Astrology is Bunk!

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Kathleen

I have a friend who was seriously following astrology. Indeed, astrology had become her religion!

Unfortunately, she would repeatedly tell me her problems.  I finally said, “Look, I have problems too! But I take my problems to God. Why don’t you come with me to church! God has better answers than your astrological charts! Astrology is bunk!”

Honestly, I couldn’t believe the harshness of my words. Yet perhaps that was what she needed. The very next Sunday she joined me in church and soon became a follower of Jesus Christ.  I’m happy to say Astrology is no longer part of her life.

One day she said, “Jesus Christ rescued me and now God’s Word leads me.”

  •  Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. These are not coals for warmth; this is not a fire to sit by. That is all they are to you—these you have dealt with and labored with since childhood. All of them go on in their error; there is not one that can save you. Isaiah 47:13-14
  •  Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. Daniel 2:27-2
  • Do you know anyone who takes astrology seriously?   Do you?  If so, why?
  • SONG:  INTO THE LIGHT – By Kathleen

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[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.whoisjesus-really.com/  and www.godlife.com

 

[To leave a comment, simply click on this story’s TITLE, then scroll to bottom of page.]

Posted in DOCTRINE, Other Religions, PEOPLE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Jesus Appears in a Dream

Posted on October 14, 2017 by Kathleen

My friend Faye has a remarkable story. She was born into a Muslim family in a Muslim-majority country. Her parents immigrated to the US when she was nine.  She attended American schools and became a medical doctor.

She followed the Islamic religion but said, “God was not in it.” She began to explore other religions. She became involved in Zen Buddhism and the New Age Movement, “but I still could not find God.”

One night she prayed, “God, if You are there, please show me how to find You.”

That night she had a dream. In the dream her brother pointed to Jesus and said, “It is Him.” She said Jesus appeared as a bright glowing figure and came toward her. He came closer and then seemed to float into her heart.  She immediately awoke.  She knew it was a dream, yet it was also reality.

The next morning she purchased a Bible and began reading in Genesis. She read the entire Old Testament. She said that when she began reading the New Testament it “came alive.” She surrendered her life to Jesus Christ while reading the Gospels.  Her life was forever changed from that moment on.

She made Jesus Christ the Lord of her life.  She knew He had forgiven her sins and she experienced His love, joy and peace.  She had a new purpose in life and that was to please and honor God.  She found a church that teaches the Bible and became involved. That was 25 years ago and she’s never looked back.

  • You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.   Jeremiah 29:13
  •  Buddha made this famous statement toward the end of his life: “I’m still searching for the truth.”  Muhammad said, “I am a prophet of the truth.”  The Veda says, “Truth is elusive, it’s like a butterfly, you’ve got to search for it.”  Then Jesus Christ comes and says, “I am the truth.”    Pastor Rick Warren, Newsweek Magazine 4/8/07

 SONG: The Paralytic – Words from Mark 2; Music by Kathleen

[Have you ever heard of Christ appearing to someone in a dream?  Has He appeared to you?  

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[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.whoisjesus-really.com/  and www.godlife.com

[To leave a comment, click on story’s TITLE and scroll down]

Posted in Other Religions, PEOPLE, PRAYER WORKS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

I’ll Come to Bible Study TWICE

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Kathleen

I still remember T’s response when I invited her to Bible study.  She became quiet, then took a deep breath and said, “I’ll come twice.”

She did come twice.  I said nothing, but I prayed.  The third week she was there again!  She continued for several months. One day I broached the subject,  “I’m glad you’ve continued coming to Bible study.  What are your thoughts about the Bible now?”

She said, “I believe it’s true,  but I don’t think I could ever become a Christian.”
“Why is that?”
“I could never live the life.”
“I understand because I was there once.  What I discovered is that when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ He sent the Holy Spirit to live in me. He gave me His power to live above my circumstances and to obey God.  I could never have done it on my own.  It wasn’t so much that I had to live a different life. God actually came and changed me—inside and out!”

A few weeks later T called to say she had given her life to Jesus Christ.  “I did it two weeks ago, but I didn’t say anything because I wanted to be sure it was real.  It IS real! God has changed me. I have joy and a peace like never before.”

A week later:  “I feel as if I’ve just been born and I’m seeing life with newborn eyes.  I think I’ll send out birth announcements to the gals in our Bible study!”

T  painted flowers on the front of each card. Inside it read, “This is to announce the birth of a new child of God, T___ D___,  sister to Jesus. Born Again on February 22.  Praise God and thank you for your prayers!”  She handed out the announcements at Bible study. We were all teary-eyed.

Doesn’t a birth announcement call for a shower?   Two weeks later I hosted a New Birth Shower for T.   The sign on our front door read, “Come in and celebrate the addition of a new name in the Lamb’s Book of Life!”

We enjoyed a brunch which included a casserole of eggs, sausage and mushrooms.  Of course a shower must have gifts!   T received a new Bible, some inspirational books and CDs.  Then she shared her story of how Christ had changed her life.   It was a precious day we will always remember!

  • You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’  John 3:7
  • The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white.  I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.    Revelation 3:5
  • Have you ever considered giving a New Birth Shower for a new believer? What are your thoughts?  To leave a comment, click on the title of story and scroll to bottom of page.
Posted in DOCTRINE, PEOPLE, PRAYER WORKS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Las Vegas Hero

Posted on October 8, 2017 by Kathleen

My sweet cousin’s daughter traveled to Las Vegas with her husband and friends, to attend the Route 91 Harvest Festival last week.  It was Sunday, their wedding anniversary.  “Happy 23 years to us!!  Here’s to 23 years more!”

Less than an hour later, the shooting began. Like many in the crowd,  they initially thought it was fireworks, but then Laurie felt a bullet whiz by her shoulder.  As bullets sprayed around them, they fell to the ground. Jack laid on top of Laurie to shield her and said, “Laurie, I love you.”  She said, “I love you too,” then boom — he was hit.

“He was dying on top of me. I told him I loved him and I would see him in heaven.” Friends urged her to take shelter, and one of their friends tried to pull Jack by the hand, but he appeared lifeless.

Today, just six days later, was his memorial service.  Midway through the service it was announced that his body had just been released and was in transit from Las Vegas.

What was most remarkable about this man were his many friends who shared ways he had been their hero through life.  One had been bullied by others at school, but Jack would come to his defense with a big smile, put his arm around him and tell the others to “knock it off, he’s a great guy!” And they would.

One friend said, “Of course his love for Laurie was paramount in his thoughts and actions. But if she hadn’t been there, I feel certain Jack would have done the same thing for anyone in that crowd of 22,000 people. He was the kind of person that put others and their needs above himself. The instinct to protect was written in Jack’s DNA.”

A cousin wrote, “‘There is no greater love than to give one’s life for a friend.’ To save the life of your wife, the mother of your children, is such a profound, beautiful Christian act of love.  He is a model for all of us.”

  • My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  John 15:12-13

 

SONG: PLEASE HUG THEM – Lyrics by Liana Wendy Howarth, music by Kathleen

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[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.whoisjesus-really.com/  and www.godlife.com
Posted in Love & Romance, PEOPLE, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Devotions with Grandsons

Posted on October 5, 2017 by Kathleen

We were sharing a hotel room with two of our young grandsons. I decided to have devotions before our bedtime prayer.

I took out the Gideon Bible from the bedside table and began reading from the book of John.  I’d stop every 2-3 verses to answer questions or explain its meaning and then continue. We ended with prayer and a hug. Soon they were asleep.

The second night as they were putting on their pajamas the 7-year-old said, “Grandma, will you read to us again from the book of John?”

What music to my ears!

  • Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.      Proverbs 22:6
  •  Teach them [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 11:19

[What type of devotions do you have with your children/grandchildren?      To leave a comment, click on this story’s TITLE,  then scroll to the bottom.]

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[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.whoisjesus-really.com/  and www.godlife.com
Posted in DOCTRINE, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Please Pray for My Dying Daughter

Posted on October 2, 2017 by Kathleen

She was only 45.  Although she was breathing on her own, she was in a coma and her body was shutting down.  Next to her bedside sat her grieving mother.

I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for her, but she opened up and shared her heart with me.  She said her daughter did not attend church, but had been a good person. She asked if I would pray for her.

I told her that even though her daughter is not responding,  she may still hear everything we say.  I bent over the bed and introduced myself.

“Hello M.  My name is Kathleen and I want you to know that God loves you. I don’t know what’s in your past.  We’ve all done some wrong things in our lives. We have all sinned. That is why Jesus came, to die for our sins, so that we could be saved and someday enter heaven. The Bible tells us that if we are willing to turn away from our sin, then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

“I know you cannot speak.  But God understands your thoughts. You can call on the name of Jesus right now in your thoughts. He hears you.  He wants to save you.

“I’m going to pray for you now.  ‘Lord God, please touch M.  Open her mind to understand how much You love her. You want to forgive her.  Give her the ability to focus on Jesus right now, and call on His name in her thoughts. Thank You, Lord, for saving M. and making her ready for heaven.  I pray in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.’”

Her mother let go of her daughter’s hand and wiped her own eyes.  She said she was now ready to let her daughter go.

  • This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.    1 John 4:10
  • Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.    Romans 10:13

[Have you ever had an experience where you could not respond, but you could hear what was being said?  Would you have prayed differently? If so, how?  To leave a comment, simply click on the story’s title, then scroll to the bottom.]

 SONG:  MY FRIEND – Words by D.J. Higgins; Music by Kathleen:

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[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.whoisjesus-really.com/  and www.godlife.com
Posted in HERE & THERE, ILLNESS or HOSPITAL | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

The Most Exciting Day of Your Life

Posted on September 29, 2017 by Kathleen

When her first grandchild was born she was ecstatic!  She exclaimed to her son-in-law, “Isn’t it wonderful?  Isn’t this the most exciting day of your life?”

His reply:  “No, I can’t say that it is.”                                                                                                 “Oh?”                                                                                                                                                   Then with a smile, “My wedding day was—but this is a close second.”

She stayed with the young family that first week to help out. The baby was six days old when she walked into the living room at 7 AM.  She would never forget the precious vision: Her eyes welled with tears as she observed her son-in-law sitting on the sofa holding his newborn on his lap.  He held his Bible as he read softly to his son.  The baby’s eyes were focused on his father as he listened quietly.

Newborn & Dad

That newborn is now a teenager.  He, along with his younger siblings, continues to grow feeding on God’s Word as his parents teach it and live it.

How that grandmother praises God for His love and faithfulness to her family.

  • All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.            Isaiah 54:13

Are you a grandparent?  Can you identify? 

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[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.whoisjesus-really.com/  and www.godlife.com

 

 

Posted in DOCTRINE, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

A Precious Friend is Gone

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Kathleen

Anne-Marie was diagnosed with a terminal illness only months ago!  She was one of my most precious friends. Now she’s gone.

We met years ago in the waiting room of an infertility specialist, as neither of us had been able to conceive. We discovered we had much in common: both registered nurses with husbands in doctorate programs at the university.  We became fast friends, enjoyed working together at the same hospital and spending many off-days together.

During her first pregnancy she was ordered to be on bed rest.  I would often prepare lunch, including a fancy jello salad—popular in those days.  She taught me her favorite: cottage cheese on toast, topped with mayonnaise, S&P.  We’d eat together and laugh a lot.

When our husbands completed their studies we moved to cities an hour apart.  I soon attended my first Bible study and within three weeks I had surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. He came into my life and changed me inside and out. I became a different person experiencing a peace, love and joy I’d never before known.

I drove to Anne-Marie’s  to share the good news with her.  What joy when she too wanted to give her life to Jesus!  Within a few days her husband Paul also surrendered his life to Christ.  Paul then shared Christ with a chemistry professor he taught with at the university and he too became born again!  Every time we were together Paul would say, “Oh, Kathleen, how we thank you for introducing us to Jesus!”

God answered our prayers for children.  We had two, while Anne-Marie and Paul were blessed with seven!  Altogether our nine children are following Jesus with their lives, and raising up godly children themselves!

How faithful is our God.  How I praise Him,  knowing that Anne-Marie is now safe in the arms of Jesus.

  • Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.     Deuteronomy 7:9

[Have you ever shared Christ with a best friend?  To leave a comment, simply click on this story’s TITLE, then scroll to the bottom.]

ONLY ONE LIFE – Lyrics by C.T. Studd, circa 1900; Music by Kathleen

 

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[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.whoisjesus-really.com/  and www.godlife.com

 

Posted in DOCTRINE, HERE & THERE, ILLNESS or HOSPITAL, PEOPLE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Teens & Jesus at the County Fair

Posted on September 23, 2017 by Kathleen

Last month I was a volunteer storyteller in the Little Red Schoolhouse at the county fair.   My job was to tell children the story of Jesus.  What fun!

The LRS, a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship, was positioned near the horse show, the pig races and the barnyard animals.  We met teenagers from 4-H Clubs and Future Farmers of America that were showing their goats or getting ready to auction their cows or lambs.  In between cleaning their pens and feeding them, they had time to visit us.

Consequently, instead of little children, most who heard the story on my shift were teenagers.  I was amazed at how many did not know the true message of salvation. Several did not know that Jesus had risen from the dead!  I told them we have a holiday every year when we celebrate His resurrection. “Can you name that holiday?”  Only one teenager guessed Easter.

Fortunately, all the groups that came to listen to the story were receptive!  They listened with interest. They asked questions. They learned that everyone who is willing to turn away from their sins and follow Jesus will have their sins forgiven. Moreover, they will also receive the Holy Spirit and all the fruit of the Spirit. They only need to exercise the fruit they will now receive. Now they will have the power to resist the temptation to sin.  “Do we need more patience?  Do we need more self-control?  Do we need more love?”  To each question they responded,  “Yes!”

The teenagers prayed. They said they wanted to follow Jesus! Many chose to join The Mailbox Club and receive free Bible studies in the mail so they could continue to learn and grow in their faith.

I was impressed that when it came time to leave, each group displayed an attitude of gratitude and respect.  Perhaps it comes with training in the raising and caring for animals.

  • God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.    Romans 5:8  
  • 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   
  • The Mailbox Club is an exciting Bible correspondence club designed to disciple children and adults. For more information:  http://www.cefonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=483&Itemid=100260/ 
  • What are your thoughts?  Are you surprised there are teens who don’t know the meaning of Easter?    
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    [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.whoisjesus-really.com/  and www.godlife.com
Posted in Child Evangelism Fellowship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

We Came to Discuss an Abortion

Posted on September 20, 2017 by Kathleen

It was another Sunday afternoon at the beach when a young couple approached our Bible table.  They were looking over our free Bibles and books when the young woman noticed the tiny metal baby feet pinned to our tablecloth.

“What’s this?”

I explained, “These little feet are the exact size and shape of a baby’s feet in the mother’s womb, 10 weeks after conception. This is also a common age for a baby to be aborted—at just 2 ½ months.

She immediately backed away,  put her hands to her face and broke into tears! Her boyfriend went to console her.  Then he returned and explained privately, “My girlfriend is 10 weeks pregnant.  We came to the beach to discuss an abortion.”

There were two men working at our table. They took the young man aside and talked with him for over a half-hour.  Meanwhile,  two of us women talked with his girlfriend.  We learned they’d been feeling pressured to have an abortion, but neither was comfortable with it.

That afternoon they both decided to give their lives to Christ—right on the beach promenade! We prayed with them and they agreed to start coming to a home group Bible study with one of the married couples at our table.  The older couple became mentors to the young couple, who soon married and continued attending Bible study and then church.

“Thank You Lord for putting us in the right place at the right time for that precious young family.”

  • For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.     Psalm 139:13-14
  • What do you think about this? Was it a coincidence that they stopped at our table? Was it a coincidence that she asked about the baby feet pin?  To leave a comment, click on this story’s TITLE, then scroll to the bottom.
  • Read how you can obtain a Precious Feet pin for yourself:                               http://www.hh76.org/default.aspx?GroupID=141
  • ONE BUSINESS IN LIFE –Quote by John Wesley, circa 1780; Remaining words and music by Kathleen

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[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.whoisjesus-really.com/  and www.godlife.com

 

 

Posted in BEACH | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments