"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God."~ Ezekiel 22:30-31.
Can you feel the sadness in this verse? The sadness that not one person could be found in Israel that would pray for them and "stand in the gap" before God that He would spare them of His wrath over the wrong doings of their leaders and priests.
Our nation is sinking fast in it's selfishness and sins. Are you "standing in the gap" before God for our nation? Are you praying for our leaders and those in authority over us? 1 Timothy 2:1-4 tells us that we are to pray for them: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
Did you notice that, along with the supplications (which are humble prayers, entreaties, or petitions), prayers and intercessions (which are prayers on behalf of someone), we are told to give thanks for all men, including kings (or in our country, the president) and ALL that are in authority. This is such a hard thing to do, especially if you don't agree with their actions and behavior. But, we are commanded to do so. When we do so, it is good and acceptable in the sight of God. He is pleased that we are following what He tells us to do.
How are we to pray for our leaders, our bosses, our supervisors, etc? First of all, God wants all people to be brought unto the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ, so we are to pray for their salvation. We also need to pray for decisions that they will be making.
Today, let's start praying, as we are commanded, for those in charge over us. Let us be the ones who will make up that hedge and stand in the gap for our nation!
Blessings!
Beth :-)
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salvation. Show all posts
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
GOOD BY 2013, HELLO 2014
In just a very short time, we will be once again saying good by to another year. 2014 is just a couple of hours away.
How was your year? Good? Bad? Mine was filled with both. I lost a friend, who died suddenly in her sleep, leaving behind a husband and two young boys. Tragedy struck our country many times through violence and natural causes. And yet, there were also many blessings for our family. My mother-in-law came close to death, but the Lord's will was to keep her here a while longer with us. Our vehicles continue to run and take us where we need to go. My husband and I celebrated 17 years of marriage. God has blessed our church and our missions tremendously. I could go on and on with the list.
Sometimes, through our humanness, all we can see is the sadness and trials that we have gone through during the year, and, yes, I definitely agree that some years are much worse than others. But God has given us this promise: "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."~ Isaiah 43:18-19. If things seem unbearable right now, lean on God. He can make a way through this barren wilderness that you are travelling through. Read and study His Word. Talk to your Heavenly Father and unburden your soul. Let those tears flow. If we are honestly listening, He will give us guidance. Sometimes, though, things get so hard that we can not concentrate on what we are reading. The words seem like nothing. But still read. Your mind will remember. Psalms is a good book to read when you are feeling sad, in despair or depressed. King David, the main author of Psalms, knew all about these feelings. Something that we can learn as we read the Psalms is that God cares for and loves us. We may feel like we are in the deepest pit, but He will never leave us or forsake us.
It sounds too easy, doesn't it? I have been there with the same thoughts. But when the peace of God truly touches your soul, it really is as Philippians 4:7 describes: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." It does pass all understanding!So, has this past year been a little rough? Remember that God is there to lean on. Did you mess up any? Don't feel bad! We all have to some degree. But God wants to do a "new thing" in your life! Commit your ways to the Lord and He will guide you. If you fall, He is always there to pick you up again. Determine to do your best for your Lord and Saviour.
I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed New Year! Don't forget to start the year out right with prayer and dedicating it to the Lord!
Beth :-)
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
GOD'S TEAR BOTTLE
“Thou
tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears in thy bottle: are they not in thy
book?” Psalm 56:8.
One day, I cried. It was a good cry. It was a cleansing cry. Feelings that I had been holding onto for years suddenly just came out. I was watching a wedding video. The song that always grabs at my heart, "Butterfly Kisses", was playing as the bride and her father were sharing a special moment. Memories suddenly came back to me-my parents' divorce, my father telling me that he couldn't attend my wedding, the strokes and cardiac arrest that my mom suffered and we didn't know whether or not she was going to make it through (she did, praise the Lord!!), even when my oldest child need stitches above his eye.....These memories and more suddenly surfaced and I allowed myself, FINALLY, to cry.
You see, I am one of the oldest of six children (I have a twin brother who is four minutes older than I). I have always felt that I had to be the strong one in situations where everyone else was falling apart. I did not allow myself the option to cry, even though I wanted to very badly. I would just push those feelings deep down inside.
Dear readers, this is not healthy. God gave us tears for several reasons, and one of those reasons is to release emotion. Some people even cry when they're happy.
One day, I cried. It was a good cry. It was a cleansing cry. Feelings that I had been holding onto for years suddenly just came out. I was watching a wedding video. The song that always grabs at my heart, "Butterfly Kisses", was playing as the bride and her father were sharing a special moment. Memories suddenly came back to me-my parents' divorce, my father telling me that he couldn't attend my wedding, the strokes and cardiac arrest that my mom suffered and we didn't know whether or not she was going to make it through (she did, praise the Lord!!), even when my oldest child need stitches above his eye.....These memories and more suddenly surfaced and I allowed myself, FINALLY, to cry.
You see, I am one of the oldest of six children (I have a twin brother who is four minutes older than I). I have always felt that I had to be the strong one in situations where everyone else was falling apart. I did not allow myself the option to cry, even though I wanted to very badly. I would just push those feelings deep down inside.
Dear readers, this is not healthy. God gave us tears for several reasons, and one of those reasons is to release emotion. Some people even cry when they're happy.
Did you know that God has a bottle for your tears? The Psalmist tells us so. God knows when we are sad. He listens as we unburden our hearts to Him. He puts our tears into His bottle to let us know that He now holds our sorrow and that when things seem so out of control for us, He is still in control. This tells me that I can go before the Lord and pray, talk and cry unto Him, and He will hear me.
How about you? Is there a burden or sadness that is weighing heavily on you? Do you need to cry? It's alright. Male or female, we were all given tears. Give it to the Lord. Cry out unto Him. Shed those cleansing tears. Fill God's tear bottle. He is waiting.
I hope you have a blessed day!
Beth :-)
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
OH, THAT TONGUE!
Does anyone know what this is? This is called a seam ripper. It is my best friend when I sew. Why? Because when I sew a seam or stitch wrong, I simply use the sharp end to remove it. I also use it to open old seams when I am recycling old jeans, skirts, etc, into purses or new skirts. Did you notice the red ball just above the point? This is to prevent you from ripping the fabric around the seam. Sometimes this doesn't help, however, and I have been known to slip and rip the fabric next to the seam. Now I have a hole to fix, too! Just great. This usually happens to me when it's late at night, I'm tired and I have been sewing for a while.
Our tongue can be like this seam ripper. Very sharp and pointed. Words that are formed and fall from it can cut and wound the person that it is aimed at. It's no wonder that the Bible tells us that it is "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison". (James 3:8) This verse always draws a picture to my mind of a snake and how quick it can strike with its often deadly fangs.
As with the seam ripper, our tongue can rip apart and sometimes cause a big hole in someone either spiritually, mentally or both. The mending afterward is often a difficult process. Often, the scars will remain for a lifetime. Please remember, once those words have left our mouth, they cannot be taken back. I always tell my children to taste their words before they spit them out. In other words, they should think before they speak.
My constant prayer for myself is as the Psalmist said, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3) Even King David had problems with his tongue! I have found this verse to be very helpful as I am one who is very prone to speak before thinking!
As hard as we try to do right, we all have times where we will say something that we shouldn't. After all, we are only human. That is why we have Jesus! If this happens, confess it to Him. Then, go to the person that you have offended and try to make things right.
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day.
Beth :-)
As with the seam ripper, our tongue can rip apart and sometimes cause a big hole in someone either spiritually, mentally or both. The mending afterward is often a difficult process. Often, the scars will remain for a lifetime. Please remember, once those words have left our mouth, they cannot be taken back. I always tell my children to taste their words before they spit them out. In other words, they should think before they speak.
My constant prayer for myself is as the Psalmist said, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3) Even King David had problems with his tongue! I have found this verse to be very helpful as I am one who is very prone to speak before thinking!
As hard as we try to do right, we all have times where we will say something that we shouldn't. After all, we are only human. That is why we have Jesus! If this happens, confess it to Him. Then, go to the person that you have offended and try to make things right.
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day.
Beth :-)
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
30 DAYS OF THANKFUL VERSES-DAY 18
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."~ Colossians 3:15-16
Good morning, everyone! I hope your weekend was good! The weather was great here, and, as always, I enjoyed time with my husband and boys!
Today, our thankful verses come from Colossians, which was written by the Apostle Paul.
The Apostle tells us that we are to let the peace of God "rule" in our hearts. When we let something rule us, we are giving it complete control. We need to give God complete rule of our hearts and lives. When we let go of self, and let God lead, there will be peace in our hearts. We can not have this peace if we are fighting Him about different aspects of our lives.
How can we let the word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom? By studying His word and hiding it in our hearts.
I have always liked the last part of verse 16. Did you know that when we are singing hymns and spiritual songs, it uplifts our mood and souls? When I was growing up, my mom would always have Christian music playing every morning when she woke us up. Why? She said that the first song that you hear of a morning will be what sticks in your head the rest of the day, which is very true. I have also found that when I am teaching Children's Church and my pupils seem to be somewhat rowdy, I can put on a children's Christian song CD while they are doing crafts, and they quiet right down. They even start singing to themselves.
Is there something in your life that you haven't turned over to God? Have you given Him complete control of your life? I am one who is bad about wanting my way, because I sometimes think it is better. But it isn't. God knows the plans that he has for each of us. We need to trust Him, then be willing to do His will.
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
Good morning, everyone! I hope your weekend was good! The weather was great here, and, as always, I enjoyed time with my husband and boys!
Today, our thankful verses come from Colossians, which was written by the Apostle Paul.
The Apostle tells us that we are to let the peace of God "rule" in our hearts. When we let something rule us, we are giving it complete control. We need to give God complete rule of our hearts and lives. When we let go of self, and let God lead, there will be peace in our hearts. We can not have this peace if we are fighting Him about different aspects of our lives.
How can we let the word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom? By studying His word and hiding it in our hearts.
I have always liked the last part of verse 16. Did you know that when we are singing hymns and spiritual songs, it uplifts our mood and souls? When I was growing up, my mom would always have Christian music playing every morning when she woke us up. Why? She said that the first song that you hear of a morning will be what sticks in your head the rest of the day, which is very true. I have also found that when I am teaching Children's Church and my pupils seem to be somewhat rowdy, I can put on a children's Christian song CD while they are doing crafts, and they quiet right down. They even start singing to themselves.
Is there something in your life that you haven't turned over to God? Have you given Him complete control of your life? I am one who is bad about wanting my way, because I sometimes think it is better. But it isn't. God knows the plans that he has for each of us. We need to trust Him, then be willing to do His will.
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
Friday, November 15, 2013
30 DAYS OF THANKFUL VERSES-DAY 22
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."~ 2 Corinthians 9:15
We all love receiving gifts. With Christmas right around the corner, my house is buzzing with certain little boys wondering what they will receive. A gift can brighten an otherwise bad day or make someone feel special.
But, what is this "unspeakable" gift that the Bible says we should be so thankful for? It is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the gift of God allowing His one and only Son to come to earth in the form of man, die and rise again that we may be with Him in Heaven. When something is described as unspeakable, it is meant that it cannot be expressed in words. I could not imagine offering one of my sons!
For those of us who have accepted this great salvation, I don't think that we really understand the wonderfulness of what we have received. We won't know fully until we reach Heaven. We do, however, know the joy and peace that comes with putting our trust in Jesus. I am often overwhelmed when I think about it. I do indeed find it "unspeakable", and I am thankful for such a wonderful gift that I know I didn't deserve!
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
For those of us who have accepted this great salvation, I don't think that we really understand the wonderfulness of what we have received. We won't know fully until we reach Heaven. We do, however, know the joy and peace that comes with putting our trust in Jesus. I am often overwhelmed when I think about it. I do indeed find it "unspeakable", and I am thankful for such a wonderful gift that I know I didn't deserve!
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
30 DAYS OF THANKFUL VERSES-DAY 5
"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
The first thing that a lot of people think when they read this verse is, What? How can I give thanks in everything? How can I be thankful for what is going on right now or has happened in my life? I used to think the same thing, until I re-read the verse.
This particular verse does not say "for" everything give thanks (although there are many other verses that do), it says "in" everything give thanks.
It is so very easy to get discouraged, I know. In all of our circumstances, though, God knows what we are going through. Sometimes He allows us to go through life storms and trials because it is to either get our attention if we have "drifted" from Him, it is to make our faith stronger showing us that we need to rely more on Him and less on ourselves, maybe it is to be a witness to some unsaved person or weaker Christian friend who is watching how we handle the situation (our life is the only Bible some people read), etc.
Did you know that gold is not pure until it goes through the refiner's fire (1 Peter 1:7-9). This process separates other elements and impurities from the gold. The Bible compares us to that. He has a reason and a purpose for all that happens in your life. Sometimes, though, we do get desperate, and want to see the other side of the storm that we are going through. Just remember, He is the master of the storm! Remember when Jesus was in the boat with His disciples during a terrible storm? All He had to do was speak, and the winds were calm. He sees the end results that we don't. I had to learn to thank Him for what I was going through. I thanked Him that He knew where I was. I praised Him that He is all-knowing and all-powerful. Guess what? When I started doing that, my attitude changed. Did the trial that I was going through miraculously end? No, but when my heart changed, I saw the situation differently.
Are you going through a life storm or trial right now? Your Lord and Savior knows all about it. Talk to Him. Thank Him for what is happening. You're not alone in this.
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
The first thing that a lot of people think when they read this verse is, What? How can I give thanks in everything? How can I be thankful for what is going on right now or has happened in my life? I used to think the same thing, until I re-read the verse.
This particular verse does not say "for" everything give thanks (although there are many other verses that do), it says "in" everything give thanks.
It is so very easy to get discouraged, I know. In all of our circumstances, though, God knows what we are going through. Sometimes He allows us to go through life storms and trials because it is to either get our attention if we have "drifted" from Him, it is to make our faith stronger showing us that we need to rely more on Him and less on ourselves, maybe it is to be a witness to some unsaved person or weaker Christian friend who is watching how we handle the situation (our life is the only Bible some people read), etc.
Did you know that gold is not pure until it goes through the refiner's fire (1 Peter 1:7-9). This process separates other elements and impurities from the gold. The Bible compares us to that. He has a reason and a purpose for all that happens in your life. Sometimes, though, we do get desperate, and want to see the other side of the storm that we are going through. Just remember, He is the master of the storm! Remember when Jesus was in the boat with His disciples during a terrible storm? All He had to do was speak, and the winds were calm. He sees the end results that we don't. I had to learn to thank Him for what I was going through. I thanked Him that He knew where I was. I praised Him that He is all-knowing and all-powerful. Guess what? When I started doing that, my attitude changed. Did the trial that I was going through miraculously end? No, but when my heart changed, I saw the situation differently.
Are you going through a life storm or trial right now? Your Lord and Savior knows all about it. Talk to Him. Thank Him for what is happening. You're not alone in this.
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
Saturday, November 2, 2013
30 DAYS OF THANKFUL VERSES-DAY 2
Good Saturday morning, everyone. Today is Day 2 of my 30 Days of Thankful Verses.
Today, I chose:
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:57.
We have victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ, and I am so very thankful for that! There is no other way into Heaven, except through Jesus (Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.~ Acts 4:12). He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
How about, friends? Can you join me today in being thankful for such a wonderful salvation? Has there been a time when you gave your heart and life to Jesus? If not, why not today? You'll never be sorry.
I hope you have a blessed day!
Beth :-)
Today, I chose:
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:57.
We have victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ, and I am so very thankful for that! There is no other way into Heaven, except through Jesus (Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.~ Acts 4:12). He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
How about, friends? Can you join me today in being thankful for such a wonderful salvation? Has there been a time when you gave your heart and life to Jesus? If not, why not today? You'll never be sorry.
I hope you have a blessed day!
Beth :-)
Friday, November 1, 2013
30 DAYS OF THANKFUL VERSES-DAY 1
HI, Everyone! Yes, it's November 1, 2013. The holiday season is almost upon us.
Is it just me, or does it seem like the stores skip right over Thanksgiving and jump into Christmas? It's crazy. We should always, always remember to give thanks, especially to God!
Well, today I would like to start my "30 Days of Thankful Verses". Did you know that the Bible is just full of verses about giving thanks, being thankful and thanksgiving? I myself was surprised when I did this last year.
So, here is the first verse:
"O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever."~Psalm 107:1
We serve an awesome God. He is good, all the time. Aren't you thankful and glad that His mercy does endure forever? Lamentations also tells us that His mercies are new every morning: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."~Lamentations 3:22-32. He is a God of second chances. If we fail, we can approach Him and He will receive us and forgive us.
He will never leave us or forsake us. What a promise. People will fail us, we will fail people, but God will not. AMEN!
I hope you have an awesome and blessed day!
Beth :-)
Is it just me, or does it seem like the stores skip right over Thanksgiving and jump into Christmas? It's crazy. We should always, always remember to give thanks, especially to God!
Well, today I would like to start my "30 Days of Thankful Verses". Did you know that the Bible is just full of verses about giving thanks, being thankful and thanksgiving? I myself was surprised when I did this last year.
So, here is the first verse:
"O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever."~Psalm 107:1
We serve an awesome God. He is good, all the time. Aren't you thankful and glad that His mercy does endure forever? Lamentations also tells us that His mercies are new every morning: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."~Lamentations 3:22-32. He is a God of second chances. If we fail, we can approach Him and He will receive us and forgive us.
He will never leave us or forsake us. What a promise. People will fail us, we will fail people, but God will not. AMEN!
I hope you have an awesome and blessed day!
Beth :-)
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
HAS YOUR CHRISTIAN JOY BEEN STOLEN?
Guess what? The devil is a thief! He will try to steal your Christian joy through things and circumstances. A lot of times, we allow him to! Yes, even I have been there. At one time I was so angry and bitter because I have to work outside of the home to provide our health insurance benefits as our church does not (my husband is a pastor). My bitterness and anger grew so big and out of control that it was affecting every aspect of my life-family, church, etc. First of all, the Bible says, "Be ye angry, and sin not. Let not the sun go down upon your wrath."~Ephesians 4:26.
Is it wrong to get angry? NO. Let's read the verse again. It says, "Be ye angry, and sin not..." It is not wrong unless we do something we shouldn't along with it. In my case, it was my bitterness. Friends, bitterness will eat you alive, literally. If we are truly born again Christians, we need to learn to bring the "old man" under subjection. It isn't easy.
Once Satan steals our joy and we have allowed what is happening to overwhelm and take over, he moves in for the kill and tries to completely destroy you, your relationship with God, family and friends. John 10:10a says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:" When someone breaks into your house, they are not there to make things better. They want to steal your possessions. They often destroy your house in the process and sometimes someone may even be killed. But wait! John 10:10b says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." There is hope. Jesus is there to bring you back. He offers abundant life.
Is there bitterness or anger in your life? Bring it to the Lord. Pray, leave it at His feet and don't pick it back up. Find a Christian (pastor, friend, counselor) who you can talk to, pray with and can help you through. It is definitely not an easy road to embark upon. Sometimes the bitterness and anger goes very deep. Healing often takes time and the devil will certainly try to keep opening up old wounds. We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised a Saviour Who will always be there for us.
I will pray for and lift you up as well.
I hope you have a blessed day!
Beth :-)
Is it wrong to get angry? NO. Let's read the verse again. It says, "Be ye angry, and sin not..." It is not wrong unless we do something we shouldn't along with it. In my case, it was my bitterness. Friends, bitterness will eat you alive, literally. If we are truly born again Christians, we need to learn to bring the "old man" under subjection. It isn't easy.
Once Satan steals our joy and we have allowed what is happening to overwhelm and take over, he moves in for the kill and tries to completely destroy you, your relationship with God, family and friends. John 10:10a says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:" When someone breaks into your house, they are not there to make things better. They want to steal your possessions. They often destroy your house in the process and sometimes someone may even be killed. But wait! John 10:10b says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." There is hope. Jesus is there to bring you back. He offers abundant life.
Is there bitterness or anger in your life? Bring it to the Lord. Pray, leave it at His feet and don't pick it back up. Find a Christian (pastor, friend, counselor) who you can talk to, pray with and can help you through. It is definitely not an easy road to embark upon. Sometimes the bitterness and anger goes very deep. Healing often takes time and the devil will certainly try to keep opening up old wounds. We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised a Saviour Who will always be there for us.
I will pray for and lift you up as well.
I hope you have a blessed day!
Beth :-)
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
DARKNESS AND LIGHT
The Lord has laid it on my heart to say something and I have got to say it because I cannot believe how many of my Christian friends actually approve of Sleepy Hollow, which is a new television show. I'm hearing a lot about this new show, so I decide to look into it. Many people, including some of my Christian friends, are excited and have been talking for months about it because some of the scenes were shot right here in New Bern, NC.
Guess what? After only 2 minutes into the trailer, I knew definitely that this is not something a Christian should be watching, endorsing or proud to be a part of. I saw graphic violence and gore, killing, heads being cut off, etc. The occult and witchcraft are also mingled in. The Bible says:
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" Ephesians 5:11a.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."2 Cor 6:14,17.
The Bible also has somewhat to say about witchcraft (King James Bible Online).
Are we Christians so desensitized to sin and the occult that we readily accept and participate in it? Friends, the spiritual and demonic world is definitely real (Ephesians 6:12-13). It is not to be taken lightly. We are in a continual spiritual warfare. We are not to have any part of this darkness, but, as soldiers of the Lord, we are to fight it.
Also, our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries are losing their heads for their faith, and we are over here being entertained by that same thing on a television show. I just don't understand.
My heart is so heavy for my fellow Christians who have been drawn into the blindness that they have allowed Satan to put on their eyes. I feel a special burden for today's young people. Media (electronic and written) has such a strong influence on many of their lives, which Satan knows and uses well.
My dear readers, will you please join me in lifting this up in prayer? Or, if this has spoken to and convicted your heart, won't you ask the Lord for forgiveness and for guidance in your life? We need to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) to fight this constant battle. We do not have to fight it alone. If we are truly born-again Christians, we have Jesus on our side!
I hope you have a blessed day.
Beth :-)
Guess what? After only 2 minutes into the trailer, I knew definitely that this is not something a Christian should be watching, endorsing or proud to be a part of. I saw graphic violence and gore, killing, heads being cut off, etc. The occult and witchcraft are also mingled in. The Bible says:
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" Ephesians 5:11a.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."2 Cor 6:14,17.
The Bible also has somewhat to say about witchcraft (King James Bible Online).
Are we Christians so desensitized to sin and the occult that we readily accept and participate in it? Friends, the spiritual and demonic world is definitely real (Ephesians 6:12-13). It is not to be taken lightly. We are in a continual spiritual warfare. We are not to have any part of this darkness, but, as soldiers of the Lord, we are to fight it.
Also, our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries are losing their heads for their faith, and we are over here being entertained by that same thing on a television show. I just don't understand.
My heart is so heavy for my fellow Christians who have been drawn into the blindness that they have allowed Satan to put on their eyes. I feel a special burden for today's young people. Media (electronic and written) has such a strong influence on many of their lives, which Satan knows and uses well.
My dear readers, will you please join me in lifting this up in prayer? Or, if this has spoken to and convicted your heart, won't you ask the Lord for forgiveness and for guidance in your life? We need to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) to fight this constant battle. We do not have to fight it alone. If we are truly born-again Christians, we have Jesus on our side!
I hope you have a blessed day.
Beth :-)
Sunday, January 27, 2013
LABOURERS INTO HIS HARVEST
Labourers are needed for the fields-not just in another country, but right here where you live. We all know someone who needs the Lord, who needs an encouraging word, who needs someone just to say that they will pray for them. Will you go? Are you willing? Jesus can use you.
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!
Beth :-)
Saturday, August 4, 2012
VBS TODAY!
Our 2012 VBS is today. I am SO very excited! Please help me pray for the workers and the children.
I did something different this year and did not go with any particular curriculum. You see, by the time we have our VBS program, which is usually the last Saturday in July or the first Saturday in August, the children have already been to several in the area, and "know" the different programs, so they are more easily bored because they've already "been there and done it".
Well, today, they are going to learn about the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, along with life in Biblical times (food, clothing, shelter). They will also learn about the order of the encampments of the Israelites. For instance, did you know that they always camped the same way around the Tabernacle according to their tribes? There were four camps, in which were three tribes.
Everything that we have studied in preparation for this VBS regarding how the Tabernacle was set up, how the services were performed and how the Israelites set up their camps has confirmed that God wants everything done decently and in order. We can also see the symbolism of His plan of salvation for us.
There is so very much more to tell, but I have to get ready to go. A report and LOTS of pictures to follow!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth
I did something different this year and did not go with any particular curriculum. You see, by the time we have our VBS program, which is usually the last Saturday in July or the first Saturday in August, the children have already been to several in the area, and "know" the different programs, so they are more easily bored because they've already "been there and done it".
Well, today, they are going to learn about the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, along with life in Biblical times (food, clothing, shelter). They will also learn about the order of the encampments of the Israelites. For instance, did you know that they always camped the same way around the Tabernacle according to their tribes? There were four camps, in which were three tribes.
Everything that we have studied in preparation for this VBS regarding how the Tabernacle was set up, how the services were performed and how the Israelites set up their camps has confirmed that God wants everything done decently and in order. We can also see the symbolism of His plan of salvation for us.
There is so very much more to tell, but I have to get ready to go. A report and LOTS of pictures to follow!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
WITNESSING AND MY LITTLE MUSTARD SEED
Last night was a very long night for me. One of our cats had her very first litter of kittens, three total, under our carport. They are now about a week and a half old.
One of these kittens, though, did not seem to be thriving. While his siblings were going strong, he just didn't seem to have the strength to fight his way to sustenance. My husband kept finding this kitten a ways from where the others were. He didn't know if it was moving itself, or the momma. So, he would place the kitten back with the mother. My husband would come out an hour later, and this poor little thing was once again away from his family.
Finally, the momma cat moved the other two, but didn't move him. She would come back, sit with it and lick it some, but refused to move it with the others. We could not find where she had moved her litter (we finally did later that night. She had moved them to the bed of my husband's pickup truck under the toolbox!).
We couldn't stand to let him just die. His cries were pitiful. So, we brought him in, made him a warm place to lay, and I proceeded to feed him with a dropper of milk. I actually thought he was going to make it, because every two hours, on the dot, he would wake up squalling. I even named him. I called him Mustard Seed, referring to Jesus' parable about faith and the size of the mustard seed. Around 1:30 a.m., though, things started looking worse. He didn't eat as much, and fell right back to sleep. I woke up around 4:30 a.m., and panicked. I thought that I had missed his waking. But truthfully, anyone who has ever been in this situation knows that you just can't miss a kitten's cry for food, especially when it is in the room next to you! When I got up and checked him, he had already passed away. Yes, I cried.
You know, I got to thinking about this experience and comparing it to the unsaved people that we know or come in contact with. It really did open my eyes.
We will put so much effort to save a dying animal, but how much effort do we put into the dying world around us? Do we do all that we can to tell people about the Lord and His saving grace? When was the last time we witnessed to someone, anyone?
I really need to start doing better. I have asked the Lord's forgiveness for being so slack. How about you? Will you put forth that effort to tell someone about Jesus? That is what we are called to do as Christians. Let's start working harder. There's a lost and dying world all around us that needs a Saviour!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
.jpg) |
| My Little Mustard Seed |
One of these kittens, though, did not seem to be thriving. While his siblings were going strong, he just didn't seem to have the strength to fight his way to sustenance. My husband kept finding this kitten a ways from where the others were. He didn't know if it was moving itself, or the momma. So, he would place the kitten back with the mother. My husband would come out an hour later, and this poor little thing was once again away from his family.
Finally, the momma cat moved the other two, but didn't move him. She would come back, sit with it and lick it some, but refused to move it with the others. We could not find where she had moved her litter (we finally did later that night. She had moved them to the bed of my husband's pickup truck under the toolbox!).
We couldn't stand to let him just die. His cries were pitiful. So, we brought him in, made him a warm place to lay, and I proceeded to feed him with a dropper of milk. I actually thought he was going to make it, because every two hours, on the dot, he would wake up squalling. I even named him. I called him Mustard Seed, referring to Jesus' parable about faith and the size of the mustard seed. Around 1:30 a.m., though, things started looking worse. He didn't eat as much, and fell right back to sleep. I woke up around 4:30 a.m., and panicked. I thought that I had missed his waking. But truthfully, anyone who has ever been in this situation knows that you just can't miss a kitten's cry for food, especially when it is in the room next to you! When I got up and checked him, he had already passed away. Yes, I cried.
You know, I got to thinking about this experience and comparing it to the unsaved people that we know or come in contact with. It really did open my eyes.
We will put so much effort to save a dying animal, but how much effort do we put into the dying world around us? Do we do all that we can to tell people about the Lord and His saving grace? When was the last time we witnessed to someone, anyone?
I really need to start doing better. I have asked the Lord's forgiveness for being so slack. How about you? Will you put forth that effort to tell someone about Jesus? That is what we are called to do as Christians. Let's start working harder. There's a lost and dying world all around us that needs a Saviour!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
Sunday, April 8, 2012
RESURRECTION SUNDAY-PRAISE THE LORD!
Hallelujah! I serve a RISEN Saviour! He is alive today. I am so thankful for what He did for us.
"And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazereth, which was crucified.: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him." Mark 16:4-6
Amongst all of the beauty and excitement of new Easter outfits, hats and flowers, we can't forget the real reason for today-our Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us that we might live with and see Him one day.
Have a wonderful and blessed Resurrection Sunday!
Beth :-)
Saturday, April 7, 2012
SATURDAY MORNING SAYINGS
“HE PAID A DEBT HE DID NOT OWE”
HE PAID A DEBT
HE DID NOT OWE;
I OWED A DEBT I
COULD NOT PAY;
I NEEDED
SOMEONE TO WASH MY SINS AWAY.
AND, NOW, I
SING A BRAND NEW SONG,
“AMAZING GRACE”.
CHRIST JESUS
PAID A DEBT THAT I COULD NEVER PAY.
HE PAID THAT
DEBT AT CALVARY.
HE CLEANSED MY
SOUL AND SET ME FREE.
I’M GLAD THAT
JESUS DID ALL MY SINS ERASE.
I, NOW, CAN
SING A BRAND NEW SONG, “AMAZING GRACE”.
CHRIST JESUS
PAID A DEBT THAT I COULD NEVER PAY.
ONE DAY HE’S
COMING BACK FOR ME
TO LIVE WITH
HIM ETERNALLY.
WON’T IT BE
GLORY TO SEE HIM ON THAT DAY!
I, THEN, WILL
SING A BRAND NEW SONG, “AMAZING GRACE”.
CHRIST JESUS
PAID A DEBT THAT I COULD NEVER PAY.
YES, JESUS PAID
A DEBT THAT I COULD NEVER PAY.
-Ellis J Crum
Friday, March 16, 2012
PETER AND POPCORN
One of my favorite object lessons that I like to teach the children is about the Apostle Peter and a bag of popcorn. What do they even have in common, you ask? The answer-they both "popped under pressure".
For popcorn to pop, it needs to be exposed to extreme heat. When I was growing up, we would make popcorn every Saturday night. My dad would take a bag of popcorn kernels, some cooking oil and a very hot pan and pop the corn on the stove top. I can still remember the sound of the kernels swishing back and forth in the pan and the delicious smell that would fill the house. Today, all we have to do is take a bag and throw it in the microwave.
Shortly before the Crucifixion, Jesus was talking to His disciples. He told them that they would all desert Him that very night (Matthew 26:31). But Peter, who loved His Lord very much, said, "Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended." Matthew 26:33. Jesus looked at him (I wonder if sadly), and told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed twice. Peter insisted that even if he had to die with Jesus, he still would not deny Him. He meant it. But, the "heat" was closer than Peter knew.
Shortly after this, the guards came to arrest Jesus. There was quite alot of activity. Peter even drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant (John 18:10), who, by the way, Jesus healed before He was led away. All of the disciples, including Peter, forsook Jesus at this time and fled (Mark 14:50), although Peter did follow from afar off all the way to the palace of the high priest, where he sat by the fire with the servants (Mark 14:54). He was asked three times as to whether or not he was a follower of Jesus. Each time he denied, each time more vehemently than before. He even started cursing and swearing! Alas, when he heard the cock crow the second time, he remembered the words of Jesus with great sorrow and wept. He had "popped" under pressure when the heat became too much.
When things are going great for the Christian, we are often, like Peter, on fire for the Lord, praising Him, promising Him that we will always serve Him, thanking Him for such wonderful blessings on our life. But when trials come our way, how do we react? It's easy to follow Him when things are good. But what about the hard times? The tragedies in our lives? We are all human, this is true. We all will deal with emotions and feelings. But, when something happens, and we're "down in the valley", do we still keep our eyes on Jesus?
There is a song called, "God on the Mountain". One of the verses says, "You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain. Oh but the talk comes easy when life's at its best. But it's down in the valley of trials and temptation that's when faith is really put to the test."
When things in life are going good for a Christian, it's easy for us to serve the Lord. But, as we all know, life isn't always easy. Trials and tragedies will come into our lives. But when they do, remember to keep looking up and looking to Jesus, your Lord and Saviour. Don't "pop under pressure" as Peter did. If you do, that's alright. Jesus knows us. He knows that we are sometimes weak. That is why we need Him-ALWAYS. He will never leave you or forsake you.
If you have wandered away from the Lord because of circumstances that have happened in your life, don't you think it's time to come back? He is waiting for you with open arms. Pray, ask His forgiveness, then give your situation over to Him. Trust Him! Start reading His precious Word again. Ask Him for guidance. Then, if you have stopped attending church, go back. Begin fellowshipping with other believers again.
Now, whenever you have some popcorn, maybe you will think of Peter. :-)!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
For popcorn to pop, it needs to be exposed to extreme heat. When I was growing up, we would make popcorn every Saturday night. My dad would take a bag of popcorn kernels, some cooking oil and a very hot pan and pop the corn on the stove top. I can still remember the sound of the kernels swishing back and forth in the pan and the delicious smell that would fill the house. Today, all we have to do is take a bag and throw it in the microwave.
Shortly before the Crucifixion, Jesus was talking to His disciples. He told them that they would all desert Him that very night (Matthew 26:31). But Peter, who loved His Lord very much, said, "Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended." Matthew 26:33. Jesus looked at him (I wonder if sadly), and told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed twice. Peter insisted that even if he had to die with Jesus, he still would not deny Him. He meant it. But, the "heat" was closer than Peter knew.
Shortly after this, the guards came to arrest Jesus. There was quite alot of activity. Peter even drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant (John 18:10), who, by the way, Jesus healed before He was led away. All of the disciples, including Peter, forsook Jesus at this time and fled (Mark 14:50), although Peter did follow from afar off all the way to the palace of the high priest, where he sat by the fire with the servants (Mark 14:54). He was asked three times as to whether or not he was a follower of Jesus. Each time he denied, each time more vehemently than before. He even started cursing and swearing! Alas, when he heard the cock crow the second time, he remembered the words of Jesus with great sorrow and wept. He had "popped" under pressure when the heat became too much.
When things are going great for the Christian, we are often, like Peter, on fire for the Lord, praising Him, promising Him that we will always serve Him, thanking Him for such wonderful blessings on our life. But when trials come our way, how do we react? It's easy to follow Him when things are good. But what about the hard times? The tragedies in our lives? We are all human, this is true. We all will deal with emotions and feelings. But, when something happens, and we're "down in the valley", do we still keep our eyes on Jesus?
There is a song called, "God on the Mountain". One of the verses says, "You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain. Oh but the talk comes easy when life's at its best. But it's down in the valley of trials and temptation that's when faith is really put to the test."
When things in life are going good for a Christian, it's easy for us to serve the Lord. But, as we all know, life isn't always easy. Trials and tragedies will come into our lives. But when they do, remember to keep looking up and looking to Jesus, your Lord and Saviour. Don't "pop under pressure" as Peter did. If you do, that's alright. Jesus knows us. He knows that we are sometimes weak. That is why we need Him-ALWAYS. He will never leave you or forsake you.
If you have wandered away from the Lord because of circumstances that have happened in your life, don't you think it's time to come back? He is waiting for you with open arms. Pray, ask His forgiveness, then give your situation over to Him. Trust Him! Start reading His precious Word again. Ask Him for guidance. Then, if you have stopped attending church, go back. Begin fellowshipping with other believers again.
Now, whenever you have some popcorn, maybe you will think of Peter. :-)!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Happy Valentine's Day to all of my wonderful readers! Don't forget your husband or wife, children, parents or grandparents!
This is the greatest Valentine that we could ever receive:
This is the greatest Valentine that we could ever receive:
For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosover
Believeth In Him
should Not perish,
but have Everlasting life."
JOHN 3:16
Have a wonderful and blessed day!!
Beth :-)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
WHAT IS IN A NAME?
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:" Luke 1: 32
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11.
What is in a name? You know, when my husband and I were trying to decide on names for our two boys, we wanted good, strong Biblical names. We searched the Scriptures to find men who had lived uprightly and completely for God. Believe it or not, that was hard! We finally decided on the two Old Testament Prophets, Nathan and Samuel. These two men were not afraid to do what God told them to do, even if it meant death for them. Nathan had to approach and confront King David after his affair with Bathsheba. Samuel had many situations where he had to bring the Word of God to people, even if it was not what they wanted to hear and would make them very angry. We need more preachers like that today! Amen? Amen!
These are just a few verses that mention names given to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. All through the Bible, He is given many different names. Isaiah 9:6 is my favorite, though. As I read the names, I get so excited! Think about them.
WONDERFUL-He is our wonderful Saviour, One Who didn't have to, but came to earth, lived, died and rose again that we might be with Him in heaven one day, if we only believe. He is WONDERFUL, for all the blessings that He bestows on us each day. He is WONDERFUL, because He is there to hear and answer our prayers.
COUNSELLOR-The dictionary defines Counsellor as "1: A person who gives advice or counseling. 2: Lawyer. specifically : one that gives advice in law and manages cases for clients in court." We need Someone to help us through and give us advice on our daily struggles. Who better to go to then Jesus and the Bible? He is also our MEDIATOR, according to 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;". When we sincerely ask for forgiveness for our sins, Jesus is our mediator, our lawyer, who goes before God our judge and pleads our case on our behalf.
THE MIGHTY GOD-Jesus and God are one, "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1.
THE EVERLASTING FATHER-Everlasting is defined as "lasting or enduring forever: eternal." (Websters Collegiate Dictionary). He is our eternal Father. Earthly fathers may leave or abandon you, but Jesus will NEVER leave you or forsake you!
THE PRINCE OF PEACE-Peace. There is so much turmoil and unrest in the world today. People's lives seem so upset, crazy and hopeless. They do not know any peace in their lives. But when you give your life to Jesus, you will know peace. An inner peace that you haven't known before.
How about you, my dear reader? Does life seem hopeless? Do you have inner peace in your soul? Jesus can give you that peace. All you have to do is ask! Ask Jesus to forgive your sins, ask Him to be your Saviour, give your life to Him. He will give you a peace that "passeth all understanding". It is true. I have been there. When you experience that peace, you know it is a completely different peace than you have ever experienced!
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!
Beth :-)
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:" Luke 1: 32
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11.
What is in a name? You know, when my husband and I were trying to decide on names for our two boys, we wanted good, strong Biblical names. We searched the Scriptures to find men who had lived uprightly and completely for God. Believe it or not, that was hard! We finally decided on the two Old Testament Prophets, Nathan and Samuel. These two men were not afraid to do what God told them to do, even if it meant death for them. Nathan had to approach and confront King David after his affair with Bathsheba. Samuel had many situations where he had to bring the Word of God to people, even if it was not what they wanted to hear and would make them very angry. We need more preachers like that today! Amen? Amen!
These are just a few verses that mention names given to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. All through the Bible, He is given many different names. Isaiah 9:6 is my favorite, though. As I read the names, I get so excited! Think about them.
WONDERFUL-He is our wonderful Saviour, One Who didn't have to, but came to earth, lived, died and rose again that we might be with Him in heaven one day, if we only believe. He is WONDERFUL, for all the blessings that He bestows on us each day. He is WONDERFUL, because He is there to hear and answer our prayers.
COUNSELLOR-The dictionary defines Counsellor as "1: A person who gives advice or counseling. 2: Lawyer. specifically : one that gives advice in law and manages cases for clients in court." We need Someone to help us through and give us advice on our daily struggles. Who better to go to then Jesus and the Bible? He is also our MEDIATOR, according to 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;". When we sincerely ask for forgiveness for our sins, Jesus is our mediator, our lawyer, who goes before God our judge and pleads our case on our behalf.
THE MIGHTY GOD-Jesus and God are one, "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1.
THE EVERLASTING FATHER-Everlasting is defined as "lasting or enduring forever: eternal." (Websters Collegiate Dictionary). He is our eternal Father. Earthly fathers may leave or abandon you, but Jesus will NEVER leave you or forsake you!
THE PRINCE OF PEACE-Peace. There is so much turmoil and unrest in the world today. People's lives seem so upset, crazy and hopeless. They do not know any peace in their lives. But when you give your life to Jesus, you will know peace. An inner peace that you haven't known before.
How about you, my dear reader? Does life seem hopeless? Do you have inner peace in your soul? Jesus can give you that peace. All you have to do is ask! Ask Jesus to forgive your sins, ask Him to be your Saviour, give your life to Him. He will give you a peace that "passeth all understanding". It is true. I have been there. When you experience that peace, you know it is a completely different peace than you have ever experienced!
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!
Beth :-)
Monday, November 14, 2011
A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 13
"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6-7
****************************
Day 13! Wow. The month is really flying by. Next week is Thanksgiving! Well, today, I am thankful for my children's hugs and love.
You know, some days I feel like such an imperfect mom. I make SO many mistakes. Sometimes I fuss and am grumpy when I should have just stepped back, looked the situation over, then reacted. The list goes on and on. I start thinking about it, and I get somewhat discouraged. I love my children SO much, and yet I am always messing up, or atleast that's the way it seems to me.
Then, out of nowhere, I get an impromptu hug from one or both of my boys. How wonderful that makes me feel. But I also think about how undeserving I am for such love! They seem to love me no matter what.
You know, that's the way it is with the love of Jesus. We don't deserve it, but He loved us so much that He came to earth, lived, died and rose again, for you and me-imperfect, undeserving you and me.
Do you know Jesus as your saviour? If not, why not today? He knows your heart, your imperfections. But He LOVES you. He is knocking at your heart's door. All you have to do is let Him in. Ask Him in today!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
