Escape from North Korea

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Kathleen

Her feet barely touched the dirt road as she fled for her life.  But  Po  suddenly stopped in her tracks.  Her eyes widened, staring at the rushing, icy river separating her life of slavery in North Korea and the Chinese border, which meant freedom.

“Can I do this?” she whispered.  But her fear soon melted into courageous faith.  After remembering God’s faithfulness and His presence–sustaining her during her last seven years in a labor camp because of her faith–Po ‘s resolve transformed into steel as she prayed,  “After making it this far Father, I’m certain that you are with me and aiding my escape.”

She slowly sank into the river.  The icy burn immediately paralyzed every limb, sending her into shock.  After mere minutes, she drifted out of consciousness, succumbing to the deadly cold.  Desperation led  Po  to this point.  Her captors had tortured her husband to death and starved her daughter until her final breath.  Po knew that it was only thanks to the Lord that she herself hadn’t been counted among the dead as well.

Like other Christians in North Korea,  Po was willing to risk everything to escape.  Even if it meant losing her life.   North Korea has for years held the #1 spot on the World Watch List–because of the Kim dynasty’s goal of not merely suppressing the gospel, but wiping out any trace of it altogether.

In this area of the world, Christians pray with their eyes open. They share the Scriptures through whispers in the middle of the night.  And many dare not even tell their own spouses or children about their faith in Christ fearing their families may suffer for their choices.

Suddenly Po awoke with a jolt.  Alive!   “But how…?”  She had somehow drifted to the shore on the other side of the river.  Without a moment more of hesitation, she broke out in praise to her Father, her hands lifted and her heart overjoyed.  She later continued her journey from China to South Korea, where she lives today and shares her story of God’s power, love and faithfulness.

Currently Open Doors has partners on the ground in North Korea who are ministering to persecuted believers like Po, distributing food, medicine, clothes and Bibles. They’re broadcasting Christian radio programs and providing seminary, discipleship and evangelism training to the secret church.  They are ministering to trafficked women. Your support is making it all possible.

  • The above story is true, published in the OpenDoors newsletter.  Learn how you can help persecuted Christians by going to:  https://www.opendoorsusa.org/wwl/
  • Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.  Hebrews 13:3
  • SONG: 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.godlife.com/gospel/  and  http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity

[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]

 

 

 

 

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How Far Can We Go and Not Sin?

Posted on January 13, 2022 by Kathleen

John from Kentucky sent an email via Global Media Outreach… www.globalmediaoutreach.com

His question:  “My girlfriend and I are Christians and we want to wait until marriage for sex.  How far can we go and not sin?  We are both 16.”

“Dear John,  Wrong question!  You should not be asking how far into temptation you can go before it becomes sin.  Your question should be ‘How can we avoid temptation?’

“If you and your girlfriend are true followers of Jesus, then this is a good time to grow in your walk with Christ.  One way to avoid temptation is to avoid spending much time together alone.  Group activities are best.  It would be good for you to be involved in a church youth group and Bible study.  Youth group activities are fun and spiritually healthy.”

John wrote back, “Our church does not have a youth group.”
I wrote, “Go to a church that does.”
“My mom won’t let me go to a different church.”
“Ask your pastor if he can start a youth group in your church.”

John wrote a few days later:  “Pray for me. I have an appointment with the pastor on Monday.”
“That’s good news!  I’ll pray! Let me know what happens.”

John wrote after the meeting: “Hey! The pastor said we can have a youth group and a Bible study!  I’m stoked!”

Two weeks later John wrote, “I’m helping the pastor lead the Bible study. I love what I’m doing.”

A few weeks later John wrote again, “The youth group Bible study is going great and I’m learning a lot. Guess what! Our church is gonna start a youth orchestra. I’m gonna play violin!”

“That’s wonderful, John!  I’m glad to hear it.  How’s your girlfriend?”

John:  “I don’t know.  She goes to a different church.  I don’t see her anymore.”

Whew!

“Thank You Lord, for directing our conversations.  Please keep John close to You and guide him in all his ways.”

  • And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.     Matthew 6:13
  • 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
  • Learn more about Global Media Outreach:  www.godlife.com
  • SONG:  SEVEN TIMES A DAY – Words from Psalms 119 and 2 Thess 3:6;         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.godlife.com/gospel/  and  godlife.com

[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]

 

Posted in COLLEGE CAMPUS, DOCTRINE, GLOBAL MEDIA OUTREACH, Love & Romance, PEOPLE, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Please Tell me: Is This Sin?

Posted on January 8, 2022 by Kathleen

Alabama, a 15-year-old girl in an African country wrote via http://www.globalmediaoutreach.com/:

“Dear Kathleen, Please tell me:  Is this sin?  There is this white guy in my class.  I admire him so much that each time I look at him,  I wish he felt the same way about me.  I wonder if we are made for each other.  I even had a dream about him.  Is it wrong in front of God to feel something real for him? I keep asking myself if liking him so much is wrong.  Please help me with an answer for this.”

“Dear Alabama, You are attracted to a guy.  This is normal.  These temptations will likely occur your entire life.  As long as there are good-looking, desirable guys around, there will be temptation.  Yet as Christians, we have boundaries.  We also have the Holy Spirit who provides us with wisdom and self-control.

“If this guy does feel the same way toward you as you do toward him, it could lead to trouble at your young age.  As a follower of Jesus,  you will want to wait until marriage before having any sexual contact with a guy.  This is difficult, especially today when many are outspoken and accepting of sex outside marriage.  Yet, premarital sex is NOT okay.

“Read Revelation 21:8 and see what the Bible says about sexual immorality.  The Bible has not changed. God has not changed.

“Someday after you marry, you may still see other guys you find attractive.  What will you do then? You will choose NOT to spend any more time with them than necessary.  The more time you spend with someone you are attracted to, the more difficult it will be not to sin.

“My suggestion for you is to give thanks to God that He has created you with normal desires.  Thank God that you can trust Him to put a godly man into your life someday, someone whom you will marry and together serve God.”

Then I wrote out this prayer for Alabama: “Lord God, I lift up my friend Alabama before Your throne of grace. You know her heart yearns to do right.  She wants to please You with her life.  Please give her great wisdom. Give her Your self-control to do the right thing. Give her Your patience to wait for the right godly young man to marry someday. Meanwhile, help her draw closer to You.  Help her get involved in a Christian youth group or small group Bible study where young people can pray together and be accountable to one another.  I thank You, in advance, for what You are going to do in Alabama’s life.  I pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.”

“Alabama, I have a two websites you might find helpful: http://www.everystudent.com  and  http://www.412teens.org  Check them out and let me know what you think.   ~ Kathleen”

Alabama wrote back:  “OK, I understand.  I will pray to God to help me overcome this temptation and do the right thing.   I like the websites you sent.  They are cool.”

  • 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

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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.godlife.com/gospel/  and  www.godlife.com

[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]

 

Posted in GLOBAL MEDIA OUTREACH, Love & Romance, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Stranded in the Jungle

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Kathleen

Years ago my husband Dan accompanied me and Dixie 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.

Fifteen minutes later we spotted a vehicle approaching in the distance.  A pick-up truck carrying axes and shovels pulled to a stop.  Three big men with dreadlocks stepped out.  Dixie 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,  for answering our prayer for a Good Samaritan. He not only sent one, but three! We then prayed for God’s favor on those dear men.

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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.godlife.com/gospel/ www.godlife.com

[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]

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A Friend Becomes an Alcoholic

Posted on December 29, 2021 by Kathleen

I watched my friend Lesley slowly become an alcoholic.  Years passed, and her life and her abilities declined.

I remember asking,  “Lesley, do you ever think about spiritual things?”

I was impressed with her knowledge of God and the Bible.  She admitted that deep inside she believed Jesus was the answer to her challenges, but she was not ready to give her life to Him.

Lesley’s alcoholism eventually resulted in liver disease and esophageal varices (varicose veins).  One day we learned that her varices hemorrhaged during the night.  She had almost died and was in ICU.  I prayed all the way to the hospital that God would protect our time and that she would now be ready.

She was awake and smiling when I walked in.   “Lesley, we heard that last night we almost lost you!  But look at you now! Do you think that perhaps God did not want you to die yet? Perhaps He wants to give you another chance to come to Him.”

She said, “I was thinking the same thing.”

I said, “I brought you this little booklet, Would You Like To Know God Personally?            [by Bill Bright: https://www.cru.org/how-to-know-god/would-you-like-to-know-god-personally.html    I thought perhaps we could read it together.”

She said,  “Thank you, but I’m really tired.  Just leave it on my table.  I promise you I’ll read it first thing when I get home.”

I placed it on the table,  but I could not leave it there.   “Lesley, I know you’re tired.  Why don’t you close your eyes and rest while I read it to you.”  She agreed!  When I came to the prayer at the end and began slowly reading it,  she began repeating it after me!  When I finished I said, “You repeated the prayer aloud.  Did you mean it?”

“Yes.”

I said, “You did?  Then you are now a child of God!”

“I am?  You mean I’m a Christian?  That’s all there is to it?”

I said, “If you are willing to turn away from your sins and surrender your life to Jesus, then YES!   How do you feel?”

With tears in her eyes she said, “Good.  I have a wonderful peace inside.”

Then with excitement in her voice she said, “Hey! We need to share this booklet with Ralph!  He needs God in his life, too!”

The next day we received a phone call that Lesley had hemorrhaged again and died.             She was forty-five.

“Dear God, thank You for preventing me from leaving that booklet on the table.                      Thank You!  Thank You! Thank You!”

  • The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.    2 Peter 3:9                                                                                                                                      
  • Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.    Psalm 116:15
  • “I Love the Lord” – Click here to listen:

    _____________

    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/  and  www.godlife.com

    [To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]

Posted in HERE & THERE, ILLNESS or HOSPITAL, PRAYER WORKS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Christmas Pageant – Script

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Kathleen

This script was posted a year ago and was very popular!  I’ve been asked to re-post this year.  Enjoy!  Kathleen

+++

So you want to put on a Christmas Pageant?  Do it!  Our grandson was too small to have a speaking part, but his mother transformed his jammies into a lamb costume!  Use your creativity!    I wrote the following simple script for our family. Many others have enjoyed it as well!

SCENE 1  (Excerpts from Luke 1)                                                                             Narrator: “In the time of Herod, king of Judea, God sent an angel named Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said,

Angel Gabriel: “Greetings Mary! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, because you have found favor with God. You are going to have a baby boy. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. You are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”

SCENE 2 (Luke 2:1)                                                                                                       Narrator: “It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David. He went there to register with Mary his espoused wife, who was expecting a child.

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her first-born son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

“In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were so afraid.”

Shepherd 1: Act afraid, jump back: “Ooh!”
Shepherd 2: Act afraid, cover your face with your hands: “Oh what’s that?”
Shepherd 3: Act afraid: “Help!”

Angel of the Lord: “Fear not! For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

Narrator:  “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying…”

Angel of the Lord: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men with whom God is pleased.”

Everyone sing:
Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’r the plains
And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria, in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherd 1: (rising) “A Savior? Did he say Christ the Lord?”

Shepherd 2: “Come on! Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

SCENE 3 – The Shepherds Arrive in Bethlehem                                            

Shepherd  1:  “Look! There’s an inn. They might know where we can find the baby.”

All Shepherds:  Knock on door of Inn #1

Innkeeper opens door:  “Shepherds? At this hour of the night? Listen, all of you. There is no vacancy here at this inn.”

Shepherd 1:  “Sir, if you don’t mind, we just came down from the hills because an angel appeared to us in shining glory and told us that in Bethlehem a Savior had been born to us who is Christ the Lord. Do you know where we might find him?”

Innkeeper: “What? The Savior has been born in Bethlehem? You don’t say! Hmm… Actually, perhaps it’s my grandson! He was born here in Bethlehem just six months ago. He’s the most beautiful baby you’ve ever seen. Yes, of course it’s my grandson!  This is a marvelous thing! Just think! My own grandson is the promised Savior!”

Shepherd 1: “Well Sir, actually, it couldn’t be your grandson, because the angel told us the baby was born today.”

Shepherd 2: “He also said the baby would be wrapped in swaddling clothes and would be lying in a manger. Is your grandson lying in a manger? Is he wearing swaddling clothes?”

Innkeeper #1:  “No of course he is no longer wearing swaddling clothes. He’s already crawling!  But did you say a manger? Do you mean a feeding trough for animals?  What kind of crib is that for the Savior of the world!  That’s the craziest story I’ve ever heard!  Get outta here!” (Slams door)

Innkeeper #2: Opens his door: “I’m sorry shepherds, we have no room at this inn.  Not even in the stable out back!”

Shepherd 2: “Did you say STABLE? Does it have a manger in it?”

Shepherd 3: “And a baby?”

Innkeeper: (Suspiciously) “Well, yes it does. You’re awfully nosy for a bunch of shepherds.”

Shepherd 1: “Sir, if you don’t mind, we just came down from the hills because an angel appeared to us in shining glory and told us that a Savior had been born to us who is Christ the Lord.”

Shepherd 2: “The angel said we would find the baby in Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

Innkeeper: “Yes! There was a baby born in the stable today. And yes, they did lay him in the manger!  But you said an angel told you it is THE CHRIST?  That’s hard to believe! Why would Almighty God allow the promised Messiah to be born in a stable?  It doesn’t make sense. But come along. I’ll show you the baby anyway.”

SCENE 4:  At the Stable                                                                                            Innkeeper Knocks on Door:   Joseph opens the door: “Yes?”

Shepherd 1: “We have come to see the Savior.”

Shepherd 2: “Where is the Lord?”

Shepherd 3: “Where is the little baby in the manager?”

Joseph: “Come this way.”

All Shepherds:  Gather around the baby,  kneel and bow their heads.

Narrator:  “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, WHICH WERE JUST AS THEY HAD BEEN TOLD.”

Everyone sing:
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
The stars in the night sky looked down where he lay—
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

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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.godlife.com/gospel/  and  godlife.com

[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]

 

Posted in DOCTRINE, Holidays, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Stone Nativity Scene on Beach

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Kathleen

I was doing a power walk with a friend when we spotted the stone nativity scene on the beach!  This is the third consecutive year the “rock guy” has graced our beach with his stone crèche.  The artist uses no mortar as he gingerly balances or nestles each stone in place.  He welcomes visitors to check out his FB page:  Juan Manuel Cisneros.

This year there was a decorated Christmas tree next to the crèche!  Since I was carrying a few Jesus tracts, I decided to contribute to the tree’s beauty by attaching a few with bobby pins!

A young woman approached as I was finishing, and began reading one of the tracts.  I said, “It’s Christmastime and it’s about Jesus.”

She smiled, “Yes.  I like what I’m reading here.  I actually came down to the beach to pray.  I’m going through a difficult season and need to make some decisions.”

We were pleased to learn that she knows Jesus and attends a Bible centered church.  She was grateful and teared up when we offered to pray with her, that God would give her wisdom, guidance, direction and strength as she makes these important decisions.

We continued our walk and discovered another rather neglected Christmas tree, growing by the beach parking lot.  It was only partially decorated.  Fortunately, we had a couple more bobby pins.

  • Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.  Psalm 96:3

  • What tracts did we use?  Here are a few:
  • The Greatest Story Ever Told:  https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=293&ue=d
  • Love the Jewish People:   (After all, Jesus was Jewish)                          https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=1000&ue=d
  • Charlie’s Ants:  https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=39&ue=d
  • The Best Gift In The World:   True-Way Tracts
  • Several in SPANISH from:  https://mwtb.org/

SONG: DEAR LORD OF LORDS – 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.godlife.com/gospel/  and  http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity

[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]

 

Posted in BEACH, DOCTRINE, Holidays, PEOPLE | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Christmas on the Pier

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Kathleen

The Christmas season is the best time of year for sharing Christ…on the pier!  Many people are simply out for a stroll enjoying the ocean view.   Others are fishing and waiting patiently for a tug on their line.   Some are pulling in their catch and we run to see what’s on the end.

One couple with a lobster in their bucket was pulling up a crab net with two unhappy crabs rudely interrupted while feasting on the squid bait.  Interestingly, we watched the couple throw out their old bait of tilapia.  His wife explained that tilapia is an unhealthy fish for humans–and even the fish don’t want it!  But they sure took to the squid!

When we were done with our fish-talk I said, “I have some little booklets that tell the true meaning of Christmas, but in a comic form.  May I share one with you?”

“Let’s see that,” the young man said.  “Yes, I’d like to read this.  But wait!  What church are you from?”

“Actually, we are from different churches—and only sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  Do you have a faith background?”

The young man said, “we used to go to church, and actually we’ve been thinking it’s something we should get into again, but we’ve fallen away and truthfully, I’ve done some things I’m ashamed of.  I’m not sure God would want me.”

“You might like to know that there is nothing you have ever done that God doesn’t want to forgive.  He loves you.  That is why Jesus came–to pay for your sins and mine, so that someday we can freely enter heaven.  Would you like to get right with God and experience His peace?  There is no better time than Christmas to get right with God!”

They were both a bit reluctant.  Since they live in a nearby community, we were able to recommend two Christian churches in their area.  We ended up giving them another booklet that gives the four steps necessary to receiving Christ, when they are ready.  Then I asked, “May we pray with you?”

They nodded with enthusiasm and the two of us prayed for this dear couple, that they would experience the joy and peace of giving their lives to Jesus.  They were grateful and said they were looking forward to reading the booklets and going to church.

We walked on to another fisherman…

What joy!                                                                                                                                      Merry Christmas!

[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/  and  http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity

[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]

 

 

 

 

 

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The Christmas Letter

Posted on December 10, 2021 by Kathleen

I had been married four years when I attended my first Bible study and then gave my life to Jesus Christ. He entered my life and changed it completely.  I became a new person!  I still remember that first week when everyday I would see my life with new eyes.  My desires changed.  My life’s purpose changed. Moreover, God filled me with a new love, peace and joy that I’d never before known.

Later that year I received a Christmas letter from one of my closest friends from nursing school.  I wrote back sharing how Christ had changed my life.  I even sent her a booklet by Bill Bright called, Would You Like to Know Christ Personally?  https://www.cru.org/how-to-know-god/would-you-like-to-know-god-personally.html                                                      She did not respond to my booklet or my good news.

I did not hear back from her until the following Christmas.  Again I responded with a Christmas letter sharing new things God had taught me during the past year.  I also sent her a recorded message.

Again I didn’t hear back from her until the following Christmas.  Again I responded the same. This went on for ten years!  One day she called.  She was coming to town and coming over.  She said, “We need to talk.”

I was thrilled to see her!  Then she said, “You know all those letters and tapes and booklets about God you sent me over the years?  They were not wasted.  I read your letters over and over—the booklets too!  I listened to your tapes repeatedly.  I want you to know that they were instrumental in my decision to surrender my life to Jesus Christ.  He has changed my life and I am forever grateful.”  We hugged and cried and prayed together.

Even though she lives in another part of the world, we’ve become closer than ever.  After all, we are now true sisters in the Lord.  Moreover, her husband has since come to Christ as well.  How good is our God!  I will forever praise Him.

  •  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.     Matthew 5:16
  •  Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.     James 5:20
  • GIVE ME A HEART – 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.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, HERE & THERE, PEOPLE, PRAYER WORKS | Tagged , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

A Man is Following Us!

Posted on December 6, 2021 by Kathleen

Years ago I was walking in the mall with my friend Jenny, when she alerted me that a man was following us.

We kept walking and after a while she said, “He’s still behind us. Let’s duck into the next store and lose him.”

We did.  He followed.  Wherever we went he was close behind.

Then Jenny said, “Uh oh! He’s right behind you and he’s unzipping his pants.”

I turned around and said in the strongest  voice I could muster:  “You zip up your pants right now!  What you are doing is evil!”

“Yes ma’am, Yes ma’am,” as he zipped up his pants.

“You should get down on your knees and ask Jesus to forgive you—RIGHT NOW!”

I was shocked as he dropped to his knees and lowered his head!

Suddenly a policeman rushed in and handcuffed him.  A sales clerk had noticed him stalking us and called security.

Jenny was aghast at my action.  Truthfully, no one was more shocked than I!  Where did I get such boldness?

“Thank You Lord,  for giving me Your words and Your protection.  Please bring that needy man to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

  • What would you have done in this situation?  I regret that I didn’t ask the police officer if I could speak with him before they took him away. 
  • For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.    2 Timothy 1:7 
  • JOHN 3:16-18 – Music & Arrangement 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.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, PEOPLE | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments