Tag: christianity

Why Read the Bible?

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With our busy schedules and fast-paced world, it’s vital that we prioritize God and make time to read His message to us through the Bible.

Why?

Because the Bible is God’s inerrant word, His testimony of love for us, His book of promises that hold true, and our guide to living life victoriously.

The Bible unfolds God’s great love for us despite our sin by providing us with redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The following Scripture verses tell us this.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned— Romans 5:8-12

This one man from whom we inherited sin is Adam, God’s first creation of mankind. As descendants of Adam, we all have his sin nature because we live in a fallen world.

Just like Adam, we all are deceived by Satan.

We have the same nature that steers us to do our own thing which we think benefits us opposed to following God and His ways.

Think about this:  Holy God sees and knows our sin against Him; but He because He is love, He provides us a way to be forgiven.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

This truly is amazing grace!

I wonder how many of us freely and quickly forgive and restore those who have committed sins against us.

I will admit that this is probably the hardest thing for me to do. My sin nature wants to hold a grudge and reminisce the hurt others have caused me. But God does not want me to do this; so, I must surrender to His will and change my way of thinking and acting for my own good.  

Why?

Because God has forgiven me—over and over again.

We should all thank God for His love and grace toward us.

The Bible is factual history and inerrant prophecy.

It is His story—God’s story of His creation which includes Earth and mankind.

God is the author of history since the very beginning and He tells us not only about the past, but also the future.

‘Remember the former things, those of long ago;
    I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
    from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
    and I will do all that I please.’ Isaiah 46:9-10

Through His word, God gives us a foundation and principles on which to base our lives.

We read about real-life stories of those who lived before us who followed Him and those who did not. We read about their actions and consequences, both good and bad.

None are without sin, but when we repent, God guides His children to overcome any adversity, wrong attitude, and poor decision.

And there is no fooling God for He knows the hearts minds of us all!

God is so good that He shares what the future holds for mankind on Earth, as well as during Christ’s Millennial Kingdom, and into eternity.

Even though life will change on Earth as we know it (becoming gruesome for a period of time), those of us who are God’s children will make it into eternity to live forever with our Creator and Savior. We will finally live as God originally intended in Adam and Eve’s time in the Garden of Eden—in perfect peace and complete joy, without sorrow and physical pain or physical restrictions.  

We can only gain knowledge and truth if we read God’s word and we are told that we will be blessed if we read it.

God wants only the best for us and wants us to be overcomers.

As stated previously, our heavenly Father knows that we live in a world tainted by Satan’s wiles and temptations.

This is why He gives us a glance into the lives of the many whose names are in the Bible. We learn from them as we read about their trials, their failures, and their victories. And these victories were given to His followers by God Himself!

Our heavenly Father does not change, and He does not show partiality. What He did for His children in the past, He will do for His children today.

God is our provider, protector, and best friend.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:1-4

I believe that God’s word is His book of love written to us. It has stood the test of time over thousands of years and has been proven to be true over and over again.

It is a wealth of knowledge made just for us so that we can

  • believe and understand His love for us
  • receive the gift of eternal life and be restored to Him through His Son Jesus Christ
  • draw near to our Creator and commune with Him
  • believe in and witness His supernatural power
  • know what pleases God and follow His ways
  • hold onto His promises despite the trials we face
  • be encouraged in our daily walk with our Savior Jesus Christ
  • learn from the mistakes of others’ past
  • be thankful for the good in our lives and praise Him
  • know that our struggles never last
  • help others in their time of need

I want to share with you a few tips that have helped me read and better understand the Bible over the years.

Choose a translation (there are many) that you can understand and are comfortable reading. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) and English Standard Version (ESV) are good ones to start with. You may also want to invest in a study Bible which expounds on the text.

Pray and ask God to help you understand what He wants you to learn each day as you read His word.

Set aside a specific time each day or evening just to study God’s word. We are told to meditate on His word day and night. (Joshua 1:8) This means to think about what you read each day for retention.

Keep reading even though you may not understand everything, it’s okay. This is why it’s good to have a study Bible.

Make it a lifelong habit to read the Bible. When you finish one translation, pick up a different one and continue seeking. I’ve read many translations of the Bible over the years, and I learn something new every day.

Apply what you read daily to your thoughts and actions. We should be “doers” of His word for which we are promised to be blessed. (James 1:22-25)

Attend a Bible study with others at church or in a group setting. When we share our understanding and compare notes, we gain even more understanding.   

Use godly resources online to help you and don’t forget to ask God to help you discern which resources to use.

May you be blessed as you dive into the truth of God’s word and may it transform us all to be just like Jesus!

I would like to share one of my all-time favorite songs that praises God. I hope it will warm your heart and move you to praise God also. 

If you want to have a relationship with God and are not sure how or where to start, see my previous posts Relationship with God and Relationship with God – Part 2.

Our Refuge is God Alone

On By CarmenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your current circumstances or even afraid of what may lie ahead, take solace that God is in control.

He is on top of what seems out of control in your life or around you.

Whether it’s finances, family issues, loss of a job, health concerns, addictions, or any other adversity—you can count on God to help you and bring you out of the hardship for the better.

The Bible tells us that God is with us and guiding us through each difficult situation we encounter.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8  

One of the many blessings I have received from reading God’s word is that I have learned about many keepers of the faith who were able to overcome dire circumstances because God loved them and provided the answer, the way out, and the peace to keep moving along with Him.  

When I walked through difficult situations in the past, my mind would immediately go to heroes such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Esther, David, and Daniel, just to name a few. I recalled how faithful God was to them, and I believed that He would do the same for me.

Why did I believe this? Because His word tells us that He does not show favoritism, but rewards those who follow Him and gives them peace (Romans 2:9-11).

It is our faith in God that allows us to see His supernatural power at work.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

He majestically guides, protects, and transforms us while changing our situations. He helps us overcome our adversary because He loves us and created us for His purposes.

God called Abraham to leave his home and follow Him to a better place to live that he knew nothing about nor how to get there. As God instructed him every step of the way, He encouraged him with promises for a good future for him and his descendants. Abraham, although not perfect, believed God even when he could not see how He would work it all out. God was pleased with Abraham’s faith and considered him righteous and called him a friend (James 2:23). Abraham lived many years and received all the promises God made to him in his lifetime and beyond—and it is because of Abraham’s faith that we are blessed today (Genesis 11–25).

Joseph was hated by his older siblings who sold him into slavery and was taken to a foreign land where while continuing to be obedient to God through difficult circumstances, he was thrown in prison. But God was with him even in prison and orchestrated his release and swift promotion to governor of Egypt, second in power only to Pharoah. Even though Joseph suffered greatly from his own family and fellow Egyptian citizens, God had a divine purpose for him—to save his family and the future nation of Israel (Genesis 37–50).

Moses was transformed from a shepherd in the desert to a great leader who led Israel out of slavery in Egypt, through the wilderness, and up to the Promised Land. He led hundreds of thousands for approximately 40 years, many of whom complained, rebelled, and threatened to kill him. Moses had the responsibility to protect, feed, find water, teach, judge, build a mobile sanctuary, discipline, train for war, intercede for, and forgive the entire way. For a mortal man this would be impossible, but God was there with Moses, guiding him and performing miracles for and through him (Exodus–Deuteronomy).

Joshua took over when Moses died and was responsible for leading Israel, numbered in the millions, across the Jordan River into the Promised Land inhabited by Canaanites. Joshua had to trust God that he could not only lead this great nation, but that he could also defeat the Canaanites as instructed by God to gain possession of the land. He had to trust God for his very life and for the livelihood of his people (Joshua 1-24).

Esther was a young Jewish woman taken from her home to compete against many other beautiful women for wife of King Ahasuerus in Persia. Her beauty and intelligence won the favor of the king, and she became Queen of Persia. She had to learn a new language and culture, and with this new role, she had to learn and execute the court life of royalty. When the Jews were threatened to be killed by an evil senior nobleman of the court, Esther had to lay her life on the line by going into the king unannounced. She called for a fast and prayer within her Jewish family and community to win the favor of the king as she went in for a special request. She could have been killed if the king wished by her unannounced appearance. The king granted her entry and request for a special dinner where she planned to expose the evil nobleman intent on annihilating her and her fellow Israelites. God was with her in this all the way and gave her the wisdom and favor she needed to succeed in order to save the Jewish nation (Esther 1-10).

The God of yesterday is the same God as today and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8)

I can also attest to God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Because I trusted in Him, he took me from uncertain days and nights wondering whether I would be able to overcome trials to leaving all my concerns to Him in prayer.

Also, I realized that I had to be content with having JUST my Savior Jesus by my side. I had to place Him first in my life.

And how could I not? He loved me so much that He gave His life as a ransom for me.

I was not perfect along the way, but I trusted God and I set my life goal to seek after Him. I no longer put my faith in people or circumstances. I dove into His word and believed Him for a victorious life.

I made myself available to serve Him in the doors of ministry that He opened for me, and I found purpose in helping others instead of being focused on myself and my troubles.

God in His faithfulness heard my prayers and brought me gradually to a life filled with many blessings—some I asked for over the years, and others I never even dreamed of.

God is faithful!

I would like to share another Scripture verse I learned that helped transform me from being unsure about my future to knowing that God was with me, helping me every step of the way despite difficult circumstances.

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.  Psalm 121

There is nothing our heavenly Father would not do to help His children overcome adverse situations and reach His purpose for their lives.

Following the ways of this world will not bring peace, joy, and fulfillment. Only God can.

If you are experiencing difficulties and don’t know what to do or can’t see your way through, I urge you to trust in God, surrender your life to Him (if you haven’t already), and seek after Him. You will be astounded by His perfect love, and you will find His will for your life.

May you be blessed as you listen to this song about how great and powerful God is.

If you want to have a relationship with God and are not sure how or where to start, see my previous posts Relationship with God and Relationship with God – Part 2.

God Sees It All

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I can’t help but write about what I consistently tell my husband most mornings after watching the news.

God sees it all!

You may feel the same way I do after watching the news on politics and all the other happenings by people who lie, scam, steal, and kill.

My husband and I like to stay informed on current events in our country and around the world, but we have had to limit the amount of news we watch because it is so grievous.

If I didn’t know God and His ways, I would think there is no hope in the world today.

I know that such offenses have always occurred, but it seems so rampant today.

It’s refreshing when we see stories of decent people helping others because they want to do what is right, but I can’t help thinking that the tide has turned now in recent years with so much evil in our nation and around the world.

And, I have often pondered how we got here.

I think it’s because most either don’t believe in God or don’t believe God.

We don’t take the time to study, learn, contemplate what God has already told us in His word, the Holy Bible.

We are blessed as a nation built on Christian principles to have God’s word, but we don’t delve into it for understanding.

For example, while reading in 1 Kings recently, I came across how the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, because of ungodly leadership with the majority of the people following along in sin.

King David loved the LORD and is called by God, “A man after his own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14)

King David was certainly not without sin. However, when he was reprimanded by God, he was repentant and accepted the consequences that God gave him.

God forgave him because He knew David’s heart, but there were still consequences.

Later in life, as King David was grooming his son Solomon to succeed him as king, he instructed him as a young boy to seek wisdom.

He was teaching Solomon God’s wisdom and to seek and follow God in every choice he would make as a future ruler as well as to avoid making wrong choices and falling into sin.

When King David died, and Solomon was crowned king of Israel, God told King Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom. God was pleased with his choice and made him not only the wisest of kings, but also the richest.

Having wisdom is great but following it separates the wise from the fools.

King Solomon started out well, but over the years he turned away from God’s laws and ways which led him into idolatry and caused the kingdom of Israel to be split in two.   

For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely. 1 Kings 11:4-6

I highly recommend you read 1 and 2 Kings to understand the full story and implications of King Solomon’s straying from God which led most of the subsequent kings and nation of Israel into sin and severe consequences.

When we sin (individually or corporately as a nation), we sin against God. We anger God.

He is a jealous God who deserves our worship and praise. We should seek after Him and abide in Him.   

Why?

Because it is God who has given us life and everything good thing that we have and experience.

We should always walk humbly and follow His statutes and His ways.

When we don’t, there are consequences that we won’t like.

Because we are all human, we are all sinners. The Bible tells us not one of us are without sin. (Romans 3:10-18)

The only human who ever lived and never sinned was Jesus Christ, God’s beloved Son. He alone is our example of how to live.

So, what do we do when we sin, and we realize the error of our ways?

We turn back to God, ask for forgiveness, ask Him to help us follow Him, and stay away from what makes us sin.

When we are sincere about repenting of our sin, He is faithful to forgive us and helps us move forward.

He puts away our sin as if it never happened. (Psalm 103:12)

In King Solomon’s case, his continued sin of idol worship led the whole nation into sin which later caused the division of Israel into two kingdoms, constant wars, invasions by foreign countries, and eventually exile to foreign lands.

The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command. So the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.” 1 Kings 11:9-13

With the division of Israel into two kingdoms (Israel and Judah), the Jewish nation fought against itself and set itself up for invasions by foreign countries.

The majority of the kings who ruled Israel and Judah after King Solomon also failed to follow God and continued in their sin of idol worship.

Idol worship is putting anything above God—pride, money, position, power, material things, various wrong behaviors, etc.

When the leader of the nation sins and refuses to follow God, most of the people will do the same, and the nation falls in to despair and destruction.  

The good news is that God is a forgiving God.

In His word, He tells us that if we who belong to Him will repent of our sin and humbly turn back to and pray to Him, He will restore our nation.

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

If you are as concerned about the state of our nation as I am, please commit to pray with me for our leaders and fellow citizens to

  • turn back to God and seek after Him—putting Him first in our lives
  • repent of their sin and turn away from their sin
  • teach our children at home and in school to walk with God and follow His precepts
  • seek forgiveness and forgive one another
  • unite as “one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all” as we used to recite daily in school from the Pledge of Allegiance
  • humbly serve God and one another as He instructs us in His word
  • treat one another as we would want to be treated

I love Jesus Christ, and I love these united states of America where I was born.

My hope is for us to turn back to God before it’s too late.

May God bless you and may He bless the United States of America.

If you want to have a relationship with God and are not sure how or where to start, see my previous posts Relationship with God and Relationship with God – Part 2.

Tragedy: When We Just Don’t Understand Why

On By CarmenIn Uncategorized2 Comments

The news of the flood in Kerrville, Texas, has been very difficult to watch and very emotional for many of us. I kept thinking why, LORD, why did this have to happen to so many unsuspecting people enjoying time in a scenic place of relaxation and recreation?

It is especially heart-breaking to know that so many young girls were lost at a summer camp that was supposed to bring them joy and lasting memories of their childhood.

I can’t imagine the pain the family members of the victims are feeling, but I am certain that they have the same question—WHY?

My goal is not to place blame on any agency or the government. Hopefully in time, these much-needed answers will come, and regulations will be put in place so that an effective notification system will be employed to warn those in the path of any future similar disaster.   

Today, I want to be able to share hope with the victim’s families so they have something to hold on to that will give them a sense of peace about their loved ones who they sadly lost.

I am writing this also for anyone who has tragically lost a loved one and needs to know that they can live again despite the tragedy; they can let go and trust God; they can smile and laugh again; they can be reunited with their loved ones.

First, I do not know why such tragedies happen. What I do know for certain is that we live in an imperfect world with sin, evil, and death.

I also know that God is good and is very much in control. He is not the author of destruction and pain, but of love and life.

When I start to question why in certain circumstances, my mind goes to Job in the Bible. The Book of Job is 42 chapters in length and deals with tragedy, despair, a search for answers, temptation to curse God, unwavering devotion to God, and hope.

I will give you the short version of the Book of Job, but I highly recommend you read it for yourself.  

Job was a wealthy man, good and honest. He was loved by God who spoke very highly of him to Satan. Satan wanted to prove God’s assessment of Job wrong and asked for permission to exasperate Job so that he would curse God. God’s only restriction was that he could not kill Job.

Job lost his children, his wealth, and his health. As if this weren’t enough, he was insulted by his friends who came to see him. They suggested that he (and his children) had unconfessed sin which led to these tragedies.

Job maintained his innocence and throughout his suffering questioned God as to why all this hardship when he had been a good man and served God.

His wife even told him to just get it over with, curse God, and die!

Job would not curse God, because he knew God was good. He said that he would go to his grave believing such and that he would indeed bless God!

All Job could do was ask God why he had to endure this tragedy and curse. He said that it would’ve been better that he was never born to have to go through all of this.  

He just didn’t understand why.

Eventually God spoke to him and his friends. God rebuked his friends for assuming they had the answers. And God answered Job with a lengthy discourse of questions (Chapters 38–42).

Some of the questions (there were many) God asked Job that resonate with me are:

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the measuring line over it?
On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone?” Job 38:4-6

“Can you raise your voice to the clouds,
So that an abundance of water will cover you?
Can you send flashes of lightning, so that they may go
And say to you, ‘Here we are’?” Job 38:34-35

“Can you drag out Leviathan with a fishhook,
And press down his tongue with a rope?
Can you put a rope in his nose,
And pierce his jaw with a hook?
Will he make many pleas to you,
Or will he speak to you gentle words?
Will he make a covenant with you?” Job 41:1-4

Job could not answer any of these questions and neither can we.

We can only trust God and continue to believe that His plan is best—even when it hurts.

As time passes, we may look back and discern some good that came from the tragedies we experience or we may understand partly why, but we will know completely when we get to Heaven.

God understands your pain and distress and He sympathizes with you. He will show you how to live your next moments, days, months, and years.

He knows the pain you feel. He watched His only Son, Jesus Christ, die on the cross for all mankind. It was a painful experience for Him, but it was necessary for us to receive eternal life.

I believe that Jesus was present in the flood in Kerrville, Texas, and all the little girls who died in this flood were received instantly into His loving arms. Jesus loved children and He took these to a better place where there will be no more death, evil, pain, or sorrow. They are happy and they are waiting for the day they can be reunited with their beloved family and friends.

I also believe that all of the age of accountability who died in Christ were also received instantly into our Savior’s arms.

I will go a step further.

I believe God gave any that were unsaved another opportunity in the flood waters to surrender to His Son Jesus Christ. Perhaps there were some who turned to the LORD in their despair before they died.

Below is a scripture verse that I hold onto for all my family and friends who are not saved.

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

For all of you who are struggling and hurting because of the loss of a relative or friend in this heartbreaking tragedy, please know that one day there will be a great reunion filled with joy and laughter with those you lost in the LORD.

He knows your pain, give it to Him. He understands your questions, your grief, your anger.

Let Jesus heal your heart. Trust Him with your unanswered questions until He either shares some insight with you through the Holy Spirit or He reunites you with them when He calls you home to be with Him.

As I have been following the many stories regarding this flood, I came across a mother who lost her beautiful 8-year-old daughter while at Camp Mystic.  

Her outlook is exactly what I wish to convey in this message.

Lindsey McCleod McCrory lost her daughter, Blakely McCrory, while at Camp Mystic and described her daughter as a “’live wire’ with a ‘fun, spirited attitude’ and ‘the type of child that doesn’t stay down for long.’”

She said, “I’m just so grateful to keep her spirit alive.”

McCleod McCrory continued, “And we strongly believe that it happened quickly. She didn’t have to suffer. I just have this feeling. She’s with all those campers and staff who died, and other children. I just imagined it as a happy place, a peaceful place.”

Wow! What faith this mother has!

McCleod McCrory has had her share of tragedy lately.

She lost her husband, Blake McCrory, at age 59 to a battle with cancer recently. She also lost her brother (also 59 years old) earlier this year.

What strength! I believe it comes from deep within due to her faith in Jesus Christ.

I am praying for those who have had to deal with such a tragedy in their lives who are hurting and searching for answers.

May God bless you and grant you the peace that surpasses all understanding. May you have joy again and continue to live your life with hope and meaning—just as the ones you lost would want you to.

Below is one of my all-time favorite Christian songs that I hope will bring you consolation as you listen.

If you want to have a relationship with God and are not sure how or where to start, see my previous posts Relationship with God and Relationship with God – Part 2.

The Greatest Love of All

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When you think about love, who or what comes to mind as your greatest love?

Maybe it’s your spouse, your child, or maybe even your parents or grandparents. Some might even say their dog or pet is their greatest love.

Let me ask you another question. How do you measure love?

Is it the simple satisfaction of being loved back by the person you love so much?

Or is it your ability to consistently love someone even though that individual has brought you much pain and rejected your love?

I’m sure there are different responses based on varied experiences.

For this post, I would like to focus on one love that we all have been given, and it is the greatest love we could ever experience.

Greater love has no man than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

This verse in the Bible is Jesus speaking to his apostles and it is the very thing that Jesus did for them and for all of us.

He willingly laid down His life for all mankind—past, present, and future.

He died for us on a cross—one of the most humiliating ways a person could die. He was crucified, a death that was normally reserved for criminals.

Jesus died for us because…

He was obedient to His Father.

He was sent to this world for this very reason.

He was the ultimate sacrificial lamb.

He told the truth about who He is.

He challenged and exposed the evil and lies of those in religious authority.

He socialized with the so-called outcasts—the lower class, the sinners, and the sick. 

He had a large following which caused fear and jealousy by the religious “elite.”

He loved us—all of us—past, present, and future, even though we are sinners.

He knew He was the only way for us sinners to reunite with our heavenly Father.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:6

I believe Jesus loves us because He knows that we are deceived by Satan, just as Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden.

He sympathizes with us in our failed condition, but He does not want to leave us there.

He wants us to overcome this world’s lies and ways.

He wants us to be like Him, and He has shown us how to respond and act in every circumstance that we could encounter.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. . .He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

A very good dramatization of Jesus’s life is The Chosen by Angel Studios. If you haven’t yet seen the episodes of The Chosen, I encourage you to do so.

My husband and I just saw The Last Supper at the movie theater this past Saturday evening. It is a great rendering of Jesus’s last days. I admired His strength to speak truth to the religious authorities, even though it meant His demise.

Jesus could have avoided such controversy by succumbing to the threats against His life, but He did not because He had a greater mission to complete—death on the cross for all mankind.

He is the propitiation for our sins, He is the ultimate sacrifice, and He is active in our lives, waiting for all those who surrender their lives to Him to rejoin Him in Heaven with our Father.

Why Heaven?

Some may say that life in the here and now is good enough, so why desire Heaven?

The answer is simply that we were not intended to live separated from God. We were always supposed to be with God just as Adam and Eve walked and talked with God before they sinned against Him.

Their sin separated them from Holy God and caused them to be cast out of the Garden of Eden.

Our sin also separates us from God, so we need The Perfect Lamb to restore us to God. This Lamb is Jesus.

A Better Life on Earth

This life on earth may be all we have ever known, but there is a better life waiting for those who follow Christ, now and for eternity.

Life as we know it on Earth will be gone one day.

We are told this by God Himself in the Bible, narrated by the apostle John.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give water to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life, without cost. The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. 

Revelation 21:1-7

Now this is something to look forward to!

We will be with the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, who are righteous and just!

No more lies or being maltreated!

No more tears, no more pain, no more illness, no more death!

And a new healthy earth to live on!

As we approach this Easter season, let’s turn our hearts and minds to the true meaning of it all.

Jesus Christ was crucified AND resurrected back to the Father where He is waiting for all of those who will choose Him over this world.

He paid for all our sins by dying for us and paved the way back to our heavenly Father.

This is the greatest love of all time.

Let’s praise our Savior Jesus Christ with the beautiful song below.

The Lamb (Alleluia) – John Wilds

The Little Foxes

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I want to write about something that we all as Christians need to be reminded of.

This “something” is to be obedient to our LORD God by following His commands, no matter what.

Let me share a personal story that will explain today’s message.

As I was reading and studying the Bible this morning, I found that I could not concentrate clearly as I usually do. I was struggling to keep a fluid understanding of what I was reading.

I stopped and prayed that God would help me to refocus and be able to comprehend His message for me.

I was reading in 1 Samuel 12 which is not hard to understand if you have read previously from Genesis to 1 Samuel.

I believe that God did indeed help me to focus after I asked Him, and I then fully understood why I was faltering.

I had committed once again a sin He’s been working on me about for a while. I will explain later what this sin is.

First, I want to share what I came across that snapped me out of my muddled state.

If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well. But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king.

1 Samuel 12:14-15

This statement by the prophet Samuel to the Israelites was to remind them that they and their newly chosen king Saul were to obey the LORD in all they do.

Up until this time, God had delivered them out of slavery in Egypt, fed them, protected them, gave them His laws for their well-being, brought them into the promised land, defeated their enemies in battle, and showered them with countless blessings.

Did the Israelites obey the LORD after this warning? No. Not completely.

The Israelites wanted to be like their neighbors—they wanted a king to rule over them.

Samuel, being a man of God, was greatly displeased over this; but God told him to go ahead and anoint a king for them, one that He would choose.

God let them have their way, even though this was a rejection of God Himself to rule over them, especially after all He had done for them.

They had severe consequences that followed. If you’re interested in knowing what happened as a result of their disobedience, feel free to read the remainder of 1 Samuel—and the rest of the Bible for that matter.

As Christians, also God’s chosen, we are told to follow God’s word.

God expects our full obedience to Him and His ways.

The apostle James, tells his fellow Christ followers the same.

You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save our souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:19-25

As for me, the awkward feeling of not being able to feast on God’s word clearly was enough for me to go in prayer to the LORD.

He revealed to me that I was harboring unforgiveness toward a neighbor for something that I was truthful about after she kept wanting to know why my husband and I were or were not voting a certain way in the 2024 presidential election. Consequently, she decided that she wanted nothing to do with us anymore. There is more, but I’ll just leave it at that.

The LORD impressed upon me that it doesn’t matter what others do to me or say about me, it is my responsibility to forgive and give it over to Him.

As Christians, we cannot be effective in our service to our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ with a wrong attitude.

It is an entryway for Satan to step in and create chaos and destruction in our lives.

We must instead trust God, be obedient in our thoughts, speech, and actions, and leave it with Him.

We will be happier, more focused and competent to carry out God’s plan for us daily.

I must say that immediately after I repented, I felt better, and I was able to continue in my reading and understanding of His word.

Often, it’s the small things, what we consider the small sins—the little foxes—that trip us up. God is concerned just as much about these sins as what we would call big sins.

Sin is sin to God. He doesn’t measure how big or how small. Even the slightest disobedience to Him is sin.

“Catch the foxes for us,
The little foxes that are ruining the vineyards,
While our vineyards are in blossom.”

Song of Solomon 2:15

In this scripture verse from the Bible, we learn that the little things spoil the overall progress of what is planned.

In this case, our wrong thoughts become our actions if we don’t reign them in. These negative actions harm our testimony as Christians and could keep us from what God has planned for us.

So, we must be content to let go of hurts or wrongs done to us, and depend upon His grace, love, and sovereignty.

He loves us and will bless us immeasurably when we follow Him completely.

I pray that this message blesses you today.

Below is a song that echoes my thoughts about my place in God’s kingdom.

“Who Am I?” – Casting Crowns

 

Spending Time with God

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If you joined me last week for Starting the New Year with Promise, you read how important it is to study God’s word (the Holy Bible) daily.

We learned that we should meditate on His word, that is, to think upon what we read and strive to commit it to memory and apply it to our lives.

It can be done. It just takes carving out a set time in your schedule and perseverance.

It takes time to form a habit, so don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or so while trying to set up your schedule. Just start again the next day where you left off.

Most importantly, ask God to help you. He delights in helping someone who is trying to follow Him.

This week we are going to go further in seeking after God by forming another new habit (if you haven’t already), which is to spend time with God.

That is, to schedule time with God where only you and He are together to commune with each other.

Let’s look at a scripture verse that suggests we should seek after God.

But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29)

God makes it clear in His word that any who diligently seek Him will find Him.

I want to confess something—only because it will help you know that it can be done, not to offer any excuses.

It took me some time to get this special time with God placed solidly on my calendar. I had to want to do it and stick with it in order for it to become a habit in my life.

When I first heard how to do this from Dr. Charles Stanley, founder of InTouch Ministries, I wanted to do it, but made excuses that I didn’t have time or didn’t have the space to do so.

I believe that God pursued me about this because I heard Dr. Stanley’s sermon about this topic again and again. Dr. Stanley gave all kinds of reasons why and ideas of how to get alone with God—he even spoke about just going into a closet and turning off the lights to avoid distractions.

He said that it was during these times that he spent alone with God that he had been the most reassured of God’s love and given the most insight in how to handle any situation that he was involved in—good or bad. Dr. Stanley insisted that this was a practice that would bring great reward to the seeker.  

So, I started my time alone with God in a closet (with the lights turned off) in an apartment many years ago. Today, I have a special room in my home where I go to spend time with God, seeking His face, praying, and talking to Him. I also set aside time to be quiet and just listen to God speak to me.

This act of seeking God and spending alone time with Him has been such a blessing in my life.

A couple of years ago, I was asking God what He would have me do with my life after moving to South Carolina. It was during Covid and I no longer wanted to work outside my home.

I believe through prayer and time spent alone with God that He showed me the next career for me—blogging about His goodness in order for others to know Him and walk with Him. If anyone would have told me prior to Covid that I would be blogging, I would have laughed and said, “No way, not my thing!”  

If you’re questioning whether or not God speaks to His children, the answer is YES, He most certainly does!

In the parable of the Good Shepherd, Jesus says,

“My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;” (John 10:27)

Jesus said it, so I believe it!

After some time, listening to God and following Him was something that I desired and needed. I once told a group of friends that I would never want to be so happy with my life that I would forget God. I still feel this way today.

By the way, I am very happy with my life, and I know it’s because of God.

He must be first in my life—first before my family, my work, my pleasures.

It is when I put God first that I can be and do what I should for my family, my work, and have a healthy balance in my leisure time.  

Before I close, I want to share with you one more promise I have always treasured and held on to. It is our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ reassuring His followers.

 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they?  And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life’s span? And why are you worried about clothing? Notice how the lilies of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin thread for cloth, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:25-34)

You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. God is more than willing to help you!

This is good news from God that He is for you and He will provide for you no matter how bleak your situation looks. He loves you because He created you and He has a purpose for you.

Seek His kingdom and His righteousness and let Him show you how much He loves you.

He is my Creator, my best friend, and my priority. Without Him, I would not exist; I cannot breathe; and I cannot discern what is best for my life.

I hold my relationship to Him as dear and privileged.

I hope this is or will be the same for you.

May God grant you His peace, His wisdom, and may His face shine upon you as you draw near to Him.

I love to end my messages with an inspirational song for your listening pleasure. The one below is perfect for today’s message.

“First Things First” – Consumed by Fire

Starting the New Year with Promise

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Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?

Most of us probably have and perhaps our resolutions look something like the following.

  • I’m going to join the gym and lose some weight.
  • I’m going to ease up on shopping and save some money.
  • I’m going to give up _____________________.

Sound familiar?

They are for me.

There is nothing at all wrong with these resolutions and in fact they are very good if we stick with them.

I’m wondering if anyone has instead (or maybe in addition to one of these) resolved to create a space in their busy schedule to spend time with God. What I mean is, have we carved out time to read and study God’s word on a daily basis?

If you are a seasoned Christian, maybe you do this already. I am writing to those who are new Christians or those who perhaps don’t yet have this habit worked into their daily schedule.

Studying God’s Word Helps Us to Know God and Brings Blessings

God tells us plainly that knowing Him gives us wisdom, and following His ways benefits us.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

For by Me your days will be multiplied,

And years of life will be added to you.

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,

And if you scoff, you alone will suffer from it.

Proverbs 9:10-12

I always like to share as many verses as it takes to comprehend the full meaning and outcome in God’s word. We should know the full truth of God’s word, even if it is hard to read. This is not to scare anyone, but to provide exactly what God says.

God gives us His word so we can make wise choices, and He always spells out the results if we choose to not follow His wisdom.

We should take His word literally.

Studying and Applying God’s Word Gives Us Peace and Joy

I am also writing to those who are dissatisfied with life and long for more—more fulfillment, more peace, more hope.

You may be wondering how to achieve this.  

Joshua, God’s mighty warrior who led the nation of Israel into the promised land, was instructed by God to not ONLY read, but to MEDITATE on God’s word.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success.

Joshua 1:8

This success that God promised to Joshua was to achieve His plan for Joshua’s life—to be successful in his campaign to take possession of the promised land.

In order for Joshua to do this, he had to read God’s promises, follow God’s laws, be courageous, and follow through with all that God told him.

Joshua also needed to meditate or think upon what he read in God’s word daily, or more specifically day and night, for it to become engrained into his life. In other words, he had to start his day with God’s Word and he had to end his day with God’s Word.

This process applies to us as well. It’s been said that it takes some time to form a habit. Years ago, I read that it takes at least a month to form a new habit. Today, I read that it’s more likely two months and even more depending upon the individual.

The point is that it takes time to study God’s word and apply it to our lives so that we can reach what God has for us which is His very best.

God’s best is not the same as what the world offers. Let’s look at what Jesus tells us about following Him.  

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

I can say by experience that no matter what the world offers—money, status, material goods—it is nothing compared to having the peace of mind and grace that only God can give.

God loves us and wants only the very best for each and every one of us. He has given us His promises and instructions on how to live a better life than what the world offers. He has given us His one and only Son to forgive our sins and to set us on the road to eternal joy in this life and the next.

Studying God’s Word Brings Us Hope

One of my favorite pastors, Dr. Charles Stanley, has helped me in my walk with God for 25+ years. Although he is with the LORD now, his teaching ministry still impacts millions around the globe. I came across one of his many messages in a calendar devotional I keep on my desk. A couple of days ago, I read his personal message about the following verse.

They will be my people, and I will be their God. And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me.

Jeremiah 32:38-40

Dr. Stanley said, “God doesn’t just speak to an elite few. We are all in the same category when it comes to His speaking and our listening. He treats all His children on an equal basis.”

I believe what Dr. Stanley is saying is that God’s promises are for all His children, those who have submitted their lives to His Son, Jesus Christ. There are verses in the Bible that are written specifically to certain people, mostly the Israelites. Yes, they are called His chosen people, but those surrendered to Christ are also His people.

I hope you’ll join me next for Spending Time with God.

I wish you a happy, healthy, and blessed 2025.

May you experience God move in your life in supernatural ways.

I have included a beautiful song below for your listening pleasure.

“Take You at Your Word” – Cody Carnes

Why Stand with Israel?

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Israel has been on my mind daily since the brutal attack on its people on October 7, 2023. I have thought incessantly about the war between Israel and its enemies—Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, Iran, etc.

Appalling events happen in war, whether intentionally or unintentionally. It has been this way throughout history, and it is better to avoid war if possible. 

This war was started because Hamas and its allies have one goal in common—annihilate the country of Israel and its people.

Israel has no alternative but to defend itself.

What would you do if someone invaded your home and tried to kill your family?

I would certainly defend mine.  

Over the last year, I have recalled important scriptures to advocate the call to support Israel and I have studied even more to help me be sure that I follow God’s word.

I have felt compelled to explain why we should support Israel.

First, it was important for me to lay some groundwork, which I have done in my previous posts, Israel—Chosen by God.

In today’s post, I will reiterate what the Bible says about God’s relationship and love for Israel, referencing His covenant with Israel and why He chose Israel. I will also restate God’s wondrous gift to mankind through Israel and conclude with His sovereignty over all creation and His promise to defend Israel against its enemies.

God’s Covenant with Israel

God’s eternal covenant with Israel is found throughout scripture and begins with God promising Abraham to make him a great nation that would bring blessings to the entire world.

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 12:1-3

It’s our support of the nation of Israel that renders blessings—especially in their time of need.

God’s Decree for Israel to Live Righteously

God chose Israel because He wanted a nation to follow His ways and receive His blessings to thrive and be a witness to other nations.

God provided specific laws for man to follow that are righteous and bring blessing.

These laws were given to Israel because He did not want them to commit the abominations of the people He rejected. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

This is why God gave Israel the land they inhabit today—and even more land that they failed to enter into.

Was Israel always obedient to God in following His commands?

No. It is recorded in scripture that Israel disobeyed God and followed after the customs of their neighbors. They essentially rejected God. And since He is a God of justice, He had to discipline His beloved children.

However, when Israel turned back to God, He forgave them and reestablished them as He said He would.

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts…

Malachi 3:6

God’s Deliverance of Israel

Israel is God’s chosen people, and He will always draw them back to Him.

Israel has been attacked by other nations commencing with Assyria’s invasion in 733 BC. Since then, Israel has been under attack and its people have been scattered throughout the world.

They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Luke 21:24

“The times of the Gentiles” refers to the period of the Gentile invasion of Israel starting with the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC and ending with the future return of Jesus Christ to earth. This return will mark Christ’s defeat of Israel’s enemies, and He will set up His kingdom in Jerusalem to rule the nations during the millennium.

God’s Gift to Mankind through Israel

God chose Israel to provide redemption through His only Son, Jesus Christ.

This forgiveness of sins is a gift to all mankind if they surrender their lives to Christ by professing their faith in Him, asking Him for forgiveness of their sins, and abiding in Him. 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” 

John 3:16-18

The people and nations who believe in Jesus Christ are blessed through the seed of Abraham and his descendants just as God promised.

The United States of America has been blessed because of its foundation built upon Jesus Christ, because of the Jews who came here and made this their home, and because of our alliance with Israel and recognition of the reestablishment of its statehood in 1948.

Our nation indeed has many flaws and I pray that we would repent and turn back to God wholeheartedly; that we would not follow man, but God and His decrees; and that we would continue to stand by Israel—because God has ordained it. 

God’s Sovereignty over All Creation

God set His plan in action and will not be deterred. He is the creator of all things! 

The apostle Paul asserts that God is sovereign and can do what He wants, how He wants.

 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
    or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
    that he might be repaid?”

 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:33-36

Once you become a student of the Bible, you begin to understand why the events of today are taking place and what the future holds. There is so much information in scripture about the past, present, and future events of the world, I cannot share it all here in one post.

God makes it clear that He will never turn His back on Israel. He may chastise Israel, but He will always be watching Israel and will make good on His promise to defend His beloved nation.

If I forget you, Jerusalem,
    may my right hand forget its skill.
May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
    if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem
    my highest joy.

Psalm 137:5-6

God’s Battle Against Israel’s Enemies

As stated previously, when Jesus Christ comes back to this earth, He will defend Israel by engaging in battle against Israel’s enemies and definitively defeat them.  

Behold, a day is coming for the LORD…For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle…Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward…Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him…On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea…And the LORD will be king over all the earth…But Jerusalem shall remain aloft on its site from the Gate of Benjamin to the place of the former gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses. And it shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction. Jerusalem shall dwell in security. And this shall be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples that wage war against Jerusalem: their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. And on that day a great panic from the LORD shall fall on them, so that each will seize the hand of another, and the hand of the one will be raised against the hand of the other…And the wealth of all the surrounding nations shall be collected, gold, silver, and garments in great abundance.                                                                                          

Zechariah 14:1-14

I take God at His Word and understand that we should stand with Israel, pray for Israel, and teach others the truth in God’s word about Israel.

May we turn our hearts, prayers, and support toward Israel and stand strong with this chosen nation of God.

And—may we also pray for the innocent Palestinians who are caught up in this war. It is pure evil for the Hamas terrorists to use their own people as shields in a time of war.

Shalom שָׁלוֹם

Below is a beautiful song that demonstrates Israel’s ongoing affliction and future hope.

Woe to My Country

Heeding Warnings

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We have just entered hurricane season which starts in June and typically ends in November. Reports are already out that this year will be an exceptional year for hurricanes with a good chance for La Niña to add to the severity of storms.

Do you remember Hurricane Ian and the devastation it wreaked on Ft. Myers Beach two years ago? It was incomprehensible to many that there would be so much devastation. To this day, they are still recovering from this violent storm. Many chose to stay and ride out the storm. Some of these people did not survive because the water surge was so high.

Why didn’t they heed the warnings to evacuate?

I remember there were warnings of at least a 12-ft surge from the gulf waters. Many who stayed and survived said that they would most definitely evacuate for the next hurricane if advised to do so.

The only way to avoid such devastation is to heed the warnings and prepare according to the experts’ advice.

The same is true for our spiritual lives. We have a Master Expert who has created us, our earthly home, the galaxies, and heaven. God has created all things. (See Genesis 1)

God our Father, our Redeemer Jesus Christ, and our Counselor, the Holy Spirit, created us to have fellowship with Him because He loves us and wants us to have an abundant life on this earth and one day return to Him. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John writes that there will come a time when we will have no more pain and no more sorrows, if we belong to God.

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 
Revelation 21:1-4

As much as I cherish my life in the here and now, I know that as seasons change, so will my life. I know that as I get older, my life will be different, although I am not sure how. I know that there will be disappointments and hardships, perhaps physical pain or illness that I will have to endure.

This life is not perfect, but it can be abundant. Currently, I am enjoying an abundant season of life and I thank God for this, because I have been through seasons of hardship and uncertainty.

We are told by God that He has a better life for us with Him in the future, whether He takes us to be with Him in heaven before the second coming of Christ or we are raptured up to heaven—that is, if we belong to Him.

If you are concerned, uncertain, or you just don’t agree, let me go a little further. Let’s read what God told the apostle John to write down in the next few verses.

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” 
Revelation 21:5-8

It’s wonderful to know that God will forgive our sins when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (the fountain of the water of life) and when we repent of our sin. To repent means to change directions, in other words, to turn away from our sin. There is not one of us alive today that hasn’t sinned, so we all need God’s grace and forgiveness and it is given to us for free.

God is always truthful and straightforward with His message. Let’s look at the last of these verses. He starts with “But” or on the other hand, for all the sinners who don’t repent and choose to continue in their sin and refuse to believe His truth and heed His warnings, these will be cast in to the lake of fire and burn for eternity. Yes, hell is real and God describes it as fiery hot and painful. In other words, these unbelievers will go into eternal torment.

I will not try to expound God’s simple truth. I know that some of you understand and believe this truth. My concern is for those who do not. My sincere goal is not to insult you, but to share with you God’s warnings. Maybe you have never heard this before, maybe you don’t believe it. Maybe you feel that God has abandoned you and allowed too much difficulty in your life. As I shared previously, my life has had its share of difficulties and pain—everyone’s has. Don’t let your troubles shade your view of God. If you turn to Him and trust Him, He will show Himself mightily to you.

The Bible is His written word, full of promises and examples of others who overcame difficulties and sin. He also gives us examples of those who chose not to follow Him and their consequences.

God loves you just as you are and He is waiting for you to turn to Him. He wants nothing more than to have a relationship with you.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 
2 Peter 3:9

I pray that you will reconsider God’s warnings written throughout His word.

As I close, I want to share one more appeal with you. Lee Strobel, a self-professed atheist, set out to prove that there is no God. He started reading the Bible to prove it false. The more he read, the more he began to believe in God and His word. He wrote a book, The Case for Christ, and a few years later a movie was made about his search for truth. I would invite you to at least read this book and maybe even watch the movie before you determine to continue in your unbelief.

Don’t be like those who lost their lives in the hurricanes because they would not heed the warnings. After death, there is no opportunity to change our minds or the mind of God. Make a decision for Jesus Christ today and freely receive the Water of Life—now and for eternity.

The Case for Christ – Lee Strobel

Book:   https://www.amazon.com/Case-Christ-Journalists-Personal-Investigation/dp/0310350034

I started listening to Christian music years ago on my long drives to and from work. I would always feel so wonderful as if God were there in the car with me encouraging me to continue in my walk with Him.

Below I have included a special song. I hope you will be blessed and feel God’s presence today as you too continue your journey with Him.

“The Father’s House” – Cory Asbury