Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Biblical Timeline
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
A Bitter Old Friend
Last night, I had a friend contact me on Facebook. She knew I was a preacher's wife and came at me with her miserable, unhappy, bitter questions as to why God took her husband three years ago. Here is a bit of the dialogue and then my response:
(Oh, by the way, names have been changed)
Lisa (original post on Facebook)
So, I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth because I am about to go to bed. I reach to gently turn the water on and the whole handle comes off in my hand. Water is spewing at 100 mph straight at the ceiling. I am screaming "Help!!!!!". My husband rushes to my rescue (which after 30 years he is quite good at) and turns the water off from outside (there is no cut off under the sink). I used ever towel in my house to clean up the mess. Of course, being married to Mr. Fixit, an hour later, a new faucet is back on and the water is running fine. :D
Mary - Oh wow!! That'll wake you up!! Did you burst out laughing?! I think I would have!!
Tina - So now you are wide awake and had your shower?! Lol. Yay for a handy husband who came quickly.
Lisa - I did. I was shaking because I didn't know what to do. The whole house was flooding. My cabinets were flooding. The lights above the vanity blew out. The drawers were all full of water. Yeah, I laughed. LOL Oh, yeah, my make up bag was drenched!
Martha - We all have had those moment. I had an electrical fire in the kitchen overhead fixtures. Woke up to the smoke alarm going off at 4 in the morning. I turned off the breakers, called the fire dept. and ran a water hose into the house. I put the fire out and saved my house. You never know what u can do until u have to. My husband died 3 years ago, you do what u have to,
Lisa - That makes me feel better, Martha. I am not such a fast thinker....All i could think about was "Oh, no, I'm in my nightgown. I can't go outside." LOL I was trying to hold my hand over the geyser. If my husband dies...this old girl better go to vo-tech and take some classes. LOL I don't know how to do anything.
Martha - You have to remember all the things they taught you while u weren't listening\. Because u thought they would be there forever. Sorry, that is just a lot of pain I go through.
Lisa- So true! I understand. I can't imagine not having my sweetheart. After 30 years we are best friends. It also has been my good fortune to have 3 sons who all are Mr. Fixits like their dad....one son which lives particularly close....thank goodness, because I have had to call on him several times!!!!
Martha - My best friend died 3 years ago and I am not so lucky
------At which point I take the conversation private-------
Lisa - So sorry to hear about your husband dying. Would I be out of line to ask you what happened? Do you have children? How long were you married? If I am out of line, forgive me.
Martha - 25 years, one son. I hurt so bad everyday. I don't know how to get over it. My heart is broken. I have to live everyday without my soulmate. I begged God for his life when he was dying. he didn't help me. Yes he has helped me since. I got mad at God. I had to watch him die\. I will never get over that.
Lisa - I can imagine you do. My grandmother told me she never has gotten over losing Daddy D. I don't think you ever get over it completely.
But, I do know that having a relationship with Jesus Christ helps. Or, atleast it has helped me through all the things I have been through.
As you know, I am married to a Baptist preacher. Where some people get mad at God....I always ran to God. I always believed! You have to believe.
Have you ever been born again? By that I mean, do you remember a time when you gave your life to Jesus Christ?
Martha - It makes no sense. He was a good man, who loved God. Yes, I am born again, why else would I be mad at God\
Lisa - If he was a true believer then he is with the Lord. This earth is not a place for us to get bound. We are headed out of here.
I believe that trials happen for reasons. We just should live by faith. God is God. What he choses to do is always right. We don't understand. We just believe....and trust. And we patiently wait to see his goodness.
Martha - He did good works, he helped everybody, he took kids under his wings\. Why was he taken\. Please anser me that. That was not fair. You would not think so either if it was ur husband
Lisa - I can't answer why God choses to take someone. But I can say that He is always right to do what he does. He is in control and getting mad doesn't help. Like a child....your son may not like you sending him to school. He may cry, scream and hold on to you and he might even get mad at you for sending him....but you know what is best for your child. So you do what is best and he must accept it and trust that you love him and are not trying to hurt him.
Martha - Lisa, nobody can preach to me, I know the word, that is why it hurts so much
Lisa - Ok, I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Please forgive me.
Martha - God has saved me when I didn't even want to be saved. But I can't forgive myself for my husband dying\. What could I have done to save him. I don't know how to get past that
Martha - It has to be my fault, I was responsible for him, just like he was for me. You have no more answers than i do. I don't know, everything you say are just platitudes. You are saying what u think someone wants to hear.
Lisa - I am going to share one verse with you. I don't want to appear preachy but you know....it is who I am. I perceive you are bitter. I hope I am wrong. But here is the verse:
Heb_12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Bitterness brings so much trouble to your life but the worst part is that so any other people will be defiled because of your bitterness. Bitterness hurts many people. It makes you sharp and harsh toward people. Maybe the people are genuinely trying to be kind.
I suggest you go to the Lord with your bitterness and ask him to take it away.
Again, I beg you to know that I am not meaning any harm. I am not trying to be mean. I am really, sincerely wanting to see some healing take place in your life.
Martha - Lisa, after my husband died, I got 3 dui's in amonth\. I went to jail\. Can u imagine me in jail\. I have never even gotten a traffic ticet\.
Lisa - I wish I could help you more. I am afraid that I am not the wisest person. But I do know that I'd never intentionally hurt anyone and I am so sorry If I have hurt you. I will say a prayer for you before I go to bed.
Martha - I just feel burned sometiomes. You haven't hurt me\. It is almost a physical pain. probably worse. A physical pain u know will go away this doesn't. I have dealt with it for over 3 years, it still hurts like it was yesterday. i have asked god to take it away, I am still waiting on that. Just because I got mad at God, does not mean I don't love him
Lisa - How would your husband want you to handle this? I believe he is watching. Is this what he'd want? You aren't able to help others if you are still needing help yourself. It is time to move on. Many have been through what you are going through. They make it and you can too. It is not easy but other people need you. You have a purpose to fulfill. Get out there and fulfill it. Start back serving God. Love Him. One day you will reunite with your Sweety. Until then...get busy loving on people. There are others who need help in this same area!
I'm going to bed but If you ever see me online...please contact me. Because I believe this is your first day to victory! I want to hear about it! You can do it. Do it for your husband, do it for your son, do it for you, and most of all....do it for God!
Martha - I think u are giving me the standard issue for preacher's wives, not for an old friend
that is ok, I know God, I don't need crap. don't give me a speech you have rehearsed a thousand times. I luv u girl but this is not acceptable to me
Lisa - How rude. I was saying that from my heart. I've never rehearsed that. What have I done to you to make you so unkind to me? I've only been trying to be kind. This is who I am. I am sorry it is so unacceptable to you. I would have gladly accepted you for who you are but yet I am so unaccepted by you.
Martha - You are saying stuff out of a movie\. I want the real lisa
Lisa - What movie? I think it is not just me you are mad at. I think no matter who was trying to help you....we would all be rejected. I am not a fake. This is who I am. What is the real Lisa? Some one who mean, bitter, and miserable??? I am sorry but that is not me.
Martha - So that is who i am? No, I am the person who took care of everybody and got left alone
Stop sounding fake
i am not bitter and mean\. Just sad most of the time\. When u have walked in my shoes, then u judge me\. the Lisa I wanted was the one that used to make wine under her bed\. Yes I remember that\. I need u to be really really real with me, not preachy\. I love and respect you\.
You can't tell me God does everything for a reason,that is no explanation for the pain i have endured. My husband was a good man, a good christian.We both never hurt anybody, and helped anyone we could
-------------Now, here is my morning reply--------------------------
1st) I am not a 15 year old kid anymore...and neither are you. Yes, I tried to make wine once. But I was a kid. I was playing. I am the same happy-go-lucky Lisa I was then...only now I am serving the Lord. My husband and I got in church when I was 18 years old. I've served God for almost 30 years. I am not a fake. I really, really do love the Lord.
2nd) You are not the same Martha I knew growing up. The Martha I knew was kind, sweet tempered, So, instead of judging me as a fake....maybe you need to check yourself out. Because I want the old Martha.
3rd) I was thinking, on an upwards day of our church we have around 350 or 400 people in attendance. Many, many of them are widows. Actually we have a church full of widows. Some are young, some are old. Most of them had wonderful marriages. But none of them are bitter. None of them are mad. They all have accepted this as God's will for their life.
4th) Even though I am happy-go-lucky I have had my share of tragedies. Though I don't like to focus on the worse aspects of my life, I have heard the words, "You have cancer" from my doctor. I cried, I wept. My husband cried and wept. But I never asked "why" and I never got bitter. I just accepted and kept enjoying life. No matter what happends to me....God has still been good! The very fact that I am saved and will not burn in hell for an enternity is enough to keep me shouting for the rest of my life. And yes, if that sounds fake....so be it.
5th) I fully believe life is what you make it. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, has problems. If you want to be miserable....you will. I, personally, don't enjoy being miserable so I get over things. I learned that from my parents and grandparents. I've never seen my momma D feel sorry for herself and get miserable. My parents just get over things. I learned from their example! But most of all, I chose for myself, to be happy, love God, accept things I can't change, and be a good example of a loving human to my 4 children and 12 grandchildren. I work hard every day to make people feel special and like I genuinely care!
Now, having said that, you may say I sound preachy. That is ok. Because, in the end, I am walking around with a smile, happy and content with my life. It hasn't been an easy road...but talking about my trials won't help people. They could care less about my trials and no matter what you say or tell them will only result in a bunch of comments like "you don't understand" "you are just fake" and "you wouldn't think that if....."
The stories I could tell as a pastor's wife. I've seen it both ways. I saw one family who lost their child to drowning and they became very bitter. They got out of church. Never smiled again. Divorced. Lost everything they had. Even the 2 children who they still had became nasty, bitter kids. A few years ago I saw another family lose a baby to drowning. They stayed in church. Started a support group. Continued their lifestyle of gratitude and they have the sweetest kids. Each person handled their issues differently. One got bitter, one got better.
But, in the end, your attitude is what helps you get over things. I choose to live life with eagerness and happiness. Others chose to get bitter and negative.
(Oh, by the way, names have been changed)
Lisa (original post on Facebook)
So, I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth because I am about to go to bed. I reach to gently turn the water on and the whole handle comes off in my hand. Water is spewing at 100 mph straight at the ceiling. I am screaming "Help!!!!!". My husband rushes to my rescue (which after 30 years he is quite good at) and turns the water off from outside (there is no cut off under the sink). I used ever towel in my house to clean up the mess. Of course, being married to Mr. Fixit, an hour later, a new faucet is back on and the water is running fine. :D
Mary - Oh wow!! That'll wake you up!! Did you burst out laughing?! I think I would have!!
Tina - So now you are wide awake and had your shower?! Lol. Yay for a handy husband who came quickly.
Lisa - I did. I was shaking because I didn't know what to do. The whole house was flooding. My cabinets were flooding. The lights above the vanity blew out. The drawers were all full of water. Yeah, I laughed. LOL Oh, yeah, my make up bag was drenched!
Martha - We all have had those moment. I had an electrical fire in the kitchen overhead fixtures. Woke up to the smoke alarm going off at 4 in the morning. I turned off the breakers, called the fire dept. and ran a water hose into the house. I put the fire out and saved my house. You never know what u can do until u have to. My husband died 3 years ago, you do what u have to,
Lisa - That makes me feel better, Martha. I am not such a fast thinker....All i could think about was "Oh, no, I'm in my nightgown. I can't go outside." LOL I was trying to hold my hand over the geyser. If my husband dies...this old girl better go to vo-tech and take some classes. LOL I don't know how to do anything.
Martha - You have to remember all the things they taught you while u weren't listening\. Because u thought they would be there forever. Sorry, that is just a lot of pain I go through.
Lisa- So true! I understand. I can't imagine not having my sweetheart. After 30 years we are best friends. It also has been my good fortune to have 3 sons who all are Mr. Fixits like their dad....one son which lives particularly close....thank goodness, because I have had to call on him several times!!!!
Martha - My best friend died 3 years ago and I am not so lucky
------At which point I take the conversation private-------
Lisa - So sorry to hear about your husband dying. Would I be out of line to ask you what happened? Do you have children? How long were you married? If I am out of line, forgive me.
Martha - 25 years, one son. I hurt so bad everyday. I don't know how to get over it. My heart is broken. I have to live everyday without my soulmate. I begged God for his life when he was dying. he didn't help me. Yes he has helped me since. I got mad at God. I had to watch him die\. I will never get over that.
Lisa - I can imagine you do. My grandmother told me she never has gotten over losing Daddy D. I don't think you ever get over it completely.
But, I do know that having a relationship with Jesus Christ helps. Or, atleast it has helped me through all the things I have been through.
As you know, I am married to a Baptist preacher. Where some people get mad at God....I always ran to God. I always believed! You have to believe.
Have you ever been born again? By that I mean, do you remember a time when you gave your life to Jesus Christ?
Martha - It makes no sense. He was a good man, who loved God. Yes, I am born again, why else would I be mad at God\
Lisa - If he was a true believer then he is with the Lord. This earth is not a place for us to get bound. We are headed out of here.
I believe that trials happen for reasons. We just should live by faith. God is God. What he choses to do is always right. We don't understand. We just believe....and trust. And we patiently wait to see his goodness.
Martha - He did good works, he helped everybody, he took kids under his wings\. Why was he taken\. Please anser me that. That was not fair. You would not think so either if it was ur husband
Lisa - I can't answer why God choses to take someone. But I can say that He is always right to do what he does. He is in control and getting mad doesn't help. Like a child....your son may not like you sending him to school. He may cry, scream and hold on to you and he might even get mad at you for sending him....but you know what is best for your child. So you do what is best and he must accept it and trust that you love him and are not trying to hurt him.
Martha - Lisa, nobody can preach to me, I know the word, that is why it hurts so much
Lisa - Ok, I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Please forgive me.
Martha - God has saved me when I didn't even want to be saved. But I can't forgive myself for my husband dying\. What could I have done to save him. I don't know how to get past that
Martha - It has to be my fault, I was responsible for him, just like he was for me. You have no more answers than i do. I don't know, everything you say are just platitudes. You are saying what u think someone wants to hear.
Lisa - I am going to share one verse with you. I don't want to appear preachy but you know....it is who I am. I perceive you are bitter. I hope I am wrong. But here is the verse:
Heb_12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Bitterness brings so much trouble to your life but the worst part is that so any other people will be defiled because of your bitterness. Bitterness hurts many people. It makes you sharp and harsh toward people. Maybe the people are genuinely trying to be kind.
I suggest you go to the Lord with your bitterness and ask him to take it away.
Again, I beg you to know that I am not meaning any harm. I am not trying to be mean. I am really, sincerely wanting to see some healing take place in your life.
Martha - Lisa, after my husband died, I got 3 dui's in amonth\. I went to jail\. Can u imagine me in jail\. I have never even gotten a traffic ticet\.
Lisa - I wish I could help you more. I am afraid that I am not the wisest person. But I do know that I'd never intentionally hurt anyone and I am so sorry If I have hurt you. I will say a prayer for you before I go to bed.
Martha - I just feel burned sometiomes. You haven't hurt me\. It is almost a physical pain. probably worse. A physical pain u know will go away this doesn't. I have dealt with it for over 3 years, it still hurts like it was yesterday. i have asked god to take it away, I am still waiting on that. Just because I got mad at God, does not mean I don't love him
Lisa - How would your husband want you to handle this? I believe he is watching. Is this what he'd want? You aren't able to help others if you are still needing help yourself. It is time to move on. Many have been through what you are going through. They make it and you can too. It is not easy but other people need you. You have a purpose to fulfill. Get out there and fulfill it. Start back serving God. Love Him. One day you will reunite with your Sweety. Until then...get busy loving on people. There are others who need help in this same area!
I'm going to bed but If you ever see me online...please contact me. Because I believe this is your first day to victory! I want to hear about it! You can do it. Do it for your husband, do it for your son, do it for you, and most of all....do it for God!
Martha - I think u are giving me the standard issue for preacher's wives, not for an old friend
that is ok, I know God, I don't need crap. don't give me a speech you have rehearsed a thousand times. I luv u girl but this is not acceptable to me
Lisa - How rude. I was saying that from my heart. I've never rehearsed that. What have I done to you to make you so unkind to me? I've only been trying to be kind. This is who I am. I am sorry it is so unacceptable to you. I would have gladly accepted you for who you are but yet I am so unaccepted by you.
Martha - You are saying stuff out of a movie\. I want the real lisa
Lisa - What movie? I think it is not just me you are mad at. I think no matter who was trying to help you....we would all be rejected. I am not a fake. This is who I am. What is the real Lisa? Some one who mean, bitter, and miserable??? I am sorry but that is not me.
Martha - So that is who i am? No, I am the person who took care of everybody and got left alone
Stop sounding fake
i am not bitter and mean\. Just sad most of the time\. When u have walked in my shoes, then u judge me\. the Lisa I wanted was the one that used to make wine under her bed\. Yes I remember that\. I need u to be really really real with me, not preachy\. I love and respect you\.
You can't tell me God does everything for a reason,that is no explanation for the pain i have endured. My husband was a good man, a good christian.We both never hurt anybody, and helped anyone we could
-------------Now, here is my morning reply--------------------------
1st) I am not a 15 year old kid anymore...and neither are you. Yes, I tried to make wine once. But I was a kid. I was playing. I am the same happy-go-lucky Lisa I was then...only now I am serving the Lord. My husband and I got in church when I was 18 years old. I've served God for almost 30 years. I am not a fake. I really, really do love the Lord.
2nd) You are not the same Martha I knew growing up. The Martha I knew was kind, sweet tempered, So, instead of judging me as a fake....maybe you need to check yourself out. Because I want the old Martha.
3rd) I was thinking, on an upwards day of our church we have around 350 or 400 people in attendance. Many, many of them are widows. Actually we have a church full of widows. Some are young, some are old. Most of them had wonderful marriages. But none of them are bitter. None of them are mad. They all have accepted this as God's will for their life.
4th) Even though I am happy-go-lucky I have had my share of tragedies. Though I don't like to focus on the worse aspects of my life, I have heard the words, "You have cancer" from my doctor. I cried, I wept. My husband cried and wept. But I never asked "why" and I never got bitter. I just accepted and kept enjoying life. No matter what happends to me....God has still been good! The very fact that I am saved and will not burn in hell for an enternity is enough to keep me shouting for the rest of my life. And yes, if that sounds fake....so be it.
5th) I fully believe life is what you make it. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, has problems. If you want to be miserable....you will. I, personally, don't enjoy being miserable so I get over things. I learned that from my parents and grandparents. I've never seen my momma D feel sorry for herself and get miserable. My parents just get over things. I learned from their example! But most of all, I chose for myself, to be happy, love God, accept things I can't change, and be a good example of a loving human to my 4 children and 12 grandchildren. I work hard every day to make people feel special and like I genuinely care!
Now, having said that, you may say I sound preachy. That is ok. Because, in the end, I am walking around with a smile, happy and content with my life. It hasn't been an easy road...but talking about my trials won't help people. They could care less about my trials and no matter what you say or tell them will only result in a bunch of comments like "you don't understand" "you are just fake" and "you wouldn't think that if....."
The stories I could tell as a pastor's wife. I've seen it both ways. I saw one family who lost their child to drowning and they became very bitter. They got out of church. Never smiled again. Divorced. Lost everything they had. Even the 2 children who they still had became nasty, bitter kids. A few years ago I saw another family lose a baby to drowning. They stayed in church. Started a support group. Continued their lifestyle of gratitude and they have the sweetest kids. Each person handled their issues differently. One got bitter, one got better.
But, in the end, your attitude is what helps you get over things. I choose to live life with eagerness and happiness. Others chose to get bitter and negative.
Monday, September 3, 2012
The Privilege of Soul-Winning
Key Verse - (1 Th 2:4) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
What is soul-winning?
• A privilege (2:4)
• • Sounding the Word (1:8)
• • • Sharing and giving (2:8)
• • • • Living a Separated life (2:10)
• • • Changing a life (1:9)
• • Saving others (Jude 23; Romans 10:1)
• Giving someone a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26)
Basically, it’s reaching someone for Christ. It is seeing people as lost and going to hell, then showing them the truth. They are then given an opportunity to accept or reject the Lord Jesus Christ. If they accept they are saved and you have won a soul. If they refuse, you haven’t won a soul but you are free from the guilt of allowing a person to burn eternally in hell and you are free from the bloody hands described in Ezekiel 3:18 and Ezekiel 33:8.
Who should be a soul-winner?
EVERYONE! But not everyone is allowed. It is a privilege.
(If you had a son who had to have heart surgery would you call someone who claimed to be a heart surgeon but yet they never went to a hospital? What if they never had studied the books on heart surgery? What if they came in a dirty, tacky swimsuit to the hospital? Would the hospital put a man like that on staff? -- Well, we are in the heart surgery business. We are the doctors who do the transplanting. Our church is the hospital. Our staff will be those who show up for the hospital meetings, study the heart-transplanting book, and our doctors will dress like doctors. You say, yea, but it is not what’s on the outside but what’s on the inside . . . then why do hospital staff wear uniforms? Why do they have dress standards for their nurses? Because it matters!
Grant it . . . every doctor . . . may be good and have their different areas of specialities but even the doctors follow hospitals procedures. They do it because the like the benefits (saved lives? money?) they receive by obeying the rules. In a church, everyone has their gifts and talents but if they don’t follow the procedures they don’t have the privileges of being used like someone who may not be as talented. But, those who obey have tasted the benefits . . .(saved lives? Blessings?) and they gladly obey the rules.
God needs soul-winners to complete his perfect plan . . . but He has procedures you must follow. He has standards. Anyone who refuses to submit to his plan doesn’t have the opportunity to be used of God like the submissive person. And His procedures are not hard. (1 John 5:3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.)
Now, assuming that you do want to be a soul-winner and you are willing to follow the rules, here are few simple guidelines:
How do I Become a Soul-Winner?
1. Decide you want to be a soul-winner! ( I was 18 or 19 when I decided this)
• You’ll receive a crown in Heaven (2:19)
• It is associated with wisdom (Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3)
• It brings joy (2:20)
• You can see the lives of others abound (4:1) (**Neighborhood kids in Choudrant**)
• It is God’s will (5:9)
• People are dying (4:13)
• Hell is real (Jude 23)(**Man in hospital drawn up from going to hell**)
• Christ is coming (3:13)
• It proves that you love others (2:8) (I have a hard time believing you love someone that you could care less if they go to hell)
• Who’s going to carry the faith on after you?(**I won all 4 of my kids to the Lord**)
• It is a testimony to others, it makes them burn
2. Began to pray for a soul!
• Pray for family that you know to be lost
• Pray for strangers that God will allow you to win to the Lord
• Pray that God will send someone your way
3. Expect Hindrances and sufferings (2:2; 2:15; 2:18)
• People will reject - They are not rejecting you but God
• Doors will slam in your face
• People will think you are being nosey
• The more you soul-win the more you become separated, the more you separate yourself the more people will think you are going off the deep end. But it is natural, you can’t stop your self.
• Deny yourself! (2:8) Get rid of excuses!
Rather sleep, Rather do house work, Shy, Don’t have time, Don’t know what to say, My breath stinks
4. Look for Opportunities
( Listen to your heart. God gives us a really strange feeling in our heart when we should witness. But don’t only witness when you get that strange feeling.)
• Pass tracts
• Friends of your kids
• While shopping
• Stop to help people
• Anytime God lays a burden
• On visitation
• At the altar
• Go visiting with other soul-winners
• E-mail
• Over telephone
5. Begin Talking
• Start a conversation or respond when one is started with you (Be Bold - 2:2; 1:8) If you saw someone in a burning building would you sit there and let them burn or would you scream, "Hey lady, this building is on fire, you need to get out!" Well, may I remind you that being "Shy" won’t hold water when you are standing before God Almighty. "Shy" is a sin just like lying, cursing, murder, and adultery." (Proverbs 28:1; Hebrews 13:6) ( REMEMBER PETER)
• Be complimentary. Find something to brag on. Be honest in sincere but try to encourage the person so they won’t turn you off. (2:3; 5:11)
• Be a good listener. It is easy to win someone to the Lord if they just told you about their marriage that’s falling apart.
• Look for an opportunity to inject "Well, let me ask you this, Are you 100 % sure you are going to heaven when you die?" or its equivalent.
• Say "Wouldn’t you like to know?"
• Be gentle (2:7)
6. Present the clear truth of salvation
• Just tell the simple truth. (2:5)
• Don’t argue, stick to the plan. The devil will try to get them onto another subject. Refused to be detoured.
• Use the Roman’s Road: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9-10,13
• Keep it simple and clear
• Use your testimony and illustrations
• Ask them if they are willing to obey the Bible and believe in their heart.
• Be very clear and explain every detail
• Lead them in a prayer
7. Follow Up
• Give assurance (a fireman wouldn’t throw you back in a fire)
Romans 8:35-39, Hebrews 13:5b, John 3:16
• Tell them to make it public
Romans 10:11
• Raise them spiritually as if they were your child (3:10; 4:1)
• Teach them about baptism 1 Peter 3:21
• Bring them to church WITH you
• Pray for them every day.
What is soul-winning?
• A privilege (2:4)
• • Sounding the Word (1:8)
• • • Sharing and giving (2:8)
• • • • Living a Separated life (2:10)
• • • Changing a life (1:9)
• • Saving others (Jude 23; Romans 10:1)
• Giving someone a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26)
Basically, it’s reaching someone for Christ. It is seeing people as lost and going to hell, then showing them the truth. They are then given an opportunity to accept or reject the Lord Jesus Christ. If they accept they are saved and you have won a soul. If they refuse, you haven’t won a soul but you are free from the guilt of allowing a person to burn eternally in hell and you are free from the bloody hands described in Ezekiel 3:18 and Ezekiel 33:8.
Who should be a soul-winner?
EVERYONE! But not everyone is allowed. It is a privilege.
(If you had a son who had to have heart surgery would you call someone who claimed to be a heart surgeon but yet they never went to a hospital? What if they never had studied the books on heart surgery? What if they came in a dirty, tacky swimsuit to the hospital? Would the hospital put a man like that on staff? -- Well, we are in the heart surgery business. We are the doctors who do the transplanting. Our church is the hospital. Our staff will be those who show up for the hospital meetings, study the heart-transplanting book, and our doctors will dress like doctors. You say, yea, but it is not what’s on the outside but what’s on the inside . . . then why do hospital staff wear uniforms? Why do they have dress standards for their nurses? Because it matters!
Grant it . . . every doctor . . . may be good and have their different areas of specialities but even the doctors follow hospitals procedures. They do it because the like the benefits (saved lives? money?) they receive by obeying the rules. In a church, everyone has their gifts and talents but if they don’t follow the procedures they don’t have the privileges of being used like someone who may not be as talented. But, those who obey have tasted the benefits . . .(saved lives? Blessings?) and they gladly obey the rules.
God needs soul-winners to complete his perfect plan . . . but He has procedures you must follow. He has standards. Anyone who refuses to submit to his plan doesn’t have the opportunity to be used of God like the submissive person. And His procedures are not hard. (1 John 5:3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.)
Now, assuming that you do want to be a soul-winner and you are willing to follow the rules, here are few simple guidelines:
How do I Become a Soul-Winner?
1. Decide you want to be a soul-winner! ( I was 18 or 19 when I decided this)
• You’ll receive a crown in Heaven (2:19)
• It is associated with wisdom (Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3)
• It brings joy (2:20)
• You can see the lives of others abound (4:1) (**Neighborhood kids in Choudrant**)
• It is God’s will (5:9)
• People are dying (4:13)
• Hell is real (Jude 23)(**Man in hospital drawn up from going to hell**)
• Christ is coming (3:13)
• It proves that you love others (2:8) (I have a hard time believing you love someone that you could care less if they go to hell)
• Who’s going to carry the faith on after you?(**I won all 4 of my kids to the Lord**)
• It is a testimony to others, it makes them burn
2. Began to pray for a soul!
• Pray for family that you know to be lost
• Pray for strangers that God will allow you to win to the Lord
• Pray that God will send someone your way
3. Expect Hindrances and sufferings (2:2; 2:15; 2:18)
• People will reject - They are not rejecting you but God
• Doors will slam in your face
• People will think you are being nosey
• The more you soul-win the more you become separated, the more you separate yourself the more people will think you are going off the deep end. But it is natural, you can’t stop your self.
• Deny yourself! (2:8) Get rid of excuses!
Rather sleep, Rather do house work, Shy, Don’t have time, Don’t know what to say, My breath stinks
4. Look for Opportunities
( Listen to your heart. God gives us a really strange feeling in our heart when we should witness. But don’t only witness when you get that strange feeling.)
• Pass tracts
• Friends of your kids
• While shopping
• Stop to help people
• Anytime God lays a burden
• On visitation
• At the altar
• Go visiting with other soul-winners
• Over telephone
5. Begin Talking
• Start a conversation or respond when one is started with you (Be Bold - 2:2; 1:8) If you saw someone in a burning building would you sit there and let them burn or would you scream, "Hey lady, this building is on fire, you need to get out!" Well, may I remind you that being "Shy" won’t hold water when you are standing before God Almighty. "Shy" is a sin just like lying, cursing, murder, and adultery." (Proverbs 28:1; Hebrews 13:6) ( REMEMBER PETER)
• Be complimentary. Find something to brag on. Be honest in sincere but try to encourage the person so they won’t turn you off. (2:3; 5:11)
• Be a good listener. It is easy to win someone to the Lord if they just told you about their marriage that’s falling apart.
• Look for an opportunity to inject "Well, let me ask you this, Are you 100 % sure you are going to heaven when you die?" or its equivalent.
• Say "Wouldn’t you like to know?"
• Be gentle (2:7)
6. Present the clear truth of salvation
• Just tell the simple truth. (2:5)
• Don’t argue, stick to the plan. The devil will try to get them onto another subject. Refused to be detoured.
• Use the Roman’s Road: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9-10,13
• Keep it simple and clear
• Use your testimony and illustrations
• Ask them if they are willing to obey the Bible and believe in their heart.
• Be very clear and explain every detail
• Lead them in a prayer
7. Follow Up
• Give assurance (a fireman wouldn’t throw you back in a fire)
Romans 8:35-39, Hebrews 13:5b, John 3:16
• Tell them to make it public
Romans 10:11
• Raise them spiritually as if they were your child (3:10; 4:1)
• Teach them about baptism 1 Peter 3:21
• Bring them to church WITH you
• Pray for them every day.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Biblical Health
I'm no expert or doctor. However, I have always been interested in natural health and remedies. I raised four children without a doctor (except a few stitches now and then). And none of my children ever took an antibiotic while growing up. Let me preface this by saying I am not against doctors. My neighbor and one of our good friends is medical doctor and I often consult him. He is a man of great wisdom and knowledge. However, when I was raising my children I didn't have the money to spend on such things and I was fortunate enough to try home remedies that worked so I didn't have to spend the countless hours in a doctor's office.
Why do people get sick?
1. A test from God to see if we will still serve Him.
Book of Job - Can you praise God in bad health?
1. Prayer and Faith!
Malachi 4:2 - God has healing in his wings!
2. Scripture Reading
Proverbs 3:8, Proverbs 4:22
3. Repenting/Living Right
Bitterness makes you sick. (Proverbs 14:30; Proverbs 13:12)
4. Hard Work
Sweating is very good for the body. It causes it to release toxins.
5. Proper Rest
Exodus 23:12, Exodus 34:21, Mark 6:31
6. Fasting
This is very good for your body. It gives it a rest. During this rest it is rebuilding. I personally have done two 40-day fast. I always feel better and cleaner after a fast.
7. Sunshine / Fresh Air
Go outside and sit. Take a walk. One preacher said (George Mueller) that we need to walk 20 minutes everyday. Breathe deeply as you walk. Make your kids go outside. Everyone knows we need 20 minutes of sunshine daily in order to make vitamin D.
8. Water
Water is cleansing. There 396 mentions of water in the Bible. Drink water. Give up all the cokes that rob us of bone density, cause bone spurs, and destroy our teeth. Besides, water is free which causes less stress which is healthy!
9. Touching
Make it a habit of massaging your spouse and kids. When I was raising children we had family devotion every night and after devotion we'd pray. I would rub my children's backs while they prayed. The tables will turn and when you need to be touched you will reap what you sowed. Touching keeps you healthy.
10. Laughter (Good attitude)
Proverbs 16:24, Proverbs 17:22
11. Proper Diet
A well balanced diet is very important. We need vitamins and minerals for our bodies to properly function. Certain vitamins are wonderful for sickness . . . such as vitamin C is great for colds and the flu. God intended for us to eat right and eat heartily. However, leave the dainties alone (Psalms 141:4; Proverbs 23:3). One reason our kids are so sick is because they don't eat right. You ought to train your kids to eat all foods (1 Corinthians 10:27; Luke 10:8) Eating at regular times helps your digestive system. It is a creature of habit.
Mint (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; Deuteronomy 14:22) Gargle for sore throats, eat or drink the tea to help expel gas. Helps headaches. The really sweet candies do not have true peppermint in them. Helps to break fevers if given in a strong tea. Add a bit of honey to sweeten (except in infants).
Olives - (48 times mentioned) The oil is used in Childbirth, dry hair conditioner, and earache.
What if I have to go to the doctor?
I chose going to the doctor should be a last resort. I tried home remedies first and they worked 90% of the time. If, after much prayer, you decide that you must go to the doctor then here are some guidelines:
1. Try to find a doctor who is a believer in Jesus Christ! (Job 13:4) Do this even if you have to drive our of town.
6. Think long and hard over allowing someone to cut your body.
Leviticus 21:5
How can one stay healthy? How can you keep your kids and husband healthy? The Bible has some guidelines that I will point out here. Having good health is important because you can reach the lost in a much more aggressive way. You can go and do for others. If you have bad health you have others doing for you. Health helps you to better enjoy your fellowship with God. However, bad health is not an excuse not to serve God!
Why do people get sick?
Why do people get sick? We know health is God's will but it may not be complete in this life. Everyone of us will be sick at some time in this life. Even apart from our final encounter with injury or disease, there will be occasions when we suffer from injury or disease and recover. In the New Testament, Jesus didn't heal all he could have healed (John 5:3-5). Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) and Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23) and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-27) and Trophimus (2 Timothy 4:20) all had some sort of sickness. Perfect health will only be obtained after this life. So what are some possible reasons people get sick?
1. A test from God to see if we will still serve Him.
Book of Job - Can you praise God in bad health?
2. A trial from Satan to keep us from serving God.
Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7) Satan wants to stop you from reaching souls (Isaiah 37:3).
Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7) Satan wants to stop you from reaching souls (Isaiah 37:3).
3. In order us to learn to care for the sick.
It may be used to teach both the patient and his attendants needed lessons in patience and grace. (2 Corinthians 1:4) Not all sick are saved and we need to know how to comfort those people.
It may be used to teach both the patient and his attendants needed lessons in patience and grace. (2 Corinthians 1:4) Not all sick are saved and we need to know how to comfort those people.
4. Natural old age.
Our bodies are feeble and the wear and tear on them is great. Genesis 48:1 (Jacob)
Our bodies are feeble and the wear and tear on them is great. Genesis 48:1 (Jacob)
5. Sowing and Reaping.
Just as the house of God, the temple, needs repair so does God's temple, the body!
1 Corinthians 11:29‑30 - Not taking the Lord's supper properly
Just as the house of God, the temple, needs repair so does God's temple, the body!
1 Corinthians 11:29‑30 - Not taking the Lord's supper properly
6. Disobedience to God's Word.
Deuteronomy 28:62‑68, Jeremiah 30:12‑13, 2 Chronicles 21:14‑15,18
Deuteronomy 28:62‑68, Jeremiah 30:12‑13, 2 Chronicles 21:14‑15,18
7. And the opportunity for God to get some glory.
Often after people heal from a sickness they will say "praise God", "thank God" and many other gratitudes about how God healed them. It also brings churches and families and individuals to their knees. Nothing will bring a person to prayer like hearing the words, "You have cancer." Believe me, I know. I have had cancer.
Often after people heal from a sickness they will say "praise God", "thank God" and many other gratitudes about how God healed them. It also brings churches and families and individuals to their knees. Nothing will bring a person to prayer like hearing the words, "You have cancer." Believe me, I know. I have had cancer.
How to heal and get well from sickness:
How to heal and get well from sickness:The best way to keep from getting sick and preventive! If you will do the following you will prevent most sickness!
1. Prayer and Faith!
Malachi 4:2 - God has healing in his wings!
Matthew 4:23 - Jesus could heal then and he can now!
Jeremiah 30:17, Jeremiah 33:6
Psalms 103:3 - Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
2. Scripture Reading
Proverbs 3:8, Proverbs 4:22
3. Repenting/Living Right
Bitterness makes you sick. (Proverbs 14:30; Proverbs 13:12)
Exodus 15:26 (Live right and God will bless you with health.
Deuteronomy 7:15
4. Hard Work
Sweating is very good for the body. It causes it to release toxins.
Hebrews 4:11, Proverbs 18:9, Proverbs 10:16
5. Proper Rest
Exodus 23:12, Exodus 34:21, Mark 6:31
6. Fasting
This is very good for your body. It gives it a rest. During this rest it is rebuilding. I personally have done two 40-day fast. I always feel better and cleaner after a fast.
Exodus 24:18 -long fast
Judges 20:26 - short fast
2 Samuel 12:16, Ezra 8:23, Nehemiah 1:4, Matthew 4:2, Matthew 17:21
7. Sunshine / Fresh Air
Go outside and sit. Take a walk. One preacher said (George Mueller) that we need to walk 20 minutes everyday. Breathe deeply as you walk. Make your kids go outside. Everyone knows we need 20 minutes of sunshine daily in order to make vitamin D.
8. Water
Water is cleansing. There 396 mentions of water in the Bible. Drink water. Give up all the cokes that rob us of bone density, cause bone spurs, and destroy our teeth. Besides, water is free which causes less stress which is healthy!
9. Touching
Make it a habit of massaging your spouse and kids. When I was raising children we had family devotion every night and after devotion we'd pray. I would rub my children's backs while they prayed. The tables will turn and when you need to be touched you will reap what you sowed. Touching keeps you healthy.
Matthew 9:20, Matthew 14:35‑36
10. Laughter (Good attitude)
Proverbs 16:24, Proverbs 17:22
Don't talk sickness. Some people actually will bring bad health on their children by talking about it all the time. Make your kids think that it is wonderful to be healthy. Don't baby them to death every time they get a cold. Brag on their health. If they know they will get your attention by having a runny nose, you can believe their nose is going to run.
11. Proper Diet
A well balanced diet is very important. We need vitamins and minerals for our bodies to properly function. Certain vitamins are wonderful for sickness . . . such as vitamin C is great for colds and the flu. God intended for us to eat right and eat heartily. However, leave the dainties alone (Psalms 141:4; Proverbs 23:3). One reason our kids are so sick is because they don't eat right. You ought to train your kids to eat all foods (1 Corinthians 10:27; Luke 10:8) Eating at regular times helps your digestive system. It is a creature of habit.
Foods aren't just mentioned in the Bible to take up space. A careful study of scriptural foods will help to keep you healthy. Here is a list of some scriptural foods and what I've found, after much study, that they can do to keep you healthy. Most of the foods below can be found in a grocery store or a health food store. One other thought . . . realize that your doctor and family will think this is stupid, but before deciding for your self, try it. Remember, home remedies heal slowly but with out side effects. America is too impatient. Any food that is not listed in the Bible is noted with an *.
Aloe a.k.a.: Burn Plant (Numbers 24:6; Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Songs 4:14) Every family needs an aloe vera plant in their home. Used on burns, scrapes, rashes, and sunburn)
Almonds - (Genesis 43:11 & 5 other times it's mentioned) - Good for morning sickness. Can help headaches.
Anise (Matthew 23:23) The whole plant can be eaten, like a salad. It is the seeds that have medicinal properties. Helps indigestion, increases mother's milk, and is frequently adds to cough syrups.
Apple (Song of Songs 2:3; Song of Songs 2:5; Song of Songs 8:5; Joel 1:12) Apples get rid of my headaches. They have a calming effect. Nausea. Good for your teeth. Slightly laxative. They have a cleansing effect on your digestive organs and have traditionally been believed to dissolve kidney or gallstones because of the acidity.
* Banana - Diarrhea, Rich in minerals that help to reproduce what you lose with diarrhea. Good for the circulation. The banana is a staple food of many tropical peoples. The ripe fruit contains many of the necessary elements that are essential for a balanced
*Arnica - good for bruising, soreness, and aches. diet. Although it is 75 percent water, the banana also contains fat, natural sugars, protein, potassium, and vitamins A, B complex, and C. A ripe banana is easily digested and it imparts quick energy.
*Basil - helps expel gas in infants.
Bay - (Psalms 37:35) Leaves are used for digestion (gas) and headaches. You can make a tea from the leaves or include the leaves in soups, etc.
Beans - (2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9) A deficiency of iron is one of the causes of anemia. Iron is absorbed by the intestines from foods such as meat (especially liver and fish), green vegetables, peas, and beans. About 60 percent of this iron is used in the hemoglobin, and about 25 percent is stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow for use as needed.
Bread - (Mentioned 361 times) High in roughage which keeps you regular. (Not white bread (Ezekiel 4:9)!
Butter - (Mentioned 11 times ) Butter is a rich source of vitamin A. Vitamins D and E and the minerals calcium and phosphorus are also present.
* Buttermilk - Used as a douche will cure yeast infection.
*Cabbage - Can cause gas. High in V-C and sulfur. Sulfur is very good for cleansing the liver. It has also been used to expel worms, soothe rheumatism. It can heal burns, wounds, and insect bites.
*Cayenne - Opens the capillaries and soothes the stomach and mucous membranes. Great for internal organs and used to treat constipation. Good for people who tire easily.
* Celery - Good to lower blood pressure, gout, nerves.
* Chamomile - Calms
Cinnamon - (Exodus 30:23; Proverbs 7:17; Revelation 18:13) The fruit and coarser pieces of bark when boiled yield a fragrant oil. It was one of the principal ingredients in the holy anointing oil). It is good for stomach aches; nursing mothers, diarrhea, and it is slightly antiseptic.
* Clove - the oil is used for tooth aches. With a Q-tip, place the oil directly on the painful tooth.
Coriander (Ex. 16:31; Num. 11:7) Also called cilantro. The seed to which the manna is likened in its form and color. It is widely cultivated in Eastern countries and in the south of Europe for the sake of its seeds, which are in the form of a little ball of the size of a peppercorn. They are used medicinally and as a spice. They are for arthritis.
Corn - (Mentioned over 102 times) The silk is used for bed-wetting and incontinence. A tea is made from the silk. Salted cornmeal is a traditional poultice for treating inflammation.
* Cranberries - Fresh is best! Urinary tract infection.
Cucumbers (Numbers 11:5)
* Eucalyptus - antiseptic. Cleans wounds (weaken with boiling water and then let cool). Boil the leaves and inhale the steam for congestion.
* Fennel - Used as a tea or in soups, etc. Good for flatulence, stomach problems, morning sickness, colic in infants, expel worms, soothes intestines.
Fig - (Mentioned 55 times) Was used medicinally in the Bible (2 Kings 20:7).
* Fingernail polish - Coat a toothache with it and it will ease the pain. It can also be used on ringworms.
Garlic (Numbers 11:5) (My house always smelled like garlic during cold seasons.) Antibiotic. Placed on a wound it will quickly absorb into the blood stream and begin healing. Colds & flu. Sore throats. Eating raw garlic will prevent yeast infections. Placed on abscessed tooth. A cotton ball soaked in garlic oil in the ear stops ear infection. If you like the healing properties but not the smell, soak in a bath for about 20 minutes after eating and brush your teeth. :-) Add lots of garlic to homemade or canned chicken soup.
* Ginger - Can strengthen lungs and kidneys. It is a stimulate. Helps motion sickness. For stomach problems . . . diarrhea. For hear burn. For morning sickness.
Grape Juice & grapes & raisins - Much mentioned - for Cholesterol control. Grapes contain minerals such as calcium and phosphorus and are a source of vitamin A.
Honey - (Occurs 56 times in the Bible) Good for Sore throats. Constipation. Colds. Lemon and honey for colds and cough. It builds the immune system to prepare it for coming colds. Honey and water wash for pink eye (Bro. Rolloff)
Melons - (Numbers 11:5) Diuretic
Milk - (Listed 48 times ) Milk is rich in calcium, which is required for strong teeth and bones. It contains phosphorus, necessary for the proper growth and hardness of bones. Riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and thiamin, zinc, and vitamin A are present in cows' milk. Another important contribution to nutrition is found in the amino acids provided by milk. These come from the milk's proteins and are used to build the body's own proteins. The milk proteins are broken down into amino acids in the stomach. These acids are absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body. When cells require new protein, these amino acids are available for reassembly. Amino acids include isoleucine, leucine, lysine, threonine, and valine.
Mint (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; Deuteronomy 14:22) Gargle for sore throats, eat or drink the tea to help expel gas. Helps headaches. The really sweet candies do not have true peppermint in them. Helps to break fevers if given in a strong tea. Add a bit of honey to sweeten (except in infants).
Olives - (48 times mentioned) The oil is used in Childbirth, dry hair conditioner, and earache.
Onions - (Numbers 11:5) Used to treat blood clots in legs of horses. Cleanse the intestines. They stimulate sweating. They have been used to expel worms. In China they are used to relieve high blood pressure. Good to eat during a cold.
Oranges - Vitamin C! The demand for citrus fruits increased greatly after the 1890s when physicians found that people suffering from scurvy, a vitamin deficiency disease, could be cured by drinking the juice of oranges or other citrus fruits. Later, scientists discovered that the juice is beneficial because it is rich in vitamin C. It also contains some vitamin A, vitamin B1, and some of the minerals that the body needs. Colds, flu, sore throat, fever. Peaches are also high in Vitamin C.
* Raspberries - Taken to help prevent miscarriage. Gets the uterus back in shape after a baby. Relaxes muscle spasms.
Rose - (Isaiah 35:1; Song of Songs 2:1) Used as an oil externally. Calms.
Salt - (Natural sea salt) Used to season food (Job 6:6), and mixed with the fodder of cattle (Isa. 30:24). All meat-offerings were seasoned with salt (Lev. 2:13). To eat salt with one is to partake of his hospitality, to derive subsistence from him; and hence he who did so was bound to look after his host's interests (Ezra 4:14) A "covenant of salt" (Num. 18:19; 2 Chr. 13:5) was a covenant of perpetual obligation. New-born children were rubbed with salt (Ezek. 16:4). Disciples are likened unto salt, with reference to its cleansing and preserving uses (Matt. 5:13). Foot Soaks for athletes foot. Breathe up a stopped up nose. Use to slough off dead skin. Use as a gargle for sore throats.
What not to drink or eat . . . animal fat, fried foods, processed foods (eat fresh!), candy, caffeine, or alcohol.
Fever - Fever is the bodies normal response to infection in the body. It is a symptom not a cause.
Here is a quote from a medical book, written in 1998: Many doctors prefer to let a baby's natural defenses fight off mild infections, and reserve treatment such as antibiotics for more serious illnesses. Parents often mistakenly believe that high fever causes brain damage and that fevers left untreated only go higher. As a result of these misconceptions, parents often treat low-grade fevers unnecessarily.
For a fever under 104 degrees, it is best to let it run its course. If it gets over 104 degrees then begin cooling the body slowly and gently.
Never panic at signs of ill health. You and thousands of others before you have been sick and have been fine.
Some other things I have done to aid healing:
-Music (remember the story of David and Saul).
-Low Stress Life (raise good kids that don't stress you and DON'T MAKE ANYMORE BILLS!)
-Cleanliness
-Eat Right and elliminate bad foods
-Stay close to God!
-Music (remember the story of David and Saul).
-Low Stress Life (raise good kids that don't stress you and DON'T MAKE ANYMORE BILLS!)
-Cleanliness
-Eat Right and elliminate bad foods
-Stay close to God!
What if I have to go to the doctor?
I chose going to the doctor should be a last resort. I tried home remedies first and they worked 90% of the time. If, after much prayer, you decide that you must go to the doctor then here are some guidelines:
Go to God first.....not last.....and not only briefly.
Asa in the Bible made seeking God the last resort (2 Chronicles 16:12; 1 Kings 15:23).
The woman with the issue of blood sought Christ as a last resort (Mark 5:26; Luke 8:43).
Asa in the Bible made seeking God the last resort (2 Chronicles 16:12; 1 Kings 15:23).
The woman with the issue of blood sought Christ as a last resort (Mark 5:26; Luke 8:43).
1. Try to find a doctor who is a believer in Jesus Christ! (Job 13:4) Do this even if you have to drive our of town.
2. A chiropractor should be considered because he doesn't use drugs or surgery to heal the body. Nor does he look at your private parts.
3. Ask for alternatives to medicines and surgeries.
4. Remember modesty and ask your doctor to respect that. Why do we just undress in front of a man because he has the title: Doctor? If showing our nudity is wrong in front of other men then it is wrong in front of a doctor!? Is it right to do wrong to do right? Also, consider a lady doctor if your private areas have to be checked. Another thought to that . . . are you going to let a male doctor see you baby girl naked? When should we begin applying the following Biblical principles?
Genesis 9:22‑25, Exodus 32:25, Exodus 28:42, Isaiah 20:4, Leviticus 18:6‑19, John 21:7, Leviticus 20:17‑21, Revelation 16:15, Isaiah 47:1‑3, Genesis 3:21, Lamentations 1:8, Proverbs 31:21, Hosea 2:9, Mark 5:1‑15, Habakkuk 2:15, Luke 8:26‑35, Revelation 3:18
5. Remember that it is good for a man not to touch a woman . . . therefore make choosing to go to the doctor at the bottom of the list.
Genesis 9:22‑25, Exodus 32:25, Exodus 28:42, Isaiah 20:4, Leviticus 18:6‑19, John 21:7, Leviticus 20:17‑21, Revelation 16:15, Isaiah 47:1‑3, Genesis 3:21, Lamentations 1:8, Proverbs 31:21, Hosea 2:9, Mark 5:1‑15, Habakkuk 2:15, Luke 8:26‑35, Revelation 3:18
5. Remember that it is good for a man not to touch a woman . . . therefore make choosing to go to the doctor at the bottom of the list.
Numbers 4:15 (Unholy shouldn't touch a holy thing.) Our bodies are the temple of the holy ghost.
1 Chronicles 16:22 (God warned the people not to touch his anointed.) We, as children of God, are anointed. 2 Corinthians 1:21 & Hebrews 1:9
1 Corinthians 7:1 (The famous verse we use often with our teens.)
6. Think long and hard over allowing someone to cut your body.
Leviticus 21:5
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Simple Pleasures
Excuse me, but this is both a recollection of pleasures I have experienced (a sampling) and is not meant to brag but rather for my own personal memories and for my children who were with me during most of these activites.
I've been to 7 countries and 49 states. I've travelled from coast to coast. I've been to every major city including Orlando, New York, Albany, San Francisco, Austin, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Hot Springs, Atlanta, Pensecola, Sante Fe, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Jacksonville, Greenville, Chattoonooga, Colorado Springs, San Diego, St. Paul, Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, Boston, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Ocean City, Atlantic City, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Dallas, Charlotte, Baltimore, Memphis, San Antonio, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Hershey, Houston, San Jose, and Little Rock. But....there is no place I'd rather be than Moultrie, Georgia. It is there that I know the people, I can drive without a tourbus or taxi. It is there that I am home.
Houses I've toured, explored or seen include Casa Verde, Winchester House, Hearst Castle, scores of antebellum homes in the South, ghost towns and restored villages such as the Agrirama and Colonial Williamsburg.
I've lived in town and I've lived in the country. I've been poor and I've had more than plenty. I've lived in fallen down trailers and in a big, nice 5 bedroom house. I now live in an RV and I love it the most. Seventeen times in 30 years have my husband and I moved and the place I am at now is the best!
.
Mountains I've enjoyed close up include McKinley, Stone, Mt. Rushmore, Ozarks, Petit Jean, Matterhorn Peak, Pikes Peak, El Capitan, Rockies, Brasstown Bald, Glacier National Park, Blue Ridge, Great Smokies, and Guadalupe.
Famous Sites I've toured are Hollywood, Death Valley, Sunset Strip, Big Bend National Park, Statue of Liberty, Broadway, The Alamo, World Trade Center (before and after 9/11), Times Square, Ellis Island, Carlsbad Caverns, Staten Island Ferry, Manhatten, United Nations, Hoover Dam, Six Flags, U.S. Mint, Superdome, Eiffel Tower, Streetcars, Riverboats, Yellowstone National Park, Several Zoos, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Space Needle, Corn Castle, St. Augustine, Coronado Island, Lincoln Memorial, The White House, Washington Memorial, Vietnam War, Memorial, Smithsonian Institute, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, Chinatown, Cablecars, AstroWorld, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, ROCKY Statue, Congress Hall and Crystal Caves.
Activities I have tried at least once, and many of them repeatedly, are spelunking, canoeing, white water rafting, swimming, tubing, and cliff jumping. I've been snow-skiing and water skiing. I've been mountain climbing, and rock climbing.
Modes of transportation. I love to tour. I've traveled in so many ways. I crossed Ukraine on a train. I've flown across the ocean in a jet. I've flown to neighboring towns in a little plane. I've toured the Duch, the Red Bus, and taxied all over our big cities. I've RV'd across America. I've taken boat taxis, tour boats and even cruise ships. My husband and I have enjoyed motorcycle excursions. But my favorite way to travel is piled in a car with hubby and grandkids!
I said all this to say that I'd have given it all up for the one great pleasure I have.....my marriage. I've only married once, and that was at 17 years old....30 years ago. So all my activities have been shared with a partner. I've had some pitfalls along the way. I've had cancer. We've done most all of our activities with very little money.
Basically, I've done it all (all I want to do) and my favorite memories don't include any of these. It includes the births of my 11 grandkids. The time I spend with them each Saturday....in my own backyard!
I've been to 7 countries and 49 states. I've travelled from coast to coast. I've been to every major city including Orlando, New York, Albany, San Francisco, Austin, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Hot Springs, Atlanta, Pensecola, Sante Fe, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Jacksonville, Greenville, Chattoonooga, Colorado Springs, San Diego, St. Paul, Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, Boston, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Ocean City, Atlantic City, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Dallas, Charlotte, Baltimore, Memphis, San Antonio, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Hershey, Houston, San Jose, and Little Rock. But....there is no place I'd rather be than Moultrie, Georgia. It is there that I know the people, I can drive without a tourbus or taxi. It is there that I am home.
Houses I've toured, explored or seen include Casa Verde, Winchester House, Hearst Castle, scores of antebellum homes in the South, ghost towns and restored villages such as the Agrirama and Colonial Williamsburg.
I've lived in town and I've lived in the country. I've been poor and I've had more than plenty. I've lived in fallen down trailers and in a big, nice 5 bedroom house. I now live in an RV and I love it the most. Seventeen times in 30 years have my husband and I moved and the place I am at now is the best!
.
Mountains I've enjoyed close up include McKinley, Stone, Mt. Rushmore, Ozarks, Petit Jean, Matterhorn Peak, Pikes Peak, El Capitan, Rockies, Brasstown Bald, Glacier National Park, Blue Ridge, Great Smokies, and Guadalupe.
Famous Sites I've toured are Hollywood, Death Valley, Sunset Strip, Big Bend National Park, Statue of Liberty, Broadway, The Alamo, World Trade Center (before and after 9/11), Times Square, Ellis Island, Carlsbad Caverns, Staten Island Ferry, Manhatten, United Nations, Hoover Dam, Six Flags, U.S. Mint, Superdome, Eiffel Tower, Streetcars, Riverboats, Yellowstone National Park, Several Zoos, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Space Needle, Corn Castle, St. Augustine, Coronado Island, Lincoln Memorial, The White House, Washington Memorial, Vietnam War, Memorial, Smithsonian Institute, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, Chinatown, Cablecars, AstroWorld, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, ROCKY Statue, Congress Hall and Crystal Caves.
Activities I have tried at least once, and many of them repeatedly, are spelunking, canoeing, white water rafting, swimming, tubing, and cliff jumping. I've been snow-skiing and water skiing. I've been mountain climbing, and rock climbing.
Modes of transportation. I love to tour. I've traveled in so many ways. I crossed Ukraine on a train. I've flown across the ocean in a jet. I've flown to neighboring towns in a little plane. I've toured the Duch, the Red Bus, and taxied all over our big cities. I've RV'd across America. I've taken boat taxis, tour boats and even cruise ships. My husband and I have enjoyed motorcycle excursions. But my favorite way to travel is piled in a car with hubby and grandkids!
I said all this to say that I'd have given it all up for the one great pleasure I have.....my marriage. I've only married once, and that was at 17 years old....30 years ago. So all my activities have been shared with a partner. I've had some pitfalls along the way. I've had cancer. We've done most all of our activities with very little money.
Basically, I've done it all (all I want to do) and my favorite memories don't include any of these. It includes the births of my 11 grandkids. The time I spend with them each Saturday....in my own backyard!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Financial Testings
We've owned rental property for 17 years. For 17 years our renters have pretty much paid on time. Now, I'm not saying that we've not had 1 or 2 a year who have left owing us a couple of thousand dollars but what I am saying is that if they got a couple of months behind, and was making no attempt to pay, we could evict them and they'd at least leave.
Ever since we decided to move to Ecuador some have decided they don't have to pay anymore. When we evict them they contest it and get 10 more days. Never, in the history of our rentals, have we had someone contest an eviction notice....until now. Is this something new that people have just learned how to do?
My husband has two pieces of rentals that he totally allows families to live for free. He gives people chance after chance. He falls for every hard luck story. He loves and tries to work with his renters. He gives in with the down payments. Yet, people continuously do not pay him. If he takes an eviction notice then he is considered mean and heartless but the people who are stealing from us are not anything but poor victims (even though they have done this repeatedly to others).
It is hard owning property. It is hard because you really do love people and want to help them. It is hard being thought of as "non-Christian" because you need your money. I think people forget that we are using the properties to pay our bills (doctor bills, grocery bill, electric bill, car note).
What is sad is the ones who are cheating us of our living are driving nicer cars than us, eating out more than us, are on governmental assisstance, and all have jobs. Yet the courts always side with them. We are the big, bad landowners!
I guess, I'd rather say, "I have been robbed but I have not robbed." I would rather be the one stolen from than the one stealing! To my knowledge, in our 30 years of marriage, we have NEVER left owing anyone anything. And we have deeply struggles (and are still struggling) financially during these years.
(Rom 13:8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
(Exo 20:15) Thou shalt not steal.
(Psa 37:21a) The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again:
Ever since we decided to move to Ecuador some have decided they don't have to pay anymore. When we evict them they contest it and get 10 more days. Never, in the history of our rentals, have we had someone contest an eviction notice....until now. Is this something new that people have just learned how to do? My husband has two pieces of rentals that he totally allows families to live for free. He gives people chance after chance. He falls for every hard luck story. He loves and tries to work with his renters. He gives in with the down payments. Yet, people continuously do not pay him. If he takes an eviction notice then he is considered mean and heartless but the people who are stealing from us are not anything but poor victims (even though they have done this repeatedly to others).
It is hard owning property. It is hard because you really do love people and want to help them. It is hard being thought of as "non-Christian" because you need your money. I think people forget that we are using the properties to pay our bills (doctor bills, grocery bill, electric bill, car note).
What is sad is the ones who are cheating us of our living are driving nicer cars than us, eating out more than us, are on governmental assisstance, and all have jobs. Yet the courts always side with them. We are the big, bad landowners!
I guess, I'd rather say, "I have been robbed but I have not robbed." I would rather be the one stolen from than the one stealing! To my knowledge, in our 30 years of marriage, we have NEVER left owing anyone anything. And we have deeply struggles (and are still struggling) financially during these years.
(Rom 13:8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
(Exo 20:15) Thou shalt not steal.
(Psa 37:21a) The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again:
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
First Ecuador Post
Sunday was our last day at Grace Independent Baptist Church. We have a trip planned to visit Ecuador during the month of September. We are very excited but very nervous. Our grandaughter, Desiree, will be making this trip with us.
I was very emotional Sunday. It wasn't as easy as I had hoped. I wept every second of the day. I loved the 17 years we spent here in Moultrie. It has nothing but wonderful memories in my mind. However, I am super excited to start phase 4 of our life. Phase 1 - childhood Phase 2 - Dope and drinking years Phase 3 - Pastoring years and Phase 4 - Missionaries.
I think often of how blessed I am. I have been to 49 states. I've been to every major city and every major tourist attraction. I've been poor and I've had plenty. I've loved and been loved. I have had a wonderful marriage. And I have 4 kids that are all good, decent people....but more than that....they all love the Lord and are in church faithfully.
What wonders await us in Ecuador? I have studied Spanish until my brain is tired. I've prayed, planned, and now I am about to go. God has been good to me!
I was very emotional Sunday. It wasn't as easy as I had hoped. I wept every second of the day. I loved the 17 years we spent here in Moultrie. It has nothing but wonderful memories in my mind. However, I am super excited to start phase 4 of our life. Phase 1 - childhood Phase 2 - Dope and drinking years Phase 3 - Pastoring years and Phase 4 - Missionaries.
I think often of how blessed I am. I have been to 49 states. I've been to every major city and every major tourist attraction. I've been poor and I've had plenty. I've loved and been loved. I have had a wonderful marriage. And I have 4 kids that are all good, decent people....but more than that....they all love the Lord and are in church faithfully.
What wonders await us in Ecuador? I have studied Spanish until my brain is tired. I've prayed, planned, and now I am about to go. God has been good to me!
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