Luke 21:10-11 (NAS)
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
I was sent an e-mail the other day asking me if I was ready for Jesus to return. They cited the current wars, earthquakes, tsunamis, famines, terrorists, floods, tornados, hurricanes, and the list goes on.
Jesus said these things would all happen before His return. But He also said that the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
What He is saying is that we are to be faithful and have patience. We are to pursue righteousness and gentleness. As He has said all along treat your neighbors as you would treat yourself, always. Keep the ten commandments every day. Pray and seek God's guidance for your life. Help those that hunger, hunger for food and for God's message.
Yes, there have been more and frequent earthquakes, more floods and hurricanes than in the past. These will continue and be more frequent. There will always be wars and rumors of wars. This has been since the beginning of time, and it will continue until man can learn to live together and love each other. And that will be when Christ returns.
So the question still remains. Am I ready? Do I keep God's Commandments? Do I seek His guidance and keep Him first and foremost in my daily life? Am I in His Word daily? Are you?
Dear Heavenly Father that you for Your promise to return and take Your children home to live with You forever. Amen.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
THE "C" WORD
Jeremiah 15:18 NAS
Why has my pain been perpetual and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Wilt Thou indeed be to me like a deceptive stream with water that is unreliable?
This morning I received an e-mail from a dear friend I hadn't heard from in quite some time. She said she had been battling cancer in her foot but lost. The doctor amputated her leg up to the knee and she is now learning how to walk with her new leg.
I lost my brother to colon cancer eight years ago, his sweet wife last year to breast cancer, a girlfriend ten years ago to ovarian cancer, and another girlfriend two years ago to breast cancer. If I sat here long enough I could probably think of a few more but these have been close to my heart.
If each one of us thought about it you could think of people you know yourself that have had that dreaded disease or have been battling it. Cancer will eat away at your body until it finally wins.
The evil one is much like cancer. He will eat away at your heart, mind, body, and soul a little at a time until he has taken all of you. Weather it is from lying, stealing, cheating, murder, or pornography. Satan revels each time he captures another soul. He starts out small, maybe a little white lie, what will that hurt? Then another and another lie ensues. Or just a peek at the dirty book, no one will know. It could be money laying around and you think I'll put it back before they know it's gone.
The only true way to keep Satan from eating at you is ask God to keep you in His hands. To keep the evil one at bay. Find strength in the Lord through prayer and reading His Word. Ask for His guidance each day. He will never let you down. That doesn't mean you will never have problems or sickness but with God's guidance and grace you can go through life with renewed peace and reassurance.
Dear Father I pray for those who do not know Your love and grace. Please be with them as they fight with the evil one. Amen.
Why has my pain been perpetual and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Wilt Thou indeed be to me like a deceptive stream with water that is unreliable?
This morning I received an e-mail from a dear friend I hadn't heard from in quite some time. She said she had been battling cancer in her foot but lost. The doctor amputated her leg up to the knee and she is now learning how to walk with her new leg.
I lost my brother to colon cancer eight years ago, his sweet wife last year to breast cancer, a girlfriend ten years ago to ovarian cancer, and another girlfriend two years ago to breast cancer. If I sat here long enough I could probably think of a few more but these have been close to my heart.
If each one of us thought about it you could think of people you know yourself that have had that dreaded disease or have been battling it. Cancer will eat away at your body until it finally wins.
The evil one is much like cancer. He will eat away at your heart, mind, body, and soul a little at a time until he has taken all of you. Weather it is from lying, stealing, cheating, murder, or pornography. Satan revels each time he captures another soul. He starts out small, maybe a little white lie, what will that hurt? Then another and another lie ensues. Or just a peek at the dirty book, no one will know. It could be money laying around and you think I'll put it back before they know it's gone.
The only true way to keep Satan from eating at you is ask God to keep you in His hands. To keep the evil one at bay. Find strength in the Lord through prayer and reading His Word. Ask for His guidance each day. He will never let you down. That doesn't mean you will never have problems or sickness but with God's guidance and grace you can go through life with renewed peace and reassurance.
Dear Father I pray for those who do not know Your love and grace. Please be with them as they fight with the evil one. Amen.
Monday, March 14, 2011
SHOW DONT' TELL
Psalm 69:6 NAS
May those who wait for Thee not be ashamed through me, O Lord God of hosts: May those who seek Thee not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel.
As a writer I tell other writers to show me what they are wanting to say, not tell me. It makes a better story to show someone, draw a picture, a scene, etc, rather than tell them what is going on. Sometimes I have to be reminded of that too.
As a Christian I also need to be aware that there are others watching how I live my life. God expects me to live as Christ lived his life.
I must guard my tongue against petty gossip and running down another person to make myself look better. As Jesus said I will come into temptation, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I can only be an example by reading God's word every day and asking for His help.
I must guard my eyes against all idols and anything that is detestable in God's sight. I must restrain my feet from every evil way so that I may keep God's word.
I must use my hands to help others whether in crisis or not. To give a hug when needed or a pat on the back for a job well done. I must use my ears to listen to the pain and hurt of others.
And last, but not least, my heart needs to be like the heart of Jesus Christ. Love like He loves. Forgive like He does. Through Him all things are possible. You may not feel like you can do these things but when you ask Him for His help He is there. You can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Dear Father in Heaven please hear my prayer and give me a heart for others so that I may love like You. Amen.
May those who wait for Thee not be ashamed through me, O Lord God of hosts: May those who seek Thee not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel.
As a writer I tell other writers to show me what they are wanting to say, not tell me. It makes a better story to show someone, draw a picture, a scene, etc, rather than tell them what is going on. Sometimes I have to be reminded of that too.
As a Christian I also need to be aware that there are others watching how I live my life. God expects me to live as Christ lived his life.
I must guard my tongue against petty gossip and running down another person to make myself look better. As Jesus said I will come into temptation, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I can only be an example by reading God's word every day and asking for His help.
I must guard my eyes against all idols and anything that is detestable in God's sight. I must restrain my feet from every evil way so that I may keep God's word.
I must use my hands to help others whether in crisis or not. To give a hug when needed or a pat on the back for a job well done. I must use my ears to listen to the pain and hurt of others.
And last, but not least, my heart needs to be like the heart of Jesus Christ. Love like He loves. Forgive like He does. Through Him all things are possible. You may not feel like you can do these things but when you ask Him for His help He is there. You can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Dear Father in Heaven please hear my prayer and give me a heart for others so that I may love like You. Amen.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
HARD-PRESSED
Phillippians 1:23 NAS
But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better.
Perhaps you've heard someone say that they are hard-pressed over a situation in their life. Maybe they've lost their job and they are in distress wondering where their next dollar is going to come from. How are they going to keep a roof over the family's head and food on the table?
We hear it more and more every day about the job situation, wars and rumors of wars all over the world. No wonder people are hard-pressed with depressing news coming at them from all angles.
Then there is the unsettling weather that is hitting all over our world. Earthquakes, floods, fires, and tornados in states that have had very few of them.
Pictures on the front page of the newspaper shows the devastation after a hurricane hits the shores of the coast.
Each of us live with this news and the pictures every day, but have you thought of your eternal life. This life is only fleeting. Our eternal life is forever. Like the scripture says I am also hard-pressed from both directions. I, like everyone else, want to see my children grown, marry, and have children. I want to be part of their lives everyday and forever, but in truth I know I cannot. I will not live forever here on earth like I am now. I know I will be with my Lord and Savior when I do die and live with him forever, even coming back with Him to reign on earth. I look forward to this.
So you see my dilemma I am hard-pressed wanting to stay here but wanting to be with Jesus. In His timing I will be with Him, but for now I will enjoy my life here on earth praising Him every day for all He has given me and what I know I will have when I join Him. Praise God.
Dear Father in Heaven thank you for the many blessings you give me every day. Blessings that I get to share. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.
But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better.
Perhaps you've heard someone say that they are hard-pressed over a situation in their life. Maybe they've lost their job and they are in distress wondering where their next dollar is going to come from. How are they going to keep a roof over the family's head and food on the table?
We hear it more and more every day about the job situation, wars and rumors of wars all over the world. No wonder people are hard-pressed with depressing news coming at them from all angles.
Then there is the unsettling weather that is hitting all over our world. Earthquakes, floods, fires, and tornados in states that have had very few of them.
Pictures on the front page of the newspaper shows the devastation after a hurricane hits the shores of the coast.
Each of us live with this news and the pictures every day, but have you thought of your eternal life. This life is only fleeting. Our eternal life is forever. Like the scripture says I am also hard-pressed from both directions. I, like everyone else, want to see my children grown, marry, and have children. I want to be part of their lives everyday and forever, but in truth I know I cannot. I will not live forever here on earth like I am now. I know I will be with my Lord and Savior when I do die and live with him forever, even coming back with Him to reign on earth. I look forward to this.
So you see my dilemma I am hard-pressed wanting to stay here but wanting to be with Jesus. In His timing I will be with Him, but for now I will enjoy my life here on earth praising Him every day for all He has given me and what I know I will have when I join Him. Praise God.
Dear Father in Heaven thank you for the many blessings you give me every day. Blessings that I get to share. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
TWINKLING CANDLE
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NAS)
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
As a child in Sunday school I would sing this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. I wasn't totally sure of what I was singing about except when I put my finger up to my face it represented a candle, and I would always let it shine. I wouldn't blow it out.
I read an article that had a quote from Billy Graham telling everyone that we are holding a light and though it may seem a twinkling candle, it is our business to let it shine. Don't let that candle go out.
God's Word, the Bible, is the light. Like a lighthouse, it's beacon warns you there are rocks ahead, so beware. Steer another course. The Bible is our guide when trouble arises God shows us the path we should take. His beacon is steering us in His direction. The truth, the light, the way to ever lasting life. Eternal life.
God's Word tells me I am to hold my candle, the Bible, in my hands and share it with the world. I will tell others what God has done for me. The many blessings He has given me and gives me each day. I'm not saying life is all rosy, that I don't have problems just like everyone else, but with problems I have God, who will be by my side through it all. Praise God.
Dear Father in Heaven thank you for being with me through everything. From my rising up to my laying down each day, thank you for holding me in the palm of Your Hands. Amen.
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
As a child in Sunday school I would sing this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. I wasn't totally sure of what I was singing about except when I put my finger up to my face it represented a candle, and I would always let it shine. I wouldn't blow it out.
I read an article that had a quote from Billy Graham telling everyone that we are holding a light and though it may seem a twinkling candle, it is our business to let it shine. Don't let that candle go out.
God's Word, the Bible, is the light. Like a lighthouse, it's beacon warns you there are rocks ahead, so beware. Steer another course. The Bible is our guide when trouble arises God shows us the path we should take. His beacon is steering us in His direction. The truth, the light, the way to ever lasting life. Eternal life.
God's Word tells me I am to hold my candle, the Bible, in my hands and share it with the world. I will tell others what God has done for me. The many blessings He has given me and gives me each day. I'm not saying life is all rosy, that I don't have problems just like everyone else, but with problems I have God, who will be by my side through it all. Praise God.
Dear Father in Heaven thank you for being with me through everything. From my rising up to my laying down each day, thank you for holding me in the palm of Your Hands. Amen.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
GO AND TELL
Psalm 118:17 (NAS)
I shall not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord.
I grew up going to Sunday school. Whatever church bus came by the house was the one that my mother put me on along with my brothers and sisters. When we got older I was allowed to make my own choices, which meant I went to church with my friends. Some Sundays I went to the Baptist church that was close by the house. Then other Sundays, when I got up early enough I walked the two miles and went to church at the Methodist church with my closest girlfriend. Did I really listen to what the pastor said or what his message said to me. I did not. It was my time to be with friends.
As I got older, married, and my children came along I did the same thing as my mother. Only I took my children to Sunday school and picked them up. I did not go. Sometimes I would go to church, but then again I didn't listen to the message. Really listen. It was a feel good time for me. By that, I mean, I felt good when I left the church.
Not until my later years did I start going to Sunday school. I listened as the teacher took the lesson apart and gave meaning to the Bible. To what God's message was to me. It seemed each lesson was directed to my life. What I was going through at that particular time.
I looked forward to learning more about God's Word. Taking each verse, disecting, reading more, and taking more classes with ladies Bible study. I learned not only am I supposed to study God's Word but I'm supposed to tell others about His love and mercy.
I had heard the words The Great Commission but I did not understand. This is God's commission for all of us. To tell others. Give the gift of a Bible to people who don't own one. Explain what God has done, that he sent His only son to die on the cross for all of our sins. All you have to do is confess your sins and accept Jesus into your heart. So easy. By grace I am God's daughter.
Dear Father thank you for Your grace, love, and mercy. Thank you for loving me so much that you gave Your son to die for my sins. Amen.
I shall not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord.
I grew up going to Sunday school. Whatever church bus came by the house was the one that my mother put me on along with my brothers and sisters. When we got older I was allowed to make my own choices, which meant I went to church with my friends. Some Sundays I went to the Baptist church that was close by the house. Then other Sundays, when I got up early enough I walked the two miles and went to church at the Methodist church with my closest girlfriend. Did I really listen to what the pastor said or what his message said to me. I did not. It was my time to be with friends.
As I got older, married, and my children came along I did the same thing as my mother. Only I took my children to Sunday school and picked them up. I did not go. Sometimes I would go to church, but then again I didn't listen to the message. Really listen. It was a feel good time for me. By that, I mean, I felt good when I left the church.
Not until my later years did I start going to Sunday school. I listened as the teacher took the lesson apart and gave meaning to the Bible. To what God's message was to me. It seemed each lesson was directed to my life. What I was going through at that particular time.
I looked forward to learning more about God's Word. Taking each verse, disecting, reading more, and taking more classes with ladies Bible study. I learned not only am I supposed to study God's Word but I'm supposed to tell others about His love and mercy.
I had heard the words The Great Commission but I did not understand. This is God's commission for all of us. To tell others. Give the gift of a Bible to people who don't own one. Explain what God has done, that he sent His only son to die on the cross for all of our sins. All you have to do is confess your sins and accept Jesus into your heart. So easy. By grace I am God's daughter.
Dear Father thank you for Your grace, love, and mercy. Thank you for loving me so much that you gave Your son to die for my sins. Amen.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
GOD'S CANVAS
Psalm: 50:2 NAS
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth.
About thirty years ago I felt compelled to take up oil painting. The opportunity arose to where the lessons were within my budget so I jumped at the chance to study under an English lady that was diagnosed as blind. She was my mentor as she carefully guided my hands to paint what my eyes saw. Not what I thought other people saw. Trees are many different colors, not just green and brown. There is taupe, umber, beige for the tree and forest green, hunter green, and moss green for the leaves. Then there's the sea holding colors of cerulean, Prussian, and cobalt blue. These are only a few of the colors on an artist's pallet.
When I sat down to paint I'd let myself relax and then dip my paint brush in the paint then make my first stroke against the canvas. Then another stroke, and another. Mixing my paints to get just that right color until I finally had trees, mountains, and flowers. When I look around me I am amazed at the colors God has used to color His world. The world He gave me to live and worship Him in. The colors I used on canvas doesn't even measure up to what He has done.
With one stroke he colored the mighty,jagged tops of the Grand Tetons to the lush green Alleghaney's. His mighty rivers from the muddy Mississippi to the deep blue of the Columbia. Every delicate flower that dots the forest's floor to the barren deserts, the Lilly of the Valley to the majestic Saquaro cactus.
My God is awesome. He has done all this and yet He is gentle but firm to His creation of you and me. He loves me for who I am. I am His.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for the beautiful world that You gave me to live in. I pray that others see what You have done and will praise You for it. Amen.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth.
About thirty years ago I felt compelled to take up oil painting. The opportunity arose to where the lessons were within my budget so I jumped at the chance to study under an English lady that was diagnosed as blind. She was my mentor as she carefully guided my hands to paint what my eyes saw. Not what I thought other people saw. Trees are many different colors, not just green and brown. There is taupe, umber, beige for the tree and forest green, hunter green, and moss green for the leaves. Then there's the sea holding colors of cerulean, Prussian, and cobalt blue. These are only a few of the colors on an artist's pallet.
When I sat down to paint I'd let myself relax and then dip my paint brush in the paint then make my first stroke against the canvas. Then another stroke, and another. Mixing my paints to get just that right color until I finally had trees, mountains, and flowers. When I look around me I am amazed at the colors God has used to color His world. The world He gave me to live and worship Him in. The colors I used on canvas doesn't even measure up to what He has done.
With one stroke he colored the mighty,jagged tops of the Grand Tetons to the lush green Alleghaney's. His mighty rivers from the muddy Mississippi to the deep blue of the Columbia. Every delicate flower that dots the forest's floor to the barren deserts, the Lilly of the Valley to the majestic Saquaro cactus.
My God is awesome. He has done all this and yet He is gentle but firm to His creation of you and me. He loves me for who I am. I am His.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for the beautiful world that You gave me to live in. I pray that others see what You have done and will praise You for it. Amen.
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