Testimony time
Tag Archive - Christian Inspiration
He is Returning
The whole situation surrounding the fellow who predicted the rapture or God’s return on Saturday has saddened me. Because it’s causing those who don’t yet believe to have more reason to mock and make fun of real truth. And it seems that even my brothers and sisters in Christ have jumped in the scoffers wagon.
My concern is that this attitude will desensitize people regarding the absolute truth of God’s promises that He’ll cause His faithful ones to rise “in the twinkling of an eye” ”at the last trumpet” with “the dead in Christ rising first” “to meet Him in the clouds”.
Yes- He is returning
"Caught up together in the clouds"
Here is a chapter of Scripture I feel lead to share: “2nd book of Peter chapter 3
“This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Final Words
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
We’re called to live every day as if it is the day of His return. He who was and is and is yet to come.
Monday’s Illusion
Monday’s are an illusion. Some people feel overwhelmed regarding the full week of work ahead. Others look at Monday mornings
Beauty any day of the week
as a fresh start. Our thoughts about Monday’s are just unique ways we consider ourselves amidst a particular named day of the week.
For our oldest son, every other Monday is the beginning of three days off work. For my recently deceased Father in Law last Monday was the final eve of his life. For myself, Monday’s are generally a sweet catch up day from a busy weekend and precious time alone, as my dear husband returns to another week of work.
Just remember that Monday’s are what you make them.
Consider that your thoughts about Mondays are easily re-directed. I’m reminded of a common quote from the artist Rob Ross who, when encouraging people to use their imaginations so often said “It’s your world and you can make it any way you want it.”
So make your Monday mornings good ones. Remember that your outlook and attitude can make a huge difference on someone else’s.
“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
A Cinderella Story
Breanna & her Papaw
We love our 7 year old Grand daughter. We’ve worked hard to keep her exposed to the Arts. She has been in dance lessons since the age of 3. During the past couple of years she has really loved opportunities to perform in front of an audience. Recitals, and a couple parts in a local production of The Nutcracker have given her much delight.
A few weeks ago our daughter in law called and said that Breanna’s dance teacher had ask if she could participate in a unique opportunity to dance as part of the pre show for a professional ballet company The Ballet Magnificant. The dance was going to be to Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Cinderella“. And it was going to require that either Breanna’s Daddy or her Papaw danced along with her. Breanna’s Daddy works 2nd shift so he had a good excuse to not be available. Her Papaw couldn’t stand the thought of Breanna being unable to dance so he surprised all of us by saying that he would dance the part of her Daddy in the song.
This turned out to be one of the highlights of our lives. I couldn’t video the actual performance due to distracting others. But between my daughter in law and myself we did get a video of the dress rehearsal. And some precious pictures.
Hope this home video touches you just 1/8th as much as the real thing did everyone that watched. Breanna told me later that people watching back stage were actually crying real tears because they liked she & Papaw dancing so much!
Today from tears to praise
Today I woke knowing I was still exceptionally down physically. And I’d even fallen asleep pretty much when Tommy did that’s unusual as he goes to sleep and I stay in bed watching podcasts, reading facebook or watching Netflix. Tommy is one of those guys who shuts his eyes and is snoring sweetly within minutes. He has kindly allowed gadgets and laptops in bed with us. As long as I turn down the brightness and use ear buds. ((there have been occasions when I’ve laughed so hard that it has kept him awake)) but that’s not my story tonight.
After falling asleep earlier than usual I’d hoped to wake feeling well enough to enjoy doing some things around the house with Tommy today. If you only knew how selflessly good he is to me you might also know why I desire to feel my best to make the time we’re able to spend together blessed.
Yet, when I awoke I was very sore and achy.The lower backache that so often goes along with a urinary tract infection. And if I had a uti that would explain my serious fatigue of recent. Also would be the explanation for the night up with bladder spasms earlier this week. Sadly this morning things were worse. The fatigue, the pain, the lack of ability. The sun shining outside only caused me more disappointment regarding my inabilities. Tommy is so kind, he just wants me to be happy. Even propped up on the sofa with my mac or my ipad. If he knows I’m enjoying myself in any way and content- he’s happy. He was working in the back yard with a project he’s desired to begin working on since its begun to get warm. He needs to tear down much of the deck work my Father did maybe 40 years ago so it can be replaced w/ wood that is not rotting and buckling making it very treacherous for my dragging feet to walk over. Today was the beginning of that project for him and he was taking down the lattice work rails. I wanted to either be out there with him or inside accomplishing some things to help our house seem tidied up.
But I soon found myself laying on my bed crying. I don’t cry! {Seriously it’s just not my normal response} Yet I was and needed to quickly get over it, knowing that Tommy finding me crying would break his heart. (of course he knows me all to well and would later see that I had been) I prayed, I ask God to please please help me focus on others and gain the strength I needed just to enjoy some home time w/ my wonderful husband. I took some meds that I am prescribed for MS fatigue- this I apparently don’t do enough.. somehow thinking that taking the drugs is going to turn into something I have to do to get through the day, and THIS I DON’T WANT. But I knew I needed the help today.
Because of your prayers, my prayers and the meds, things began to come together. I was able to send a card to a dear sister who has recently lost her Mother. I was able to reach out to some online who I know are hurting and needed prayer and a kind word. I was able to make Tommy some nice ice tea and prepare him some food. Several things got done. I laid down thinking I would now be exhausted for the afternoon/evening. Right away our niece and her precious son stopped in. He’s so cute see the pictures below:
Our precious Great Nephew Eli
After they left I said to Tommy “put your shoes back on.. we’re going to get the groceries we need” This was something Tommy had wanted me to do last night and I was unable.
While at the store Breanna (Granddaughter) telephoned to see if we wanted her to come over to spend the night before church tomorrow. Initially I told her that Granny was just not feeling so well and that we’d try to pick her up on the way to church tomorrow. Well she then reminded me with the sweetest voice “Remember- before you call the Dr. Call me because I’m your good medicine”
"Remember before you call the Dr. Call me- I'm good medicine"
Oh how we love that child. We called and picked her up on the way home from the grocery. She’s tucked in beside me sound to sleep. And you know what? I’m at the moment feeling better and very thankful that I was able to accomplish some things today.
Many people who deal w/ chronic illness find that even talking on the phone is too much effort. I’ve heard people say that it’s way easier for them to type than to talk, and sometimes that is my situation. I cannot explain the fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis…. Except to say that the air itself is heavy. Every movement even thought is done through weighted air. So it’s not that one is tired or sleepy.. but just unable to move through that heavy thick air to do the things I want to do. And when I’m having a particularly rough time due to fever or the heat outside then it is even hard for me to sit upright. That’s when I’m horizontal or sideways surfing.
That’s my story for today and I know some who will surely relate.
“Remember your word to your servant
in which you have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,that your promise gives me life.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes, with my whole heart I keep your precepts;but I delight in your law.
It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
Forever, O Lord, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.”
Verses Quoted from Psalm 119 ESV
,
View from my sofa
Limited perspective – Hope forever
Sounds like an oxymoron. Let me assure you it isn’t at all. Because of a progressive disease process (multiple sclerosis), I’ve become more intimately acquainted with my sofa and less involved with the real world outside my house. In so many ways I’m terribly disappointed because I just love life and being involved with people brings me great joy.
Because of the Internet and my interactions with people online my life has remained interesting and full of purpose. Many of the people I’ve come to know and love I would not have known if I were still actively keeping up with two jobs and my pursuit of personal fitness.
No doubt life as I knew it has changed! My view from my sofa is limited indeed. But the things that really matter, the fruit that is produced for eternity may actually have increased. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
Either I will see healing in this flesh or when I am in His presence. Until then my desire is to respond to my circumstance in a way that brings Him glory and encourages others. So many dear people are alone on their sofas or sickbeds. Many have no hope for a good day that allows them the ability to get out and do some of the things they enjoy. My heart aches for them and my prayers are for their encouragement.
It’s true- when we focus on others our own situation becomes less important. Philippians 2:3 “Don’t act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves.”
Beware the walls crumble
A couple of years ago I was blessed to meet a twitter friend @GailHyatt IRL (in real life). She came bearing gifts.
One of the gifts, a book titled “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young has continued to minister to me because it is book of daily devotions.
Todays devotion was powerful for me: 
“Be on guard against the pit of self-pity. When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face. Don’t even go near the edge of the pit. Its edges crumble easily, and before you know it you are on the way down. It is ever so much harder to get out of the pit than to keep a safe distance from it. That is why I tell you to be on guard.
There are several ways to protect yourself from self-pity. When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself. Also, the closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit. Live in the Light of My Presence by fixing your eyes on Me. Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is set before you, without stumbling or falling.”
Wow, powerful truth here. It is especially easy to get all to close to the edge of the pit of self pity when you are dealing with chronic illness. Who would want to add being trapped in a nasty pit with crumbling walls on top of being weary or unwell? Not this Granny! And I hope not you!
Immediately after reading today’s devotion I prayed and thanked God for this warning and ask Him just what I should do to move myself even further from the edge. In His faithfulness He brought to my mind many who were lonely and hurting today. I prayed for them then made telephone calls to a couple of those that He brought to my mind.
What do you do to keep from nearing the crumbling walls of the pit of self pity?
Have you ever turned away after knowing Jesus- I did
Comfort of home
Here is a bit of my history of turning away after knowing.
After finding salvation through Jesus, maybe a decade or so later.. I lost my way.
It began innocently enough. I began drinking to numb some hurts regarding being literally the only one in my entire family who desired Jesus. Watching my Dad have a miraculous recovery from a devastating stroke yet seeing that he still denied the existence of God.
I began the party lifestyle that I had never experienced (because I was married at 15.. then gave birth to two children before I was 20 and became a Christian) So I gradually moved more into the world and away from Christianity.
I remember well talking w/ my very concerned pastor at the time and telling him that I knew he only saw black & white but that I was seeing gray and that I could no longer remain in a “church” situation that was so narrow.. I still believed in Jesus and was confident about my eternal destiny.
About two years into my “compromise” I found this verse:
“The man that wanders from the way of understanding will find himself in the congregation of the dead.” Proverbs 21:16
This shook me! It was upon seeing that verse that I realized I indeed had fallen away.
At the same time I found myself missing “Worship with the saints”(Oh it was so good back then)
Alcohol by then had overcome my self control. I was drinking every day, hiding the liquor from my husband & kids. I realized the harm in this and had decided to drink only on the weekends. This is not a stab at drinking- some people certainly enjoy a glass of wine or a drink without being in sin. I cannot.
I was riding my bike over by my church building and saw my Pastor outside. I stopped to talk to him and told him of my longing to worship with the congregation again. Yet I wanted him to know that I was not going to be a hypocrite and he needed to know that I still planned to drink. Of course he said.. “just come sister..we’d love to have you”.
So I came back just to worship. Within a couple of weeks I realized I couldn’t get to church due to the severe hangovers I had from my Saturday night drinking. (remember I’d given it up except for the weekends) I had such a hangover one Sunday I ask the Lord to relieve it enough for me to go worship and I would consider returning to Him fully yielded.
He did! During that morning’s worship I experienced such a communion with my precious Papa and realized I was never going to drink again. I came home and informed my sweet not “saved” non-drinking pot-head husband this news. No doubt he thought *ok I’ve heard THAT before*.
But by the grace of God I was set free. And my return to the sheep fold has been like having been alienated from your best friend or your closest family and then being reunited. It has been divine. My faith is sure and my resolve is firm. I’ve been in the darkness and I’ve been in the Light. No matter how “comfortable we manage to make our presentation, the two are not compatible. Light ALWAYS overcomes darkness.
I’m thankful that I never got to the point that I could deny who Jesus is or the work He had already accomplished in me.
Joy unspeakable! Joy unspeakable and perfect peace.. if indeed you have tasted.. Nothing else satisfies.
1st Thessalonians 5:23-24
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it”.
All of us face “issues” but He never fails!
This video includes the lyrics for deaf, hearing impaired, or other uses. We believe that hope is viral. In September 2009, the band 1000 Generations released this video for their song “Fail Us Not” (from their album “Turn Off the Lesser Lights”). Both the song and video are born from honest stories
Online as in eternity I’m whole and well
We all know that things aren’t always as they appear online. And I for one am grateful for this. Because since my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2003 my journey in this life has taken a detour that I’d never imagined. I surely have more days that I’m physically horizontal than upright. Yet from your perspective I’m either out and enjoying you personally or online fully whole. Because you don’t have to see the actual real- time picture for our friendship to grow.
I’m a lover of people; and without daily interaction with others I would surely be overwhelmed with depression as well as the issues of living with a chronic illness.
Yet life is full and exciting.
I’m so glad we have the technologies for interaction in New Social Media that allow me to have interesting and meaningful conversations with you from my sofa! I’m still making friends that are genuine. I’m still able to serve in my local church even while in my pajamas. I’m able to travel the world. And most importantly I’m able with the direction of the Holy Spirit to make an eternal difference right here right now!
What are your ideas on how we can help others who are chronically ill or home bound take advantage of this new medium of communication?
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Psalm 34:5
You have done many miraculous things, O LORD my God. You have made many wonderful plans for us. No one compares to you! I will tell others about your miracles, which are more than I can count. Psalm 40:5
