BIBLE PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS!!!???

Tell us when will these things be?
And what will be the sign of
 Your coming... (Matt. 24:3)

Sisters, I hate to sound like some Dooms Day prophetess, but there's a lot of freaky stuff going on in the world today!
Tell me I'm not alone!

Like many of you I can accept the reasonable answer of global warming to explain the mild winters we've been having, but when Antartica broke a temperature record at 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit, it gave me pause!

I'm also concerned about the Coronavirus pandemic, the drastic changes in the stock market, the months long forest fires in the west, and don't get me started on the madness in our current political arena!  All I'm saying is that now may be good time for us all to pay just a little more attention to the Good Book in regard to present and future happenings.

If you're one who dabbles in the ancient arts (I truly hope you're not) you can put away your tarot cards and horoscopes.  And even though the Farmers Almanac has some good practical information, it doesn't compare with the Bible.  So let's just stick with The Word 

In regards to the End Times there are two passages of scripture most referred to: The signs of the Second Coming of Christ in Matthew 24 and the signs of the apocalypse in Revelation primarily chapters 3-19.  And before you ask.  No, I don't think we are in the Tribulation period and Donald Trump is NOT the Anti-Christ!.  Things are sho-nuff bad! But it's going to get worse!

The Holy Spirit believe it or not, is actually restraining evil! (click here) 2 Thessalonians 2:7
Chuck Smith, bible commentator for Blueletter Bible.org explains it like this:

The Holy Spirit is hindering, standing in the way, restraining these powers of evil. Until He is taken out of the way, and immediately the wicked one then shall be revealed. Now it is actually the Holy Spirit in the life of the believers that is the hindering force. Some say, well, it is just the Holy Spirit. No, it is the Holy Spirit in the church-in the life of the believers. And as soon as the church is taken out of this world, there will be no more restraining forces against evil-no more voices against evil. The restraining force of the church will be removed and immediately, once the church is removed, this man of sin will take over using his powers that will be given to him by Satan. And the world will be plunged into darkness such as the world has never seen before, or will ever see again, thank God!

All the things we are experiencing today, I believe are just bible previews of coming attractions.
Like in the cinema theater, while you wait for the main event, you become a captive audience for other movies that are soon to come!  These odd and supernatural occurrences are merely the birth pains described in Matthew 24:8.  But the baby's not here yet!

So, here's what I believe we can do while sitting in God's OB-Gyn Waiting Room:

→ Encourage our fear-driven sisters and others with the truth of God's word. No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.  Only the Father (Matthew 24:36)

→Remind people that we live in a fallen world.  Satan is its god and has power but not ALL power.     In which you used to live when you followed the ways of the world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.   (Ephesians 2:2).  BUT  Jesus came and spake to them saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)

→ Much of what we see is the exposure of false righteousness in pseudo-christians and the sinful hearts of those who never knew the Lord.  Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron (I Timothy 4:1-2) AND  But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will become lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving,slanderers without self-control, brutal, disposers of good. Traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

DOES THAT JUST ABOUT COVER TODAY'S WORLD?

To survive this increasingly violent and sin-darkened world we need not look for devastating signs of the apocalypse recorded in Revelation  (blood, disease, famine, death, etc.) we're already feeling the contractions!  Instead we should let our light shine even brighter (Matthew 5:14-16); Spread the Word wider (Matthew 28:19-20), and use this Lenten season to prepare with joy the next prophetic event the Rapture!  Live like Jesus is coming today!

Watch therefore, for you do not know

neither the day nor the hour in which

the Son of Man is coming!

(Matthew 28:25:1-13)

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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NO GREATER LOVE: Reflections on Valentines Day!

But God demonstrates
His own love toward
 us, in that while we
were still sinners, Christ
died for us." (Rom. 8:5)

Some of us, I believe are in love with the idea of love.  I know I am.  Why else would I watch all those sappy movies on the Hallmark channel!  If you're a fan, then you know that after awhile you figure out that the plots and storylines are basically the same with little variation and are quite predictable!  But still I watch!

Although for me Hallmark provides a pleasant escape from the realities of some relationships I'm aware of; it does remind me that a lot of drama could be resolved if we only demonstrated genuine love!

Let me be clear.  I'm not talking about obligatory love recognition days: birthdays, anniversaries, and the most popular one--Valentines day.  These are times when our
significant others feel compelled to do something, even if their hearts aren't in it! 

When it comes to Valentines Day, I don't trip! The love I yearn for is 24/7, 365 days and it is felt even when I don't get jewelry, candy, or a card.  It is that agape love demonstrated first by Christ and then given to all Christians as a communicable attribute (divine characteristics that humans can also possess).  Years ago I had to adjust my thinking on this whole idea of Valentines Day when my husband failed to live up to my expectations.   Maybe you do too!

Are you ready for a quick bible lesson?

From the biblical worldview there are four kinds of love we experience.  They all come from words translated from the Greek:

💝 EROS - physical, sensual intimacy, sexual attraction, yearning or desire.  It is what I believe popular culture describes as having chemistry with someone.  Beware of basing relationships on eros alone for it is often impulsive and fleeting. It is not sustainable by itself but enhances the husband and wife relationship.  (Ex: Song of Solomon in the bible)

💞PHILEO - brotherly/sisterly love; close friendships, generous and affectionate.  A love that wishes the best, celebrates successes, is compassionate, shares your pain and grieves your loss.
These are your ride and die friends, committed to the end.  (Ex: David and Jonathan  I Samuel 18:1-3)

💗STORGE - affectionate love between family members. unforced love between husband and wife, or parent and child. (Ex: Jacob and Joseph or Mary, Martha and Lazarus)

💖 AGAPE -sacrificial, undeserving, a noble, powerful act of the will.  The kind of love that God had for sinful mankind when He sent His Son to redeem us. (Rom. 5:8). The kind of love Christ had for us when He willingly gave up heaven to live among us to suffer and die as the Perfect sacrifice for our sins (Phil 2:5-11).  

Agape love is the Valentines love gift!  that we can give to others any time. The kind that makes you stay in the relationship even if you don't like the other person's behavior or attitude.  However, It does not require a significant other.  We can even give it to ourselves.   It is described in I Corinthians 13:4-7 as this:

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; 

it is not arrogant 5 or rude.

 It does not insist on its own way; 

it is not irritable or resentful.

6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing,

 but rejoices with the truth. 

7 Love bears all things, believes all things, 

hopes all things, endures all things.

Does your boyfriend, fiance, husband, or significant other show this kind of love?  If not, then whatever you receive on Valentines Day will  not matter!  It makes no difference how pretty it's wrapped or how much it cost, it falls short of the grace of God!   There is no Greater Love than what Christ gave you upon salvation and it is a gift that continues to give!

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, 

these three; but the greatest of these is love.

This Valentine's Day go ahead and celebrate! Even if you have to do so alone!  God is the Perfect Valentine's date and He promises never to disappoint you!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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MAKE TIME TO TELL YOUR STORY!!

You shall teach them diligently to 

 your children and talk of them 

 when you sit in your house...

(Deuteronomy. 6:7 ESV)

With the passing of my last female sibling in 2011, I assumed the title of Matriarch of my family.  At the time, I casually acknowledged the comments by nieces and nephews (some only a few years younger than myself) but didn't exactly relish the idea.  After all, to acquire it, someone had to die!  Not my idea of a prestigious honor!

I thought to myself, exactly what is the role of a Matriarch any way?  It doesn't guarantee you respect or special significance.  At least not in this day and age.  Yet, after awhile it dawned on me that I did indeed have an honored position within my family.

 I, along with a few others are the guardians of precious family jewels: the legacies, experiences and memories of deceased family members.  Who will impart these to the ones too young to remember? To relatives spread across the country who have only vague recalls of names from family reunions and funerals?

I must tell these stories!

Family story telling has been a passion of mine for decades.  I'm an avid but medium level genealogist who has been collecting family stories and anecdotes for decades.  It started with a college assignment that required a sit-down with my now deceased mother and father.  My mom sadly had no family stories to pass down.  She knew nothing about her mother who died when she was eight years old. She was raised by a step mother and her father (married at least three times) sired many children but rarely talked about his own parents.   

My dad however, a story teller himself, was eager to share.  He opened a treasure trove of family history to me and revealed for the first time in my life the names of my second and third great grandparents. They were fascinating people proud and resilient but I learned this only because I asked!

My introduction into the world of genealogy provided me with resources like the U.S. federal census, ancestry.com, family letters, bibles and recently DNA testing. I've learned more about my biological, cultural, and spiritual history than I could ever imagine.  And guess what?  I'm telling those stories every chance I get!

There's an old saying that goes like this: Everyone has a book in them, and in most cases that's where it should stay!  I totally disagree!  Many life lessons could be learned and quite a few mistakes avoided if we would simply tell our story!

In the realm of film and the theatrical arts, the most inspiring and noteworthy projects have been depictions of someone's life by skilled writers who knew how to tell a story!  In the Christian community the sharing of personal testimonies (simply telling your story) have led some to a saving grace in Jesus Christ; helped others to abandon harmful habits, reformed heinous criminals and birthed our greatest bible preachers and teachers.  How's that for impact!  

I truly believe that there would be less bigotry and hatred, more human compassion and less judgement cast on others if we simply knew the life stories of both the perpetrator and their victims. That's why one of my favorite forms of entertainment is reading biographies of interesting people or watching documentaries that dig deep into the story of people and their lives.

I don't think it's a coincidence that the Lord God Almighty chose the narrative of the bible to tell His story of magnanimous love for us!  Each of the sixty-six books gives us story after story of individuals and their families.  They tell of their origins, thought processes and emotions.  We hear of their triumphs and failures.  The circumstances that shaped their character and made them who they were, good or bad.

Our children are in peril of sinking into an identity or misidentifying crisis.  They don't know who they are.  I'm sure there are other factors that contribute to this sad reality, but it should not be because we haven't told them, who they belong to and where they come from!  

Moses in Deuteronomy, chapter six recounts for a new generation of Israelites, the story of God's favor and the failures of their fore parents who perished in the wilderness.  He was adamant in telling their stories to this new generation so they would not repeat generational sins.  In this portion called the Shema he instructs them:

7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

As you can see, Moses encouraged the elders to tell the story of their life journey at every occasion.  There's no special place or time.  Nothing formal or contrived.  Use casual conversations at meals; while in the car, or walking back and forth to an event.  Look for and seize teaching moments!


Here are some suggestions to help you get your story out there:

1.  Prepare a favorite food dish that everyone loves. Tell the family who taught you to fix it along with a special story that reminds you of that person.  If the person you chose did not teach you to make it, simply tell them why it brings back memories of them.

2.  Start journaling. From the first time I became a grandmother, I began a journal for each of my grandchildren.  I included pictures, wrote down my thoughts, prayers and aspirations for them at various stages of their lives along with a bit of my own life story.  When my eldest granddaughter graduated high school and went off to college, I gave her the journal.  I asked her about it recently (six years later) and she told me that she read it, appreciated it so much that for safe-keeping left it in her room at her parents' home.    

3. Research family history.  If you are interested in genealogy at all, let me encourage you to make the effort to put together a scrap book/note book that include at least the beginning of a family tree. Add any interesting information you' discovered about your family members. You will be surprised at what you find and where their lives have taken them.  I discovered two civil war veterans in my family; the names of three slave masters, and during reconstruction learned my great grandfather was a post master in Mississippi.  I also found out that a great uncle is part of Black American history and mentioned in several books and articles because he was a victim of KKK violence in Mississippi. 

 One of the first duties I performed as a Matriarch of my family was to self publish a book of all of my family research up to that point. I included a short biographical sketch of my parents, what I knew about their parents and one for each of my siblings.  At the next family reunion, I gave an oral presentation and gifted a copy of the book to the eldest child of each of my siblings so they would know a bit of their parents' story and perhaps add to it their own. 

4. Share your salvation testimony.  This is by far the best way to allow your family get to know you in a very real way.  This is not the time to preach to them or judge them on behavior you disapprove of.  This is simply telling them about your life before Christ, when and how you met Christ and the changes this has made since.

You may think that your life is not worth talking about because you feel it has been very ordinary.  Perhaps you have no significant achievements or accolades you think are worth sharing with others.  You would be absolutely wrong!  What you might think is mundane or ordinary could be extraordinary to someone else.  We often down play this gift God calls life but every day brings with it,  stories of His grace, mercy and benevolence.  Don't be shy, don't belittle it.  Tell your story!

 Here's a powerful quote I came across recently: 

"Tell the story of the mountains

 you climbed.  Your words

 could be a page in someone else's

survival guide."

-Morgan Harper Nichols

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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SPIRITUAL...OR PERHAPS...LOST??

"The natural person does not 

accept the things of the Spirit of
God...(I Corinthians 2:14 ESV)

Sisters, I'm in a conundrum (puzzled, perplexed, and otherwise confused!)  I hear the word spiritual being tossed about in the most unexpected places and often (though not exclusively) among those in the millennial age group (born 1980-2000).

It will usually come up during intergenerational conversations around the topic of religion or morality.  Apparently, the term is a suitable answer to explain whether someone has a personal relationship with God or not.

In today's culture people who have seriously adopted this mindset have gone beyond being trendy to getting more organized. They have acquired popular and recognizable acronyms to identify themselves (SBNR- spiritual but not religious; SBNA-spiritual but not affiliated or simply NONES) and the masses are growing every day!

 So dear readers tell me: What does being spiritual mean to you?

I'm curious because the responses Ive gotten so far have not been very clear.  I do know that spirituality to a SBNR is different than what is taught in Traditional Christianity.  There is no meeting in a corporate worship setting on a given day or time with consistency.  Prayer is often involved. At least the practice of it in some form or another. Charity and the furtherance of good will is similar to what one might call Christian service.  That is if a SBNR is really a Christian!

Although no free will offering or tithing is emphasized, monetary giving to noble causes is quite common.  Live streaming a church service via internet is acceptable and viewing a preacher on YouTube or attending a gospel concert are all equal forms of worship! So what, a SBNA might say to you, are we missing?

This post will not clarify the myriad of explanations given if you challenge a person who identifies as spiritual regarding their faith.  But it might help you understand their perspective and keep you from accepting as merely spiritual immaturity, the greater issue--their salvation. At the end of life, where will their soul reside... heaven or hell!


It is so important when engaging in conversations with a SBNR that you discern what spirit is embodying and shaping their lives: the fleshly human spirit, satanic, or Holy spirit.  Pray first, then listen carefully to where they place honor and their allegiance.  Is it in a specific person, deity, concept, or philosophy?  Remember spiritual people have no particular standard of truth that they adhere to and may formulate a worldview that has fragments of many beliefs. 

>>Become familiar with how they defend their form of spirituality, i.e., organized religion is not necessary to practice their faith.  Denominations are nothing more than labeling, and puts practitioners in a box. 

>>Do not become combative on points of disagreement but stand boldly on the Word of God.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:6).  Respectful listening should be practiced at all times. By the way this is what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did and He held His own among the  most skillful of gospel dissenters.

>>If they insist that they are Christian be sure that the words they use match the bible's meaning and context: Here are two examples: Sin and Truth.  What we recognize as sin according to God's word may be interpreted by a spiritual person as an individual's choice according to their personal beliefs, values, or life style.

 In other words, what's sin to you may not be a sin for them! They will say that we have no right to judge another's behavior and should tolerate or accept what does not coincide with our own beliefs.  We believe God's word is the absolute standard for right and wrong. This is not so for every spiritual person.  Their concept is that Truth is relative--whatever is right for you personally!

You may never fully persuade a SBNR, SBNA, or NONE to adhere to the faith practices that you have grown to love, respect, and endorse.  That's not your job any way!  But you might sway them with a bit of patience and knowledge based on your Christian experience.  One way is to show them where their brand of spirituality will disappoint them:

• The lack of a community of faithful believers to share good and hard times of life. Strong relational bonds and loyal friendships are rare.  Integrity, accountability, and unconditional love is formulated within the confines of a community of faith and is always dependable because we have the Perfect Example, Jesus Christ.  This friendship is without compare! (Prov. 18:24)

• Having no trusted standard for right and wrong behavior is dangerous.  What is called truth has been grossly distorted in our world.  One can hardly believe from one day to another if what we hear and even see is genuine, or even if it comes from a reputable source. A spiritual person's search for wisdom among various teachings or philosophies may result in temporary inspiration or encouragement but is no substitute for God's Word. The bible is inerrant, fail safe, and has been thoroughly tested to be dependable.

• Practicing spirituality without the Holy Spirit is nothing more than self-absorption.  It is as the book of Judges illustrates, doing what is right in your own eyes! (Judges 17:6)  The practitioner has placed themselves on the throne of their own heart and is now worshiping the trinity of: Me, Myself, and I! 

Sisters, we all have someone in our lives that we've been praying for, debating with, and have become frustrated trying to win to the Lord!  Do not be discouraged!  But do not be deceived thinking that because they are spiritual, attending church once in awhile that they are safe from the judgement of God. 

Yes, they may be able to  dialogue with you using scriptures learned years ago, even diminish your concerns by telling you they believe in God, pray, and read the bible. But do they have a genuine faith in God?  This might be a good time to find out!    

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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IMPROVING YOUR SPIRITUAL VISION FOR 2020

"The eyes of your understanding
being enlightened..."(Eph. 1:18)

One of the sure signs of aging is changes in your vision.  It's very true that things become dim and less clear physically the older you get.

There's not much one can do about that except maybe laser surgery to correct it or trendy eyewear to hide the fact that you're practically blind without glasses!

I've worn eyeglasses since the age of twelve so I'm quite used to an extra set of eyes on my face.  But one thing I am concerned about is my spiritual visual acuity!  The ability to discern spiritually where the Lord wants me to be and stay within the bounds of His will for my life.

 I'd love to say that spiritual acuity improves with age and experience!  I mean, isn't that what they're talking about when someone says: Hindsight is 20/20!  Not necessarily.  You can repeat the same mistakes over and over again without the benefit of gaining wisdom or spiritual insight.   By the looks of things going on in the world today; I don't think we can afford the luxury of dull vision!

I'll be wearing glasses possibly for the rest of my life.  I have both myopia, astigmatism and growing cataracts. But I also have a plan to improve my spiritual vision.   Perhaps sharing it with you today may be of some help to you!

STEP ONE - FOCUS:

When you go to an optometrist, a technician will put you through a series of tests to assess your current state of vision. More than once you will hear the instruction to focus!  This is necessary to record accurately data to determine the health of your eyes!  Focus helps you determine where you need to be spiritually as well!

Too often Christians think busyness is conducive to spirituality.  The more I do, the more spiritual I am is this mindset.  Actually, if not careful busyness can become an enemy of spirituality.  It keeps us in control of our life rather than God. We plan our days doing what we want rather than what He wants!  Check out this blog post from Truth + Grace!

Busyness the Enemy of Spirituality

STEP TWO - PRIORITY:

This step is actually a subset of the previous one, Focus.  The inability to manage distractions, even those perceived to be good and spiritual can keep us in a place where we are neither effective nor efficient.  And yes there is a difference between the two!  To be effective is the ability to do things in a way that accomplishes its intended purpose.  To be efficient is to do it in the best possible way with the least amount of waste and effort!  

When I think of Spiritual priorities, my mind automatically goes to the bible story of Mary and Martha. You can read it here in Luke 10:38-42.    Jesus at the Home of Mary and Martha   Jesus summarized it well in His teaching that in every service opportunity there is always that one thing that is really needed! When we can pick our what that one thing is and then do it, we are well on our way to spiritual visual acuity.

STEP THREE - DISCERNMENT:

Depending on your faith path, spiritual discernment can mean a lot of things.  I simply look at it as being able to see things the way the Lord sees them. This takes practice and above all reading,
meditating and applying God's Word!  The more this becomes a way of life rather than religiosity, the easier it will be to see spiritual darkness in unsuspecting places.  Helps us look beyond nominal requests and address spiritual needs. I  love the way Henry Blackaby, author of the book, Experiencing God puts it:  Christian discernment is to, "Watch where God is working and then joining Him," based on John 5:17, 19-20).

Spiritual discernment also has an element of simple joy embedded in it.  It is the ability to recognize and appreciate the small things in life in a way so many do not.  Things like a beautiful sunrise or sunset.  A cool breeze on a scorching hot day. The smell of fresh baked bread, or the feeling you get lying down on fresh clean sheets after a weary day.

STEP FOUR - EXPECTATION:

Spiritual expectation is grounded in the Word of God.  Who God is and His promises to His people are revealed within His Holy Writ.  As we learn to interpret accurately and see by faith its trustworthiness, our expectations become more realistic and we are never disappointed.  We can expect that God will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). That He will answer our prayers (Psalm 34:6).  That He will empower us for service (Ephesians. 2:10) and at the end of our journey here on earth we will have a heavenly home, rewards, and eternal life waiting for us with Him (John 14:1-6

My physical vision may never be 20/20 in Year 2020 (although I'm told that sometimes after cataract surgery it will get better).  But my Spiritual vision can only get better with this year.  Because I'm learning to conserve my energy by focusing first on things that are the most important, saying "No" to worthwhile but expendable things; taking time to enjoy the simple things in life and believing wholeheartedly that God will fulfill His every promise meant for me!

See You Later and Hopefully A LOT Clearer in 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR READERS!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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ADVENT: A Time of Reflection and Preparation

Therefore the Lord Himself will
give you a sign: The virgin
will conceive and give birth to
a son, and will call Him
Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14)

December 1 through December 24 is recognized in the Christian faith as the season of Advent.  In Latin the word Advent is adventus or parousia, meaning coming!

Advent is observed in numerous ways but generally noted with beautiful calendars, elaborate candles and special church services.  It is also a welcome relief to the chaos of commercialism during Christmas as we know it.  For us it signifies the season's True Meaning:

The coming of Jesus Christ into the world to save mankind from his sins. (Matthew 1:21)   Advent is above all, the commemoration of His miraculous birth and the bold proclamation of the sovereignty and grace of the Lord that gives Believers eternal life.  

SOMEBODY OUGHT TO SAY, AMEN!!!

After 400 Years of Silence, God finally speaks to this fallen world and He does it not with vengeance or bitterness but sweet, sweet, grace! A Savior wrapped in love, cushioned in compassion, and displayed  humbly for all to see.  From the potentates of royalty to the smelly shepherds fresh from their herds, God bade them all to come see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. (Luke 2:15) 

Indeed, Christmas is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!  But it is also a time to reflect and prepare for Christ's Second Advent! Again, it will be personal, visible, and glorious, but this time He comes not as a Babe in a manger but a King ruling and reigning and setting all in order!  This is the blessed hope that all Christians should be praying for not just in this season but perpetually! (Titus 2:13)

My personal time of reflection and preparation is not limited to Advent!  Several times a year: New Years Day; Lenten period and of course my birthday, I go back and read past journal entries! Yep! I'm one of those Weirdos!  I've been journaling for years.  It keeps me focused and helps me stay abreast of my spiritual needs and growth.

My entries are part prayer requests and answers; part sermon and study notes; part diary, and just personal conversations I've had with the Lord over the years! 

 I record my concerns and fears.  My hopes and dreams.  I vent...alot... finding emotional release pouring my heart out to the only One who really understands; and when God reveals something significant to me in His word or devotionals, I jot those down too! It has been what has kept me mentally stable most of my adult life. 

As the Year 2020 approaches, I'm sensitive to the need to reflect and prepare for Christ's Second Coming even more!  Do you feel me?  I'm experiencing too many historical phenomenas in my life! Would you believe that this is the third time I've witnessed impeachment hearings of a United States President?  Jesus has Got To Be On His Way!

Still, I know that there is much I need to do to prepare for His Second Advent! Paramount to that is Stay Focused On Things that Really Matter!  I'm grateful that I was given a strategy in the leadership meeting I attended last evening. 

My pastor issued a challenge to all of us in ministry to meditate on the following scripture:

"Know well the condition of your flocks

and give attention to your herds."

(Proverbs 27:23 ESV)

That's a pretty good plan don't you think?

My own flock is fairly expansive.  I'm not only the matriarch of my family, but I have a cadre of Sister Saints I keep an eye on as advisor in women's ministry.  There's my Adult Women's Sunday school class, a couple of Millennial sisters, some Older Saints who I counsel and seek advice from and of course,  ANY OF YOU who take time to read this blog!

This particular scripture encapsulated our church's 2020 theme: FOCUS: Faith, Family, Finances, Future. I've learned through years of challenges that FOCUS AND PRIORITY are the keys to weathering any storm!  Faith above all is foundational and will ensure success in the other three areas.  Still you might want to consider the following:

😔  Do you have a personal relationship with Christ?
😔  Where might you strengthen familial relationships?
😔  Are your finances in order? Do you have a biblical/achievable plan to do so?  

😔   Do you have after life plans in place? Estate planning, Living will, Medical
         Power of Attorney, funeral/burial insurance.

Christmas is not often the time one thinks about the future other than, how you will pay bills after overspending for the holidays!  But Advent is perfect!  For Christians our entire life is based on preparation for what will happen not only now but after we leave here.  

What legacy will we leave?  Will our life have mattered?  Now is the time to give those two questions some thought!
         

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. 

GRATEFUL JOB: Finding Gratitude in Times of Adversity

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays! Even as a child I preferred it over Christmas.  Christmas often brought disappointment but Thanksgiving...never!

I learned early to enjoy the simple things in life: shelter, warmth, clothing, health, and of course food!  Especially food. I can remember being without a lot of things growing up, but food wasn't one of them.

It wasn't always fancy or what I wanted but it was plentiful and nourishing and provided the sustenance needed to face another day. No matter what that day might bring.  I guess that's why in some contexts,  it is called comfort food! And it's a rare Thanksgiving holiday when comfort food, does not make an appearance in a meal! 

It may seem strange to you that I chose the story of Job to highlight in my Thanksgiving blog post!  Actually, I think it's kind of perfect!  This Old Testament story is a common one when you think of unbearable pain, suffering, and hopelessness, but I see it differently.  I find in it a great source of comfort and a powerful illustration of gratitude during this, my own personal time of loss. (Earlier this month I lost an older brother.)

The book of Job is perhaps the oldest book in the Old Testament. Job, our protagonist was a patriarch before the Israelite race was established, but like the Jews, a forerunner of much adversity.  Like the Jewish race he was chosen by God to endure trials, pain, and evil at the hands of Satan.   Job was in fact anointed, commissioned, and ordained, if you will, to survive the unthinkable and then receive the Lord's blessings!

Job lost his children, property, health, and the respect of his wife and friends.  Still he remained grateful.  You may be saying to yourself: How is that even possible?  I can barely make it through today's challenges!  This is where God provides a little comfort food for the soul from His word!  

Grateful Job understood that everything he had and all he would ever have comes from the hand of God.  We own nothing, not even our lives and even that is given back when we die:

"And he said, Naked I came from my mother's womb, and 

naked shall I return.  The Lord gave, and the Lord

has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21)

Grateful Job knew that even in his pain, God had a higher and more divine purpose for his suffering.  He did not know it fully but endured with faith because of God's sovereignty:

"Then Job answered the Lord and said: I know that 

you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours

can be thwarted." (Job 42:1-2)

Grateful Job had benefitted from past experience, the love and provisions of God. He did not fear his destiny: 

"You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit

me together with bones and sinews. You have granted

me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit."

(Job 10: 11-12)

Grateful Job maintained his spiritual integrity when things were at their worst and he could see no end but death to the trials he was undergoing:

"Though he slay me I will hope in him; but I
will maintain mine own ways before him." 
(Job 13:15)

As you sit before your Thanksgiving meal, pause to give thanks to God for the spiritual food He has provided as well as the physical.  There may be an empty place once occupied by a loved one or a dish or two missing from last year's fare.  Regardless of the circumstances in your life be grateful!  Meditate on the following verses while you eat and leave your table content and full of God's blessings and don't be afraid to share....there will be plenty of leftovers!

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than

honey to my mouth!  (Psalm 119:103)

"O, Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes

refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8)

"Your words were found, and I ate them, and they became to me

joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name,

O Lord God of Heaven's Armies (Jeremiah 15:16)

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.