God Rewards Our Obedience

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Kathleen

As an online missionary for Global Media Outreach (https://godlife.com/en/look-to-jesus),  I received a letter from a dear woman in a developing country.  She wrote:

“The Lord is awesome!  I want you to know that your work is not in vain.  Last year you told me about God’s love, but you also talked about sin.  You said God is not pleased when couples live together outside marriage.  Your words touched and motivated me.  You see I celebrated 30 years of marriage but I had never taken marriage vows and never had a ring on my finger!

“After I read your email I called our pastor and asked him to marry us.  Praise God, we had a wedding and we got blessed with rings after 30 years!

“Praise God, after our obedience, the blessings began to fall!  Our son passed Matric and now has a good job.  I was very ill and God healed me and restored my life.  We are being blessed financially.  Our little girl is doing well at school and is in Matric. God continues to bless us and I praise God that I learned the importance of being obedient to HIM.  Thank you for teaching me God’s way is the right way.”

    • *  *

Yes friends, obedience IS importance.  I often see God rewarding my obedience as well.  Obedience to Him is for our own good.  Is it easy to be obedient?  No.  Yet God blesses us when we are.

  •  If you love me, keep my commands.     John 14:15
  • Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways!  Psalm 128:1
  • If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.  John 13:17
  • SONG:  I Know Him – By Kathleen:  
    _______________________
    This life is temporary. This life is short.  When this life is over, our bodies will die and become 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:    https://godlife.com/en/look-to-jesus and  https://somethingbetter.us/
     
     
Posted in DOCTRINE, GLOBAL MEDIA OUTREACH, Love & Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Preschoolers Quarreling

Posted on August 7, 2022 by Kathleen

I was thinking about the years when I had preschoolers and sometimes they’d get into quarrels and spats.

Typically, I’d say, “Okay! I think we need to talk with Jesus about this.”  I’d gather them together and go to prayer.

Afterward, I’d require the guilty person to do two things:
1.  Apologize to the person he/she hurt.
2.  Ask forgiveness from the person he/she hurt.
The offended person needed to learn to say, “I forgive you.”
I did the same thing whether they were playing alone or had friends over.

I believe this in important in training up children.  Most people today will apologize, but will not ask for forgiveness.  It has become unfamiliar in our culture.  Yet I wanted my children to be comfortable doing this because God wants us to be a forgiving people.  He wants us to learn to seek forgiveness.  It’s a healthy thing to do.

I had been working on memorizing  2 Corinthians 10:5  “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Whatever the problem, I wanted to focus on bringing my thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. I wanted my children to learn to do the same.

  • Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.    Proverbs 22:6
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/ or https://somethingbetter.us/
 
 
Posted in DOCTRINE, PRAYER WORKS, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Unmarried & Pregnant

Posted on August 2, 2022 by Kathleen

A young couple who faithfully attended our college campus Bible study came to me privately:  She was pregnant.

I had mentored Jaime for two years.  Her love for God and His Word were strong.  I was disappointed with the news, yet I loved them both.  They said they loved each other and wanted to marry.  I was invited to attend the wedding in three days!

Three days later I was there with both of the immediate families and the best man.  I then discovered that I was to be her matron of honor!  The sweet ceremony was followed by a luncheon in a small banquet room of a nearby restaurant.

Just as the father of the bride was about to give a toast,  the groom spoke up.  “I need to say something:  What we did was wrong and it was my fault.   I want to apologize and ask forgiveness from each of you and from God.  I know I’ve disappointed everyone here.  But even though we did not start our marriage right, it is our desire to honor God with our lives.  I love Jaime and I will cherish her for as long as I live.”

As one can imagine, there was not a dry eye in the room.

Jaime and Joe recently celebrated ten years of marriage.  They are active in their church and are raising their children to love the Lord Jesus.

“…  husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his wife loves himself.  After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.  ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’  This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. ”    Ephesians 5:28-32

  •  Dear Lord of Lords – 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.whoisjesus-really.com/ and https://somethingbetter.us/
     
     
Posted in COLLEGE CAMPUS, Love & Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

College Campus Ministry? Not My Gift!

Posted on July 29, 2022 by Kathleen

It all started when a married couple began walking across the college campus handing out Christian pamphlets to students.

They soon gained permission to set up a table and began giving away Bibles with their literature.  When I first learned what they were doing, I thought, “How extraordinary!   It’s certainly not my gift—I’d be uncomfortable doing that!”  Then I was invited to join them!  I hesitated at first, but agreed to go once.  My plan was to sit quietly, watch, and pray.

I was hooked after the first hour!  The students were fun and easy to engage.  I soon discovered they enjoyed us as much as we did them.  They would hang out at our table between classes.  Some did not have good role models at home and we were becoming their mentors.  One day the school psychologist stopped to thank us for being there. “We’re glad to see you every week, but we need you here every day!”

We discovered that every college or university we visited had different rules about people coming on campus to give away free literature. We had no problem for years until the rules changed at our local community college.  We would have to become students ourselves,  if we were to continue.

That was easy!  We each registered for a class.  I enjoyed art, fitness, editing, even French, taking one class per semester.  We organized a college Christian fellowship and held Bible studies in a room by the cafeteria.  I started an email ministry. Students would sign up to receive my weekly email of Scripture and encouragement.  They would often write back with questions and prayer requests.

The best part was watching their lives change as they grew closer to God.  I continue to hear from some of these students at Christmas.  Most have since graduated from universities, married and are raising families. What a precious privilege it was to mentor them, to watch them mature in the Lord and become productive members of society.

_______________________
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/ or https://somethingbetter.us/
Wish to LEAVE A COMMENT?   Simply click on the title of this story, then scroll to the bottom of page.

 

 

Posted in COLLEGE CAMPUS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Prisoner Prays for Guard

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Kathleen

An extraordinary experience from my former days doing prison ministry:

An inmate in my Bible study was transferred to a state prison.  A few weeks later he wrote the following to my P.O. Box:

“I was talking with one of the prison guards whom I have talked with many times.  I sensed his oppressed spirit and asked, “Is everything okay?”

“That was all it took.  He shared that his daughter had just undergone brain surgery.  The next day his wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer!

“Astounded,  I calmed my spirit asking God to use and guide me.   I asked, ‘Do you believe in Jesus Christ and the healing transforming power of the Son of the living God?’  There was a pause and a tear rolled down his cheek.  ‘I used to… but…’

“I let it sink in a moment longer before I asked if I could pray for him.  Everything around us faded away:  sights, sounds, distractions.  It was just the two of us.  There were no uniforms or distinctions of authority, no staff vs inmate.  We were two men connected by the bond of humanity and concern.  I prayed for God’s peace to heal his heart, to nurture his belief and to comfort him.

“Afterward I asked if he would like to receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  There was an emphatic nod of acceptance.  We prayed for God to forgive his unbelief.  We asked for a renewed spirit, asking Jesus to come into his life and heart.  It was an emotional experience for both of us.  Afterward we shook hands with a nod of acknowledgment, parting ways.

“A few days later the guard returned with a sense of strength and hope.  He told me he’d attended church on Sunday and had made a decision to change his life.”

  •  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:6
  • Only What’s Done for Christ Will Last – 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 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/  or https://somethingbetter.us/
     
Posted in DOCTRINE, JAIL & COUNTY JUVENILE FACILITY | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Ice Blended Mocha

Posted on July 20, 2022 by Kathleen

Last week we had four workers digging trenches in our yard and laying pipes.  They were all Hispanic and spoke broken English.  When they took their lunch break I went outside carrying paper cups and a pitcher of ice blended mocha.  I told them I’d also brought them something to read.

Their boss asked, “What is it?”
“It’s about Jesus!   These are little comic books in Spanish.  I think you’ll like them.”         “Really?  Are you Christian or Catholic?”                                                                                        “I’m Christian.  But Catholics also consider themselves Christian because we both believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior.”

He said, “Can I ask you some questions?”   From there he asked one question after another.

The next day they returned.  They had enjoyed their little comics and two had shared them with their families.  Did I have more they asked?  I did.

There were more questions:  “Do you believe in heaven and hell?  Do you think Jesus is going to return?  Do you know of any Spanish-speaking churches?”

The four guys were from three different nearby towns.  I went online and found churches in all three towns—churches with Bible studies and church services in Spanish. I handed each one a paper with the recommended church in their area.  Three of the guys were happy with it.  One was reluctant.  Their boss said, “You take it and you go to that church!  You need it!  We all need it!”

Their next questions were about the problems they had with their teenagers, with their ex-wives or girlfriends.  These guys were dear young men with regular problems and genuine fears and concerns for their families.

When they finished their job I gave each a New Testament in Spanish.  The leader said boldly, “Thank you!  I’m going to read this!  I’m going to read this!”

  • 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.     Matthew 28:19
  • My recipe for Ice Blended Mocha:  Place in blender: ice chips, water, instant coffee, cocoa powder, milk and sugar to taste.
  •  Comic tracts:  http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0001/0001_01.asp 
  •  In Spanish:  http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0570/0570_01.asp  

 _____________

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/ or  https://somethingbetter.us/
 

 

 

Posted in DOCTRINE, PEOPLE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

A Man’s Love for His Wife

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Kathleen

It has been said that a man’s love for his wife can be seen in his tenderness toward her.

We were sitting by the lake enjoying the surrounding beauty.  Nearby was a young family with four children.  The dad was playing in the water with the younger three while his pregnant wife was wading along the shore with their oldest son, about 11.

Suddenly the oldest son had an idea.  He wanted to row his mother out on the lake in the rowboat.  We watched them set out—he rowing his mother while his dad waved goodbye. When they reached the center of the lake we noticed the boy stand up and dive in the water.  He then began swimming back to shore leaving his pregnant mother alone in the boat!

She picked up the oars and began rowing.  Her husband saw what happened and I overheard him tell their daughter to watch the two younger ones.  He dived in and swam out to the boat and pushed it to shore.

Perhaps his wife would have been fine rowing the boat back to shore herself.  But her husband was taking no chances.  She smiled at him as he gently took her hand and helped her out of the boat.  I thought to myself, “What a sweet picture of a man’s tenderness toward his wife.”

Nor did I hear him scold the oldest son for abandoning his mother.  But I did see him talk privately with his son while the boy nodded apologetically.

Later we noticed the family praying together before eating their picnic lunch.
I thought to myself, “There’s a man who loves his wife and honors God.  How blessed they are!

  •  Husbands, love your wives,  just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.      Ephesians 5:25
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[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 https://somethingbetter.us/
Wish to LEAVE A COMMENT?   Simply click on the title of this story, then scroll to the bottom of the page.
Posted in BEACH, Love & Romance, RAISING KIDS | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Sacrifice the Family Cow?

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Kathleen

As an online missionary with Global Media Outreach, I had the privilege of leading a young man from Lesotho to Jesus.

Lesotho?  WHERE is Lesotho?  He explained that it’s a small mountain kingdom in South Africa.

He asked for prayer for his family.  You see his mother feels his Christian beliefs are foolishness.  Instead, she believes in ancestor worship—which is common in that part of the world.

She wanted to sacrifice the family cow to the ancestors.  However, his father had forbid her to do this because they needed the cow to plow the field!  One day while his father was away, his mother killed the cow for the sacrifice.  This caused a HUGE problem in the home.

It has been several months and they have since purchased a new cow, yet the bitterness between his parents remains.

Please join me in praying for this family in Lesotho, and especially for their adult son who is trying to show them the love of Jesus.

  • You may check out Global Media Outreach here:  https://godlife.com/en/look-to-jesus
  • In everything set them an example by doing what is good.  In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.    Titus 2:7      
  • I KNOW HIM – 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.whoisjesus-really.com/ and  https://godlife.com/en/look-to-jesus

 

Posted in GLOBAL MEDIA OUTREACH | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Precious Time with Former Roommate

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Kathleen

What a precious few days I spent with a former roommate and dear friend from nursing school.  Over the years we kept in touch and even traveled great distances to get together with our husbands and families.

This however, was the first time to spend quality time alone. This was also the first time we’d been together since her husband’s passing.  It was a time to reflect on memories and happier days. We talked, we walked on the beach, we shed some tears, we laughed hard and most importantly, we prayed together.

On our last morning together we walked along the beach and shared the Lord with tourists as we went.  She let me know from the start that this was way outside her comfort zone. But Hey!  I still had a stack of tracts I didn’t want to bring home!  She was a good sport and we did have fun!

We met lots of friendly people—interesting people from different countries. Two even invited us to go with them on a fast banana boat!  Would we have had such an invitation had we not been adventurous?  God is so good!

I’m glad we used our last day doing something so important.  After all, we are all sinners and we all need the Lord.  Everywhere we go, everyone we see is going to spend eternity in hell—IF they don’t have a Savior—and there’s only ONE.

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 https://somethingbetter.us/

Wish to LEAVE A COMMENT?   Simply click on the title of  this story, then  scroll to the bottom of page.

 

 

Posted in BEACH, COLLEGE CAMPUS, PEOPLE, PRAYER WORKS, TRAVELING | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

I Struggle with Anxieties

Posted on July 2, 2022 by Kathleen

Today I purchased some bedding plants from the nursery.  A young employee was helping me make decisions when I noticed his unusual bracelet.  “I imagine there’s a story behind that bracelet you’re wearing.”

“Yes there is.  I struggle with anxieties and my doctor put me on some medications that I became addicted to.  I ended up in a rehabilitation hospital where I made this bracelet myself.  I’m glad to say I’ve been off all medications for over two months now.”

“Excellent!  So how are the anxieties?”

“Bad.”

“Hmm.  I wonder…could you help me load these plants into my car?  I want to talk with you.”   On the way to the car I told him that I’d suffered with anxieties, fears and panic attacks all my younger life.  “I was 27 when I attended my first Bible study.  I soon came to know the Lord Jesus and made a decision to surrender my life to Him.  My life changed immediately!  He sent His Holy Spirit to indwell me and fill me with His peace, His joy and His love.  That peace has stayed with me all these years.  Soon I realized my anxieties, fears and panic attacks had disappeared!  I didn’t even ask God to remove them–He just did!  They have never returned.”

He listened with interest as I explained God’s plan of salvation in sending Jesus to pay for our sins—both his and mine.  He admitted that he was a sinner and needed help.

I asked if I could pray with him and right there in the parking lot we bowed our heads.  Then I invited him to church.  I found some Jesus booklets in my car.  He thanked me and said he’d read them on his break.

I did not feel led to ask him to pray and receive Christ right then.  I felt he needed time to digest what he’d heard and what he will read.  I did show him the prayer in the back of one of the booklets that he may say when he is ready.

I expect to see him in church.  If not, I know I’ll see him again—I know where he works!

  • One booklet I shared with him:  Would You Like to Know God Personally?  By the late Dr. Bill Bright…   https://www.cru.org/how-to-know-god/would-you-like-to-know-god-personally.html
  • Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.    Galatians 6:2
  • SONG: THE PARALYTIC – Words from Mark 2:3, 5-12; 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.whoisjesus-really.com/  and https://somethingbetter.us/
 
Posted in DOCTRINE, HERE & THERE, ILLNESS or HOSPITAL, PEOPLE, PRAYER WORKS | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments