Foley being beheaded by ISIS.  It is tragic what this group is doing around the world!  We hear not only of ISIS but of multiple terrorist groups armed and determined to wipe out anyone that does not follow their radical beliefs. They target Jews, Christians and fellow moderate Muslims with abandon. We are living in some pretty dark times. With wars, rumors of wars, great persecution, natural disasters and an overall increase in sin we don’t have to look too hard to believe that we are living in the end times. How long things will go on for before Jesus returns, we don’t know but it sure is closer than it was but a few years ago.

Let’s take a look at just some of these signs from the book of Matthew.

Matthew 24:1-14 NIV 

24 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2 “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Does any of this sound familiar? All it takes is for us to turn on our tv news channel or open a newspaper and we can see each and every one of these things happening right now in our time. We have brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide that are dying for their faith at the hands of their persecutors, all because they will not renounce the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.   Wickedness is everywhere. We hear daily of family members killing other family members, adultery, sexual sin, murders happening in each and every one of our neighborhoods.   Famines and earthquakes are at an all time high along with other various natural disasters. Nations are definitely rising against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms.  There are too many cults and cult leaders to list here preaching a false gospel that denies the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the need for salvation rather promoting themselves and their false ideology. With modern technology and the ease of travel, the gospel is now being spread in countries that would never have had access to the gospel before. The message of salvation is being preached throughout the world!

Though the Word of God tells us that no man knows the day or hour when Christ will return, we do know from the signs that the time is getting closer. With that in mind, God does not want us to walk in fear or trepidation.  Jesus said, “See to it that you are not alarmed,”  instead we are  to walk in peace knowing these things must come to pass before we see our beautiful Lord and King face to face.  It is so important that we use the time God has given us to share the gospel to those who need to hear! We need to daily demonstrate the love of Christ to a world looking for answers. People are wondering what on earth is going on in this crazy world of ours right now and we have the answers. We don’t need to be caught off guard. Our Bible tells us what must happen before Jesus returns.

It is imperative that each follower of Christ  live each day knowing that the Lord could return at any time. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:36-44 NIV

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

I want to be ready when He returns! I want to be busy doing His will! I want to be excited, and without shame, to see Him face to face!

Father, I ask that you prepare our hearts for the days we are living in. Please keep our hearts tender before You. Let us be sensitive to the chastening of Your Spirit and let us repent of those things that are holding us back from following You with abandon. Give us wisdom to be able to read the signs of the times and to live our lives accordingly. Give us a deeper love for the lost so that we won’t hesitate to share the gospel with them. Give us a deeper love for You Jesus so that we will walk intimately with You as we wait on Your return. We ask it all in your precious name, the name of Jesus. Amen

 Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land  tomorrow.~Dwight L. Moody

Are you worried? Here’s your answer!

Aug14

Are you worried about what’s going on in the world today? Worried about your financial situation? Worried about your family? The list of things we worry about is endless but there is a solution. In every situation we are to turn our worries over to the ONE who died for us. The ONE who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond anything we can comprehend.

Worry will never solve a single thing. It will only rob us of our peace and joy. When we apply the Word of God to our situations we are able to rest peacefully knowing there is nothing impossible with Christ. Here are but a few words to take deep into your heart and apply to whatever it is you are worrying about.

1Peter 5:6-7 NIV 1 Peter 5:6-8 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Romans 8:28 NIV 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. 

Phillipians 4:4-9 NIV 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Psalm 55:22 NIV 22 Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you;
He will never let the righteous be shaken.

Phillipians 4:19 NIV 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

Luke 12:22-26 NIV 22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Hebrews 13:6 NIV 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”

John 6:37 NIV 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 

Isaiah 41:10 NIV 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Deuteronomy 31:5, 6 NIV 5 The Lord will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

And finally…

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Watch, Pray and Be Ready

Aug11

 

Matthew 24:44 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Matthew 24:44  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Last week my husband and I spent a relaxing, wonderful week visiting my sister in Florida. As always we had a great time. We were ready for some rest and relaxation after a busy summer and we got it. I did notice however that the world didn’t take any rest and relaxation. The Middle East is aflame with the war in Israel and Gaza, ISIS is massacring Christians and fellow Muslims in Iraq, there are daily atrocities being committed in Syria along with massacres in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, there is an ongoing battle between Russia and the people of the Ukraine and still more.

Though it is wonderful to be able to take a holiday from our jobs and our everyday life, there is NO time to take a break from our prayer life. We need to be vigilant in holding up our brothers and sisters at home and around the world in prayer! We need to continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem! We need to pray for all those innocent people caught in the various wars and battles around the world! This is not a time to become lazy in our prayer life! There are too many people counting on the people of God to faithfully keep them in prayer, interceding for them in situations that are dire and could become dire at any time. We must pray for those who are being martyred around the world, that their life will speak of Jesus right up until the end. That they may be given boldness and peace during their times of persecution.  And of course, we are to pray for our families, friends, neighbors an our communities.

I am feeling a call to prayer like never before. The world is experiencing some mighty birth pains and scripture indicates the pains will only get greater and longer until the great tribulation. My prayer is that we will be faithful in praying, helping and sharing the gospel in the days we have. All indicators indicate that our beautiful King is coming back sooner rather than later. May He find us faithful and obedient to the calling He has given each of us. May He find us working to further His Kingdom. May He find us ministering with the gifts He has given each of us. May He find us taking care of all those He has entrusted to us.

Jesus told us keep watch and know what is going on so we can be aware of the times we are living in.  

Matthew 24:4-13 NIV 4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

We are seeing now experiencing some of these very birth pains.

He also told us to be ready for His return and not be caught spiritually sleeping. Matthew 24:36-44 NIV  36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

 

Though we all have earthly responsibilities we must take care of, let’s not lose sight of the things that really matter for eternity. Let’s keep watch, pray and be ready for the return of Jesus, our beautiful Lord and King.