"My God" has made Himself personal to me:
I called on Him when I prayed "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" during my parents divorce. I was seven years old and He made His presence known to me.
He put His wings around me during the abuse I endured at the hands of a stepfather, and sent me a savior; my grandfather.
He advised me when I was molested by three teen boys at a bus stop. I was 16.
When there was disappointment over missing high school graduation, due to minor surgery, He was there holding my hand.
I held fast to Him through the loss of two children at birth.
During marriage to an alcoholic, He advised me through His spirit.
He was there to console me after the death of Grandfather, the only earthly father I have known.
An angel, in the form of a police officer, was sent when my brakes failed early one morning on busy city streets.
I prayed "Our Father" in an ambulance after a car accident. It left me with 44 stitches to my face, a broken foot and crushed vertebra, but He chose to spare my life.
Late one evening, in New York, He sent an angel to perform a miracle and save me from an assault in a public parking lot.
Again, He held my hand during surgery for malignant tumors, consoled me when I learned that I would never have children and held my hand during the hysterectomy ten years later.
I had traveled across this country for forty-five years to sell my art work. I remember dangerous driving conditions, storms in the mountains, icey roads and being lost - a lot. My God was sitting next to me in the passenger seat every inch of the way.
In Alabama, He sent an angel with yet another miracle to keep me from an auto accident with two little girls in my car.
During a time of great depression, from many wrong choices through the years, He spoke and saved me from suicide.
He has loved me from my conception, with a plan for my life. Thirty-five years ago, my God placed me in His church, changed my life and my way of thinking and, twenty-six years ago gave me my greatest earthy treasure, a husband who truly loves me.
My God bandaged emotional wounds and started the healing. He has always made Himself personal to my needs.
He sent me a healer and holds my hand every time I take a treatment for liver failure.
He stepped in to fill a huge void when my mother died and consoles a great loss, again, when my brother died young.
A compound fracture in my ankle was set without anesthetic by a strange doctor in a strange hospital in a city far from home. I was alone for surgery - except for my God.
Throughout my life, and even now, my God has been with me every minute to make sure I did not suffer more than I could bare. He has been there watching, teaching, protecting; keeping my heart, my body and my soul in His ever gentle arms.
My God took hate, fear and guilt and replaced them with joy, compassion and peace.
My God is the magnificent "I Am" who made time and space and lives on the sides of the north in the third heaven. Every existence exists in His thought. He knows every inch of every star in the universe, every grain of sand on every beach and cares enough about me to know how many hairs are on my head - He is the keeper of my soul.
My God loves, protects, blesses, teaches, comforts, heals and answers my prayers. Getting to know Him is a lifetime of joy and amazement.
The Christian life is not easy but the rewards are great.
Amen
Not too long ago, I was in our local dollar store to pick up some household items.
I wasn't in the store very long when I heard a woman's voice that sounded upset. Naturally, as a "curious" person, I wanted to know what was going on; so . . . I listened. I mean, it didn't take much straining to hear her. This woman had the kind of voice that seems to permeate the atmosphere. (Know what I mean?)
She was asking about the price of an item. No idea what the item was and it is not important. She was at the register complaining that a price had been rung up that was incorrect. The clerk was explaining that it was the price listed in the register. The lady customer was countering, emphatically, that the price on the shelf, where she found it, was different than the price being rung up. We've all been there. And, it does happen that a price can be in the register that has not been changed for a sale. This lady did not seem to be considering the possibility of an excusable error. In fact, she was getting quite agitated. After a couple minutes of discussion with the clerk was getting her nowhere, she asked for the manager. As far as I can remember, the price difference was just a matter of less than a dollar.
The manager was prompt on the scene and asked the customer to show her on what shelf in the store she found the price of this item. The customer marched the manager straight to the shelf with the price. The manager, seeing the issue immediately, patiently explained that her item was not in the correct location in the store. The manager further explained that people frequently pick up items and leave them in different locations when they change their mind about a purchase.
Apparently, this lady did not like her answer. Her agitation was growing as could be witnessed by her volume. Here and now, I can no longer be accused of eaves dropping; the entire occupancy of the store was within hearing range.
The manager was leading her customer back to the register to settle the situation. A line of customers was forming and half of this woman's purchases had been rung up. We were in the middle of a "incomplete checkout".
Discussion continued further as the customer was getting more and more upset. She was insisting on the price that was on the shelf where she found the item in question. The manager, to her credit, was even in tone, volume and patience as she continued to repeat the actuality of the situation. This customer, for whatever reason, finally relinquished and very sharply declared, "Well, then, I don't want it."
By this time, I had joined the line of waiting customers and could witness the situation first hand. With, pursed lips this lady refused to say another word, pushed her money into the hand of the manager, threw her change into her purse and mumbled something under her breath.
As she turned with her cart, I could see her purse in the baby seat, which sported a decal that declared, "I am a Christian".
Amen
Yeah, my story has a great ending.
Looking back over my life, I can see how blessed I am. All the trials have made me who I am today. Perfect? No! But, I have learned, matured, grown spiritually, come into a personal relationship with God and am so grateful for all of it.
God did not do any of the bad things. People were given free choice from the time of Adam and Eve. My parents made choices and I made my choices in response to their actions. It is obvious that I made poor choices - one after another for many years. And, look how it just spiraled to that turning point with the loaded gun.
God does not do bad God is total, complete love. As a good father, He created us and knows what we need and want better than we do. It's not easy to trust a spiritual being when everything we relate to is physical. Faith and belief are not easy in this world. It takes a desire and a lot of practice - a lot of trial and error. Not to worry, the blood of Jesus covers the believer's mistakes. You get a "do over" - every time! Keep doing it over until you get it right. It starts with your first step. Jesus does not push; He waits. You have to take the first step in faith and practice belief. Here is another easy part: if you need faith, just ask for it. That first step is submission by getting on you knees and asking for everything you lack. The father's love makes it easy.
The enemy knows where we are most vulnerable. He knows every weak spot. He prowls the earth like a hungry lion searching for who he can devour. Constantly in our head whispering everything negative and telling us we are not worthy; prodding us to do and be everything Jesus is not.
God turns bad to good:
Because my father left, I got to know an amazing grandfather.
Because of the sexual abuse, I learned to cherish physical relationship as the ultimate expression of love within the privacy of marriage.
Because I was betrayed by a close friend, I know how to be a friend.
Because of the molestings, I am cautious and aware of my surroundings.
Because of poor choices in husbands, I learned to let God have His way.
Because I lost children, I have a passion for them.
Because of many trials, I was blessed with amazing friendships for support.
Because of a restless spirit, I have traveled all over this country, been places, seen things and met all sorts of people.
Because . . . because . . . because . . . get it?
My husband and I are not wealthy but we have everything we need; what a great blessing. Sometimes, I feel downright rich.
Note: We have learned that any time we get a financial windfall (like a bonus at work or I sell art I was not offering), to hold on to it for awhile before we spend it. Many times, a reason for the money comes shortly after we receive it. So many times, God has provided BEFORE the need. What a blessing to be able to ask our Heavenly Father for advice in every part of our daily lives. When the answer is immediate or obvious, our faith gets a boost. Fear fades and confidence grows.
As we mature in our relationship with Jesus, we have learned how to be grateful and show daily praise. We are making Him the center of our married lives. He shows us His amazing love and understanding time and again. Our lives have become miracles.
Amen
Privacy is something I value highly. When we relocate, I will pack personal things so movers don't come in and pack the contents of my underwear drawer or see my toiletries. I never could share a bathroom with a husband and have only two friends I will share a motel room with. If I don't get "alone time", you can't stand to have me around. Anyone out there understand what I am saying?
That said, when it comes to my past, I am an open book. Like everyone else, I have had trials, temptations, failures and embarrassments. I don't believe in regret. I made bad choices (for whatever reason) and they were my choices. I like to think that I have learned from them. After all, I did do a full turn around at one point in my life. There were times of great sorrow, fear, worthlessness and loneliness. I have felt "lonely" but never "alone".
When I say that I did a full turnaround and repented of a life style, I don't mean all of a sudden I realized there was a loving being out there that created everything and His son came to save me to eternal life by paying the debt for everything I did wrong; although, all of that is true. The thing is, I cannot remember a time in my life when I was not aware of God and His presence. And, I can remember back to the time I was still sleeping in a crib.
It amazes me that people do discover God in there teen years or even later in life. They have great epiphany, a moment of awareness - that "aha moment". I have a bit of jealousy for that. It's like I missed out on all the excitement. On the other hand, friends have told me that they envy the fact that I have always had this awareness just like many others - I am not unique. Neither am I different. We have trouble seeing our own life as valuable.
Okay, all this being said, let's get back to my story. I once offered to give my testimony in church. My pastor, at the time, had me jot down some highlights for review. He called me into his study and denied my request on the grounds that "no one will believe it" - ? Huh?
I know that I have had an active life of varied interests, jobs, a career and, as stated before, great changes. I am also far passed retirement age, so it has been a rather lengthy life. The longer your life, the more stuff happens! To keep this writing within some boundaries, I am using key words in summary form so you can get the idea without a lot of lengthy (and boring) script. This also keeps my private side happy because I do not have to disclose all the embarrassing details.
As first born, Mother dedicated me at birth and sent me to church from the time I could step onto the bus. Things were pretty middle-income-normal until I was eight years old.
Parents divorced
grandfather moved in
no financial support from my father
first experience with rejection from a man
father never answered any correspondence
moved to a less expensive neighbor hood = inner city (big city)
dislexic before there was dislexia = thought I was stupid
step father = sexual abuse (me and my sister)
teenage baptism
molested by three teens on way to work
pregnant at 17 = gave up art scholarship
high school graduation = stopped going to church
lost two children at birth
married and moved to Boston - moved to Long Island
betrayal by closest friend; changed the course of my life
husband cheated = another rejection and divorce
attacked by man in parking lot
married an alcoholic
various menial jobs
socialized in dive bars = all sorts of people
major auto accident - 44 stitches to face
grandfather died - my only earthly father
partial hysterectomy
husband cheated = another rejection and divorce
found a roommate
single girl for awhile = dating
out of body experience
traveled = selling my art work
married a businessman = he traveled
he had two daughters = I was a step mother
moved to Alabama = nice home, pool, country club
continued traveling and selling art
husband turned out to be an embezzler
he cheated = another divorce and rejection
single scene again
still traveling with art work
met a portrait artist and became her apprentice = hired agents
continued travel
complete hysterectomy
married a country boy from Alabama = step mom, again
different life style in the "back woods"
he had a country band = I ran sound system
opened small town business = framing and portrait studio
he dealt in drugs = I went back to church
he cheated = devastating divorce
considered suicide - had loaded gun in hand
got baptized and took it serious
* No wonder the pastor said, "No one would believe it".
The out of body experience opened my eyes to my life style but I am a stubborn person and it was years later before I made major changes. There were highlights along the wrong path: travel, people and I never lost that feeling of God's presence.
I took that baptism 35 years ago serious and, like the prodigal son, my (heavenly) Father welcomed me back with open arms and all the blessings of my heritage that were just waiting for me. Imagine that! All I had to do was "come home". (I am reminded of the Proverb: Raise a child up in the way He should go and he will not depart from it.) My marriage, of 26 years, is to a great Christian man who is "the wind beneath my wings". My business became successful. Fear and anger no longer rule over me.
It did not happen over night. There were trials and many errors along the way: health issues, decisions and major adjustments. During this time, I learned to let God have control and it has made all the difference.
Lately, I have been reminded that we all have a story and as Christians, we need to share it with others. It can take us out of our comfort zone but it is our story of how God, our Father, molds us to become what He calls us to. Just maybe your story can help someone else. If we just plant the seed, God will make it grow somewhere.
Amen!
Today, we come to Chapter 3 of Jonah and find him ready to follow God's will; albeit reluctantly.
Israel had been at war and plundered by the Assyrians for years. Jonah wanted God's wrath on them, so he didn't want them to repent. The wonderful thing here is how Jonah was so aware that God is truly merciful. He was sure the Assyrian city of Nineveh would NOT suffer God's judgment. He knew better (by now) than to argue with God so he went ahead reluctantly.
How many times in our lives do we find ourselves in Jonah's place? How often do we want to do what we know will go against God's will and we do it anyway? Paul put it so well when he said: that which I know I should not do, that I do. That which I know I should do, that I do not. Or, something to that effect. Our lives are a constant battle of our flesh against our spirit. We "shame on" Jonah when we should take a lesson here. God is our Father in Heaven and we really are His spoiled children wanting our way and pouting when we don't get it. So often we do not understand that all His ways for us are only for our benefit in the long run. We lack faith.
For a second time, Jonah was told what to do. (Our Father God is patient) Verse three says he obeyed - period.
In verse 4 his stubbornness is rearing it's ugly head again, already. Nineveh is so large it takes three days to walk across the city. Jonah went into the city one day's walk. This is not even half way. Logically speaking, he should have gone at least 1 1/2 day's walk to get to the center of population to deliver his message. Just like a child to go just an inch short of what they are told to do.
As fast as he proclaimed destruction of Nineveh, all citizens repented - even the king. The king even sent out a formal decree ordering fasting, repentance and prayer. His decree not only ordered repentance but showed belief in the existence and power in the God of the Hebrew people - along with the authority of Jonah as God's prophet.
Last verse, 10 reveals, again, the great mercy of God.
A second connection between Jonah and Jesus occurs (ie: the grave in 2:17): the Pharisees in John 7:52, state that "no prophet arises out of Galilee". II Kings 14:2 states that Jonah was from Gath-hepher, a town in Galilee that sits between the Sea of Galilee and Mt. Carmel.
Jonah is referenced 13 times in the New Testament.
God sent a prophet to people who had oppressed His chosen people, to ask them to repent so He could show his amazing mercy (Heb: hesed). They did. In God's great mercy, the entire city of previous idol worshiping oppressors was saved.
It is a great thing that God does not think like we do.
Amen
This chapter starts by stating that the LORD (I will write on LORD, Lord, Hashem and Yahweh at another time.) provided a huge fish (NIV) to swallow Jonah. My Hebrew translation makes it clear it is NOT a whale. Young's Literal Translation says big fish. I have heard speculation that it was some sort of prehistoric sea creature or a creature God created just for this purpose. I don't believe this detail is important or text would be more specific. We can assume it was a large animal that lived in the sea. We are also told he was in the "fish" three days and three nights. Mt 12:40 relates this story of Jonah to the time Jesus would lie in the earthen tomb.
(By the way, science has found live animals in the belly of whales. Whether it was a whale, fish or a sea monster, this story rings true.)
Verses 2 - 9 Jonah prayed to God. We read Jonah praising God for His greatness. Again, acknowledging his God as powerful. In verse 4, he speaks of being alive on dry land again. We can assume Jonah was aware that God meant to save him since he was swallowed whole/alive as opposed to being chewed up into bite size morsels. He verbally reminded God, and himself, of the might, power and mercy of God. Sometimes we need to hear what we believe out loud; sometimes we need to pray out loud. He ends his prayer with the promise of loud praise and a sacrifice. Then, he makes a vow to proclaim God's salvation.
The second half of verse 6 could refer to God's merciful plan that saves us from hell (the pit). In the same way verse 7 could be likened to a person coming to the end of their struggles in life to acknowledge Jesus as their savior.
In verse 8 Jonah speaks against idol worshipers. He could be referring to Gentiles in general, the sailors of the ship or the Ninevites.
(If read just the right way, this prayer can sound like a con job. However, you cannot con a God who can read your heart.) Jonah obviously had some sort of relationship with God for such a heartfelt prayer. The prayer is honorable and shows great awe and humility. He has definitely repented to do God's will.
He was in the belly of a fish but he knew God would spare him (V.4). (Jesus knew when in the tomb, that His Father would not abandon Him.) There certainly was something special about this man that God chose him for a special task. Of course he had flaws (stubborn, jealous, argumentative) but this only reminds us that God uses flawed people so His presence is obvious through His miracles.
Then, just as the Lord commanded the storm to stop and it did (immediately), He now commanded the fish to spew Jonah onto dry land and the fish did - without hesitation.
I have read commentaries that state this book is just a fairy tale of sorts to entertain us albeit with or without a point. I say everything in this book is possible and factual. Put that together with Rev. 19:10 which emphatically states ". . . it is the spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.". It is explained very emphatically from original Greek text: "For the substance, essence of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy, the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose of God." Jonah is known as a prophet. The Holy Spirit of the God Head authored the Bible.
We are now at the end of chapter two and I want to point out seven (7) miracles in these two chapters that were performed by the hand of God. Seven is the number of completion and the task of convincing Jonah to do what he was told is completed.
The miracles I speak of are: the great wind that came up on the sea, the casting of lots (by Gentiles) that God answered, the sea growing calm immediately, the great fish that came along just as Jonah went overboard, remaining alive in the fish for three days, being vomited up from the fish and doing it on dry land.
Behold the mighty hand of God !
Amen
Amazing how there is so much in just four chapters.
Jonah was a really interesting, yet reluctant profit. He was stubborn, bull headed and jealous. His last recorded words to God were "I'm so angry I wish I were dead." He was angry that God spared Ninevah with 120,000 people, after they repented. What a guy!
Jonah means "Dove". Israel is referred to, in several places, as God's Dove. We can derive that Jonah represents Israel's jealousy of God's relationship with Gentiles; in this case, Ninevah (which means "Offspring's Habitation"). Let me reassure anyone in doubt that God has enough wealth, love, grace and mercy for all His children - just in case you were wondering.
This little book by a minor prophet is only 4 short chapters, with 40 verses. The number forty represents trial. Of these verses, 8 are a prayer stating Jonah's turn of attitude after being swallowed by a huge fish.
In chapter one, we observe Nineveh was the capitol of Syria (Gen 10:11) on the east bank of the Tigris River. Pop: 120,000
We can also observe the ups and downs: "down to Joppa", "storm arose", "below deck", "lay down", "pick me up". We can relate this to the ups and downs of sea waves and/or the ups and downs of life along with the ups and downs of the emotions in this little book.
Ninevites were descendants of Noah's son Ham (his name means "Dark"). Since the three sons of Noah populated the earth, I believe the people of Nineveh were dark skinned.
Verse three: we read of Jonah paying fare to ride on a cargo ship. I understand this was not custom in those days and Jonah's fare would have been high. Moral: we have to pay when we go against the will of God.
The word "sea" which often refers to the world, in the Bible, is an interesting topic of meditation in this book. We can get the reference of God's grace to Gentiles all over the world (not just Nineveh).
Verse 5 tells us the sailors are Gentiles and follow their own gods.
In V.7, we see the sailors casting lots for an answer (refer to Pro.16:33) and they were following other gods. And, recognizing yet another God, Jonah's. When people follow a god other than the one true God, one is never enough to satisfy.
Verse eight is one place in the New Testament that the word "please" is omitted from original Greek text: "Please tell us, who is responsible . . ".
Verse nine is funny to me. Here, Jonah is bragging about being a Hebrew who worships the God of heaven - yet, he is running away from this God he brags about. He does not want to do the bidding of the God he worships. Does he really believe that he can hide from his mighty God? Others have tried. He really is a very interesting character.
In verse 11, they asked Jonah what they should do to him. They knew he was the reason for the stormy sea. He told them twice that God was chasing him (v.10). Good ol' Jonah told them to pitch him into the sea.
Now we see these sailors as honorable men. They tried to row back to land to keep from sending Jonah to "Davey Jone's Locker". Then, they cried out to Jonah's God, not their gods. They have become believers thru this ordeal. Out of desperation from the storm increasing, they threw Jonah overboard. The sea got calm (immediately) and they made vows to God. Such vows were generally in the form of promises to help the poor.
Metaphor: God's dove, Israel, (Jonah) tries to flee to the world (the sea) to get away from God's bidding. God allows them to suffer trial (the storm) until they are ready to submit (thrown overboard). As soon as Israel submits (thrown overboard) God relents and stops their torment (storm). This is the history of the Hebrew people over and over throughout history. Far fetched metaphor? Maybe. Interesting comparison? Definitely!
Come back for Chapt. 2
Amen
Today may sound a bit stern, discouraging, harsh - even frightening. I tend to "call it as I see it" but remember: I have read to the end of the book and I know who wins. Besides, I'm in a bit of a "snit" today and I have a right (If you have a right, I have a right.)
So, you have chosen to be a Christian?
Can you drink from the cup? Ps 36:1
Society has a cancer called "sin" because she spurns her foundation, Jesus Christ. "Everyone has a right". A right to murder a fetus. Ro 3:15 A right to get drunk and operate a motorized vehicle on a public street. A right to cheat on their spouse because they are bored with them. A right to abuse a child because their dreams did not get fulfilled. A right to stop a majority from prayer in school. A right to be respected even if they are lazy, unkempt, loud, rude and crude. A right to benefits in a country where they hold no citizenship or reject it's laws.. A right to unnatural sexual choices. Ro 1:27 I could go on for hours.
Note: The prostitute in Rev 17 is an immoral society. Babylon is an oppressive and Godless government.
Freedom is not to do what you want but the right to do what you should.
Being a Christian today is not always pretty. And . . it ain't gonna get any better. We are in the final generation before the coming of our Lord.
Suffering is the fire that forges the steel that is the Christian. After all, there was a lot of suffering before the resurrection. Learn to embrace your cross. As a Christian, you have chosen a path of one degree or another. Learn to turn to your Savior in prayer for your peace and strength. He needs proud warriors.
Happiness is a choice, honesty, faithfulness, sobriety and the sex of your partner is a choice. Hell is a choice. We are not made to fit in but to stand out. We are the light in a dark world and the salt that gives it flavor.
Story: When I made my (absolute and final) decision to follow a Christian life, I lost my husband, home, step children, a business and friends. I chose to turn from a way of life - repent means to turn around. Everything seemed to fall apart all at once. I found myself one evening sitting in the back room of my studio with a loaded gun in my hand. That small voice came to me and whispered, "You cannot give life, so you cannot take life." I put the gun away - scary.
When my pastor, at that time, realized what I was going through, he said, "We gotta get you dunked right away". He went on to explain that baptism brings the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that would give me the strength to deal with my trials. If you have chosen a Christian life style, you need to be baptized - it works. Ro 6:4
* There is scientific proof that after baptism, a person's DNA is different. We truly are born again.
The Enemy is coming after you - HARD and, he is sneaky. He does not want new converts. He wants to take the throne that Jesus earned. He hates you - venomously! He is jealous of you, as a child of God. He hates you have the favor of God. He hates you have the Holy Spirit with you. He hates that God hears your prayers. He hates you are destined to reign on this earth in the new Jerusalem. Rev 21:2
We are in a spiritual battle. Satan himself wants you miserable, suffering, defiled, polluted, lonely, sick, confused, devastated, sitting with the loaded gun of surrender.
Good News: It's all good. Believers have the weapons of the Holy Spirit, prayer, communion, anointing, faith, discernment and the support of the church. Our heavenly father offers an amazing support system. He wants us happy with our choice. We are forgiven, loved by Almighty God Himself, promised a place with His Son and will not face judgement. As believers, we are already forgiven; Christ did it all for us. Ro 3:24
B E A U T I F U L: Jesus continues to do it all. Call on Him for anything, anytime. If you lack faith, are afraid, confused, lacking spiritual strength, pray and ask for these things. Jesus has enough for everyone and He wants to give to you. He loves us. He loves you as the greatest father you could ever know. You have chosen the narrow path, the right choice - door number three. There is no turning back; the victory is already ours. Christ won our battle on the cross. Jesus has only to come back and claim His prize. You
Amen Amen Amen
Late one evening, in New York, He sent an angel to perform a miracle and save me from an assault in a public parking lot. 
