We always say, “Happy New Year” at the beginning of the year, because we have high hopes for a new beginning. We make plans to change the things about ourselves that we do not like. For me, it is always to lose weight and to exercise more. It is a good plan, but it usually falls apart after a few weeks.
I believe I have found some better goals for this year. Someone shared this list with me recently and I want to share it with you.
ATTITUDES ARE CONTAGIOUS. IS YOURS WORTH CATCHING?
Following are some suggestions for maintaining a grateful attitude:
1. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
2. Spend time in the Word.
3. Spend time praying and praising God.
4. Wake up each day with a happy heart.
5. Share the love of Jesus with your family and friends.
6. Smile at people.
7. Don't forget to thank people. Send thank you notes or e-mails.
8. Encourage others who may be going through a hard time.
9. Help others out. It may be giving a ride to someone, making a meal, offering a listening ear, or helping them fix something. Find a need, and do your part to fulfill that need.
10.Count your blessings. End each day with praise and thanksgiving.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
May God bless you abundantly with joy and His presence this year.
No room in the inn, not even for Him, He was born of a lowly birth. A star in the sky caused three men to sigh, The Savior had come to earth.
Word would spread fast, He had come at last, Many had waited so long. The angels would sing a heavenly ring, Shepherds would join in the song.
Gifts they would bring to honor the King, Joy would flow through the land. The sky was bright, what a glorious night, God kept His promise to man.
What change would be made, caused by this Babe, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Persecution and strife, He would give up His life And through Him God’s love still flows.
Eddie Roush 2008
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
Wishing you Christmas blessings of joy, love, hope, and peace that comes when we make room in our heart for Jesus. Carolyn
"There’s a boy in his mother’s prayers ‘Cause lately she’s been aware That he’s been drifting too far from the shore And she’s beginning to believe The boy is getting out of reach Weary mother, don’t you worry any more
‘Cause the boy is reachable, I know he’s reachable And to God he is visible and all things are possible ‘Cause if the Lord can reach His hand of love through time And touch a cold sinner’s heart like mine The boy is reachable, oh he’s reachable
And there’s a girl on her daddy’s heart ‘Cause lately they’ve drifted apart And the company she’s keeping leads her further away And he’s beginning to believe The girl is getting out of reach Weary father hold on, Heaven hears you when you pray
And the girl is reachable, I know she’s reachable And to God she’s visible and all things are possible 'Cause if the Lord can reach His hand of love through time And touch a cold sinner’s heart like mine The girl is reachable, oh she’s reachable"
How many times has the devil made you discouraged, thinking that your son, your daughter, or your grandchild has gone too far away from God that they will never come back?
The devil is a liar!
Remember the story in my last post of the atheist who said, "One day I turned around and God was there...He found me!"
You must continue to pray and believe. God will draw your loved one by His Holy Spirit.
"For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:39
"Behold I stand at the door and knock." Rev. 3:20
Ken Horn had an encouraging article in the Aug.30,09 Evangel, titled "Jogging To Salvation". Click on link to read the entire article.
He writes: "I was pastoring in California when, on a Sunday morning, a young man slipped into the back of the sanctuary very late in the service. When I gave the altar call, he was the first to respond.
That day a new soul entered God’s kingdom.
After most of the people had left, I asked him what led him to our church. He told me he had never been a believer, but had a relative who had witnessed to him throughout the years. She reminded him occasionally that she prayed for him daily. This didn’t make much of an impression until the day he woke up under conviction, suddenly aware of his need for a relationship with God. All he could think of was, I’ve got to find a church.
“I couldn’t wait for you to quit preaching,” he told me, “so I could get to the altar.”
Our precious Saviour does answer prayer, my friend.
The Holy Spirit is so awesome! When the same thought is brought to my mind in several different ways over a period of days, I start to pay attention. God has been reminding me of how much He loves my family, whom I am praying for, and He desires to save them and give eternal life to them.
Perhaps you are like me, praying for 20+ years for your sons and daughters to give their lives to Jesus. There is no outward change that you can see. Do not be discouraged. The change will begin in their heart where the Holy Spirit is dealing with them.
Remember the parable that Jesus gave about the lost sheep?
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
“And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’
“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-7
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
I was delighted to find the blog, “My road, as I travel it” yesterday, and was blessed by the Nov. 18th post. This article is right in line with the message the Holy Spirit has been teaching me this week.
I want to share part of it with you, and encourage you to go to her site to read the entire article.
"The Atheist Theology Student Who Was Found by God"
John Powell a professor at Loyola University in Chicago writes about a student, in his Theology of Faith class, named Tommy.
Tommy turned out to be the "atheist in residence" in my Theology of Faith course. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about the possibility of an unconditionally loving Father-God…
When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, he asked in a slightly cynical tone, "Do you think I’ll ever find God?"I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. "No!" I said very emphatically.
"Oh," he responded, "I thought that was the product you were pushing."
I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out, "Tommy! I don’t think you’ll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that He will find you!"
He shrugged a little and left my class and my life…Later I heard that Tommy had graduated and I was duly grateful…
Then a sad report, I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me…
“…What I really came to see you about," Tom said, “is something you said to me on the last day of class. I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, ‘No!’ which surprised me. Then you said, ‘But He will find you.’
“I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time. But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, then I got serious about locating God. And when the malignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloody fists against the bronze doors of heaven.
“But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with great effort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And then you quit.
“Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futile appeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit. I decided that I didn’t really care ... about God, about an afterlife, or anything like that.”…
(He goes on to tell the story of making reconciliation with his family and the joy it brought.)
“I was only sorry about one thing, that I had waited so long. Here I was just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to.
"Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn’t come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop, ‘C’mon, jump through. C’mon, I’ll give you three days, three weeks.’
“Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But the important thing is that He was there. He found me.
“You were right. He found me even after I stopped looking for Him."
Blessing to all of you and may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Carolyn
Are you a mom who has cried night after night, maybe even year after year, for your unsaved child? You know that he will go to hell if he does not repent and accept Jesus as his Savior and it breaks your heart. Your cries are usually cries of desperation and fear, which leaves little room for faith.
Remember the story in Mark 4…the disciples were so frightened of the windstorm whipping their boat in the dark night that they forgot that Jesus was with them. When Jesus spoke to the wind saying, “Peace, be still!” the wind stopped and there was a great calm.
He then said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
Yes, there is a time and place for desperate prayer…when God places a heavy, heavy burden in your heart to pray. You know that you are in a spiritual battle and you must pray until you get relief and have peace in your heart.
But when the heavy burden leaves, we must not give up praying. Now is the time to worship God in praise. His presence is in the midst of our praise! He gives us complete peace in our situations when we acknowledge His faithfulness and truly believe that He is working all things together for our good.
I have a son who is suffering bad effects from a surgery that he had three weeks ago. In the natural it is a great concern and hard for me to watch his pain, but God has given me a beautiful peace about it.
I trust my Lord completely and believe that He is using this illness to get my son’s attention. Many, many prayers have been prayed for him to come back to Jesus.
I feel certain in my heart that victory is ahead for both healing and salvation!
Only the supernatural peace of God can give me this calm spirit!
By faith, I praise my Jesus for answering prayer!
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Listen to this beautiful song, “Be Still My Soul” by Selah. First, mute 'My Playlist' at bottom of page. Enjoy and be blessed.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“Nothing is more painful to a child of God than knowing his or her unsaved relatives are facing the possibility of an eternity in hell, separated forever from the light, love and presence of our Creator. Seeing them saved should be a desire beating strong in the heart of any serious believer.”
These are the words of author Arni Jacobson in his new book, “5 Keys To Reaching Your Family For Christ”.
I had the privilege of hearing Pastor Jocobson in our church several months ago, when he spoke on this subject, and talked with him briefly about our Moms’ prayer group. As most of you know, praying for our kids’ salvation is the passion of my heart.
I was thrilled when he sent me a copy of this new book last week. I found it to be simple and direct with a very timely message. It is an easy read and you will be blessed and encouraged when you read it.
Do you ever become distracted? Or are you able to always stay focused?
I believe that most of us today have schedules that are too full, causing us anxiety and a lack of focus. I am retired, and I still have too many things to do!
Do you know that the devil delights in keeping us busy and getting us off tract?
Even if everything you do is good, it can still be wrong for you if you are distracted from the things that God wants you to do. You can be so busy, even with church activities, that you have no time to pray or sing praises to God.
Satan will do anything he can to keep us from being obedient to the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t have to be a sin, just something to keep our minds occupied and busy.
Recently I realized that I was not praying with the same intensity or as often as I had been, and I was not posting on this blog as often as I had before. I felt like the Lord was telling me to give up one of my church activities and to use that time to pray more.
I did...but then I became distracted! I have been in the middle of a spiritual battle, but not fully aware of what was happening. When I opened up more time for prayer, the devil immediately filled it with something else. My activities have been good and important, but they were not what God had told me to do.
The meaning of “distract” per Webster’s is: “To divert attention from; to draw towards different objects”. A friend describes distraction like this: to lose traction, or to get off track, losing your direction and moving aimlessly.
Remember the story of Martha and Mary?
“As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Let us be like Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to Him. Our focus should be, building our relationship with Jesus by entering into His presence with worship and prayer. When we are in His presence, we can ask anything in His name, believing, and He will do it for us.
We must have that close relationship with Jesus to learn how to intercede for our family’s salvation. Don’t let Satan win by keeping you distracted!
You will be blessed as you watch this video and join Selah as they sing, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”.
(Need to first scroll to bottom of page to mute the music on My Playlist.)
My dad was born in September 1902, and has been gone since 1990. As I remembered his birthday this month, I was reminded of the Christian heritage and beautiful legacy he gave us.
My nieces and nephews were also remembering him on his birthday and wrote about him on Facebook. It blessed me so much to see the honor and respect they gave to their grandfather. Here are a few of their quotes:
“I am so thankful this morning for a godly heritage and the memory of a grandpa that was a humble man in so many ways but powerful in his belief of God and disciplines of life. Thanks Grandpa Hail for paving the way for me, because of your choices I have a life that is blessed and I cherish my relationship with Jesus Christ and my family. The Hail legacy is awesome!”
“Today would have been my grandpa Hail's birthday. I miss him and his praying for me and everyone of his family everyday. What a wonderful godly man. He truly had a great influence on our lives.”
“I often attribute my Godly heritage to Grandpa Hail's prayer life. His godly widsom and insight to the scriptures were a beacon during my spiritual meanderings. Thank God for men and women like Grandpa and Grandma Hail!!”
“I often think of the time he took evey single day to call each of us by name.....and by the end of his life there were a lot of us! And as the family has continued to grow I believe it is because of Grandpa and Grandma Hail's prayers that every one of us, our children, and our grandchildren are so blessed! What a heritage we have!”
”He was and is still a great example of a godly man’s journey thru life. Humbled by the awesome love and grace of God..every day holding up in prayer his kids, grandkids, great grandkids ...those prayers are still bringing blessing to us all....because of decisions he made in his life, he has set in motion the life’s path that many of his seed will follow. His love for God and His word has truly blessed this family. Every morning when I pray for my kids, grandkids and family, calling each by their name…I remember his example. He is truly missed, but I know he is where he longed to be…with his Savior. God has blessed his life and continues to do so through his seed.”
Thank God, my parents knew how to pray, and they prayed daily for us, calling each of us by name even as the family grew. And our family grew and grew!
I am the youngest of seven and my youngest son is their 21st grandchild. They have 57 great-grandchildren and I’ve lost count of the great-great grandchildren. Most of us are serving God! I know that is because of their prayers! You know, God still hears those prayers too. Wow! We are blessed.
My dad was a Pentecostal pastor who was still preaching until his death at age 88. I remember hearing him say, “I pray when the Lord is finished with me here that He will just take me home in my sleep.” God answered his prayer.
My mom, who was recovering from a stroke at the time, found him unresponsive in the middle of the night. Mom said that they would often sing in bed before falling asleep. That night, they had sung, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”
The message of that song is so true. God is faithful and has been faithful in my family more times than we know.
My dad and mom both were prayer warriors and had great faith. They knew that Jesus answers prayers and they taught each of us kids that truth. We had family devotions every morning and night as I was growing up. I learned to read, before first grade, by reading from the Bible. We knelt to pray and each took our turn in praying. My dad would finish the prayer by praying for each of us by name. My mom and dad continued praying that way as long as they lived.
Thank you God, for both my parents and their godly teachings.
“I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessings on your offspring.” Isaiah 44:3
It's wondrous what a hug can do. A hug can cheer you when you're blue.
A hug can say, "I love you so” or, "Gee I hate to see you go". A hug is, "Welcome back again!" and "Great to see you!" or "Where've you been?"
A hug can soothe a small child's pain and bring a rainbow after rain. The hug! There's just no doubt about it, we scarcely could survive without it. No longer do you have to worry, for a hug is the way to say "I'm sorry."
A hug delights and warms and charms, it must be why we all have arms. Hugs are great for Fathers and Mothers sweet for Sister, swell for Brothers. Chances are some favorite Aunts love them more than potted plants.
Kittens crave them. Puppies love them. Heads of State are not above them. A hug can break the language barrier and make the dullest day seem merrier.
No need to fret about the store of 'em. The more you give the more there are of 'em. So stretch those arms without delay, and
GIVE SOMEONE A HUG TODAY! author- Dean Walley
"God’s Embrace"
Soon after her family left for the evening, Carol started to think that her hospital room must be the loneliest place in the world. Nighttime had fallen, her fears about her illness were back, and she felt overwhelming despair, as she lay there alone.
Closing her eyes, she began to talk to God: “O Lord, I know I am not really alone. You are here with me. Please calm my heart and give me peace. Let me feel Your arms around me, holding me.”
As she prayed, Carol felt her fears beginning to subside. And when she opened her eyes, she looked up to see the warm, sparkling eyes of her friend Marge, who reached out to encircle her in a big hug. Carol felt as if God Himself were holding her tightly…
When we show love and compassion in simple, practical ways, we are a part of God’s ministry to His people. ----Cindy Hess Kasper
"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:10
A 46-year-old businessman prays alone in an Old Dutch Reformed church in New York City. It is Sept. 23, 1857, and Jeremiah Lanphier is concerned that no one else is there.
He had felt impressed to begin a weekly midday prayer meeting. Now, 30 minutes in and still alone, he wonders if he’s made a mistake. By the end of the hour, a handful of men have come and gone.
This prayer meeting began like so many others — with little apparent interest. But Lanphier felt God had told him to do it, so he continued.
Prayer is at the heart of every genuine move of God.
In 1857 society was in turmoil. Religion was in decline and the debate over slavery was turning ugly.
But history tells us that in the midst of spiritual decay and nominal Christianity, God raises up people to pray — and the fires of revival first begin to glow in the warmth of humble rooms of prayer.
And then people began getting saved — right in the prayer meetings. A prayer meeting in Michigan saw 500 conversions; one in Connecticut claimed 400.
It was reported that not one unconverted person could be found in some of the towns of New England. Indeed, during one two-month period, weekly conversions averaged 50,000. Papers nationwide noted a radical, positive change in the moral climate.
At the end, in 1859, 2 million Americans — 1 in every 15 — had been won to Christ.
The message is clear. A great move of God requires no superstar revivalist. God uses simple prayer.
I got so excited when I read the article, “Prayer Meeting Revival” by Ken Horn in last week's Evangel. I’m sharing highlights of the article with you here, and you can read ‘the rest of the story’ online at:
It is a reminder of God’s mercy. We are watching our culture and society decline today, as it gets darker and darker. This generation seems to have lost their way and do not know the path to truth and righteousness. But, God has not changed!
“For I am the Lord, I do not change…” Malachi 3:6
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Can you imagine a prayer meeting with conversions of 400 and 500 in one night? These miracles were common in the early church of Acts, and in this revival of 1859. I’m sure there have been other times as well.
By the end of 1859, 2 million Americans –1 in every 15- had been won to Christ!
How? By believing God’s word, being obedient to His instruction and beginning a simple prayer meeting.
Our God does not change and He wants to bring revival to us today. Is He talking to your heart? He wants simple obedience. He will do the rest.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9
I have a decision to make that has been heavy on my heart. Do I continue leading the prayer group of moms at our church who are praying for their unsaved kids?
Of course the answer would seem obvious. In early 2007, God gave me this ministry of prayer, with a burden to intercede and to share the burdens of other moms. Praise God, we have witnessed several life-changing miracles!
But, to be quite honest, I have felt weary recently. It can be very taxing to intercede not only for my own family, but for others as well.
The above verse of scripture is one that the Holy Spirit showed me a few days ago, and I can’t get it off of my mind. I know that He gave it to me for instruction, as well as encouragement. He is always faithful to bring peace of mind when we trust Him!
As I am writing this, the tears are blurring my vision, because the Holy Spirit is reminding me that even if it is only one who comes to Jesus, it is worth every prayer!
The scripture tells us, “in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” God, please help me not to lose heart and restore the passion in me to continue to pray with faith and Your anointing.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Our prayers are like seeds, much like a farmer who plants and is expecting a harvest. Our part is to be obedient and plant the seed…God produces the harvest.
I also came across an article online this week by Jeremy Jernigan, “Coke Prayer vs. Seed Prayer”. This is part of it...
“...We’ve seen plenty of remarkable answers to prayer, but it’s just not like a Coke machine. You don’t put in your prayer and get out a miracle. It’s more agrarian. It’s more organic. You sow something and you harvest it later, and it’s often quite different than what you sowed.
“Do my prayers look more like Coke prayers or like seed prayers?
“A Coke prayer is when we are basically asking God a yes or no question. God becomes our “Magic 8 Ball,” and we await His response. But usually this only leads to frustration as most of His answers appear to be no. At the very least they don’t look like what we were praying for...
“But a seed prayer is much different. A seed prayer focuses more on God’s answer than my request. What is my small prayer seed compared to the plant that He could make out of it? And so we begin thinking of God bigger, and pray for things that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no.
"Then we wait, and eagerly watch as God begins to turn that seed into a growing, thriving plant that may or may not directly resemble the seed we planted. But that is the excitement of it. And the result of this is that we pray more…
“Are you planting seeds or waiting for a soda to dispense?”
You may be feeling weary too, but don’t lose heart and never stop praying for your loved ones.
Please, watch this video, “The Power of Prayer” and be encouraged. (First, pause my Playlist at bottom of page.)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17
Even when you don’t really believe it, you still pray for a miracle.
You can’t quite believe that the person you are praying for will ever change.
Your grown son or daughter is apathetic about God; and your heart breaks, because you know that unless they repent of their sins and accept Jesus into their lives, they will be forever lost.
That is the reason you continue to pray. As a parent, you cannot accept the possibility of your own children going to hell.
Sometimes, our own emotions of fear, frustrations, guilt and perhaps even anger gets in the way of our faith.
But, God…in His divine mercy sees the intent of our hearts and will answer our prayers.
I’m so excited about what God did this week!
One of the moms, in our prayer group, got a letter from her son yesterday. It has been thirteen years since she has seen or heard from him. The tears and the joy came when she read the good news that he is walking with the Lord again.
The ladies in our group have been praying for him, but if we had only looked at the circumstances and not to God, then we would not have had the faith to believe.
And… you know, God does it every time. He always gives the miracle in a way that we totally unexpected, in His own time and in His own way. I think He chuckles about it when He sees us so blown away.
I give Jesus total praise for this prodigal coming back to His Heavenly Father.
(I hope to share the entire story with their permission at a later date.)
We continue to pray for all of our prodigals to come home.
(Scroll down to the bottom of the page to pause My Playlist as you listen to the video.)
“God Still Answers Prayer” by Karen Peck. Listen and let your faith be encouraged.
Biblical parenting is not a guarantee of having godly offspring. However, the richest legacy a parent can leave a child is a godly example and passing their faith down through the generations.
The commandment that Moses received from God to give to the Israelites was: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might, and these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deut. 6:5-7
Was this commandment meant only for the people of long, long ago? If you believe, as I do, that the entire Bible is meant for us today, then yes, God does want us to teach our children to love Him with their whole heart, soul and might.
How can we do that? You say, we are so busy today and I don’t have the time.
We need to live our life so that our family will see Jesus in us.
Let them see the joy of the Lord in you.
Pray with them each day before they leave for school. Help them to learn scriptures to hide in their hearts to build their faith.
If your children are still living at home, please make sure that they have made a true confession of Jesus Christ as their Savior. Don’t assume that they are saved just because they go to church with you every Sunday.
I’m speaking as a grandma who raised her boys in a Christian home, believing that each one had made a commitment to Jesus. I’m not certain anymore. I don’t see evidence of a close relationship with Jesus, so I pray for them daily.
This is the prayer that I pray for them. “I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with God Himself.” Eph. 3:17-19 LB
I just recently heard this song, “Find Us Faithful”. One line that I love in the song is, “May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe”. The over-all theme: “May all who come behind us, find us faithful.”
If we don’t teach the next generation about Jesus, then we will have a lost generation.
(Scroll down to the bottom of the page to pause My Playlist, and listen to this video. Let it speak to your heart.)
On my last post, I expressed concern about the condition of our government and even greater concern about a generation of children who are not being taught about Jesus.
These things could cause me worry and despair if my trust was in the government, but it is not. My trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The song on the video is from a Las Vegas Diamond Rio concert… They received an immediate, resounding standing ovation, and continue to do so every time they perform it!
Sadly, major radio stations wouldn't play it because it was considered "politically incorrect".
Listen, and enjoy this great song, “In God We Still Trust”.
(First, scroll to the bottom of the page and pause My Playlist. Playing now is "I Can Trust Jesus" by the Collingsworth Family.)
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
We keep hearing conservative voices on the News screaming about the huge debt that our government is leaving for our children and grandchildren. Apparently those voices are not being heard in Washington, because the reckless spending continues. I am appalled and sickened by what I see happening in Washington. Everyday there is something more distressing than the day before, with no one capable of stopping it from spinning out of control.
Even greater than that, I am tremendously concerned about this generation of young people not knowing who Jesus is in a very personal way. I have grandchildren who are not going to church and are not being taught by their parents that Jesus loves them and that their hope is in Him. They certainly don’t hear anything about Jesus in school, but instead they are being taught to accept the belief that all gods and paths lead to heaven.
Please help me pray for all of our children that they will have a heart to know Jesus. Even the ones who are being raised in a Christian home need prayer to keep them from the evil one.
Do you remember what Jesus said about the children?
“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him.
“But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very displeased with his disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
“I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God."
“Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.” Mark 10:13-16 Living Bible
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!” Psalm 119:2
Please listen to Signature Sound sing this beautiful song, “A Good Heart”. (Scroll down to bottom of page and mute My Playlist first.)
A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared.
The Lord told the man he had work for him to do and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.
So this is what the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down; his shoulders set squarely against the cold massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might.
Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling like his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into his weary mind:
"You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved." He gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.
Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough."
That's what the weary man planned to do, but first decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.
"Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting in all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"
The Lord responded compassionately, "My child, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push.
"And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms and back are strong and muscled; your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have.
"True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now, my child, I will move the rock."
At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.
When everything seems to go wrong ... just P.U.S.H.!
When the job gets you down ... just P.U.S.H.!
When people don't react the way you think they should... just P.U.S.H.!
When your money is "gone" and the bills are due ...just P.U.S.H.!
When people just don't understand you ...just P.U.S.H.!
Pray Until Something Happens
This story was sent to me by e-mail recently. It came at a time when I was feeling discouraged, wondering how effective my prayers are and thinking, "What am I doing wrong?"
As I pray repeated prayers for the salvation for my unsaved family and see little results, I wonder, "What more am I supposed to do?"
The Holy Spirit never fails to come through with whispers of love and encouragement. He can even use a story that comes by e-mail.
He reminds me that all He has ever asked me to do, is to be obedient to Him. He has asked me to pray for my family. He asked me to start a prayer group with other moms, praying for all of our kids, which I did two years ago. Last July He asked me to start this blog, to encourage other moms that I have never met, in their prayers for their families.
He wants me to P U S H: Pray Until Something Happens!
He will do the rest! He will move the rock (or mountain)! He will save our families!
Watch this video and listen as a young man sings about his Mama's prayers. Ladies, never stop praying. Your prayers may be the only means of bringing your kids back to God!
(Scroll to the bottom of the page and pause My Playlist.)
I’ve been troubled lately with wondering if I really know the most effective way to pray. I am being very honest. Thankfully, I can say that I have a long-term relationship with Jesus and for many years He has blessed me and answered so many prayers for me!
But, my heart is searching to know why some prayers seem to go unanswered. I have started a word search in the Bible of the words “pray, prayer, prayed and praying”. I believe the Holy Spirit is prompting me to do this search.
I welcome any comment or thought that you would like to share on the subject of prayer.
We have access to so many books written on the subject of prayer and most of them are very good and helpful.
The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray and from that we are given: “The Lord’s Prayer” recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4.
“Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and The power and the glory forever. Amen.”
Jesus taught us to pray to God as “Our Father”. Perhaps, we need reminding that Jesus also told us to come to Him as a child with simple child-like faith.
John 15:9-11...Jesus said, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."
I just stopped by to say "Hello". I have been on vacation for two weeks visiting family out of state. I'm taking another two weeks off before getting back into my routine.
I miss blogging and visiting my favorite blogs. May God bless all of you Moms and give you a great Mother's Day with family.
Carolyn
Saturday
Celebrate! Shout for joy! Jesus did not stay in the grave, but He is alive! Easter is our promise of eternal life!
Rejoice as you listen to this video, "Then Came The Morning". (First, go to the bottom of the page to pause the music on My Playlist)
I pray that each of you have a blessed Easter. Carolyn
In a recent radio interview, The Shack author, Paul Young, told the interviewer he did not hold to the traditional view of the atonement in that he does not believe Jesus Christ bore the punishment (i.e., penalty) for man's sins when He died on the Cross (transcript).
He also stated, with regard to this topic: "I don't know if you're aware, but that's a huge debate that's going on in theology right now within the evangelical community." …
This "huge debate" states that a loving Father would never send His Son to a violent death on behalf of the sins of others. And while they do not deny that Jesus did physically die on a Cross, they insist that His death was not to be a substitutionary act wherein He was punished for our sins.
This is so disturbing to me it breaks my heart. When we deny Jesus as our spotless, sinless lamb who was our sacrifice shedding His blood for our sins, then we have no hope. Jesus and only Jesus is the one who connects us with God. He is the spotless lamb who is the permanent, perfect, final sacrifice for all sin, for all men, for all time.
Don’t just celebrate Easter as another holiday with bunnies, colored eggs and cooked ham. Remember what our Savior has done for us in being the atonement for our sins. Remember that the grave did not hold Him, but He arose on that Resurrection morning and He is alive today! This is why we celebrate Easter! It is the hope of our salvation. Without it, we are no different than any other religion!
I Peter 3:18 “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit”.
The video tells the story. Go to bottom of page to pause the music on my Playlist before watching the video.
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4 TNIV)
He was only five months old when I first saw him. His young mom had left him with me for a few hours. I had just met her and my heart was touched with God’s love for her, because she was so young and seems so alone.
As I held E in my arms, rocking him, I had an overwhelming sense of God’s presence and a special love for this baby. I prayed for God to protect him and for him to grow up to love God.
Three months later my son, J, married the young lady and the baby became my grandson. They were married for a few years before J was able to adopt him and E became my grandchild legally.
J and K were married two years when they had a beautiful son who died suddenly at eight weeks, but two years later God blessed them with a healthy son.
Their marriage lasted for only twelve years, separating J from his two sons, except for short visits. The miles between us also separated me from my grandchildren.
I never stopped loving them. I never stopped praying for them, as I pray for all of my grandchildren and their parents.
I give praise to my Heavenly Father today for answering my prayers!
E enlisted in the Army in early 2003 and has been in Iraq for two tours and has just completed a tour in Afghanistan. God has answered my prayer for his protection! He was in the middle of the war facing grave danger and narrowly escaped harm many times, but was never hurt.
Only God! He kept him safe! I praise God for his mercy and for answering prayer. From the first prayer I prayed 27 years ago and continuing today, God is faithful to watch over all of us and to keep us in His care.
Praise God today for all of His blessings and many answers to our prayers!
Every single evening As I'm lying here in bed, This tiny little prayer Keeps running through my head:
God bless all my family Wherever they may be, Keep them warm And safe from harm For they're so close to me.
And God, there is one more thing I wish that you could do; Hope you don't mind me asking, Please bless my computer too.
Now I know that it's unusual To bless a motherboard, But listen just a second While I explain it to you, Lord.
You see, that little metal box Holds more than odds and ends; Inside those small compartments Rest so many of my friends.
I know so much about them By the kindness that they give, And this little scrap of metal Takes me in to where they live.
By faith is how I know them Much the same as you. We share in what life brings us And from that our friendships grew.
Please take an extra minute From your duties up above, To bless those in my address book That's filled with so much love.
Wherever else this prayer may reach To each and every friend, Bless each e-mail inbox And each person who hits ‘send’.
When you update your Heavenly list On your own Great CD-ROM, Bless everyone who says this prayer Sent up to GOD.Com
Amen
This may sound very trivial, but when it was sent to me by e-mail, I thought of how appropiate it is, to ask God to bless all of my bloggy friends, who are in my computer. I have received so much inspiration from many of you. What a joy to read your writings and to be blest!
Karen from Hallelujah Anyhow sent me the Friendship Award and I am honored by her friendship and thoughtfulness.
Now I pass this award to eight sisters who continually bless me with their words.
Ladies, please feel free to paste the award on your site if you choose to do so, and include this text that is passed on with the award... "These blogs are exceedingly charming and the kind of bloggers that aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of the prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award".
How strong and intense is your desire to see your family saved? Do you really care enough about them to fight the devil for their souls?
I believe the devil knows that if he can get us to be complacent and stop praying that he will win. I fear that many of us fail to see the sins in the lives of those we are praying for, because it has become commonplace in our society and they really are good people.
This has been so heavy on my heart this week. Things happening in our world today show us that Jesus will return very soon. What a glorious hope for this to happen! But, dear Lord, I can’t bear the thought of my family not being ready. We are in a spiritual battle for their salvation.
Karen Wheaton sings a song, “Enough is Enough!” It is about putting on the whole armor of God and fighting the devil to take back all the stuff he has stolen from us. (It is the second song on My Playlist at bottom of page.) It is a victory song! You will be blessed as you listen.
Eph. 6:10-18… gives us instructions how to be… strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We are to… put on the whole armor of God so that we may be able to stand against the wiles (or scheming) of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. v. 12
We need the whole armor of God, which is truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and to be praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. v. 13-18
Satan doesn’t give up his victims without a fight. We need to constantly remind him of I John 4:4…, which says that God is greater than he is! Tell him that you will fight him by the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, so he might as well quit now. Then ask God to frustrate satan’s plans in the lives of those you are praying for.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4… The gospel is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
Unbelievers not only hear what we are saying. They hear what we say, plus what they already believe. What they hear is filtered through a belief system, a veil, which causes them to hear something totally different. There is a veil or covering over their minds, which prevents them from clearly seeing the light and truth of the gospel.
Acts 26:18…Open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God. …The unbeliever cannot war for himself. He cannot overcome the stronghold of darkness and will not understand the gospel until the veil lifts. We must take our divinely dynamic weapons and fight. Only the Holy Spirit can draw man to himself in repentance, but we must pray down the strongholds that are binding our kids and pray for the veil that is blinding them to be lifted so they can see Jesus.
God does answer prayer, so don't ever give up the fight!
Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way. *************
There's work to do, deadlines to meet; You've got no time to spare, But as you hurry and scurry- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
In the midst of family chaos, 'Quality time' is rare. Do your best; let God do the rest- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
It may seem like your worries Are more than you can bear. Slow down and take a breather- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares, And He'll respond to all your needs A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
This was sent to me by e-mail this week, so many of you may have already seen it.
We need to always remember that we can communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer. We are so blessed to have a God who will listen and will answer our concerns. Prayer is also a way to give Him praise. When we praise Him, we enter into His presence and in His presence, we can ask of Him anything.
I have to share this video. It is just too cute! These 2-year-old twins are precious and adorable, and God bless their parents for teaching them God’s word.
It was 45 years ago this month when we walked through the valley of death. I was nine months pregnant and had two wonderful little boys under the age of four. Even though our family life was full of noise and activity, my husband and I were eagerly looking forward to the birth of this new baby.
The pregnancy was completely normal and uneventful. I was faithful with keeping my doctor appointments, seeing him every week by then. We didn’t have ultrasounds “back in the day” to tell us if our baby was a boy or girl. We had to wait patiently for the doctor to surprise us when he announced, “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” We were hoping that 'it' would be a girl.
My due date was February 20th and that day came and went. My parents, who lived in another town, had come a few days earlier and picked up the boys taking them back to their home.
Two days later, I realized that my baby was not moving. At first I would not allow myself to believe it. I kept trying the technique of deep breathing, because that would usually cause some kicking and movement. But now there was nothing. I had to tell my husband. I had to call the doctor. Norris didn’t seem to grasp the seriousness of the situation, but as the mother, I knew something was desperately wrong.
When the doctor examined me the following morning, he confirmed that there was no heartbeat. My baby was dead, but still in my womb. Our horror and disbelief sent us to our knees.
We drove straight to our church and went immediately to the altar. Churches were not kept locked in those days. We both prayed and sobbed at that altar until we were exhausted. The questions kept coming. “Why, God? We are both serving you Lord, and we are active in the church. God, why didn’t you protect this baby and keep her alive? What have we done to deserve this punishment?” My parents had taught me, from a young child, that God is always faithful and I could trust Him to always take care of me. Why was He not taking care of me now? Oh, so many questions.
We stayed at the church until we could no longer pray or cry. We could only try to find comfort by holding on to each other. We drove home in silence and lay down on the bed, even though it was still afternoon. We were emotionally exhausted and fell into a deep sleep for several hours. It was as if God had given both of us a sedative so that we could rest.
It was dark when we awoke and there was a calm sweet spirit of peace in the room. The Holy Spirit’s presence was there and He was reminding us that even though we will walk through valleys of death in this life, He would always walk with us. He will even carry us when we are unable to walk. We can always trust Him to be our strength in our weakness.
My merciful God gave me the strength to have a natural labor and delivery, even though the baby usually needs to be taken by cesarean in those circumstances. I carried her for five more days knowing that she would be stillborn. Yes, she was a baby girl.
We were told that she had a congenital defect and if she had been born alive would have been severely handicapped living only a short time. How do you accept that? How do you digest that and come to terms with that information? How do you go through the process of giving birth, and yet go home without a baby in your arms?
No, God had not forsaken us. He was not punishing us. We live in a sinful world and bad things will happen from time to time. God is faithful and will walk with us through all of the heartache and pain that we may suffer. His presence will give comfort and His power will give us strength.
I have to admit; my heart did not grasp this truth at first. Norris and I were very young and still immature, but we had wonderful family support and a great church family. After months of prayer, I came to realize that even though I don’t know what my tomorrows will bring, God sees the whole picture and knows everything about me from beginning to end.
If I allow Him, He will hold my hand and even carry me when I can’t walk. He is the only one that can give me a deep settled peace in my spirit. He has shown me His constant love for me time and time again. Through the good years and the bad, He has always been faithful to take care of me.
For many years I was haunted with the “what ifs” as each February approached. Gradually, my heart healed and God gave us two more beautiful boys.
I know that I will see my baby girl when I get to Heaven. Even though I missed raising my own little girl, God blessed me with eight granddaughters, one stepdaughter and five daughters-in-law.
This is the first time I’ve written about this part of my life and I wasn’t intending to share it on this post. It is not my usual content and because it is longer than I usually write, it will take more time for you to read. But, I feel that perhaps there is someone that is going through a similar experience, or has in the past and is in need of encouragement.
If you are the one who needs to read this, then I believe God loves you and cares about you so much that the Holy Spirit will direct you to this post. May God comfort you with peace and His love. He will make a way for you to overcome just as He has for me.
Can you imagine how exciting it will be when that one whom you are praying for says, “Yes” to Jesus and accepts Him into his heart?
I’m sure that you will be filled with joy and praise. Your heart will feel like singing. My husband and I experienced this last year when our daughter called us with the good news. We could hardly contain our emotions as we rejoiced with her. (I shared this story in the Aug. 22, 2008 post.)
The Bible tells us that the angels rejoice in Heaven over one sinner who repents.
“There will be more joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”(Luke 15:10)
It may be hard for you to believe, but Jesus loves your family member more than you do and desires that he/she will repent and be saved.
“The Lord is…not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
I recently heard this great song by David Phelps, “My Child is Coming Home”. The lyrics are below. The song is the first one on my Playlist. (Scroll all the way to the bottom of page and turn on player.)
Listen to the words and be blessed and encouraged.
My Child is Coming Home
Words & music by Suzanne Jennings, David Phelps & Guy Penrod.
Just an ordinary day in Heaven, lookin’ down the Streets of Gold. You can hear the strings and the angel wings, see the saints of Old. Then suddenly God breaks a smile, and begins His song, "Look my Son is comin’ home!"
Open up the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Build another mansion next to mine. Everybody dance and shout for joy around the throne. Set another place at the table. Sound the trumpet loud and clear this time. Halleluiah, my child is comin’ home.
Now they say the only time God sings is when a lost soul believes. And they say that there’s a celebration there beside the Crystal Sea. And God, Himself, directs the choir and the welcome band. And then He sings out once again.
Open up the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Build another mansion next to mine. Everybody dance and shout for joy around the throne. Set another place at the table. Sound the trumpet loud and clear this time. Halleluiah, my child is comin’ home.
Come on, play the anthem strong. Come on, join in, sing along, sing it strong.
Open up the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Build another mansion next to mine. Everybody dance and shout for joy around the throne. Set another place at the table. Sound the trumpet loud and clear this time. Halleluiah, my child is comin’ home.
Open up the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Build another mansion next to mine. Everybody dance and shout for joy around the throne. Set another place at the table. Sound the trumpet loud and clear this time. Halleluiah, my child is comin’ home.
It was extremely frustrating when I could not log onto my own computer. Even though it recognized my password, it kept shutting down after one minute. Thanks to a wonderful smart friend who knew what the problem was and to my loving husband’s abilities, who can fix almost anything, I am now back.
It was not a virus, as I feared, however my body was hit with a virus about the same time. Thanks to prayer and my Jesus, I am feeling almost normal again.
I know that these are things that happen in life, but I felt like I was being attacked, by the devil, enemy of my soul. I feel sure that he doesn’t like what I am doing.
I have started a second blog, writing directly to the unsaved to witness God’s love. If you have followed my writings, you know that my heart is burdened for our unsaved kids and the need to encourage other moms who are praying for their families.
Lately, I have felt that I must do more to get the message to not only our prodigals, but to everyone who has not accepted Jesus. I’m not very bold, about witnessing “face-to-face / one on one”. However, the Holy Spirit has given me this tool, the Internet, and with His guidance and anointing, I must be obedient.
A friend asked me how I could get the unsaved to find my blog. I told her that I do not know. I only know that I must be obedient to the Holy Spirit and He will do the rest. Pray with me, please, that the message will always go out as the Holy Spirit leads.
Asking God to give me an anchor verse for the New Year was a new idea to me, but I liked it very much. Tammy at “Not Mine, But God’s Story” shared this idea a couple of weeks ago, and the verse that the Holy Spirit gave her touched my heart as well. (Psalm 37:7).
I prayed about what God wanted me to have and I couldn’t get away from the same verse. I kept praying about it and He gave me three more verses of the same theme. It is sort of like having the thought pounded into my spirit.
“My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” (Psalm 62:5)
“The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently on Him to act.” (Psalm 37:7)
“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)
Waiting can be very hard. We live in a society that offers instant gratification for almost everything we want or do. Many of us have been praying the same prayer for months or maybe even years. We grow tired and impatient and sometimes depressed. Our focus is on the problems and not the problem-solver. Our distressed crying drowns out the voice of the Holy Spirit.
I believe the Holy Spirit is telling me, and perhaps you, that it is time to be quiet before Him, and to sit in His presence, wait and listen for His voice. That does not mean that we can stop praying. It simply means, trust God to have the answer and listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Have you ever been with a friend or relative who talks the entire time you are together? When she leaves, you realize that you may have only spoken two or three sentences. How does that make you feel? She left before you could share your thoughts. Sadly, that is the way most of our prayers are spoken to God. Do you take the time to hear what He wants to share with you?
Lord, I am hungry for Your presence. Thank you for loving me and compelling me to seek more of You. I know that Your word says… “You will make me full of joy in Your presence.” (Acts 2:28)
Friends, please watch this video and hear the beautiful prayer sung by Hillsong. (Turn off my Playlist music first.) It is my prayer as well, and may it be yours.
