I love this time of year. The temperature is dropping, signifying the arrival of Fall. We begin to see decorations of pumpkins and scarecrows, smells of gingerbread and cloves, and tastes of caramel apples, pumpkin pie and roasted corn. As the seasons blend from Summer to Fall there is a feeling of something new. We have a renewed hope for the future which will soon be buzzing with holiday preparations and visits with family and friends.
I want to talk today about hope. We have all used this 4-letter word, usually meaning we are wishing a certain event will come to pass. We hope for rain; we hope it doesn’t rain; we hope we get a raise at work; we hope our birthday present is what we want; we hope our child gets that scholarship; we hope Uncle George doesn’t bore everyone again with the same old stories at the Thanksgiving dinner. Hope is to cherish a desire with anticipation and with expectation. When we have hope we have a desire to see an expected outcome. Hope is the absence of despair, disbelief, discouragement and pessimism. If you have hope you will not be discouraged.
The Bible is chocked full of verses about hope. Of all the books of the Bible that speaks directly to hope, Psalms has an abundance of references. Due to space, I have not listed all, but these are a good representative.
Psalm 119:114 “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.”
Psalm 31:24 “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.”
Psalm 39:7 “And now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect? My hope and expectation are in You.”
Psalm 43:5 “Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God.”
Psalm 71:14 “But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.”
Psalm 27:14 “Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.”
I could not help but notice that, along with hope, these Scriptures include another important word, “wait.” Oh my goodness, how I dislike that word at times. When we hope in the Lord, we are to wait on Him to work things for our good in His timing, not ours. That is the hard part of hope. I believe we all are "fixers," wanting to jump in and “fix” a situation before we allow God to take the time necessary to soften hearts and make things happen. Waiting on God is a good thing and in that time of waiting we can learn more about Him and ourselves. Sounds like a good topic for a future blog!
My favorite passage about hope is found in the New Testament, Romans 5:1-8. When I walked through a valley of discouragement and divorce followed by the disease of cancer, this verse ministered to me and allowed me to continue to hope for my future. I learned to encourage myself in the Lord with this Scripture. If you are going through a crisis this passage will bring your comfort. If things are okay with you today, hang on – there will be a time when you need this passage to renew your faith and hope.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Knowing that Christ died for me, even knowing my faults and sins, gives me no other choice but to trust Him with my life. If He loves me enough to endure the horrible death he suffered, I can trust him with my life and look expectantly toward my future. I can know that He will take care of me and those I love because that is His promise. As the old hymn says,
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.”
I made the decision long ago to remain in a hopeful state. The Word of God sustains me and reassures me this is where I belong. I asked God once why I kept hoping a certain event would happen only to be disappointed time and time again. He answered ever so sweetly, “If you didn’t have hope you would have given up a long time ago.” Friends, I pray you will never give up hope for your future. God has the Master Plan and He wants only the best for you. Won’t you trust Him? He loves you more than you can comprehend. Place your hope and trust in Him, for He will not disappoint you.
Micah 7:7 “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me.”
Candy
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Unlikely Evangelist
If you had known me in my teenage years, 20's and early 30's, you would never imagine me in ministry of any type. Yes, I was a Christian, but I had chosen to take back lordship of my life from God and only for brief time spans did I allow Him any access to how I was living. In 1984 I began to realize how much God loved me and I began to see that even my Sunday School teacher had problems in her life - problems not too different from the ones I had. Suddenly, I saw my Christian leaders no longer as infallable and living a bubble-like existence that protected them from life. As teachers and preachers began to be transparent, I got freed up from the stereotype image I had of all ministry leaders. As I look back now some 26 years later, I don't understand how I could have been that dense about the things of God. At times I think where I could be now in ministry if I had never pulled away from Him. But, God is a gracious forgiving God and He welcomes all who come to Him with open arms and enough grace to forgive any transgression. Also, God took who I was and made me into who I am today. I have not "arrived" by any sense of the word, but I have grown. My testimony is based on how God changed my life. My ministry calling is to Christians who live defeated instead of victorious lives. My calling is to show people how much God loves them.
Through years of adversity, illness and financial disasters God has shown Himself to me as my strength, protector, healer, provider and so much more. You see, it is very difficult to tell someone about the attributes of God when you have never experienced any of them in your own life. I know that all things come into a Christian's life by first coming from God's hand. He will never let anything happen to me that won't stand up the promise of Romans 8:28, "For we know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." God took who I was and made me who I am. I would never want to have a repeat of the trials I have endured, but at the same time I would never trade those trials for what I have learned about God and His love for me through them. He is an awesome God.
I was definitely an unlikely evangelist 26 years ago. Certainly, I am far from perfect now, but through progressive sanctification God is growing me up to be a mature Christian. My prayer each day is for God to use me to shine a little Jesus everywhere I go. The world may boast through media, movies, books and internet that it is full of love, but love and lust are two entirely different things. I submit to you that the world's view of love is actually lust. Without God, no one can truly understand what love is. I want to reflect the love of God in my life so people will see the difference He can make in a life.
One day my sanctification will be perfected, when I stand before Jesus in heaven. Until then, I forge ahead with a song in my heart and the love of God in my life. Unlikely evangelist? Not ever again.
God loves you so much. Won't you return that love by serving Him?
Candy
Through years of adversity, illness and financial disasters God has shown Himself to me as my strength, protector, healer, provider and so much more. You see, it is very difficult to tell someone about the attributes of God when you have never experienced any of them in your own life. I know that all things come into a Christian's life by first coming from God's hand. He will never let anything happen to me that won't stand up the promise of Romans 8:28, "For we know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." God took who I was and made me who I am. I would never want to have a repeat of the trials I have endured, but at the same time I would never trade those trials for what I have learned about God and His love for me through them. He is an awesome God.
I was definitely an unlikely evangelist 26 years ago. Certainly, I am far from perfect now, but through progressive sanctification God is growing me up to be a mature Christian. My prayer each day is for God to use me to shine a little Jesus everywhere I go. The world may boast through media, movies, books and internet that it is full of love, but love and lust are two entirely different things. I submit to you that the world's view of love is actually lust. Without God, no one can truly understand what love is. I want to reflect the love of God in my life so people will see the difference He can make in a life.
One day my sanctification will be perfected, when I stand before Jesus in heaven. Until then, I forge ahead with a song in my heart and the love of God in my life. Unlikely evangelist? Not ever again.
God loves you so much. Won't you return that love by serving Him?
Candy
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Remembering Those Special People
Recently I have been thinking about my past trials and struggles. In 2000 my world as I knew it fell apart. My husband of 16 years was gone and my children were shell-shocked due to the nature of his disappearance from our lives. It was good he was gone, but nevertheless very traumatic on our family. Within 3 months of his departure I was divorced and moved to Houston with 5 children. I found a job and a month later was diagnosed with cancer. What a horribly devastating year 2000 was. Y2K was the buzz in 1999 in anticipation of what might happen in 2000, but what happened in my life and the lives of my children was far more frightening than any Y2K prediction could ever be. It seemed as if everyone’s life around me continued to go on perfectly while mine had taken a cruel, sharp turn. I began to feel like Job, but was afraid to ask God what else could happen for fear something else would. The year finished out with my brother collapsing at my Mother’s home and subsequently having surgery for 3 brain tumors. I was so sick from radiation and chemotherapy that I couldn’t even go to the hospital. But, God never let me get too down without reminding me of His provision. My employer of only 1 month at the time of my diagnosis saved my job for me (even though I was unable to work for nearly 4 months), paid my health insurance premiums, and also provided our Thanksgiving meal. Members of Sagemont Church drove me to daily radiation appointments at M.D. Anderson Hospital for weeks. At Christmas, through the teachers at Freeman Elementary, the Houston Police Department came to my home with gifts for all 5 children, as well as groceries. A wealthy businessman sent me $2,000 for Christmas and $1,000 a month for the next 6 months to help me get back on my feet. Time and time again, God showed Himself in many, many ways. He assured me I would be healed and that my future was secure in Him. I leaned on prayer warriors from Dogwood Church in Athens, Sagemont Church in Houston, and First Baptist Church, Cleveland to pull me through. My former pastor, Phil Greenawalt, was always available for me to cry on his shoulder, even after I moved from Athens to Houston. I still thank God to this day for those who prayed for me and helped me during that time.
2001 was looking much better as I was able to return to work in January. January 12, 2001, I was told the cancer was gone. I am writing this in June 2010 and I am still cancer free! Praise God! My brother returned to teaching but took a turn for the worse in March 2001 and subsequently went to be with the Lord in June 2001. You can see just from what is included in this blog that what I lived through in less than a year is more than some people live through in a lifetime. Through all the trials, God has become my everything. The essence of my being is in Him. No, I don’t want another cancer diagnosis or divorce or heartache, but I would not trade what I have gained in knowledge of God and how He works for anything this world affords. I am who I am today and my faith is strong because I have seen God at work in adverse situations over and over again.
So, what I intend to do this week is find addresses for all those who were particularly helpful to me during that time. I will send each one a personal note – not an e-mail – to let them know that I still remember their kindness and support. In doing so, I hope to impress upon them exactly how much I appreciate them in hopes that they will be encouraged to continue to help others. Ten years have come and gone, but I will never forget the unselfish acts of others on my behalf. Is there someone you need to thank? Perhaps a teacher, pastor, friend or even a former employer meant a lot to you and helped you in the past. Let them know you appreciate them; I know it will be a blessing to them and to you.
I hope you know how very much God loves you.
Candy
2001 was looking much better as I was able to return to work in January. January 12, 2001, I was told the cancer was gone. I am writing this in June 2010 and I am still cancer free! Praise God! My brother returned to teaching but took a turn for the worse in March 2001 and subsequently went to be with the Lord in June 2001. You can see just from what is included in this blog that what I lived through in less than a year is more than some people live through in a lifetime. Through all the trials, God has become my everything. The essence of my being is in Him. No, I don’t want another cancer diagnosis or divorce or heartache, but I would not trade what I have gained in knowledge of God and how He works for anything this world affords. I am who I am today and my faith is strong because I have seen God at work in adverse situations over and over again.
So, what I intend to do this week is find addresses for all those who were particularly helpful to me during that time. I will send each one a personal note – not an e-mail – to let them know that I still remember their kindness and support. In doing so, I hope to impress upon them exactly how much I appreciate them in hopes that they will be encouraged to continue to help others. Ten years have come and gone, but I will never forget the unselfish acts of others on my behalf. Is there someone you need to thank? Perhaps a teacher, pastor, friend or even a former employer meant a lot to you and helped you in the past. Let them know you appreciate them; I know it will be a blessing to them and to you.
I hope you know how very much God loves you.
Candy
Friday, May 28, 2010
Created in His Image
Out of all of God's creation, man was created last of all, on the 6th day of creation. He was made the same day the beasts were and from the same earth. He was also made to inhabit the earth with them, yet to rule over them. Man was created to be a different creature from the animals. He had flesh and spirit and was made to be dedicated and devoted to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. God said, "Let us make man in our image." God then proceeded to create Adam, the first man, from the earth. He then created Eve, the first woman, from the side of Adam. The first man and first woman were made in the image of God. This was before the fall of man, (before the serpent talked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit and she twisted Adam's arm into doing the same [the devil made me do it]) but the Bible tells us in
1 Corinthians 11:7 that man is still created in the likeness and glory of God.
So how does man reflect the image of God? How can that be? God is infinitely above anything man can hope to attain. God is perfect and man is imperfect. It is the soul of man that bears God's image. The soul is an intelligent, active, immortal spirit resembling God, the Father of spirits, and the soul of the world. God’s image upon man consists in knowledge, righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10). We know from John 4 that God is Spirit and does not reside in a physical body. We exist currently as body and soul together which are intertwined to make us the persons we are. While our bodies do not resemble God, our bodies are called the temple of God in 2 Corinthians 3:16-17, "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." This truth is also found in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body." What an endorsement for a healthy diet and lifestyle!
God gave man free will which also reflects God’s image. Man has the ability to choose his own actions. He understands good and evil unlike Adam and Eve before the fall, although Adam and Eve did understand they should obey God’s commands. God did not create mankind to be robots, but to think and make decisions based on principles He has set in place.
Because we are made in God’s image, we are able to fellowship with Him. Through this fellowship we should daily be more and more like Him in everything we do. Thanks to progressive sanctification, we can be made more into His likeness day by day. My responsibility as a Christian is to let the light and love of God shine through my life to everyone I come into contact with. My prayer daily is for the Holy Spirit to assist me in doing just that. God wants me involved in His work here on earth. He loves me and has called me to serve Him. The highest compliment I have ever been paid and the biggest responsibility I have ever been given was for the God of all creation to tell me that I am created in His image!
1 Corinthians 11:7 that man is still created in the likeness and glory of God.
So how does man reflect the image of God? How can that be? God is infinitely above anything man can hope to attain. God is perfect and man is imperfect. It is the soul of man that bears God's image. The soul is an intelligent, active, immortal spirit resembling God, the Father of spirits, and the soul of the world. God’s image upon man consists in knowledge, righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10). We know from John 4 that God is Spirit and does not reside in a physical body. We exist currently as body and soul together which are intertwined to make us the persons we are. While our bodies do not resemble God, our bodies are called the temple of God in 2 Corinthians 3:16-17, "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." This truth is also found in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body." What an endorsement for a healthy diet and lifestyle!
God gave man free will which also reflects God’s image. Man has the ability to choose his own actions. He understands good and evil unlike Adam and Eve before the fall, although Adam and Eve did understand they should obey God’s commands. God did not create mankind to be robots, but to think and make decisions based on principles He has set in place.
Because we are made in God’s image, we are able to fellowship with Him. Through this fellowship we should daily be more and more like Him in everything we do. Thanks to progressive sanctification, we can be made more into His likeness day by day. My responsibility as a Christian is to let the light and love of God shine through my life to everyone I come into contact with. My prayer daily is for the Holy Spirit to assist me in doing just that. God wants me involved in His work here on earth. He loves me and has called me to serve Him. The highest compliment I have ever been paid and the biggest responsibility I have ever been given was for the God of all creation to tell me that I am created in His image!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My Vacation
This week I am preparing for a vacation. I am so excited; I’ve already packed my bags!! I have not taken a trip (other than a short weekend trip) in many years. I remember the last trip I took which required me to leave Texas was when my son got married in Las Vegas 4 years ago and, you guessed it – weekend trip! In just 3 days I will get on a plane at Hobby Airport and fly to Atlanta. I’ve never been to the Atlanta Airport, but I have heard horror stories. All I have to do is find the MARTA train and make sure I am on the correct one to take me to Doraville, where my niece will pick me up and drive me to Cleveland, GA, about an hour north. I will be visiting my sister and her children and grandchildren who live nearby. Hopefully my niece and nephew from Alabama will have the opportunity to drive over for a visit while I am there. Judy (my sister) has a lot of things planned and it was wise to make her home the first stop on my trip. I am sure we will go to Helen, Babyland (home of the Cabbage Patch Doll), and some antique stores. Of course, we will be attending First Baptist Church of Cleveland, GA on Sunday followed by a wonderful lunch with family. It will be so good to see everyone there that I miss so much.
After spending 3 busy days and nights with Judy, I am taking a shuttle back to the Atlanta Airport and flying to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. to see my newest grandson, Raven. He was just born 8 days ago and I can hardly wait to hold him and kiss his chubby cheeks. My daughter Krys is fairly laid back so I am planning to spend a lot of time at my hotel, sunning, sleeping and doing a lot of nothing for 4 solid days! Oh, I am sure we will take in the sights, but my goal once I hit Florida is to enjoy white sand beaches and crystal clear water. That is something I have never experienced. I was born in Galveston. From pictures I have seen of other islands, Galveston beaches are the ugliest in the world! Thank goodness Ft. Lauderdale is on the Atlantic side of the state so there should be no problems from the ongoing influx of oil and is currently spewing off the coast of Louisiana. By the way, I remember getting tar all over my body and bathing suits since I was a child whenever we went to Galveston. Oil spills must be talked about more now than they were then. Just a thought . . .
I have had a very difficult couple of years with the loss of 3 jobs. Fortunately, I now have a wonderful job at NASA, but no one here knows how long our jobs will be in place. I know God is in control so I refuse to worry about losing this job. Instead I have chosen to thank God for His blessings and provision. I wanted to share this particular blog to let my friends know about my trip May 15 -22, but to also give thanks to God for allowing me to take this trip. Every good and perfect gift comes from God. He does not vary or change; God is good, all the time. I also want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to go to college and pursue a degree in Religion with a minor in Biblical Studies. I’ve been working hard and am proud to report that at the end of my first semester I have 4 A’s (the highest average being 100 and the lowest being 96.7). That is pretty cool for someone who hasn’t been to school in 44 years! So, thank you, Lord! I worship You for who You are and I praise You for the things You have done and are continuing to do in my life. As the Vicki Yohe song says, “Because of who You are I give you glory. Because of who You are I give you praise. Because of who You are, I will life my voice and say, Lord I worship You because of who You are. Jehovah Jireh, my provider; Jehovah Nissi, Lord you reign in victory; Jehovah Shalom, You’re my Prince of Peace; Lord I worship You because of who You are.”
Don’t forget to thank God today for those things He has done and continues to do in your life. Everything you have came from His hand. The prayers of his children are like sweet incense to Him. Be faithful in prayer to the One who loves you more than you will ever know.
Be blessed this day!
Candy
After spending 3 busy days and nights with Judy, I am taking a shuttle back to the Atlanta Airport and flying to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. to see my newest grandson, Raven. He was just born 8 days ago and I can hardly wait to hold him and kiss his chubby cheeks. My daughter Krys is fairly laid back so I am planning to spend a lot of time at my hotel, sunning, sleeping and doing a lot of nothing for 4 solid days! Oh, I am sure we will take in the sights, but my goal once I hit Florida is to enjoy white sand beaches and crystal clear water. That is something I have never experienced. I was born in Galveston. From pictures I have seen of other islands, Galveston beaches are the ugliest in the world! Thank goodness Ft. Lauderdale is on the Atlantic side of the state so there should be no problems from the ongoing influx of oil and is currently spewing off the coast of Louisiana. By the way, I remember getting tar all over my body and bathing suits since I was a child whenever we went to Galveston. Oil spills must be talked about more now than they were then. Just a thought . . .
I have had a very difficult couple of years with the loss of 3 jobs. Fortunately, I now have a wonderful job at NASA, but no one here knows how long our jobs will be in place. I know God is in control so I refuse to worry about losing this job. Instead I have chosen to thank God for His blessings and provision. I wanted to share this particular blog to let my friends know about my trip May 15 -22, but to also give thanks to God for allowing me to take this trip. Every good and perfect gift comes from God. He does not vary or change; God is good, all the time. I also want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to go to college and pursue a degree in Religion with a minor in Biblical Studies. I’ve been working hard and am proud to report that at the end of my first semester I have 4 A’s (the highest average being 100 and the lowest being 96.7). That is pretty cool for someone who hasn’t been to school in 44 years! So, thank you, Lord! I worship You for who You are and I praise You for the things You have done and are continuing to do in my life. As the Vicki Yohe song says, “Because of who You are I give you glory. Because of who You are I give you praise. Because of who You are, I will life my voice and say, Lord I worship You because of who You are. Jehovah Jireh, my provider; Jehovah Nissi, Lord you reign in victory; Jehovah Shalom, You’re my Prince of Peace; Lord I worship You because of who You are.”
Don’t forget to thank God today for those things He has done and continues to do in your life. Everything you have came from His hand. The prayers of his children are like sweet incense to Him. Be faithful in prayer to the One who loves you more than you will ever know.
Be blessed this day!
Candy
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Prayer - Never Pray for Bad Things to Happen
Next week, the Discussion Board question in my Theology class is: “In view of the New Testament teaching of “loving our enemy/neighbor,” discuss the role of imprecatory prayers (psalms) for today? Can we pray “against” people or things today? Take a view and defend your position (with love!) and use scripture. Discuss.” I wanted to share my answer to this question as this week’s blog.
Imprecatory prayers are those calling for punishment or calamity to fall upon one who is doing evil. The flesh within us cries out to pray against the evildoers in the world in which we live today. My flesh does not want anything good to happen to people who are involved in evil practices. In fact, my flesh wants to see them punished for their “sins.” If someone has been rude to me I want others to be rude to them. This is human nature (flesh). But praying against people and asking for punishment for them would make me no different than the Pharisees who brought the woman in adultery to Jesus and asked him to pronounce a death sentence on her for her sin. While I do believe there is punishment for sin, I must let God decide the measure of punishment and how and when it is to be administered. Many times that punishment is simply the natural consequences suffered because of the sin.
I have been instructed by the inspired Word of God to love my enemies, bless those who curse me, do good to those who hate me and pray for those who persecute me (Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-36). In light of these Scriptures alone, I would be disobedient to my Lord if I failed to do just that. We all have people in our lives who have hurt us in various ways. We all know someone who we have trouble liking because of the way they act. Most of the time, this individual is not a Christian (which explains why they act the way they do). Instead of praying calamity or punishment on them, I pray for their salvation. I ask God to open their spiritual eyes and allow them to see Him at work around them and to recognize the error of their ways so they are open to repentance. I ask God to use me to bring this about. Since I know that God does not desire anyone to be condemned, I can ask these things and in confidence know that God will answer my prayers.
With regard to the evil things this person may do, I can ask God to block the effect of the act and I can ask God to stop the act from happening again. If the evildoer is a public official or leader, I do not pray for him/her to die or for horrible things to happen to their family. I pray for them to recognize God at work around them. I pray for God to lead them so they turn from their wicked ways. 2 Chron. 7:14 states, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Note the Scripture requires God’s people to turn from their wicked ways. We all should be “fessed up” (as my East Texas pastor used to say) before God can hear our prayers and heal our land.
In situations where children are fighting you often hear a parent say, “play nice.” As Christians we should “pray nice.” That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!
Love on one of your enemies today. You may be amazed how they respond.
Candy
Imprecatory prayers are those calling for punishment or calamity to fall upon one who is doing evil. The flesh within us cries out to pray against the evildoers in the world in which we live today. My flesh does not want anything good to happen to people who are involved in evil practices. In fact, my flesh wants to see them punished for their “sins.” If someone has been rude to me I want others to be rude to them. This is human nature (flesh). But praying against people and asking for punishment for them would make me no different than the Pharisees who brought the woman in adultery to Jesus and asked him to pronounce a death sentence on her for her sin. While I do believe there is punishment for sin, I must let God decide the measure of punishment and how and when it is to be administered. Many times that punishment is simply the natural consequences suffered because of the sin.
I have been instructed by the inspired Word of God to love my enemies, bless those who curse me, do good to those who hate me and pray for those who persecute me (Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-36). In light of these Scriptures alone, I would be disobedient to my Lord if I failed to do just that. We all have people in our lives who have hurt us in various ways. We all know someone who we have trouble liking because of the way they act. Most of the time, this individual is not a Christian (which explains why they act the way they do). Instead of praying calamity or punishment on them, I pray for their salvation. I ask God to open their spiritual eyes and allow them to see Him at work around them and to recognize the error of their ways so they are open to repentance. I ask God to use me to bring this about. Since I know that God does not desire anyone to be condemned, I can ask these things and in confidence know that God will answer my prayers.
With regard to the evil things this person may do, I can ask God to block the effect of the act and I can ask God to stop the act from happening again. If the evildoer is a public official or leader, I do not pray for him/her to die or for horrible things to happen to their family. I pray for them to recognize God at work around them. I pray for God to lead them so they turn from their wicked ways. 2 Chron. 7:14 states, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Note the Scripture requires God’s people to turn from their wicked ways. We all should be “fessed up” (as my East Texas pastor used to say) before God can hear our prayers and heal our land.
In situations where children are fighting you often hear a parent say, “play nice.” As Christians we should “pray nice.” That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!
Love on one of your enemies today. You may be amazed how they respond.
Candy
Friday, April 2, 2010
GOOD FRIDAY
On Thursday night, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples for 30 pieces of silver; sold down the river for what amounted to the price of a slave. The Jews seized Jesus and bound him. He was first taken to the high priest, Caiaphas, who questioned him, asking if he was the Messiah. Jesus did not answer the question directly, but allowed his interrogators to conclude that he had said yes. He did not respond to other questions. His silence infuriated them. From the priests’ point of view, Jesus had caused enough trouble for the Council of Priests. Had he not chased the moneychangers out of the Temple? His heretic teachings must cease. Witnesses were brought forth to testify that Jesus said he would tear down the Temple and rebuild it in 3 days. This amounted to a blasphemous statement because the Temple was the most holy of structure in all of Jerusalem. The witnesses contradicted each other and could not get their stories straight. Jesus remained silent throughout this proceeding. Caiaphas was angered to the point that he tore his clothes in frustration and pronounced Jesus a heretic. With the consent of his fellow priests, he sentenced Jesus to death.
The following day, the Council of High Priests met again. They viewed Jesus as a threat to their power so they were determined to rid themselves of him. The decision was made to take Jesus to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Jews were not allowed to carry out capital punishment without confirmation from the Roman governor. They thought Pilate would have no reluctance to use his power to deliver the death sentence they sought. Pilate examined Jesus and asked him if he was the King of the Jews. Jesus simply responded, “You say that I am.” Pilot was puzzled by Jesus and told the assembled throng of people he could not find fault with him. The crowd was furious and called for the crucifixion of Jesus. Since it was Passover, Pilate reminded the crowd that he could release a prisoner of their choice. The answer was not what Pilate expected. The crowd called for the release of Barabbas, a murderer. Pilate, still not convinced Jesus must die, had him taken away and whipped, hoping this action would satisfy the crowd. After the beating, Pilate presented a beaten Jesus to the crowd, but they continued to call for his crucifixion. With a threat to the order of his Roman rule, Pilate stood facing this angry, unruly crowd. Bowing to the pressure of the crowd, and wanting to keep the peace, Pilate sent Jesus off to be executed, telling the Jews that he washed his hands of the entire matter. Because Jesus was a threat to their religious authority, the Jews took responsibility for what was about to occur.
Here it is, Good Friday; the Friday before Easter Sunday. Many people are off work today, taking a holiday. But, this was not a good day for Jesus. Jesus was crucified on that Friday. After three hours on the cross, Jesus died. His body was placed in a borrowed tomb, wrapped with grave linens and 75 pounds of ointment. Praise God that the story does not end there. Jesus did not stay in the tomb, but rose from the dead. He is still alive today!
I share this particular blog today to remind you of the sacrifice Jesus made. Neither you nor I have any idea of the physical pain involved in crucifixion. What a horrible way to died. It amounts to torture. And we must not forget about the beatings Jesus endured during his trials. Jesus wasn’t crucified because he did anything wrong; far from it. Jesus upset the status quo and threatened the position of the religious leaders. Jesus was crucified because of their fear. A lot of people are not willing to let God into their lives because of fear. They fear many things – the unknown, losing control, missing out on fun, being different. Satan is the author of fear. If you will refuse to allow Satan to scare you away, Jesus will give you the sweetest life you can ever imagine having; a life full of peace and contentment, even in times of strife and trouble. Christians are not promised a problem-free life. Better yet, we are promised a God who will never leave us or forsake us.
Before you bite off the ears on the chocolate bunny this year, stop and think that Easter is not about bunnies or chocolate at all. Easter is about new life. You can have a new life, an everlasting life, if you will simply trust in the Jesus whose sacrifice and life we celebrate this weekend.
I hope you know how very much God loves YOU!!
Candy
The following day, the Council of High Priests met again. They viewed Jesus as a threat to their power so they were determined to rid themselves of him. The decision was made to take Jesus to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Jews were not allowed to carry out capital punishment without confirmation from the Roman governor. They thought Pilate would have no reluctance to use his power to deliver the death sentence they sought. Pilate examined Jesus and asked him if he was the King of the Jews. Jesus simply responded, “You say that I am.” Pilot was puzzled by Jesus and told the assembled throng of people he could not find fault with him. The crowd was furious and called for the crucifixion of Jesus. Since it was Passover, Pilate reminded the crowd that he could release a prisoner of their choice. The answer was not what Pilate expected. The crowd called for the release of Barabbas, a murderer. Pilate, still not convinced Jesus must die, had him taken away and whipped, hoping this action would satisfy the crowd. After the beating, Pilate presented a beaten Jesus to the crowd, but they continued to call for his crucifixion. With a threat to the order of his Roman rule, Pilate stood facing this angry, unruly crowd. Bowing to the pressure of the crowd, and wanting to keep the peace, Pilate sent Jesus off to be executed, telling the Jews that he washed his hands of the entire matter. Because Jesus was a threat to their religious authority, the Jews took responsibility for what was about to occur.
Here it is, Good Friday; the Friday before Easter Sunday. Many people are off work today, taking a holiday. But, this was not a good day for Jesus. Jesus was crucified on that Friday. After three hours on the cross, Jesus died. His body was placed in a borrowed tomb, wrapped with grave linens and 75 pounds of ointment. Praise God that the story does not end there. Jesus did not stay in the tomb, but rose from the dead. He is still alive today!
I share this particular blog today to remind you of the sacrifice Jesus made. Neither you nor I have any idea of the physical pain involved in crucifixion. What a horrible way to died. It amounts to torture. And we must not forget about the beatings Jesus endured during his trials. Jesus wasn’t crucified because he did anything wrong; far from it. Jesus upset the status quo and threatened the position of the religious leaders. Jesus was crucified because of their fear. A lot of people are not willing to let God into their lives because of fear. They fear many things – the unknown, losing control, missing out on fun, being different. Satan is the author of fear. If you will refuse to allow Satan to scare you away, Jesus will give you the sweetest life you can ever imagine having; a life full of peace and contentment, even in times of strife and trouble. Christians are not promised a problem-free life. Better yet, we are promised a God who will never leave us or forsake us.
Before you bite off the ears on the chocolate bunny this year, stop and think that Easter is not about bunnies or chocolate at all. Easter is about new life. You can have a new life, an everlasting life, if you will simply trust in the Jesus whose sacrifice and life we celebrate this weekend.
I hope you know how very much God loves YOU!!
Candy
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