Nothing Withheld
For Jehovah God is a sun and a shield:
Jehovah will give grace and glory;
No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
–Psalm 84. 11.
Truly God follows us with encouragements: let him not lose his blessing upon us! They come in season, and with all the advantages of heartening, as if God should say, “Up and be doing, and I will stand by you and help you!” There is nothing to be feared but our own sin and sloth.
–Oliver Cromwell.
Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear,
It is not night if thou be near;
O may no earthborn cloud arise
To hide thee from thy servants’ eyes.
–John Keble.
The Power of the Mind
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
A self-controlled mind is a free mind, and freedom is power. I call that mind free which jealously guards its intellectual rights and powers. I call that mind free which resists the bondage of habit, which does not live on its old virtues, but forgets what is behind, and rejoices to pour itself forth in fresh and higher exertions.
–William Ellery Channing
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Update from Pastor Kerry Mauldin
Stained glass at St John the Baptist’s Anglican Church http://www.stjohnsashfield.org.au, Ashfield, New South Wales. Illustrates Jesus’ description of himself “I am the Good Shepherd” (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11). This version of the image shows the detail of his face. The memorial window is also captioned: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Wright. Died 6th November, 1932. Aged 70 Yrs.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
PRAISE THE LORD Please Note ::- Sir, Kindly Pray for my health as my legs are still paining due to effect of the accident , I visit many village while Preaching and spreading the Word of God , I don’t stop myself even if I feel uneasy due to the paining legs , nut my God’s is strengthening me and helping me to move forward , please Pray for me – also please Pray for the Church requirements , Thanking you …!!1. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Monday ) :- Allampuram village – visited Ramullamma’s house, she is living a disturbed life , she was upset to see her children’s lives effected by her husband’s bad influence , she’s depressed and shared her fear of her children following the wrong path seeing their bad lifestyle – I comforted her with Prayers and Preached Gospel to her family , she hopes her husband and children change their way of living for better after listening to the Word , she request Rev. Kerry Sir to Pray for her family…
2. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Tuesday ) :- Peddatekurru – visited few members houses to Preach Gospel , later in the evening called for a Prayer meeting , not many could manage to join us in Prayers due to lack of proper place for Worship – Prayed for the ongoing Church construction work – from here lately Ratnamma , Obbulessu and Subbaraidu were given Holy Baptism , please Pray for more members to be added to this congregation …
3. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Wednesday ) :- Karrimadela – Preached Gospel at Napullayya & Balachenchu house – after listening to the Word Preached they removed idol images from their house and swore not to turn back to them ever , please Pray for them as they still need to grow strong in Faith …
4. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Thursday ) :- Lingapuram – Along with members of the congregation we worked at the construction site , for a while we spent in Prayers and meditated over ” how Nehemiah rebuild the walls of Jerusalem ? ” referring from the Book of Nehemiah from the Holy Scriptures …
5. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Friday ) :- JC Palem village – conducted cottage Prayer meeting at Lakshmi Swaramma’s house , few non believers gathered there to listen to the Preaching , Preached to them about Salvation and Faith – among them Nagalaxmi has requested to Pray for her to know and understand more about the Word , please Pray…
6. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Saturday ) :- Karrimadela – conducted Thanks Giving Prayer Service at Pullamma’s house as her son Nagapullayya has gave up drinking and had a change of heart – we gathered and thanked God for releasing him from his bad addiction , please Pray that he might turn towards the Lord completely…
7. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Sunday ) :- Visited few non believers’ houses who have stopped coming to attend Prayer Service because of some activists who tried to tempt them to turn away from God and believing in the Real Savior, visited every member’s house and reprimanded them for being so weak in Faith , encouraged them with Prayers and brought them all together and conducted Sunday Prayer Service for them – please Pray for these people…
8. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Monday ) :- Durrdhala village – majority of people here are washer men by occupation , they shared of meeting Rev. Kerry Sr on his previous visit to them , they were delighted how Rev. Kerry Sir spemd time with them by Preaching and Praying for them – there’s no Church in this place , they convey their request to Rev.Kerry Sir about it and ask to Pray for them , please Pray…
9. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Tuesday ) :- Allammurru village – People here were disappointed when Rev. Kerry Sir couldn’t make it to visit them on his previous visit , they request Rev. Kerry Sir to meet them on his next visit , they are eagerly waiting to hear Gospel from Rev. Kerry Sir – I spent some time with them Preaching and Praying for them , please Pray …
10. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Wednesday ) :- Veeralapuram village – I couldn’t come to this village after my accident , this had an adverse effect over the people here who were once obedient followed my teachings and left serving idols , I was upset to see them turn towards their past ways – I met them all , and once again Preached Gospel to them and asked them not to leave their Faith in Christ , taught them never to leave Hope in the Living God in this way – I even assured to send any Evangelists or Pastors to them , who will keep encouraging them in my absence anytime in future – please Pray for them as they are still weak in Faith…
11. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Thursday ) :- Karrimadela – Visited Issac’s house and Preached Gospel to his family and to the non believers who gathered at his place to listen to the Word , Prayed for everyone present – Issac’s daughter is studying B.A , please Pray for the girl…
12. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Friday ) :- Karrimadela – Conducted Prayer meeting for the Women – Preached to them about ” how bravely did Esther save her people ” referring to the Book of Esther from the Holy Scriptures – whole night we Prayed for the Church and for the unity of its members and for the political leaders of our State …
13. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Saturday ) :- Karrimadela – Conducted cottage Prayer meeting at Chinna Vankat Reddy’s house, many among the gathered congregation were idol worshipers , Preached to them the difference between serving lifeless idols and trusting the Living God , they listened to the Preaching attentively – Prayed for their Salvation please Pray…
14. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Sunday ) :- Lingapuram – Conducted Sunday General Service – later in the evening visited tribal people whose occupation is to weave baskets , Preached to them about Faith and Prayed for their Salvation ….
15. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Monday ) :- Pedda devullapuram – few people gathered at Ramana Reddy’s house – Preached Gospel to them from the Book of Isaiah from the Holy Scriptures and Prayed for everyone present….
Yours in Christ,
Evangelist K.C.Govind Reddy.
Mother Brings Baby Back to Life With Two Hours Of Loving Cuddles After Doctors Pronounce Him Dead. | Pakalert Press
This is an amazing story of the miracles of life that God gives us and the truly wonderful way that He works.
by TRUTHER
It was a final chance to say goodbye for grievingmother Kate Ogg after doctors gave up hope ofsaving her premature baby.
She tearfully told her lifeless son – born at 27 weeks weighing 2lb – how much she loved him and cuddled him tightly, not wanting to let him go.
Although little Jamie’s twin sister Emily had been delivered successfully, doctors had given Mrs Oggthe news all mothers dread – that after 20 minutes of battling to get her son to breathe, they had declared him dead.
Having given up on a miracle, Mrs Ogg unwrapped the baby from his blanket and held him against her skin. And then an extraordinary thing happened.
Awful moment: Kate and David clasp each other and their son Jamie, circled, after being told he did not survive the birth. They were given the child to say their goodbyes but then, miraculously, two hours later he began to show signs of life.
After two hours of being hugged, touched and spoken to by his mother, the little boy began showing signs of life.
At first, it was just a gasp for air that was dismissed by doctors as a reflex action.
But then the startled mother fed him a little breast milk on her finger and he started breathing normally.
‘I thought, “Oh my God, what’s going on”,’ said Mrs Ogg.
‘A short time later he opened his eyes. It was a miracle. Then he held out his hand and grabbed my finger.
‘He opened his eyes and moved his head from side to side. The doctor kept shaking his head saying, “I don’t believe it, I don’t believe it”.’ Read the rest of this wonderful story at Mother Brings Baby Back to Life With Two Hours Of Loving Cuddles After Doctors Pronounce Him Dead. | Pakalert Press.
Welcome to a New Voice
We are pleased to have Shannon from Revelations in Writing, join both The Christian Gazette and Loopyloo’s. If you haven’t read her blog before, we have featured her posts here a few times and it is a great honor that she has accepted our invitation. Please do take time to welcome her here. God bless you all!
Related articles
Self-Centered Anger
by Steve Arterburn
“Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.” – Titus 1:7
A good deal of human anger springs from selfishness. A man may get angry with his father for not including him in the business; with his wife for not serving the dinner he expected; with his daughter for telephoning in at midnight for a ride home from a party; or with his son for not weeding the garden when he wanted it done.
In the book entitled, Caring Enough to Confront, David Augsburger describes this self-centered anger as “a demand that also demands others meet your demands.” Simply put, self-centered anger erupts when you don’t get what you want, when you want it.
Self-centered anger isn’t what Jesus expressed. He didn’t get angry when someone snubbed Him, but he did when someone cast a slur on His Father or treated others unjustly. He wasn’t ticked at the money-changers for offending Him but for desecrating His Father’s house and disrupting the worship of His people. Jesus never got angry at the wrongs done to Him—including the ultimate wrong—His crucifixion. Instead, He forgave.
We all struggle with self-centered anger. And when we compare ourselves to Jesus, we must learn to call this type of anger what it is: sin. (Remember though, not all anger is sin.) Ask God for forgiveness and ask Him to help you to practice the habit of examining your motives when you become angry so that you can discern self-centeredness from God-centeredness.
“Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind.” – Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899)
Becoming Content With How God Created Us
Matt Appling
Matt Appling is a former child artist turned art teacher, pastor and writer. His work is helping children and adults in creative and spiritual pursuits.
His first book, Life After Art, was released by Moody Publishers April 2013 and explores the intersection of life, faith, and becoming the people God made us to be. Matt can be found every week at his blog.
Can I confess something?
I struggle with contentment. That one word is the probably the most elusive in my life. Everyone has something that constantly evades and escapes them in their life. Contentment is mine.
It isn’t that I’m not thankful. No, this is a struggle that makes me wonder if I’m doing enough, if God is happy with me, if my life means something. It makes my brain click on in the middle of the night and says, “Wake up, Matt! You’re a failure!” No joke. My brain thinks 3 am is the best time to dissect all of my life decisions.
It isn’t that I’m not content with my life or my family.
I struggle to be content with myself.
And the more I confess it, the more I discover that I’m not alone. I find good friends at church who are secretly afraid that they have wasted their lives. I find people at work or new acquaintances online who just don’t think they’re good enough.
In fact, I don’t have to go any further than the art classroom where I teach to find all the discontentment in the world.
Let’s see, who’s coming in? Fifth graders. Perfect.
These fifth graders are so different than they were in first grade or kindergarten. Their cares and worries have multiplied. They no longer look at themselves through the lens of how God sees them, but through the lens of how their peers see them. Everything is image.
And for such big kids, they seem so helpless. Not like the five-year-olds.
The boys don’t think they are talented enough. Some of them scribble around on the paper, deflecting attention from their perceived inadequacies by performing below their talents.
And the girls…the girls are much more verbal. They put themselves down so much, it breaks my heart to hear them. The girls at this age spend so much time putting themselves down, criticizing themselves. Their souls are hunched over, weighed down with self-doubt and every kind of anxiety imaginable.
And in a few short years, they will be adults like you and me, still struggling to be content with themselves, still lacking the confidence to go and act boldly in the world because they don’t think they are good enough.
I ask them to stop working.
“Where does all of our talent come from?” I ask.
“God,” they answer.
“God,” they answer.
“If God made us, and gave us all of the talents that He wanted us to have…” I pause a little, “How much sense can it make to complain about how God made us, to tell God that He didn’t do a good enough job?”
And suddenly, I realize that I’m preaching a little sermon that I desperately need to hear myself. Another one. Really, every little message and pep talk and sermon I’m giving the kids is something that I’ve forgotten how to live and am trying to re-learn, one baby step at a time. Along with these children, I’m trying to slowly realize that we have enough, we are enough. We are exactly what God wanted us to be. We just have to discover how God actually created us in the first place.
Reaching that discovery of how God created us is what Life After Art is all about. It’s the journey I’m taking, and I hope you’ll take it with me. Let’s recover the life and faith we were created to live, by rediscovering the children we used to be.
A Thousand Years
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Revelations 20:6-7
The First Ressurection
What an interesting time that we live in! Not a good time as we see more and more persecution of the followers of Christ across the world. And yet a time that must occur in order to fulfill the prophecies laid out in the Bible. And yet with the horror of seeing those who are killed, we must as well remember the promise. Always looking to God and not to man, to the future and not to relive and renew the past. What has gone before is not what He has plans for in the future and it is the future that we desire to be a part of.
English: Resurrection of Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Revelation 20
Good News Translation (GNT)
4 Then I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were given the power to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been executed because they had proclaimed the truth that Jesus revealed and the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image, nor had they received the mark of the beast on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and ruled as kings with Christ for a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over.) This is the first raising of the dead. 6 Happy and greatly blessed are those who are included in this first raising of the dead. The second death has no power over them; they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they will rule with him for a thousand years.
UN urges people to eat insects to fight world hunger | KurzweilAI
While I admit that I am a bit of a coward when it comes to trying different foods, I am always amazed at evidence of God’s consideration in everything that exists on the earth. God provides in amazing ways and knowing that there are options like this for the hungry of the world just reinforces the word of God and His promise to provide for us. King James Version
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-8
UN urges people to eat insects to fight world hunger | KurzweilAI.
The report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organizationsays that eating insects could help boost nutrition and reduce pollution, BBC News reports.
It notes than over 2 billion people worldwide already supplement their diet with insects.
Wasps, beetles and other insects are currently “underutilized” as food for people and livestock, the report says.
The authors point out that insects are nutritious, with high protein, fat and mineral content. Read the rest at UN urges people to eat insects to fight world hunger | KurzweilAI.
Enlarging Our Memory
When the Holy Ghost teaches us, He too relies much on human memory. John Donne said that, “the Holy-Ghost takes the nearest way to bring a man to God, by awaking his memory,” since “memory is oftener the Holy Ghosts Pulpit.” (Janel M. Mueller, ed., Donne’s Prebend Sermons [Harvard University Press, 1971], p. 33.)
This “memory or sense of history should reach back not just a few decades but to the very beginning—even way back to the stated purposes of the Lord with regard to this whole mortal experience. There are, for instance, certain scriptures which, as John Donne observed of certain “imperial psalms,” “spread themselves over all occasions.” Certain scriptures, such as the following, are so linked to the purposes of God’s plan of salvation and this life that they “spread themselves over all occasions.”
Update from Pastor Kerry Mauldin
Stained glass at St John the Baptist’s Anglican Church http://www.stjohnsashfield.org.au, Ashfield, New South Wales. Illustrates Jesus’ description of himself “I am the Good Shepherd” (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11). This version of the image shows the detail of his face. The memorial window is also captioned: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Wright. Died 6th November, 1932. Aged 70 Yrs.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Your prayers are being answered in the villages!! Much more prayers needed!!
Below is a list of church plaques, we just got list today, to go on churches that we gave for in Feb-March.
We gave 59 Prayer Sheds and churches. We took offerings you gave and in some cases added to them with money that was given as a matching contribution of $25,000.
So many villages churches are being planted and growing! It is joy especially as we are teaching those in India to tithe and give and we join beside them to build and drill…
Thank you all so so much! These are just some of the 59 churches given. Please, now pray that churches be complete and we go in Oct to dedicate!
Prayer works and we count on your prayers!
Thank you all so so much for encouraging and standing beside us with investment! It is such a joy to work together and touch lives for Christ!! Urgency!!
Kerry and Melody Mauldin
PO Box 140402
Broken Arrow, Ok 74014
Dear Kerry sir
these are the information of plaques for Feb 2013. one church from Atipamula you told that you will send the plaque information for that you also said it is some Baptist Church so please send the information.
i thank you for all your prayers and encouragement
convey my greetings to Melody Madam.
with much of regards and prayers.
CHERLAGOURARAM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ALTUS AG & SNYDER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
PITTALAGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
STIGLER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
GORENKALAPALI
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ABUNDANT LIFE CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
Z.V.GUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
PICKENS AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
DHERAVAT THANDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
PANAMA ASSEMBLY OF GOD & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
INDLURU
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
SOULS HARBOUR CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
HALIYA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN MEMORY OF PASTOR NOTCHIE TWIST & SHULTER AG& MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SANTOSH NAGAR
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
HASKELL AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
MANDARAJAPALLI
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
BROKEN BOW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
PALAVARAM THANDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
SPRIT LIFE CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NEREDCHERLA COLONY
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MEEKER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
VENGANAGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
OOLAGAH AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SALARJUNGPET
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
GROVE AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ALAGNUR CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ROUND UP COW BOY CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NARAYANGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ROUND UP COW BOY CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
KODAD X ROAD
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
OKEMA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
DAIDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
WINSLOW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
KESHVAPURAM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
JUDY HENRY FAMILY& MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NEREDCHERLA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MIAMI APOSTOLIC CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
BOTHALAPALEM CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
HOME STYLE ASSISTED LIVING & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SAVALAGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
THOMAS CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
GUDIBANDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
TULA ROSA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NARSAPURAM CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GOD
BY
TULA ROSA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ANTAGIRI CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
POTEAU AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
UTHLAPALLY
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
VANITA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ENABAMULA CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
FAITH AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
KOTHATHANDA CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MT. SHERMAN AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
DASARI NEMALLIPURAM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
STIGLER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
UPHALAPHAD
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
FAIR VIEW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
MIDTANPALLI
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
CANYON DELORO AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ARVAPALLY
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
RED OAK AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ALFANAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MOUNTAIN HOME AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIE
THRIPPRARAM
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN HONOUR OF HEROLD AND ROSE HULL 50TH ANNIVERSARY & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SRINIVASA NAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN MEMORY OF OLEN TAYLOR & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
HAMU THANDA
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN MEMORY CF & OLLIE MAULDIN & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
AMBADKER NAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
BROKEN BOW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
WEBBERS FALLS AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
Ministering
Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herid’s steward, reminds me of many women in the church today. These are the women that don’t have time to get out and actively minister but they minister in many other ways. Luke 8:1-3 tells us:
Luke 8
21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
8 And it came to pass afterward that He went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who ministered unto Him from their substance.
So many women today spend so much of their time taking care of their children, working so that they may provide for the household, taking care of the physical aspects of the house, and yet still find time to minister in their church, either by teaching Sunday School, or helping in the Women’s Ministry, volunteering when their is a death to provide meals or support for the family, and in so many other ways. Even when they can not provide in any other way, they are often the ones that find the extra money to add to the offering when there are missionaries, or even provide them with a place to stay when they visit.
These are women that take the time to come in on days when they might rather be at home, often when they themselves are hurting, to organize for the choir, for benefits, for children’s projects or to greet visitors. Look around your own church and I am sure that you will find that there are many women who spend much more time taking care of the needs of the church than you realize.
We feed around a hundred to a hundred and fifty children at our church on Wed. nights, and we have a wonderful husband and wife team that is in charge of it. Both these people have regular jobs, and yet they find time to come in early, we start serving at 6pm, so they have to be there by 5pm at the latest, they fix the meal, feed the children, and then clean up afterwards. Usually we have other volunteer’s to help them but sometimes it is a challenge. There are also people who watch the children while they eat, check them in, watch them before and after the meal when they are on the playground and in the gym. And then there are the wonderful teachers who take the time to teach all of these children during the church service. Many of these are women who miss out on the lesson from the Pastor and from visiting missionaries. And most of them are Mother’s, or even Grandmother’s.
I would like to take this moment and say thank you to all of these who volunteer behind the scenes doing jobs that we often take for granted. If you have time, and are not already doing it, why not look around your church. There are always needs to be met. Perhaps this is something that God has in mind for you. A Minister is not just a formal job, but it is also an outreach to all who they come in contact with.
.
Who & What Can Help
Be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).
Her words can guide us when we too are puzzled by what is impending or unfolding in our lives. When we cannot explain all that is happening to us or around us.
***
One cannot study the scriptures long, then, without developing a special appreciation for those scriptures which “spread themselves over all occasions.” These scriptures and their companions need to be pondered regularly because they are sobering reminders not only of the framework of this mortal experience—the purposes of life and the frame of reference within which we are to live out our lives—but also of its very center: Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation, the atonement of His Son Jesus Christ, and the manner in which we should cope with the tutoring experience of mortal life.
Shame
Stained glass at St John the Baptist’s Anglican Church http://www.stjohnsashfield.org.au, Ashfield, New South Wales. Illustrates Jesus’ description of himself “I am the Good Shepherd” (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11). This version of the image shows the detail of his face. The memorial window is also captioned: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Wright. Died 6th November, 1932. Aged 70 Yrs.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
To accept Jesus in our lives there is one requirement and that is to be ashamed of our past and to repent of our sins. If you go in with an attitude that you are inherently good and sinless and that you can go on with your life as before, you are fooling only yourselves and not Jesus. For those who teach that your salvation is their road to salvation and that therefore you must choose to follow what they teach, I only feel a great sadness. These will never truly know God because they are not sorry for their own actions, they are sorry for yours. Perhaps they truly believe that they can force you to be sinless and that they will profit in Jesus eyes because of that. That is not what Jesus teaches, nor is it anywhere in the Bible. Nothing that we do can get us into heaven except of accepting Jesus Christ into our lives and repenting of our actions, not the actions of others.
We can and should be ashamed of the actions of others that we see when they preach sin and ignorance and lead others astray. We should correct them when we can, and most of all we should pray that God reveals to them the error of their ways. Especially knowing that the final destination for those is coming with the judgment and return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Only with the support of Jesus and the armor provided by God can we withstand what is coming. Only with the blood of Jesus can we reach heaven and the sight of God. When we accept Jesus into our lives and repent of our sins, He enters in and it is His blood that redeems us. Not our own actions, not our effort, but the sacrifice that He made. But if we believe that we can continue to sin without regards to the sacrifice that He gave, we are denying that He was worthy and that we are new. Instead we are clinging to the old and it shows that we do not love Him.
How can we stop this deadly cycle? By continually immersing ourselves in Him. With prayer, with reading His word, with congregating with others who share our belief. Faith grows with practice, our armor is strengthened with use. Like the sword that is hardened with dipping it in fire and hammering it to withstand the blows of others. God bless you and please take time to open your Bible. If you don’t have one, check out sites like Bible Gateway, you can read online and there is no charge.
Hebrews 9:25-27
King James Version (KJV)
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Hebrews 10:11-13
King James Version (KJV)
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Hebrews 10:25-27
King James Version (KJV)
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
King James Bible (Photo credit: freefotouk)
