Guess What I'm Getting for My Birthday?

Guess what I'll get for my birthday?

Yep, It’s today. And while I don’t consider myself a materialistic person, I do like to receive gifts especially unexpected ones. However, my husband has given me some very unique gifts in previous years.

The most memorable gifts of the past:

• A “pet” pot-bellied pig. (Why, Ernie? Why?)
• A 20 gauge shot gun. (I do like to hunt, but I haven’t had time in the past 20 years. So guess who uses this more.)
• A pecan roll. (He picked this up on his way home from a construction job years ago. My guess is he remembered my birthday at the last minute, and the only store open was a 24hr gas station.)
• A catch dog. (I have never wanted one of these.)
• Fishing pole. (This would have been a good gift if he hadn’t borrowed it and broken it.)
• No gift at all. (He completely forgot, twice.)

In all fairness, sometimes he got it right. 

The best gifts he’s given me over the years.

• A hand written card, back in the day when we had no money. (I still have this in my wallet.)
• A new laptop. (My favorite gift ever because he totally surprised me with a party at the church.)
• The Shepherd’s Cottage by Thomas Kincaid. (I admit, I begged for this until he gave in.)
• A lock and key, gold necklace.
• Yellow roses. (My favorite flower.)

As I look back over the last 24 years, I realize that the best gifts (with one exception) are the ones that I asked for.

So today, I’m nervous. When he asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I told him that I didn’t care as long as it was something I could open.

And then a thought hit me. Maybe that’s why over the years the gifts have been more unique than special. Most of the time when I really wanted something, and I made my wants known, Ernie did everything in his power to give it to me. Why? Because he loves me.

Then I thought, God loves me. He wants to give me good gifts. Why don’t I have some of the Spiritual gifts that I want? Is it because I haven’t asked for them?

What about you? 

Are there gifts you want from God? Have you asked for them?

God isn’t man. He only gives good gifts, and sometimes He surprises us with bonus blessings. But He invites us to boldly approach His throne and ask.

So stop right where you are, and ask God for that thing you want most. His answer may surprise you.

As for my gift from Ernie, leave a comment and share this if you care to guess what my birthday gift will be. Hint: Think inexpensive. He bought me a new car a few weeks ago. :)

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. ~ 1 John 3:22 KJV

Come and See!

Come and See

In today’s world we have problems. Big, unsurmountable mountains that can’t be moved.

Or can they? 

You've read of miracles performed in the Bible. You've heard of miracles happening today.

Can they happen to you? For you?

Jesus said in the first chapter of John, “Come and see.”
And, I invite you to come and see, Jesus.

Why?

An addict can’t deliver themselves from addiction. A cancer patient can’t wish their cancer gone. Depression isn’t cured by forcing yourself to smile. An abused wife has no place to turn.

Is there help for the helpless?

Again, Jesus said in the first chapter of John, “Come and see.”
You may have tried many things. And those things have failed you. Counseling? Meditation? New Age doctrines? Drugs? Alcohol? Promiscuous relationships?

Isn’t it about time, you turned to the one man who can help you?

Go see Jesus. See if He will help you?

If you’ve been following Him from afar wanting only to see His home, He’s calling you forward. (Just as He did to Andrew and John.)
If you are reading this and need to change your identity in Christ, He will change your name. (Just as He did for Peter.)
If you are lost, He will find you. (As He found Phillip.)
And if you are like Nathaniel and doubt the words you are reading, it's okay. Come and see.

Come and see if Jesus loves you.
Come and see if Jesus has the power to set you free from your sins.
Come and see that you can live in peace, joy, and faith.
Come and see Jesus.
He can be found in prayer.

Consider the Lilies!

This blog post isn't intended to ridicule, belittle, or insult the dress of other Christians. It is merely a result of personal reflection. 

 I am not normal. I don’t care for fancy dresses or lavish shoes. I do like comfort and cool in the summer. And warm and toasty in the winter. I don’t want to look like a slob, but shopping for the latest styles isn’t high on my priority list. If I find a skirt on sale that I love (5$ for a skirt a Goodies!), then of course I snap it up.

 Recently, I overheard a group of ladies gushing about a certain type of dresses. How perfect they were. And if what they say is true, I have to admit that that style does sound appealing. So I checked them out.  $$$$$ Seriously!

$100s for one dress? 

If I had a bunch of Franklins laying around, I couldn’t do it.
Does that make me weird? Yes. Different, yes.
But is that a good thing or a bad thing?

I admit that I don’t fit in anywhere, and sometimes that gets me down. I want to be normal, but my brain can’t justify spending over $100 for a dress when there’re homeless people roaming the streets. Yes, we should look our best for God, because we are His representatives. But even though I have heard negative remarks from people, God’s opinion should be the only one that matters. So I took my self-doubts to Him.

Why don’t I have a closet full of nice clothes? 

Why isn’t it higher on my priority list? 

Why does it bother me that other people judge me lack of stylish clothes? 

Should I care more about clothes? 

Am I a bad Christian because I don’t have a new Easter dress every year? 

And why do Christians judge each other based on what we wear? 

God led me to Luke 12. He reassured me that heavenly treasures should be my focus.

The work of ministry is more important than its appearance. 

Because we ourselves are judgmental, many Christians are more concerned with how they appear, that what they are actually accomplishing for the Lord.

The number of souls won for His kingdom, is far more important that the number of dresses I have in my closet. 

So when you see me at camp, revival, or conference, and I’m wearing the same dress I wore last year, it's okay. Souls are more valuable than a dress. And I'd rather be clothed like the lilies in the field.

This post isn't intended to condemn. If God has blessed you with beautiful things, enjoy them. But don’t neglect the Great Commission. Don’t let things take the place of your calling.

Consider the Lilies.

Give 'em Something to Talk About

God Speaks

Several years ago during an altar service, the Lord told me to open both doors of the church. The doors leading into the sanctuary, and the doors leading outside. His voice was clear. I knew exactly what he wanted me to do. Still, I hesitated. 

Why? 

Why did he want the doors open? Why did he choose me to open them?

Then another voice whispered in my ear, “Don’t do it. They are going to talk about you.” As clear as if it were audible, the devil continued. “Brother A will be angry because the air conditioning is on and you will let the cool air out. Sister B will be upset at you because you will let the bugs in. And Sister C will be furious at you because you endangered the children by providing them a way of escape.” Though he called specific names, I have omitted them here.

So I asked Jesus, “Will they say those things?”

My Lord replied, “Yes. But I didn’t ask you what they would say. I told you to open the doors. Now, go open them.”

Obey God

I did. Immediately a powerful wave of the Holy Ghost blew in and changed lives.

I will never forget that night, because God proved that His blessings far outweigh the opinions of others. 

Even after the service, when the devil made sure I heard the very ones make the exact comments he said they would make. I just smiled because obeying God was worth it.

People talk about me.

 I’ve been serving the Lord for about 15 years now. I’ve attended countless campmeetings, youth camps, revivals, mission trips and outreach services with some of the greatest men and women of God on Earth. However, one thing I've learned is that people (both sinners and saints) love to talk. 

They’ve talked about my failures, and I admit that when I stumble I usually land face first. 

They’ve complained about my methods of teaching: transforming the fellowship hall into the wilderness/promise land complete with trees, sand, manna, river, and grapevines; playing ball in the church; taking a field trip all the way to Ohio; dressing the children up as beggars and reenacting the lame man at the Gate Beautiful scene as a fundraiser delaying the service because I told the children the had to beg until they were healed. 

They’ve complained about my method of ministry; picking up hitchhikers, witnessing to prostitutes and preaching to drug addicts.  

They’ve talked about my trails. 

They’ve talked about my problems. 

They’ve talked about my mistakes. 

They’ve talked about my past. 

They’ve talked about my pastor. 

They’ve talked about my church. 

I’ve given people a lot to talk about. I come from a long line of unchurched sinners. When I got saved, I didn’t know church protocols. I didn’t know traditions. I didn’t know the do and don’ts. And because I didn’t know, I’ve made some huge mistakes that I regret tremendously, but I will never regret obeying God.

People talk about you. It is what they do.

People are flawed. All of us. Though we try our best, sometimes we fail. But that should make us try harder. It shouldn't make us want to quit. Yes, people will talk about you.

They will talk about your successes.

They will talk about your failures. 

They will talk about your methods.

They will talk about your past.

They will talk about your present.

They will talk about your future. 

Give 'em something to talk about.

Even though people will talk about you, open the doors anyway. Why? Because Jesus needs them opened. He needs to an avenue to send Holy Ghost power to help people, and He’s entrusted you with that job.

Yes, people will talk. Give them something good to say. 

Can they talk about how many people have been healed due to your obedience to God? 

Can they talk about how you helped the hurting? 

Fed the hungry?

Prayed for the prostitute? 

Loved the drug addict?

If the answer is no, what are you waiting for? You don't need permission to obey God. If you hesitate to do what God has told you because of what people might say, let me reassure you. Yes, they will talk. But Jesus knows that, and He called you anyway. So obey God. 

And Give 'em something to talk about! 

LISTEN TO ME!!!

LISTEN TO ME!!! Our opinions are fashioned by personal experiences. But there are somethings I want to say to everyone about sexual abuse.





To the victims of sexual abuse: God hates the wickedness that has happened to you. He’s angry at the one that hurt you. Be assured that he will punish sin. He loves you. He has compassion for you. He wants to hold you in his arms and cry with you. You were not created to handle the evil in this world. I understand the depth of your hurt that goes beyond the physical leaving scars on your spirit and in your soul. But I know that Jesus can and will heal you. You were created to be loved and cherished. Please don’t turn to another source for comfort. The numbness offered by drugs and alcohol are temporary and cause additional hurt. Please accept the loving hand that Jesus is offering you today. God loves you, and I love you.

To the unrepentant pedophile: Your pleasure isn’t worth the damage you cause. Children remember, and so does their Savior. God hates the wicked acts you’ve committed. You have harmed the apple of God’s eye. His punishment is greater than any judge on Earth. Fear God and repent. If not, you will be forever tormented in hell with no chance of forgiveness.

To the pedophile sick at his own actions: Is your pleasure worth a lifetime of hurt? Seek professional help. You cannot overcome this temptation on your own. Stay away from children. We are all human and we all fail. But if you fall off the wagon, a child’s life is destroyed. Jesus can help you, if you let Him. Confess your sins and He is faithful and just to forgive you.

To the parents or caretakers of abuse victims: Wrap your arms around the child and say, "I beleive you." No matter the hassle. No matter the public embarrassment. No matter the ridicule stand by the victim. DO NOT ask them to drop the charges. DO NOT ask them to just forget about it.DO NOT try to convince them they imagined the abuse. Victims need your support. They need your strength. If you don’t handle the legalities and the devastation caused by abuse, you are telling the victim they don’t matter. Their pain doesn’t matter. Their future doesn’t matter. DO seek help for the victim. You can’t understand the depth of pain they are processing. They need professional counselling.

To the parents of a young perpetrator: This is not your fault. This is an evil attack and your child needs help to overcome these unnatural urges. The problem won’t go away. Unchecked, your child’s behavior will get worse. Seek professional help. Alert the authorities. The best thing a parent can do for a child is to admit their flaws and help repair them.

To adults living with the shame of unreported abuse: I’m sorry. You don’t have to feel alone any longer, because I am here for you, and God is here for you. He can heal you from the horrid nightmares. He can heal you from your fear of intimacy. He can heal the hatred you’ve harbored for so long. Please, cry out to Jesus. Let Him will restore your soul.

To the women watching from the sidelines: Don’t judge us. Many victims lash out in their pain. Young girls become promiscuous. Some turn to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. Help us. Love us. Remind us that our bodies were made to be cherished. Teach us that we have value. Tell us that Jesus loves us. Show us that we can overcome evil by God’s goodness.

To the men who are silent: Speak for us by teaching boys and young men that we are to be treasured. Love us by demanding that the world respect our bodies. Protect us by calling out suspicious behavior before it turns to abuse. Erase the gray lines between a man’s natural desire and perversion by creating safe boundaries for yours and other men interactions with women. DO NOT remain silent. Downplaying sexual abuse, refusing to discuss it, or protecting the perpetrator is saying the victims ARE NOT important. Our feelings don’t matter. Our nightmares. Our struggle to forgive ourselves and the ones who’ve hurt us. Stand up and be the man God created you to be. Do your job. Provide for us. Love us. Protect us. 

LISTEN TO ME!!! 

Choosing the Battle

There are many enemies around us. There is the enemy of homelessness. There is the enemy of child abuse. There is the enemy of addiction, fornication, and other sins. We as individuals can never battle every enemy. But we must do something. What?

In I Chronicles 14, after Saul’s death and David was anointed King, the Philistines came near and taunted David. There were challenging his reign. Testing him to see how strong his kingdom was.

Isn’t that just like the devil? He flaunts the hurting and the abused in our face and taunts, “Help them if you can?”

David, wise king that he was, inquired of the Lord. Notice that he didn’t rely on someone else to speak to God, but David knew how to contact God directly. We need that kind of relationship with our Savior. With God’s approval, David whipped the Philistines. He didn’t just win the battle. He won big. As a victory celebration, he burnt their gods with fire.

Yet the Philistines returned to taunt him again. Now a lot of us—myself included—would recognized the enemy, remembered our previous victory, and stormed into battle. But David knew that just because the enemy is raging doesn’t mean he should engage him.

Sometimes, God doesn’t want us to fight.

Sometimes, He fights for us.

And sometimes He has a specific battle plan He wants us to carry out.

Such as in this case. Upon inquiring of the Lord the second time, David followed God’s instructions, and waited by the Mulberry Trees—until God gave the signal. David showed trust in God by obeying His command. As a result, he won not only the battle, but the won the war against the enemy.

To many times, we rush into battle without waiting for God’s signal. We don’t give Him a chance to put His battle plan into motion. And when we lose, we think God failed us.

Not so! If we are going to be victorious against the enemy, we must fight only the battles God allows us, and we must follow His battle plan.

Is the enemy taunting you?

If so, inquire of the Lord, and follow his instructions. Invite me to your victory celebration by commenting below.

Man's Word or God's Truth?

There are godly men and women in this world. Unfortunately, there are some evil men and women as well. Many souls have been scarred by evil actions. As with most cases, God gets the blame.

God’s word and man’s word are different. God isn’t a human. He isn’t accountable for mankind’s actions or neglect.

However, God is aware of our hurts, and He has made provision to heal us completely.

The book of Genesis tells us of creation. It also tells that after God created man, He gave man a commandment.

God told Adam that if he ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil then Adam would die. (Genesis 2:17) But Eve thought that God said you can’t eat of it, nor touch it or she would die. (Genesis 3:2-3) At this time, Adam stood with her, and didn’t bother to correct her thinking. Perhaps, he was the one who added to God’s word and told Eve that they couldn’t touch the fruit.

Because of this, a lot of people (and I was once one of them) blame Adam for Eve’s sin. However, upon closer look we see that after the deed was done, God spoke directly to Eve in verse 13 and 16. This tells me that the communication line between God and Eve was already open.

Eve didn’t have to go through Adam to have access to God. She could have clarified the commandment with one question. But instead of depended on God and God’s word. She depended on man and man’s word.

Man’s word fails. God’s word never fails.

Today, people are wrongly judging God’s faithfulness by a man’s or another woman’s word. We are deceived into thinking that God is a liar, God is abusive, God is unfaithful, and God doesn’t care because of human action or inaction. But thankfully, God is not a man that He should lie.

Another fact to consider is that prior to their sin, God told both Adam and Eve that they may eat of every fruit tree that had seeds. (Genesis 1:28-29) Since God doesn’t lie, and His word never changes, we can conclude that the fruit from The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was seedless. (The first seedless fruit was created not by man’s ingenuity but by God in the Garden of Eden.)

Think of a wild plum tree. Think of all the little sprouts around it. That’s probably why God created the tree seedless. He wanted only one of this type of tree. This also distinguished the tree from the other edible fruits. 

Adam and Eve knew which fruit was forbidden.

Men and women, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers have a distinctive purpose and a specific role to play in our life, but none of these are gods. None of these are Saviors. All of these are human. And all of these make mistakes. Every life has been touched by evil in some way. Yes, it hurts, and yes it affects us. But we can’t judge God’s love and compassion by human failure. And, it’s time to stop blaming our own failures on the inadequacies of others.

Instead, let’s use the communication lines that were opened on Calvary. Talk to God. Tell Him your hurts. Let Him heal you.

Remember that your heavenly Father loves you unconditionally. He sent Jesus to save you from the evils of sin. The Holy Ghost was sent with comfort and strength to help us not only survive this world, but to live victoriously.

Have you talked to your Savior today?