BECAUSE IT'S SUNDAY ...

JOHN 20 (The Message)
 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, breathlessly panting, “They took the Master from the tomb. We don’t know where they’ve put him.”
^3-10 Peter and the other disciple left immediately for the tomb. They ran, neck and neck. The other disciple got to the tomb first, outrunning Peter. Stooping to look in, he saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there, but he didn’t go in. Simon Peter arrived after him, entered the tomb, observed the linen cloths lying there, and the kerchief used to cover his head not lying with the linen cloths but separate, neatly folded by itself. Then the other disciple, the one who had gotten there first, went into the tomb, took one look at the evidence, and believed. No one yet knew from the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. The disciples then went back home.
^11-13 But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus’ body had been laid. They said to her, “Woman, why do you weep?”
^13-14 “They took my Master,” she said, “and I don’t know where they put him.”

The disciples went back home.  Mary Magdalene stayed behind even when Peter and John left the tomb. She wanted to find out what had happened to Jesus. ... she stood outside the tomb weeping.  Sometimes seeing is believing.  And she was still searching!  If she could only see Him or know where He was taken.  While she was still crying, she looked into the tomb and saw two angels in white ... sitting there ... waiting.   They were waiting for Mary, obviously.

If you had been one of the angels sitting inside the tomb, waiting, this is probably what you would have seen:

Slowly, a robe appears ... flowing in the breeze as the person gets closer and closer ... trying to get a glimpse of the Master inside the tomb.  Ever so slowly a figure is appearing in view.  Ah, it's a woman!  With her face covered with tears and her eyes red from crying, she leans forward and looks inside the tomb.  Now!  Now! Now is the time to speak to her.  Here is the one we are to give a message from the Master.  Here is the one we are to console.  Finally, here is one who is waiting and longing to know more and struggling with grief because she can't find her Master.  Here is one who is in the deep throes of grief, feeling utter despair because she can't find Jesus. 

I love the first words directed to Mary.  Why are you crying?   The angel's first concern was all about the tears streaming down the face of a woman who was searching for Jesus.  They could have said a thousand different things to this lady.  But, the love and compassion from the Father flowed through them to this distraught woman.  Why are you crying? 
 
I must admire the honesty of Mary as she answered the angel:  "They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put him." 

Mary didn't react at seeing the angels.  She was looking for Jesus.  She was not enthralled with two angels in glistening white robes. Neither was she moved at being in the presence of two angelic beings  ... her focus was still on finding Jesus!!   Mary carried on a conversation with angels but her words only expressed her grief and her search ... for she came to anoint the body of Jesus and He wasn't there!!

The angel spoke to the women: There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed...and  go quickly and tell his disciples: He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.

After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn’t recognize him.
Jesus spoke to her.  Again notice the first words spoken to Mary:   Woman, why do you weep? Such compassion!  Tears really are a language God understands!  Then Jesus asks another question: Who are you looking for?  This is Jesus!  He knew the answer!  But, He is locked in a conversation with a woman who loved Him with all of her heart.  A woman who is at a loss because of the death and burial of her Master and now she is not able to anoint His body with spices!  Mary didn't recognize the one speaking to her and she said, If you would only tell me where you put him, I can go there and care for him.  Her reasoning says that this must be the gardener and he has taken the body of Jesus and placed Him somewhere else.

At this time Jesus looked at Mary and said one word,  Mary.

She turned to face the man talking to her and instantly (she recognized that voice), she knew ... this is Jesus.  This is the One she is searching for.  Mary looked at Him and said, Rabboni!  Teacher!  

So this is how it ends.  She's instructed by her Master, her very alive Master, to not cling to Him but to go and tell the brethren to go into Galilee, and there they will see Him.

This was her message to everyone she met, I saw the Master!  She was looking for His body, but in her searching ... she found a resurrected Jesus. She was looking for One in the grave, but she found One still on a mission. 
 
Mary's encounter with Jesus after his resurrection gave access to a world where death no longer had dominion. 

His resurrection proved that He was divine. 
His resurrection proved that He was the Son of God.
His resurrection proved that He was the One with power to forgive sin.
His resurrection proved that He has power over death.
His resurrection proved that He defeated God's enemy.

It is Sunday and I saw Him!  

Because it is Sunday, Jesus can live in you.
Because it is Sunday, you can be healed.
Because it is Sunday, you can be delivered from depression.
Because it is Sunday, you can be free from all bondage and addictions.
Because it is Sunday, you can live expecting His return.

On this Easter Sunday can you say as Mary, I Saw Him?
 
.... 

Today is a Dumplin' Day

You know what I mean.  One of those days when you've been busy, on the go, and you are hungry for solid, rib-sticking food.  This is it.  Today, we study, prepare for classes tomorrow ... so it's a stay-in and work day.

I'm teaching tomorrow on Revelation/Daniel.  Tommy has two classes: Church Government (he says he really gets anointed on this one!)  and Theology Five, the Holy Spirit, which is his favorite subject. 

While the chicken is thawing, I'm wasting time writing a blog -  Lol - and should be working on a study guide for Revelation.  I'll get to it in just a minute!!  It's good to take time to chat, sometimes. 

It's a beautiful, sunny day in Belize.  We have the windows open and the breeze is just enough to make the temp pleasant.  Plus a fan!  Our apartment is three stories up which provides a great view. 

I've already read about world events, even posted some on my group, End Time News.  Daily the awareness intensifies regarding our country, our world, and the events leading up to the Rapture of the Church.  Scripture tells us (when we read of these things) to lift up our heads ... our redemption draws near.  I've read enough about the last days lately to cause me to stand erect - stand tall - head held high - and celebrate.  Mercy.  I never thought this little Arkansas girl would EVER experience such a day.  But, it's here.

Well, that's my day.  And now I surely must get down to business with studying.  Maybe I will put the chicken on to boil while I type a study guide.   I'll think about you in a few hours ... while I enjoy my chicken 'n dumplins' - and a piece of cornbread.

God bless you.  Have a great day!  Love the Lord your God with all of your heart!  Hug your family!

Luke 21:28  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Amen!

ALL THINGS CHRISTIAN: Unconstitutional

It's been coming for some time.  Little by Little
Chipping away at anything to do with Christianity.  News articles regarding our loss of freedom as Christians in our country and in other nations, are posted regularly on my FB group, End Time News.  

(BTW: if you are not a member, you can join simply by contacting me.)

Minutes ago I turned on my computer.  The first tab is set to load Fox News.  Glaring from the screen are two titles:  Federal court rules North Carolina 'Choose Life' license plate unconstitutional and Group wants Kansas elementary school to remove cross from top of building.

TWO! At a glance! 

It appears that our liberal government system has picked up the pace.  I can no longer say they are chipping away at anything to do with Christianity.  They are using wrecking balls to bring about mass destruction of anything to do with decency and righteousness.  A definite demolition is in progress and it is directed toward all things of value - and those are the things which this great nation was founded upon.   Value.  Decency.  Good morals.  Honesty.  Integrity.

Well, well.  When you thought it couldn't get worse, it just did!  I switched to FB and the first post was Todd Starnes.  American Humanist Association demands students stop feeding starving kids.

The American Humanist Association sent that message to a school in Robbinsdale, Minn., accusing them of violating the U.S. Constitution by allowing students to participate in a community service project at a church that involved preparing meals for impoverished children in Haiti.
The humanists got their britches in a bunch after the family of a student at the School of Engineering and Arts objected to the project being held at Calvary Lutheran Church.

The humanists took special offense to biblical terminology used to describe the mission to feed starving children.

“The packages involved were called ‘manna’ packages, after the edible substances that, according to the Bible, God provided for the Israelites,” attorney Miller wrote.
She was also dutifully offended that Calvary Lutheran Church – looked like a church, noting the “venue involved included extensive religious imagery and symbolism.”

I know.  Right now you are saying, Really?  Give me a break?   We shake our heads with unbelief at the crazy actions taking place in our country.  But.... if Christians don't STAND UP, SPEAK UP, AND REFUSE TO SHUT UP,  we will be a crumpled pile of blocks filled with dust and debris, laying on a block in some city, the signs ... the remains ... of what ONCE WAS!

A small group of anti-Christ people are swinging the wrecking ball at Christianity and they are using our constitution to accomplish this feat!

What can we do about this, as believers?

1.  Remember ... our help comes from the Lord.

2.  Run ... to the altars.  Cry out to the Lord.

3.  Repent ... from our wicked ways.

4.  Restore ... that which we've ignored and allowed fall by the wayside. 

There's greater power in one little white-haired lady's prayer than the edic of a wicked king.
We know the road to restoration - it's time for believers to once again place their feet on Holy Ground and Shout a War Cry as a Trumpet Call to God.

Knowing:

~ That what I can't do in the natural, God will do for me in the supernatural.

~ Consistent praying gave Jesus consistent power.  Active power enabled Jesus to demonstrate authority over situation. 

~ We can't dominate until we can demonstrate.  And we can't demonstrate until we are delivered!

~ When I position myself for a miracle... God gets violent with the enemy!

II Corinthians 10:3-5
3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,…

Amen ... and ... amen.

IT'S A NEW SEASON

TODAY 12.31.13

I heard the rooster crowing in the back yard. 
Tommy was making my morning cappuccino. He says I can't make it as good as he can - and he's right.  He has his own special method which makes my usual mixture rather bland.  Well, anyway, we were standing at the kitchen window and the rooster crowed!  I informed him that I had NEVER lived where there were chickens ... a rooster crowing ... oh wait, let me add the two goats to the back yard population.  NEVER!  This is new.  But then, my marriage to Tommy is new.  My life is in a NEW season.  And it's all good.

We were married November 8, 2013.  A special Friday night.  The following Monday we boarded the plane for Belize.  By Wednesday we were on a water taxi (my first) headed to Caye Caulker for a few days!  After a week back in Belize, we flew to El Salvador for a Missionary Retreat.  THAT is a blog deserving attention all on its own!  Incredible people attended from Central America were there.  NEW for me, again.  Today finds me back in Arkansas where we attempted to put Christmas together in a short time - move a few pieces of furniture into Tommy's house in Little Rock - and create some semblance of  merging two houses of 'stuff'.  This has become a project needing to be completed this summer upon our return from Belize.

NEW is the word for the season.  Not only because of the calendar, but new because of the Lord's leading in my life.  After five years of widowhood and four years of praying for "purpose, place, people, and provision" God placed me in Tommy Carpenter's life and all four points of prayer have been answered.  My NEW season is far beyond what I could have caused to happen on my own.  I prayed often during those years for God to do something MIGHTIER for me than I could do for myself.  HE did!!

Ministering with Tommy in Belize, teaching, loving the people, and finding opportunity to work in ways that are yet to be revealed ... is my NEW season.  I'm excited about life.  I wanted to be productive.  I desired a purpose.  I didn't want my latter years to be wasted.  God heard me. 

What do you desire for your life?  Do you long for a NEW season?  God can create that season and it will be beyond anything you can ask or think. 

One week from today (January 7, 2014) we return to Belize.  I'm ready to see the precious folks I've already met and I am anxious to meet additional new friends.  It seems NEW is the word for today. 

Tomorrow begins a NEW year.  I pray it is also the beginning of a new life for you.

God bless you, richly ... and keep in touch. 
...

THIS IS WHAT THE LORD WILL DO FOR YOU

“Instruction does much, but encouragement everything."

“He is your Father, and His role is to protect you; He will comfort you and guide you. He will feed you; He will carry you when you are weak. He will seek you out when you go astray; He will help you in times of trouble. 

He will not let your enemies go unpunished; He will cherish you like a father cherishes his daughter. When you fall, He will pick you up; when you don’t understand, He will always understand. 

When you feel like life is weighing you down, He will lift you up. When you feel like giving up, He will encourage you to keep going. When you are sad, He will lighten your spirits. When you need advice, His line is open 24-7. When you feel unsafe, He will be your safety; when you are worried, He will be an ear to your concerns. 

When you feel burdened, offer your burden to Him and He will take it. Where you have been burnt, He will make you beautiful; where you hurt, He will heal. Whenever you feel lonely, He will always be with you. 

Where others have not supported you, He will support you. When you feel discouraged, He will be your encouragement. Where you don’t know, He will tell you when the time is right. When you feel unloved, remember that He has always loved you. 

You see limitations; God sees opportunities. You see faults; God sees growth. You see problems; God sees solutions. You see limitations; God sees possibilities. You see life; God sees eternity.”
 
― Corallie Buchanan, Watch Out! Godly Women on the Loose

Some Days You Don't Feel Like Being a Victim

Charles Edward Parker didn't feel like being a victim that day. He said he actually wrestled the gun from his assailant and shot him in the leg.  The would-be victim said he jumped into action, wrestling the gun away from his assailant. Parker said he fired a warning shot at the ground, but that didn't deter the previously armed stranger.  So Parker put a round in Castaneda’s leg.

That's the story.  A thug with a gun intended to harm Charles Parker.  The thug soon discovered that Charles didn't want to be a victim that day!  

I don't feel like being a victim most days!       

A victim is a person who suffers from a  destructive or injurious action or agency.  It is also a person who is deceived or cheated by the dishonesty of others.  A victim is also someone who feels powerless, and is therefore unable to take appropriate action to resolve situations adversely affecting their well-being.

I was a victim one evening due to the action of a person who stole my purse.  I chased him but to no avail.  I was a victim of a purse snatcher.  My personal information was in the hands of a stranger.   (No, I don't know what would I have done if I had caught him)  It was an unforgettable experience.  

Suffering from a victim mentality can be as destructive as an encounter with a thug.  The victim mentality can be understood as a repetitive way of negative thinking ... and the victim believes that others are responsible for their experiences and fulfilling their needs.  The victim mentality is characterized by an attitude of blaming and complaining.   Blame and complain.  Blaming and complaining is one way to manipulate and control others.... making them responsible for you by rationalizations and excuses. 

In order to think like a victim you must feel like a victim.  To feel like a victim you must ignore the Truth of the Word of God.  You must abandon your faith in a living Christ.  You must fail in understanding the love that Jesus Christ has for you.

Some days I don't feel like being a victim.  To overcome this feeling I MUST stay connected to Christ.  I MUST keep the faith.  I MUST stay in the Word.  I  MUST be led by the Spirit.  

Yes, I could possibly form a victim mentality ... but it would ruin my day.  I prefer not to be a victim today or any other day!  I just don't feel like it!  

:)

A FRIDAY PRAYER, Ephesians 1:19

 

EPHESIANS 1:19

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe,

 according to the working of His mighty power

 

Father, Your highest desire for me is that the HOLY SPIRIT might work in me in a greater measure -- YOU want me to receive more wisdom, greater revelation, and increased knowledge of YOUR redemptive purposes...for my present life and for my future.  My salvation should reflect abundant "Power" manifested by the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

I AM NOT redeemed to reflect weakness.

 

I CAN AND WILL advance in grace.

I CAN AND WILL achieve victory over Satan and sin.

I CAN AND WILL witness effectively for Jesus Christ.

I CAN AND WILL inherit eternal life in a place called heaven... prepared for me by Jesus Christ.

 

This is accomplished by a continual MOVING of the HOLY SPIRIT toward me!  HOLY SPIRIT power is an ACTIVITY, MANIFESTATION, AND STRENGTH - Moving Toward Me !!

 

EVER Moving Toward Me !

 

MOVE toward me today, Holy Spirit! 

 

Let there be a fresh manifestation of strength, anointing, increase, Spirit activity in me, upon me...and

 

DEAR LORD, PLEASE, DON'T STOP MOVING TOWARD ME !!!

...





I love people who make me laugh. ETHEL did that.

 

 

Despite everything,

I believe that people

are really good at heart.
-Anne Frank

 

 

I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.
-Audrey Hepburn 
 

I was working in an auto claims center for State Farm in Florida ... and ETHEL called:

 

Me:  The usual S F  greeting

Ethel:  I wish you’d speak up.  Is this a recording again?

Me:  No mam’, how can I help you?

Ethel:  I need to speak to Brian.

Me:  Do you have a last name for Brian?

Ethel:  No

Me:  Do you have a claim number?

Ethel: Yes, but he evidently doesn’t have it.

Me:  What is the claim #?

Ethel:  It is…………………..

By this time I was laughing so hard.  I had to put her on hold so I could enter the claim number…looking for Brian.

When I could contain myself, I picked up the call from Ethel again.

Ethel:  Oh, I finally got somebody!

 

It's true.  People are valuable.  Life would be empty without them.  Look for gems in the life of those around you.  They can make you laugh, weep, wonder, and love.  I saved my conversation with Ethel because she made me laugh ... and no doubt, she made my day!  

 

Without deep reflection

one knows from daily life

that one exists for other people.
Albert Einstein
 

A Widow Prayed For Her Church... God Sent D.L. Moody

If you have ever wondered about the power of prayer and whether or not your prayers make a difference, you must read this blog.  I receive via email a daily devotion/news from Worth News Brief.  I'll admit, I've gleaned daily from George Whitten's writings.

I am stirred by today's story of the little widow who prayed.   But, before I get to the story ... I must ask this question:  Are you in a dead church?  Have you visited a dead church lately?  Are you unhappy with your church?

Ok.  Now, you are thinking ... and perhaps you have formed your answer.  Next, read the following story.  It will change your thinking ... about your church ... and your prayer life.  Hang on, GOD IS ABOUT TO GIVE YOU PURPOSE !!

From Worthy News Brief:

Psalm 85:6-7 Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, And grant us Your salvation.The revivalist D.L. Moody was on vacation in England from his ministry in Chicago. At one point during his sabbatical there, a local pastor prevailed upon Moody to speak at his parish church. So D.L. went to preach the next Sunday morning. That afternoon he recorded in his journal that it was the deadest crowd he had ever seen and the only thing worse than preaching to those people was that he had promised to speak again the same night.

But that night, midway through his sermon something happened. The people started to come to life, and Moody felt compelled to ask if anyone would like to become a Christian. Many people stood up. He was taken aback, "Maybe you don't understand what I am asking. So when we are dismissed if you want to become a Christian come over to this little room and meet with me." When the service was over, D.L went to the room and it was packed; and many became believers.

Now he was on vacation, and so next day, Moody boarded a train for Ireland...but the Lord had other plans. Disembarking in Ireland he found a message awaiting him, "Come back. Revival has broken out." So Moody returned to the church and preached for 10 straight nights and over 400 people came to the Lord. Moody was perplexed. How could he have known that an 80 year old widow named Mary Ann Adeland had read one of his sermons in the newspaper and begun praying every day that God would bring D.L. Moody to her church?          

We might well wonder what this thing is about prayer...especially prayer in the secret place. How does it work? Why does it work? A little old widow's love and concern for her spiritually dead neighbors inspires her to pray relentlessly and specifically, and the vacation plans of a great revivalist are adjusted for a local harvest, a God- orchestrated vacation revival for D.L. Moody, right in her home town! Believers pray because they love, and little passionate souls like Mary Ann Adeland are hidden gems in the Lord's crown. How many spiritually dead neighbors do you have? If you see them with spiritual eyes, and you truly love them, consider your sister Mary Ann, her deep concern... and how the Lord channeled one of His trusted servants right into her neighborhood for a local revival.

When you pray, remember:

1. The love of God that wants the best for us.
2. The wisdom of God that knows what is best for us.
3. The power of God that can accomplish it. 
...

The human race has only one effective weapon ... laughter!

This is Teddy.  He's a Yorkie and belongs to my granddaughter, Brooke. 

If you look closely, you will see a small yellow, plastic ball in his food dish.  Teddy puts it there while he eats.  This is his very ... most ... favorite toy.    If I sit or stand in one place longer than a second, here comes Teddy ... and his ball.  He drops it at your feet, backs up, looks at you ... and waits.   He expects you to throw the ball, thereby giving him the thrill of his little life as he scrambles with all fours sliding on the floor - chasing the ball ...  so that ... he can bring it back to you and play the game all over again! 

He knows in his heart that you have nothing else to do but play with him!

We don't take time to play as we should.

Play has been recognized as important since the time of Plato (429-347 B.C.) who observed, “you can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." 

Why play? Because:  Freedom and spontaneity are accepted as our natural state. In this state we can allow our imagination and creativity to flourish.

There is an element of freedom in each of us that we have not yet tapped.  God created us to live free and happy.  Given the right setting, the opportunity, and even permission, I believe we would discover a joy within us which is yet to come. 

Galatians 4:31 says, 'We are FREE." Then in chapter 5, "Stand fast, therefore, IN THE FREEDOM wherewith Christ hath MADE us free, and be not ENTANGLED again with the yoke of bondage." We are

free! Christ made us free! Be not entangled again!

Freedom is the opposite of being bound, the opposite of bondage. Bondage means slavery. 

What a day it was when God sent Moses by His Almighty power and led Israel out of bondage into the freedom of God. No longer were they under the taskmaster's lash. No longer did the Israelite have to get up in the morning and do exactly what someone else over him wanted him to do and forced him to do all day long.

I remember (through the years of pastoring), hearing my daughter, Tammie, say: "Mom, you need to learn how to play."  She was right.  I had lost the ability to play!  Life had become far too serious. 

Life can be changed.  Burdens can be lifted.  YES, God uses joy to enhance our life and lift our load, as well as allowing us to bring our burdens to the cross.  What a Good God we serve!!

When Jesus bowed His head on the cross and said, "It Is Finished" - He paid the ultimate price for my freedom.  Freedom from sin and all bondages. 

Saints ....  it is not wrong to play and laugh and be just downright silly !!!   Try it! 

• Your load will feel lighter
• You will love more and hate less
• Your health will improve
• Your days will have value
• Your creativity will flow
• Your relationships will improve
• Your children will laugh with you
• You will be fulfilled

I pray that God grant you the opportunity to  experience this freedom, the freedom that is IN CHRIST, freedom from fear, freedom from the sense of guilt and sin, and freedom from sin's lash.  And...the freedom to play.

Play.  Enjoy life.  Just like Teddy does ... with his little yellow ball.

The human race has only one effective weapon, and that is laughter!

It's that simple!

....