Before the Throne of God

In the early morning in the time between asleep and awake I talk to God and He talks to me.   Last week I was thinking about 1 John 1:8,9,10  that says that if we say we have no sin we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us and if we say we have not sinned we call God a liar.  In vs 9 we see if we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  In chapter 2:1,2  we see that Jesus is our advocate with the Father.  Jesus is the propitiation for our sins and not ours only but for the sins of the whole world. 

Well, that was going on in my heart when I saw a room with someone on a throne.  I knew it was God the Father and beside Him was Jesus.  As I was looking at this scene I saw Satan come in and he started to talk to God the Father.  I just knew it was him and I could hear him say, “Do you know what she did?  Did you hear her say that?”  I knew Satan was talking about me.  I began to fear.  But as Satan stood there I saw Jesus lean into the Father and say, “I’ve got this one, Father.  She is one of ours.  How about if I talk to the Spirit and He can go to her and talk to her and help her sort this all out?” 

I waited for what seemed to be an eternity until the Father said,  “That sounds like a good plan.  Go ahead with what you suggested.” 

Then I saw them look at Satan and I heard Jesus say,  “You go back to where you came from.  You have no place here.”    I saw Satan sulking away. 

Then God the Father and God the Son looked at me.  I heard Jesus say to me,  “It’s ok, little sister.  You are going to be alright.  Do not worry about him.  I am here. I’ve got your back.”  

It was not long till I was fully awake.   Thank you Jesus for loving me.  

A Christmas Story

The new born baby  lay quietly in her arms.  Joseph freshened the bed of straw and changed the mat they rested on.  It has been a long journey since that day last spring. 

Last spring, Mary remembers.  That was when the angel of the Lord came to visit me.  Since then my life has been so full.  Gabriel surprised me that day.  I had never seen an angel before and there he was.  All shiny and bright.  Yes, I was afraid.  Until He said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary.   You have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever.  His kingdom will never end.”

“But how can this happen?  I am a virgin.”  I remember asking Gabriel.

“He will be called the Son of God.  Nothing is impossible with God.  The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will over shadow you.  He shall plant the seed in your womb.”

“Let it be as you have said,” I told him.  I didn’t know what was in store for me from then on.

Since that day my parents did not believe me, Joseph almost divorced me, I have been talked about and have been shunned.   The towns people think I am immoral and when I tried to tell my friend this is the Son of God in my womb, she called me crazy.  I couldn’t tell anyone.  Sometimes I just wanted to run away forever and hide. 

Well, I did run away for a little while.  I went to Elizabeth and Zacharias’.  Gabriel told me that Elizabeth was having a baby too.  She is much too old to have a baby  she must be in her 60’s.  65 years old, I think.  And Zacharias???? He is too old, too. 

That was a long walk by myself.  I walked a little with some nice people but most of the time I walked alone.  Just thinking.   Except for the time the ‘Doctor’ walked with me.  I don’t know why I told him I was pregnant but I did.  He said he wanted to help me.  He said it would be too hard for a single mother to raise a child alone in this day and age.  He said if I would crush these herbs and take them with water all my troubles would be over.     Abortion?????  Is that what he was telling me????   I am so glad I did not listen to him.  He is so wicked.

When I finally got to Elizabeth’s house she spoke very loudly and said I am blessed among women and blessed is the baby I was carrying.  She called me the ‘mother of her Lord’.  Her baby, John, jumped for joy in her womb when he heard me at the door.  We had such a fun time while I was there for 3 months.  Elizabeth and I talked and talked as we got her baby’s bed and clothes ready. 

It is so wonderful and such an awesome responsibility to be entrusted with this child.  I am weak and sinful.  “You see that, God?  Who am I to be carrying the ‘Savior of the World’?  I need a savior.”

Well, I had to go home sometime.  I was beginning to show when I got back to Nazareth.  My face was rosy and I could not quit smiling.  It didn’t take long for Mom and Dad to figure it out.  They were angry with Joseph. Nothing I could say would change their minds.  Dad wouldn’t let him in the house and he didn’t know what was going on.  Finally, I was able to meet him in town and told him why dad wouldn’t let him come over.  I saw the hurt in his eyes.  He had so many questions.  He knew he wasn’t the father.  Who is the father?  His heart was broken.  How could I have done this to him?  Is this what I did while I was away for so long? 

“No, Joseph.”

He is a good man and he wanted to keep me out of the public so he started to write the divorce papers.  He didn’t want to say adultery because they would stone me.  He went to sleep one night when Gabriel appeared to him, too.  Gabriel told him the truth.  He said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home with you.  The baby she is carrying is from the Holy Spirit.”  Then Gabriel reminded him of the prophecy, “that a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which means God with us.” 

Since that day Joseph has protected me and has done everything imaginable to make this time as wonderful as possible. He made the most beautiful little baby bed and we have clothes ready for Him and Joseph made a special rocking chair for us.  Everything is ready.  At home.  In Nazareth. 

We had no idea that Caesar Augustus would make us come to Bethlehem… now… to register for the census?  We carried only the bare necessities for the baby and me.  We have some swaddling clothes but no bed for any of us.  My baby is to sleep in a manger?  Where the animals eat?  How can this be?  The animals watch everything. They seem to know this baby is special. 

Joseph is making everything as nice as can be.  The straw smells so sweet and is soft to lie on….  It is finally quiet here.  The town people have begun to go to bed.  I’m glad.  We are all so tired. 

“Jesus, Immanuel. God with us,” Mary muses.  “In my arms.”

Mary whispers to the baby as she gently rocks him. “Look, Joseph, he is so perfect.  Ten tiny toes and ten tiny fingers.  He is perfect. His tiny lips look like rose buds.  His dark eyes seem to see us.”  Tears fall on the tiny hand that she kisses.  “How can we rear the Son of God?  How can we do all of this, Joseph?”

Suddenly there is a commotion outside the door of the stable.  “Joseph, see what is going on.”  Joseph returned to say, “There are shepherds here to see the Christ child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  They say the angels told them as they were watching their sheep in the fields tonight.”

“Let them in, Joseph.  They have heard and believed.”  

Let's Start a New Christmas Tradition.....

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition -- borrowed from a good friend's email

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.  These are really good ideas for Christmas gifts.

This year cam be different. This year Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?  Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course or tickets to a sporting event.

There are a zillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about
big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day or a manicure and pedicure.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community.  If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. Or donate those dollars to your favorite local charity or church.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigs list in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Biblical Love....

1 Corinthians 13:1-8 

                

In this passage, Paul talks about love and its preeminence over speech, knowledge, generosity, and self-sacrifice.  If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 

The apostle then describes the nature of Biblical love.  Vs 4-7

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

However, we often struggle as we try to practice this model of unselfish affection.  One reason is the Godly expression of caring doesn’t come naturally to us.  Pure Christian love puts the other person’s interests ahead of our own interests, even when our human inclinations clamor to be first. 

Another challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behavior.  We remember the wrong long after it occurred.  That is not what Jesus did.  He loved us while we were yet sinners and forgave us for everything even before we knew Him.  Romans 5:8

⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

And in Luke 23:34   ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

Furthermore , it is easier to point out someone else’s unkindness to us than to see where we have fallen short.  

We are called to be loving towards God as well as those around us.  Mark 12:30-31  We have received the Holy Spirit, who will help us learn how to care deeply for others. 

 ³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these

Experiencing God’s affection and demonstrating it to others are to be two of our greatest joys.  Take time to memorize the attributes of Biblical love.  Look for ways to practice them in your everyday relationships.  In times of stress let the power of love transform your life.           1 Corinthians 13:8

 Love never fails.

What Do You Trust In?

 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.  Psalm 20:7  NIV

Some trust in houses and some in cars, BUT WE TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD.

 

Some trust in a pretty face and some in finances, BUT WE TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD.

Some trust in education and some in health, BUT WE TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD. 

What do you trust in?  Do you trust in houses or fame?  Maybe you trust in health or your health insurance?  Or do you trust in your education or your employment? 

There is nothing that is FOR SURE except the NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD. 

Ok, now say it loudly….  Kind of sing song it. 

Some trust in chariots…

Some in horses….

(now shout it loudly)  BUT WE TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD!!!!!!   PSALM 20:7

So you are in a group.  Have a man stand and say,  “Some trust in money.”

Then a lady says, “some trust in a house.”

Now all stand and shout, “BUT WE TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD!!!”

What DO you trust in?????

CS Lewis About His Mother's Death

"With my mother's death all settled happiness, all that was tranquil and reliable, disappeared from my life.  There was to be much fun, many pleasures, many stabs at joy;  but no more of the old security. It was sea and islands now;  the great continent had sunk like Atlantis..."

Honor your mother that your days may be long on this earth.

Love you Mom .     

Thankfulness

What would happen if God would take away everything we did not say thank you for?

What would we be without?

An arm, leg, toenails,  air, house, roof, silverware, rain, emotions, coffee, family, friends?

What do you have today that you are just taking for granted?

Your spouse?  Your church?  Your car or a grouchy boss?

How about God Himself?  Do you ever think to say thank you to Him for just being who He is and for how He cares for you?

Count your blessing....  Name them one by one.....    do you think you could name 1000 blessings?

Challenge....  Name 1000 blessings...  on paper.

Now think....   How does that change your outlook on life itself?

Good counting......  

Prayer

If there were no God we would not have the desire to pray.  It is the Holy Spirit who prompts us to pray.

Isn't that comforting to think about?  God asks us to talk to Him. Cool, Huh?

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

As a child of God we are assured of such great and wonderful things in the future. The little things of today are not anything compared to the glories that are coming.  

Ephesians 1:3-11 NLT

WOW......  I can hardly imagine this.  He, God, loved me before the world began and He adopted me into His family.  I am holy and without fault in His eyes.........  me?????  I know me on the inside.  How can He not see the mess?

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. ⁴ Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. ⁵ God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. ⁶ So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. ⁷ He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. ⁸ He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
 ⁹ God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. ¹⁰ And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. ¹¹ Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God,  for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.


How great is our God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Give thanks in the small things

Dietrich Bonhoeffer talks in Life together about small things. 

“We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for the daily gifts.

            We think we dare not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be looking forward eagerly for the highest good.  Then we deplore the fact that we lack the deep certainty, the strong faith, and the rich experience that God has given to others, and we consider this lament to be pious…. 

            Only he who gives thanks for the little things receives the big things.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 New Living Translation (©2007) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

GOD IS....

GOD IS….  Omniscient

GOD IS….  Omnipresent

GOD IS….  Omnipotent

Because God Is Omniscient (all knowing) He knows all about you and your problems.

Because God is Omnipresent (is everywhere) there is no where you can go from His loving care.

Because God is Omnipotent (all Powerful) He will care for every need you have.   

If you are a child of God, He has promised to care for you in every way and all the time no matter where you are.  Trust Him alone.  Only God is worthy.   

Before you speak........

Before you speak ask yourself…..

        Is it true?  Check the source. 

        Is it confidential?  If so bury it.

        Is it kind?  Will it build up another?

        Is it necessary?  

The Father gave the Son

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.

IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW 
MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE....

WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK.

 

'A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON 

WERE SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST ,' HE BEGAN. 

'WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT

TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE.  

THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER

 WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT

AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED.' 

THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT,

MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE,

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN,

LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY...
 

THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY, 

'GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION

OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE. 

HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION. 

THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND
HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT..

THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE TORRENT OF WAVES. 

AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!' 

HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND. 

BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT,

HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT. 

HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.
 

BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UPSTRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH.
 

'THE FATHER,' HE CONTINUED, 'KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS

AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND

STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS.. 

THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND. 

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR US.

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED.

I URGE YOU TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU 

AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE.' 

WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR

AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM. 

 

THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT

AND DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE END. 

HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL. 

WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED,

THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE. 

'THAT WAS A NICE STORY,' POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM,

'BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER

TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT 

THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN.' 

'WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE,'  THE OLD MAN REPLIED, 
GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. 
A BIG SMILE BROADENED HIS NARROW FACE.

HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID,

'IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? 

BUT, 
I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY 

GIVES ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD 
TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME. 

YOU SEE...

I WAS THAT FATHER

AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND.'

Please receive the free gift offered to you by the Father above.  It is salvation through the death of His Son, Jesus.  No man comes to the Father but by me.   

                           Then, watch the power of God work in your life.  For you know he loves you.


I do not know who wrote this moving story but I do know the Father gave the Son to be the savior of the world.  Please be sure you are on your way to Heaven when you die.  Trust Jesus only for your salvation.     "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from youselves, it is the gift of God--not by works of righteousness you have done.  Eph 2:8,9     You cannot be saved with baptism, doing good things, saying a creed, or helping a little lady across the street. The only way to be saved..........  If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.....Romans 10:9  

Giving God the Glory

Herod's Death

Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there a while. He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. Having secured the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply.

On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.   Acts 12:19b–23 NIV

This is a terrifying story about how God views His glory being received by mortals. 

Well, Herod was fighting with the people of Tyre and Sidon.   Their food supplies were about to be shut off completely.  They had to make peace with him some way so their people could have food and not die.   The names Tyre and Sidon were famous in the ancient Near East. Both towns are now located in Lebanon, with Tyre 20 mi south of Sidon and only 12 mi north of the Israel-Lebanon border. Today each is just a shadow of their former selves.

So the people of Tyre and Sidon got the support of Blastus, a trusted servant of the king.  So Blastus was able to get an audience with the king for the people of Tyre and Sidon. 

The day finally arrived for the people and king Herod to meet.  We see Herod in his royal robes sitting and giving a great speech to the folks at his feet.  Maybe he promised to fill every pot with a chicken and every oven will have bread baking in it from now on.  Whatever he said it must have been impressive.  The people became excited and shouted, “This is the voice of a god and not a man.” 

The Bible says   “Immediately”    Not 5 minutes from now.  Not the next day.  But Immediately an angel of the Lord struck Herod down and he was eaten by worms and he died. 

Oh my goodness!!!  Can you see that picture?  One minute Herod is sitting there giving a speech.  His hands are raised in the air and he is telling the people what they want to hear.  They begin to shout and tell him speaks as a god.  This is exactly what he wants to hear. 

The angel of the Lord came and struck him down.  Right there in front of all the people.  All of his flesh was consumed by worms and he died right there in his royal robes. 

Why? You ask.  It was because Herod did not give God the glory.  He took the people’s glory for himself. 

Our God is a jealous God.  He does not suffer prideful men.  Other prideful men have not died by worms but they have died strange and terrible deaths.  When one chooses to do as Satan did in Heaven and challenge God’s authority and take His glory for themselves, then look out…….    

Folks, we do not live by our own power.  We only are here by the graciousness and mercy of God.  He is the only one who has the power to make us live and breathe and move here on this earth. 

He must receive all of the Glory for everything in Heaven and on earth.  He is the one who gives sunshine and rain so we have food to eat and survive.  He gives clean air for us to breathe.  He gives material to make our clothes.  He gives relationships for our edification.

He gave His Son for our salvation from sin past, present and future.  He gave the pathway to Heaven.  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6 NIV

Psalm 18:3 (NLT) ³ I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

          Please be careful to give God glory and praise and honor.  

Grief... Everyone will Experience It

When we lose someone or something we will go through grief.  

We have all experienced grief. We have all had those intense waves of emotion.  Whether we lose our job, our beloved dog, our health, our imagined future (as in divorce), or when a beloved friend or relative dies, we will experience grief.

There are specific stages of grief as described by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross in her book, On Death and Dying.   In it, she identified five stages that a dying patient experiences when informed of their terminal prognosis.  We can apply these stages to our everyday loses. 

The stages Kubler-Ross identified are:

• Denial (I cannot believe this is happening to me!)
• Anger (It isn’t fair.  Why me? It is _____’s fault.)
• Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if... Or… If I had done something differently this would not be happening)
• Depression (I don't care anymore.  This is an important stage and must not be thwarted.)
• Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes.)

After you think you are done with all the stages do not be surprised to realize you are going through them again and then again.  The stages do not always come in this order.  They may mix up some and repeat and then finally acceptance will come.

There is no time frame on any of the stages.  But if there is difficulty in any stage one may need to seek professional assistance.   You may not recognize you are having difficulty but your family or friends will let you know.  Please listen to them. 

Grief is part of life.  It is part of death.  This is how God so wonderfully made us.  

A Story for Today

The subject of today's lesson is of a very sensitive nature.

  King David had many children. Amnon was David's firstborn son, born to his wife,   Ahinoam of Jezreel. Absolam and Tamar were brother and sister. They were born to  David's wife, Maacah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. Amnon was half-brother to Absolam and Tamar.

King David was a 'man after God's own heart'. He was a key chosen ancestor of Jesus Christ.  But David's family was what we call dysfunctional, to say the least. We are going to explore one particular incident that happened to Tamar.

2 Samuel 13:1-22  Paraphrase

Tamar was a beautiful young virgin living in her father's home.
Amnon was love sick over his half-sister, Tamar.

It was not proper for Amnon to be with Tamar.

Jonadab was a 'friend' of Amnon. Jonadab was the son of Shimeah, David's brother.  They were cousins.  Jonadab was a crafty man. He was sneaky and devious.

Jonadab saw Amnon losing weight and getting thinner. He said to Amnon, "You are the king's son. Tell me, will you, why are you wasting away?"  Amnon confessed, "Tamar is Absolam's sister and I love her."

Jonadab cooked up a plan. He told Amnon to lie on his bed and when his father, David,  noticed he was not where he was supposed to be, he would come to check on him.  "When David comes to check on you, tell him you are sick. Ask him if Tamar could come and fix some food at your bedside where you can watch. Then tell Tamar that you are so weak that it would be better if she could feed you."

Amnon lay down on his bed and did as Jonadab suggested.

David sent word to Tamar to do just as Amnon asked.

So, Tamar went to Amnon's house and she took out the flour and kneaded it; and made cakes in his sight and baked them.

A woman working in the kitchen is sensuous to a man. She was thin with long dark hair and she was very beautiful. The lust in his heart increased.

When the cakes were baked she took the pan and served them to Amnon. But Amnon would not eat them.

This situation would have caused concern to Tamar… Amnon asked her to come to his house. She came. He asked her to cook for him and she did. Now, he will not eat what she cooked. What is happening here?

Amnon said, "Have everyone go away." And they all left.

This is not a good thing. Tamar is worried that her brother is so sick that he cannot  eat in front of the group.                  But we know Amnon has evil in his heart.

Amnon said, "Come to my bedroom and feed me."

Tamar is really concerned now for his health. He has never been so sick before so that he needed to be fed…..  She is clueless of what he is thinking.  So Tamar takes the cakes into Amnon's bedroom to feed him.

Now when Tamar came into Amnon's bedroom with the cakes he took hold of her hand and said, "Come lay with me, my sister."

This is the first she has a clue that he has more on his mind than the evening meal. He hold's on tightly.  There is no one there to protect her. She is alone. If only she could have at least known that God was with her.

Tamar said, "No, my brother, do not force me. For no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing. I could not bear the shame. And you would be as one of the wanton fools in Israel. Just talk to, the king. Tell the king that you want to marry me and he will give me to you. I will come and be your wife. It will be only a short time and I can be with you whenever you want.

Absolam is so wrong. They are not married She is a virgin. It is lust and not love. Tamar has said NQ!!!! Why won’t he listen to her?

But he would not hear her. He was stronger than she. "Noooooooooooooo!!!!!!!"  ……..And then he hated her……. More than he loved her before.     Amnon said. "Get out….. Leave me."

Can you imagine how Tamar felt?  Tamar said. "No way. This is worse than the first thing you did to me."  

She is in tears end disheveled.

Amnon called a servant who attended him. He said, "Put her out and bolt the door behind her." So she gathered up her robe of many colors. It was for the daughters of the king who were virgins. The servant put her out of the house and bolted the door.

Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her robe of many colors and laid her hand on her head and went away crying bitterly.

She did not hide what was done to her. She went out into the street. Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her robe because she was shamed.   Not only once for the first thing but twice when Amnon put her out of the house. And she was in mourning for the loss of her life as she knew it and for her future. She has lost so much. Where can she go? She could not go back to the palace where the virgins live. She was defiled.  Where could she live? Who would take care of her now? In her country women who were not married were not able to earn a living to sustain themselves.  If they did not have a father or a husband to look after them they were outcasts from society. 

Absolam saw Tamar as she sat in sackcloth and ashes and crying bitterly. "What happened?"  She told him everything.

"It's OK my sister. Hold your peace. Be still. He's your brother. Do not take this to heart. It is not as bad as you are making it out to be. You will be alright," he counseled her.

What kind of advice is that? Absolam doesn't understand how badly she felt? He didn't know the shame she felt. He didn’t understand how this has changed her life. .He didn't see how the dreams of a young girl were dashed upon the rocks. He didn’t know how she had dreamt of having a wonderful husband, a home of her own and children at her feet. He didn't know how this is all gone now - totally gone forever.

No one would want her since she is not a virgin. She would not be able to walk outside the house except that people would point and say she is impure. Others would say she brought it on herself by the way she dressed, walked and talked.  She would never be able to sit at her father's table again in fine clothes like her sisters.

This isn't what was supposed to happen. "All I was doing was taking care of my sick brother just like my father asked me to. And look what he did to me? I said 'NO' but he wouldn’t listen. I tried to get away but he wouldn't let me go. Now I sit by myself alone forever at my brother's house. There will be no husband for me. There will be no children for me to cuddle, teach and love. My life is over. "

So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absolam's house.

When King David heard of all these things he became angry. Very Angry.

But did he do anything about it? No… Sometimes when we have committed similar sins as David did with Bathsheba we are unable to deal with that kind of sin in other people's lives. Especially when the people are close to us. If David had stood up for Tamar maybe things would have been different for her.

Absolam went to Amnon and talked to him. Not good or bad. But Absolam hated Amnon for what he did to Tamar, his sister.

The hatred was deep and strong. He won’t deal with him now. Sometime later. .. perhaps.

What about Amnon? Was he shamed? Doesn't look like it. Kind of looks like he is going to get away with it all.

But does he?

It was not Tamar's fault. The shame is not hers to bear.

Well, I said this is a story for today. This still happens today. Sometimes it is uncle or father or neighbor or baby sitter. Sometimes it is boys instead of girls who are hurt.

Mom, Dad, if one of your kids comes to you with a story like this don't just brush it off like David and Absolam did. Check it out. Search for the truth and when you find it stand up for the child. Take the child to a trained professional s0 they may put it all in perspective and release the emotion from the event and from their life.
Help them to forgive. Make sure they have Jesus in their heart. Jesus will help them heal from all of this. There are Christian counselors in every county.

If you are one in three who has had this or a similar experience…. there is hope. You must know it isn't your fault. You did nothing wrong. You can rise above your devastation. You can leave it behind. You can forgive. If Jesus helped others He will help you. Please call someone and talk to them about your pain. Bring your shame out into the open.  Healing can begin when you tell someone what happened. If you have been threatened go to a safe place in your community. Talk to a friend or to a Pastor or counselor. You may call me. 239·282-2013

In the midst of pain remember: Hebrews 13:5 For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you."

 In the midst of trying to rid yourself of the pain remember  Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 In all things and in all days remember: Psalm 91:1-5 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him will I trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night. Nor the arrow that flies by day.