April 18, 1999 - A Defining Moment

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. ...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit... (John 1:12-13, Titus 3:5)

April 18, 1999 - This is when it all began. This is when my life changed. It was my defining moment. Only someone who has truly experienced the hand of God on their life will understand what I have to write. Some will not finish reading, some will be skeptical and some will, hopefully, wonder and and think on it.

It's my testimony. It's a little difficult to write. It's not like someone else's and it may not be as grandiose as others, but it's mine. And thankfully God does not look at one testimony as bigger and better than any other. In His eyes, we are all sinners saved by grace. Our acceptance of the Lord is a defining moment in our lives. Until one experiences the exact moment when the God calls, one will not understand.

Of course I have to reveal some things about myself I'm not comfortable about. Sometimes God heals when we reveal, when we become transparent. I mentioned yesterday that is the power of the Holy Spirit of God that does the calling and transforming. It is then that God's goodness is imparted to us. There is nothing good we can do on our own. "God's goodness comes not through our own resources," Pastor Bob Ona told us on April 18, 1999.

So here's what happened. I was at a very unhappy time in my life. Things were not falling into place as I had imagined they would. I became very angry and bitter with an intense rage welling up within me. (I don't believe this comes on suddenly, but builds over the years.) There are people who today find it hard to believe I could have been so angry. All I know is my poor husband got the brunt of my anger and rage, which included horrible words. He even became my punching bag, which is sickens my stomach even today. As I write this, however, I am reminded at how angry I was even as a child. Where did all that come from? Was it because as an only child in a dysfunctional home I never had a chance to outwardly release my anger or share it with anyone? Was it my first failed marriage? I just kept stuffing and stuffing...

I know now that the anger at that time was not hidden from family and friends. I don't even want to know what people thought of me then. I just know that my sister-in-law repeatedly asked us to join her and my husband's brother at church. We kept rejecting the invitation. I was happy to have my coffee and watch an old movie on Sunday mornings by myself or go shopping while my husband was doing his own thing.

One day at a family function and I asked my sister-in-law a question which opened the door for her to invite me yet again to church. I again refused. She shared a bit of personal information with me and it caused me to begin to weep and say, "I want that." (Only God could have planted that desire within me. He had been at work in me without my even knowing it.) She sweetly implored, "Come to church tomorrow. Meet us there." I accepted.

Being raised Lutheran, the service was quite different from what I had known. It was all so new and yet all so refreshing, alive. I listened to the sermon. The pastor was nice and his sermon powerful. This is where I needed to listen again to that sermon of ten years ago to make sure I had all the words that he spoke that changed my life accurate.

He told us we strive to do things in our own strength and get nowhere. It's when we get to the end of our own strength and realize there is nothing we can do that we need to seek help. When we realize this, it is God we need to run to. Pastor Ona also told us "God says we're not weak, we're powerless. We can't do [anything] alone, ever." And it's in coming humbly to the Lord and asking for forgiveness and help that He gives us strength. Romans 7:24 states: O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? The "who" in this statement is Jesus Christ. Pastor said "it's not about a program, a technique, but a person. It's walking humbly with our God, a relationship with Jesus Christ, not a religion or philosophy." He added that we need to come to the knowledge that we need Jesus to help us.

Afterward the sermon he invited us to all bow our heads. He spoke to men about being good husbands and fathers. And he said, "Ma'am, [not necessarily to me, but it seemed like it!] there's only one way to be a good wife. It's not in first and foremost trying to please him, it is fearing God and walking humbly with Him. When you do, good will come to your husband." He kept reiterating that we need to come to Jesus Christ to get rid of the sin that consumes us and he urged us to call on Jesus. These were not the words I heard! All I remember hearing was "there is nothing you can do to change your situation, but I know Someone who can and that is the Lord Jesus Christ." Funny how we can condense a sermon into that one short sentence. But it is the truth.

Let me tell you, when we were asked to raise our hands if we needed Jesus to help us, my hand shot up so fast I'd swear someone had yanked it up. I knew I needed help. And here's where the "knowing what I experienced" comes in. When I raised my hand, I felt a power surge from the top of the fingers in my upraised hand to the center of my soul and into all my limbs. It took weeks before I found out that was the the Holy Spirit at work. Upon my desperate desire for help, the Lord was not going to just let me be. He entered in.

I knew nothing about the Holy Spirit. I had never experienced anything like this so for me to just make this up was totally doubtful. I know we are not always supposed to rely on feelings or experiences, but I believe when God wants you to know something, He can reveal it. I only knew what I felt at the moment I had made up my mind I needed Jesus! It was to be a defining moment, a change that took place in my heart.

A couple changes occurred immediately but I will be the first to admit I'm still not perfect, no one ever will be. My prayer is that these blogs will help me to sort through other issues and work in my spirit what God so wants for me to know, to do and to be. Despite issues in everyday life, I know there's a peace deep within that continues to hold me together. God knows what work still needs to be done and in His perfect timing and His perfect way it will happen. What I know is that His hand is upon me and it is He only who has the power to change people's lives. And He will.

Acts 16:30-31 - …and after he [keeper of the prison] brought them [Apostle Paul and Silas] out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Amazed Again!

Philippians 2:13 - for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

I will never cease to be amazed at God's perfect timing. I mean, I can understand in the big things, like receiving money just at the time you need it most, or getting a job just when it seemed all hope was lost. But in the little things, too? YES!

I have a blog ready for "someday." Maybe tomorrow, maybe later this week. I don't know. I was considering it for today, but I have to share this first...and the beauty of it is that this is a perfect lead in for the "someday" blog. (So I'll probably have to make it tomorrow...)

I pulled out an old cassette from April 18, 1999 to listen once again to the sermon Pastor Bob Ona, at the then Brookfield Assembly of God, preached that very first morning I started going back to church. I had been planning to listen to it for a couple of days, but yesterday was THE day! I needed to hear the sermon again to get just the right words he spoke. I listened on my way to church. The sermon was titled The Goodness of God. He basically was saying that a lot of times we try to do things in our own strength and don't understand why we fail. He was telling us that as believers we needed to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and when we do God's goodness will be evident. Of course, at the time he was preaching I was not a believer! But more about that later.....

What blew me away was the sermon at church yesterday morning was pretty much the same thing. We strive to do things in our own strength and we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit that's within all believers to be all that God wants us to be. A timeless and timely message for me.

As Pastor Bruce Headley told us yesterday morning, it's through letting the Holy Spirit lead that we become disciples. The first step is in letting go of who we think we are and just doing as the Lord did when He came to earth. Pastor talked about the submission Jesus showed to his disciples when He Himself washed their feet. For some reason none of the disciples took it upon themselves to do it! Jesus did this because He was secure in who He was. He didn't have to make Himself look like He was bigger or better. He humbled Himself. No task was too menial for Him and it shouldn't be for us either. How many times have we heard people say, "That's not my job..." That's the pride we carry as sinful man.

Anything we do should be out of a pure heart. Pastor Ona mentioned in his sermon ten years ago that there are people who do good things but not always with a pure heart and that he also knows people whose heart is so pure you'd think they never did anything wrong. I think of unbelievers who graciously give of their time and money for a worthy cause. Sometimes, but not all times, there are those who do it for the gratification and pat on the back or for the tax break they will receive. We are asked to do all things as unto the Lord. Our words, our actions, our deeds, should all be done as though we are doing them for God. How many of us really do this on a regular basis?

Any striving we do in life should be toward God. Fighting against God's plans and will in our lives leads to dissatisfaction and possible failure. This brings up another point, for a possible other blog...waiting on God. Sometimes we want to move something along because it's not happening soon enough. If we don't wait for His timing, even when it seems like "forever," we will frustrate our own plans. Like I said as I started this blog, it's all about God's timing. He has always known the beginning from the end.

I loved the symbolism Pastor mentioned yesterday about washing the disciples' feet. It was symbolic of the washing away of our sins when Jesus died on the cross. Jesus did it because He's the one who has removed our sins through His death. Jesus set an example and we are to take note of that. The first step we must take, however, is to humble ourselves, admit we are sinners and allow the cleansing power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit enter in when we receive Jesus as our Redeemer and Savior. Open your heart to receive Him. He will not turn down the invitation to become your Savior.

So to tie together these two days ten years apart: the lesson is the same today as it was April 18, 1999. When we finally come to the realization that we cannot do anything apart from the strength of God, we will be successful. Not only will we be successful (in life, in work, in marriage, in our walk with the Lord) but we will have that peace that passes all understanding because only God can provide to us what we truly need. We need His strength, His wisdom, His power to get us where we need to be. Becoming aware of the power of the Holy Spirit within us (as believers) is the key.

It is my prayer that I walk in humility and allow myself to be led by the Holy Spirit each day. Let the power of God manifest itself within me that I will have the right words at the right time for each circumstance I'm faced with. Let me fully understand just how much power I truly have within me. I keep hearing we just don't realize what power that is. Jesus told us when He left He would leave the Comforter. That Comforter is the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 46:10 - Be still [cease striving], and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Followers Will Suffer

1Peter 1:18-19 - ... knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Wow, it's been awhile since I've had time to post. Still in the midst of my study in Revelation, having learned about suffering and what it means and how to get through it, how it should draw us closer to God and rely on His strength to endure knowing that in the end we will be victorious.

Suffering will always be a part of this world. It comes from sin, plain and simple. No one is immune. Good and not-so-good people will suffer, believers and non-believers. But those who know the Lord, believers, need not ask, Why, Lord, do You allow all the suffering and evil? 

Awhile back I mentioned an email I received from a friend who asked that question. After giving him a somewhat detailed answer, I realize he still does not understand and also I cannot force the issue. But, oh, the answers I am getting to those questions through our Revelation study. It's amazing confirmation of what I have heard, the questions I am being asked (by others, too...same questions). 

The answers to all the questions a person might have all starts with knowing Christ, receiving Him, following Him and learning through study of His Word, the one thing this friend commended me on. But you could see it was not for him. It could be for him or anyone if that relationship is developed first. It can only happen that way. We must have His desire to know His truth.

So, in the lesson I am working on the above scripture was brought up to help answer the question: What does it mean the followers of the Lamb "were purchased from among mankind?"  Anyone who receives Christ becomes part of those called followers. We have received Christ, been redeemed (purchased) by His blood and made His children. Only through the blood of Christ can this happen. Only through His blood. His blood covers our sins, makes us whole, redeems us.

How this happens is our acceptance of Christ, our admission that we are as guilty of sin as the next, believing that we are born into sin. We realize a need for His forgiveness of that sin and then submit knowing only He can save us. We cannot work harder or be better givers, or better people. Only He can change us and create in us new hearts, new minds, new spirits. We realize only He can get us through our suffering, too.

I can't imagine someone having to go through some horrendous trial without God by their side. He's the only hope in any situation. No matter what the outcome we can know He has us in His hands...if we have received Christ. I'm glad I became a follower. I'm glad I received Christ on April 18, 1999. I'm thankful more for my spiritual birthday than my physical. The spiritual is eternal, the physical is not. 

Through the blood of the Lamb. It is the only way. As Jesus Himself says: ...I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6) The Lamb that was slain for the sin of the world. The blood that is applied upon our conversion to our heart to show we belong to Him.  

Like sheep follow their shepherd, I will follow the Good Shepherd, the way to life. Search for His truth. The truth about sin, evil, goodness, righteousness, life...and death. Not everyone will go to heaven just because they were basically good people. They must receive Christ and be redeemed by His blood and become His follower.

Becoming His follower, again, does not take away suffering for if we follow Christ, know Christ, we also share in His sufferings. He is familiar with any and all suffering. He carried His own cross to His death. He was willing to die. He died partly because of the rejection of the truth He spoke. He couldn't convince everyone, not with His words or His miracles of healing, that He was the Son of God who came to take away the sins of the world. He lost His life...but He regained it. The same with those who follow Him. So part of my suffering stems from my adherence to His truth, His Gospel message that needs to be spread since it is a command for every follower! So suffer I will if I have to. 

Matthew‬ ‭10:38-39‬ ‭- And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

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Walking Humbly

Micah 6:8 - He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. 

When these words came in my mailbox yesterday I could just hear the voice of Pastor Bob Ona as he spoke them the very day (April 18, 1999) I came to Christ! Nothing magical about those words, but powerful...especially to walk humbly with our God.

Our Pastor, Rory Grooters, spoke last Sunday on success coming from seeking God. He spoke about King Uzziah who walked closely with the LORD during his 52 years as being king of Jerusalem. His seeking God was an act of humility. He had been raised with the reverent understanding of who God was and what He would do for those who respected Him. He became king at 16. Times have changed a bit. Imagine today's 16 year old, on average, given that type of responsibility. Imagine 16 year olds walking humbly with God....not that it isn't happening.

Sometimes we don't think of success coming from humility but rather boldness and an "it's my way or the highway" position. It seems humility can be viewed as weakness. In God's eyes humility is just the opposite. Proverbs 22:4 is a good word from God: By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life. Sounds like walking humbly with our God.

Uzziah was successful throughout his 52 year reign because he sought God. But let's take a look a what happens when there is a change. How it didn't happen before 52 years we'll never know but somewhere along the way Uzziah stopped walking humbly with God. His pride got the better of him and this displeased the LORD...to the point of placing leprosy upon this king, removing him from his duties and living the rest of his life in shame. This well known proverb is another example: When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). And of course there is the often quoted Pride comes before the fall (Proverbs 16:18).

An aside: I was listening to news one morning and Senator Rick Perry was being discussed as a possible presidential candidate. He's a staunch Christian. I know in today's world we want answers NOW, so one of the panel members made the remark that when Perry was asked a question about an issue he said, "Let's pray about it." This just does not fly in today's world. However, this may be what Uzziah did during his successful years. This is really what we should be doing, but I know it just ain't gonna happen! Success through humility and seeking God? Unheard of!?

We are a people so desirous of doing things our way. Sometimes when all is said and done people wonder what they could have done different to have been more successful. Walking humbly with our God, which doesn't always come to mind, might have been the answer. Some might say they are successful without seeking God. One will never know the plans God had if they sought Him first. 

Walking humbly with Him. Did you notice that...with Him. (Not apart from Him.) We can do this if we have a mind to receive Him and allow Him to transform our lives...not that we are puppets only being manipulated by God, but first knowing Him intimately, then knowing what His promises are for those who choose to follow Him and be obedient to what He knows is best for each of us. We are to fear God. We are to reverence Him and honor Him. We are to praise Him. 

He has shown us...by example. Jesus has shown us. What awful things can you think of that Jesus ever did? He spoke softly in love and firmly with words that were (and still are) hard. It was how others chose to receive that made those words appear harsh. He only spoke the truth because that's what He is. He had great mercy. He taught and healed. He remained silent as people chastised Him. He bore our burdens. He also gathered people as a Good Shepherd would and protected them. He walked the long road to Golgotha for each of us. He did not complain, but rather did it out of love for us. And at the end He asked God to forgive us.

Truly an amazing example. Who wouldn't want to walk humbly with this Man? It is what He requires of us who have chosen the path of righteousness with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Imagine the successfulness of our lives if we adhered to a humble path of mercy and justice toward others. Success comes if we set our minds to doing as Micah suggested. Ah, we have a long way to go before perfection...

1Peter 5:6 - Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

Restorer of the Breach

Psalm 71:20-21 - Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.

Well, here it is, another year later. Another spiritual birthday under my belt. April 18, 1999...12 years. This is a cause for true celebration. Real life birthdays come and go and one day will end on this earth, but a spiritual birthday, one where you are born again of the Spirit, will live on for eternity. Jesus has given me new life and continually restores it as the years go on.

Just when you you think you've gained a foothold in a life in Christ, which I know I have, a circumstance pokes it's ugly head, as I mentioned yesterday. Ach, the things we forget! The things of which I need to be constantly reminded...by Him. How He restores.

Coming through another troubling time, as if the words "time heals all wounds" is true, for me it's not just the time...it's the words of the Lord that are the healing balm of Gilead. The truth is, when we do seek the Lord and listen for His voice, He steps in to be that ever near and promised Comforter.

Jesus Christ, Lord of all, Savior, Comforter, Friend...One who sticks closer than a brother (or friend, or family, or anyone). One who will never leave us nor forsake us. The perfect Lamb of God, the darling of Heaven who was crucified for the sins of the world (most precious being the definition of darling as was pointed out during worship Sunday). Only He is worthy of all our glory, honor and praise.

How thankful I am for His love for me, His joy over me, His peace that He has given me, His patience with me, His kindness toward me, His goodness and gentleness for me. Now allow me the self-control which escapes every so often! He crucified His flesh for all, and for me. It is our turn to crucify ourselves in a similar manner, to give ourselves and all we are over to Him. 

Jesus, the lover of my soul; I am my Beloved's and He is mine. He is the sweet rose of Sharon. I am His bride and He is my Groom. He is the soon coming King, everlasting Father, Prince of peace, mighty God. And He is a God of restoration. Despite any time we might lose in the midst of our trials, He has said He will restore the time the locust has stolen.

As we have lived, or are living, without Christ, when we give ourselves to Him He restores those lost and dreadful days. All the years spent without Him are as far past as our sins. They are only memories. He closes that door and has opened a new one for us. A new life, yet not completely free from pain. But pain which is now minor compared to what we lived before. Pain dies more quickly now. He is our Healer, the Restorer of the breach. He is in the job of mending.

In our times of need, if we rejoice in who He is, He brings peace, understanding, wisdom and healing. He cannot fail us, but we can certainly fail Him if we do not acknowledge and turn to Him.

Psalm 37:4-6 - Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.

It Pleases God

Galatians 1:15-16 - But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood...

Someone posted the underlined parts on Facebook. The revelation of who Jesus is in our lives is truly amazing...and a miracle. Everyone born of the Spirit is a miracle. This happened for me April 18, 1999. I've gone into detail previously. 

Just imagine, God being pleased to reveal Jesus to us. He knew us before we were ever born. He has known us since the beginning of time. These are difficult concepts for finite-minded people to understand. But God....

His love for us is never-ending. He is eternal and His love is eternal. He's the same today as He was yesterday and He will be the same tomorrow. What's also difficult is this: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)  When someone rejects or betrays us how do we react? You have to be honest and say it bothers you to some degree, at least for a time. Imagine the vast number of people who have rejected God. Yet this verse still stands true. An all-loving, yet judgmental, God ...so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) 

It pleased God to reveal Himself to me. I am grateful for this. His revealing is amazing. It's exciting and encouraging. It's hopeful, peace-giving. Nothing else can be quite like it. And it's available to everyone. No matter who one is, what someone has done, how long they've fought against God. His love never fails and He is patient. He will take those people in, no matter what. 

Proverbs 8:17 - I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.

Oh, That Power

Acts 1:8 - But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

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I'm going to share briefly what occurred when I received Christ. 

Having been raised in the Lutheran church I'd always heard about the Holy Ghost, as it was called then, and still today by some. I had no clue about the responsibility of this Holy Ghost. I remember it was part of the Trinity, whatever that was...as I thought then...and I remember seeing pictures and hearing how the disciples and others were filled with this Spirit and tongues like flames of fire came upon them. Pictures depicted the little cloven flames above their heads. 

So one day, April 18, 1999 I was in a church. The pastor spoke some words that felt as though they were meant only for me. I know now they probably were not but they so touched deep within me I couldn't ignore them. 

The pastor asked if we wanted what this Man, Jesus, had to offer. And without a moment of hesitation I wanted it! What seemed like several minutes was probably only seconds. Like slow motion in my mind even today I see it all.

As I was determined to receive what the pastor said Jesus was offering, and he asked those who wanted to receive to raise their hands, mine went up very fast. It actually felt like someone had grabbed it and yanked it up. I couldn't make this up if I tried. Remember, I had no clue about anything that was happening.

When my hand was raised, when it was as high as it would go, I literally felt something I could only then call a force, entered through my fingertips, run down my arm and fill my body. How could I make something like this up when I had no clue? About two weeks later in a Bible study I was beginning I had a chance to explain that Sunday morning's occurrences. When I explained about "the force," it was explained to me it was the Holy Spirit!

Okayyyy, I still didn't really understand. I didn't know that the Holy Spirit is God's power that He gives to new believers, like He did in the upper room on the day of Pentecost when a small group of disciples and followers were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit...and Paul preached the Gospel and three thousand more people were converted.

That's what the Holy Spirit does. His job is to empower believers. Simply put, He makes understanding the Bible easier. He opens hearts and minds to receive the things of God. He gives a desire to know more about God. When we learn who Jesus is, what He commands us to do, what He loves and abhors, He will give us the power to share.  

Let me just add, because this came up in a discussion one morning...just because I felt that at that moment doesn't mean it is always an experiential thing. It can be a thought that comes to mind or discernment about something, or even a word you feel led to speak to someone; it's not always a "force," but might be a gentle prompting. I believe this initial sensation was God's way of letting me know He had me! I was now His. It was for that moment. 

He gives the power, however, when we ask to receive, strength for the day, in the time of trouble, even greater understanding. It is the power of God. But it's just what one needs, the strength, the understanding, the discernment. While it's not always felt in what we would call powerful ways, it is there. In the New Testament the word power in Greek is translated dunamis. One meaning is: inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth. An inherent power given by God, by virtue of His nature, something He puts forth. Dunamis is where the word dynamite comes from. 

Imagine...His power can reside in us. It happens when we choose to receive Him, follow Him, trust Him, obey Him. His power...in us. Receive Christ, receive His power. 

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

‭‭‬‭(Ezekiel‬ ‭36:26-27, Romans‬ ‭8:9, Acts‬ ‭2:38‬)

His Grace Alone

John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

(I may get back to the Psalms one day!) But for now it's whatever comes my way...

I pray scales would fall off eyes and that tunnel vision would become more peripherally possible, deaf ears would be open to hear, hearts would be softened to receive and selves would be humbled, in Jesus' name.

I was delving into Ephesians. Sometimes you want to just read the whole book but the Lord has other plans and keeps you focused on smaller parts. Ahhhh. I was in chapter 1; couldn't get past it.

I've written about this before but it's worth writing again. Long before the beginning of time God had us on His mind. He knew and knows just who will hear His truth and allow themselves to respond and be set free from the hands of the enemy. Someone needs to know/hear this. It's a message from old and one for today...and tomorrow...but best for now! Oh, the promises, if....

He chose us...before the foundation of the world...predestined us...to become holy...according to the good pleasure of His will...by His grace...His acceptance...enabling our redemption...forgiving of sins...obtaining an inheritance...sealed of Him because of our belief...giving us wisdom and prudence...allowing us to know the mystery of His will...according to His good will...to become in Him.

This is for those who are called saints, those who believe Jesus Christ is Lord over all. This will not be for all people. It's offered to all, but not all will receive. These are not some arrogant words. They are part of the narrow truth that Jesus preaches. Hard words? Yes. Jesus, as I've said over and over, did not always preach easy words. That's why He was so despised...and it continues today.

These words are for those who have truly received Christ, whose lives are filled with His Word and meditated on daily and whose thoughts are on Him frequently...or more! Not all people believe this. Not all people will consider this. Some will think it's taking it a bit too far. But it's what's required...

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) was the scripture that stood out on April 18, 1999, when by God's grace alone, by His will, I became one of the saints mentioned in Ephesians, verse 1.

Micah earlier states that it is not our offerings that will please the Lord. No works, just His grace. The definition of grace according to Webster is unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification. Unmerited, yet making us righteous saints. We don't deserve it for the sinful people we are. However, when we come to the end of ourselves, acknowledge there is One greater than man and self and admit we need a Savior, then we are so welcomed into the Kingdom of God. We are, getting back to Ephesians, blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places...in Christ.

To only know who Jesus is just doesn't cut it. It's all about knowing in our spirits...having true faith in God...attaining the spirit of wisdom and revelation...having the eyes of our understanding enlightened...that we might know the real hope of His calling...knowing what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance and exceeding greatness of His power (the anointing I wrote about yesterday!)

All this comes through Jesus Christ. It does not come until we allow ourselves the full knowledge of Him. Don't turn away from these words. If they can be imparted to me, they can be yours also. You only need to believe on the One whose words these are, who has spoken them, who wants to share them with all people. Let the eyes of your understanding be open to receive and not be turned away by what could be considered arrogance.

Jesus was not arrogant. He was humble. He was a servant to all, fully man yet fully God. He lowered Himself...took Himself off the throne in Heaven to live among us that we might see Him and get to know Him. How can we look arrogantly or pridefully into His face and say we don't need Him? 

This earthly life has nothing lasting to give us. It has treasures and riches that can be lost in an instant. Look around today. Is there absolute confidence or protection? Absolute peace? Good is being replaced in greater amounts by evil. It is believed we might be seeing the last days, that we are living in the last days. We need to know we are safe from all the hatred and evil in this world. We need to know that we know that Jesus has given us every opportunity to be counted among the saints in heaven and blessed with every spiritual blessing...not earthly but spiritual. And the hope only He brings.

A friend of mine and I comment regularly about what we see happening in the world, how it sure looks like what the Bible tells us the last days will be like. And yet we still go through our days enjoying what we have, not fretting about what we see. We can have moments of anxiety about what we will be faced with, what we might have to go through...in addition to the daily things that bring impatience, frustration, sadness, anger...but there is always a deep-seated sense of peace because we know Jesus has us covered! All things are under His feet, which puts us right up there with Him, protected under His wings, if we choose to do receive Him.

Matthew 16:26 tells it like it is: For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world (money, prestige, fancy home, best clothes, expensive car...all that money can buy), and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Remember, we cannot bring anything but our own selves to Him so His grace alone can save us. It is shaking off our pride and self-determination or self anything that gets us where He wants us. He humbled Himself and died for our sakes; let us humble our selves and in the process die to our own selves for His sake.

At the end of the first chapter of Ephesians we are encouraged in our true knowledge of who Jesus is for those who are called by His name: all things are under His feet (He is utterly and thankfully in complete control)...He is the head of all things...He fills all in all. He is all we need. Our provision. When we have Him, the most important need is met...eternal life.

Matthew 16:25 - For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

I Have Given You This Land

Joshua 24:13 - I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.

A reminder...Only God gives us life, both physically and spiritually.

We live part, sometimes all, of this life not knowing God. In fact, we can even go to church and claim to be Christians but still not know Him. He woos us throughout our lives. He brings others into our lives who might open our eyes, even if we are truly reluctant, as I was for many years, to the real Jesus and the most powerful God the Father.

Like when God allowed Israel to be in captivity for a time in the world, He also chose to lead them out, by His strength, power and miraculous signs (see Exodus!), He does the same with each person who is somehow touched by His truth, His words, His love and forgiveness.

Did I believe I was a sinner? Of course not. I was a good person in my own mind. I was fair, pretty honest, only told little white lies, kinda knew right from wrong...I wasn't any worse than the majority of people, and definitely better than others. Um...that's not good enough. None of us ever can be good enough without Jesus. That's why He came. To die that we might have life. But He didn't just do it so everyone could have this life. Only those willing to give their lives to Him that He might "clean us up."

I knew who Jesus was but didn't need Him to operate in my life. I knew what I was doing, most of the time. Who did others think they were trying to tell me I needed Jesus? What I didn't realize was the definition of knowing Him. It's not an intellectual thing. It comes from the heart. I didn't know that the Bible, the true, inerrant Word of God tells us that we must be born again...not of the flesh, which we already are, but of the Spirit. That can only be done by God to a willing individual. I was far from willing. For a long time. I pushed that concept, and God, away. Not a good thing to do. But what did I know?

But one day things clicked. I know I had very little to do with it. I know now God had been doing something for some time within me to draw me to Him. All it took were a few words from someone to completely drain me of myself. The words she spoke, looking back on them, in a normal state of mind would have seemed preposterous. In fact, the conversation we had was causing me to push God even farther away. I didn't want this conversation. STOP!! Stop trying to push Jesus on me.

But in a moment, when those few words were spoken, tears came to my eyes and little did I realize I was done for! And when I went to church the next morning upon her request, I gave my life to Christ. He ministered to me then and there in an area of my life where I so needed help. Only He could orchestrate something like that. And that's the gist of all this. As the scripture above declares, only God freely gives this life in Christ. We cannot earn it or work for it. All we need to do is receive it.

Like Israel crossing over the Jordan River to the land God had promised them, so Jesus allowed me to cross over from death to my hurts, anger, fears, to life in Christ and peace. He gave me my promised land in Christ. We are all offered this promised land, life in Christ. But we need to cross over. We need to receive Christ's hand and allow Him to guide our daily lives.

This all happened for me April 18, 1999. I'm forever thankful for that day. A friend and I don't celebrate our natural birthdays anymore. We now celebrate our spiritual, supernatural birthdays. We have been granted new life and the hope of eternal life in Christ. We will see Jesus face to face some day. We will walk the streets of gold with Him, although I hope there's grass there too! We will be given the privilege of worshipping our God all the time. There will be no more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow. Forever grateful for the life He has given to those who will receive it.

I know there are those who don't believe any of this. Often it is not preached in churches. I wonder if it's because these churches want things done man's way, not God's, or so as not to offend. I know that there is also some confusion about the concept of being born again. But, people, it's clearly started in the Bible (John 3).

My prayer is that others will recognize this. I pray that God will meet you where you are, in a way only He can touch your life. Today is always a good day to cross over from death in the world, to life in Christ. The Word tells us that some day every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Whether we are born again or not. For some it will be in reverence for God, for others not so much. I'd rather be on the good side, the side of the promised land, the land of milk and honey. The other side offers only the lake of fire.

My words are simple and I often repeat the same thing. It's because there isn't any more I can say. There is only one truth and that is Jesus. No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace. He is the only way, truth and life (John 14:6) We cannot go to the Father (God, not a man) without Him. If anyone pushes these truths away, if they are offensive, or even convicting, he does not know the Lord.

1John 2:15-17 - Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Did Not God Save You?

Deuteronomy 4:32 - For ask now concerning the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether any great thing like this has happened, or anything like it has been heard.

I saved this blog for today! Reading in Deuteronomy 4 was like hearing about the very act of salvation. On April 18, 1999 I experienced a new birth. I had exited the old life, the land to which I was very accustomed (but not so comfortable with, as I look back) and began my journey to my promised land, like Israel did when God took them out of their captivity in Egypt.

When that happens your life changes. Your eyes are opened to the truth, you hear God's voice in His Word. He reveals Himself and His statutes. Now we are to obey His statutes over the world's. Deuteronomy 4 discusses this.

We are clearly shown that idolatry is wrong. Israel was led out of captivity by one Person alone...God. They did not get out by their own devices or strengths. They did not wander 40 years in a desert without His protection, provision and guidance. (Oh, they wandered 40 years for a two week journey, but that was because of their own disobedience and lack of trust. He wanted them to trust Him.)

In Deuteronomy 4 the people were asked:

Did any people ever hear the voice of God?

Did God ever try to take a nation out of any other nation using trials, signs, wonders, war and His mighty hand? 

It happened...to Israel. Yet to each person who receives Christ and enters into God's covenant through Him it happens also.

We are never to forget what He has done for us. We are to continue to worship Him and put away all the other things that hinder our walk with Him. He is jealous for the people He has saved. He wants our complete devotion and warns us of idolatry...then to any image carved in the likeness of any thing, man, woman or animal. Today, anything, carved or not, that would put Him lower in our worship. Do we awake without a thought of God? Do we thank Him for the day? Do we worship Him or something else? Do we seek His voice throughout the day or is He not considered? 

When we are in the midst of a difficult situation, do we look to Him first for all our needs, especially wisdom or protection, strength or guidance? Or do we seek advice from another source? He IS our Source.

He drove Israel out from among their captors. This world is a very large captor. He wants any who choose Him to be removed from today's corrupt world. He wants us as His special people. He wants to share the greatest inheritance with us, heaven and eternal life. He doesn't give it to just anyone, but to those who recognize the greatness of HIS worth. To remember who it was that took us out of our captivity. 

As God relayed through Moses in chapter 5, The LORD did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, those who are here today, all of us who are alive. (Deuteronomy 5:3) That can mean you, today. He may not have reached anyone in our families prior to us, but today is another day. He keeps on calling.

Take possession of the land He offers. Listen to His voice. Heed His commands. Live in freedom. He seeks all who will listen and take heed. But it must be your decision. He has given us free will. Do we choose life or death, freedom or captivity? When we make the choice it IS glorious. He takes the time to nudge and touch hearts. Can you take the time to respond? 

To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD Himself is God; there is none other besides Him. Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. (Deuteronomy 4:35,39) 

His Unfailing Love

Romans 8:37-39  - Yet in all these things [trials and tribulations] we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 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 created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I was going through a time of "reminiscing" one morning. I was looking back on my life and all that it entailed. I looked at the heartaches and joys, failures and accomplishments, shame and pride. They are all a part of our make up...but don't necessarily mean we must continue to be that person.

I began to notice at first the emphasis on negative things and there were lots of them. But there were other positive things to counter them.

A heaviness hung over me for a brief time until I realized why. We have an enemy who wants nothing more than to bring to mind the negative. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) In my spirit, however, I sensed a presence and the words "In me is fullness of joy."

Of course there is! How can there not be? No matter what we've gone through in our lives there is One who cares. He tends to come at just the right times in our lives to heal the hurts, remove the shame and shower you with His love. Then He abides with us and causes us to call on Him in our weak moments.

His name is Jesus. Who can understand how He does it? But those who experience His love and forgiveness know!

My pre-Christ years were filled with anger, bitterness, shame and a lot of disappointments. I'd had it all up to my eyebrows until one particular day. Jesus entered my life and my heart. His Spirit became one with mine. Although the enemy wants to take back those victories in Christ, we are to be mindful that we are victorious in Him. We have every right to say: at the name of Jesus, you, the enemy, must flee!

Our enemy the devil cannot abide the sound of His name. Good for us! Proclaiming the name of Jesus, praising Him, brings victory and strength. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

He called me out of the darkness of my old life and into the light of a new life in Him. I can freely walk away from that or I can remain faithful to Him. My choice. No matter what I do His love for me is unfailing. He covenanted with me on April 18, 1999. He does not break His covenant. That means that I can call on Him at any time. He will be there for me.

Although more than half my life was spent without the real knowledge of our God, it's the years since that are most important. Life didn't begin, really, until I first knew Him.

I'm thankful for all He has shown me. It more than makes up for those years without the knowledge of Him. In Him is that fullness of joy. It brings a peace that passes all understanding. It's a joy unspeakable and full of glory!

Lord, You are my love, my life. You are my strength and shield. You are my refuge and my hiding place. You are my song and my joy. You lift spirits and cause the enemy to stumble. You cause us to soar high like the eagles, above the storms. You put us to rest in green pastures and bring us peace.
What do we have to fear if You are beside us. You surround me and place Your hedge of protection around me. Thank You for always being there. I rejoice in who You are and what You do. I rejoice in the one true God, the one true Love.

Proverbs 19:23 - The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil.

Living Water

John 4:1-10 

Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria.

So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The. The woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."

I know this is only part of the story of the Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus but I felt I could stop here.

Today is Good Friday. Today is also a special day for me. On April 18, 1999 I was born of the Spirit! I received Christ. I had no clue it was to happen and it happened in an instant. No sinner's prayer, no bells and whistles, no wriggling on the floor, no exciting music. Just a few moments where the truth of God's Word penetrated a stubborn, yet broken, heart...one that I believe God had been slowly working on for this particular day and time. A perfect time it was too, considering I'd not stepped into a church for years!

What does that have to do with the Samaritan woman? Jesus had been summoning me for awhile. I can't even tell you how long but in bits and pieces He was making Himself known to me through others. I was growing tired and worn. He met me that morning, like He met the Samaritan woman at the well.

I can look at that church, that service, that morning, as a time when Jesus sat at my well. I didn't know He was there until He chose to use a pastor to speak the truth of His words to me...in an instant. I was the one, however, needing the drink but didn't know it. My life had been dry without Him.

In not so many words He might have said to me, "I have the gift of God. If you ask I will give you a drink of this living water." The actual words were: "There is nothing you can do to change your situation, but I know Someone who can and that is the Lord Jesus Christ." He gives us what we need. He refreshes and strengthens weary souls.

That Sunday our pastor said this also: "God says we're not weak, we're powerless. We can't do anything alone, ever."  And he added, "It's not about a program, a technique, but a person. It's walking humbly with our God, a relationship with Jesus Christ, not a religion or philosophy."

When we receive Christ He becomes our Living Water. He provides from a well that never runs dry. We live in a dry and thirsty land without Him. This is Good Friday. It's also a good day to consider this Living Water. We are celebrating Jesus' resurrection this weekend. He is alive! He still comes to us asking us to receive the living water, the gift He supplies. He is our gift. He desires being received.

Isaiah 12:2-3 - Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ” Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Your Faith Has Made You Well

Luke 8:48 - "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace."


What a powerful statement! Jesus proclaimed this to a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years. She had gone to many doctors and spent all she had hoping for a cure. No one could help.


She had heard about this Man named Jesus who spoke and people were miraculously healed. With no more than a touch He healed others. Out of sheer frustration she sought Him perhaps considering this her last opportunity.


Imagine--in those days a person was considered unclean if they had certain diseases, including a hemorrhage such as this woman. She might have lived alone, walked the streets calling out "unclean" when she had to leave her home. She might not have had many friends. Perhaps her family or whatever friends were sympathetic to her issue got her the necessities she needed. She was trapped in her own house and body. What a prison sentence. She might even have suffered from depression thinking this was to be her entire life.


Yet she boldly sought out Jesus. She probably covered herself so she could not be recognized and some say she crept low on the ground from behind the crowd just to touch the hem of His garment. She believed with her whole heart this was all she needed to do to be healed. She believed.


Just as aside, rabbinical priests would wear a piece of apparel called a tallit, a shawl draped around their shoulders. On all four corners were several woven threads called tzit-tzits. The Hebrew word tzitz means wings. Jesus (who is also called our Great High Priest) would have worn such a tallit. It is said that to touch just one of these tzit-tzits would bring healing. This woman would have known this. She would have known what Malachi 4:2 stated: that their Messiah to come would come with healing in His wings!


She went unnoticed as all others crowded around Him for healing or just out of curiosity. She approached Jesus and reached out to touch the hem of His garment...the tzit-tzit. When she did the flow of blood ceased. Did you notice...she heard about this Man who healed, she sought Him after hearing about Him and she acted on her belief and reached out to Him. 


Jesus did not see her but knew something had happened. He said, "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me." (verse 46) He was not angry, but she was fearful. What she had done in secret could be tragic, perhaps meant death. She feared but confessed it was she who touched Him...and that she was healed!


Jesus, with probably a compassionate smile replied, "...your faith has made you well." What a day for this woman. She was no longer captive to her body and disease. She was finally free. Jesus had healed her...because she believed. Her faith alone...


We can all be in some form of captivity before we know Christ. It's that one thing we don't like about ourselves or our lives. Maybe it's drugs, alcohol, food or anger,, resentment, fear, insecurity, pride. I had my form of captivity. I didn't like my it but couldn't do anything myself to do anything about it. 


As the pastor who preached April 18, 1999 said in so many words, "Let me tell you, you cannot heal yourself, but I know One who can and His name is Jesus Christ." And that was the beginning of my healing. All I did was acknowledge that desire for healing and call out to Jesus. Like the woman in this story, we can reach out or up and receive the hand of the One who heals, the One who does having healing in His wings.


I believe raising our hands might be symbolic, both in reaching for that healing and also praising God for that healing. Jesus reaches down from heaven to the hand truly in need and truly desiring and takes hold of it.


Will you consider what healing you need and do as this woman and countless others? Call out and reach out--in faith--to Jesus. Then watch for the miracle. Now this does not mean asking for something you think you "have to have." I remember as a child praying to God to let me awake with thin legs!! Yes...I admit I did. It never happened...


There's another story, too, about Peter. When Jesus empowered His disciples after His resurrection, it was reported that people would take the sick on cots or pallets into the streets believing that just Peter's shadow being cast upon them would make them well. (Acts 5:15-16) Of course, it had nothing to do with Peter but the power of God working through him. Imagine!


I believe some of our illness comes as part of our sin issue. I would be remiss to mention this. We are born into it and we live in it until we allow Jesus to bring our healing. The beginning of our healing is our ability to admit we are sinners, then acknowledge Jesus. Our sins are forgiven and healing begins. It brings new life on earth and life everlasting in heaven.


Psalm 103:2-3 - Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases...