The Christian Life

Three Ways to Guard Our Faith

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“So then faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 1017, NKJV

So, how do we guard our faith? I think these are three tried and true ways to do it. Remember, it’s God’s will we guard our faith, so He will help us in the process. As we seek Him, He will reveal specific things that are threatening our faith—things we may be allowing into our life now, or have allowed into our lives in the past. He will always help us, when our desire is to grow in Him.

Okay. Here we go. 

THREE WAYS TO GUARD OUR FAITH

1. Get Into Fellowship.

And, when I say fellowship I mean church first, all other fellowship (small groups, coffee with spiritual friends, Bible studies, prayer meetings) second.

“Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25, TLB

The American Christian really has few good reasons for forsaking church fellowship, but endless excuses. The most common excuse is that it’s hard to find the right church. Well, I’ve been there. I know that’s true. However, going to church doesn’t have to be a marriage proposal. You can just go to a church you only want to casually date, or hang-out with as a friend. You know what I mean?  Lower your expectations and just have fun. So what if it isn’t “The Right Church”? As long as they’re preaching God’s Word, going to “The Wrong Church” can be great! Just go to church.

2. Study The Word.

Studying the Word of God is critical to our faith. I know this feels very challenging for many Christians, but if we will pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help us, He will. The Holy Spirit will give us understanding of God’s Word. And, you know what? Even what we don’t understand still profits us!”

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Studying God’s Word will also lead to our knowing God more, and that will be like a mighty fortress for our faith.

3. Walk In Righteousness.

It seems obvious, but we humans tend to forget the obvious. Or, we get distracted. Whatever the case, if we are living in spiritual compromise, we are powerless to guard our faith. Secret sin and private idols separate us from God.

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2, NKJVIf we want to guard our faith, let us pray for the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin—and let us respond quickly, that we will remain in right-standing with God. 

God bless you today. It’s a brand new week to walk in faith, obedience, and surrender to our Lord and Savior. It’s a brand new week to try again, and give ourselves another chance. It’s a new start for us all.

Happy Monday! ❤

The Mystery of the Rapture

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Do you believe in the Rapture?

If you do, it might surprise you to learn that many Christians do not. And, an increasing number of Believers who do believe in the Rapture do not believe in a Pre-Tribulation (or, pre-wrath) Rapture.

There is also a whole category of Christians who just can’t decide what they believe. They feel confused by the various teachings they’ve heard and articles they’ve read. So, they just don’t commit.

Let’s consider this: a Pre-Tribulation Rapture is the Blessed Hope of every born-again Christian, and a promise from God prophesied in His Word, being noncommittal seems inappropriate. God is very committed to our deliverance from His wrath.

But, people don’t longer believe in the wrath of God. I haps, they imagine irascible God blessed me and loving and kind. I think that believer must have forgotten how much God loves them.

Sync with me of the last story in the news that you heard the mother of God are defending their child.Would He give His own divine Son’s life just to see His born-again sons and daughters face His wrath on a world that is as wicked as the world we know today, where unspeakable crimes are committed against the most innocent and. Gand we should be, too. In fact, we should be looking up: our Redemption draweth nigh! (Luke 21:28)This is a message from Amir Tsafarti of Behold Israel. I have written a very rough outline for his message, with time stamps and scripture references. Hopefully, that is helpful.

 

INTRODUCTION (0:00) 
Isaiah 46:9-10

10 Fast Facts about Faith

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  1. Faith is not reasonable. Hebrews 11
  2. Faith is a gift of God. Romans 12:3
  3. Faith should grow. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 | Romans 4:20
  4. Faith can die. James 2:17
  5. Faith is precious. 1 Peter 1:7
  6. Faith protects us. Ephesians 6:16
  7. Faith must be guarded. 2 Timothy 4:7
  8. Faith is defeated by Fear. Mark 4:35-41
  9. Faith and Doubt cannot co-exist. Matthew 21:21
  10. Faith brings God glory. Romans 4:20

TBT: The Question That Changed My Life

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It’s Throwback Thursday, so I am sharing a post from April 4, 2016. It is about a question I was asked at a critical time in my life in April 2001. It literally did change my life. It was the beginning of the end of me.

Click here to read  “Self-Examinations Are Always Graded On A Curve.” 

When We Will Really Become Like Jesus

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I’ve been thinking about something: I’ve been thinking about how the Son of God became like us, and how we will one day become like Him.

1. God the Son was originally an eternally alive Spirit. He was not created, not born. He was always.

2. After the Fall of mankind, we needed a Savior. We needed an eternal atonement for our sin. A blood sacrifice that would stand forever.

3. God the Son became that blood sacrifice: corruptible flesh. He was born like we were born, and in every way was human—still the divine Son of God, but now also a Son of Man.

4. As a human, God the Son experienced real hunger, real emotions, and real temptation. Yet, He was called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” There was a promise is this Child of Bethlehem. It was always evident, always in His name. Yet, at the cross on Calvary, He endured a real crucifixion. He shed real blood as His real flesh was afflicted for our transgressions. He felt all the pain, all the humiliation, all the loneliness. And, He bore all our sins upon Himself.

5. A mere man could not have borne our sins. A sinful Son of God could not have, either. Christ lived a sinless life. He did not transgress against God the Father, and so was able to be the ultimate sacrifice. His death atoned for our sin, and His resurrection was the an eternal victory over death.

6. This is what amazes me: upon His resurrection He was no longer just a man of flesh. He now had a glorified body. Jesus ascended into heaven in this glorified Body, and when He comes to take the Believers home, when we rise to meet Him in the air, we will be translated—in a twinkling of an eye—into a glorified body. We will become like Jesus!

It just blows my mind.

Honor Thy Mother

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I want to share a video with you.

I just watched it again for the first time in seven years. It’s a video of my mother, and I hope you will watch it to the very end.

I don’t really know what inspired me to conduct an interview, but I’m sure it was the Holy Spirit. Even the questions I asked her—I sound like I knew what I was going to say. I didn’t. It was entirely off the cuff, unedited. And, I’m serious about watching to the end. I couldn’t believe the last shot. Only God!

By the way, Mother would have been 88-years-old today. Instead, of blowing out candles, though, she is in a place of incredible joy with the One her soul adores. Oh, I miss Mother daily—she crosses my mind a dozen times, or more. How she would delight in her many great-grandchildren! She would be “at the height of her glory,” as she used to say.

Yet, I would not wish her back from Heaven. Instead, I rejoice for her victory over death, and the fact that we’ll see each other again. I can’t wait to find out all she has been doing. What a life she is living now!

So, without further ado, in honor of my Mother’s birthday, I humbly invite you to watch this video. If you are in any way at all touched by what you see, will you share it? Maybe, someone you know needs to hear what she has to say. (It can be share directly from YouTube.)

Thank you for remembering Stella with me, even if you never knew her. ❤

“Does the Preacher Smell?”

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There is no preacher, Bible teacher, or minister who is perfect.

We should not expect to agree with them on everything, or to even like them that much personally.

In fact, sometimes their ministry style might even be disagreeable to us. Maybe, they aren’t compelling, or too emotional? Do their words stumble out of their mouth? Or, are they too smooth? Too well-groomed? Too tan? Too casual? Too formal? The “wrong” gender?

We are picky people!

While an awkward speaker, frumpy-looking pastor, or overly-primped and powdered Bible teacher might not be someone’s preference, it should not cause any of us to reject the biblical truth they present. Being charismatic, attractive, articulate, or agreeable are not requirements for the ministry. We American Christians have made the outward things so important, but we’re wrong. Perhaps, we just don’t want Jesus as much as we want our idols, superheroes, and superstars.

In the coming days, I plan to share some Bible Prophecy messages from various speakers. None of them are perfect. Some of them I’ve had internal battles over myself, because something about them was a hindrance for me. Perhaps, a doctrinal position, their lame jokes, or their style. In certain cases, I still have to win the victory our my pettiness each time I watch them.

It’s a good thing, though. It’s good to be have my petty shallowness called out, because I don’t want to be petty or shallow. I don’t want to miss a good word, just because the vessel God chose doesn’t suit me.

So, that’s my appeal to you. Please, don’t reject a speaker, because the vessel doesn’t appeal to you. Listen first. Test it. Is the critical point he’s making biblically sound? Of course, this is good to remember in any situation where we are on the receiving end of ministry. Guard yourself against being hindered. If the preacher smells, just plug your nose—but keep your ears open. He just might have something to say that God wants you to hear.

❤️

Starting the New Year

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If working hard means getting a good start to the new year, then I think Doug and I have a lot to look forward to in 2019.

We took a working vacation over Christmas and the New Year, which meant we worked at home only, no outside appointments. We stayed up late, and slept as long as possible.

We also hosted an Open House for ministry volunteers, which was a lot of fun.

Doug did throw his back out after Christmas, but I knew it was coming. The week before he had been doing a lot of lifting and moving, and I kept hearing him say, “There’s something funny going on with my back.” I also caught a head cold, but if it stays in my head, it won’t be too bad.

It’s going to be interesting this year, because we are rolling into 2019 with so much already in place. Normally, we spend January seeking the Lord for His course of action, His plan for the ministry. Well, He set the course for us before 2018 ended; we just have to keep doing what we were doing. So, we have a running start. I like it!

You know, I was thinking about the highlights of 2018 the other day. Isaac, our grandson, was definitely a highlight. How God moved in my heart was a highlight. Doug and I arrived at a new place of goodness in our marriage this past year, and that was a highlight.* It was almost like we remembered we were friends. Maybe, working together frustrates friendship. I think it might. And, HopeMail has been a very big highlight, too. I love how that is coming along.

However, my greatest highlight of 2018 is something I wanted to do all year long. I actually did work on it throughout the year, but it wasn’t until just before Christmas that all the pieces fell into place. It may not seem like a big deal, and you will wonder why it took so long, but I managed to finally finish our spare room, making it a place where the grandbabies can hangout and Doug can play his piano.

And, when those two things come together, well, my heart is pretty full.

I am very thankful the Lord did not despair of me in 2018. His kindness overwhelms me. He does love us like a Father, and we know that because He doesn’t love us any less when we’re ornery. It’s almost like He loves us louder, to make sure that in our blindness we don’t lose our way.

* I would feel dishonest if I did not add that I’ve been repeatedly cranky with him the past couple weeks, which is disappointing for me. I’ve had to apologize a lot. I want to blame my thyroid, but I think it’s more likely just ugly sin.

10 Reasons to Study Bible Prophecy

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Some folks resist the study of Bible prophecy, because so much of it confuses them. Or, they don’t believe anyone can really know or understand it. If even great theologians disagree, who are they to think they can know it?

Or, they think they know enough: they know they’re born again and going to heaven, so why study prophecy? They know everything’s going to be OK for them, who needs to understand the times?

Over the years of my life, I have landed in every category I mentioned. Yet, I’ve always been drawn to Bible prophecy. The biggest problem, though, is that so few pastors and teachers preach or teach on prophecy.

Well, in recent years the Lord has brought several prophecy teachers to my attention. Dr. Mark Hitchcock is one. He is teaching in the video below. I encourage you to take time to watch or listen to his teaching. I outlined the ten points for you.

If you are curious to do more watching or listening on this subject, Dr. Hitchcock has many videos on YouTube. I will be sharing some of my other favorite teacher soon.

God bless you all. God bless your new year. ❤️

Why Is Bible Prophecy Important Now?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr3b2Rih4yE&feature=share

1. People everywhere are thinking about it. (4:35)

2. Prophecy is essential to understanding the Bible. (6:35)

3. Special blessing is promised to those who study Bible prophecy and pay attention to what it says. (11:17)

4. Prophecy proves the person of Jesus.(13:53)

5. Prophecy protects us from heresy. (18:27)

6. Prophecy motivates us to service and godly living. (25:13)

7. Prophecy proves that God is the true God and that His Word is true. (30:48)

8. Prophecy reassures us that God is in control, and gives us peace of mind. (39:15)

9. Prophecy is a powerful tool for evangelism. (46:45)

10. Prophecy helps us understand the times. (50:00)

12 Things I Learned When I Got Cancer

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A few days ago, I marked the seventh anniversary since a surgeon removed a basketball from my abdomen.

When I was finally able to return to chapel services at the Farm, where Doug was serving as Chaplain, he asked me to share a testimony.  I jotted down a few notes, and this is what came out. Pretty rough and ugly, but maybe what I learned can encourage someone else who may be in the midst of a season of suffering and challenge themselves.

 

Things I Learned When I Got Cancer

Lesson #1: God Gets To Do Whatever He Wants To Do
I really did not think God would allow me to have cancer, because I had too much going on in my life. The Fall is the busiest time for me in the ministry. Plus, there is no cancer history in my family. And, didn’t I have enough to deal with all ready? My family needed me. I did not have time to be in a hospital.

I really did think these very dumb thoughts.

Lesson #2: Just Keep Trusting
A few days after being released from the hospital, my incision opened and I was bleeding profusely. I was in the worst pain, and fear was rising. Doug had to take me to the E.R., and I remember laying there so scared, asking Doug to help me make sense of this. He simply told me, “You just have to keep trusting God.”

When things are so hard, but just keep getting harder, remember to just keep trusting. God’s faithfulness has no end.

Lesson #3: Pain Happens
We cannot prevent pain, but there are things we can do to stop it, or at least ease it. So, do what you can, and hold on tight to a friend’s hand whenever possible. And, remember Lesson #2. It will eventually pass. This applies to physical pain, and emotional pain.

Lesson #4: Do Your Best
You may not have another chance, so do your best right now. And, when it comes to other people, give them your best. It matters. It may matter to someone you’ll never meet, but it definitely matters to God, who put you here to do it in the first place.

Lesson #5: Always Assume The Other Person Is Having A Worse Day
I could cry right now, remembering the way I was cared for at the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care. But, it wasn’t only them. My visiting nurses (Robyn and Karen and Wendy, especially) blessed me in so many ways. I remember the look on the face of my anesthesiologist, the last thing I remember before waking up in recovery—the kindness and assurance in her eyes mattered. Yeah, they all knew I was sick. They had an advantage. But, we don’t have an excuse. We encounter people every day who are facing serious troubles. When I consider how much the kindness, warmth, and gentleness of strangers meant to me, I pray the Lord help me always to extend these same gifts to others. People giving their best made all the difference for me. Refer to Lesson #4.

Lesson #6: God Doesn’t Have To Give You Cancer To Kill You
Don’t wait for a terminal diagnosis to take life seriously. We have all been appointed a day to die, so live every day with meaning now.  Besides, when you get that diagnosis, you may not have the time, or strength, to do those things you keep putting off. And, it feels really bad to think you really might not get another chance. Review Lessons #4 and #7.

Lesson #7: Do It Now
Why are you putting it off? We don’t get credit for our To Do List.

Lesson #8: You Cannot Be Too Polite
See Lessons #4 and #5.

Lesson #9: The Little Things Matter
If you have been paying attention, you’ve all ready learned this lesson. Please, review Lessons #4, #5, #7, and #8.

Lesson #10:  Trials And Suffering Mature Our Love For God, And For Others
Don’t be afraid of trials and suffering. Don’t resist them. Don’t buck against them. One word I learned well during this time in my life was y – i – e – l – d. Yield. Yield to God, even as He takes you down a dark and frightening road. You see, His will only works when He is in full control. We must be fully surrendered. Remember Lessons #1 and #2.

Lesson #11: The Worst Thing That Can Happen Isn’t On This Earth
The worst thing that can happen is not getting to Heaven at all, or arriving in the presence of the Lord without a treasure to present your King. (See Lessons #10, #7, #4, and #2.)

Lesson #12: Don’t Forget What You Learned The Last Time
When the Lord allows suffering, it is for a purpose. He has a reason. An objective. So, write down what you learn. Tell others. And, keep living those lessons out every day. Live it as long as you have breath.

God bless you today. I know cancer has a way of re-entering the life of the survivor, and I keep that in mind as each anniversary approaches. My particular cancer is very slow growing, so if it usually reappears after 10-20 years, and the survival rate on the second pass is a lot less than the first. So, believe me, I review these lessons regularly. ❤

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A sign my family left in my room. It was a touch of cheeriness that meant a lot.