Behind my twin brother Opal’s flat tombstone at the Granby, Missouri Cemetery is another stone placed by the USA Military, honoring his service during the Vietnam War. I have the triangular-folded flag given to my mom at the grave site. A survey of the cemetery will reveal others who served, some making the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
We should never forget the cost of freedom. We should never forget our heritage -- where we came from and the roots that shaped our lives. Many of us were rooted in Jesus Christ.
There’s an empty tomb outside Jerusalem, a ways from the blood-stained cross of Calvary. On Memorial Day I don’t have to go to Jerusalem and look into the tomb to know that Jesus is alive. I will never forget, because He lives within my heart.
Matthew 28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. [6] He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015
When God's People Pray
Acts 12:5,7 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.. . . [7] And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
Wow! God answered the church folks prayer and they were shocked when he knocked at the door.
In 1997 when I was being treated for breast cancer, my sister Ruthie called me from California and said, “You’ve got to wave your fist in the devil’s face and say get out of here.” I know she was concerned, but I said, “No, I already gave it to God. If he wants to take me to heaven, amen – I’ll be with Him. If not, He’ll get me through this.”
Jesus gave me perfect peace with cancer. Many people were praying for me, but my personal prayer was that I wouldn’t have nausea from the chemo. Even through the two “high dose” treatments, I never got nausea. The nausea meds don’t always work on every patient. God is good.
I love answered-prayer stories.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Forgiveness
Our times of failure will almost always come at those moments when we are weak spiritually, those times when we’ve failed to pray and seek the strength and wisdom of God.
Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
I’m sure Peter relived that moment again and again. If he could only have another opportunity . . . . but what was done was done.
As bad as his sin was, he received forgiveness. The fact that he was convicted confirms his relationship with the Lord. Heb.12:6 – For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
I rejoice that I can feel the conviction of the Lord and the need for repentance. God is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins, and we must learn to forgive ourselves. This is also an example to forgive others.
Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
I’m sure Peter relived that moment again and again. If he could only have another opportunity . . . . but what was done was done.
As bad as his sin was, he received forgiveness. The fact that he was convicted confirms his relationship with the Lord. Heb.12:6 – For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
I rejoice that I can feel the conviction of the Lord and the need for repentance. God is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins, and we must learn to forgive ourselves. This is also an example to forgive others.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
The Sin Of Pride
Paul warned the Church at Ephesus that one of the greatest dangers believers face is the sin of pride. Pride is at the root of all sin because pride puts "I" first!
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Some may think others aren't as holy as they are or they tend to feel their gifts are superior to others. Some may want to be in control of the church. These people are walking in pride!
Every believer is important to God but none are essential! If The Lord has gifted you, use that gift and let Him have the glory. Don't think it makes you better than others.
If we live the right kind of lives for Jesus, we’ll never be any more or any less than He intends us to be.
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Some may think others aren't as holy as they are or they tend to feel their gifts are superior to others. Some may want to be in control of the church. These people are walking in pride!
Every believer is important to God but none are essential! If The Lord has gifted you, use that gift and let Him have the glory. Don't think it makes you better than others.
If we live the right kind of lives for Jesus, we’ll never be any more or any less than He intends us to be.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Perfect Peace
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.
The perfect peace of God comes with total surrender and trust in Him. It’s the peace in times of trouble. It’s the peace that overwhelms our worries and helps us rest in the will of God even when we can’t see what lies ahead.
To keep your mind on Christ, think of all you have in Him -- His love, His mercy, His grace, His salvation, and His forgiveness. Think about His Word and His Church.
Now think of how the Lord has blessed you -- financially, physically, spiritually, your family, your friends, and your home in Heaven.
Don’t fear disappointments, losses, and troubles tomorrow may bring. God holds all your tomorrows in His hands.
The perfect peace of God comes with total surrender and trust in Him. It’s the peace in times of trouble. It’s the peace that overwhelms our worries and helps us rest in the will of God even when we can’t see what lies ahead.
To keep your mind on Christ, think of all you have in Him -- His love, His mercy, His grace, His salvation, and His forgiveness. Think about His Word and His Church.
Now think of how the Lord has blessed you -- financially, physically, spiritually, your family, your friends, and your home in Heaven.
Don’t fear disappointments, losses, and troubles tomorrow may bring. God holds all your tomorrows in His hands.
Monday, May 18, 2015
How Valuable Are You To God?
Moses didn’t feel adequate when God told him to lead his people out of bondage, but God used him in a mighty way. Don’t you know that Joseph felt forsaken when his brothers sold him as a slave, but God meant it for good.
We need to remember that Jesus is the One who hears you cry in the night when nobody else does. He knows when you’re confused, when your heart is broken. He’s there to comfort and help you. He even knows how many hairs are on your head. He loves you. You are valuable to Him.
Matthew 10:29,31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. A sparrow is worth a penny in our money.
We need to remember that Jesus is the One who hears you cry in the night when nobody else does. He knows when you’re confused, when your heart is broken. He’s there to comfort and help you. He even knows how many hairs are on your head. He loves you. You are valuable to Him.
Matthew 10:29,31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. A sparrow is worth a penny in our money.
Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me
Civilla D. Martin
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Keep Your Eyes On Jesus
We know we can never pay the Lord back for all He’s done for us and all He’s given us in Jesus. Thankfully, He doesn’t ask us to.
But as believers, we have a duty to see that our practice matches His principles. We have a duty to ensure that our behavior matches what we claim to believe.
The saints of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 are an excellent example. They weren’t perfect, but they had their eyes on the Lord and His will, not on the world. They had great faith.
Hebrews 11:33-34 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
But as believers, we have a duty to see that our practice matches His principles. We have a duty to ensure that our behavior matches what we claim to believe.
The saints of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 are an excellent example. They weren’t perfect, but they had their eyes on the Lord and His will, not on the world. They had great faith.
Hebrews 11:33-34 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
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