Month: December 2015

This is the time of the year when people make resolutions about things they need to change. Each year I do a post on what my resolutions are. They are pretty simple. I don’t make resolutions. But, I do try to change the way I look at things and to be thankful for the blessings I have been given.

Yesterday at church we had a guest pastor. He spoke about resolutions Christians should make. I have to say I was a bit lost in his sermon. The sermon just kept going and going. What I did get out of it is what I make each and every day. The most important thing is to trust in the Lord. I figure if I do that and treat people the way Christ would want me to treat them, then I will be OK.

In no way will or is my life perfect. I make daily mistakes and I always strive to walk closer to the Lord. This is something that I choose to do.

Here are some good resolutions for Christians and what I will continue to do and strive to do better.

• Sharing the Gospel with the world
• Study the Word of God
• Pray, Pray and Pray some more
• Spend more time talking to people and less time on Facebook.
• Stop being so negative. There is enough of that going on in the world.
• Talk less and listen more ( something I need to do)
• Don’t be deceived by Satan.

One resolution that I work very hard at is sharing the Gospel with anyone and everyone.  This is the resolution I want to cover a bit in this blog post. This is one of the reasons I started to blog. I think about what people are missing out on when they don’t have a personal relationship with Christ. There is a whole lot of excuses when it comes to not going to church or believing in God. The more excuses I hear, the more I wonder if those who profess to be Christians really are. I have no right to judge others on what they believe. But it makes me wonder and I make sure in my life that I follow the examples that Christ gave me.

The other day I was listening to a friend discuss how they have stopped going to church some time ago. They weren’t happy with the music or how people looked. I guess in my mind, it isn’t about the music or how people appear. I only worry about what Jesus thinks.

They were talking about how difficult things have been and have started reverting to their old ways with drinking and thinking. Today I was discussing with a friend on how I use to hang out with people I shouldn’t have and I worked all the time, so I couldn’t go to church. Eventually it became easier to stay home from church and rest up on days I didn’t have to work.

About 20 yrs ago, I made a resolution to God that I wanted to live my life with more intent on my walk with Christ. Excuses are just that, they are excuses. For me, I had to look at things in a different way and make conscious decisions. If I wanted to live my life in a way that is pleasing to God, I needed to change. For 20 plus years, that is the resolution I have made to God. I make sure that I remember all that He has given me.

Going to church isn’t going to save you. But, it is important to be around like minded people. There is an old saying, “you are who you are around”. I know this is true. I didn’t like who I was when I was around other people that didn’t care about God. I am a much happier and mentally healthier because of my relationship with Christ.

Finally, I want to say to those who think they can keep doing what they are doing and you think you are pleasing God by making excuses and following the patterns of this world, you are being deceived. Each and every one of us will have to stand before God when we pass from this world.  You don’t have to believe me if you don’t want to, but it is each persons choice.

Our family doesn’t worry about all of the gifts and such like many do. We have our Christmas Tree up, but that is only because I had all of my Christmas things out for a ladies luncheon at my church. There are no gifts under the tree, just the lights and some precious memories of Christmas’s past. We do our gift giving at Easter when we celebrate the birth, death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I have pictures of grand-kids and ornaments that were given to me over time. This year I added a new ornament in memory of my mom who past away recently.

This year I know many who are spending this very special day in Heaven. I can only imagine what the celebrations are like in Heaven. I know one day this is a celebration that I look forward to. Some of the people that I will be thinking of that is now with Jesus is my mom Winnie Elder, my friend and previous pastor Harry Myers and my childhood friend and like a sister Robin Evans.

I can picture my mom and grandma sitting around and chatting over all the crazy things that has happened since she went to be with Jesus in 1973. I can picture the biggest smile come across Harry’s face. Harry must have been overjoyed to see Jesus face to face. I wonder what Harry and Mattie had to say to each other. My imagination goes crazy on that one, lol. Then Robin who has had many heartaches must be very happy and realizing what peace really means. Robin had a love for the Lord. I also wonder what the conversations are like for her as she talks to her oldest sister Cheryl, her dad and nephew Brandon.

Here on earth, I don’t foresee any peace until Christ comes again. It is nice to see that people truly know what Christmas is about each and every day. Not just on December 25th.

My thoughts and prayers goes out to all who have lost a loved one or who may be going through a hard time. When I have my hard moments or things seem dark, I have always found that turning to Jesus is the only way to make it through those dark days. Jesus is the light of this world.

• John 8:12 – When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

I came across this poem a little earlier about what the true meaning of Christmas is;

True Meaning of Christmas

In todays’ day and time,
it’s easy to lose sight,
of the true meaning of Christmas
and one special night.

When we go shopping,
We say “How much will it cost?”
Then the true meaning of Christmas,
Somehow becomes lost.

Amidst the tinsel, glitter
And ribbons of gold,
We forget about the child,
born on a night so cold.

The children look for Santa
In his big, red sleigh
Never thinking of the child
Whose bed was made of hay.

In reality,
When we look into the night sky,
We don’t see a sleigh
But a star, burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder,
Of that night so long ago,
And of the child we call Jesus,
Whose love, the world would know.

written by Brian K. Walters

 

We need to be telling the nations about what God has done. Sharing the gospel is the single most important thing you can you . Anymore it people put more importance on  a foot game or other sports.

There are times when we will walk into a restaurant and you will hear voices lifted high with excitement in their voices over what their favorite teams are doing. I can only imagine what it would be like if those same voices were sharing the gospel of Christ.

I have been wanting to have a small study here at my house or better yet at a restaurant that is all about the Bible. There would be no work books, just let the Holy Spirit lead us into the right direction. This isn’t one of those areas I am good at, but I think it is important to do.

I was reading an article that James Palmer shared on his Facebook page. It is about how come people don’t come to church. They may go once, but they don’t come back. Thankfully my church is a very loving and kind group of people. Why is it that they aren’t coming back? I have a pretty good idea at my church. But, all the things that was listed in the link I provided, doesn’t pertain to my church.

If I were to put my finger on something that can change at my church I would have to say heart conditioning. We are a very huggy squeezey type of church. But there are those and I am sure that I may also be a problem. I think when you get to many type A personalities at church, things go south.

Now, if I was a newcomer to my church, I would first notice how friendly they all are. Since I have been there a long time, I know who are in charge. 90 percent of the are very happy with the service and they can feel the Spirit of God there. Just like any other church or family, you are going to have those who like to be heard and will make it point to be head.

For instance, when you have a couple people calling all the shots and get upset when things don’t go their way, I would say that Satan was able to step in and cause division. When people let their own emotions override what the Bible has to say, then there is going to be problems.

There are times I have an awesome idea that I would like to do and when I get shot down, I may get a bit upset, but at the same time, the pastor has to decide what is right. Most times he would just ask me to do it at another time or that it isn’t appropriate.

Our newest pastor has been easy going. I realize that God brought him and his wife to our church for a reason. He isn’t the kind of pastor that is going to allow a “free for all” at church. If he tells me no or to hold off, I may grumble a bit, but then I realize that he is right. Now may not be the right time.My type A personality doesn’t need to be interfering or taking things over just because I don’t like things the way they are.

When church members bicker and fight it just shows me that they aren’t paying attention to what is important and that is Jesus Christ. All focus should be on him. Temper tantrums and getting butt hurt doesn’t help anyone. I have seen this happen to much in the past. I would say in the 20 yrs we have been at my church about 10 couples left because they couldn’t do it their way. I also left a number of years, and I was OK with it because Christ wasn’t the focus at church and neither was the Bible. We don’t have that problem now since our Pastor speaks solely from the Bible.

Every church has it’s share of problems, including growing problems and dying members. Problems of all kinds of things will popup. Not a day goes by when I realize that Satan is trying to destroy anyone and anything that can advance God’s Kingdom.

Religion has been running rampant in the world. If you can’t see it or hear about it on the news, you must live on a deserted island.

There are many false prophets, false teachers, religions, cults and so on. People are being killed left and right because they believe in Christ. Lately we hear about radical Muslims, Islam and such. Mark Twain once said that “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on it’s shoes.” There is no doubt that truth will win out, but in the meantime, Satan seeks people to devour like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). We must fight the false teachers by spreading the Gospel of Christ.

Christmas is one the most important and joyous Christian holidays there is. It is a time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ or Lord and Savior. Christmas is a time to share our blessings with one another, and to be surrounded by the people we love. It is a time for giving, and a time for forgiving. Most importantly, it is a reminder of how much God loves us.

Right around the corner is the most celebrated holiday ever. This year is a bit different for me. This year  I don’t really have the Christmas spirit. I did put up my Christmas three, but no gifts are to be found beneath it. I’m not sure why I am a bit down this year. I’m guessing it is because I’m not feeling good and some days are more of a struggle physically than others. Then all the stuff in the news is making pray for Christ to come right now.

I believe that most areas start celebrating or marketing to those who celebrate Christians all the way back to October. Stores have their isles lined with goodies and Santa is lingering around somewhere.

With working in a retail grocery store, my thoughts about Christmas has changed. Don’t get me wrong, it is my favorite time of the year and Easter is my next favorite. I am consistently reminded how far we have come from the true meaning of Christmas. The very first Christmas involved two parents who would give birth to the most precious child of all in a manger (Luke 2:4-7). Instead of buying all the fancy toys, thinking about those who have nothing. I would think there are opportunities to show those who have nothing the true meaning of Christmas. The most important gift is God’s love (John 13:34), and love others as God first loved you. (1 John 4:19)

A few years past I decided to go try to get good deals on Black Friday. That would never happen again for me. When I see these people that are clawing their way through a limited amount of gifts, it made me sick. As I watched this act of greed, I was reminded how people have forgotten that trampling others to save a buck isn’t worth hurting others. An ambulance was called because people were fighting over “stuff”. When we love each other, we need to look past the “stuff” and do what is morally right. I would prefer to have no gift, then to have someone risk their lives over getting a good deal. I say, just call me up and visit or we can go out to dinner.

There are times that we forget what as we go about our lives, we forget to be thankful and blessed for what he have right now. We humans have the “me” mentality. We are never satisfied. We always more more. We want bigger houses, more money, power, cars and so on. All of these things that we feel we need keeps us away from what we truly need and that is the kind of Love that only can come from Jesus Christ.

Today, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas.. Instead of buying fancy toys, think of how you can give to those who would normally go without. Ask yourself how you can help out others who are not as fortunate as you. Show them the true meaning of Christmas, the gift of God’s love (John 13:34), and love others as God first loved you. (1 John 4:19).

This is a good time to dive into the Word of God. It’s an even better time to share the Gospel with others who may be hurting. Christmas can be difficult for many. Suicide rates increase around the holidays. Use this time to reflect on the blessings you have received and not on the ones you don’t have. Christmas time gives us a perfect opportunity to take a deep looking at ourselves. Then ask yourself, “What kind of blessings have I given? ” Then ask yourself “How can if cherish your relationship with God and to cherish my friends and family.”Lastly ask “how you can be a blessing to others?”

Have you ever wondered what Mary was thinking as she gave birth to Jesus Christ? I know I have. Mary was a young girl at the time of Jesus’ birth. Historians suggest she was around 14 at the time. Mary would have been a typical teenage girl. Mary’s may have been at her home in Nazareth and going about her daily chores and duties. I’m pretty sure she was cooking, laundry, cleaning and going about her day.

For a moment think about what it had to have been like for Joseph and Mary when they heard the news that Mary was pregnant. Mary was engaged to Joseph when the Holy Spirit told her via an angel that she was pregnant. I know if that was me hearing this type of news, I would check myself into a mental hospital. The phrase, “You are going to be pregnant and give birth to a son, would make me want to re-evaluate my hearing. Since she has never been with a man, this had to have been a terrible predicament that she was suddenly put in.

When Mary went to Joseph she told him about the pregnancy. Joseph thought that Mary was unfaithful to him. Just like today, if a woman becomes pregnant the Jewish Law states that she could/would be stoned to death. This still goes on today. Since there was no television or DNA testing, I would say that Joseph may have thought it was the goat milk mans child before the angel explained it all to him.

God was making sure to inform Joseph about what is going on though. Stoning Mary wasn’t in God’s plan.  I would say that is a good thing, since it would be hard to believe  what Mary was saying since she was an average teenage girl. Thankfully there was no deceptions going on. There was no need to contact the “National Enquirer” of the day. I can just image that headline, ” “Mary of Nazareth pregnant with alien man cub.” It had to have sounded off the wall, just like when Noah built the Ark. Why build an ark if there was no rain. It’s hard to conceive the notion that someone would get pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

Mary must have pondered and reflected with wonder on the words found in Isaiah 7:14 foretelling this event, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Every scenario would be running through my mind if I had heard God saying this to me. What would you think if one of God’s angels came to you and said “Greetings, you who are highly favored?  The Lord is with you.!”

I would have to say she was in a state of panic and disbelief. I would be requesting some strong medicines to chase away the voices in my head. We are given information on what she was feeling though. The Bible says “she was greatly troubled and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” I’m pretty sure there was great deal of discussing when it came to how she was carrying and raising the Son of God.

Now, my wondering mind also wonders if Mary understood just how important this sweet child would be to the world. I know when my daughter was born there was that magical and miraculous moment when the sounds of a crying infant exceeded any and all experiences I have ever encountered in my life. That moment when you first meet your newborn child is hard to describe. Mary would have had Jesus delivered in the same way as other mothers during her time period. She didn’t have all the pain medications we have now days. There wasn’t a comfy hospital room or epidurals. Artists and actors have tried to give us visuals on what it would have been like when Jesus was born. I don’t think there is any book, portraits or movie that can begin to touch what it was like when Joseph and Mary first laid their eyes upon Jesus.

Mary must have gazed into the eyes of this beautiful newborn child with the kind of mother love that surpasses all other things. I would think that Jesus would have been like other babies and children for the most part. He would have nursed, cried and played like other children. He would have also needed to be diapered, swaddled and bathed like any other child. The only difference between baby Jesus and other babies I would think is that He was perfect in all ways.

I would say that Joseph and Mary counted all the toes and fingers to make sure they are accounted for also. Did they ask each other who He looked more like? I would think they went through the checklist most moms and dads do when they have a baby. I would say he must have been such a cute baby and a genuine joy to be around.
In closing I just want to say that we all needed a Savior, even Joseph and Mary. Jesus came to earth in the form of a baby and He changed the world. Thank you Jesus, for coming to earth to pay the price for the sins I have committed. You didn’t do anything wrong and yet you were crucified and buried. Because of You, I have the hope of eternal life.

This year has been a bit different for me. Not really health-wise because that is always something that I have to deal with and accept whatever it is that God has in store for me concerning if I am healed or will the healing happen as I take my last breath. This is something that I don’t really concern myself with. I have no fear of death. I figure God has it all figured out anyhow.

But, what has been on my mind and heart is spiritual warfare. I was going to write about the birth of Christ, but this subject kept coming to my mind.

Not all people understands that we are in a war like none other. How is it that we believe we are in a spiritual battle when we can’t physically see it going on? Believers and non-believers don’t want to admit or deal with the battles that are going on in our world. The blame game and finger pointing is rampant. There is this mentality that if we don’t see it or experience it, then it isn’t going on. Personally I don’t know how people can’t see that we are in a spiritual war like none other. If we don’t keep our eyes and hearts focused on the Word of God, than how are to be prepared to fight the evil around us.

A long time ago, I decided it would be awesome to play with the Ouija Board. I knew that it was wrong, but I was being drawn into playing it. It is only a game right? WRONG on so many levels. The Bible warns us to not be drawn into the deceptions and lies of the supernatural ways. Playing games like the Ouija Board may seem innocent at first and then it tries to hook you and change our perception. They are dangerous and difficult to get away from.

As I think about playing that game which is no game at all, I think it helped me realize that even Satan knows who God is. Satan wants nothing more than to take those who love and believe in God for himself. One night as I was playing this so called game, it was spelling out a certain verse in the Bible. It was spelling out Revelation 20:14-15: “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” I have to tell you I was more than a bit freaked out over this.

• The second death is a reference to the lake of fire where those who are separated from God by their sin will dwell for eternity. This judgment was recorded in Scripture as a warning to unbelievers to seek the salvation that Jesus Christ provides. The coming judgment should also challenge believers to share their faith. There is a vast difference between the final destination of those who know Christ and those who do not.

As the little diamond was spelling out this particular verse, it rammed it into the Bible that was sitting on my table. My Grandma Grace always warned us kids about playing this game and the dangers of it. Up till that moment, I didn’t get it. But I did then. I tore that sucker into a million pieces. It was at that point that I realized that there is a spiritual battle going on. I opened doors I never should have opened.  I realized that Satan wanted nothing more than to take one of God’s children away from Him. This seemingly harmless game is not harmless. Please Stay Away from it. It is NOT a game.

Satan is very present today. You don’t have to look very far to see the destruction that is going on. As I read more of Revelations, spiritual warfare is evident. With groups such as ISIS and other radical groups of people, we can better understand how Satan is moving and becoming more powerful in the world.

Spiritual warfare becomes more intense when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Satan hates it when people have chosen Gods love over him. Satan will attack us from all directions. Again, we see that with what is going on in our world right now. Christians are being murdered, children are being killed or sold into slavery. Christians are imprisoned because of their faith. It is only going to get worse. Satan will use anything to fill your hearts and minds with doubt.

As I considered spiritual warfare on a more personal level, I feel that some of the hardest battles are fought within myself. I look at the circumstances and choices I have made and I have a hard time accepting forgiveness. I realize that it is Satan who is the true enemy and all he wants to do is to destroy us. Spiritual warfare is very real. It isn’t a game. Satan is going to tempt us and he will use every tool he can to pull us away from God. There are many days where I am exhausted mentally when it comes to battling Satan.

Has there ever been a time when you were so overwhelmed that you gave into the temptations and lies of Satan?  I can honestly say that I have done that. Like when I was playing the Ouija Board, I found that I had to really look at my relationship with Christ. I needed to spend more time in prayer and in studying the Bible. Because of that game, it has done the opposite of what Satan would have wanted me to do. I had to destroy every part of that game and turn to God. I wish I would have listened to my Grandma Grace when it comes to the dangers of playing with games like the Ouija Board.

God has and will protect me and His followers from the evils of this world. I’m not saying things are going to be all rosy, because they won’t be. Thankfully Jesus is with me always.My life belongs to God and he has changed me and I am at peace knowing that I am willing to be used according to His will, not mine. My focus is on Christ only. I made a whole lot of stupid choices, but I know that the Lord is using my bad choices to advance His kingdom. The Lord is giving me the strength to fight against the sinful nature in my own life.

As I was thinking, trembling, crying and ended up emotionally drained after destroying the board, I came to realize that I deserved to die. But thankfully Jesus paid the dept that I couldn’t pay. We all deserve to burn in Hell for eternity because of our sins (Romans 5:12, 6:23). After all of this happened with playing this seemingly innocent game, I studied the Bible more. I was afraid of Revelations because there are some horrible things that is said in there. The awesome thing that I learned is that you nor me has to die the second death. If you’re born twice, you die only once; but if your born only once, then you die twice.

I want to end this post with a prayer and you all can join in if you like.

• Lord there are bad things going on in the world. Christians are being murdered because they believe in You. There are a gazillion things that I don’t understand when it comes to spiritual warfare. I want and need to understand what it is that You want me to do. Open my eyes and heart to Your truths. I ask that you equip me to become a living example of who You want me to be. I pray that you give me a discerning spirit. Lord, be with those who are in prison because they believe in You. Be with those in the world who are being persecuted and falling for the lies that Satan has put in their heart. Lord, I yearn for You to come again. Lord, help me and those who are fighting a spiritual battle to have the strength and will power to control my emotions which really get in the way and my behaviors.

In Jesus’ name… Amen

If you would like to have someone pray with you and for you, you can make a comment and we would be more than happy to pray for you and with you.