I recently purchased two fruit trees from the nursery. Silly me—I didn’t think to ask assistance to load them into my car. When I arrived at the car, I stood there looking at my trees, wondering how I would do this alone.
Suddenly a young employee came sprinting over. I told him how happy I was to see him.
He said, “I saw you—and God told me to go help that lady. So I came.”
“Wow! You believe in God, and you also obey Him! I like that!”
Then he began telling me how much he loves God!
Suddenly I felt like giving him something. I looked around and spotted a Christian tract in the seat pocket entitled Promises for Fathers. I asked him if he had children. He did. “I’d like to give you something. This little paper contains Bible promises from God to fathers like you.”
“Wow! I would love that!”
He was so appreciative that I wanted to give him something else. There in the back seat was a Christian CD! I offered it to him explaining, “It’s the gospel message put to music.”
He said, “That is so cool!”
As I drove off I noticed he was reading the tract. I began thanking God that sometimes being a Christian is such fun!
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11
Check out the tract, Promises for Fathersat: https://www.crossway.org/tracts/promises-for-fathers-tract/
SONG: SEVEN TIMES A DAY – Words from Psalms 119 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6; Music by Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/
[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]
We had two brothers trimming our trees. One was telling me he had lived with a girl for a several months, and then they broke up. “It was wrong and I knew it. So I confessed to God and now I’m starting over. I’ve moved back home with my parents. I want to do the right thing. Someday I’d like to get married, but I need to find the right girl.”
I told him it’s important to marry a woman who loves Jesus and wants to obey Him. I had given him a Bible the last time he worked for us. He said he’d been reading it. This time I suggested a Bible church near his home. He and his brother both said they’d try it.
Before they left I told them I wanted to share an exciting story with them about the Titanic that sank back in 1912. They knew the story, how there weren’t enough lifeboats for everyone. I said, “There was a preacher onboard named John Harper, and when the ship hit the iceberg, he began shouting: “Women, children and the unsaved into the lifeboats!” Harper knew the souls of the unsaved were not ready to face death, whereas believers were eternally prepared to lose their lives. On the deck of the ship, he prayed with passengers, leading them to salvation by praying to receive Christ.
“As the ship broke apart and plunged into the sea, he jumped into the icy waters. Witnesses said they could hear him preaching the gospel to those who were slipping into death. One man who survived said he was drifting along on a piece of the wreck when the tide brought Mr. Harper near him and he asked him if he was saved. This man said he was not. Harper replied, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.’ The waves moved him away; but a little later Harper returned. ‘Are you saved now?’
“‘No, I cannot honestly say that I am.’ Harper again said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved,’ and shortly after that he went down; and there, alone in the night, the man BELIEVED. He was John Harper’s last convert.”
Both young men listened intently.
I said. “There is a verse in the Bible in John 3:16 that says, ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.‘ The Christian life boils down to that one thing: believing in the Lord Jesus. When a person truly believes, he will trust Jesus completely–and his life will show it.”
Both guys nodded in thoughtful agreement.
Story by Dan Wooding: https://www.godreports.com/2012/04/pastor-on-titanic-preached-to-the-end-made-one-last-convert-as-he-floated-on-a-piece-of-wreckage/
JOHN 3:16-18 – Music and arrangement by Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/
[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]
A special memory from my days doing jail ministry:
One evening after Bible study at the jail, an inmate asked if she could talk with me privately.
Judy told me her 15-year-old son had experienced repeated sexual abuse by the assistant manager of an establishment where teenagers frequent. She named the establishment and the offender’s name. The experience left her son confused, angry and embarrassed. He didn’t want his mother to cause trouble and she didn’t know what to do.
We prayed together—for her son and for her. We asked God to give me direction and wisdom in what to do with this information.
I went home and prayed about it. I waited two days and then felt God leading me to take action. Her story may not be true, but perhaps it is! The matter cannot be ignored. I made an appointment with the manager of the establishment in question.
He was gracious and listened. He knew the boy I referenced and his mother. He said Judy has a known history of drugs and alcohol. He questioned her integrity and doubted her story. Yet he said, “If what she said is true, then it needs to be dealt with.” He thanked me and assured me that he would take care of the matter from here on.
A week later Judy was waiting for me with a big smile. She said the manager had come to visit her in jail and she’d explained to him the situation.
Some weeks later I again saw Judy. She told me the assistant manager had confessed and was now in jail!
“Thank You Lord God, for helping Judy, for helping me, for helping the manager do the right thing. Please heal Judy’s son from harmful memories. Help him follow You all the days of his life. Oh. And the perpetrator? He needs You, Lord, to cleanse him and turn his life around. He too is a victim of the Evil One. Show him Your ways and Your power to live a life honoring to you. I pray in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.”
He will defend the oppressed among the people; he will deliver the children of the poor and crush the oppressor. Psalm 72:4 (NET)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
SONG: HUG THEM – Lyrics by Liana Wendy Howarth; Music by Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/
[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]
One day on the college campus a student walked by our Bible table and didn’t seem to notice us. It was as if we were invisible. He had passed our table when I did something I don’t usually do. I yelled: “Hey!”
He turned around and pointed to himself, “Me?”
I said, “Yes! Come on over and see what we have on our table. We’re actually giving away free books and Bibles.”
He walked over and asked, “What IS a Bible, anyway?”
“The Bible is God’s Word. It’s the only book in the world that’s alive, powerful and completely true. When you read it God will speak to your heart and give you direction and guidance.”
“Really? I did not know that.”
I said, “Before I became a Christian I didn’t know that either.”
He said, “Wait! You mean this is a Christian book? Then I’m not interested.” He turned and walked away.
Moments later he returned… “You know, I really should be more open. So yes, I’ll take the Bible.”
I pointed to a building across the quad. “Do you see that door over there? That room is where you’ll find a study in the book of John starting up in 10 minutes.”
“Really? Do you have one of those?”
I said, “The book of John is part of the Bible.”
“Cool!” I watched him walk over to the building, open the door and go inside.
Jesus said: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15
GIVE ME A HEART – Lyrics by Liana Wendy Howarth; Music by Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/
[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]
He loved her, but she was suffering from an aggressive form of cancer and nearing the end of life. “What can I do to help? I call every day to offer my services, but I don’t want to annoy her.”
I’d been praying for Tad, who was still a baby Christian. He wanted to DO something for her daily. I made a suggestion that I believe was from the Lord. “Why don’t you send her some encouraging verses from the Bible? You might begin reading in the Psalms or in the gospel of John. When you read something you believe would encourage her, write it down and send it.”
Tad was overjoyed! “This is something I can do! I know it will bless her.”
“Hey Tad, right now I’m thinking of Jesus’ words in John 14:1-4:1 ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.'”
Tad said, “That is perfect! I’ll send that one first. Should I just write ‘John 14:1-4’ or should I write it all out?”
“I’d write it out.”
Tad needed something to do. She needed encouragement from God’s Word. Tad was not only helping her, but God’s Word would feed and encourage him as well.
“Thank You, Lord Jesus, for supplying riches that will sustain others while it blesses us.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
THE WELL OF DESPAIR – Lyrics by Liana Wendy Howarth; Music by Kathleen
_______________________
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/
[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]
Yesterday we had a plumber in the kitchen. I shot up an arrow prayer asking God to guide our discussion.
He was friendly, said he was 35 and single. He told me about his new home—a trailer in the country and a new garden. I asked him if he’d found a good church to attend.
He said, “I grew up in church, but haven’t been back in years. I believe in a higher power, but I don’t know about anything else.”
“Hey, I was in the same predicament once! Was raised in church, yet we never studied the Bible. I didn’t have a clue about what was important.”
“So what happened?”
“A friend invited me to Bible study and it changed my life. It was easy for me to believe that we are all sinners, that we all need a Savior, and there’s only One. Jesus wanted to be my Savior—that part was easy. I think we all want a free pass to heaven, to know our sins are forever forgiven.”
“I would agree.”
“Yet Jesus not only wanted to be my Savior, He wanted me to make Him Lord of my life! He wanted to be Number One and take control of my life! I said, ‘No way! I’ll control my own life!’ I walked away.
“But I felt uneasy and after a few weeks I was all alone in this very kitchen when I prayed. I said, ‘Lord God, I’m ready to surrender my life to You. Please forgive my sins. I cannot live the Christian life on my own power, I keep failing. Please send Your Holy Spirit to live in me. Take control of my life. Make me the person You want me to be.’
“That was pretty much my prayer. Instantly, a wonderful peace settled over me. Within a few minutes there was joy. I was so happy I’d made this decision! Within an hour I wanted to show love to people—even people who are hard to love. Have you ever known people who were hard to love?”
“Yes Ma’am, I sure have!”
“I learned it’s impossible to love certain people on our own effort. In fact, it’s impossible to live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit.”
He said, “Well I don’t know anything about the Holy Spirit.”
“Neither did I! But what I learned is that the Holy Spirit is the part of God that comes to live in us, after we surrender our lives to Christ. When He comes in He brings all the fruit of the Spirit with Him: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We get ALL of that when we get the Holy Spirit. Do you need more patience? Love? Self-control?”
“Yes! I sure do!”
“I remember that first week seeing my life with new eyes. Suddenly certain TV shows became a waste of time. Certain hobbies became frivolous. People became more important than things. Then I read in the Bible that Jesus said, ‘You must be born again.’ I realized that was what had happened to me!”
He said, “You know what you said earlier about wanting to do what’s right and yet you keep failing? I have that problem.”
“Then you need the Holy Spirit. Just ask!”
Before he left I loaded him down with literature to help him make the most important decision of his life, and to help him grow. He said he was eager to start reading. Then he said, “Hey, thank you for the spiritual talk. It was good.”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
https://www.godlife.com/gospels/read
SONG: I KNOW HIM – by Kathleen
_________________________________________________
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become an empty shell, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.whoisjesus-really.com/
[Looking for SHARE buttons? Want to LEAVE A COMMENT or PRAYER REQUEST? Go to: www.kathleensfaithwalk.com and scroll to the bottom of page.]
Today I ran into Sue at the Farmers’ Market. Years ago we were close friends but we slowly drifted apart. I remember 25 years ago sharing with her how Christ had changed my life. She was mildly curious, but not interested enough to pursue a relationship with Him herself. She has since divorced her husband and their children are going the way of the world.
She asked about the family. I told her I am grateful to God that we are all doing well. Then she began talking about the issue of fear and how if affects people, herself included. “Surely, you have some fears, Kathleen. You ARE human, aren’t you?”
I smiled. “Indeed I’m human, but I believe I shared with you years ago that when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, all the fears I used to have disappeared. Moreover, something I’ve learned from Scripture gives me great peace whenever I’ve been tempted to be fearful. The Bible tells us to be thankful for everything…and that even includes difficulties. When we are thankful then God promises a peace that is beyond understanding. In fact, it’s that very peace that will protect our hearts and our minds. If we don’t protect our minds we can become depressed, worried, fearful, fretful and anxious. Hey, fear can even cause us to lose our minds! Thanking God also guards our hearts so we don’t begin to love what is not good for us. When we choose to thank God and praise Him in midst of hardship, it shows God that we are trusting Him. Trusting God is what the Christian life is all about.”
She listened wide-eyed. I continued, “This life is temporary, Sue. This life is short and it’s getting shorter every day. This life is just a test. I want to pass the test. Eternity is forever. If I pass the test I will live for all eternity with God. My greatest peace comes from knowing that my children, their spouses and our grandchildren have all committed their lives to Jesus Christ.”
She said, “I believe in Jesus, too. I’ve studied Deepak Chopra!”
“Hey, even Muslims believe in Jesus! They believe He was a great prophet. Everyone believes something about Jesus. But who is Jesus Christ to you, Sue? Have you made Him the Lord of your life? Have you allowed Him to save you from your sins?”
“No.” She started to back away.
“That is the most important decision of your life, Sue. Don’t wait too long. Call me sometime if you want to talk about it.”
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS – By Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become an empty shell, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.whoisjesus-really.com/
[Looking for SHARE buttons? Want to LEAVE A COMMENT or PRAYER REQUEST? Go to: www.kathleensfaithwalk.com and scroll to the bottom of page.]
I received a letter from Jerome in an African country who wrote via Global Media Outreach. He said his wife is Muslim. He married her because she was a virgin. Now that they’re married she refuses to become a Christian. His question: “Should I dump her?”
I responded: “I’m sorry you married for the wrong reason. The first consideration in seeking a wife should be a woman who shares your faith in Christ. Now that you are already married, you are to love and honor her as your wife. You are not to ‘dump her.’”
A few weeks later he wrote again and apologized for misleading me. He said he called her his wife because he didn’t know the English word for “girlfriend.” Meanwhile, after living with her for a while and learning she wasn’t open to converting, he “dumped her.”
Now he writes, “The Old Testament tells us to worship God on Saturday. I’ve been told the Antichrist is coming and will force all people to worship on Sunday instead of Saturday. I believe this is sin. I will refuse to disobey God and worship on Sunday, even if I am tortured to death. Please advise.”
“Jerome, You are fearful of sinning against God by worshiping on Sunday. Yet you were not fearful of sinning against God when you lived with a Muslim woman outside marriage and later ‘dumped her.’ I don’t understand your kind of faith.
“You need to carefully study God’s Word and ask yourself if you are truly born again. Once you choose to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, that’s when you also make the decision to repent (turn away from your sinful ways). God’s Holy Spirit will give you the desire and the power to do so.
“I want you to read Revelation 21:8 and think about it. Nothing is said there about the day of the week we are to worship. Sexual immorality is serious sin before God. Yet you had no qualms about serious sin. Please go to https://www.godlife.com/en/new-believers-guide and learn what it truly means to be a Christian.”
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
GOD IS READY – Robin Poem by Elizabeth Cheney, circa 1931; music by Kathleen
[This life is temporary. This life is short. Let me ask you an important question: If you were to die today, where do you think you would go? When this life is over, our bodies will die and become an empty shell, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.whoisjesus-really.com/
[Looking for SHARE buttons? Want to LEAVE A COMMENT? Go to: www.kathleensfaithwalk.com and scroll to the bottom of page.]
Today was another sweet afternoon walking out on the fishing pier with a friend. We came prepared with Christian tracts in our big pockets, a small Bible and a Jesus movie, in hopes of opportunities to share them.
First we noticed two women taking photos of one another. I asked if they’d like me to take a picture of both of them. They were thrilled and posed with the waves breaking behind them.
We visited awhile and learned they had driven from out of town to celebrate their victory over addiction. They had both been five years clean with the help of AA’s 12-Step Program.
We were able to share Jesus with them and they were fully receptive. They welcomed our literature and our prayers as we prayed not only for their spiritual growth, but also for their children. Such joy with these precious ones!
Next we met a college nursing student walking his dog. Such a dear young man. He said he’d had a desire to know God, but didn’t know how to go about it. He knew he was a sinner and he wanted to be saved. We explained the story of salvation and prayed with him to receive Christ. We loaded him down with literature which he seemed thrilled to receive. He was full of joy when we left him – and so were we!
Those we met who were actually fishing? They were fun to get to know as well, and also welcomed our “Good News about Jesus!”
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
ONE BUSINESS IN LIFE – Quote by John Wesley, circa 1780; song by Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/
[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]
My friend Shirley said she was getting a divorce. “I’ve had enough! He will never change!”
I said, “I would hate for you to rush into this. That word divorce is so final. I heard a pastor say that one word a married couple should never utter is the word divorce. As long as it’s never mentioned, it can never become a reality.”
“It’s already settled. We’re selling the house and dividing everything equally.”
“Shirley, I know you’ve prayed about this. But often our prayers end up being only a minute or less. Why don’t you show God that you are serious about doing the right thing. Make a commitment to spend five minutes a day on your knees praying for Mike. You might also consider fasting one day a week, or fasting from sugar for a while.”
A week later she called. “I did as you suggested and I believe the Lord has spoken to my heart. He’s showing me that I am the one who needs to change!”
Two weeks later: “I told Mike I don’t want a divorce. He said he doesn’t either. Then he suggested we take a vacation! I will NEVER stop spending five minutes a day on my knees!”
I mentioned Shirley’s story to a discouraged man who stopped at our Bible table at the beach. He listened and said, “My son is addicted to heroin. I’m going to begin spending five minutes a day on my knees praying for him.”
Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:28-30
INTO THE LIGHT – by Kathleen
[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become an empty shell, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.whoisjesus-really.com/
[Looking for SHARE buttons? Wish to LEAVE A COMMENT or PRAYER REQUEST? Go to: www.kathleensfaithwalk.com and scroll to the bottom of page.]
