Too Young for Communion?

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Kathleen

It was Communion Sunday and again our five-year-old daughter was asking to partake of the bread and grape juice. I had put her off for months because of her age, but perhaps today it was time.

After all I reasoned:
She had prayed to receive Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and Lord.
She had asked forgiveness for her sins.
She had a mature understanding of the importance of keeping God at the forefront of her life.

I was careful to explain the important symbolism of the elements:
The bread reminds us of Jesus’ body that died on the cross for our sins.
The juice reminds us of His blood that was shed for us.

She seemed to understand and when the time came she prayerfully partook of the bread. When the grape juice was passed she hesitated before choosing one.

Instead of partaking with the rest of the congregation, she held it for a long time, only touching it to her lips.  I allowed her to nurse it for a while before asking,                                  “Is there something wrong?”                                                                                                           “No,” she whispered.                                                                                                                           “Why are you taking so long?”                                                                                                      She said, “It tastes like blood.”

  •  Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.      Matthew 19:14
  •  Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?     1 Corinthians 10:16
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Stranded in the Jungle

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Kathleen

My husband Dan accompanied me and Lauren on a mission trip to Central America. Our purpose was to do evangelism, teach two weeks of English and hold down the fort at a Christian seminary, while the headmaster visited family in the U.S.

After the first week Dan offered to take us for a Saturday drive in the countryside.  We were on a lonely road in a remote part of the jungle when our rental car had a blow-out! Stranded with no AAA, mobile phone or GPS, there was nothing we could do but wait and pray for a good Samaritan.

Within 15 minutes the first vehicle was spotted in the distance.  A pick-up truck carrying axes and shovels pulled to a stop. Three big men with dreadlocks stepped out. Lauren and I immediately went to prayer while Dan bravely went to talk with them.

Then… What were they doing? They were jacking up our car!  Changing our tire! Afterward Dan gave them a generous tip while I grabbed three Bibles from our box and gave one to each.

They were delighted! It turned out they were followers of Jesus and began praising God when they saw the Bibles!

We drove away praising the Lord as well, and praying God’s favor on those dear men.

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Hey Bro, I Forgive You!

Posted on March 1, 2014 by Kathleen

One night I was doing Bible study with two men in county jail who were enemies.

They were in the medical unit,  as one had a broken leg and the other diabetes. They lived four cells apart.  I’d spend time with each of them separately, studying the Bible and praying with them through the small pass-through opening in their doors.

The deputy on duty said, “I don’t get it. Those two ask for Bible study, yet they hate each other. You should hear them!  All day long they cuss, shout and argue with each other.

I talked with Roger first:  ”This is not God’s way.  Jesus said that if you don’t forgive others for their wrongs, then you can’t expect God to forgive you.  Are you pretending to love Jesus or is it real?”

He said, “It’s real.”

“Then you need to love your brother. You need to forgive him and you need to ask him to forgive you. As a true believer, the Holy Spirit has given you self-control. You need to exercise that self-control. You must control your temper and stop the arguing.”

Then I went down the hall to Mike and told him the same thing.  Mike said, “OK, I’ll forgive him, if he’ll forgive me.”

I went back to Roger and said, “Mike is sorry for the bad things he said to you. He is asking you to forgive him.”

Roger said he’d forgive Mike. So I urged both of them to call down the hall and tell the other one you’re sorry.

Mike yelled, “Hey Roger! I’m sorry, Man. Forgive me?”
Roger yelled back, “Hey Bro! I forgive you. Will you forgive me?”
Mike yelled, “I forgive you! Thanks Bro!”
Both men were wiping away tears.

The deputy gave me a thumbs up as I left that night.

I walked to my car feeling overwhelmed with love for God. “Thank You Lord for making it so easy!”

  • But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.       Matthew 6:15
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Evangelism – Is it Important?

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Kathleen

I was asked to teach on evangelism.                                                                                       Before I began I wanted to be sure we were all on the same page, so I asked three questions:

1.  “How many believe the entire Bible is the complete Word of God?”

2.  “How many believe Revelation 21:8 is true – that ‘all unbelievers will have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur, which is the second death?’”

3. “How many believe Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:29, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations’  is a command for us as the body of believers, and not just for pastors and missionaries?”

I was glad to see every hand raised.  I said,  “If we believe these things are true, are we not compelled to do all we can to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?

“Remember John Wesley? He was an 18th century British evangelist who once said, ‘We have one business in life, to save souls.’

“When I first read his words I wondered, ‘Is this correct? Is not the Holy Spirit the One who saves souls?’  So I did some research and found several Scriptures that supported his statement:

1. “How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”   1 Corinthians 7:16

2. “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”   1 Corinthians 9:22b

3. “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”   1 Timothy 4:16

4. “Save others by snatching them from the fire.”   Jude 1:23a

If we just think of The Golden Rule we know it’s true:  “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”    Matthew 7:12

If I were drowning, I would want someone to save me. If I were lost, I would want someone to seek and find me.  It’s simple, really.  Do we care about others?  Really care? Then we need to tell them.

  • Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.    Revelation 20:15
  • So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.    Matthew 7:12

Song:  We Have One Business in Life – Click here:  

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Don’t Marry Him!

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Kathleen

I received a letter from Lissa, the 17-year-old daughter of a long-time friend. She loves the Lord Jesus and was seeking Christian advice.

She had an 18-year-old boyfriend and wanted me to convince her parents that even though they were young, marrying him was the right thing to do.
She said, “He’s a Christian, but he does have a little anger problem. Sometimes he hits me, but I know he needs me and I can help him.”

I wrote back: “Dear Lissa, I’m glad you consider me a ‘sister’ because we are sisters in the Lord and often that is closer than a blood relationship.
I’m glad you have a special friend and I’m pleased he knows the Lord. But I want you to heed your big sister’s advice:

“The way Sam treats you now is the best he’ll ever treat you.  If he sometimes hits you now, he will hit you more after your marriage.

“Don’t marry him until you are confident he has grown more mature than you, in the things of the Lord. The Bible tells us the husband is to be the spiritual head of the house. The wife is called to be obedient and submissive to her husband. However, the husband is to love her AS Christ loved the church. Read Ephesians 5:22-33.

“Sam’s purpose as a husband is to guide you in spiritual things so that someday he can present you to Christ holy and blameless.
In a sense, you are to be the follower and Sam the leader.

“Your parents love you and they can see the pitfalls ahead. That is why God has given the commandment to honor your father and mother.
And again, ‘obey your parents.’”

Lissa did NOT appreciate my letter, but she did receive my advice.
She thanked me years later when she married her Bible study leader.                         Indeed, HE was God’s choice!

  •  Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.     Ephesians 6:1
  •  Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.             Ephesians 5:22-27
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I Know Him

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Kathleen

My first Bible study was years ago, in the book of John.  It so affected me, that in a matter of weeks I had surrendered my life to Jesus Christ.

I still remember being all alone at my kitchen table when I prayed. Within seconds a sense of peace settled over me.  I knew God was pleased with my decision.  My life changed dramatically from that moment on.  My only regret was that I waited so long.

It was during those first weeks that I remember puzzling over John 17:3: “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.”

I prayed, “Lord, do I know You? I believe in You and I love You.  Thank You for dying on the cross to purchase my salvation.  I’m grateful for my changed life and for the peace, joy and love I’ve experienced.  But Lord, do I really know You?”

That evening I was playing my guitar when I discovered a new chord sequence. It was beautiful to my ears and I played it over and over.  After awhile I realized I was also singing!  What was I singing?
Three words:  “I know Him.”

Suddenly I fell to my knees. Tears flowed as I realized God was speaking to me. I had been distracted playing new chords while He was placing His Words in my mouth, reassuring me that I do indeed know Him!  All I could say through tears was “Thank You Lord! Thank You Lord!”

I then picked up my guitar anew and said, “Lord, do you want me to write a song?”           As the lyrics came quickly, I knew His answer was “Yes.”

This was the first song I wrote as a Christian.  I call it “I Know Him.”                                   Click to hear it:  

 

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I Don’t Believe in Hell OR Satan

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Kathleen

Jake was a 16-year-old in my Bible study at the juvenile hall. He said for weeks that he didn’t believe in hell or Satan, but he was with us on everything else.

I told him that when it comes to the Bible, God doesn’t want us to pick and choose which parts we’ll believe.  He wants us to believe all of it.  I explained that Jesus believed in hell. In fact, Jesus talked more about hell than He did heaven!

One night Jake walked into class saying, “I have an announcement!                                         I now believe in hell and Satan so you guys can stop ragging on me.”

The other guys cheered and I asked what made him change.

He said, “Last week I read that Satan is happy when we don’t believe in him. That did it!   If Satan’s real, I sure don’t want to make him happy.”

Jake began studying his Bible wholeheartedly after that.

  • Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’     Matthew 25:41
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Faithfulness in the Jungle

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Kathleen

Once a month Drs. Matt and Sarah would fly with their children to a mining village to purchase supplies. One day a well-dressed man approached them, introducing himself as Martin from the copper mine. He was curious.  What was a white family doing here?

They explained they were medical doctors who worked in a remote area. He continued his probing questions. “Where is your hospital? I would like to see it.”

Three days later a helicopter landed on the hospital lawn and Martin stepped out.  Matt greeted him and took him on a tour of the hospital and grounds.

Martin explained that he was the CEO of the mine.  “We have taken from this country and we want to give back. I like what I see here. If you would write-up a proposal of the needs you have, we would like to meet those needs.”

A few days later Matt submitted his proposal:
1.  Dormitories are needed for both our male and female health-care worker students.
2.  A large truck for hauling  is needed.
3.  Whenever a doctor flies in or out of the country, it is very expensive and complicated.

Martin said, “Whenever a doctor and his/her family needs to fly in or out of the country, they need only contact the mine.  We will fly them in our private jet.

The dorms were built and a big new truck was delivered.

Matt and Sarah returned to the U.S. after three years.  Now, four years later they’ve been asked to return to the jungle for a short stint to meet a temporary need for a doctor.  Matt contacted the copper mine. They are sending a plane to pick them up from the nearest safe country.

Meanwhile, Matt now teaches at a major university medical school in the U.S.   When he approached the dean asking if he might use his vacation time to take a few weeks to return to the jungle hospital, the dean said, “It won’t be a vacation.  It’ll be work.  We want you to be on full salary.  You can take your vacation at a later time.”

  • And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.     Philippians 4:19
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Serving God in the Jungle

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Kathleen

Medical doctors Matt and Sarah began serving God as medical missionaries when their daughter was three and their son was just one.

They worked in a remote jungle hospital, caring for patients and teaching future health care workers the basics of medicine while also giving them a biblical foundation. This they did while sharing the care of their children.

The new health care workers, upon graduation from the two-year program, return to their villages in the bush where they run clinics while staying in touch daily with the hospital doctors by short-wave radio. When there’s a complication, the health care worker radios for help and the MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) pilot who lives next door will fly the doctor to the bush village and/or fly the patient to the hospital.

Here is the beautiful part:  The new health care workers who run the bush clinics become Bible teachers themselves!  The new bush clinics often serve as the new village church!

Often on weekends Matt would visit a bush clinic.  Tribal people would walk for 2-3 days through the jungle knowing a doctor would see them.  On Sunday there would be church at the clinic and Matt would preach.  In the evenings he would spend time encouraging the health care worker and his/her family with personal Bible study and prayer.

The biggest obstacle to tribal people receiving Jesus in their lives, is their long attachment to witch doctors, curses and black magic. They don’t want to hear about the white man’s God.

Yet when the new health care worker returns to his own tribe and begins teaching them about Jesus they listen!  Those who are fearful of leaving their hut after dark, believing the evil spirits come out at night, experience freedom!  When they surrender their lives to Jesus Christ, the bondage to superstition and black magic disappears.  The joy and peace are real and lasting.

  • It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.     Galatians 5:1
  • Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.   Matthew 28:19-20

 

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I’m in a Deep Depression

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Kathleen

Two bubbly college girls were working with us at our Bible table on the beach promenade. We were questioning the wisdom of coming on such a cold day,  when two 20-year-old guys stopped by.

The girls engaged them by giving them our “Good Person Test.”  When the guys both insisted they were indeed good, the girls asked if they’d be willing to take our “Lie Detector Test.”   Well whaddya know, they both failed!  They laughed.  It was all in fun.

I then explained that I’m sure they are good guys, but according to the Bible, none of us is good enough to enter heaven.  We are all sinners and we all need a Savior, and there’s only One. They both agreed they were sinners and needed a Savior. 

Jake said, “I recently dropped out of school because of dyslexia and now I’m in a deep depression.  I came down here thinking the beach air would help.”

I said, “It is not an accident that you’re here.  God loves you and wants to help you.” While we began sharing the message of Jesus with Jake, his friend walked to a nearby bench. Elena quickly followed and boldly (yet winsomely) shared Jesus with him.

Meanwhile, Jan and I explained to Jake that as well as having his sins forgiven, when a person surrenders his life to Jesus, he receives the Holy Spirit and all the fruit of the Spirit. “When you receive the Holy Spirit you then have the power to resist sin.” I told him that God wants us to trust Him by thanking Him for our situation, no matter how difficult.

Jake said He was willing to do that.  He wanted it ALL!  He said he’d recently started attending a Bible believing church but had not yet surrendered his life to Jesus, nor had he heard about the Holy Spirit.  He prayed and surrendered his life to Jesus!  Afterward he said,  “I feel different. I feel lighter and more peaceful. I know God directed me to come here today.”

We gave him two booklets: Would You Like to Know God Personally? http://www.godlovestheworld.com  and
Have You Made the Wonderful Discovery of the Spirit-Filled Life?http://www.cru.org/training-and-growth/classics/the-spirit-filled-life/.
I explained that the booklets complement each other.  The first one shows the importance of surrendering to Jesus. The second one shows us how the Holy Spirit works in our lives.

I told him I believe God is already removing his depression. I also believe God is going to help him with his dyslexia—which will improve as he reads more and even tries reading aloud. He agreed and could not thank us enough. We praised God that a cold and dreary day could have such a serendipitous end!

  •  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

 

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