Rev. 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
This verse really convicted me this morning. Not because I fear God's wrath. I am saved, therefore, I am not appointed to suffer God's righteous anger. When God looks at me, He sees His Son, Jesus, and He is pleased with His only Son. I was convicted because so many are lost, so many do not know that one day, God is going to judge them. Only the blood of Christ on their lives can protect them from God's wrath.
Tomorrow, our church has a visitation/flyer distribution day. I'll be honest, almost everyone you talk to here claims to be saved. Those who aren't saved, will let you share the Gospel, and they might even pray the sinner's prayer. But then, when the Mormons or Jehovah's Witness share their version of salvation (which are lies from the Devil!), they accept that, too! We've witnessed a lot in the 3 years of our ministry here, but very few have gotten saved.
I'm praying that the Holy Spirit is preparing someone right now to listen to the Gospel. I'm praying He will open their eyes, their ears and the hearts to listening to the truth. We can only tell them, we cannot convince folks that what we are telling them is the truth. The Holy Spirit does that part, and oh how we need Him to work!
I want everyone to be spared the wrath of God.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
This Is Not the End
Exodus 3:1b ..: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even Horeb.
John 18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
Have I told you lately how much I love God's Word? How much it changes my life? How real it is? I know some people who are ultra spiritual. They never struggle with sin. They never get discouraged and wallow in it (like I do). I'm so glad the Bible isn't ultra spiritual. Don't worry, I'm not being flippant, it's the truth. We see over and over in God's precious Word examples of people who fall, get up, fall again, get up...you get the idea. Most of the Bible characters are not walking around in glowing robes of light, singing every word, rather than just speaking. No. They are real.
Can I be honest with you? Oh. I'm too honest for you already? Sorry about that. Hold onto your hats cause I'm about to get even more honest with you! ;-) I've been discouraged lately. Very. It seems like everything is going downhill fast. A very special family in our church is having to move away due to a job relocation. Another family has left to go start a church in our town. Almost a year ago, we lost our second group of people...yes, second. The first left a year and a half ago. We didn't think it could get any worse after that, because that was so heartbreaking, but it did. And it seems to be getting even worse than worse. (Is that possible?) Our Master Club and children's church have been shut down. It seems we just can't do anything right. Waaaa!!! Oh, sorry. {composing myself} Enough whining? Okay, I'll stop. All of this does get better, please keep reading.
Each day, I read a little from the Old Testament and the New. I started today in Exodus. I just love starting a new book! I came to Ex. 3:1. Moses was in the "backside of the desert". That sounds pretty barren and isolated, doesn't it? Sounds like a place where you might think even God has forgotten that you exist. I thought, Hmmm. I'm in the backside of the desert, well, it feels that way. Lord, why is everything so bleak? When will it start getting better? then, I read on. Later, Moses turned to behold a bush that was on fire, but not being burned up. It was in this barren, lonely place that God called Moses to do great things for Him! It wasn't Moses' end, it was his beginning!
Then, you will never believe this! Okay, maybe you will. I headed over to John 18, my New Testament reading for today. I read about Jesus being taken to be "tried" and crucified! Another bleak situation. I read about Peter's denial of the Lord Jesus. What a horrible event! I'm sure Peter thought his ministry was over. But you and I know the rest of the story. We know that Jesus rose again! We know that through Christ's suffering and death, we have eternal life in Heaven! We know that the Lord seeks Peter out and to tell him that his failures don't signal the end, but in fact, a beginning! Peter had far greater things happen in his ministry after his denial of Christ, than before.
I was thinking that the Lord was through with me and my family. I was thinking that all of these bad times surely signal the end. But the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, came down to me today - small, insignificant me - and sat beside me. He gave me a very special message through His Word. He said, "This isn't the end,Valerie, it just appears that way. I know where you are, I know what you're doing. And it's not over. Not yet."
And I say to Him, with tear-filled eyes, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you so very much."
John 18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
Have I told you lately how much I love God's Word? How much it changes my life? How real it is? I know some people who are ultra spiritual. They never struggle with sin. They never get discouraged and wallow in it (like I do). I'm so glad the Bible isn't ultra spiritual. Don't worry, I'm not being flippant, it's the truth. We see over and over in God's precious Word examples of people who fall, get up, fall again, get up...you get the idea. Most of the Bible characters are not walking around in glowing robes of light, singing every word, rather than just speaking. No. They are real.
Can I be honest with you? Oh. I'm too honest for you already? Sorry about that. Hold onto your hats cause I'm about to get even more honest with you! ;-) I've been discouraged lately. Very. It seems like everything is going downhill fast. A very special family in our church is having to move away due to a job relocation. Another family has left to go start a church in our town. Almost a year ago, we lost our second group of people...yes, second. The first left a year and a half ago. We didn't think it could get any worse after that, because that was so heartbreaking, but it did. And it seems to be getting even worse than worse. (Is that possible?) Our Master Club and children's church have been shut down. It seems we just can't do anything right. Waaaa!!! Oh, sorry. {composing myself} Enough whining? Okay, I'll stop. All of this does get better, please keep reading.
Each day, I read a little from the Old Testament and the New. I started today in Exodus. I just love starting a new book! I came to Ex. 3:1. Moses was in the "backside of the desert". That sounds pretty barren and isolated, doesn't it? Sounds like a place where you might think even God has forgotten that you exist. I thought, Hmmm. I'm in the backside of the desert, well, it feels that way. Lord, why is everything so bleak? When will it start getting better? then, I read on. Later, Moses turned to behold a bush that was on fire, but not being burned up. It was in this barren, lonely place that God called Moses to do great things for Him! It wasn't Moses' end, it was his beginning!
Then, you will never believe this! Okay, maybe you will. I headed over to John 18, my New Testament reading for today. I read about Jesus being taken to be "tried" and crucified! Another bleak situation. I read about Peter's denial of the Lord Jesus. What a horrible event! I'm sure Peter thought his ministry was over. But you and I know the rest of the story. We know that Jesus rose again! We know that through Christ's suffering and death, we have eternal life in Heaven! We know that the Lord seeks Peter out and to tell him that his failures don't signal the end, but in fact, a beginning! Peter had far greater things happen in his ministry after his denial of Christ, than before.
I was thinking that the Lord was through with me and my family. I was thinking that all of these bad times surely signal the end. But the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, came down to me today - small, insignificant me - and sat beside me. He gave me a very special message through His Word. He said, "This isn't the end,Valerie, it just appears that way. I know where you are, I know what you're doing. And it's not over. Not yet."
And I say to Him, with tear-filled eyes, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you so very much."
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Daily Dose
Heb. 3:12-13 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
These verses explain exactly why each of us needs to be in God's Word daily, on our own. It doesn't matter if you read a whole book of the Bible each day or a whole chapter. It doesn't matter if it's one hour a day or 15 minutes a day. Being in God's Word, everyday, is like looking in the mirror - the spiritual mirror.(James 1:23-25) We need to see if we have "an evil heart of unbelief"; we need to be exhorted to do right, to keep going, to stay faithful.
Being in church is an excellent way to get fed from the Word of God. God has ordained regular men to proclaim His Word, so we should be in our places to hear "thus saith the Lord." But that shouldn't be the only time we study God's Word.
I can't tell you how many days I rise and try to shine, but the last thing I want to do is plant myself in front of God's Word. But I also can't begin to tell you how many times I walk away a different person. I'm humbled (or humiliated), I'm loved, I'm encouraged, I'm strengthened.
I have a great husband and a wonderful pastor. ;) I have a very loving family. I'm blessed with friends who care about me. But no one on Earth can do for me, what God can do through the pages of His holy word.
You could think of God's Word as your daily spiritual vitamin. Have you had your dose today?
These verses explain exactly why each of us needs to be in God's Word daily, on our own. It doesn't matter if you read a whole book of the Bible each day or a whole chapter. It doesn't matter if it's one hour a day or 15 minutes a day. Being in God's Word, everyday, is like looking in the mirror - the spiritual mirror.(James 1:23-25) We need to see if we have "an evil heart of unbelief"; we need to be exhorted to do right, to keep going, to stay faithful.
Being in church is an excellent way to get fed from the Word of God. God has ordained regular men to proclaim His Word, so we should be in our places to hear "thus saith the Lord." But that shouldn't be the only time we study God's Word.
I can't tell you how many days I rise and try to shine, but the last thing I want to do is plant myself in front of God's Word. But I also can't begin to tell you how many times I walk away a different person. I'm humbled (or humiliated), I'm loved, I'm encouraged, I'm strengthened.
I have a great husband and a wonderful pastor. ;) I have a very loving family. I'm blessed with friends who care about me. But no one on Earth can do for me, what God can do through the pages of His holy word.
You could think of God's Word as your daily spiritual vitamin. Have you had your dose today?
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Jesus Says Good-Bye
So, I'm a little strange, I guess. I get really attached to characters in books, especially Bible characters, because after all, they were real. I hate to come to the end of their lives.The end of Jesus' life is no exception. In John chapter 16, he tells the disciples about what to expect after He is gone. He says, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you... (John 16:7-8b) He goes on to tell about His death, resurrection and the second coming.
To end the chapter, Jesus says These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
What a great way to begin my day! To be reminded that even though Jesus is gone, and has been for centuries now, I have the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. And to have Jesus say to me, in these very troubled days, that I need to be of good cheer, for HE has overcome the world! My hope is in Jesus, not in myself. I can say with confidence that I can make it, because He already has.
Oh, and isn't it nice that when I come to the end of a Bible character's life, I can just flip back a few pages and re-live it all over again? :-)
Have a wonderful day today, friends! Our hope is in the Eternal One, so let's not worry about these temporary times.
To end the chapter, Jesus says These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
What a great way to begin my day! To be reminded that even though Jesus is gone, and has been for centuries now, I have the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. And to have Jesus say to me, in these very troubled days, that I need to be of good cheer, for HE has overcome the world! My hope is in Jesus, not in myself. I can say with confidence that I can make it, because He already has.
Oh, and isn't it nice that when I come to the end of a Bible character's life, I can just flip back a few pages and re-live it all over again? :-)
Have a wonderful day today, friends! Our hope is in the Eternal One, so let's not worry about these temporary times.
Monday, September 5, 2011
I Want to Abide in Christ
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John chapter 15 is an excellent chapter! It has so many great things in it! If you have time today, read it over. It's only 27 verses. A couple of things caught my attention this morning. First of all, Jesus says to abide in Him, because without Him we can do nothing. You know, I've felt very powerless lately. Not that I can lose my salvation, but that no matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to accomplish anything of true, or eternal, value. I got to thinking, maybe I'm not "abiding in Him"? I wondered how I could abide in Christ? Of course, I do abide with Him always as far as my salvation goes. I can't lose that. But Jesus seems to indicate it's something other than salvation. He says in John15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. So, it would appear that I can abide by obeying His commandments. By keeping His commandments, and abiding, I will also have full joy (John 15:11) The commandment that Jesus stresses that we keep is found in John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Love one another...that seems to be the thing I struggle with the most!
So, to "abide", I must keep His commandments, particularly loving others as Christ loved me. If I do these things, He will give me full joy. I will also bring forth fruit, and that fruit will remain. (John 15:16)
One more interesting thing about this chapter, is that Jesus explains why we are hated. Let me say, I hate being hated! I want everyone to love me, or at least like me. I try to be thoughtful and kind. I do my best to go to a person immediately if I think I've hurt them in some way, and apologize. I do all I can to keep and make friends. But, some folks just don't like me. Jesus says in John15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
John chapter 15 is an excellent chapter! It has so many great things in it! If you have time today, read it over. It's only 27 verses. A couple of things caught my attention this morning. First of all, Jesus says to abide in Him, because without Him we can do nothing. You know, I've felt very powerless lately. Not that I can lose my salvation, but that no matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to accomplish anything of true, or eternal, value. I got to thinking, maybe I'm not "abiding in Him"? I wondered how I could abide in Christ? Of course, I do abide with Him always as far as my salvation goes. I can't lose that. But Jesus seems to indicate it's something other than salvation. He says in John15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. So, it would appear that I can abide by obeying His commandments. By keeping His commandments, and abiding, I will also have full joy (John 15:11) The commandment that Jesus stresses that we keep is found in John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Love one another...that seems to be the thing I struggle with the most!
So, to "abide", I must keep His commandments, particularly loving others as Christ loved me. If I do these things, He will give me full joy. I will also bring forth fruit, and that fruit will remain. (John 15:16)
One more interesting thing about this chapter, is that Jesus explains why we are hated. Let me say, I hate being hated! I want everyone to love me, or at least like me. I try to be thoughtful and kind. I do my best to go to a person immediately if I think I've hurt them in some way, and apologize. I do all I can to keep and make friends. But, some folks just don't like me. Jesus says in John15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
I think that's pretty
clear. We, as believers, are in the world, but not of it. We march to the tune
of a different drummer, you might say. We are out of step with society at
large. Our lives revolve around God's Word, God's House, and our families. Not
climbing the ladder at work, not spending time on the lake, or buying the
latest fashions, or whatever. This seems strange to the world.
Not only are our
priorities different from the world's, but we believe there is a Heaven, and a
Hell. People don't like to think that there is a Hell, but God's Word says
there is. We had a lady leave our church because my husband said that a certain
denomination rejects the Gospel, therefore, those people are going to Hell.
This didn't sit right with her. She liked someone from that church, and didn't
want to think about their going to Hell. Instead of witnessing to them, she
left the church. I don't understand. It wasn't my husband's opinion, it was
God's, based on His own Word!
I want to abide in
Christ, not depend on my own strength to see things accomplished for him. Even
if it means I am hated.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
A New Page
Hello, friends! Just popping in to let you know that I've added a new page at the top. It's the one called "Helps for the Believer". It has several links to sites that have excellent resources that will help you in your Christian life. I will be adding to it as time goes by, so keep checking.
Included on this page are several printable Bible reading schedules to help keep us in God's Word. I love the Bible and I love variety! Reading God's Word in various order has been encouraging to me over the years.
I hope you'll pop in and have a look sometime, or suggest it to new Christians you know! :)
Thank you for reading!
Blessings to you,
Valerie
Included on this page are several printable Bible reading schedules to help keep us in God's Word. I love the Bible and I love variety! Reading God's Word in various order has been encouraging to me over the years.
I hope you'll pop in and have a look sometime, or suggest it to new Christians you know! :)
Thank you for reading!
Blessings to you,
Valerie
Friday, September 2, 2011
Why So Troubled?
John 14:1-2 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
These seemed like fitting words with which to end my week. I have been so troubled about many things this week. I didn't think I'd get much out of my regular Bible reading today, and guess what?! I was right! I put my Bible away, sighed, wanted to cry, got up and took care of my precious little ones, and went on with the day. I thought for a moment that I should just sit down somewhere and wait for nightfall - surely nothing would happen if I just sat and held my breath? Of course not, that doesn't work! (Does it?)
I just now picked up my Bible again, trying again to hear from Heaven. I opened up to my reading from today, part of which was from John 12. My eyes rested upon an underlined verse, the one above. I wanted to weep! I could practically hear the Jesus saying these words, in a compassionate voice - "Let not your heart be troubled, Valerie." He says to me tenderly. "You believe in God, believe in me. Remember, I've not forsaken you! I'm preparing a place for you, and you for that place. Keep going." Okay, none of that is in the Greek, and perhaps some would be right to accuse me of heresy, but I'm hoping you understand my meaning. It seemed so personal, so special. Just how I love my devotional time to be!
I know problems will come and problems will go in this life, some of which can be debilitating. This verse reminds me that I am just a pilgrim, my home is not here, well, not for long, anyway! Jesus is preparing a place in a land with a very stable economy! :) And as I walk this road of life, I have a friend beside me, reminding me that there is an unseen purpose to my life. May I give Him my all.
These seemed like fitting words with which to end my week. I have been so troubled about many things this week. I didn't think I'd get much out of my regular Bible reading today, and guess what?! I was right! I put my Bible away, sighed, wanted to cry, got up and took care of my precious little ones, and went on with the day. I thought for a moment that I should just sit down somewhere and wait for nightfall - surely nothing would happen if I just sat and held my breath? Of course not, that doesn't work! (Does it?)
I just now picked up my Bible again, trying again to hear from Heaven. I opened up to my reading from today, part of which was from John 12. My eyes rested upon an underlined verse, the one above. I wanted to weep! I could practically hear the Jesus saying these words, in a compassionate voice - "Let not your heart be troubled, Valerie." He says to me tenderly. "You believe in God, believe in me. Remember, I've not forsaken you! I'm preparing a place for you, and you for that place. Keep going." Okay, none of that is in the Greek, and perhaps some would be right to accuse me of heresy, but I'm hoping you understand my meaning. It seemed so personal, so special. Just how I love my devotional time to be!
I know problems will come and problems will go in this life, some of which can be debilitating. This verse reminds me that I am just a pilgrim, my home is not here, well, not for long, anyway! Jesus is preparing a place in a land with a very stable economy! :) And as I walk this road of life, I have a friend beside me, reminding me that there is an unseen purpose to my life. May I give Him my all.
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