(This is an article I published in 1990 and still relevant today. Bible verse references are embedded throughout the article). The cake is on the table, REPENT, BELIEVE and CONFESS. And if the Lord grants you another birthday, it will be more than happy; it will be blessed! Every time someone celebrates a birthday, the person is not just one year older but is one day closer to the Day of Judgement Romans 14:12. Still, there are those individuals who have not accepted and confessed Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Certainly, there are those who can say that they have heard about Jesus and how He died on the cross for the sins of the world, but they can’t say that they personally know Him. Salvation is not something that can be earned for good deeds but is a gift that must be accepted and will result into good deeds Ephesians 2:8-10. When a person accepts Jesus as Savior, the person puts faith in and dependence on Jesus, even in storms of financial problems, drug abuse, loneliness, illness, depression, or whatever. Although a person who is saved goes through some storms, Jesus can give the individual the peace, instructions, and means to look through the storms rather than at them. Some benefits of being saved include having sins forgiven Romans 3:23-25; being a child of God John 1:12; having a new heart and spirit Ezekiel 36:26; gaining fruits of the Spirit such as joy, peace, and temperance Galatians 5:22-23; receiving gifts of the Spirit such as teaching and witnessing Romans 12:4-8; and having assurance that one day you will have a place in Heaven where there is no crying, pain, or death Revelation 21:4. I’ve read that the process of becoming a Christian can be easily explained as ABC: Admit that you have sinned. Believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Confess that the risen Christ is your Lord and Savior. So, as the days and years continue, be happy; but most of all, be SAVED! | The cake is on the table, old friends and new gathered around. It’s another birthday, but is your wish for your relationship with Christ to be found? The cake is on the table, the candles burning bright, but if someone asked you if you know the Savior, can you say you’ve seen the Light? The cake is on the table, everyone full of food and cheer. And when the party’s over, would you know that the Lord is still here? The cake is on the table, one day closer to the end. I pray when the Day comes that you’ll be His friend. |
ARCHIVE (articles written 2015-2016) |
APPRECIATE GOD'S GREATNESS EVERY DAY Every day is special because there is one more chance to make a dream come true; one more chance to learn from mistakes; one more chance to establish a relationship with Christ; and one more chance to experience the joys of life. Yet, we tend to take for granted the time that has been given to us. We complain about our problems instead of recognizing how God really blesses us even in the midst of problems. He gives us sunshine. He keeps our hearts beating and lungs workings. He provides us with food and clothing. We mustn’t be like the guest who goes in the home of a very gracious host and never compliments or thanks the host. Each day, God shows us how much He loves us. Let’s recognize His mercy and greatness with appreciation. “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV) | PEACEFUL MOMENTS Thank you, God, for the peace that comes with looking at beautiful natural scenery. According to Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Where there is an uproar, let it be resolved with your peace. When our minds are racing with worries and fears, settle us. For those who have lost loved ones, cradle them in your peace that surpasses all understanding. When the winds of a storm come in our lives, both figuratively and literally, calm them and us too. Oh, the peace that you give! Lord, thank you for it. |
DON’T GIVE UP! REAP FROM SEEDS OF PRAYER IN DUE SEASON
A large field, a beautiful blue sky, and oceans are just some of the things that remind me that God is unlimited, and I thank Him for being so wonderful. I thank Him for sustaining me throughout the seasons.
I also reflect on the seeds of prayer planted seasons ago and am filled with joy for the harvest God continues to bless me with. The act of sowing and reaping is repeated throughout the Bible (Mark 4: 26-32; Exodus 23:16; Ecclesiastes 3:2). Just when you are about to give up and think your field of dreams, desires, and petitions will come up empty, have faith that God will provide the harvest and bring restoration from the droughts in your life.
John 4:35-36 says “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.”
When I have forgotten a prayer from long ago, God reminds me that He is faithful to answer prayers. And so I say to you, don’t give up! Combat fear with faith. Rejoice! This could be your season.
“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Ecclesiastes 11:6
TEN WAYS TO BE YOUR OWN CHEERLEADER
Often times, we have to be our own cheerleaders and pick ourselves up when feeling down. Here are ten things (and not in any particular order) that can turn that frown into a smile.
Often times, we have to be our own cheerleaders and pick ourselves up when feeling down. Here are ten things (and not in any particular order) that can turn that frown into a smile.
- Humming or listening to a happy song
- Wearing bright colors or looking at festive flowers
- Doing a good deed for someone
- Reading a funny quote
- Exercising
- Calling a friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time
- Writing down God’s blessings and thanking Him for them
- Sending a card to someone who has been ill
- Remembering happy times
- Praying and believing your prayer will be answered
FIVE WAYS TO ENJOY EACH STAGE OF LIFE Do you recall as a child adding one half to your age (e.g. “I’m nine and a half.”) because you wanted to be older than what you were? Well I do. The young want to grow up faster and the old want to be young again. It seems we are never satisfied with what stage of life we are in. I want to enjoy the stage of life I am in right now. Who else out there wants to enjoy the stage you are in? Well here are my five suggestions to do this.
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WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM A CHILD'S PRAYER
I love to hear children pray at church. Typically, the prayers are short but oh so powerful. Here’s what I have observed about the children when praying.
Adults can take examples from these children.
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” Psalm 145: 3-4
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM A CHILD'S PRAYER
I love to hear children pray at church. Typically, the prayers are short but oh so powerful. Here’s what I have observed about the children when praying.
- They acknowledge God’s love and greatness.
- They show repentance in asking for forgiveness after acting up in school or disobeying their parents and they add, “And help me not to do that again.”
- They thank God for family, food, shelter, and clothing.
- They remember those in the hospital by asking God to make them well.
- They show humbleness when asking for help at school.
- They recognize God’s power when they ask Him to take care of the whole world.
- They thank Jesus for salvation.
Adults can take examples from these children.
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” Psalm 145: 3-4