Sunday, June 19, 2016

THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE!

"...and if someone asks about your
Christian hope, always be ready
to explain it. " (I Peter 3:15 NLT)
It's been a tough year already and we're only half way through it! If the political campaigns haven't depressed you enough then recent news headlines ought to just about do it!

My heart is saddened that we in America must endure yet another mass shooting!  It doesn't matter that the club was frequented by the LGBTQ community, the outrage for me is that more and more mentally ill people are able to obtain weapons of mass destruction so easily!

But through it all....there is still hope!  The Enemy is trying to drown it out!  Our emotions fight against what we know is Truth!  Yet, Sisters, I'm here to remind you that HOPE is alive and well....all we need to do is fight through the muck and mire of these unpleasant circumstances and get to the OTHER SIDE! 

If  you are a Believer reading this, the following is a gentle but stern reminder not to give into fear, frustration, or anger....God is still in control!  If you're not a Believer....then honey, let me beg you to consider these benefits and place your trust in the Only One in Whom you can find security today (I'll show you how at the end of this post!)

Since it is generally the news media  pushing doom and gloom to everyone, I thought I would show you HOPE manifested in a few under reported news items! 

THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE:
  • Hope Never Disappoints (Romans 5:3-5)  Paul reminds us that suffering can often bring about perseverance!  Patrick Downes, Adrianna Haslet, and Rebekeh Gregory.  All were victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing.  Today each of them have come back from this tragedy, reclaimed their lives and successfully completed the 26 miles with prosthetic (artificial) limbs!  Ms. Haslet, a professional ball room dancer before the bombing is now even dancing again!! 
  • Hope Brings Comfort and Encouragement (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)  Paul again tells Christians that as long as we have Christ, we can have hope! In August 2010, thirty-three miners in Copiapo, Chile, became trapped in a copper-gold  mine for 69 days!  For 17 days no one knew if they were dead or alive! In fact, most assumed they were dead.  With only three days worth of emergency food, families had already started the grieving process.  Yet God prevailed--all thirty-three miners were rescued in reasonably good medical condition!
  • Hope Helps Us Forgive (Psalms 130:5-7) The Psalmist assures us that if we but "wait" on the Lord there is mercy, redemption, and yes forgiveness! One year ago this month, 23 year old, Dylann Roof, a deranged young man on the pretense of attending Bible study, open fire on innocent men and women, killing nine of them as they studied the Word of God!  At his first meeting with the victims' families, he heard time and time again -I forgive you...may God have mercy on you...you hurt me but I forgive you!  Although many in these families and even strangers are still finding it hard to do so....the love of Christ is healing and helping them get through this loss!
Perhaps these stories have touched you as they have me and shown just how powerful HOPE can be in the life of a Believer!  I invite you now to join us at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ for on the other side is  HOPE and SALVATION! It's simple just...

1.  Admit you are a sinner (Romans 3:23)
2. Believe that there is nothing you can do to save yourself - death is the consequence of all sin (Ephes. 2:8-9; Romans 6:23)
3.  Confess your sins before the Lord (Romans 10:9-10)
4. Accept Jesus Christ as not only as your Savior but your Lord (Acts 16:31)

NOW REST IN THE ASSURANCE OF THIS HOPE:  Psalms 62:5 - Yes, my soul, find rest in the Lord; my hope comes from Him!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the  no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

SAY MY NAME! Timeless Truths From Unnamed Women in the Bible, Part Four

I could find no better way to end this series on unnamed women in the bible who were also mothers, than with this one--The Proverbs 31 Woman!  But not the one you're thinking of--the one that inspired her!!

Whether you are a concerned, grieving, vigilant or self-sacrificing mother there's one thing that you've got to have--and that's wisdom!  I know no parent who doesn't want the respect and ear of their child when giving advice.  Especially as it concerns life experiences and the inherent dangers that can follow them for the rest of their lives.

That's the kind of rapport the Proverbs 31 Woman, the mother of King Lemuel had with her son whom some believe may have been the famed King Solomon. If that is the case than the woman speaking would be Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-27; 12:1-24; 28-31).  Regardless, there's no denying that this mother knew what she was talking about.

In the last 31 verses of the 31st chapter of Proverbs we find this mother giving counsel to her son, a young prince, coming into his own, shortly taking the throne of a mighty kingdom.   She gives him advice about women from a Mother's Perspective.  And just let me say, modern day moms would do well to do the same for our sons and daughters even today!

Say on, Wise Mother....what would you have us to tell our sons? (In modern day language):

1.  Be careful of the women you hook up with, because some have destroyed kings! (31:2-3)

2. Don't spend your time partying (drinking, drugging, etc.) or you will soon forget your personal and work responsibilities! (31:4-7)

3.  Speak up for the defenseless, the poor and the needy. Be socially responsible! (31:8-9)

4.  Marry a woman with good character rather than a pretty face! (31:10-30)**Note that she uses 20 verses to emphasize this single point.

5. When you find such a woman, praise her and appreciate her! (31:30-31)

IN SUMMARY - In giving counsel to your children a Wise Mother needs to know When to speak, How to speak, and When to Shut up!  In addition to be a proper influence you should - Keep your advice short, Your lives upright, and Your hearts continually open!!! 

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the  no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.