Make Disciples

 

     Some say faith is a private issue and it is a personal and unique relationship between an individual and God. True, but, as Christians, the Holy Spirit fills us to the brim with the living water of Jesus and we have to speak! Peter and John had been arrested. They were forbidden to speak about Jesus.

     Did that stop them? Not at all. They were right back out in the public square preaching the news. This news was too good to keep to themselves. The Spirit within them would not allow them to be quiet. Here is their response:

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes, to listen to you or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about all we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

     As for us, we can’t help speaking of all we have seen and heard. Let it be true of us as it was for Peter and John.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

 Jesus,

Let us speak in Your name, even as we are persecuted and ridiculed. You want everyone to know You.

Amen

 

Go and Tell

 

     Each of us, as believers, have a story to tell. Some of us have known Jesus since childhood, others met Him as seniors. I love the fact that Jesus is ready whenever we are. He knows when our hearts are ready to receive Him.

     I have witnessed how He places the right people at the right time in our lives to share the Gospel. Sometimes we just don’t want to hear it from our own family or friends. A stranger could just “happen” to walk into a life with the good news.

     If you know Jesus, you have a testimony. No one else met Him in the same way, at the same time. All of our stories have meaning and purpose. Maybe God is preparing you to share the love of Christ, how He has changed you, how He has opened your heart, how He loves you, how He offers peace and joy and hope. Your story is unique and maybe, just maybe, someone around you is ready to listen. Don’t be afraid. The Holy Spirit will give you the words.

At that time, you will be given what to say. Matthew 10:19b

For the Holy Spirit will teach you, at that time, what you should say. Luke 12:12

     Go and tell what God has done for you.

I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Father,

We lean on You to help us speak of Your wonderful deeds. Lead us to those ready to hear Your voice and let the Holy Spirit give us just the right words.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Seeking God?

 

     God is waiting for you. Have you noticed a yearning in your heart? Are you hesitant to come closer? See if Jesus is for real? Is it possible God truly sent His Son to earth over 2,000 years ago?

     The profound and transforming answers to those questions will change your life. The blessed assurance of finally and forever letting yourself go safely into His arms will set you free. Free from the penalty of sin, free to find peace for your soul, free to be loved forever, free to hope for the reality of eternity.

     How can you go wrong? Here is His voice speaking to your heart.

You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all of your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

     Believe He will answer your seeking heart.

I sought the Lord and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

     All of us fall short of the glory of God. All of us. God gave us a way to Him through Jesus. Jesus Christ died for you and for me. He rose again and conquered death and He is alive! He has risen! No more death and all we have to do is believe. Here is the good news for those of you seeking an answer.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe resulting in righteousness and it with your mouth you confess resulting in salvation. Romans 10:9-10

     It is a pure gift of grace. None of us deserve it. None of us can attain it without the one and only Son, sent from the Father.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1;14

Lord,

There are no words that can express the thanksgiving we have in our hearts for Jesus. Please open more hearts to His truth, to His Gospel, to His grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Times of Your Life

 

     This week we have looked at our relationships including friendships, spouses and grandchildren, along with the relationships we have to end.  Thank you for allowing me to share stories from my life. I love hearing yours, too.  We are on this journey together. My husband and I  heard an old song by Paul Anka this week and the lyrics seemed to fit.:

Good morning, yesterday
You wake up and time has slipped away
And suddenly it's hard to find
The memories you left behind

Remember the times of your life.

The laughter and the tears
The shadows of misty yesteryears
The good times and the bad you've seen
And all the others in between
Remember, do you remember the times of your life?

Reach out for the joy and the sorrow
Put them away in your mind
The memories are time that you borrow
To spend when you get to tomorrow

Here comes the saddest part
The seasons are passing one by one
So gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life?

     The Bible leads us in two separate directions. First, to look back and learn and remember. The second, to move on. Often, it is hard to do both. Today be grateful for those around you, savor the memories and look ahead with hope and trust. You are loved.

This is what the Lord says, “Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths. Ask where the good way is and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16a

Remember the former things, those of long ago. I am God and there is no other. I am God and there is none like Me. Isaiah 46:9

     Look back and remember and learn and look ahead.

“Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it, but  one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians 3:13

     It takes perseverance and patience to move ahead. Remember, learn and move.

Jesus,

The times of our lives remain in our hearts and minds. As we age, the memories warm our hearts. Help us to hold onto the good, learn from the bad and hold onto hope in You.

Amen

Superhero

 

     Today our sweet, happy, hockey-playing, silly and smart super hero, Gavin, turns 6. Our hearts are so full of gratitude for this child. After dealing with a rare form of epilepsy that often does not respond to medication, we witnessed a miracle and he has been seizure-free for going on three years!

     That time was one of the toughest in our lives. Seeing a small child suffer and facing an unknown future, brought us completely to our knees and we relied on the prayers of so many to hold us all up. And God answered our prayers.

     He loves superheroes and loves to dress up as each one. Superheroes may leap tall buildings in a single bound and use mighty weapons to catch the bad guys. To us, Gavin has fought his own battles and won! He is our true superhero. He loves kindergarten, riding dirt bikes, helping dad and giving bear hugs. Happy birthday to our sweet boy Gavin and thank you all, once again, for your prayers.

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6

Father,

We praise You for giving us Gavin today. Bless all of our children and grandchildren as we teach them about You. We love you.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Opposites

 

     My husband puts up with so much. I talk a lot, move too much, become distracted easily. I live in the gray areas of life, with deep emotion. He is solid and stoic, doesn’t talk much, (maybe can’t get a word in) loves straight lines and even spaces, sees the world in black and white. We are the quintessential “opposites attract.”

    God’s timing, as always, was prefect. At just the season in life, when I would need someone the most, Nip came along.  He stood by me when I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease right after we became engaged. He was my rock after my mom’s death, the day after our wedding. Soon after her death, he lost his job and we were on a roller coaster of grief, tough questions, an unknown future and deep love. Our struggles made us stronger.

     He took over the chauffeuring duties when I gave up driving at 41, with no complaint. He suffered a stroke when he was 55 and we watched in awe as he recovered, once again, with no complaining. Our testimony of faith is often seen through the tough times. Our tests become our testimony, our struggles become our stories.  Jesus sees us through. How about you? We all have those days, those seasons, those years when we cling to God and to each other, wondering how we will make it through.

     Through the years, the happiness and blessings have far outweighed any of the tough times and we are so proud of our two daughters, our sons-in-law and our five grandchildren. Every day is filled with treasures. 

Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

     Jesus is called, “the bridegroom” of His church. He offers us a vision of what true love and sacrifice looks like. I am grateful to be married to a man who shows me that type of love every single day.

Lord,

Today we thank You for spouses and all they bring to our lives. Comfort those who have lost spouses and help heal hurting marriages. Thank You for the relationships in our lives.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Closing Doors

 

     Old and new relationships fill our lives. Have you had to take a step away from someone close to you?  This decision had to be made by me several years ago. It was such a difficult decision to close a relationship that had once meant so much. It was a prayerful decision and God was able to provide peace for me.

     The Bible instructs us to be careful. The book of Proverbs is filled with advice on staying away from bitterness, anger, gossip, envy and greed. I still pray for the one I no longer see and pray she is happy and healthy. The words and actions that hurt my heart have been forgiven.  Listen to God’s voice when you have to make difficult relationship decisions. He is there, ready to listen and guide your heart.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Stay away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people. Romans 16-17-18

     Difficult, but necessary advice. Hang on to those that care deeply from the heart. Forgive those that turn against you or hurt you. Reconcile when possible. We are blessed to know what love is, through Jesus Christ.

Father,

Teach us to be discerning and obedient, even when it is hard. Show us what to do with difficult relationships and when to close a door. We love You and thank You for the healthy relationships in our lives.

In Jesus name,

Amen