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.

Does God Use Doctors?

Anderson Regional Cancer Center

 

About three years ago, Mr. Billy Mashburn, of Buckatunna Mississippi, was diagnosed with a tumor in his colon. Dr. Phillips of Meridian estimated the tumor to be “lemon” or “orange” sized. An MRI was done and an appointment was made at Anderson Regional Cancer Center. Mr. Mashburn’s treatment plan included 36 treatments of radiation and once a week chemotherapy for twelve weeks, and then surgery. The doctors were optimistic.

The night before his first scheduled treatment, Mr. Mashburn had the pastor and elders of Free Will Baptist Church to anoint him with oil and pray for divine healing.

When he arrived at his first appointment, Dr. Anderson greeted him with grave news. The doctors had studied the MRI for seven hours. They were perplexed. They couldn’t find a safe position to target the tumor without damaging healthy cells. They gave Mr. Mashburn no hope.

 

They performed a second x-ray. Dr. Anderson was amazed. The tumor had miraculously moved to the outside of the colon. It was in plain sight. Mr. Mashburn immediately praised God, but the good doctor cautioned him that he wasn’t healed yet. Mr. Mashburn was told to expect radiation sickness, he’d lose his hair, and become fatigued during the treatments. Only if the treatments were successful, did the surgery stand a chance.

God had his hand on Mr. Mashburn. He never lost his hair. He didn’t get sick. In fact, he never missed a day of work. He drove a school bus in the mornings, and then went for his treatment. He did miss the evening pickup, but only because of appointment times, not because of fatigue. The surgery was successful.

Though the doctor’s prognosis was hopeless. Mr. Mashburn survived his bout with cancer, and is now enjoying life with his two sons, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Isn’t our God wonderful?

This is Mr. Billy Mashburn's testimony. I thank him for allowing me to share it with you.

Please leave a comment and share yours.