Sometime in my grogginess this morning I prayed a prayer I have prayed many times. "Lord, keep Jonathan and Brenda, and Andrew and Mandy in the Truth. Don't let anything or anyone turn them away from what they know is RIGHT." I sleepily mumbled and thought nothing more of it. As a parent I have full confidence in my childrens walk with God and know the love for Truth that is in their hearts. But as I have said many times in their growing up years..."I trust YOU, but I don't trust the devil." Our sons are grown men and Pastor two great churches. They are both married to beautiful young ladies that love truth, love God, and love the ways of holiness. I am not worried about their walks with God. I could go to either one of their churches knowing that I would be led in the ways of righteousness and holiness, and I would hear truth preached. I am confident in their relationship with God, but I'm also aware of the "roaring lion that's walking about seeking whom he may devour".
My husband and I were at lunch today talking about this very thing when he made a statement that I will not soon forget. Many times he will say little quips that are simple in thought, but deep in meaning and this was another time his words caught my attention. He said: "The devil always wears a smile." That's it! He said it without fanfare. He wasn't in a "preaching tone". He just said it and he didn't have to say much more to impact me.
Satan is in the business of deception, and he's a good salesman! If you're not aware of what he's doing he will sink his deceptive claws into your spirit so gently that you will not even feel the tearing of your heart, then lead you straight into false doctrine that is deadly. After he has done his damage to you he quietly walks away chuckling to himself, and goes searching for another victim to take to hell with him. His prime target is the ministry and their families. If he can get them to fall he knows there will be untold hundreds of people that will be affected. They might even question God if their Pastor/Preacher goes astray! He "smiles" to himself and says, "Yeah...let me get my hands on the ministry and their children and I will destroy the church of the living God!" Slowly, meticulously, he works, and "smiles" his way into the hearts of those we love and we sometimes stand by watching, because we are too busy in our own world and really don't want to get "involved"!
I saw a video clip on a friends Facebook page this morning that really got me to thinking, along with some other things the Lord quickened to my spirit. It was a "staged abduction of a child" and over a period of several hours NO ONE stopped to help. Finally, someone took action and decided they needed to DO SOMETHING! It's not only the child that is being abducted "on the street" that should concern us, but our children are being "abducted spiritually". Are we going to walk by those who are being abducted by the deceptive spirits walking around "with a smile on their face" and do nothing? Children are in danger! They are crying for our help! Can we HEAR them?
Listen...listen closely...
"Someone please help me! I'm reaching for you! I'm asking for your help. Please don't shake your head and sigh as if there is nothing you can do, then keep walking! You give me no hope when you act as if nothing is wrong. How am I suppose to act when I am approached? What am I suppose to do? What am I suppose to say? How do I protect myself? Please be open to my call for help! Please stop and get involved! If you don't help me, then who will?"
I appeal to all of us today to STOP and GET INVOLVED in the salvation of the generation following us! They are counting on US! I want to be saved and I want my children and grandchildren dancing on the streets of gold with me. I will not sit idly by and do NOTHING!
Showing posts with label Protection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Protection. Show all posts
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, February 05, 2010
What's Wrong With This Picture?
I woke up early this morning, fixed breakfast for my husband, and ate with him...all the while a nagging question kept banging around in my mind.
"Mom, why is it when I fold these dinner napkins the pretty side is always on the wrong side?"
I chuckled a little, and admitted that I have wondered that very thing many, many times! I would buy a certain paper "dinner napkin" and every time I folded it, it seemed wrong! I would think: Surely this isn't right! All this time, I just thought it was ME thinking they were printed wrong. Not until my daughter-in-law asked me about the same thing that had frustrated me for YEARS did I really give it much thought. When one of my family members "questioned" the "dinner napkin" is when I realized I hadn't been wrong in my assessment.
With this nagging question from my "daughter" going through my mind the last few days, I now wonder why someone hasn't done something about getting the print on the right side of the napkin. After all, this "dinner napkin problem" is now affecting someone I love! Surely someone has contacted the "dinner napkin company" and told them they printed the napkins wrong! Even though I get frustrated when I fold them, I've never asked anyone if that was the way they were suppose to be. I've never called the company to see if they printed them wrong. So, they keep printing them, because no one really cares to bother with such a "little matter". After all, aren't we just going to throw them in the trash when we're finished with them? Besides, if I fold them carefully, and place it on the "right side" of the plate, everyone will think "that's the way they're suppose to be"! Breathe deep... Sigh....Ahhhh....I got that one figured out! Relax...sit back....it's really no big deal!
Along with this "no big deal" situation, there are other questions that are banging around in my mind today, and they ARE a BIG DEAL! These questions are now affecting "my family"....those I have been a part of all of my life!
Questions like:
Why is "the Church" allowing the "things of the world" in? Then they go on and make this statement: I thought we were suppose to live a godly, holy, separated life!
In a frustrated voice a young pastor spoke, "I was told this is "the Church" and what it teaches will save me, yet some do not treat it as "the Church"! Is this just "another club"?
Concerned parents poured their hearts out: "My kids are being pulled by those who no longer believe it like they use to! What can we do?"
Frustration, frustration, frustration! The "dinner napkin" just isn't coming out right when I fold it!!!!!
We are living in perilous times, and "the Church" has always been bombarded with questions about our "separated lifestyle". People have always wondered and asked...
Why we do not cut our hair.
Why we do not wear pants.
Why we do not go to the movies.
Why we do not wear make-up.
Why we do not wear jewelry.
Why? Why? Why?
Through the years it never bothered me that they asked those questions! They were not professing to be an Apostolic believer. They had not "repented of their sins" and had them washed away through "baptism in Jesus Name". They had not received the "gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the spirit gave them the utterance"! They had not experienced the "power that would change their life". They had a right to QUESTION! It didn't bother me to answer these questions. Some sincerely wanted to know why the Church held a standard of "separation from the world". I loved it when people would ask me about these things, because I knew they were seeing a difference in me and maybe, just maybe they would see God in my life. They might even be drawn to what it was that was making me different!
On the other hand, it does bother me when those "within the Church" start asking questions...not because they haven't heard it taught...because most of them have, but because they are seeing those who "have left the truth of separation" and have caused confusion in the minds of our young. I can deal with the questions from the outsiders, but when those who are suppose to believe it "just like I do" turns from what we've always known is right causing questions in those in "my family" it bothers me!
They might have even taught... that it was "a sin for a woman to cut her hair for it is her glory".
They might have even taught that... a lady should not wear pants....for it is "an abomination in the sight of God".
They might have even taught that... we should "abstain from the things of the world".
They might have even taught... "when you receive the Holy Ghost your wants change" and you will not "crave the things of the world".
They might have even taught... "you will receive POWER to overcome SIN"!
They might have even taught that... "separation from the world" is part of salvation!
They might have even taught that... you can "live in this world", but not be "a part of this world".
Yes...some have taught it, and believed it, but something happened and they started reasoning away the truths they "use to love". Now, they throw questions. Now, they quietly walk among us touching our young, wooing them into the "web of deception" putting questions in their minds, maybe not with words, for they know they would be discovered, but by their lifestyle changes. Yes, it bothers me to know this is taking place as I write today. My heart is heavy because there is a "deception" that is DEADLY to our walk with God and to our Apostolic heritage of truth that has invaded us causing some to return to the things of this world.
So, today I am asking myself some questions....
What am I going to do about it? Am I going to just keep "folding the dinner napkin" thinking nobody notices the obvious?
"Mom, why is it when I fold these dinner napkins the pretty side is always on the wrong side?"
I chuckled a little, and admitted that I have wondered that very thing many, many times! I would buy a certain paper "dinner napkin" and every time I folded it, it seemed wrong! I would think: Surely this isn't right! All this time, I just thought it was ME thinking they were printed wrong. Not until my daughter-in-law asked me about the same thing that had frustrated me for YEARS did I really give it much thought. When one of my family members "questioned" the "dinner napkin" is when I realized I hadn't been wrong in my assessment.
With this nagging question from my "daughter" going through my mind the last few days, I now wonder why someone hasn't done something about getting the print on the right side of the napkin. After all, this "dinner napkin problem" is now affecting someone I love! Surely someone has contacted the "dinner napkin company" and told them they printed the napkins wrong! Even though I get frustrated when I fold them, I've never asked anyone if that was the way they were suppose to be. I've never called the company to see if they printed them wrong. So, they keep printing them, because no one really cares to bother with such a "little matter". After all, aren't we just going to throw them in the trash when we're finished with them? Besides, if I fold them carefully, and place it on the "right side" of the plate, everyone will think "that's the way they're suppose to be"! Breathe deep... Sigh....Ahhhh....I got that one figured out! Relax...sit back....it's really no big deal!
Along with this "no big deal" situation, there are other questions that are banging around in my mind today, and they ARE a BIG DEAL! These questions are now affecting "my family"....those I have been a part of all of my life!
Questions like:
Why is "the Church" allowing the "things of the world" in? Then they go on and make this statement: I thought we were suppose to live a godly, holy, separated life!
In a frustrated voice a young pastor spoke, "I was told this is "the Church" and what it teaches will save me, yet some do not treat it as "the Church"! Is this just "another club"?
Concerned parents poured their hearts out: "My kids are being pulled by those who no longer believe it like they use to! What can we do?"
Frustration, frustration, frustration! The "dinner napkin" just isn't coming out right when I fold it!!!!!
We are living in perilous times, and "the Church" has always been bombarded with questions about our "separated lifestyle". People have always wondered and asked...
Why we do not cut our hair.
Why we do not wear pants.
Why we do not go to the movies.
Why we do not wear make-up.
Why we do not wear jewelry.
Why? Why? Why?
Through the years it never bothered me that they asked those questions! They were not professing to be an Apostolic believer. They had not "repented of their sins" and had them washed away through "baptism in Jesus Name". They had not received the "gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the spirit gave them the utterance"! They had not experienced the "power that would change their life". They had a right to QUESTION! It didn't bother me to answer these questions. Some sincerely wanted to know why the Church held a standard of "separation from the world". I loved it when people would ask me about these things, because I knew they were seeing a difference in me and maybe, just maybe they would see God in my life. They might even be drawn to what it was that was making me different!
On the other hand, it does bother me when those "within the Church" start asking questions...not because they haven't heard it taught...because most of them have, but because they are seeing those who "have left the truth of separation" and have caused confusion in the minds of our young. I can deal with the questions from the outsiders, but when those who are suppose to believe it "just like I do" turns from what we've always known is right causing questions in those in "my family" it bothers me!
They might have even taught... that it was "a sin for a woman to cut her hair for it is her glory".
They might have even taught that... a lady should not wear pants....for it is "an abomination in the sight of God".
They might have even taught that... we should "abstain from the things of the world".
They might have even taught... "when you receive the Holy Ghost your wants change" and you will not "crave the things of the world".
They might have even taught... "you will receive POWER to overcome SIN"!
They might have even taught that... "separation from the world" is part of salvation!
They might have even taught that... you can "live in this world", but not be "a part of this world".
Yes...some have taught it, and believed it, but something happened and they started reasoning away the truths they "use to love". Now, they throw questions. Now, they quietly walk among us touching our young, wooing them into the "web of deception" putting questions in their minds, maybe not with words, for they know they would be discovered, but by their lifestyle changes. Yes, it bothers me to know this is taking place as I write today. My heart is heavy because there is a "deception" that is DEADLY to our walk with God and to our Apostolic heritage of truth that has invaded us causing some to return to the things of this world.
So, today I am asking myself some questions....
What am I going to do about it? Am I going to just keep "folding the dinner napkin" thinking nobody notices the obvious?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
God's Protection
My phone rang this afternoon. It was Jonathan calling to "chat", but something told me that he was calling for more than that. We talked a minute then he told me that Brenda and the girls were in Wal-Mart when a tornado hit it.
He said, "they are okay but were really scared!" I knew that was an understatement, but he's going to keep calm with me. He told me what he knew about it, and I was thanking God everyone was fine.
Then, I got a call from Brenda. "Mom, have you heard?" I told her Jonathan had called." Her voice was intense as she told of what her and the girls had just experienced.
Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet were in the shoe area of Wal-Mart when they heard hail hitting the roof. She said "It was SO LOUD"! Then, they heard more noise, and people running and yelling, "TORNADO! IT'S A TORNADO!" The lights went out, and Brenda grabbed Savanna and Scarlet just as a Wal-Mart worker grabbed her and said, "Come on! We've got to go!" They got into a hallway and Brenda said to the worker and the girls, "We've got to pray!" They started praying, and then the worker said, "We've got to go further! Follow me!" They followed her to a safer room that was packed with people. Savanna and Scarlet were crying and clinging to Brenda, so Brenda had to tell them, "Girls, we've got to get it together." Then she asked them, "Do you remember how God protected Noah and his family in the storm?" They said, "Yes." Brenda went on, "Well, He's going to protect us, too! Let's pray!" She said they started praying, and in a few minutes all was quiet, the lights came on, and someone came and said, "EVERYONE EVACUATE!"
They walked out of the room to the front of the store, and Brenda said it looked awful outside! Cars on top of cars, grocery carts everywhere, and debris everywhere!
She walked over to her car and nothing had happened to it.
There was a lady from her church who had gone out to her car, in the same parking lot, and the tornado hit. The pressure sucked her windows out of her car, tilted the car, but she was okay except for some glass in her hair, and I'm sure some frazzled nerves!
There were others that I've heard about that were in the middle of the storm, but was not injured in anyway!!!
Tonight, I'm thanking God that ALL IS WELL!!! Things could have been so much worse! "He's an on time God!" I can go to sleep tonight knowing that our lives are in His hands and He'll take care of us.
He said, "they are okay but were really scared!" I knew that was an understatement, but he's going to keep calm with me. He told me what he knew about it, and I was thanking God everyone was fine. Then, I got a call from Brenda. "Mom, have you heard?" I told her Jonathan had called." Her voice was intense as she told of what her and the girls had just experienced.
Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet were in the shoe area of Wal-Mart when they heard hail hitting the roof. She said "It was SO LOUD"! Then, they heard more noise, and people running and yelling, "TORNADO! IT'S A TORNADO!" The lights went out, and Brenda grabbed Savanna and Scarlet just as a Wal-Mart worker grabbed her and said, "Come on! We've got to go!" They got into a hallway and Brenda said to the worker and the girls, "We've got to pray!" They started praying, and then the worker said, "We've got to go further! Follow me!" They followed her to a safer room that was packed with people. Savanna and Scarlet were crying and clinging to Brenda, so Brenda had to tell them, "Girls, we've got to get it together." Then she asked them, "Do you remember how God protected Noah and his family in the storm?" They said, "Yes." Brenda went on, "Well, He's going to protect us, too! Let's pray!" She said they started praying, and in a few minutes all was quiet, the lights came on, and someone came and said, "EVERYONE EVACUATE!"
They walked out of the room to the front of the store, and Brenda said it looked awful outside! Cars on top of cars, grocery carts everywhere, and debris everywhere!
She walked over to her car and nothing had happened to it. There was a lady from her church who had gone out to her car, in the same parking lot, and the tornado hit. The pressure sucked her windows out of her car, tilted the car, but she was okay except for some glass in her hair, and I'm sure some frazzled nerves!
There were others that I've heard about that were in the middle of the storm, but was not injured in anyway!!!
Tonight, I'm thanking God that ALL IS WELL!!! Things could have been so much worse! "He's an on time God!" I can go to sleep tonight knowing that our lives are in His hands and He'll take care of us.
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