2 OUT OF 700 REPRESENTED HEAVEN

Corrie ten Boom

 

"My sister, Betsy, and I were in the Nazi concentration camp at Ravensbruck because we committed the crime of loving Jews. Seven hundred of us from Holland, France, Russia, Poland and Belgium were herded into a room built for two hundred. As far as I knew, Betsy and I were the only two representatives of Heaven in that room.

We may have been the Lord’s only representatives in that place of hatred, yet because of our presence there, things changed."

In Matthew 5:13 Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth.  Then, in verse 14 of the same chapter of Matthew, He said that we are the light of the world. 

In other words, we are to have a presence!  We are salt and light.  We preserve, we support, and we lead.  We are to be a blessing to the world, though they don't realize our calling and purpose!  Life can't be sustained without salt.  How then, will they know, except you are salty and live as salt on this earth!  You are the answer to someone's problem.  You are the light which shines on a path of redemption and hope for them.  You are valuable!!

Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse says:
The doctrine of the gospel is as salt; it is penetrating, quick, and powerful (Heb. 4:12);
it reaches the heart Acts 2:37. It is cleansing, it is relishing, and preserves from putrefaction.  

“A Peanuts cartoon, showed Peppermint Patty talking to Charlie Brown. She said, "Guess what, Chuck. The first day of school, and I got sent to the principal’s office. It was your fault, Chuck." He said, "My fault? How could it be my fault? Why do you say everything is my fault?" She said, "You’re my friend, aren’t you, Chuck? You should have been a better influence on me."

Peppermint Patty was seeking to pass the buck but she was probably right. We should be a good influence on our friends. We are salt and light!  Jesus said so!

I'm reminded of the song (Christ Ambassadors) we started each youth service with when I was a teen ... way back w h e n ....  We sang with gusto that we were Christ's Ambassadors since that was also the name of our youth group.  Perhaps we should sing that old song once more ... for we are still ambassadors for Christ.  We are representatives from Heaven to this dying world. 

Your presence is vital to those searching for meaning in life.  Remember you are salt and you are light.  You can change unpleasant surroundings by just walking in the room.  Light is sweet to those who are sitting in darkness.  You are vital to the purpose of the Kingdom. 

Remember Corrie ten Boom's words:

We may have been the Lord’s only representatives in that place of hatred, yet because of our presence there, things changed.

Maybe you would like to sing along with me:
We are Christ Ambassadors
And our colors we must unfurl.
We must wear a spotless robe,
clean and righteous before the world.
We must show we're cleansed from sin and that Jesus lives within.
Proving duly that we're truly.
Christ Ambassadors.

....

'God Is Here, but I Am Getting So Tired'

"God is here, but I'm getting so tired. Tired of praying. Tired of crying. Sometimes it seems like there is no end to all this misery. I know God is in control, but sometimes I feel so hopeless. I regularly fall on my knees and cry out to Him about why all of this is happening."

Hanna is a Christian woman living in Damascus, Syria, with her husband. She and her husband have two young daughters. She works in a school.

Her story was published recently in Charisma News.  Hannah poured her heart out over the last year, describing life in Damascus...the trauma and stress known only by those in a war area.  When you experience a civil war that is now going into its fourth year and has already taken 120,000 lives ... you do get weary.  You do get tired.

When I read this article some time ago, I couldn't help but save it to a document.  We can relate to Hannah even though our streets are peaceful and our problems small in comparison to hers - but, nonetheless, the enemy plots to wear each of us down with life. 

Perhaps you are one of those who can say with Hannah, ""God is here, but I'm getting so tired. Tired of praying. Tired of crying. Sometimes it seems like there is no end to all this misery. I know God is in control, but sometimes I feel so hopeless ..."

James H. McConkey wrote, "What can you do when you are about to faint physically?  You can't DO anything!  In your weakness you just fall upon the shoulders of some strong loved one, lean hard, and rest until your strength returns.  The Lord's message to us is 'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10)."

Hudson Taylor was so feeble in the closing months of his life that he said to a dear friend, "I'm so weak that I can't work or read my Bible, and I can hardly pray.  I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child and trust." 

That's all the Heavenly Father asks of you when you are weary.

I know it isn't popular to dare mention a believer weakening to this state in life, but, it's all too real and honest to ignore ...  even believers become weary.  BUT, Christians have a hope that is not of this world.  Our hope rests in the reality and presence of Jesus Christ.  Our hope rests in the Comforter Jesus sent to us - One to walk along side of us - One to live inside of us -  One to minister to us and talk to us. That is the Holy Spirit!  The third person of the Trinity. 

Now, if you can relate to this phrase, "God is Here, but I am getting so tired"  then remember:

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.  Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous:  "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!  The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" -  Psalm 118:14-16

My comfort in my suffering is this:  Your promise preserves my life..  Psalm 119:50

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.   Psalm 46:1-3

We all need encouragement at times.  Especially, when we are tired.  I'm reminded of the story about the little boy who said to his father:  "Let's play darts.  I'll throw and you say 'Wonderful!'" 

Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit say to you today, "Let's do life ...  you live ... and I'll say 'Wonderful!'"  

Child of God, you have a right to LIVE and enjoy living because: 
IN HIM you live and move and have your being. 
IN HIM you can lift your head and look up for your redemption draws near. 
IN HIM you will find joy in the midst of troubles. 
IN HIM you have a beautiful future and a purpose. 

Read what Hannah did with her school children in the midst of war:

"In our school we gathered the children to pray for the victims. I told the children: No matter what bad things are happening around us, our God is still good; even if we're in danger of death, our God is still good and worthy of praise. So we raised our hands and started worshipping God. The parents of one of our Muslim pupils were present while we did that, and they were so impressed they said: 'Our child is safe here. He is under the protection of God.'"

...so we raised our hands and started worshipping God!  Even unbelievers will recognize the presence and protection of our Almighty God!

The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe!
Proverbs 18:10

Tired?   Run.  Run.  And run quickly...

.

....

THE REALITY OF BEING AN AMERICAN

THAT'S ME.  AN AMERICAN.  BORN AND RAISED IN THE GOOD OLE' USA. 

I'm still American.  I still believe the American way.  Such as going to church - freedom to live - believing in good morals -  you know....the way we were raised.

My mother wouldn't let me use slang words such as:  gosh, golly, darn... those really bad words.  Because of my raisin' I still don't use those words.  I remember growing up in the days when my world was small.  We felt the pain when a relative moved out of state.  Yes, I recall those times when we cried with grief when the time came for them to leave after their brief visit. 

My playground was the few blocks near the house.  Neighborhood kids gathered to play Cowboys and Indians.  And as the years passed we outgrew such play time and moved into maturity (somewhat) ... and our world was still small.  In my early teen years, my world became 'church' - with a group of young folks.  The greatest times were when we all just hung out together, usually on those many steps leading up to the door of the church.  Or, going to Al's Snack Bar (drive-in) and ordering their delicious cheeseburgers after church!  Driving around town was our entertainment, basically.  Gas was cheaper, but wages were smaller, too.

Still ... THE REALITY OF BEING AN AMERICAN ... remains unique to all civilization, to this day.  Our heritage of safety, decency, and correct Bible-belt teaching stands tall above all other countries.  (I was always scared of Russians, communists)

Early American morals included decency, common sense, and were Bible-based.  So,  my question today is:  How can I change now, to be politically correct?  I can't.

Today, I'm expected to: 
Shake  off my parents standards of decency, morals and rules
Develop a more "modern" interpretation of Scripture
Accept wide tolerance of all religions which stomp my beliefs in the ground
Keep my beliefs and thoughts to myself as to not offend the anti-Christ system
Disrespect the American flag
Hide my Christian behavior and cease from talking about the gospel
Accept liberalism which includes abortion, gay and lesbian lifestyle
Turn a blind eye to sin and allow it to become the norm

Most of all, I'm supposed to accept the fact that my grandchildren could be brainwashed by our public schools into believing that THE REALITY OF BEING AN AMERICAN means to be ungodly and in opposition to all that is decent.

But, I can't do that.  THE REALITY OF BEING AN AMERICAN IS so engrained in my soul that I cannot become like the current world system demands.  It grates against my spirit when I read of the unjust attacks against our children in school and the strong push from our government to remove our God-given rights in freedom of speech and love for our country!    

As Lucas Cherry stated in his Charisma article (I Am a Millennial, and I Am Not Leaving the Church ):  I will not move off course, even when everyone predicts that is what I will do. You see, I care enough about my friends to share the truth with them. I love them enough to not let a watered-down gospel deceive them. I love Christ enough to not try to give Him a marketing makeover in order to get people to like Him—and me—more. I think the way He represented Himself in the Bible is just fine, and I am even realizing that just because something is not popular, it is not necessarily wrong. 

I remain steadfast in proclaiming that the way of the cross is the only way.  Jesus is our Savior and Healer.  He is our soon-coming King. 

THE REALITY OF BEING AN AMERICAN still resounds with a message of decency!

I'm proud to be an American - and I'm very proud to know Jesus Christ as Lord!
....

DON'T EVER, EVER RING THE BELL !!

Admiral William McRaven Knows a thing or two

about courage and changing the world.  The video of his speech presented at UT (Austin) was shared on Fox ... 

 

 "As a commander of the forces that killed Usama bin Laden and a Navy SEAL for 36 years, Admiral William McRaven knows a thing or two about courage and changing the world. In one of the most inspiring commencement speeches, Adm. McRaven advised graduates at his alma mater – the University of Texas at Austin – on how to change the world."  -Fox News, The Five

 

Here are his 10 life lessons for grads on how to go about doing that:

 

1. If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

2. If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.
3. If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers.
4. If you want to change the world get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.
5. If you want to change the world, don’t be afraid of the circuses.
6. If you want to change the world sometimes you have to slide down the obstacle head first.
7. If you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.
8. If you want to change the world, you must be your very best in the darkest moment.
9. If you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.
10. If you want to change the world don’t ever, ever ring the bell.

THE TOUGHEST TRAINING IN THE WORLD:   That’s what sailors volunteer for when they have the goal of becoming a Navy SEAL.  Its 25 weeks of training to test their endurance and will.  Cold, miserable, and tired are three words that sum up the experience.  Master Chief Information Systems Technician Dennis Wilbanks, head SEAL recruiter said, “You have to want the program.  And mentally, never give yourself the option to quit.”  70% drop out within the first few weeks. 

It is said that they want them to be able to work flawlessly under intense mental and physical exhaustion.  Why? As one instructor put it, “Mistakes made when working with explosives only happen once.” 

From one web site:

He describes one test during Basic Underwater Demolition School/SEAL (BUD/S).  This test is difficult to put in words.  Words can’t begin to show how grueling it really is.  They break them down and see how physically and mentally tough they are. It sometimes reaches the point of death and resurrection.

“One of the tests is they make you dive to the bottom of a pool and tie five knots,” the Shooter says. “One guy got to the fifth knot and blacked out underwater.  We pulled him up he was, like, dead.  They made the class face the fence while they tried to resuscitate him.  The first words as he spit out water were ‘Did I pass?  Did I tie the fifth knot?’  The instructor told him, ‘We didn’t want to find out if you could tie the knots, we wanted to know how hard you’d push yourself.  You killed yourself. You passed.”

This is when the majority of the trainees quit, and even the act of quitting is painful.  They must ring a brass bell to signal they don’t have what it takes to be a SEAL.  The whole camp can hear them ring that bell.   To become a Navy SEAL…It takes an unrelenting drive and a willingness to never quit.

---------
As Christians, we've been tested and often, mentally, we've wanted to ring that bell.  We've given up on our dreams....our calling.  We've given up far too easily. 

Basic Underwater Demolition School ------“The belief that BUD/S is about physical strength is a common misconception.  Actually, it’s 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical,” said a BUD/S instructor at the San Diego facility.  “(Students) just decide that they are too cold, too sandy, too sore or too wet to go on.  It’s their minds that give up on them, not their bodies.”

The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:8,9:
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Paul was saying that even in our greatest perplexities, we know God is able to support us, and to deliver us, and in Him we always place our trust and hope. 

Failure is only a failure if you don’t learn something from it.  We all want to do more in life.  We all  want to live a more exciting life.  We all want to do something that matters for the Kingdom of God.  But, in order to do that we must not RING THE BELL.  We absolutely must not give up.  We must not listen to that small voice that suggests that we will never make it.   Take on the attitude of a Navy SEAL - they know that if they quit they won't be called a SEAL, they will be called a sailor. 

Believers can become wimps or warriors.  We can be a cowardly or unadventurous individual.  OR, we can put on the whole armor of God and get out there on the battlefield for the Lord.  Our trials can make us better, not bitter.  We can stand firm against the onslaughts of the enemy - holding the banner of salvation high.

Do not ever “ring the bell” and allow yourself to simply be mediocre.

Admiral William McRaven concluded his speech: 
Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often, but if take you take some risks, step up when the times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden and never, ever give up — if you do these things, the next generation and the generations that follow will live in a world far better than the one we have today.

Ring the bell and you no longer have to do the runs, the obstacle course, the PT — and you no longer have to endure the hardships of training.  But, If you want to change the world don’t ever, ever ring the bell.

All you have to do is ring the bell to get out.

 

"So then, brethren, ..." "As a result of all this, brethren," Paul is saying, "stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter." Two activities, says Paul, are possible despite the hard times they were going through. They could "stand fast," and they could "hold fast." Stand fast; "Do not give in under pressure," and Hold fast; "do not give up the truth."

More than anything else, our generation of Christians needs to hear these words again. "Stand fast." Paul is saying that we already have what it takes to do so. What we need to do is to draw upon the resources he has made available; to choose to live accordingly. Take God at his word! There is no reason to quit, or to give in.  There is no reason to ring the bell.

Christians:  If you want to change the world,

don't ever, ever ring the bell.

 

Remember:

 

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

.......

JESUS, COME QUICKLY

FLIGHT DELAYED, FLIGHT CANCELED

We arrived at the Belize airport with full confidence that our flight would leave as scheduled.  It isn't.  Delay!  I don't know why it is delayed, but it is.  So we will use this time wisely, sitting in the airport.  We wait. 

We also understand our flight from one point to our destination is canceled.  This time we are told it is due to weather.  All beyond our control.  We wait.

I'm waiting, patiently.  Writing a blog.  Patiently. 

There is one flight I will not miss.  It will not be delayed, nor will it be canceled.  It is the rapture of the Church. I am a Pre-Trib Rapture believer.  This means that the rapture will take place before the seven year tribulation begins.

I Thessalonians 4:15-17 says:
¹⁵ We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. ¹⁷ Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

This I know for sure,  He's Coming and I am Going.  God's timetable is accurate and He will be on time.  No delays - No cancelations.

I certainly need to stay ready, for any moment that flight will happen.  Got my boarding pass in hand!  Bags packed.  Ready to go.

.....

Minister Says He Received ‘Strong Nudge from Jesus’ to Announce Support for Homosexuality

Ken Wilson, Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor, recently told the Detroit Free Press that he received a strong nudge from Jesus to announce his changing view on homosexuality.   And, of course, he is now writing a book about this.  Of course.  He also claims that in 2011, God told him to write a letter to his congregation to explain that he was rethinking his position on homosexuality. 

I must ask  ... whose voice is he hearing? You must NEVER believe a voice that does not align with the Word of God!

“It’s about welcoming previously excluded groups,” Ken Wilson Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor recently told the Detroit Free Press. “That’s what it means to be evangelical—to make the good news accessible to those who haven’t had access to it. That’s my task. That’s what a church is supposed to do.”

There's a partial truth to the above statement.  Yes, a church is supposed to make the good news accessible to those who haven't had access to it.  Absolutely, YES!  But, we must NOT change the message of the good news (the gospel) to condone sin!   The good news is that Jesus Christ came to save us from our sin ... not allow us to wallow in that sin and gain the approval of the church!

To state that:  “The Sodom and Gomorrah story is about gang rape. It’s not about anything like loving monogamous relationships. To apply that to the issue of homosexuality is a gross misuse of Scripture.”  Let me state in strong terms: This statement is nothing short of ignorance!  It is easy to twist any verse of scripture to align with your preferences! 

Satan is a master of half-truths, of twisting scripture, and using partial truths to accomplish his will.  THEREFORE, I say again ...  whose voice is this pastor hearing?

Matthew 4:4-11  -  Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness to be temped by the devil.  For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.  Here comes the devil.   “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”  ⁴ But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, ⁶ and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you.
And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

⁷ Jesus responded, The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’

 

⁸ Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ⁹ “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”
¹⁰ “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’¹¹ Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

These are the last days.  Many are being greatly deceived.  This is the hour to plant your feet firmly in the Word of God.  Make sure you are standing on solid ground lest you become deceived, as well.   Sing that great hymn again , My Hope is Built on Nothing Less:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

On Christ the solid rock I stand!  All other ground is sinking sand!

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

All other ground is sinking sand.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).   He changes not. 

You will never receive a nudge from Jesus or a command from God to condone sin. 

Never. 

He's that trustworthy!
....

 

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. 
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