alpha and omega

Rapture

2011-05-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

The day of May 21st, 2011 has come and gone, and no Rapture took place as predicted.

Does that mean that it won't happen at all? Just because a man predicted that it would happen on a particular day, and it didn't, does that mean that Jesus is not returning at all?

What exactly does Jesus say about His return?

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matthew 24:36-44

Jesus said Himself that no one knows the day or the hour, so to put a day and time on His return is in error.

Know that He IS coming...the signs are all around us.

And as Jesus said, "Be ready." To be left behind will be an unimaginable tragedy.

Until then, live your lives for Him, and let the world know that Jesus saves! He gave His life for them, and is not willing that any should perish.

The mere fact that He has not come yet testifies to His great patience and love.

until He comes,

Marcy

Hope

2011-02-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

This world has always seen its troubles throughout the centuries. But lately its troubles seem to be falling upon us as "avalanches!" One right after the other.

Earthquakes, unusual weather, strife and unrest, disease and pestilence, murders and unthinkable crimes against humanity, economic woes, food shortages, prices rising, businesses failing, and more.

It's almost more than we can imagine, or process in our minds. It threatens the very peace and joy in our hearts.

And yet, as believers and followers of Jesus, we have HOPE.

What does the Bible say about hope?

"...rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer." Romans 12:12

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"...looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;" Titus 2:13

He is our HOPE!

He is the blessed assurance that if everything falls apart around us, we shall remain standing in Him.

"These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with Me in My throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with My Father in His throne." Revelation 3:21

Because of Jesus, we can have peace in the midst of the storm. This world is moving forward to its destiny...a destiny that will ultimately see the King of Kings and Lord of Lords returning upon a white horse to reclaim what is rightfully His.

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war." Revelation 19:11

"And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever." Revelation 11:15

We can take comfort in knowing, for the Lord has already given us the ending of this story, that WE WIN!!! We win because He has already won the war. He won that war on a cross over 2,000 years ago. It is finished.

He calls us, as we wait and hope, to shine His light through us, and to offer His hope to this dying world.

JESUS...our hope.

until He comes,
marcy

His Beauty

2011-02-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what the Lord looks like? What it would be like to see Him face to face?

Well, imagine the most beautiful sunset you have ever seen; or the rainbow that covers the sky; the soft, unblemished white blanket of snow that covers the land; the rushing waterfall; the clear, blue sky overhead; a field of colorful wildflowers; or the mighty ocean, crashing its waves to the shore...and you have seen a fraction of Him!

All of nature speaks of His beauty, which spills over into creation itself.

Even the rocks cry out and praise Him!

"And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Luke 19:40

He is the Creator, and even His creation recognizes Him.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

"For by Him all things were created that are in Heaven and that are on Earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16

To imagine that all things in Heaven and Earth just happened, is to deny the complexities of them. These things could not have just happened. The fragile butterfly; the magnificent lion; the timid deer; soaring birds, who defy gravity; the giant whales; the tiny ladybug; the kangaroo; seashells, which look like they were handpainted; and on and on...even to include microscopic life. Accidents? Hardly.

Only one planet in this universe, that we know of, has evolved and supports this complexity of life. It seems that the Creator Himself chose the Earth to support His creation.

We cannot deny the creation, which is all around us...and to believe in His creation, is to believe in Him. For His creation is Him...it is a part of Him.

And to believe in Him, is to believe in His only begotten Son, Jesus. And to believe in Jesus, is to accept who He says He is...

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." John 14:5-7

He is the only way to God...not one of several ways.

THE WAY.

If you have not accepted Jesus into your heart, and accepted His "gift" (He gave His life to pay for your sins), then I encourage you to do so today.

"...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
2 Corinthians 6:1-3

He is waiting for you.

For more insights on the evidence of God...go to:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/nab/is-there-really-a-god

until He comes,
marcy

The Gift

2010-12-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:15-17

How much does God love us? So much so that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to suffer and die that we might live. He paid the ultimate price, giving His life for ours, that we would not be lost forever.

He is "The Gift" of Christmas.

What kind of love is this? It's a love that we will never comprehend...a "crazy" kind of love, that will give anything to protect and not lose those who are loved by Him. Websters Dictionary defines crazy as: passionately preoccupied: obsessed; to an extreme degree.

This means that even a person in prison, who has committed the most horrible crime imaginable, can be saved and forgiven by God, if they accept the free gift of Jesus. It's up to them. The Father loves them in this same crazy way, and has done everything that He can do...the rest is up to the person. No one, not even God, can force anyone to accept a gift...they must receive it.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11-13

Not only does He love us in this crazy way...but He's jealous!

For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: Exodus 34:13-15

Some say that all religions lead to Heaven. But the Lord says that you must not worship any other God. There is only One...and He is the great I Am.

He is jealous for your attention. When you let the things of this world consume your attention, then you ignore and turn away from Him.

So when you celebrate Christmas this year...remember that you are loved in a "crazy" way, by a jealous God! The Creator of this universe loves you...

What more could you want or ask for?
I invite you, if you don't know this wonderful loving God...let Him into your heart, and accept His free gift. You will never regret it.

Merry Christmas!

until He comes,
marcy

Be Still and Trust

2010-10-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like God has forgotten you?

And like everyone else receives answers to their prayers, except you? Know that God hears every prayer, even before it's spoken. And that even before we ask, He answers.

So, why have you not received your answer?

Admittedly, there can be many reasons that answers to prayer have not been received. But sometimes, no answer from the Lord can be an answer in itself, as the Lord wishes us to be still and trust Him.

After doing all that we know to do to receive His answer to our prayers, we can rest in His word:

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 46:9-11

until He comes,

marcy

The Names of God

2010-07-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

ELOHIM - The Creator
EL ELYON - The God Most High
EL ROI - The God Who Sees
EL SHADDAI - The All Sufficient One
ADONAI - The Lord
JEHOVAH - The Self-Existent One
JEHOVAH-JIREH - The Lord Will Provide
JEHOVAH RAPHA - The Lord Who Heals
JEHOVAH-NISSI - The Lord My Banner
JEHOVAH-MEKODDISHKEM - The Lord Who Sanctifies You
JEHOVAH-SHALOM - The Lord Is Peace
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH - The Lord of Hosts
JEHOVAH-RAAH - The Lord My Shepherd
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU - The Lord Our Righteousness
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH - The Lord Is There

And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end.
Luke 1:32-34

until He comes,
Marcy

Are We There Yet?

2010-05-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

May 22, 2010

While reading an article in the news on the Gulf oil spill disaster, something stood out to me that I would like to share. The article talked of oil washing ashore that is "red" in color.

A question came to my mind..."could this be what the Bible speaks of in Revelation 8:8?"

"And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;"

I don't know for sure if we are truly at this point in the scriptures. What we do know is that since the beginning of 2010, we have seen a frequency of disasters and unrest in our world that I believe is unprecedented. As I write this to you today, the oil is still billowing out under the sea...despite all efforts to stop it.

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:6-8
(I understand that the word translated "sorrows" in this context means "birth pangs." As we know, birth pangs get closer and closer together, and more intense.)

Have we passed from the "beginning of sorrows" to the Tribulation?

We have already gone through what I call "fire drills" from the Lord. Things that have happened, and had the potential of signaling the end times...only to clear up shortly thereafter. Could this oil spill be another "fire drill" or the fulfillment of scripture? Only time will tell.

We know that time is short.

"And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom He hath chosen, He hath shortened the days." Mark 13:20

Live your life as if today may be your last day on this earth...because it very well may be...Jesus may come for His church at any time. Make the most of every opportunity to win people to the Lord. It could be their last chance! And if you don't know Him as Lord and Savior, I invite you to ask Him into your heart, to forgive your sins...and start living for Him.

Be ready...

"That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:27

Come quickly, Lord Jesus...

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17

Update: June13, 2010

Here we are, weeks later...and the oil continues to flow.

Images in the news, such as the bird shown here, covered hopelessly in oil, continue to assault our eyes and emotions. The true consequences of this disaster remain to be seen. We have already been informed that this disaster has surpassed the Exxon Valdez by being 8 times worse.

But Jesus does not want us to be afraid...for these things must come to pass.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

A new world is coming...

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4

until He comes,
Marcy

A Time to Let Go

2010-05-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes letting go of people or things can be a hard thing to do.

I'd like to tell you a little story…

It was a beautiful day. The wind was blowing leaves around in circles, and he watched them twirling in the air, like birds doing summersaults.

As he watched the leaves, suddenly he heard a noise at the front door…a key turning in the lock. He ran quickly to the door, to see who it was. She closed the door behind her, and they were very glad to see each other. He purred, and she bent over to stroke his long silky hair.

“My beautiful, beautiful, Rusty…did you miss me?”

It was the end of a long day of work for Mary. She looked forward to the peace and quiet of the evening. As she headed for the kitchen to feed Rusty, the phone rang. She answered it and was pleasantly surprised to hear from a long time friend…they chatted away. Rusty, waiting patiently for his dinner, settled down on the rug. As he almost fell asleep, he heard the familiar words, which meant she was about to hang up, “Ok, you take care, talk to you later.” Rusty jumped up and ran to the kitchen. Mary laughed and followed him. She fed him, and settled down in her chair with a favorite book. Rusty went back to his window perch and fell asleep staring into the still darkness outside.

The next day Mary hurried off to work. She heard that a co-worker, Misty, had lost her beloved cat last night. She and her daughter were alone since her husband’s death, and losing their beloved pet must be heartbreaking for them.

Mary went about her work, but something was bothering her...she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She took her break, and went and sat in a quiet place so she could think. Then it hit her...she knew what she had to do. She would give Rusty to Misty and her daughter. He just had not seemed happy lately. She knew she had not been spending enough time with him, and he seemed to be getting depressed.

She went back to her desk and called Misty. She told her how sorry she was to hear about her cat.

“Mary, it's so sad to see my daughter…first her Dad, and now the cat.”

“I know, that’s why I’m calling…I want you to take my cat, Rusty, as my gift to you.”

“Mary! Rusty??? I can’t! I know how much he means to you.”

“I want you to have him.”

“Oh Mary, thank you! My daughter will be so excited.”

They made the arrangements for Rusty to change locations the very next day. Mary knew when she came home that night to an empty house, that things would never be the same. But she knew that it was best for everyone..

Mary changed jobs soon after, but she and Misty agreed to keep in touch. One day she started thinking of Rusty and decided to call. Misty's daughter answered and said that she wasn't home, but would return in about half an hour.

"I was just calling to see how Rusty is doing."

"Rusty? Oh, we don't have him any more. We gave him away."

Gave him away, she thought? How could they do that? She felt angry, hurt, and betrayed. She wanted her sweet Rusty back so badly at that moment, but she knew that this probably could never happen.

She waited the half hour to call Misty, alone and tortured with her feelings. Misty answered the phone.

"Mary!" "I've been meaning to call you, and let you know about Rusty. We don't have him any more. We gave him to my brother."

"Your brother?"

"Yes. Let me tell you. A few months ago his daughter, three years old, died in a sudden accident. She drowned. After Rusty came to live with us, my brother came to visit one day and they instantly took to one another. I had to give Rusty to him...it seemed the right thing to do."

Mary didn't know what to say. They talked for a while, and then hung up. Mary kept thinking about what had happened, and knew that Misty didn't know the whole story. Rusty had always been afraid of men. He would cower in fear if they came near him or tried to pick him up. For Rusty to take to her brother was an absolute miracle!

As Mary went to sleep that night, she rested, knowing that she had done the right thing in giving Rusty up.

Letting go...

Letting go can be a hard thing, but sometimes it can open the door to things that might not have ever otherwise happened.

There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn't the end of the world; it's the beginning of a new life. Anonymous

(The story of Rusty is based on a true story)

until He comes,
Marcy

Ghosts

2010-03-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Some people are haunted by ghosts...

no, not the kind that you may be thinking of...who float through the air, and say "Boo!" But ghosts, nonetheless.

One night, as I sat and started thinking the thoughts that were popping into my mind, I started thinking of the past. Memories of things, people, places, and events that have long since passed. Then I found myself reliving and regretting some of the events that had happened, and the thoughts of them brought back feelings of sadness, anger, and helplessness that had once been so real when these things happened.

As I sat there, lost in my emotions and thoughts...words came to me. No, not an audible voice...but the words rang through my spirit.

"Don't bring back the ghosts of the past, for they are gone and you cannot change what has happened. Think on today."

I knew, without a doubt that it was the Lord.

I was living in the past, feeling and experiencing things that had long passed away, and that I could do nothing about now...other than to leave them with the Lord.

The Lord does not want us to dwell on our mistakes of the past, or the events that have gone before...things that make us sad, angry, hurt, frustrated, embarrassed, or feeling helpless. Sweet memories may be comforting, but to relive the bad experiences of the past is to go around in circles...there is no ending because they cannot be changed.

Today is all that we have. We have no promise of tomorrow, and the past is gone.

The ghosts of the past are but apparitions, with no real substance. Let them go...

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

until He comes,

marcy

Perfect Love

2010-02-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day coming up, those of us who don't have a sweetheart to share it with can sometimes feel left out and alone.

I was married years ago, but my husband died, giving his heart to the Lord on his death bed. This relationship was a difficult one, as I had come to the Lord a few years into our marriage, after we married as non-believers.

After that, I met a wonderful man, who I wanted to share the rest of my life with...but he had already been through two bad relationships, and was hesitant to commit again. I also lost him about seven years ago to a sudden heart attack.

Since then, I have traveled the road of learning contentment in sharing my life as a single with the Lord. It hasn't been easy, but very fulfilling.

As I mentioned earlier, Valentine's Day can be a rough time for single people. But, the Lord is full of surprises!

Yesterday, out of the blue, a co-worker (who also knows Jesus as Lord and Savior) gave me a heart box of chocolates. She didn't buy anything for anyone else, just me. She said that she knew that I would like them, and so she bought them for me.

Deep down in my heart, I knew where they had ultimately come from...the Lover of my soul, Jesus.

He cares when we feel alone and left out. He gave His life for us, and still continues to give out of His unending love.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

until He comes,
marcy

Thanks to Holley Gerth, "The Rest of Your Story," by Dayspring for the inspiration for this post (see link given, below left).

The Pearl

2010-01-29T23:35:00.000-08:00

While participating in an introspective, thought-provoking series, "The Rest of Your Story" by Dayspring and Holley Gerth (link given, below left), a question presented brought back some interesting memories for me.

The question was, "What's one little thing that helps you give God the red pen and make peace with who you are?"

When I was younger, and not yet walking in the salvation of our Lord, I was caught up in the ways of the world. I listened to what the world said, and since this world demands perfection, I strived to be good enough. Perfect looks, stylish clothes, perfect hairdo, outgoing personality, and the right possessions...all of which promised to give popularity to the girl who had them. But I, like so many others, didn't have them.

I loved jewelry. But one piece of jewelry that I could never wear was a pearl necklace. There was just something about those gleaming white, beautiful iridescent pearls. I felt that I wasn't pretty enough to do them justice. So I would never wear them.

I was listening to the message of the world..."you're not pretty enough, you're less-than."

When I received Jesus as Savior and Lord, I was finally able to accept that I am made perfect in Him, and was able to move forward to be the me that He created me to be. No longer did I hear the world telling me that I'm not good enough...because now, I was a child of the King!

And yes, I am able to wear pearl necklaces now...but only because of the One who is, the "Pearl of great price."

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
Matthew 13:45-46

until He comes,
marcy

Like a Thief in the Night

2010-01-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, on my way home from work, an unusual thing happened.

As I drove up the same street that I have driven many, many times before, I saw something that I had never experienced in the sixteen years of traveling that road.

As I drove, I saw from the corner of my eye something coming towards me. I looked, and it was a huge hawk! He swooped down to the small patch of grass separating the middle of the street, and snatched something up in his talons. All I could imagine was that it was some small animal. He lifted from the grass and flew right in front of my car as it moved. He was so close that I could see his feathers and the warm brown coloring underneath him. He was a bit off balance, and righted himself quickly and lifted into the air, barely missing my car hitting him.

As I kept traveling, it took me a few moments to realize what had just happened. Then a thought came in my mind...

"Like a Thief in the Night..." It kept repeating over and over in my mind.

Then it hit me as to the significance of the thought coming to me, connecting to this event. Jesus will come just as the hawk did, suddenly, and snatch His children out of this world...at the last moment, before the horrors of the tribulation times hit this world!

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2

He's coming brothers and sisters...Be ready!

until He comes,

marcy

(Photo by Bobbie Peachey...About.com:Web Clip Art)

God is Good

2010-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Is God good?

What is His true nature?

Jesus said in John 14:9 -
"Jesus answered: "Don't you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father?"

Jesus is saying then that He and the Father are the same. So let's take a look at the persona of Jesus ...

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29

We now know that the Father is the same...gentle and humble in heart.

What about the God that we read about, who threw Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden, and later in the Bible rained down judgement upon Sodom and Gommorah? Where was His gentleness then?

Let's look at one other scenario in which Jesus shows another facet of His persona..

"On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts." Mark 11:15,16

Jesus...gentle and humble in heart, now shows another side...righteous anger at people who are mocking the sanctity of His Father's house.

We can surmise then that the Father, like His Son, feels righteous anger when the laws of the universe, created for the goodness of all, are mocked.

When man originally sinned in the Garden of Eden, he turned his back on his Creator, and everything he had given him, and broke the laws that were originally meant to give him life. He was now dead spiritually. He had created a wide chasm between them...separation from his loving Father.

Then God, gentle and humble in heart, created a plan. This plan would be the only legal way, without breaking the laws of His universe, that He could bring man back to Himself. It was a plan that would cause Him grief, as He would see His only Son suffer unimaginable torture, pain, and death. Jesus would pay the price for man's sins, and man would have another chance to come back to the loving Father.

The price has now been paid. Jesus paid it all in full. But man must still accept the gift that God has given him...the chance to be restored.

Would a gentle and humble God send man to hell, if he doesn't accept this gift?

No. His nature is gentleness. He will not send man to hell.

God has paved the pathway for man to return...but man must choose to walk that path. To choose otherwise, is to choose to continue in spiritual death. God will not send man to hell...but man will send himself, by again turning his back on his God and His precious gift.

God is good.

Accept His gift today. He's waiting for you...

until He comes,
marcy

Peace on Earth

2009-12-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

During this time of celebrating our Lord's coming to this earth as a baby, to bring salvation to a lost world,
we remember the words of the Angels that night...

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Luke 2:13-15

Peace...

In our world today we have anything but peace. Nations rising against nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms...

"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places."
Matthew 24:6-8

We are living in the days which will see the return of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords to this earth!

When anyone says "Peace on Earth," they may not know it, but they are praying for the return of our Lord to this earth. This time however, He will not come as a baby, but in power and great glory...

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself." Revelation 19:10-12

There can be no peace without the presence of Jesus, the Christ.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. Revelation 21:1-7

Peace on Earth...Jesus.

until He comes,
marcy

Happy Holidays???

2009-12-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

As we enter the Christmas season, soon people will be wishing us "Happy Holidays."

How will we respond? Some Christians feel that this is leaving Christ out of Christmas...due to fear of offending others who do not believe in celebrating Christmas.

It occurred to me the other day that when people wish us Happy Holidays, they ARE including Christmas! Could we not respond and say, "Thank you, and yes one of those holidays is Christmas...which I celebrate...and let me tell you why (Jesus came to this earth to give His life as a ransom for us all, that we might have eternal life in Him)...and wish them a Very Merry Christmas."

WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)? Jesus loved the sinners, and looked past their sin...and saw their need. He reached out to them in love...should we not do the same as His followers?

I encourage you, as a reminder, to always lift up the name of Jesus...by loving and reaching out to those that He died for.

May the true spirit of Christ be revealed this Christmas season...in you and me!

Happy Holidays??? Yes! And Jesus Is the Reason For the Season!

Until He comes...

marcy

Lion of the Tribe of Judah

2009-10-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

"And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." Revelation 5:5

Are you going through trials and tribulations right now? Is the enemy attacking mercilessly? Help is on the way!

Many passages in the Bible describe our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, as "the Lamb, Who takes away the sins of the world." While this is an accurate description of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who gave His life for us...He is also the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah," as described in Revelation 5:5.

Lions patrol and defend their pride against attacks. When they hunt, they can take down their prey with a powerful, single swipe of the paw. They have no natural predators. Their roar can be heard for a distance of 5 miles, it is the loudest roar of any big cat.

It's no wonder that our Lord has been compared to the mighty Lion. While gentle and meek as a Lamb, He is also the Lion...a fierce and awesome warrior.

When the enemy attacks, call to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He will come running and take down your enemy...with a single swipe.

Mighty is our Lord Jesus...the Lion and the Lamb!

Until He comes...

marcy

Until That Day

2009-08-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

The way that the world situation (as far as global warming, pestilence, etc.) is going...I truly doubt that we have much longer in this world. I agree with others who are feeling that we are here on borrowed time. He's just waiting for the last of His people to get ready before the worst hits. And we can see the worst on the horizon.

Although He says that no one knows the day or hour of His return...we will know that it is close. We are not in darkness, as others.

He says in His Word that He has shortened the days...because if He hadn't, no flesh would survive. I believe that this includes animal flesh...as we are seeing the demise of so many species of animals and fish presently. The scientists are pretty much agreeing now that the advancement of global warming is speeding up faster than they thought it would. This, most likely, will cause a domino effect with our climate, which will speed it up even more. We are already seeing a change in weather patterns, which are abnormal.

I believe that I am in the generation that will see His coming. The generation of Israel becoming a nation again (as in Ezekiel's valley of the dry bones). I believe that He will come in my lifetime. The scriptures confirm this...as in Daniel, on how knowledge will increase in the last days. We have seen such changes in the past century...the automobile, television, telephone, cell phone, computer, air travel, and on and on. These things were just invented in the past 100+ years, in comparison to thousands of years in which the world has been in existence and never had these things.

I just praise God that we will not be here for the worst of it...and praise His Name, our families won't either, if they truly know Him.

Until that day...we "work"...for the night cometh when no man shall be able to.

If you do not know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, I invite you to ask Him into your heart. If you have done this, then you will escape the horrors to come. If you would like to read more about the time that is coming, read the book of Revelation in His Holy Bible.

Until He comes....

marcy
August 9, 2009

Divine Appointments

2009-07-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in "Divine Appointments?"

I must say that I do, as I have experienced quite a few in my lifetime. My most recent one happened yesterday...

I was running out of gasoline yesterday, and only had $10.00 in my purse. I stopped to get $10.00 worth of gasoline, so that I could make it to the bank to withdraw more money. I told the gas station attendant that I would return later.

I went grocery shopping, and did a couple of errands before returning to the station. I pulled in and the attendant laughed when he saw me. I told him, "See, I told you that I would be back." He started pumping the gasoline for me, when a lady in a green Volkswagen pulled in the station. She asked the attendant a question, and then just sat there for a moment. She turned to me and said, "I have an Aloe Vera plant and it's dying." "It's dying," I asked? "Yes...would you take it for me? I am on my way to visit a girlfriend, and I would give it to her, but she won't be able to take it." So I said that I would take it.

She got out of the car and went to the car behind her. The person driving it must have been her husband or boyfriend. She told him that she was going to give the plant to the "nice lady." She brought the beautiful little sapphire blue ceramic pot to me, with a small Aloe Vera plant in it. "See, it's dying. The bottom leaves have fallen off." I told her that I would take good care of it, and that I have a nice balcony where it can be outside. I told her "God bless you," but she didn't reply. She said that she's a hairdresser and she receives gifts all the time. She got into her car and started driving away, with her husband or boyfriend following behind her in the sportscar. He smiled and waved at me.

The gas station attendant was watching all this, and said, "See, you came back for gas and got a free plant!"

I replied, "I know, talk about timing...!"

As I left the station I was pondering about what had just happened, and admiring the little plant sitting on my front seat. Then I felt the Lord impressing upon me that this had happened so that I would pray for both the lady and man.

I am praying for their salvations. If you are reading this blog, I would like to ask that you would join me in this prayer.

Meanwhile, I examined the little plant closer. The poor thing is in a beautiful pot...but the pot has no drainage holes and is very small. Tomorrow it will be transplanted into a larger pot with drainage holes...but not quite as attractive. It should thrive in it's new surroundings.

"Divine Appointments?" What do you think?

Until He comes,
marcy

Hold On

2009-05-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, one of my fondest memories was the day that my family visited a local amusement park, and went through its Fun House.

As we made our way through its mazes, we came to a large room. In the center of this room was a large, round, spinning wooden disk. The object was to get on the disk and not get thrown off, as it started spinning faster and faster.

I was about to get on the disk with my Dad, who was going to hold me, when a Sailor from our Navy, who was there at the same time, said that he would hold on to me. My Dad said, "ok," and we all climbed onto that disk. I sat on the Sailor's lap, and he wrapped his arm around me tight, and held onto the disk with the other arm. The disk then started to spin...faster and faster it went, until everything around us became a blur.

One by one, I saw my family members get thrown from the disk, and slide across the polished wooden floor! Finally, my Dad flew off the disk too...as the momentum became too much for him. But the Sailor held on to me...he wouldn't let go, and we rode that disk until it finally slowed down and stopped. It was so much fun, to know that we had conquered the disk, and it had not thrown us off!

Life can be like this. Sometimes it seems to spin us faster and faster, as we hang on as best we can, coming so close to being thrown off. But the Lord is like that Sailor...if we let Him hold us tight, He won't let go...as life spins.

Hold on to Jesus, and He will hold on to you. I promise you, He won't let go.

Until He comes...

marcy

Get Out of the Boat

2009-04-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 14:22-32 we see the scene unfolding:

It was night, there was a storm...the disciples were alone in the boat...but, where was Jesus?

They must have thought, "Why would He leave us alone like this?"

Suddenly they saw an apparition coming towards them...it looked like Jesus, but it couldn't be...He was walking on the raging waters of the storm!

Peter wanted to believe that it was Him, and asked Him to call him out of the boat so that he could walk on the water too.

Jesus called to him, and Peter started walking on the water just like Jesus! Peter must have been thrilled as he defied the laws of nature, focusing his eyes upon Jesus.

But then...Peter's natural mind started thinking as he looked around..."Wait a minute, what am I doing? Water can't support me, I'm going to fall right into this water...and it's storming, I'm going to drown!"

As he took his eyes off of Jesus, and looked around at his circumstances in the natural realm, he started sinking.

But he had just enough faith left to call out to Jesus to save him. And so Jesus pulled him up, and holding on to Jesus, together they walked on the water back to the boat.

You and I are in that "boat" of this life. Being in the boat may seem safer than the storms raging around it, but in reality it isn't. It can sink at any time.

Jesus calls us to use our faith and get out of that boat...and to walk on the water of the supernatural with Him. Even though it may look scary, in reality it's the safest place you can be....

because that's where Jesus is!

Get out of the boat...
and into the miraculous, with Him...He won't let you sink.

until He returns...

marcy

It Is Finished!

2009-03-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

As Jesus hung on the cross that day...between life and death, He fought an unseen battle. People jeered at Him, mourned and wept bitterly at His fate, and tempted Him to save Himself. And yet...He chose of His own free will, to suffer and die.

He experienced excrutiating pain, anguish, rejection, thirst, and felt that God had forsaken Him. But still He remained. He knew that the stakes were high...the fate of all mankind was hanging on that cross with Him. He could not fail.

When His body could stand no more...He spoke the words "IT IS FINISHED," and died.

At that very instant, the battle was won. Jesus had conquered death, hell, and the grave. He had paid the price, and a bridge between man and his God was again formed...that bridge was Jesus...who had become the sinless, spotless Passover lamb, to take away the sins of the world.

In the courtroom of Heaven, Satan was declared guilty of murdering an innocent Man...and was sentenced to eternal damnation. That sentence will soon be carried out, and Jesus will assume His rightful position as Ruler of this earth.

Man could not come close to God because of his sin. All of our righteousness was as "filthy rags" to the Lord. Man had to spill the blood of animals to try and cover his sins.

God longed to again come close to His creation, MAN...but because of sin, nothing would accomplish this except the shedding of the innocent blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus.

Jesus was offered as the ULTIMATE sacrifice...once and for all.

Do you realize that if you had been the only person needing His sacrifice, He would have done it for you alone? That's how important you are to Him!

How important is HE to you? Is He the center of your life? Or are other things crowding Him out? Possessions...worldly pleasures...friends who do not know the Lord, and have a different "agenda" for life (which doesn't include Jesus)...a busy life that crowds Him out...and on and on? He gave His ALL for us, but yet our ALL may only give Him a fraction of our life, or leave Him out completely.

What will you do when you gaze upon His face, and look into the piercing, innocent, all-knowing eyes of our Savior? I promise you, that day WILL come. Will you be ashamed...or will you look back at Him with love and adoration, and know that you gave your ALL for Him?

Just as the crowd chose between Jesus and Barrabas, now is the time for you to choose. What is most important in your life, Jesus (the One who gave His life for you), or the world? It's all up to you...

The war has already been fought and won, and Jesus Christ is Lord.

IT IS FINISHED.

Until He comes...

marcy

Joy

2009-01-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

Joy...

What is joy?

Well, it goes beyond happiness. The dictionary defines it as probably being akin to a greek word, which means to rejoice.

What causes such an emotion in human beings...to reach beyond mere happiness to rejoicing?

I believe that the Lord has "hardwired" us human beings to experience joy the most, when we reach out and help another person in need.

Have you ever given food to the hungry, clothing to anyone who was cold, or money to someone in dire need? If so, then you know the joy and satisfaction that you felt afterward.

Giving is so important to the Lord, that the Bible admonishes us to do so as Christians:

Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

But wait? What's this? It is saying that the Lord will bless us for giving? Men shall then give to us? Yes!

So then this thing of giving takes on a whole new twist. Do you have a need? Then give to help someone else...and then the Lord will see that your need is taken care of also. You may give not only because another is in need, but also out of your own need. I know that it's difficult to give when you are in need also...but the Lord has set up this principle, I believe, to test the hearts of His children. Will they let go of what they have to help another, when their own need is also so important?

What would happen in this world if every person looked for a need, and then gave of their own resources to fill that need? I guarantee you that every need would be filled...and joy would fill each and every heart.

Give it a try...what have you got to lose...except your heavy heart...and perhaps your own need!

until He returns...

marcy

A Brand New Year

2008-12-27T17:55:00.000-08:00

We are entering a brand new year. A clean slate upon which either God, or we can write.

I don’t know about you, but when I try to write upon that empty slate, I wind up making a mess of things! How much better that God would write upon it.

Who knows the mysteries that lie ahead of us? Our Lord does. He is in the future, waiting for us there. We can rest assured that no matter what is ahead, He will cause it to be for our good…if we trust Him.

I wish you a year of blessings that you cannot contain; healings; love, peace & joy;
and most of all, a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior…Jesus Christ.

Could 2009 be the year of our Lord’s return? Time will tell.
If not, we must continue to reach the lost…and work while we still can.

marcy

The Perfect Christmas

2008-12-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

One of the most memorable Christmases in my life, was the one I spent with family in Colorado years back.

Christmas Eve was spent attending a candlelight service, where my niece sang "Sweet Little Jesus Child" accapella. It was very moving. Outside, the snow was gently falling.

On Christmas Day, as we sat in the diningroom eating Christmas dinner, we were treated to the site of a herd of deer strolling across

the yard outside. It was a "picture postcard" perfect Christmas!

As I remember that particular Christmas, my thoughts come back to the reality of the present...to the many people who are hungry, without a job, and don't know where the presents for their children this Christmas will come from.

The Lord has called each and every one of us to reach out to them. Yes, times are hard right now...but the Lord does not dismiss His calling to us to help the needy because of this. We are to give, and He says that if someone asks for our coat, we are to even give them our cloak also.

Have you opened your eyes to the needs around you lately? I promise you...there are many, if you will but look.

As you reach out in love to those in need...they will not only see your kindness, but they will see JESUS in you.

marcy

Autumn

2008-11-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

All the seasons have their own glory, but I have to say that Autumn is my favorite...

God paints the pallette of our earth during Autumn with colors so vibrant and so beautiful, with oranges, reds, golds, and browns.

Nature always seems to have a lesson from our Lord, and Autumn is no exception. While the leaves turn these glorious colors, they are in fact dying. Soon the wind will blow them away, as they lose their hold to the tree that once nourished and protected them.

While death may cause us to mourn, it is in fact the gateway to eternal life, if we know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Jesus died on a cross, but was resurrected in three days to take residence in His glorified body, which would never experience death again.

What can we learn from this? That death will not be able to forever torment the children of God. The Bible sums it up like this:

54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
I Corinthians 15: 54-55

Because He lives, we live.

marcy

The Alpha and Omega

2008-10-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

And thou shalt call His name Jesus...

Prince of Peace
Mighty God
Wonderful Counselor
Holy One
Lamb of God
Prince of Life
Lord God Almighty

Lion of the Tribe of Judah
Root of David
Word of Life
Author and Finisher of Our Faith
Advocate
The Way
Dayspring
Lord of All
I Am that I Am
Son of God
The Good Shepherd
Messiah
The Truth
Saviour
Chief Cornerstone
King of Kings
Lord of Lords
Righteous Judge
Light of the World
Head of the Church
Morning Star
Sun of Righteousness
Lord
Jesus the Christ
Chief Shepherd
Resurrection and Life
Horn of Salvation
Governor

The Alpha and Omega
"I am the Alpha and the Omega."

Revelation 22:13

Angels

2008-09-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

One day I was taking out a large bag of trash to dump into our trash bin. When I reached the bin I became aware that this bag was way to heavy for me to heave it into the bin by myself. I tried, and only got it half way up.

Suddenly, there was a man right at my side, who lifted the bag effortlessly into the bin for me. He said, "Why didn't you call me?" I thought to myself, "How could I call you? I didn't see you, and I don't know who you are." As I turned to see which way he was walking, he was gone! I looked all around the area, and there was no sign of him. I thought about the incident all day.

When I returned home later in the day, I sat down on the sofa and my eyes fell upon a ceramic dish that I had on my coffee table. "For He shall give His Angels charge over thee (Psalm 91:10-12)." I stared at the words on this dish, and I thought, "Could this man, who seemingly appeared out of nowhere and disappeared into nowhere, been an Angel?

I will never know for sure, but the Bible says that these ministering spirits sent by God are all around us. How many times have they intervened in our lives, and we thought that it was another human being rescuing us? And how many times have they saved us from certain calamities, unseen in their spirit realm?

God, in His infinite love and mercy, has sent us mighty warriors, who are all around us...protecting and guiding His children as we walk through the perils of this life.

And yes, they even help us to lift those burdens that are too heavy for us to manage alone.

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2

marcy

Who Paints These?

2008-08-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

I love the ocean.

Because of my love for the ocean, one of my hobbies is collecting seashells.

Years ago, a friend and I visited the ocean regularly. One of our stops along the coastline was a shop that sold seashells.

We would go through the bins of shells, looking for a special one to add to our collection.
One day my friend asked me, "Who 'paints' these?"
I laughed and replied, "You know Who!"
"You mean J.C. Himself?"
I smiled and said, "Yes, Jesus."
"Incredible!"

If you truly look at the intricacy of design on some seashells, it will blow your mind. Man could only duplicate these designs after hours of tedious work. Have you seen the design on a sand dollar? It looks like a decoration.

How could someone think that there is no God, after viewing things like this? Did it all just come together on its own? Highly unlikely…

A Master Planner, with a design and plan for everything, meticulously put all things together for good, and for our enjoyment.

That’s how much He cares for us.

marcy

Be Ready

2008-08-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

One day I was doing my laundry in our building's laundryroom. A man came in to do his laundry also, and started making "small talk" with me about the New Year...

Then he said, "What do you think about all the things that are going on in the world today?" I told him I thought it was awful. He replied, "You know, I'm not a religious person, but I'm wondering what's going on?" So I told him how the Bible talks about all these things taking place in the last days...I told him to read Matthew 24, and that in the Book of Daniel it speaks of knowledge increasing in the last days. He said he had his Bible on his livingroom floor at that moment, opened to the Book of Revelation.

I told him that all we can do is "Be Ready" by accepting Jesus as our Lord & Savior. That we must be Born Again. He said that he thought that he had done that years ago, but has not been living the Christian life. He shook hands with me, and told me his name and left. I hurried back to my apartment, and brought back a Christian book, and laid it on his dryer with a note to keep it. When I returned, he had taken the book...Praise the Lord!

People are scared. They know that something unusual is going on, and they are searching for answers. Tell them that the answer they are searching for is…JESUS. You could be the only person who will ever tell them about Him.

We must "Be Ready"...because at any moment Jesus may come in the clouds of Glory to take us home…leaving so many behind to face the evils to come.

BE READY

marcy

Mountains and Valleys

2008-07-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

How can people say that we should praise the Lord for the "valley" experiences in our lives? How can we praise Him when everything seems to be going wrong?

As we walk through our valleys, it can seem as if He has forgotten us. Sometimes we call out to Him, "Lord, where are you?" But we hear nothing but silence. Take heart, He has not forgotten you!

He allows the valley experiences to not only bring us to the realization that HE is our refuge and deliverer, but to also teach us patience, faith and trust along the way. None of these would have a chance to grow without us taking those steps along the pathways of our valleys.

When we reach our mountain tops, Oh What Joy! But we can only stay there for a while. If we never left the mountaintops for the valleys again, we would forever remain on that pinnacle, unable to move forward and grow in the Lord.

We can take heart that even as we go through our valleys of despair, He will help us to reach our mountaintops again, and realize that the Lord was with us all the way. He never left us.

That is why we can praise Him...even while we are still in the valleys.

marcy

The Train

2008-07-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

"All Aboard!"
The conductor cries out.

Standing before you is the most magnificent Train ever!

Steam billows out from under the engine...the bell clangs...inviting you to climb on board.

There's a crowd of people surrounding you. The crowd rushes toward the Train...you're pushed inside, and you quickly sit down in a nearby seat. You look at others seated around you. Some are friendly and smile back at you, while others just look away.

The Train lunges forward, and as the Conductor asks for your ticket...you wonder, "Where is this Train going, what's up ahead?"

Life...what's it all about?

A person once told me that life is like a Train, and that we are all boxcars on the Train, and carry precious cargo. This Train of life makes many stops along the way. We have all experienced stops that made us happy, as well as the stops which caused us pain and sorrow.

The Train has stopped a few times in my life at places where I just didn't want to get off. But these stops, in spite of the pain, gave me new outlooks on life, which I couldn't have gained otherwise. Life's greatest lessons can be learned from these most difficult times. We can choose to learn the lessons they have to offer, or we can become trapped by our own fears, unable to get back on the Train and move forward.

One of the my stops on the Train was to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. No other stop has had a greater effect upon my life than this one. When I made this stop, Jesus got onto the Train, sat down in the seat beside me, and each time I make a stop He gets off the Train, and walks beside me.

Night Train
by John Kent

The whistle of the train
has a beckoning sound

when it comes

in the deeper dark,
as the dew clings
to the wet leaves
and the houses sleep
in a soundless night.
From a distance,
the rumble of the train
cannot be discerned,
just the whistle is heard,
calling through the night.
The town is small,
hardly noticed by the train
as it passes swiftly
with its sleeping cargo
to places unknown;
its leading light
picking up the station,
running on by
with barely a glance.
I stir, gaze out the window
at the unseen track,
left with my dreams
as the whistle calls back.

Choose your stops wisely, and learn from the ones that you have no choice over...they have much to teach you.

Use the cargo you carry wisely, it can enrich your own and other's lives.

And most importantly...

"Enjoy the ride!"

"All aboard!"

marcy

Ode to Joy

2008-07-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

Ludwig Van Beethoven.

Some regard him as the greatest composer who ever lived.

But why? What was it that made him stand out from all the rest?

He was born in 1770. Ludwig studied music with his father, and at the age of 12 his first music was published. At his public debut, it was reported that he had fire, brilliance, fantasy...and depth of feeling.

At the age of 31, Ludwig began to experience his first symptoms of deafness. He avoided people...afraid that it would be discovered.

He wrote to a friend:
"How can I, a musician, say to people 'I am deaf!' I shall, if I can, defy this fate, even though there will be times when I shall be the unhappiest of God's creatures...I live only in music..."

One can only imagine the anger, fear, frustration and depression that he must have fought daily.

But, he came to terms with his deafness.

He later wrote to that same friend:
"I will seize fate by the throat. It will not wholly conquer me! Oh, how beautiful it is to live - and live a thousand times over!"

Between the years of 1817 and 1823, Beethoven wrote, while deaf, what would become one of his greatest works...Symphony No. 9, Ode to Joy.

The Ninth Symphony had its first performance on May 7th, 1824, in Vienna.

Beethoven could not conduct the premiere because of his deafness, but he stood next to the conductor during the performance to indicate the proper tempo.

The music was received with a great deal of emotion, not only by the audience, but some of the orchestra players reportedly wept.

An eyewitness gave an account of the scene:
"The master heard nothing at all, and was not even sensible of the applause of the audience at the end of his great work...one of the singers induced him to turn around and face the people, who were still clapping their hands...it seemed as if it would never end."

And now, over two hundred years later, his memory and his music still live on.

How fitting that his Ode to Joy was played at the tearing down of the Berlin Wall...his spirit and his music bringing tribute to man's ability to overcome and survive!

Ode to Joy
(words by Friedrich Schiller)

Glad, as his suns fly
Through the Heavens' glorious plan,
Run, brothers, your race,
Joyful, as a hero to victory.
Be embraced, you millions!
This kiss for the whole world!
Brothers, beyond the star-canopy
Must a loving Father dwell.
Do you bow down, you millions?
Do you sense the Creator, world?
Seek Him beyond the star-canopy!
Beyond the stars must He dwell.

marcy

Stop, Look & Listen

2008-07-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

STOP, and take a moment right now...close your eyes.

Think about a beautiful place that you've seen, or would like to see.

LOOK at the Mountains, Ocean, Desert...see the trees, the running spring, beautiful flowers, the sky...clouds floating by.

LISTEN to the sounds: birds, wind, the pounding surf, rain falling.

Open your eyes now. Feel better?

Most of us are so busy going here and there, doing this and that...with so many things on our minds that we don't really look at the world around us.

God's creation.

When was the last time you noticed, really noticed a sunset? They last only a few minutes, before darkness falls.

Have you noticed birds flying? One of my favorites are the ordinary pigeons. They fly in unison across the sky...and in the sun the movement of their wings "glitter" in the sky.

And how about that butterfly darting past you? Do you know that the majority of them only live for a week? You may be one of the few people who are able to enjoy that butterfly, before it's gone.

Have you ever been still enough to hear the wind? Sometimes in the mornings, during the silence I hear leaves rustling on the ground. I turn in time to see a small whirlwind of dried leaves twirling on the ground.

A friend of mine said that while visiting the beach one evening, it seemed that the ocean waves were lit up from a "light" below them. Each wave that came toward shore had a green glow under it. She later found out that this is a natural occurrance, from the phosphorus in the saltwater.

I can't tell you how many times, while looking at these beautiful wonders, I look around me only to see that no one else is looking.

We have so many of God's wonderful creations right in front of us, and most of us don't see them!

I encourage you to start enjoying the beautiful things around you. Enjoy each day of your life...you will never live this day again.

And don't forget to STOP, LOOK, & LISTEN!

I am writing to say how much I care for you,
and to say how much I want you to know Me better.
When you awoke this morning, I exploded a brilliant sunrise through your window
hoping to get your attention…but you rushed off without even noticing.
Later, I noticed you were walking with some friends, so I bathed you in warm sunshine and perfumed the air with nature’s sweet scent, and still you didn’t notice Me. As you passed by, I shouted to you in a thunderstorm, and painted a beautiful rainbow in the sky…
and you didn’t even look.
In the evening, I spilled moonlight onto your face, and sent a cool breeze to rest you.
As you slept, I watched over you and shared your thoughts…
but you were unaware that I was so near.
I have chosen you, and hope you will talk to Me soon. Until then, I will remain near.
I am your Friend and love you very much.
Your friend,
JESUS
Author Unknown

marcy

Titanic

2008-07-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

The end of the movie "Titanic" is so dramatic. One can only imagine the horrors that people on the actual ship saw and experienced that fateful night.

The fact that the band played "Nearer My God to Thee" as it was sinking...always brings tears to my eyes as I watch the movie.

I understand that it was said, before the boat sailed, that not even God Himself could sink it. Those words were the pride of man for his creations, which are nothing and can disappear in a moment's time.

As I reflect upon the movie and what actually happened, it reminds me of the times that we are living in today. Many have that same type of mentality...building prideful kingdoms that will not last. It is sad.

The Lord is reaching out in these last days in the hopes of saving those who are about to go down with the "Titanic" of this world. But sadly, most will not take His hand and get into the "lifeboat"...because of their "kingdoms." Soon it will be too late, and the Lord will call us home...leaving them behind to go down in this doomed "ship." And again, one can only imagine the horrors that they will see and experience.

The signs are becoming more and more prevalent...that our Lord's return is soon. All we can do is pray and be vigilant to His leading in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in the hopes that some will be saved.

marcy

The Sparrow

2008-07-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, a friend of our family passed away in a motorcycle accident. He was only in his 20's, and left behind a new wife.

At his funeral, which was held in a large, beautiful church with open vaulted ceilings, the soloist began singing "His Eye is on the Sparrow, and I know He watches me..."

as she sang, movement caught my eye from up above. I looked up to see a lone sparrow fluttering across the raised vaulted ceiling!

Others noticed, and looked up. I know that they must have had, just as I had, goosebumps at the sight of this little bird as the words of the song came forth.

After the funeral, this young man's mother shared with us that she felt that God had let her know that her son was now being held in His arms, in eternity.

What a wonderful reminder from our Lord, in that little bird, that He sees, knows, and cares about all of us!

marcy

Encounters of the God Kind

2008-07-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

I had an "encounter of the God kind" this past week.

I had went to visit my sister, and as it was late when I left I decided to stop and get some fast food on the way home. Then came the decisions...

Where should I stop? After going over my choices, I decided.

Then when I got there, I had to decide whether to stay and eat there in my car or to go home. I knew that my kitties would be hungry and waiting for me, but I decided to stay and eat there.

As I was eating in my car, a woman approached. She was wearing a hooded sweatshirt that extended down over her hands, even though the weather was not particularly cold that night.

She said, "Excuse me, I'm really sorry to bother you, but I'm homeless and wondered if you could help me?" Without hesitation I handed her some money. She was very grateful and said, "God bless you!" I replied, "Jesus loves you." She asked, "What did you say?" So I repeated that Jesus loves her. She asked, "Are you a believer?" I told her that I am.

She looked up to the sky and said, "Father, I asked You to help me and you sent me to her...thank You Father!"

She started talking about how wonderful the Lord is, and how He takes care of us, and that He is returning to this earth. I said, "Yes, He's coming for us soon." She asked, "Are you ready?" I said "Yes." She said that she is ready also. And we both took comfort in the fact that He is coming for us very soon.

She said, "Some day I will see you again, and I will thank you for this again."

As she left, I marvelled in all the decisions that had led to this "God encounter." Had any one of these decisions deviated, this would not have happened. It is so vital that we have our "God antennas" up and receiving at all times.

Our steps are truly ordered of the Lord!

marcy