Five Minutes on Your Knees

Posted on May 8, 2021 by Kathleen

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.]

 

 

 

Posted in Love & Romance, PEOPLE, PRAYER WORKS | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

Pray for the Waitress

Posted on May 3, 2021 by Kathleen

A couple eating in a restaurant asked their waitress if they might pray for her.  I thought it was a lovely idea, but I never considered doing it myself until this week!

A friend and I had gone to lunch and the waitress had just taken our order.  I said, “We are just getting ready to pray.  May we pray for you?”

She put her hand to her mouth and her eyes became tear-filled.  “Yes. Right now I need peace.  Thank you so much.”  Off she went.  We immediately began praying, asking God to comfort her, meet her needs and fill her with His peace.

When she brought our meals she said she’d been touched by our offer to pray.  She explained that she was a Christian and attends a good church that teaches the Bible. Yet she’s been going through a difficult season in her life.  She really did need God’s peace.  We talked at length and I happened to have a Christian booklet in my purse I thought would bring her comfort.  She was happy to receive it.

When we finished our meal she returned with the bill, but it was empty.  She said, “Your bill has been paid–by me.  You girls made my day!  I’d be happy if you just paid it forward.”

We ended up leaving her a hefty tip and told her we’d be happy to “pay it forward.”  She was pleased. We were blessed.

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.]

 

 

Posted in HERE & THERE, PEOPLE, PRAYER WORKS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

“I’m Suicidal!”

Posted on April 30, 2021 by Kathleen

A friend and I were walking on the fishing pier seeking to share the Lord with fishermen, or anyone who might appreciate prayer or learning more about Jesus.

One group of young fishermen were open to our “good news tracts” about Jesus.   I said, “May I ask you a question?”– I’ve learned that if I ask permission to ask a question, they’re more apt to cooperate — “If you were to die today do you know where you would spend eternity?”

One young guy blurted, “I’m suicidal!  When I’m ready to die I will go into a deep sleep forever.”

“But the Bible does not tell us we’ll sleep forever.  All we know about the afterlife is what we read in the Bible.  Did you know you have a soul?  Your soul is the life of your body.  When your body dies, your soul will not sleep.  It will continue to live on for all eternity.  This life on earth is short.  It’s what we do with Jesus in this life, that determines where we spend eternity – and there are only two options: heaven or hell.  Hell is real.  Jesus talked more about hell than He did heaven!”

Then I asked him, “How would you respond to God if He were to ask you,  ‘Why should I allow you into My heaven?'”

“I try to be good.  I’m an honest person.  I do my best.”

I said, “I believe you. You look like a good person. But the Bible tells us that no one is good enough.  We are all sinners and we all need a Savior.  Do you believe that?”

All three of the guys nodded in agreement.

“Have you ever wondered how a good God could send people to a burning fiery hell?”

They all responded in unison:  “Yeah, I’ve wondered about that.”

“God does not send people to hell.  We’re already going to hell, because we are all sinners!  That’s why Jesus came–to save us so we don’t have to go there!  Those little booklets in your hands will explain to you how you can receive Christ’s forgiveness and know for certain that you will go to heaven.  Will you read it?”

All three responded while nodding,  “Yeah!”

As we walked away I looked back.  All three were reading.

+++

  • The message in the booklet:  https://www.cru.org/us/en/how-to-know-god/would-you-like-to-know-god-personally.html
  •  For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.    1 Peter 2:25
  •  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  Psalm 16:9-10 KJV
  • 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
  • JOHN 3:16-18 – Arrangement and 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.]

 

Posted in BEACH, DOCTRINE, Other Religions, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Sleep Paralysis

Posted on April 26, 2021 by Kathleen

I was doing Bible study with a prisoner who told me she often has sleep paralysis.

When this occurs she feels she’s awake.  Her hearing is keen,  yet she cannot move any part of her body. She cannot even open her eyes.  It frightens her and she feels vulnerable to demonic attack.

I told her I have experienced the same thing!  It is not uncommon.  It’s a phenomenon in which people, while they are falling asleep or shortly before waking, temporarily experience an inability to move. However, the few times it happened to me, I did not experience fear as she did.

This is what I suggested, and I believe it was from the Lord:  “The next time it happens, your mind will be awake. You will be able to pray in your thoughts, even though you cannot speak verbally. The Bible tells us to thank God for everything and in everything.  I suggest you use that time to thank God that He is bigger than this sleep paralysis. He is bigger than any problem you have.  Praise the name of Jesus in your thoughts and thank Him.  You will receive His peace and your fear will lift.”

She said she would.

  • SONG: DEAR LORD OF LORDS – by Kathleen
  •  I will fear no evil, for you are with me.    Psalm 23:4 
  •  Give thanks in all circumstances;  for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.              1 Thessalonians 5:18
  • …always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.    Ephesians 5:20
  • 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
______________
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.]

 

 

Posted in DOCTRINE, JAIL & COUNTY JUVENILE FACILITY, PEOPLE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Doing Church for the Old Folks

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Kathleen

A friend and I were doing a church service for the old folks in an assisted living facility.  Most were quite elderly.

We opened by singing three songs of worship, followed by prayer.  I then shared an interesting statement our pastor had made. He said there are two types of people who attend church. There are true Christians and then there are churchgoers. They are not necessarily the same.

One lady spoke up in a loud voice. “If you are going to church then you are a Christian!  I was born a Christian and went to church all my life.”

Before I could respond another woman in the group shook her head and said, “Nobody is born a Christian!  Everyone must decide for themselves.”

I said, “Jesus once said in John chapter 3,  that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.  I wonder if there is anyone here who has surrendered your life to Jesus Christ and then afterward experienced God making changes in your life.   You know you were born again.”  Hands went up. “Who would like to tell us about the difference God has made in your life.”

Several people shared sweet testimonies of true transformations.

Then the same woman with the loud voice again spoke up.  “Jesus has never made a change in my life!  Like I said before, I’ve gone to church all my life.”

I said, “When we make a decision to turn away from our sin and surrender our lives to Jesus, then the Holy Spirit comes to indwell us.  He begins to change us on the inside.  There may be someone here today who has never before asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life.  If you would like to give Jesus your life today,  you may simply pray and call on Jesus to save you.  The Bible tells us that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

I then prayed aloud a simple prayer that anyone present could repeat after me.  The above mentioned woman was not interested.

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.]

 

 

 

 

Posted in DOCTRINE, ILLNESS or HOSPITAL, PEOPLE | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

What? This is a Yoga Class?

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Kathleen

I arrived early for my Pilates class and was surprised to discover that for some reason I was actually late!  Moreover, there seemed to be a male substitute teaching the class!

I quickly unrolled my mat and began doing stretches with the group. But these stretches were different.  I raised my hand,  “Excuse me!  Is this the Pilates class?”

“No, this is Yoga—you’re early for Pilates. But stay with us. You’ll find it’s very similar.”

I was hesitant because I have always been suspicious of Yoga.  We once had a former guru from India speak at church.  He said, “There is no Hinduism without Yoga, and no Yoga without Hinduism.”  In addition, I once read an article about the required training for Yoga instructors.  It was indeed spiritual and confirmed what the former guru had warned.  It definitely had some Hindu and New Age influences.

I decided I’d stay for the remainder of the class, even though I felt some of the positions we were forcing our bodies into, could not possibly be good for anyone!

Suddenly the entire group loudly began to sing one note “OMMMMM” for what seemed like a minute.  Then they placed their hands in a prayer position and recited in unison several sentences in another language.  That ended the class and everyone picked up their mats and headed out.

I was curious and stayed to talk with the instructor.  I asked him if they were speaking in the Sanskrit language.  He said they were.

“But isn’t that the prayer language for the Hindu religion?”
He said, “Yes it is, but it’s also used in Yoga—Yoga is both peaceful and very spiritual.”

I smiled,  “I’m spiritual too.  I wonder if this facility would permit an exercise class that ended its sessions in a Christian prayer language?  It’s very peaceful, as well.”

He said, “I really don’t know.”
I smiled, “Just a thought.  Thank you for letting me join your class.”

  •  For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.     2 Timothy 4:3-4
  • ONLY ONE LIFE – Author unknown, circa 1900; 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.]

 

 

Posted in HERE & THERE, Other Religions, PEOPLE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Mammogram

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Kathleen

I recently had a routine mammogram.  All went well until the technician wanted to do the right side twice.  Afterward she asked me not to get dressed until she could get a doctor to come and check it.  Hmm.

I waited.  The doctor finally checked the mammogram and then said I needed an ultrasound – now.  I again waited.  Then I prayed, “Lord, I’m getting older.  I know many who have had cancer.  If it’s my turn, then please work this out so You will get the glory.”

The technician finished the ultrasound and called the doctor back.  The doctor repeated the ultrasound, taking a long time.  Finally…  “This looks suspicious, but it’s not.  It’s just a cyst.  You’re fine.  Come back in a year.”

Whew!   I suddenly realized how blessed I am.  Many women are not told the result of a concerning mammogram until days later.  Then an ultrasound may be scheduled two weeks out.  The entire two weeks she’s thinking it may be cancer.

Somehow God wanted me to receive the good news promptly – and I am thankful.  I believe God still has work for me to do.  Everywhere I go there are people who need Jesus.

“Lord, open my eyes to the opportunities around me.  Then give me Your wisdom and Your words.  This I ask in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.”

  • So do not fear,  for I am with you; do not be dismayed,  for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.       Isaiah 41:10

THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU – 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.]

 

Posted in ILLNESS or HOSPITAL, PEOPLE | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Conversation With a Muslim

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Kathleen

We were attending a large birthday gathering of Muslim friends.  Knowing my Christian beliefs, Ahmad said he wanted to talk with me. This fine gentleman holds a Ph.D. and teaches at a major university.  He came and sat next to me on the sofa.

“As you know, I have been a Muslim all my life;  I love my religion.  However, most of my extended family members are no longer true Muslims.  They’ve become atheists and are Muslim in name only.  When we came to this country, we were family oriented, committed to marriage, fidelity and to traditional values.  That has changed.  Not only is this true for Muslims, but the entire Western culture is becoming increasingly amoral.

“I tell my university students to wait until marriage before moving in together.  The immorality of today’s culture is destroying America.

“Islam has changed.  No longer do Muslims respect Jesus.  I don’t know why there’s been this change.  You see,  the Quran teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin and was a Spirit from God.  It teaches that Jesus was the Word of God, that He worked miracles and that He is going to return!  Yet Muslims rarely discuss Jesus anymore.

“One more thing, many of the mosques in the U.S. are encouraging terrorism. I know this as fact!  Yet Muslims don’t speak out. They’re silent!”

I mostly listened.  Then I suggested that perhaps HE should speak out.

“They won’t listen to me.  People don’t want to hear the truth.”

I had brought with me some DVDs,  just in case I might have an opportunity.  I opened my purse.  “I have something I’d like to give you. It’s a DVD on the life of Jesus.  It’s in your own language.”

He began reading the label.  “Wow!  There are several different Middle Eastern languages on the same disc!  I would love to watch this!  Thank you.”

“Perhaps after you watch it, we can talk again.  I’d like to get your opinion.”

  • For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.    1 Timothy 2:5
  • Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.     1 John 4:1
  • MY FRIEND – Words by D.J. Higgins; Music by Kathleen
  • You may watch the Jesus Movie here:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWYuIe8ftHA
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.]

 

 

Posted in Atheism, Other Religions, PEOPLE, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Teenage Girls Incarcerated

Posted on April 4, 2021 by Kathleen

Nine incarcerated teenage girls walked into Bible study cursing and acting obnoxious. I raised my voice,  “If you don’t want to be here, you may leave NOW!  Who wants to be excused?”  They quieted down.

I avoided eye contact with two girls who appeared angry and also manly.  Little by little I’d glance at each of them and smile.  Little by little they began to soften—and then smile back.  They were both pretty girls;  after awhile they even began to look more feminine!

I explained that when we surrender our lives to Jesus, His Holy Spirit then comes in and transforms us. He changes our desires so that we begin to want what He wants. Some of the girls said they have addictions they cannot break unless they’re incarcerated.

I talked about the importance of letting God know you are serious about wanting help.  Show Him by letting Him see you spend time reading His Word–and let Him speak to you as you read. You might even get down on your knees and spend time just praising and thanking Him for what He’s already done for you. The Holy Spirit wants to come in and transform lives. That’s what He does!

During the last 30 minutes they seemed to hang on every word.  I talked about the dangers of pornography, that it’s addictive and progressive. “What goes in through our eyes and ears can remain inside and cause disturbing thoughts for years.”

The deputy stood outside the door, glancing in every few seconds to make sure there was no disorder.  Later I thanked her for her diligence and invited her to come inside and join us next time.  She said she would.

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.]

 

Posted in DOCTRINE, JAIL & COUNTY JUVENILE FACILITY, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Why is Good Friday Good?

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Kathleen

It was Easter week and I was fishing off the pier with our eight-year-old grandson. We untangled the lines, baited the hooks, then sat on the bench to wait for a catch.  I’m thinking to myself,  “This is going to be a long morning.”

Then…  “Isn’t this fun Grandma?  I mean, even if we don’t catch anything, it’s just fun, isn’t it!”

“It sure is,  Ethan!  But the best part is being with you!  Tell me something. Do you know what day tomorrow is?”

“It’s Good Friday, Grandma.  It’s the day we remember that Jesus died on the cross.”

“That’s right!  But if it’s the day Jesus died, then why is it called GOOD?”

“It’s good Grandma, because Jesus died for our sins so that someday we can go to heaven.  If He had never died for us, then we would still be in our sins—and we’d go to hell!”

“You’re right, Ethan!  I’m glad you know this.  God has given you parents who love you enough to teach you the most important story in the history of the world.”

Just then I noticed a seagull walking toward our small bait bucket.

“Ethan!  Quick!  Put the lid on the bucket!  That seagull is after our bait!”

Ethan scrambled to secure the lid.  Whew!  That was close.

Then… “Grandma!  The seagull is still walking toward the bait bucket.”

“It’s okay, Ethan.  The lid is tight.”

“GRANDMA!  OUR BAIT!”

We watched in shocking disbelief as the seagull flew high in the sky carrying off our bucket of bait—in his beak!

  • Teach [God’s Words] to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.             Deuteronomy 11:18-19
  • God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.    2 Corinthians 5:21
  • ONLY ONE LIFE – Lyrics by C.T. Studd, circa 1900; Music 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/  and www.godlife.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

 

 

Posted in BEACH, DOCTRINE, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments