Senseless Ramblings of the Mindless

There has been a lot of things on my mind when I think about my family. One of the many things is on how more importance is put on material items instead of people and God. Materialism is when we are preoccupied with material things instead of relationships and God. We are to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). How can we serve God if we are preoccupied with material items?

I left home at a young age and I am thankful everyday that I did that. I realized as a child that money and possessions was always going to be more important than I was to my parents and that also goes for my siblings. As I was getting older, I felt I was different. The reason I say that is that I never really cared about keeping up appearances and the Jones. I wanted a nice home and I had aspirations of driving a Corvette or a Silverado Truck. I also had dreams of marrying Donny Osmond and was heart broken when he got married. I thought the song Puppy Love was written with me in mind. I guess he didn’t get the memo that told him he was mine. These things at the time seemed important to me. It isn’t unrealistic to want nice things and to dream.

When I look at how people on the show “Hoarders” accumulate items that they think they have to have. I can’t help but think of how my childhood was. My parents had nice cars and always a nice place. I remember one day as I was standing at sink doing dishes my grandpa Doyle told me that he would give me a dollar and I could have it if I gave him a hug. Something was wrong with that statement. I was upset and I got the impression at that point that money buys love in his mind. I did and still do love my Grandpa Doyle. He would take us out rock hunting and would spend time with us when our parents basically pushed us aside. He didn’t need to pay me to have me give him a hug. My parents or I should say my mom also did something like that. I left home when I was 14. She told me that if I came back she would buy me $300.00 worth of cloths. When in reality all she needed to do was to say that she missed me and loved me and that is all it would have taken to return home.

Material items and prestige has a way of ruining people. There is no amount of money or power that can make a person happy. God isn’t against us if we want to drive a awesome sports car as long as it is something we can afford. God gives us everything that we need. For me, I needed to focus more on the blessings God has given me and the principles in the Bible. It isn’t always easy to do that. I can have all the riches and health the world can provide. But, they will never truly make me happy. When I look at what the Bible has to say, it isn’t about all the stuff that we have that makes us materialistic, it is our attitude. In 1 Timothy 6:10 is says, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”. I can totally see how this is possible.

Just the other day a women who won the lottery committed suicide. She had enough money to take care of her and her needs for life. But it wasn’t enough to make her happy. I can see how it is the root of all evil when it comes to my family also. My parents have nothing, yet everyone is there trying to take what little they have. When there is no money or stuff anymore, they they take off and they are no longer there. Once they get what they want, they are out of there. I have a friend who died and wow, the vultures came out of the woodwork faster than nothing.

Money and greed has a way of destroying people. I always thought I wanted to win the lottery and build a huge house and donate to my church. That isn’t the case now. Many times people will ask each other what will they do with the money if they won. I have my long list of things. I don’t think I could handle that amount of money. All I could see is that people would be wanting to be my friend because of the money and what I could offer them. Too many times we rely on material things that we feel could complete our lives. When really only God can take care of our needs and help us feel satisfied.

In the Bible Solomon is the richest and most powerful king that was known. Solomon had everything any man has ever wanted and yet he wasn’t happy. With all the wealth and material items Solomon had he didn’t have happiness and was unsatisfied. King Salomon said, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

While I was looking up this topic the other day I came across this on one of the sites. It was saying that the Bible tells us that a person’s “life is not in the abundance of the things which he possesses” (Luke 12:15) and that we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

If someone were to come up to me and ask me if I was rich, I would say “of course I am”. Even though I would think they are asking about material wealth like a huge bank account, expensive cars, a large house and so on. When I think of the wealth and riches I have, I think of my family and friends. I don’t need money to make me happy. God has blessed me beyond measure. Christ wants us to understand where the true treasure may be found. It is not to be found upon this earth, but in the eternal realm. True riches can’t be locked up in a bank. It is found in service to God. There is a verse in the Bible that talks about how difficult for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom. I have wondered why it would be hard for them to enter God’s kingdom and I would think it is because they place the things before God and their first priorities are their material possessions and themselves.

In conclusion I just want to say that I need to make sure that I put God first in my life. All things belongs to him. Also we shouldn’t put our trust in material items and wealth. Stock markets, banks and other businesses go bankrupt and collapse.But God will never fail and He is always there.

C. S. Lewis once said, “All that is not of eternal use, is eternally useless.”

Many of those who read my blogs knows that things have been a bit stressed when it comes to family issues. Not so much in my home household, but with my family that lives in Arizona.

This last week my husband and I went to go visit my mom who has stage 4 lung and colon-rectal cancer. When I talked to my moms nurse about how things were going and what they are doing for her, they said all they are doing in helping her with her pain. They aren’t doing anything else since she is on hospice. As I was reading her paper work from her tests they are giving her 2-4 months. They gave her that time frame about a month ago. When I visited my parents, my mom looked pretty good considering all things. At least cancer wise she seems to be doing OK.

Mom and I were able to walk around and plant some flowers that I bought for my mom. She loves her flowers. Her favorite flower is the yellow rose. Must be why I like them the best also. It must run in the family.

I was also able to get a chance to visit with my dad who is under a great deal of stress that is brought on from my mom dying and all the fighting that is going on down there. Chuck and I tried to stay away from the legal things they are going through and stay clear of conversations that has been dividing the family. It seems like many want everything my parents have and they have so little to begin with. It bothers me to no end to see all the fighting and backbiting that is going on. I do think that if mom and dad was left alone where they could depend on each other instead of their children trying to take everything before they are gone makes me sick. There is nothing in this world that is worth taking and fighting over when it comes to peoples lives.

I think of the Bible verse in Mark 13:12 where it says, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death”. This verse describes what is going on at my parents. There is so much hatred when all that is needed is compassion and love. I can’t understand why material things trump family and people. I know I have made my share of mistakes and have hurt people and I thank God I have been forgiven. My mom was asking me about why is it that she can’t enjoy the time she has left? She also wanted to know what it is that she did that caused all this fighting. I told her that those who are taking and causing divisions aren’t there to do good, they are doing harm. If they aren’t motivated by love and wanting to help, then they shouldn’t be there. I know she is having a hard time understanding and so is my dad. Both of them are being taken advantage of and both of them just want to have some peace in what time they have left. When they asked me why is it that they can’t have that, I didn’t know the answer. I can speculate but I don’t get it either.

My husband and I drove a long way to get there and was only able to sit and visit for about 7 hours over two days. I am glad I went down there and my parents did respect me in not fighting while I was there. Before we left, things were starting to get heated and my brother was bringing out legal papers he wanted me to help him with and I refused to do that. I will have no part in destroying my parents and I will not choose between them. We left shortly after things were getting a bit hairy.

I feel very blessed to have the life I do and that is only because of my faith in Christ. I can say with 100 percent certainty that my daughters were raised to love family and God. When God is in charge of our lives, the hard times can be handled easier. My parents know what my views and beliefs are. I was able to get into a little of that with my mom. My dad is having a hard time hearing, so it was hard talking to him since he couldn’t understand or hear much. Which I think is a big issue for him and in part the reason he is so frustrated. When my mom and I talked about God, I do think she took it to heart. She was baptized at the LDS church (Mormons). I was able to ask her about why she felt it was important to be baptized and if she believed that Jesus Christ died for her so that she could live forever. She said that she understands that and she said she is tired and ready to be with her mom. My grandma died when I was 10 yrs old and she was a Sunday School teacher. I do believe that she was baptized for the right reason. That made the trip worth while for me.

I was able to get family pictures and tell both of my parents that I loved them. I don’t feel comfortable with all the other things going on there. I do feel that Satan is at work and that there is a spiritual battle going on. A friend of my dads was saying how the devil is dwelling in the house and in part, I do believe that. I also know that my God is bigger than any demon or evil force. I have the kind of faith that can move mountains and God is more powerful than anything and anyone else.

My dad has been very stressed out. Tomorrow he has to go to court because of some violence between him and my brother. The police and courts are tired of all the fighting. I pray that everything will work out. I did tell my dad that if they charge him and they don’t drop the charges that he is welcome to come and live with me. I hope that doesn’t happen. But I am prepared to let him stay here if he needs it. With all the things going on, he could end up in jail since he was backed into a corner and set up. I won’t go into all the ugliness, but I do want to ask for prayers on his behalf and on behalf of my mom so they both can have quality of life and a life filled with peace and love.

I should add also that I did get a chance to see my sisters in Phoenix. The visit was short but nice. I am really proud of my sister Brenda who has paid for her own home and is working. She got stuck in the middle of my parents stuff and it has been very hard on her. I would like to spend more time visiting with her after all of this fighting is done and over with. I also seen my sister Joyce who was helping my parents and it got to be so much. Joyce was a nervous wreck and her health is on the line so she had to leave my parents home. She needs to get to the point of where she has to be able to take care of herself and her needs. She can’t help anyone else if she can’t take care of herself. I pray things go well for Joyce and that she can make a life that she deserves.

We only spent 4 days away from home and the drive to my parents is a 14 hour drive, so most of our time was driving and sleeping. Well for me sleeping, Chuck did all the driving. Thanks to all of those who helped me get to see my mom since this trip is the last one I will make down there and it will be the last time I see her. I can’t say how blessed I am to have wonderful friends, family (most) and God in my life.

Tonight I went to my church to take some pictures of the newly renovated OutReach Hall. Before I even went into the church, I was watching nature at it’s best. Before I even went there I have very much had my brain and heart on my upcoming trip to see my parents. My mom has stage 4 lung and colonrectol cancer. For many many years, I have gone to the church when I really need to pray and think things over. There is something peaceful about going there. Thankfully I have a key to the church, so it makes it very nice to know that when I need that quiet time alone with God that I can go there. Too bad it isn’t open to others who may have that same need.

OK! So anyhow, back to my picture taking. As I was sitting there in my car and getting ready to take pictures of downstairs. I decided to start with updated pictures of the outside of church. It was close to dusk and the light that was hitting the church was pretty awesome. Also, there was birds around the church. I noticed that there was a little Robin sitting on our churches steeple. We have a cross steeple. It was just sitting there and singing. He didn’t seem to have a worry in the world. Then to the right of me, I caught eye of a crow. It could have been a raven, not totally sure on that.

Here is this Robin that is singing to the top of it’s little lungs while sitting on the cross. He decides he wanted to go fly around and here comes the crows. They were out for blood and that Robin was about to be the prey. There are a few of the crows circling him. So he decides to fly back to the cross. After he got there, the crows decided to leave him alone. Again the Robin leaves and the others are waiting for him. The Robin decides that it is much better to stay where he is being protected. The Robin knew that God was watching out for him and that He is being protected.

When I was watching this little Robin sitting on the cross, a verse in the Bible came to mind. It says;

Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Like that little Robin, he was filled with song and joy where he felt safe. Once he left the protection of the cross, he was going to be eaten and killed. His life was in danger as long as he moved away from the cross and the protection of it. I think life is like that. When we venture away from God, all kinds of horrible things can happen. As long as we have Christ in our life we know that we are going to be OK. God is with us through all the dark moments and the crows in life. For me right now the crows are family. I know that sounds bad. In reality it is. There is a great deal of spiritual warfare going on at my parents home and in a couple of days it will be as if I am going into the lions den. Now, I would prefer to not be like Daniel and the Lions Den, but I know that as long as I have God in my life that He is in control.

Worry is one of the areas that many struggle with, myself included. I am always needing to be reminded that God has asked us not to worry but to trust Him completely. There are all kinds of things we have no control over. Lord knows I have tried to control a whole host of things and then it always backfires on me. So, as I go to see my parents and say what I have to say, it is all in Gods hands. I will go armed with the best defense arsenal available to anyone and that is Jesus Christ.

I will be updating on how my trip went and I pray to have a wonderful testimony to share when it comes to my parents. If not, I know that God is in control and I can’t make anyone do what they don’t want to do. Only through Christ can things work out. Like that little Robin, he knew where he should be and that is in the protection of God and my faith is in Christ alone. Because of the gift of His blood, I can live forever. I do hope that Robin gets to live longer than tonight.

Our family does things a bit differently than many. I have never been one that really looks at dates and official holidays.

We celebrate the birth, death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Celebrating Christ in this way was something I have been wanting to do for a long time. Last year was the first year I followed through on it. It was awesome in many ways. There are many positives when it comes to observing the birth, death and the resurrection.

Financially it has been positive. I have two adult daughters who has families. My daughter Beckiah would go to her in-laws home and then come to ours. They would be stuffed and I am sure out of duty, they wanted to make sure to spend time with both parents. With moving our celebrations to Easter Sunday, it gave her a chance to not worry about making everyone happy. Christmas shouldn’t be about guilt and having to put off paying bills in order to get gifts for everyone. That isn’t what Christmas is about. This was the perfect time to try it out to see how things would go. My grand-kids love it. They get two Christmas’s since we put our tree up and they get gifts. All the ornaments are based around the birth, death and the resurrection of Christ. The tree is called a Chrismon Tree. The most important purpose though for moving it to Easter Sunday is that Christ wasn’t born on December 25th. By us doing it this way, the focus is 100% on Jesus.

In Christianity, Christmas is an important holy day because it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. But the weekend correlating with the Jewish celebration of Passover is the one that makes Christianity unique, and so important to Christ followers.

Today is Palm Sunday and this is Holy week. This week  reminds Christians of the last week of Jesus’ life. He was welcomed as a prophet and wise man into Jerusalem, but by the end of the week Jesus was betrayed by his followers, arrested, scourged, and crucified.

1. The Birth

God sent his only son to earth so that those that believe that he is the son of God and believe that he took our sins upon himself and that he suffered and died for you and me and we accept him as our savior, we are guaranteed to live eternally with him in heaven.

Jesus is the Son of God. In the bible, John 3:16 it says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son. That whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” God saw that no-one was good enough to enter heaven on their own goodness because no-one is truly good enough.

The word “Immanuel” means “God with us” which we see in the first chapter in the book of John.¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14)

2. The Death of Christ

Christians believe that the death and crucifixion of Christ is important because Jesus died in our place. We are born into sin and our sinful nature separates us from God, which leads us to eternal and a spiritual death. When Christ died on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sins in full. Jesus Christ sacrificed his life so our relationship with God can be restored and our spiritual death can be avoided. Christians believe, profoundly, that Christ died for ALL mankind, and accept Him as their personal savior, so to us Holy Week is a time of reflection.

In Romans 5:12-14, 17 it says ¹² Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned – for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.

3. The Resurrection of Christ

The life and death of Christ matters the most to most Christians because after His death, Jesus rose from the dead. We remember what Easter really is all about. It isn’t about cute bunnies and eggs. The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives Christians the ability to trust in Jesus Christ and have a new beginning in life. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven (1 Peter 1:3).

Since we have changed the way our house does Christmas/Easter we have the awesome opportunity to observe the Birth of Jesus Christ.  On Good Friday, we remember the horrible day that Jesus Christ was betrayed by Judas and put on a cross. He was beaten and died. The last week in the life of Christ and about his death and Resurrection it is important for us to remember. Christ walked out of the tomb 3 days after He died on the cross, celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday and are comforted to be reassured in our own spiritual lives after our flesh dies, we will live forever.

In closing, I just want to say  that Jesus Christ’s life on earth leading to the crucifixion, and more importantly, the resurrection. are the most important observance on the Christian calendar.

Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the season- Christmas, Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Is the Christian life supposed to be no fun? I would say Absolutely Not. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

The other day, I had a friend of ours come over to the house. I have know this family for over 20 yrs. We knew them long before we moved to St. George. I worked with his wife in Phoenix and I never thought twice about going out to hangout at the bar with friends after work and there wasn’t much that was taboo from talking about. The one bar had a ladies night and they had male dancers. I worked at a truck stop and swearing was nothing unusual.

When my husband and I moved to St. George, I never really thought about how swearing sounded until I was the only one in a room and I got this overwhelming feeling that it was not OK. I call it the moment God gave me a wake-up call and told me I needed to start acting like a Christian and a believer in Christ. Not just in private, but in my words and actions. God put my own words on my heart like a ton of bricks. It was at the moment that I had to make a decision to stop making excuses about going out with friends to bars and swearing like a sailor.

What got me on this topic though is when he said that since I changed, I don’t know how to have fun since I am all about Jesus. It wasn’t in those exact words though. But that is basically what he was saying. He then proceeded to say that it is funner to go out to bars and strip joints than to go to church and be around the kind of friends I have. I am paraphrasing this again. As I thought on this for a split second, I was perfectly OK with what he said. The reason I say that is that he has been able to distinguish the old me and the new me. Ever since I was young, I believed in Christ. My actions and thoughts didn’t always show that I am a Christian and a believer in Christ.

For awhile I was thinking that it is possible that some non–Christians do have more fun. After all sin can be fun.  The things some people in my life look at as fun are not good or right for us. And because of the consequences, the so–called “fun” often ends up not being fun at all

Lies the Devil Tells Us:

• “The Christian life is a dull one with no fun.” “Christianity if no fun.” “To be a Christian is to be a ‘stick in the mud.’” “All Christians are ‘goody two-shoes.’” To that I say “No fun? By fun you might be thinking of hangovers while sticking your head in the toilet as you throw up all over yourself, sickness, and memory loss?  Not to mention promiscuous tendencies that destroy families?
• “If I am going to be a Christian I have to give up everything.” I have found that when I  devote myself to God,  He fulfills the most amazing dreams and promises than I could imagine.
• “Christians miss out on so much”… I would have to say that as a Christian my life is fuller than I could have ever dreamed it could be. I feel for those who don’t understand what that kind of peace and love is.

There is a saying that is well known, “If you talk the talk, then you have to walk the walk.” When I think about what it means to walk the walk I believe that in my life, my faith in Christ requires a strong determination to follow God’s plan regardless what life throws my way. There are times I have had to put on the brave face and the Armour of God and have courage to stand up for my beliefs, even if it isn’t the popular or fun thing to do. I have never regretted doing that. I figure I must be doing something right if those people in my life over 20 yrs ago can see the change and the difference.

My life needed to have a little shake up. I was in need of the wake up call and I needed to get back on the right path. The moment I was forced to look deep inside myself and I wasn’t happy with my own choices, I decided I needed to throw my arms up in the air and surrendered to Him again. Jesus Christ changed my life. I didn’t change my life. Without Him, I would be at the same miserable place I was at before. I just didn’t realize how unhappy I was with my choices in life. God took me on a journey when we moved to St. George. He taught me how to open up my heart and walk by faith.

When someone tells me that I’m not fun anymore because I don’t go out and party, drink and do things that I knew I shouldn’t have been doing, I am perfectly fine with that. I enjoy my life as a believer in Christ. God has blessed me more than any person could. I guess what some see as fun activities aren’t fun for everyone. I enjoy real relationships and friendships. God has entrusted me with some of life’s most treasured moments.

Jesus is looking for those with clean hands and a pure heart, those who will choose obedience even if it costs them everything this world has to offer. He is looking for those who will throw caution to the wind, believe that he has an abundant life (John 10:10) waiting if we will follow his ways.

I thank God everyday for His promises even when it seems there is no hope. Even when my life seems out of whack. God is the One in control. So to those who thinks being a Christian is no fun, I would like to say that you aren’t really living, till you know that you have forever.

Throughout my life and all the journeys to come, I’m waving the white flag of surrender. God is in control of my life and I am more than willing to use it for His glory.

Here is a fun Christian song called “What if Cartoons Got Saved” by Chris Rice.

Some of you may remember that we got a new kitten that we rescued from Ivin’s Animal Shelter. Harold is the sweetest cat. But Harold has issues.

We got Harold when we was 10 weeks old. The shelter instructed us to have him fixed a few weeks after we got him. He was sick with a cold and needed to finish up the antibiotics. He was scheduled to be fixed a couple weeks later. When we brought him home, he wasn’t himself. He was playful before he went in, but afterwards he was having problems.

Harold was loosing weight, falling and having a hard time keeping his balance. I have been extremely stressed over this kitten. He wasn’t wanting to eat anything. He would drink a bit, but that was it.

I took Harold to the vet and they tested him for feline leukemia, infections, worms, inner ear problem and a host of other things. Then the vet came in and told me that he had a type of feline autoimmune disease. It could have been brought on by him just getting over a virus and then when he got his immunizations, it reacted with his antibodies. Leave it up to me to get a cat that has an autoimmune disorder.

They explained to me that with an autoimmune disease is where antibodies are created to work against the body. He didn’t know that I can totally understand the who auto immune thing since I have been dealing with one thing or another most of my life.

Today, Harold has been doing better. We have to watch him when he sleeps with us, because he can’t jump down. He can hurt himself since he falls the way he does. He falls while standing and can’t balance himself at all. As I was reading up on what is wrong with Harold, it was like living in the twilight zone. This is what it says about Harold’s issues;

• This is symptoms Harold is exhibiting is that of a chronic progressive disease characterized by chronic fatigue and muscular weakness, especially in the face and neck, known as Myasthenia gravis.

The reason I say it was like living in the twilight zone with Harold, is because I have Myasthenia Gravis. I had no clue that animals can get it too. He didn’t specify that it was MG, he used this long word. Then when I googled it, I was blown away. He had the feline form on MG . They say the prognosis isn’t great because of the difficulties they have. Well, God had to have known that Harold needed a family that would understand his special needs.

It all made sense after putting all his symptoms together and what he is doing. He has issues with the light. He can’t focus his eyes and he will go out of his way to look away from the light. The way he walks, bumps into the walls and falls while standing all makes sense.

We could have put him down but that was NOT an option. So , we will just make sure he doesn’t hurt himself and we will make sure he eats foods to help him.

For the most part, I listen to the messages at church. Every now and then, my mind gets to wondering and I make notes to myself, so I can remind myself to blog about a topic or thought.  On this particular Sunday, this was the case. When Pastor Ray does the opening prayer and such and he says in his prayer for our minds and hearts to be cleared and to hear the message, I have to say that I kind of feel guilty when I start making notes so I can cover them later.

This last Sunday the sermon was out of Luke 21:1-19 and the Message is, “For My Name’s Sake” I want to do a post on about how Pastor Ray was talking about how everyone will hate those who proclaim the name of Jesus. I have no problem if people hate me because I believe in Christ.

Luke 21: 5-19 NIV

5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” 7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” 8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

The end times is a subject I take very serious. As I was jotting down my notes, I couldn’t help but think about how blessed I am to live where I do. For the most part, I have never experienced the types of persecutions many brothers and sisters in Christ have experienced in other countries. People are loosing thier lives as I type this blog post out. Every day people are dying for thier faith. For me, the most persecution I get is if someone doesn’t agree with what the Bible says and they let me know that there is no God or they believe in another God. I get hot under the collar on that one.

I can’t begin to understand what those Christians that are being beheaded, hung and murdered because they believe in God and have accepted Jesus Christ as thier Lord and Savior are going through.

Here in the United States, I don’t know if we are considered a Christian nation anymore. Political correctiveness doesn’t allow discussions on what it means to live a life that is entirly focused on Christ. There is a firestorm waiting for you for standing up for your faith and for Christ. In the media there have been a number of people or businesses that come to mind when I say that you will be persecuted for your faith. Some of those people would include Kirk Cameron, Chick Fil A, Duck Dynesty and so on. Pastor Ray was bringing up how businesses were being shut down because the owners refused to buckle and do what was against thier beleifs. There has been a number of businessed that have been closed for this very reason.

Humans for the most part have longed to be loved and accepted. When we use the term “hated”, we have a hard time accepting the fact that there are those out there that hate us and want us dead. We are told that the world will hate us because they hate Jesus. Jesus is hated because Jesus is the Light of the world. Since we are beleivers in Christ we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. A world that is dark and filled with sin and our world is more resistant to Christianity than ever.  On social medias I have found that the popular thing is to talk about acceptance and tolerance of other faith, What I find moreso is the true reality is that our world and country is tolerant of anything and everything but not the moral values of Christianity.

• 1st Peter 4:12-13 says, ? Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
• Matthew 24:9 Jesus says, ? You will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death and you will be hated by all nations because of Me.

In closing I just want to say is that if we live the way Jesus calls us to live, we will be persecuted. As a Christian, I would hope that people would know I am a beleiver in Christ through my words and actions. I also understand that persecution of one kind or another will come my way. If it didn’t, I would need to examine what it is that I am doing wrong that tells those around me that I am a Christian. Through my own struggles I have had to 120% lean on Christ and my faith no matter how difficult my life gets. At the end of the day, Christ is who has my life in His hands. When we face illness and heartbreak and even death we can be asssured that God and our faith is real.

I was reading about all of the things going on with ISIS and how it  continues to murder anyone that they think is going against what they see has beliefs that draw people away from what they call their true God. Isis is committing genocide on the Yazidis and the few Christians who are left. This week they warned America, “We will drown all of you in blood.” There is no ambiguity in that threat.

I had to look up a few sites to see what it is that they really believe. This is what I found;

• NBC News- The core belief of Islam is that ‘there no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet.’ The one creator God has revealed his will finally and perfectly, primarily through the divinely inspired words of the Quran given to Mohammed and secondly through Mohammed’s own life and teaching.
• Huffington News.  I like this article and I like the opening sentence of, “Obama admits to not having a strategy. Duck Dynasty Godfather, Phil Robertson, wants to “convert ’em or kill ’em.”

As a Christian and an American, how is it that we or I should say myself should respond to these threats.

When I hear of all the deaths and the persecuted Christians it makes me sick to my stomach. As a Christian, I pray for those who are being persecuted. I understand that in the end Christ will be victorious. Even though I know this, it doesn’t make it easy to listen to the stories about all that is going on around the world. According to the news today, around 90 more Christians were just recently captured by ISIS.

It isn’t just ISIS, there are also other countries that have imprisoned Christians because they would not deny Christ. When I read about the lives of Christians being beheaded, I first get angry and I think about the fact that they have got to pay for what they are doing. They will be paying for all they have done, we all are accountable for the things we have done. I thank God everyday that God loves me and forgives me for my wrong doing.

As I listen more to what is going on and I get upset, I have been thinking about it is as a Christian that I need to do. I pray on this almost everyday if not everyday. The answer I get is “pray for them”. I know it sounds like a simple solution.  But it is the only solution. The power of prayer is greater than any other tool we as Christians posses.

With God on our side and the power of prayer, we can make a difference. Praying for those Christians who have lost their lives from ISIS, along with all the Christians who are at this moment alive. How incredible it would be for radical Muslims to see the witness of the Iraqi Church, the testimony of persecuted Christians and encounter the living person of Jesus. Nothing is impossible.

A reporter was interviewing a father of one the young men that was killed and he was talking about the kind of peace he has experiences. The families of the murdered expressed a desire to provide light to these men whose eyes have been blinded so that they might experience God’s truth and love. There was a realization among these believers that Jesus was all they had, and they were “all in” for Him.

Upon thinking about all of the things going on with ISIS and other groups like them, I think the only thing we can do is pray for them and share the gospel of Christ with anyone and everyone. Maybe, just maybe one of those who are killing and beheading will turn to God. If the families can forgive and pray, then I think that is something we as Christians should do. As Christians we have an obligation to pray for the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters.

There are some things I just don’t understand. On Sunday after church I was talking to someone that I am close to about what happens after a person dies. We need to make a decision while we are alive. Well, the conversation I was having with this person ticked me off to no end. The reason why is that he thinks that once a person dies, they are dead, nothing more. This is one of those statements that gets me going. I then asked him if he believed in Jesus, why does he think once we die, there is nothing else. Well, his statement got me again. He proceeded to say that I have to believe in something, so it might as well be Jesus. My thought was, “Oh no, you did NOT just say that.”

My thought on this is that if a person who believes in Jesus and not believe there is anything after a person dies is totally insane. I don’t get it whatsoever. A friend of mine believed that Jesus is the same as Budda, Muhammad and all the other religious leaders or gods. I had a really hard time talking to her since she feels that all are correct and Jesus was just a teacher. Oh man, I had to take a chill pill on that conversation. I was getting overly sensitive on it and I knew I had to step back or I would insert my foot into my mouth. I’m really good at that. I had to step back since I was so frustrated with the conversations. I can’t really do that with the person I had this conversation with on Sunday since I see him all the time.

For me, my faith is everything. It is more important than anyone or anything in my life. God comes before anyone and anything. I can’t help but wonder what gives people hope if they don’t know Christ. What gives them peace? I have known many that feel the same way as the person in the conversation and almost all of them go through life on auto pilot and they don’t seem to be happy. I have so many medical issues and there are many uncertainties. If I didn’t have a personal relationship with Christ, I have no clue how I would deal with the things I do if I didn’t have Christ.

As a believer in Christ, I know without a doubt that there is a heaven and a hell. Now weather that is a fire and brimstone or a place where God isn’t is something I don’t know. I have no plans on wanting to ever find out. When I hear people say that, “yes, there is a person called Jesus, but, there is nothing else.” I want to scream and knock some sense into them. I can’t wrap my mind around the whole thing and why he would think there is nothing.

• 2 Corinthians 5:6-10- Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

I guess I can understand somewhat when a person who doesn’t believe has never been to church and has never heard the gospel. But for a person who has heard the gospel all his life should know better.

I had to come to a point a long time ago that I can’t use a hammer to make someone believe in Christ. No matter how upset or angry I get, I can’t force someone to accept Christ. While we are still living, or until Jesus comes again, we have every opportunity to repent. But in the end we will all be judged.

Last night before I went to sleep I was praying for a number of people. I had it on my heart to pray for a young man that was at our church Sunday. There was something about him that spoke to my heart. His head was hanging and was looking down the entire service. There was something about him that struck me in a odd way. I prayed during our service and each night since. I also prayed for my mom who is struggling with stage 4  lung and colon cancer. I also prayed about this conversation I was having Sunday.

Last night or at some point I was having a dream about the end times. It was actually a two part dream. The first part of the dream was where I was at the hospital and  looking at the moon, I love to take pictures of the moon and stars. The moon was full and the stars seemed brighter than usual.  As I was taking pictures and looking up toward the moon, all the sudden it turned the brightest red I have ever seen in my life.

After that, it was as if I was immediately floating upwards. For what seemed like a very short time, I was told that there isn’t much time before Christ returns and to spread the gospel since time was short. I’m pretty sure I had this dream since I am so concerned over the unsaved. I woke up to get a drink and went back to sleep. My dream continued from the first one.

When the dream continued I could hear the trumpet sound and the skies opened wide. I would imagine it would have been loud, but it wasn’t. It was loud from my perspective though. Everything was changed in a split second. I didn’t remember those who weren’t there. I had no memory. But I do remember standing before God and it wasn’t but a second if that. In that moment is was as if the world that God created has been renewed and perfect as it was intended when God created it and man messed it up royally.

After I woke up a few Bible verses came to mind.

• (Revelation 21:1-4) – Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
• John 5:25-29 – Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth — those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

In closing, I just want to say that while you are breathing and still here, you need to make a decision. Either accept Christ or don’t. It has to be your choice. No matter how strongly I feel about this and I don’t want to see anyone be lost and without Christ, I can’t make anyone believe.

Here is a good link to get more information on accepting Christ. Way of the Master- Are You A Good Person

There are some songs that really touches my heart than others. For the most part I listen to praise and worship music the most. I love Casting Crowns, Mandisa, Rich Mullins, Chris Tomlin, Mercy Me, Third Day, Matthew West and a whole list of other Christian artists. There is one particular song that touches me more than any other Christian song. That song is Ray Boltz’s “Thank You”. If you have never heard the song, you should take a few moments to listen to the song.

The reason why this song means so much to me is that it speaks 100% of what my walk with Christ and how I became a Christian started. I will break down the lyrics as I go along.

I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me;
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea.
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name.
We turned and saw a young man running
And he was smiling as he came.
And he said, “Friend you may not know me now.”
And then he said, “But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight.

These verses ring true to me because when I was around 8 yrs old, my mom would send all of to church with a lady from the Nazarene Church. I remember sitting there and looking around at the people. There was a  huge difference from the way they lived in comparison to how I was raised.  We were sent to church so we weren’t in the way. I don’t think we were sent there because we wanted to go. My parents never went to church. While I went to that Nazarene Church in Knox Indiana, God was implanted into my heart and I knew I wanted what they had.

There was a lady that was baptized in the lake, and I wanted to be baptized so badly. For me, I knew that Christ was the only answer in my life. He was the only positive thing besides my grandparents and cousins Allen and Raelene. God literally was my saving grace. To this day I have dreams of what it is going to be like when I meet Jesus face to face.

And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer,
I asked Jesus in my heart.”
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.

Prayers and praying has always been important to me. There were many in my life and they still do that have prayed for me. I honestly don’t think I would be here now if it wasn’t for God and prayers. There was this lady named Mattie Bennett. She went out of her way when I was a teenager. Because of Mattie, I write poetry today. Her son Harry Myers was the pastor at the Willcox Church of the Nazarene. I can’t even count how many times they have had to rescue me literally from what was going on in my life. Because of people like Mattie, my life has changed for the better. They cared enough to step into my crazy life and I appreciate that to this day.

Then another man stood before you
And said, “Remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry.
You didn’t have much money,
But you gave it anyway.
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that’s why I’m here today.”
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.

When it talks about how a missionary came to their church. We were having a revival at our church and the speaker was asking the congregation what would be the one thing we would fear if we were standing before God. At this point in my life, I never really had a fear of what to say to God. I think I was 11 or 12 at the time. But Pastor Harry’s daughter Cheryl stood up and said that she would be afraid to stand there in front of God and she would see someone she knew. When God asked her what it is that she done for Him, she went into detail. Then her friend was asked the same thing, and she said that nobody ever told her anything about accepting Christ. Cheryl’s comment stuck with me and it still does.

To this day, I think about her comment and I think I am the way I am because of it. I don’t have any issues when it comes to sharing my testimony or talking to people. I can get a bit over zealous at times though. So I have to keep myself in check. I have actually had nightmares about missing an opportunity to talk to those I love and care about it.

One by one they came
Far as the eye could see.
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity.
Little things that you had done,
Sacrifices made,
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven, now proclaimed.

I have tried to go out of my way to thank those who have made a difference in my life. Not only then, but now also. God has sent me so many friends, family, strangers and pets that I can only think of those people as blessings. When someone says that they didn’t really do anything, they don’t realize what kind of a difference they are making to those around them. As Christians, there are those who are watching our every move. We may not know we are making a difference, but each person is being used to advance the Kingdom of God. There are those who are set out to destroy also.

I think of how awesome and overwhelming it would be to look around and see all those people in heaven that has made a difference in my life. I honestly don’t think they would see themselves in the same way I do. I can’t wait to see all those who have gone on before.

And I know up in heaven
You’re not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes.
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord.
He said, “My child, look around you.
Great is your reward.”
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave

I can’t even begin to understand or know what to expect when I get to heaven. But, I know that it will be beyond anything I can imagine.

Lastly, I just want to say THANK YOU to all of those who have made a difference in my life. I have been blessed beyond measure. There aren’t enough words to describe how much I appreciate all of those who God has used as tools. Without all those people who came into my life, I have no idea where I would be. It is scary to think of how my life would be without Jesus Christ.

Listen to Thank You by Ray Boltz

Ray Boltz has a lot of wonderful songs. They are worth listening to and they will speak to your heart also.