Take Heart--God Has Your Back!

By Lene Madsen

Are you feeling like you’re lost in a torture chamber and can’t find a way out? Have you or your spouse lost a job? Are you struggling with a sudden onslaught of new issues demanding your attention? Are you worrying about your kids and how they are handling life?

In our world of texting, cell phones, & instant gratification we often lose heart at thoughts of the long road ahead as we face the myriad challenges in life. It’s easy to get tangled and lost in the juggling of appointments, doctors, medicines, treatments, work, church, school, children, parents, and all the other things that fly at us in today’s world.

Even as Christians we all go through times when it’s hard to tell up from down and we can’t figure out what God is doing. But, praise God, as His children we are never without hope. He holds our hand. (Is. 41:13) Allow yourself to experience His strength, His wisdom, and His unconditional love for you. Jesus promised us He would never leave us alone. (Heb. 13:5)

Remember, He never promised to keep us out of hard places, but He did promise to walk with us every step, guiding us all the way. (Ps. 48:14) He leads us step by step—not mile by mile (Ps. 37:23).  Even when things seem so dark we can’t see the end of our nose, much less a step in front of us, God is there leading the way. (Is 42:16)

“All The Way My Savior Leads Me” is a beautiful old hymn that speaks straight to how the Lord guides our steps through life’s maze. It was written by Fanny J. Crosby in the 1870’s. Ms. Crosby was a prolific poet/song writer that had been blinded as an infant by a wrong medical treatment.

She wrote this hymn spontaneously after God magnificently answered her prayer concerning a dire, right now need with no apparent hope for relief. Who else knows best the importance of having your steps guided than a blind person? I pray you will let Ms. Crosby’s words encourage your heart today.

ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOR LEADS ME

Fanny J. Crosby, 1820–1915

All the way my Savior leads me; what have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy, who through life has been my Guide?

Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me, cheers each winding path I tread,

gives me grace for ev’ry trial, feeds me with the living bread.

Though my weary steps may falter, and my soul athirst may be,

gushing from the Rock before me, lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me; Oh, the fullness of His love!

Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day,

this my song through endless ages:  Jesus led me all the way.

* * *

Text

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Ps 37:23).

“For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end” (Ps 48:14).

See also

Pr 16:9;  Jer 29:11; Jn 10:3-5; Jn 10:3; Rom 8:28; Phil 4:6-8

Prayer

Father, forgive me for trying to stumble through on my own again. Thank you that I can always trust You to guide my steps and carry my burdens. In Jesus’ name I cast all my care on You and do not worry about it anymore. I know You have a beautiful plan for my life. Thank You, Lord, that as I lean on and follow You I can trust that You are working this all out for my good. As I release all my worries and burdens to You I receive Your joy and let Your peace rule in my heart. Thank you, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  (Psalm 37:23; Psalm 48:14; Philippians 4:6; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:6-8)

Radiant Flower

Guest Post

By Michelle McCulloch

I watched as the Creator took the man and placed him within such a beautiful garden, Eden. As He set him there, God spoke to this man, charging him with the responsibility to tend and keep it (Genesis 2:15). But what did that mean? To tend to it? To keep it? What was God's plan with this garden? What was to become of this place?

To me, this place was more than just a garden, this was my home. Across the way, the green field, beside me, the overarching trees, beneath me, the damp soil. This garden is the place I was designed to be. I am a flower. He is a man. I am a flower. But both placed within this garden with a purpose. As I watched this man work, his purpose there-in became more evident to me. I watched as he called all the animals to himself and named them. His presence influenced his surroundings. Now, each received a name. I began to wonder what my purpose was within a garden. I began to wonder if I was influencing my surroundings.

One day, no different than the rest, as I was personally tending for and caring for my own environment, by opening up to the sun rays, in-taking the moisture from the soil, and so on, this man walked beside me in conversation with the Creator. I heard the Lord speak of purpose and plan...He then pointed to me as He said, "Radiance. Do you not know, dear Adam, that you were created to bring glory to the Radiant One? Do you not yet understand creation of mine, that I have designed you in My image that you may radiate who I am to the world? This flower here, is titled what? You should know."

Adam responded, "It is a rancunculus flower."

"Very good," the Creator's gentle but powerful voice. "You well know the name, but do you know the meaning? These flowers mean "radiant charm." When I created them, this truth was not far from My mind, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed" (Psalm 34:4-5). This idea of being captured by fears may seem distant to you newly created being, but I see further. I see the day these words will be penned. But the point of this being shared, is that men will look to me and find radiance. When mankind looks to me, he is looking to the One he has been created to reflect. Why, do you wonder, do I take the time to be with you? That you may know me, be familiar with me, that you may radiate my character to others."

At such a word, Adam pulled me from my root, and quickly took me in hand, to Eve, his wife.

"I understand now, the purpose of our being Eve! We have been created to reflect His radiance. To reflect the radiance of GOD! Created in His image with purpose. Created exactly how we are with purpose. "Created with eyes to look to Him, then to reflect Him to others with purpose." Adam's voice, nearly popping with zeal and excitement.

As Adam handed me over to Eve, he said, "This flower means radiant. This is what we are called to do. Radiate the Creator through creation. We are His creation, and through these bodily frames, we are to radiate Him. Do you think this flower had any idea as to why certain features of his creation were so? Or why his location was so ordained? No! But by the flower being faithful to bloom where it was planted, by embracing and tending its surrounding, it has blossomed into a beautiful demonstration, used by God to declare God's purpose for man, to RADIATE HIMSELF. Eve, let us be as this flower."

A moment later, after the man and his wife had left, I was being held in the arms of the Creator. His gentleness, the air I breathed in. His love, felt before any touch. He looked at me with pleasure and said, "I know the plans I have for you. I knew why I had you to be planted where you were, I knew you would be plucked from your home this day, and I knew that because of the plucking you will not live forever in this garden. The plucking is what enabled you to be used as a visual messenger to Adam and Eve of their purpose in this life, but it has also begun the count down on your living. You are now dying. Dying each moment. But your death is working life in others. You did well, dear flower, you were faithful to your all, and you have been used faithfully. Life comes from dying."

With such a line, I watched His eyes drift forward, as if He was picturing something in the distant future. He continued, "One day, yes, One day, mankind will too learn that lesson, and by My Spirit, those who desire to be used in that time, must live it out, that dying to self brings life in the Spirit. But those are lessons for a different day. Today, you were used, and tomorrow you will cease, but in eternity's eyes, you have radiated God's purpose for mankind. Well done good and faithful flower. Enter into the true radiance of eternity."

 From the other side of death, I penned this story, to encourage the saint who today feels dim. You are radiant. Within you dwells the Spirit of God. You have been commissioned with a call to blossom where you were planted, to look to Him, and then to radiate His love to others. Are you being faithful with the area of influence you have been given? Are you appreciating the body that enables you to be His radiance? Are you looking to Your God with your own eyes, so others may see His reflection when they look at you? Silence what you doubt, or what you fear, He has delivered you from those things, you were created in His image for His purpose, look to Him and allow His radiance to shine through you in all you set your hands to do.
_______________________________________________________
Michelle McCulloch
 On the Missions Field in Uganda, East Africa
 mcculloch.michelle5@gmail.com
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITER

Are You God Sufficient?

Guest Post

By Michaelle Bragassa-Holman

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you literally have no idea what to do? Maybe, your marriage is on the rocks, or a family member is gravely ill or dying? Have you found yourself in a situation with your family relating to that illness or impending death? Is the relationship you have with your children strained, and children are you struggling in the relationship with your parents? Even if at this point in your life you are not facing adversity, you can be assured that it will happen at some point. That's right ladies and gentlemen, even Christians have adversity.

Let's be realistic, most of the time when an adversity hits us, were not prepared. The first thing we do is try to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, this usually results in more tension and strife in our lives. Why? Because we must realize that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 2 Corinthians 3:5. In order for us to address the adversity in our lives, we must first realize that we are unable to change anything on our own. The reality is that we need to let go, and let God.

God knew that each of us would face family crisis at some point in our lives. He also is aware of our human nature, which is to prove we are right and the 'offender,' is wrong. We become stubborn and unyielding, willing to sacrifice the tender moments in life, because we are hurt, angry or both. In order for us to find the peace we desire in life, we must stop striving to be self-sufficient, and start striving to become God-sufficient. Hand the adversity over to God, and allow him to direct your footsteps. When we learn to do this fully, we find that God always knows the perfect path.

The Bible makes it clear that the enemy is Satan, it is not your mother, father, sister, brother, child, husband, wife, or any other mortal man. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12

Satan is a master deceiver! His goal is to divide and conquer the enemy at any and all costs. He will convince you that your right, and therefore it's the other person's fault that your home and family is being destroyed. He claims victory each time he is able to infiltrate and then conquer your family unit. Satan knows that when your guard is down, and your heart is splintered, he has the perfect opportunity to jab through to your soul.

It's vital during all aspects of our lives, we serve and obey God diligently, no matter what mountain is ahead of you. God will work with a living vessel, but when you close your heart, he has no place to communicate and move on you and your family's behalf.

That's why I encourage you to make the decision to obey and serve God no matter what you might face. When you do, you give God what He wants: someone in the home with whom He can come into agreement. But if you remain hostile and stubborn and you refuse to budge, God has no channel through which He can work. He has no vessel through which He can move to impact your family. Remember, stop striving to be self-sufficient, and start striving to become God-sufficient

Our lives our made up of so much in this world today, that we often forget to take the time to do the things we love. My entire life has been filled with both the love I have for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and writing.
 
http://www.livingwaterfromthewell.com
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITER

Guest Article: The Shepherd's Voice

The Shepherd's Voice 
by Rev. Brian Mathis  
8/30/2013 / Devotionals

I woke up this morning thinking about all the places in the Old Testament that God physically speaks to someone and a reality struck me. For many of us who call themselves Christian we want a Moses experience in an Elijah world. If that seems a little strange let us take a look at these two encounters. First we find Moses out tending the flocks of his father-in-law when this he sees a bush that is on fire:

3 And Moses said, "I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned." 4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Exodus 3:3-4 (ESV)

If we take the time to look further into these passages of scripture we come to understand this is when Moses receives the marching orders to go back and confront Pharaoh and to bring freedom to God's people. As Christians we often wish God would be this clear with us when we are seeking guidance about what to do as we serve Him. However, the reality is we are more often especially in today's world going to find ourselves feeling like Elijah who has been serving God and has taken a stand for Him to the point he is the last true prophet left and people are seeking to destroy him. We find Elijah hiding in a cave wondering how and why God would bring him to this place and situation. I believe many of us can relate as we find ourselves in what feels like similar situations. However, God is still speaking it just requires a different kind of listening.

11 And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:11-13 (ESV)


While several eye-catching things happened before Elijah that God could have used to provide him direction and get his attention it was the still small voice that caused Elijah to move. The difference between these two encounters is simple for me. It comes to understanding the relationship between God and each individual. Moses did not know who he was talking to and Elijah did. God had to create a situation that would cause Moses to turn aside and come to meet Him where He was. Elijah however knew the voice of God. Elijah had allowed his own circumstance to effect his ability to hear God's voice. It required God to refocus Elijah's attention and reassure him that He could go nowhere that God could not find him or be with Him. Just like Moses once Elijah was listening, God instructed him about what he was to do.

Today are you as believers able to recognize that still small voice or are you looking for your burning bush. Jesus taught us about hearing His voice in John 10:

3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." John 10:3-5 (ESV)

If you are looking for the burning bush maybe it's because the voice of the shepherd is strange to you. In our world today there are millions of voices crying out for our attention something new and flashy draws us to the left and the right each day. However, it requires a discerning ear if you really desire to hear God's voice in your life. We must develop that listening ear through fasting, worship, prayer and scripture reading so that we can recognize and understand the voice of the shepherd when He calls us. I pray today that you begin to have an ear of discernment for the voice of the shepherd as you walk in the light of God's Word.


Rev. Brian H. Mathis CSC
Care Pastor to the Young@Heart
Assistant Pastor Calvary Church of God
blogger at www.bhmathis.blogspot.com
Graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
MDiv in Chaplain Studies
Graduate of Anderson University
BS in Elementary Education

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

The Pocket Testament League

The Pocket Testament League and the Power of One

A Review of the Pocket Testament League at www.ptl.org
By Lene Madsen

Have you ever doubted you could make a difference in this world? Or quaked at the thought of personal evangelism? Or ever felt as though you’re just marking time until you breathe your last? Those are lies from the pit of hell. Each of us still drawing breath on this earth, no matter how young or old, vigorous or feeble we may be, has a God-given purpose to fulfill. And as Christians we know that God not only calls us to walk with Him but to share the Gospel with others.

But in today’s increasingly anti-Christian culture evangelism has become a scary word for many Christians. But the Pocket Testament League, aka, PTL, has ‘a help for that.’ They offer free evangelism training. Their “Evangelism Boot Camp” is a powerful, self-paced, seven-part training program that is sent to you by email.

PTL’s small beginning in personal evangelism is a testament to the Power of One plugged into God. It’s the enormous difference one person, yielded to the Holy Spirit, can make. Helen Cadbury was a shy girl of thirteen when God dropped the seed-idea into her heart. She then invited friends over and they made a pact to “Read, Carry, and Share” the Word of God. They sewed pockets into their dresses so they could carry Scripture with them everywhere and called themselves the Pocket Testament League. The year was 1893.

Today the core mission of the Pocket Testament League is still “Read, Carry, Share” the Word. And in their 119 years they’ve shared over 110 million Gospel of John booklets. How many souls are in heaven today because one shy girl acted on an idea God dropped into her heart?

Today PTL is available worldwide 24/7. Their website, http://www.ptl.org , utilizes the latest in communication technology and is filled with excellent evangelism tools for the individual Christian. They offer free evangelism training, various Bible study options, as well as free daily devotionals.

Has anyone ever asked you: “What’s the point?” Or, “Why does anyone need salvation?” PTL has a help for that. One of their dynamite evangelism tools is “Why Am I Here?” It’s a short video with a fresh approach that captures and holds your attention in a fun, non-preachy way. The salvation message is presented in an actively illustrated story form easily understood by all ages.

The best evangelism tools are the Gospel of John pocket size booklets available at no charge. This is the heart and soul of PTL. They come in three different translations and up to five different languages. There are numerous dynamic covers from which to choose.  Each cover is designed to appeal to different groups. Each also contains a Plan of Salvation with a Prayer and a Decision page.

Begin your own exciting personal evangelism journey of changing the world through the Power of One plugged into God. Go to the Pocket Testament League website now and join for FREE.

Unto Us A Child Is Born

Although we do not know the actual date of birth for Jesus we celebrate His birthday on December 25th. So, this Sunday, tens of millions of us will say, "Happy Birthday Jesus!"

The Christmas Story as told by St. Luke

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:1-20

Merry Christmas

Was America Founded on Christian Beliefs and Values?

Guest Post 

By Michael Blunk Th.D.

My daughter thinks I am old enough to remember the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Deep down, she secretly thinks I was there along with John Hancock and Ben Franklin. I keep insisting I am not that old!

It is true that most of America's founding fathers were Christian; even a non-Christian such as Thomas Jefferson respected the Christian faith and maintained theistic views. America was founded on principles taught in the Old Testament and New Testament; there are revisionist historians who would like to eradicate the Judeo-Christian influence from our early history, but such historians are intellectually dishonest.

In my lifetime, I have seen a decline in America's moral values. I attribute some of this to Hollywood, some to senseless politicians, and some, quite truthfully, to worthless Christian leaders who do not esteem the Bible as God's infallible word. I am a clergyman and I am ashamed to tell you there are many pastors who have been corrupted by faithlessness. They are false shepherds.

Before the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, the world will steadily worsen. It is bound to happen. We are seeing our own nation going downhill before our very eyes. I hear people talking of "reclaiming America." The notion sounds good, but I have my doubts this will happen. As I read the Scriptures, I am to understand this progressive corruption of our world must take place before Christ Jesus returns.

Our problems are beyond us. No politician is capable of correcting this mess we are in. I can already hear the gasping breaths of our own dying culture. America is plummeting to the depths of degradation and I personally believe this decline is irreversible.

Sound depressing? I do not necessarily think so. Jesus is coming back. When He returns, He will fix all that is broken. I have long given up on either political party. My faith is elsewhere. I am waiting for the King of Kings to return.

Does this mean we give up and do nothing? No. About a year from now, I will vote for the candidate whom I see as the most godly. I will never vote for a candidate that supports abortion and same-sex marriage. I will never vote for a candidate that has a low regard for Israel. I will not vote for a candidate whose policies are morally corrupt.

Even if we could convince every person in America that our nation has a great Christian heritage, this would not solve today's problems. There are Christian leaders who are feverishly working to reclaim America--may God bless their efforts--but Jesus said the world will continually decline before His return. When I see our nation going downhill, this serves to remind me of my King's return!

Lament the decline of America, but rejoice in knowing our Savior is coming again. And when He returns, He will make things right once again.

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Dr. Michael Blunk is a staff writer for an apologetics ministry and serves full time as a chaplain with Wayside Christian Mission. You may contact him at; dr.michaelblunk@gmail.com

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