Almost Persuaded

Reading in Acts 26, my heart was gripped by the words of King Agrippa in response to Paul, vs 28. “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” he said.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I would encourage you to read this passage in Scripture; reflecting on the ominous words “almost persuaded.” What is it that the Holy Spirit has been dealing with you about?  Have you been “almost” persuaded to accept Jesus as your Saviour?  Have you been “almost” persuaded to put aside your selfish desires; your plans, ambitions, and way of life to follow Jesus?  Have you been “almost” persuaded to become a faithful servant; attending church, reading your Bible, and putting aside those things which keep you from total and complete surrender to God’s will for your life?

The Holy Spirit may be tugging at your heart right now. Maybe you need to let go of some baggage you’ve been carrying this past year.  And, maybe you need to fill that void in your life with the fruit of the Spirit.  Whatever God would have you do, or cease from doing; I urge you to become “fully persuaded” to obey His will – to be “almost persuaded” in reality is to be “not persuaded.”

A Reflection of Life

Birthdays are a gift from God. Each of us should be thankful for every year of life our Heavenly Father allows us to live. Personally, I have never been one to tell my age.  As I approach my 70^th birthday, however, I am reminded of this saying: “Count not the candles, see the light they give; Count not the years, but the life you live.”  With this thought in mind, I find myself reflecting on the span of my life; the valleys, the mountaintops, and everything in between.

I am truly thankful for 70 years of life (1947-2017).  God has abundantly blessed me.  However, as I begin preparations for the 2018 DBRS (Daily Bible Reading Schedule), I am reminded of a far greater and more significant milestone in my life.  In the coming year, 2018, I will celebrate 50 years of spiritual birth (1968-2018).

The Bible tells us there is a time and a season for all things [Ecclesiastes 3:1].  Looking back, I realize I have weathered the storms and seasons of life according to God’s plan; not my own.  I marvel at the grace of God when I think of living the last 50 years as a saved, born-again child of God.  When I surrendered my heart and life to Jesus, I had absolutely no idea of the changes that would take place in my life.

For 30 years, I did my best to serve the Lord  while at the same time balancing a career, marriage and family obligations.  Life had its ups and downs, but I was content and happy knowing that God was in control of my life and nothing could come against me without first going through God.

The last 20 years (1998-2018), however, have been the best and most rewarding years of my life.  “What,” you might ask, “has made the difference?”  The answer is not what, but whom; the Holy Spirit has made the difference.  He came to dwell in my heart the moment I accepted Christ as my Saviour.  He was my teacher and guide for 30 years; yet, I never really knew Him or the source of His power.  In these past few years, my faith has been elevated to a new level as I have learned to acknowledge and yield to the Holy Spirit in all my ways.

I do not know what challenges might unfold in the next chapter of my life.   It is my fervent prayer that God will allow me to serve Him; to be “used of Him” to bring honor, and glory, and praise to His holy name all the days of my life.  I want my life to be a testimony to my family; to those living today, and to those yet unborn.  I want that testimony to magnify the Lord and reveal what God can accomplish in a life that is surrendered; totally yielded to His will.

For that reason, I want to share some highlights of my life.  I will share them, in no particular order; rather as the Holy Spirit leads and to the extent the Spirit gives liberty.

Sacrificial Obedience

This was a lesson I learned early on in my new Christian life. At the time I accepted Christ as my Saviour, I acknowledged Him as Lord of my life.  I surrendered my life and relinquished every aspect of my will.  Having come to the end of my rope, so to speak, I felt I had nothing to lose.  I felt miserable and hopeless.  I believed that whatever life God might have in mind for me would be better than the life I was living.  It never really occurred to me that my life would have any real significance in the will of Almighty God.  I could not fathom a life I deemed so worthless having any value in service to God.

There came a time, however, when my commitment to Christ was tested.  In the late 70s, we were actively involved in a dynamic, Spirit-filled church.  We were accustomed to sharing “manna from Heaven” in our worship services.  Sadly, the church closed its doors and the pastor and his family moved away.  I was devastated.  We had developed a close friendship with the pastor and his wife.  As they left town, they extended an invitation and opportunity for us to go with them, helping start a new Bible-believing church in another state.

In the days and weeks that followed, God began speaking to my heart about moving, as well.  I began to feel a strong conviction that this was God’s will for us.  I mustered the courage to talk with my husband; only to find he, too, was under conviction.  We were both excited about the prospect of being involved in a new work for the Lord.  We were willing, and eager, to forsake it all; our jobs, home – everything.  Well, maybe not everyone.  My mother was the dearest soul on earth to me.  I had vowed never to intentionally hurt her or cause her pain.  How could I possibly think of moving out of state, leaving her alone?  We were inseparable throughout my life; we needed each other.  I knew the news would leave her heartbroken and I could not bear the thought of making her cry.  As I poured out my heart to God, I was reminded of my vow to surrender my life to His will.  I knew way down in the depths of my heart that I could not ignore God’s call on my life.  I believed I would never again experience the peace and blessings of God that I had come to enjoy if I failed to obey.  I knew, too, that if it were truly God’s will for us to leave my mother that God would take care of her.

Telling my mother about the decision we had made was the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life.  That weekend, we loaded up the car and set out to tour the area where we were going for places to live.  As hard as it was for me to leave my mother, I felt a sense of peace and anticipation for the future.  As the miles passed before us, I began to replay the memories of the past several months in my mind. I had never been happier.  I was growing spiritually and I was burdened more and more for family and friends that were lost or not attending church.  I wanted so much for others to know the spiritual awakening that I had come to know and experience.  Many happy thoughts danced through my head.   My mind, however, kept coming back to loved ones at home that might never know or experience the joy of the Lord or the excitement that filled my soul.  Soon, the conviction I was feeling for leaving subsided.  The Holy Spirit replaced that conviction with a burning desire to stay at home and reach the lost in my own hometown.  After all we had been through, I felt anxious; wondering how I could be having these feelings now.  I asked my husband to share his thoughts; what was going through his mind, I wondered.  Surprisingly, he had begun to have doubts about leaving home, as well.

Needless to say, we turned around and came home.  I consider this to be one of the greatest milestones in my life.  I can look back now and realize that God has allowed me to accomplish things for His glory that would not have been possible if I had failed God’s trial of my faith.  For this reason, the Biblical account of Abraham and Isaac is one of my all-time favorites.  As God tested Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God’s command; so was my faith tested in leaving my mother.

Wilderness Experience

As I look back now through a veil of time and from a higher vantage point, I see the greater portion of my Christian walk was through the wilderness.  It was a time of teaching, testing, polishing, pruning, and molding me into the servant God wanted me to be.   One of the most important lessons I have learned, spiritually, is that God’s will and plan for my life does not manifest itself overnight.

In those early years, I did not know much about the Holy Spirit. I can see now that there were many times when the Holy Spirit was at work in my heart, leading and guiding me into service through His convicting power.  And, there were times when I simply followed my own heart.

God is pleased when we actively reach out to others and share the Gospel, His love; anything that brings glory and honor to His name.  I believe as long as the deed is righteous and good, it will no doubt please the Father.  My service and any aspect of my outreach, however; regardless of how pleasing it may be to the Father, does not necessarily mean it is the perfect will of God for my life. Grasping the difference in simply serving God and being used of God to accomplish His will in my life just might be the hardest lesson I have ever had to learn.

The Journey Begins

After being saved, I joined the church where I grew up from childhood.  I was baptized and married in that same church.  It never entered my mind that I would ever leave; but God had other plans.  A few months after marriage, the church year was coming to an end and the Sunday School Superintendent asked for volunteers to teach the younger children.  To my astonishment, I was approached and asked if I would consider teaching.  My immediate response was absolutely not; no need to think about it.  I knew my limitations and teaching, especially children, was not my calling.  But then the Holy Spirit began working in my heart.  I did not understand why but I felt a compelling urge to volunteer.  Once again, I recalled my vow of surrender;   I must obey.  So, I volunteered.  Now, in my mind, I was simply volunteering to “help” or assist in teaching.  I knew I was not spiritually equipped to teach; but I was willing to learn.  Then came the blow; I was told by my pastor I was not faithful enough to teach in his church.  What was I to do?  How could I obey God if I was not permitted to do that which God had placed on my heart?  While I was still walking around in a bewildered daze, my husband made the decision to leave the church.  And so, we began our journey into a wilderness of spiritual drought and uncertainty.

Home Again

Years later, God allowed us to come home.  A friend told us of the pastor’s soon departure; we returned the week following with much joy.  Through the years, I had returned to my home church from time to time; but never felt any peace or the liberty to remain.  I always harbored a little bitterness in my heart because of the way we left; because of the way I was treated.   One day years later, through the Spirit’s teaching, I understood that the pastor’s actions were not necessarily his own for God uses people to accomplish His will.   I could see through spiritual eyes that it was necessary to embark on this unknown journey to reach my current destination.  I let go of the bitterness toward the man and the circumstances; and the void was filled with peace.

Turbulence Ahead

Fast-forward about 20 years from salvation;   I was faithfully attending church, teaching Sunday school, and trying to live for the Lord.  My mother was now disabled and totally dependent on me for care.  My career was experiencing a bit of turbulence.  Changes in corporate headquarters brought about some changes on the local  level.  My responsibilities shifted and the weight on my shoulders became lighter; so much so that I began having more and more free time.  As always, I enjoyed the work and found a challenge in doing my best.  I was accustomed to working 12-14 hours a day, balancing several equally demanding responsibilities.  I began to relish the slower pace.  I began to enjoy my times of solitude, often drifting off into a new found dream world.

God had given me a passionate love for my Sunday school class; a group of 4 & 5 year olds.  They were a big part of my life and consumed a great deal of my time and energy.  My husband and I spent our Saturdays visiting these children and their families.  Getting to know their parents and siblings helped me identify with their needs and sensitivities on a more personal basis.  I was always looking for ways to reach them and keep them in Sunday school.  So, these precious little ones found their way into my thoughts and daydreams much of the time.

Opportunity Knocks

One day a postcard found its ways to my desk.  It was an advertisement addressed to no one in particular.  The card offered an opportunity to purchase a home business, publishing children’s books.  Thinking of my children, I looked closer to see if any of the books were about Jesus.  Sadly, they were not.  I could not bring myself to throw the card away, however, so I put it away inside my desk drawer.  In the days and weeks that followed, I pulled that card out numerous times.  You see, God had planted a seed of desire in my heart and mind; and I could not dismiss it.  I began to fantasize more and more about the prospect of rewriting the original books with Jesus as the theme in each book.  My mind ran wild as I envisioned myself with all of these resources at my fingertips.  But this was just a dream, I would sigh and remind myself; I knew I could never afford to quit my job.

Crossroads Ahead

In due time, there was another upset on the horizon; my job was to be eliminated.  I could transfer to the home office or take early retirement.  At first, the news struck me like a bolt of lightning.  I was indeed shaken; but I knew in my heart that it was God that had placed me in a career path all those years ago.  My security had been threatened a number of times, but God always intervened and His will prevailed.  On the way home, I began to cry uncontrollably; pouring out my heart to God.  My mind ran the course of logical thinking; “What would I do, how would we survive?”  I knew there was absolutely nothing I could do on my own.  I recalled the countless times that God had made a way when it seemed there was no way possible.  I knew that my life was in His hands and that ultimately His plan would be best.  I reaffirmed my total surrender to God’s will.  I turned it all over to the Lord and went to bed.  Upon waking the next morning, I felt refreshed and at peace with the world and myself.  God had taken away my doubts and fears; replacing them with a peace that passeth all understanding [Philippians 4:7].  It was God’s affirmation to me that the decision was indeed His will.

Leap of Faith

With my retirement funds, I invested in the home business I had been dreaming about for months.  The Holy Spirit was truly my teacher and guide.  He gave me the wisdom and knowledge to get everything into operation quickly.  It was gratifying to be able to edit the children’s books to focus on Jesus.  I enjoyed personalizing the books and binding them, as well.  Everything I attempted to do on the creative end went smoothly and quickly.  Alas, in business, it’s not all fun.  Bookkeeping, taxes, government regulations; these I found tedious and time-consuming.

Although I was paying someone to care for my mother’s personal needs, she wanted me with her all the time.  I wanted to be near her, as well, so I set up my business at her home.  As time progressed, she called me away from my work more and more.  It was easy enough to handle the hands-on work with the books; creative writing, printing and binding.  I was finding it very difficult, however, to launch the sale and distribution of these books.  I could make them; but I could not sell them.

Soon, it became necessary to place my mother in a nursing facility. I moved the business to my home; continuing to publish books on request, or as gifts.  I took an outside job to subsidize our income while taking care of my mother and the mounting expenses.

The Valley of Darkness

In 1997, I plummeted into the deepest, darkest valley of my life.  I lost just about everything that year.  I lost my mother, my brother, three jobs, and my home business; not to mention the recent loss of our pastor and wife, who were also good friends.  Looking at my circumstances, it seemed that my dream; the desire God had placed on my heart to serve Him, was lost as well.  I was physically, financially, and spiritually drained.

After my mother’s passing, I isolated myself from the outside world.  I got alone with God and poured out my heart to Him.  Just three years earlier, I had stepped out on faith; believing that I was following a path that God had set before me.  Purchasing the home business was, in my mind’s eye, to be the basis for establishing a personal ministry for the Lord.  The company I was dealing with went out of business.  Therefore, I no longer had the resource for supplies and support necessary to maintain and operate my office.  Where had I gone wrong?  Had I misunderstood what I thought was God’s call on my life?  What was I to do now?  These questions pierced my soul as I lamented the closing of my home business.

Looking back, I had a confident assurance that I had acted according to God’s will.  I had seen God’s hand at work throughout the journey.  He had blessed and answered prayers in so many ways.  There was one area, however, God did not and would not bless – the sale of the books.  I struggled with this reality for a very long time.  I could not get a grip on why everything I attempted to do went so smoothly; yet, I had no liberty at all to sell anything.  There were times when God blessed me or answered the prayers of others on my behalf about the books.   In times of financial need, I would suddenly receive an order or request for books.  There were times when I became so discouraged I felt like giving up; but then, God would send me a request for books.  God blessed me – He just never blessed the “sale” of the books.  I continued to publish them on request or as gifts as long as my computer and software were functional.

A New Beginning

In 1998, the sun began to shine brighter as I saw the dawn of a new beginning.  A chapter of my life was ending; and a new chapter was beginning to unfold. God had been at work in the previous months; putting in place the support I would need to realize my dream and fulfill God’s plan for my life. In the weeks just before my mother passed away, Dr. Richard Hughes, and his wife Shirley, came to fill the pastorate at my home church. Shirley Huntley Hughes became my mentor and the dearest friend I have ever had. They are serving as full-time evangelists now and my husband and I are privileged and blessed to have a small part in their ministry. Through the years, Shirley and I have created and distributed countless Daily Bible Reading Schedules. And recently, a Daily Bible Writing Schedule has been made available.

Fiery Furnace

Although I stepped out in faith when purchasing the business, I did not really know how to walk in faith; nor did I know how to totally depend on God.  My plan was to use the business as a platform for serving God.  Sadly, I did not realize I was not ready for service. I did not know I would have to go through the fiery furnace so that God could burn off the dross on my life. For three years, from the launching of the business to its closing, God left me in the furnace.

In the latter part of 1997 and in the months that followed, I spent many hours reading and meditating in the Word; seeking wisdom and guidance from the Lord. The business was now gone; my plans were history. I depended on my mother most of my life.  In her last days, when we both needed support, I became dependent on my brother.  Now I was alone; grieving the death of them both.  I was financially drained with no job or source of income.  All I had left was a fully equipped office and a passionate desire to serve God.  On the brighter side, I was no longer under the law or accountable to anyone.  I was now in a position to use all the resources at my fingertips as a means to serve my Lord on a full-time basis.

Stripped of every source of moral support or physical means of survival, I learned to totally depend on God.  I learned to live my life from day to day, walking by faith; not by sight.  I learned that when everyone and everything I thought I needed to survive was gone, I still had God.  And, I soon realized God was all I really needed.

God’s Plan

I have come to realize that although my plans and desires may have good intentions, may bless others, and even please God; still, if my plans are not God’s plans, they may never come to fruition.  “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” Proverbs 16:9.  In His time, God spoke to my heart.  God revealed to me that He never intended me to operate  the  resources He had given me as a business for the purpose of profit; “selling” books.  God was  calling me into  ministry;  not a  business with  a ministry focus. I say this with all humility because my mind cannot grasp the reality that Almighty God would direct my path in such a way.  Purchasing the business was all just a means to an end.  If I had not stepped out on faith, I would not have a platform for serving my Lord.

God’s Provision

Learning to totally depend on God does not happen overnight.  It comes through developing a close, personal relationship with Christ.  Prayer and meditation in the Word are essential.   As I have said, I spent much time praying and seeking wisdom and answers from God.  The Holy Spirit opened my eyes, giving me spiritual insight and peace about a couple of things in particular.  It was impressed upon my heart that God did not want me trying to sell children’s books, or any other work that I did for His glory.  It was also clear that God did not want me working outside the home; I was simply to trust God.  I trusted and God proved to be all sufficient in every need.

I have learned from experience throughout these past 20 years that whenever God called me to do something, He gave me the ability and resources to do it as well as the desire. Likewise, when the season for a specific work ended and His blessing was removed, my desires changed as well.  My experience has taught me that God is not obligated to bless or provide financial or material resources for anything He has not called me to do.  I have learned to put God first in all things, praying not my will, Lord; but Thy will be done.  God has never failed to meet my needs through all these years.  He has also blessed me with a great many of my “wants” as well.  So, in a nutshell, my philosophy in life is to make serving my Lord my priority; and trust God to take care of me.

To Be Used of God

I have found it very gratifying to serve my Lord all these years.  I believe there is a distinct difference, however, in serving God and in being used of God to accomplish His will.  This concept may be hard for some to understand; but just as difficult, if not more so, to explain.  In my mind, serving God is perceived as a generalized term for working out the attributes expected of a Christian.  Loving and serving others, praying, witnessing, faithfully attending church, and participating in various ministries of the church; these are all areas of service that we can jump right into motivated by a servant’s heart.

In this most recent chapter of my life, I have come to know and understand more clearly that the Holy Spirit is more than a teacher and guide. The Holy Spirit is my mediator between the will of God the Father and my will.  Acknowledging the person of the Holy Spirit, His power and purpose, is essential if I am to be used of God to accomplish His will.  I see it like this:  I can serve God, motivated by my own will and personal desires, from the pilot or driver’s seat.  But, I can only be “used of God” when I set aside my will and active participation; letting the Holy Spirit take control as Pilot of my plans and my life.  There is something uniquely different and most fulfilling in my life now that I ride exclusively in the co-pilots seat.

I have come to know myself all too well over these past few years.  I know what I can and cannot do on my own.  I am fully persuaded that apart from God I can do nothing of any merit.  So, whenever the Spirit is moving within my heart, I am super conscious of His presence.  I am keenly aware that I am simply a willing vessel; totally surrendered and yielded to His will.  Serving God is indeed rewarding; but, as for me, there are no words to express the overwhelming feeling that grips my soul when I am used of God to accomplish a work that I know I could never do on my own.  It is my prayer and heart’s desire that if there be any good found in anything that springs forth from my life that God will receive all glory, honor and praise.

My Blog

I am so very thankful now for all those years I spent wandering in the wilderness. I am thankful that God drew me out of my comfort zone; a place of familiarity, spiritual ignorance and complacency.  I am thankful, too, for every trial I experienced in those dark, valley years.  The greatest lessons in my life were learned in those difficult years.  The darkest hour is truly just before dawn.  I could share numerous stories of God’s love, mercy and grace through all these years.  I have already shared a great many on my blog site:  https://isaiah4t31.wordpress.com/.  In the future, as God leads, I will share more stories to the blog.

Challenge

In closing, I want to encourage you not to give up on your dreams. Dreams can be a mental preview of what God’s plan holds in store for you.  Maybe God has already given you a vision; a dream of something far beyond what you believe is your natural ability to achieve.  Just remember, “If the mind can conceive it; if the heart can believe it; by faith in God you can receive it.”  If it is God’s will; if you put your faith in God alone, yielding your will to His, you will see that dream blossom into reality in God’s time.

 

 

 

AFRAID TO DIE

“It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and one of the happiest days of our lives; or so we thought,” sobbed Jason, as he relived the tragedy of that wonderful, yet horrifying afternoon. “Our family was having a picnic in the midst of Spring in the waking. We were celebrating Cindy’s birthday.  Our precious daughter was sixteen that very day.  We had gone to our favorite spot situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking our home. As we sat there eating, laughing and enjoying our special time together, it seemed that all of nature came out to join us in our celebration.  The birds nesting in the trees above us were singing as they had never sung before.  All about us the trees and flowers were putting forth their newness of life. The sweet smell of honeysuckle drifted softly through the warm air about us.

Cindy had a gentle and loving spirit that, like Snow White, seemed to mesmerize some of nature’s little creatures that day. Yes, Cindy was a good child; well-mannered, responsible and obedient.  That’s why it pleased me so much to give her the little red sports convertible that she had wanted so much for her sixteenth birthday.  Our family car and the little red convertible were parked across the highway that rounded a curve leading up the mountain.  My wife and I were about to leave our picnic site when we noticed Cindy had gone on ahead of us.

Cindy’s long blond hair bouncing in the wind as the sun’s rays shone upon it, and the beauty of her own budding young figure as she ran across the grass brought back fond memories of our lives together. She was our only child, you see.   Jenny and I had wanted a child desperately.  We had been married fifteen years when we found out about the baby on the way.  Selfishly, I wanted a daughter; so when Cindy was born, I was the happiest Father in the world.

Suddenly terror struck as I saw a tractor trailer rounding the curve at a high rate of speed. Cindy had seen it too; and she had seen the little raccoon with the wounded leg she had bandaged move into the highway.

My heart sank to my feet as I saw Cindy dart into the highway after the raccoon. I screamed but my cry was muffled by the roaring of the passing traffic.  I ran as quickly as I could and knelt down by her side as she lay there crushed on the pavement.  I held her in my arms as she whispered, “Daddy, Daddy, help me — Daddy, I’m afraid to die.”  My own body froze in shock and anguish as I felt the warmth leave her now lifeless body.  My life passed before my eyes as I recalled the fool I’d been.  I never wasted my time going to church and saw no need for my Cindy to be influenced by the hypocrites I knew to be on every church role.  I refused to talk to anyone about my religious state, assuring anyone interested that I was doing just fine.

It was just a couple of weeks earlier that the revival tent had come to town. Cindy went along with some friends to the meeting.  As I was passing that way on the way home one night, I decided to peek through the slit in the tent.  As the invitation was given, I saw my daughter crying and it looked as if she was going to go down to the altar.  I turned and left, seeing that she had not gone down.  At home later that evening, I told her what I had seen.  Because of my own pride and bitter contempt for religion, I lashed out at my beautiful daughter.  I told her if she ever went down the aisle of any church, she would not be welcome at home.

I returned the next night as it was the last night of the revival to see what would happen as the invitation was given. I saw my daughter shivering and crying uncontrollably as she ran out of the tent and to our home.  Later that evening, she met me at the door.  Still trembling, she said, “Daddy, I did like you wanted me to do. I wanted to go Daddy, but I didn’t go down the aisle — I didn’t ask Jesus to be my Saviour.” ”

It was all Jason could do to get through the funeral. Back at home, instead of comforting Jason; Jenny packed a suitcase and walked out on their marriage.  They had enjoyed a happy, blissful life together.  Regrettably, Jenny had never gone against Jason; not even when she knew in her heart he was wrong.  Now the guilt of her own weakness would haunt her all the days of her life.

Jason lived the next few weeks in his own self-made hell. Overshadowed by thoughts of suicide, Jason walked out of his house one night, wandering aimlessly through the streets.  Suddenly, hearing the comforting sounds of music, Jason followed the sound to a little church.  Taking no thought of himself, as he had been walking in a daze, Jason slipped into the little church and sat on the back row pew.  The Spirit of God spoke to Jason that night and as the invitation was given; he slipped out of his seat and went down to the altar.  There at the altar where he had forbidden his daughter to go, Jason found God’s love and forgiveness.  Through God’s amazing grace, Jason found the strength to go on with his life one day at a time.

Cindy died without Christ and will spend eternity in hell. Neither her innocence, nor her loving and obedient nature could change her destiny.  How did this happen?  Who’s to blame?  Was it Jason and his parental authority?  Was it Jenny and her weakness, or her lack of Godly example?  Or was it simply because of Cindy’s desire to please her Father? 

Whatever the influence upon her life, Cindy made the choice that sealed her destiny. She heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and was convicted of her need for the Saviour. She chose to reject the Holy Spirit’s call to salvation; thus rejecting Jesus Christ, the only way to eternal life in Heaven.      

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.   John 14:6

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.   Matthew 10:37

If Jesus came today
or if you were to meet with sudden tragedy
that swept your life away,
Do you know with 100% certainty that your soul would go to Heaven?

You can be certain — It’s as easy as A-B-C.

A.  Accept that you are a sinner; and God’s punishment for your sin is death and separation from God forever.                                                                                 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”   Romans 3:23

B.  Believe that Jesus paid God’s price for your sin when He died on the cross. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”   Romans 5:8                                                                                     “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”   John 3:16

C.  Confess and repent of your sin (call on Jesus in prayer and be sorry enough for your sins that you are willing to turn away from them); and come to Jesus by faith. The gift of eternal life is yours already — all you have to do is want it, then claim it.                                                                                                        “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;   and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”   Romans 10:9&10                                       “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.”   Romans 10:13                                                                                                                         “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”   Ephesians 2:8&9

Assurance of salvation:                                                                                                     “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”   Romans 8:16                                                                                                  “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ.”   Romans 5:1                                                                                  “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:7                                     “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our LORD.”   Romans 8:38&39

 

Hugs from Heaven

Have you ever experienced a hug from Heaven? Have you ever felt the brush of an angel wing that changed your outlook or course in life? Have you ever sensed a still, small voice that sent you on an unplanned errand or mission? Have you ever experienced a warm embrace of assurance from an unexpected source? If you have experienced any of these; you have most likely experienced a hug from Heaven. These hugs are subtle reminders that we are never alone; God is with us, providing for our every need.

When Jesus lived and walked among us, He took little children up in His arms and blessed them [Mark 10:16]. He embraced them tenderly with love and affection.  God still embraces His children today; from the youngest child to the oldest saint.  We can feel God’s embrace on a sunny day when the smell of honeysuckle flows through the air as it touches our cheek or ruffles our hair. When out of nowhere, a puppy comes to lick our hand, or a kitten rubs affectionately against our leg; we have been touched by God. Sometimes God embraces us through the ministry of angels. When there is a near-miss car accident or when there is a sense of protection from other harm or danger; we have been embraced by God. When God’s Word, whether spoken or written, grips our heart with joy, peace, or love; we have experienced a hug from our Heavenly Father.

There are times when we all need to hear audible words of encouragement. There are also times when words are just not enough; we need the physical touch and expression of love and concern through tangible actions. In times like these, God will use a friend, family member, or even a stranger to touch our hearts and satisfy a need. Each time our hearts are blessed, we have been hugged by God.

God wants us to nestle close to Him in childlike faith; to rest our souls in His embrace. Have you been hugged by God today?

Edited – (original source unknown)

Santa’s Prayer

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl. ‘Who is this?’ asked Santa, smiling.

‘Your friend? Your sister?’

‘Yes, Santa,’ he replied. ‘My sister, Sarah, who is very sick,’ he said sadly.

Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

‘She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!’ the child exclaimed. ‘She misses you,’ he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy’s face, asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas. When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted. ‘What is it?’ Santa asked warmly.

‘Well, I know it’s really too much to ask you, Santa, but …’ the old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa’s elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors. ‘The girl in the photograph … my granddaughter …. well, you see .. she has leukemia and isn’t expected to make it even through the holidays,’ she said through tear-filled eyes. ‘Is there any way, Santa …. any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That’s all she’s asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa.’

Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do. Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon. He knew what he had to do. ‘What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying,’ he thought with a sinking heart, ‘this is the least I can do.’

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children’s Hospital. ‘Why?’ Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face. Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah’s grandmother earlier that day. ‘C’mon …. I’ll take you there,’ Rick said softly.

Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa. They found out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall.

Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw little Sarah on the bed. The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the Grandmother and the girl’s brother he had met earlier that day.

A woman whom he guessed was Sarah’s mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah’s thin hair off her forehead. And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah’s aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with weary, sad look on her face. They were talking quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family, and their love and concern for Sarah. Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty, ‘Ho, ho, ho!’

‘Santa!’ shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run to him, IV tubes intact. Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender age of his own son — 9 years old — gazed up at him with wonder and excitement. Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he had to force himself to choke back tears. Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah’s face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the room. As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa’s shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering ‘thank you’ as they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes. Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she’d been a very good girl that year. As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl’s mother. She nodded in agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah’s bed, holding hands.

Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels. ‘Oh, yes, Santa … I do!’ she exclaimed.

‘Well, I’m going to ask that angels watch over you,’ he said. Laying one hand on the child’s head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed. He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease. He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly, ‘Silent Night, Holy Night – all is calm, all is bright.’ The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all. When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah’s frail, small hands in his own.

‘Now, Sarah,’ he said authoritatively, ‘you have a job to do, and that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at Mayfair Mall this time next year!’ He knew it was risky proclaiming that, to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he ‘had’ to. He had to give her the greatest gift he could — not dolls or games or toys — but the gift of HOPE.

‘Yes, Santa!’ Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright.

He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room. Out in the hall, the minute Santa’s eyes met Rick’s, a look passed between them and they wept unashamed. Sarah’s mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa’s side to thank him.

‘My only child is the same age as Sarah,’ he explained quietly. ‘This is the least I could do.’ They nodded with understanding and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was back on the set in Milwaukee for his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap. ‘Hi, Santa! Remember me?!’

‘Of course, I do,’ Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at her. After all, the secret to being a ‘good’ Santa is to always make each child feel as if they are the ‘only’ child in the world at that moment.

‘You came to see me in the hospital last year!’ Santa’s jaw dropped. Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little miracle and held her to his chest. ‘Sarah!’ he exclaimed. He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were rosy — much different from the little girl he had visited just a year before. He looked over and saw Sarah’s mother and grandmother in the sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus. He had witnessed — and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about — this miracle of hope. This precious little child was healed. Cancer-free. Alive and well. He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, ‘Thank you, Father. ‘Tis a very, Merry Christmas!’

— author unknown

Do you believe in miracles? Maybe you or someone close to you is in need of a miracle today. Miracles do happen every day, all around us, when we choose to believe. Miracles often take flight on the wings of prayer. As in this touching story, nothing is impossible with God when people come together in prayer, believing and trusting in the God of HOPE.

America’s Hope

In the world today, we have right and wrong; we have truth and fallacy; and, we have daylight and darkness. Just as there are two sides to every door, there are two sides to every story.  On one side truth and righteousness shine through as do the rays of sunlight.  On the other side, evil and corruption hide beneath the veil of darkness shedding forth fallacy and delusional ideas.

Spiritually speaking, there is one door and only one – Jesus Christ is the door. No one can serve two masters; but, you will serve one or the other – there is no middle ground.  Either you will stand with the Lord inside His will; or you will stand outside the door in the world’s arena.  Should you choose NOT to serve the Lord, then by that very choice you have chosen to serve the alternate master – the devil.

We find a similarity in the political realm. The presidential election provides every American a door of opportunity; a choice for our future – hope or despair.  Again, there is no middle ground.  We must each make a political choice that aligns with our spiritual conscience.  A choice NOT to vote for the voice of hope is by that very choice a vote for the voice of despair.

Choose Prayer

          Social media has become a marketplace for undesirable behavior. On one hand we have those promoting and sharing anger, cursing, backbiting, and other types of personal agendas for protest and retaliation. On the other hand we have those who are embracing dares, challenges and other suggested behavior; superstitiously believing that their actions will somehow manifest good or bad results based on their participation. Many identify with spiritual stimuli enticing them to action as if there were some magical power just waiting to bring them good health, financial increase, and other blessings.

            We all have needs in our personal life, in our families, and in our society. America has a great need; our nation is as a runaway train on a collision course with disaster and spiritual annihilation. As Christians, let us be reminded that we serve a mighty God. We have a hope in Him; for with God all things are possible.

            God knows our every need and heart’s desire; and He is just waiting to pour out an abundance of blessings on His people from His storehouse in Heaven. God is not moved nor impressed with personal crusades and superstitious behavior. There is only one channel through which God’s heart is moved to action on behalf of His people; that channel is PRAYER. Through prayer we have access to every good thing God holds in store for those who call upon Him. If we truly believe that we have salvation through our faith in Jesus Christ, can we not believe that the cares of this world are of little consequence to our mighty God. Why then do we choose to vent our opinions and frustrations in public forums rather than taking our cares and concerns to God in prayer.

            I believe with all my heart that there is absolutely nothing impossible with God. I believe Our Heavenly Father is just waiting for Christians to fall on their knees with humble, repentant and thankful hearts; praying in the name of Jesus; and believing with full confidence and assurance that God hears and will answer our prayers in His time and according to His will.

            It is quite natural to want an outlet for our thoughts and feelings. Venting, however, is usually an outlet for negativity. Dwelling on the negative aspects of life will only serve to stir up our emotions creating strife and contention in our own hearts, as well as in the hearts of others. This behavior is contrary to the Word of God in Philippians 4:6 [Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.] So then, rather than embracing our fears, we are to exercise our faith. We can do this, in part, by focusing on the good things in life [Philippians 4:8]. We should be praising God for His goodness and sharing our joys and blessings with others. Sharing an attitude of praise and thanksgiving will not only stir up faith in our own hearts, but it will encourage and uplift others in faith, as well.

            Heavenly Father, when my heart is overcome with care, help me always choose prayer.

 

A MOTHER’S SONG

may be sung to the tune of
“No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus”

God has given me a task so high and holy,
He has blessed me with these children for my own;
I must lead them daily on the path to heaven.
And I cannot -dare not- face the task alone.

If I’d teach them of the love of God the Father
I must daily let His love shine out through me;
If I’d teach them to believe that prayer is answered
I must show my faith and confidence in Thee.

If I’d teach them how to meet life’s sure temptations
To resist the devil and his cunning lies,
I must show the vict’ry that the Lord can give me.
I must keep my own life pure before their eyes.

If I’d teach them to obey, I must obey Him–
Be submissive to His every good command;
If, in His great wisdom, He should send me testings,
To accept them from a loving Father’s hand.

I’m aware that I have many faults and failings–
As the Lord, who knows my heart, can surely see;
But I also know the Father’s sweet forgiveness
When I plead the precious blood of Calvary.

CHORUS

Every day I must depend on Jesus;
Every day to seek His face in prayer;
In the secret place I find the grace He promised
To the ones who meet Him there.

–Joyce Hart–

 

 

Sacrificial Love

Mothers are a special breed, even in the animal world. I am reminded of an older, black and white cat I had as a young girl.  She was affectionately called “Mama Cat” because she had given birth to several litters of kittens. Among a number of other cats that took up residence in our yard was a yellow tabby cat.  She gave birth to a litter of kittens about the same time as “Mama Cat.”  A yard full of cats and I loved them all; some more than others, of course.

But one sad day, the yellow tabby lost her life to a hit and run vehicle. I was too young to know or understand how the other cats might respond to this tragedy; nor how they would react to her little ones left behind.  However, adopting these four little orphans seemed the natural thing to do for “Mama Cat.”  She was, after all, the sweetest, gentlest, most loving cat I had ever seen.  Even though she was nursing six kittens of her own, she took them to her breast; giving of herself over and over again to nourish these little orphans as if they were her own.

With so many little ones to feed, she rarely left her nesting place. She took less and less food for herself; meanwhile the kittens continued to grow.  She did not seem to mind though, that she had ten kittens running and romping all over her in response to her tender, loving care.  Lovingly, she licked them all one by one until they were clean to her satisfaction.  Then they would all settle down to nurse.

One day I heard the mournful cries of ten healthy, vibrant kittens. They were meowing at the top of their lungs.  I ran outside to see the reason for their outcry.  I found “Mama Cat” lying still and lifeless in the midst of her little ones as they nudged her and licked her between outcries.  Sadly, she was gone; she had sacrificed her life to save “all” of her little ones.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I am reminded of the sacrifices a godly mother often makes for her children. God has endowed her with unique qualities and abilities for nurturing. And, God has entrusted her with the responsibility to provide the nourishment needed not only for physical growth; but for spiritual growth, as well.  Food for the body is necessary to grow properly.  The Word of God is essential as well, for it is the sustenance that feeds our soul and helps us grow spiritually.  The nature of a mother’s love is sacrificial, always giving of herself to benefit her children.  Let us pray for our mothers that while they are nurturing their children, as God intended, they do not fail to nourish themselves, as well.

 

Daily Bible Writing Schedule

Reading the Bible and meditating on what we have read helps to store God’s Word down in the depths of our heart for safekeeping. If we are not careful, reading may become routine, even boring. Our minds may shift into autopilot while our thoughts begin to wander. When this happens, whatever Scripture we may have read will most likely be forgotten. When only the mind is involved in the process of feeding on God’s Word, the memory of what was actually read is likely to fade over a period of time.

The Word of God is sustenance to the soul; and, a powerful antidote against sin. We must be diligent in not only reading and hearing the Word on a mental level; but in hiding or absorbing it into our hearts so that it becomes a part of our nature.        

Shirley Huntley Hughes has been providing the Daily Bible Reading Schedule for several years now as a tool for reading the Bible. She is now promoting her latest challenge; the Daily Bible Writing Schedule – a method for writing out Scripture as you read it. This method of daily feeding on God’s Word is sure to hold the mind captive and allow us to focus on the precious Word of God as never before.

Read her personal testimony and allow yourself to be challenged:

A Personal Note from Shirley

“In the last weeks of 2013 I read and re-read Habakkuk. This is my favorite book of the Bible.  It was then that I thought I would like to write those three chapters which are dialogues between the prophet and God. I had been given a beautiful “Martha Stewart” journal so that was my beginning book.  I enjoyed writing Habakkuk so much that I bought regular composition books and began writing the New Testament on January 1, 2014. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts were written in individual compo books. For Romans to Revelation I used a large composition book. This only took half of the year so I then wrote Psalms and Proverbs. I enjoyed Proverbs so much that I wrote it three times!!!  Again at the end of the year I wrote Habakkuk three more times.

In the early days of 2014 my hand would cramp if the chapter was very long. After about three weeks that stopped and I could write long chapters with no pain. It was increasingly a delight to write the scriptures. I love to read and, of course, I continued to follow our DAILY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE of reading three chapters in the OT and one chapter in the NT. But, writing slowed me down and It was wonderful to read and write at the same time. Yes, extra time was needed for this writing but it was what God had burdened me to do and I found the time!!

Then January, 2015, came and I really felt I should re-write the New Testament. Again, this only took half the year. I then began the 12 minor prophets.   And finished the year with re-writing my favorite book, Habakkuk, three more times.

Thus, as I begin 2016, I have written the New Testament (27) books, Psalms, Proverbs, and the Minor Prophets (12) for a total of 41 of the 66 books of the Bible. With the “large” books of the OT still to be written it will take two more years to complete this great project.

In July, 2015, I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. The oncologist gave a life expectancy of 1 1/2 to 2 years. I have the wonderful peace that passes all understanding and know that God is in control. If I finish this great project or if not, it has been a blessing in my life.  

May I encourage you to consider writing a chapter a day from the precious Word of God. It will be a glorious blessing.”

                                                              Shirley Huntley Hughes                                                                                  January, 2016