"This is not our life.  Our life is eternal.

 Our life is a gift from God.  How we live our life is our gift to God."

                                                  Ally Breedlove, sister of Ben Breedlove

Christian Teen Shares Final Thoughts Before His Death - Inspirational Videos

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=K6LDDWNX - Ben Breedlove's message
 
Last week, I saw this video on Godtube and it touched my heart.  This young man has had a very difficult
life.  He was unable to participate in sports with the other guys his age.  So much of his life was centered around his heart problems. 
 
He just wanted to be normal like other kids.
 
Have you ever wished you could be normal?  Like everyone else? 
 
Ben was not like the other kids.  Ben was a very special young man, and after watching this video, I bet other kids would say they want to be like Ben.  I would.
 
Ben nearly died (or maybe actually died) three times.  He experienced something pretty incredible during those moments when his heart had stopped and he wasn't breathing.  He had a peace that surpasses all understanding.  When he "came back", and woke up, he was sad that he had to leave that place of serenity and peace.  But he was okay with being back.  He knew God still had something for him to do.

Philippians 4:7 NIV
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


 
You see, Ben realized this life is short and no matter what he had to endure during his time on earth, there was something better coming.  His eyes were on the prize.  His eyes were on Jesus and Eternity.  He longed for that glorious future, but at the same time, he was willing to live his life to the best of his ability each and every day that God had him on this earth. 
 
Ben made this video on December 16th, just 10 days after his last  "heavenly" experience. It was still so fresh on his mind - the beauty and peace of what comes for the believer after death.  Nine days after he made this video, Ben went home to Jesus for good.  On Christmas Day, Ben got the best gift ever!  He woke up in heaven for eternity.  Thru his little video, Ben gave us the blessing of reassuring us all that heaven is worth whatever we deal with here.  It's so worth it. 

• Don't give up when things are hard. 
• Live each day to your best ability.
• Somebody you know needs to see Jesus and you may just be the only one who can show them.
• The bumps and hazards on the road of our lives give us opportunities to be more because of  our weaknesses if we trust in the strength Jesus gives us.

As I watched this video, Ben holding up the index cards with his message, the music in the background was soothing to my spirit, and then I realized that it was "Mad World", a song that Tyler plays on the piano almost every day.  It's a beautiful melody, but honestly, the lyrics can seem a little depressing to me... at least in the past.  But as I listened to this young man talk about dying, I realized the lyrics are exactly right. 

Mad, Mad World - Gary Jules
lyrics

All around me are familiar faces
worn out places, worn out faces

Bright and early for the daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere

Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression

Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow

And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had

I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very very, mad world, mad world

Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday

And I feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen

Went to school and I was very nervous
no one knew me, no one knew me

Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson
Look right through me, look right through me

And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had

I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very very, mad world, mad world

Enlarge your world, mad world

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Jules wrote this song several years ago and it was brought back to our attention when Adam Lambert sang it while competing with America Idol.  At first, the words can seem hopeless and depressing if you see this life as all there is. Yet when I heard this song gently playing in the background while Ben Breedlove shared his testimony, I understood the sadness in the song.  It's not that life is depressing or hopeless.  The sadness is that people don't understand that even though there are terrible struggles in life, that's not all there is.  This life is our pilgrimage to Eternity with God Almighty!  What on earth could matter compared to that hope? 

The sad part of the song is that we get so caught up in this world that we lose our focus on what's to come.  Greater things are yet to come.  Hold on.  That's what I hear now when I listen to this song.  And like Ben Breedlove, I want to give people hope.  Something so much better is coming if we just keep our eyes on Jesus.

http://youtu.be/hh8WONK6i4o - Greater things are yet to come - Chris Tomlin

Even when we struggle, God gives us the opportunity to help others who are struggling, too.  When we suffer and struggle, many times the best thing we can do for ourselves is to reach out to others who are suffering.  When we take our attention off our own pain, like Ben did,  and try and help someone else, like Ben did with this video, we are being just like Jesus.  Who better to walk someone through the pain of this life than someone who is walking or has walked that road leaning on Jesus?  That's the person I'm gonna hear when I'm struggling and need encouragement.  I wanna hear from someone who knows the Answer.

Think of all Jesus endured.

Rejection
Homelessness
Poverty (by our standards)
He didn't have a family like everyone else.  No wife, no children...
His brothers didn't believe He was the Christ for a long time.  They teased and mocked Him.
Betrayal
Humiliation
One of His dearest friends denied him at a critical time.
Beatings, stonings, flogging, crucifixion and finally death.
 
Through every heartbreak and struggle Jesus didn't dwell on His own pain, He reached out to comfort others who were hurting.  Even on the cross, He comforted his mother and made provisions for John to take care of her.  Gasping for breath, agonizing in his approaching death, He comforted the thief who came to believe while hanging along side him.
 
When you're hurting, if humanly possible, reach out to help someone else who might be hurting.  The joy that comes from lightening someone else's load will lighten your pain, too.  Remember, too, this is not all there is.  Whatever God has allowed in your life can be your testimony to His faithfulness and love.  People will see
your faith and there may be someone who comes to know Jesus because of your living testimony.  Look what Ben Breedlove did in his last days.  He testified to his faith.  He gave us all hope for Eternity. He promised us:
 
Heaven is worth it!
 
After you watch the video of Mad World, read the comments that are posted.  Some reference Ben Breedlove and his video.  Ben used his struggle to reach out across the world wide web and give people hope through Jesus.  What can you and I do to give that kind of encouragement to others who need hope?  We can live a life that testifies to our Savior's Love and His amazing Gift of Grace.
 
http://youtu.be/4N3N1MlvVc4 - Mad, Mad World
 
comments ...
R.I.P. Ben Breedlove
starsonicy123 20 hours ago

My mums died of heart disease... a heart attack, im here because of Ben Breedlove, he has Brought back my long lost faith in God and the afterlife.... God Bless you Ben I love you X 
rossyboiii 7 hours ago

Father, help us to see Eternity.  Help us to keep our eyes on the glorious future we have with You.  Help us to never give up on life here on earth until You call us home.  Help us to live ever minute, good times and bad, in victory because of what Christ did for us.  Whatever You allow in our lives, LORD, we trust Your promise to give us everything we need to get through those tough times, not in our own wisdom or strength, but in the Strength Jesus gives us through the power of Your Holy Spirit living in us and through Your wisdom.  Help us, God, to see each bump on our road as an opportunity to testify to our faith in Your Son.  Let us use every second You give on earth for Your glory.  Thank You for Ben Breedlove and his testimony.  Such a short life but what a powerful life!  Bless his family and friends as they learn to live without Ben's earthly presence.  Renew their hope in the future that Ben was so looking forward to.  We love You, LORD and give You all our praise and worship.  In the blessed name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


Here is Ben's sister's tribute to her brother at his funeral just a few days ago.  Let us all go forward with the spirit of Ben Breedlove rising in our hearts - "Heaven is worth it!"  Greater things are yet to come, and we can live our lives with honor and joy no matter what we may face, so maybe, just maybe someone will see Jesus in us and want what we have - the HOPE of Eternity with God!
 
Sister of Ben Breedlove Delivers POWERFUL Speech At His Funeral - Inspirational Videos
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KGGKYGNX
 
 
 
 






Happy Choice 2005
Oscar is on the back row in the blue stipped shirt.  You can see the old latrine in the background, behind the old hostel. Timoland is on the back row - red shirt with two white strips on his right shoulder.  He was about 14 years old.  Timoland graduated from secondary school in December and hopes to go to college and become a doctor.

 
Father forgive me!  I am the Rich Man.


http://youtu.be/hGr8as7pPBE - Give me Your eyes - Brandon Heath


Last night I woke up for just a moment with a thought running through my brain.  Earlier in the evening
I was thinking about how wasteful I can be with the blessings God gives me.  I took a moment to jot this down so it would be fresh in my mind as I went about my week.  Maybe, just maybe, if I wrote it down, I'd be a little more aware of how much I waste money that could be used to help one of the children at Happy Choice orphanage in Kenya - or people in need anywhere for that matter.

This is what I wrote:

     Can I cut my spending by $33.00 per month so that I can help provide a little

     support for a sweet child who has been orphaned or abandoned? Am I willing
     to sacrifice?

     I've been noticing all the half full water bottles laying around the house and in
     the car. I grap a bottle of water when I'm thirsty and then set it down. I move
     to a different room of the house and get thirsty again. So, instead finding my half
     full bottle of water, I get a new bottle and now I have two partially full bottles.
    And I probably won't finish either one.

    The crazy part?  I have a water filter on my refrigerator, and I have this super
    cool insulated glass that keeps drinks so cold the ice doesn't even melt when my
    drink is left in the car and it's 100 degrees outside. How much could I save if I
    just filled up my super cool glass with the filtered water from the frig instead of
    opening a new bottle of water every time I want a drink? What would be the
    reward if I did that? Maybe I could sponsor one the Happy Choice kiddos for
    $33.00 per month, and they could have food and clothes and even go to school -
    all because I filled up my glass from the refrigerator instead of opening a new
    bottle of water.

It's not much.  I mean, how much does a case of water cost now days?  But what was weighing heavy on
my heart was the amount of money I waste on meaningless things all throughout the week/month.  Just a
little sacrifice here and there and the money I save could make a difference to one of Oscar's kids.

My children and grandchildren crawl into bed at night into a warm comfortable bed with fluffy pillows and all the bankets and quilts they may need for a wonderful night's rest. What a blessing a warm safe place to sleep can be.  I take that for granted so often.  When is the last time I thanked God for my comfortable bed?

The children at Happy Choice need bedding.  Right now, they sleep on mats with a few blankets that have to be shared.  How would I feel if I had to put my children or grandchildren to bed on a mat when it was cold and all they had was a light blanket for cover?

I worry about matching comforter and pillow shams for my children.
Oscar just wants a bed with blankets and maybe a pillow.  It's a different
world, I know, but honestly?  Could this be right?  I have so much.  My children have so much.  These kids - Oscar's kids have so little.

Last night when I woke up God was putting the story of Lazarus and the rich man in my head.  I couldn't shake it. 

Could I be "the rich man"?  Is Oscar my "Lazarus"?

I couldn't help but think of all the things I buy, all the things I own that aren't necessary.  Oh, they're nice to have, and I really enjoy being able to have nice things that I really don't need.  I don't think that makes me a selfish person, but when I know there's a need that I could easily fill with just a little sacrifice on my part, yet I turn away and wait for someone else to help, that's not what God wants from me.

I may not be "rich" by America's standards, but I am definitely blessed.  I am the rich man. What is God requiring of me?  Am I living up to all He wants me to do?

Jesus told his disciples as they went out to teach that when anyone helped them along the way, even if it was just by giving them a cold drink of water, that person would not lose their reward.  Oscar is an evangelist.  He tells everyone he meets about Jesus and how He has been so faithful in Oscar's life.  Oscar cares for orphans - not just by giving them a bit of change and saying "go and be fed", but he brings them home and cares for them as long as they are willing to stay at Happy Choice.  He and Emma become their family.  But that's not all. Emma cares for the widows in her village.  She helps provide food and other needs, but most importantly she teaches them about Jesus.  Oscar and Emma are disciples of Christ, just like the apostles Jesus sent out to teach about the Messiah. 

Am I giving these two disciples of Christ a cold drink of water?

Matthew 10:42 NIV
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”


Emma told me that her precious husband, Oscar, has been known to share his last change of clothes with someone who needed a shirt. He gives when he doesn't have it to give. Oscar needs help caring for these children who are not his by birth, but they have most definitely been placed in his care by God. How can I help?  Would I give my last change of clothes?

When I first starting communicating with Emma and Oscar, they never asked for any help. They would tell me what all was being done in their village and what needed to be done for the children in their care, praising God for everything.  They didn't beg for help.  The didn't even ask for help. They never had a "woe is me" attitude. Instead, they would say, "God will provide.  He is faithful."  

Finally, Larry and I offered to help when Emma needed  surgery to deliver her last baby.  She did not ask, ever.  When I found out how much she needed, we sent it.  From that point on, I began asking them to tell me when they needed help, and then we'd do our best to get what they needed.  Before long, I realized the needs were so great, Larry and I would not be able to provide all they needed.  The hostel was run down and leaky and the children slept on a dirt or mud floor depending on the weather.  The kitchen was unusable and it was very difficult for Emma to cook for all those kids with no kitchen.  It's not exactly like here in the States where we can run and get fast food for our family if the oven breaks.  The latrine was very dangerous and  these little children were at risk every time they used the latrine.  There was tuition, food, medical issues, the water was terrible - full of bacteria and deadly germs.  How could Larry and I ever help with all these needs?

The problem from the beginning was that I thought Larry and I were the rescuers, the saviors for Oscar and Emma.  I thought we were the providers.  I was wrong. 

God was showing me very clearly that I was not the Provider.  He is.  I can't do it on my own.  He can and does.  He broke my heart for this little ministry.  He made me see how much they needed physically, and at the same time, He showed me how rich they were in spiritual blessings.  He has taught me so many lessons through Oscar and Emma, and through all the generous people who have provided support for their work over the years.   God is the Provider, and sometimes He gives those who are willing the great opportunity of being His hands and feet.  Larry and I couldn't do it by ourselves, but God never intended for us to do it by ourselves.  Part of my job in this ministry is to share Oscar's story with as many people as I can and then God does the rest.  He touches hearts for this work, just as He touches hearts for all of His ministries.  And when He calls His children to a ministry, we tend to think that we will bless that ministry with all our good works.  But an amazing thing happens.  The ministry He calls us to blesses us far more than we bless it.

The downside of getting involved in this work has been trying to stop listening to the Enemy when he tries to keep me quiet.  He wants me to shut up and not tell people when Oscar needs help.  I start feeling like I'm intruding, like I always have my hand out for Oscar.  I almost dread recieving another email because I know Oscar's going to need something. And then I'll have to do something about it.  I am not proud of that feeling.
It's definitely not from God.

But then I got to thinking about something Emma said a couple of years ago when Oscar was going through a very difficult time.  He was feeling inadequate to care for the children.  He left home and went to Nairobi.  Emma was worried because she had not heard from him in a few days, and she'd never seen him so discouraged.  She knew he feeling the overwhelming burden of caring for all the children with very little resources available to him.  Oscar never gets that way.  His faith has always been so strong, but at that point, he was down.  During that time, Emma shared with me how hard it was for Oscar to ask me for help.  She said he always felt so bad that he couldn't take care of the children on his own. He didn't want to burden me.

The enemy was working on Oscar making him feel bad about asking me for help, just like he was working on me - making me feel reluctant to share Oscar's needs with others.  Our enemy is a schemer and he know exactly where to hit us.  Fortunately, when Oscar was in Nairobi and saw all the homeless and abandoned children on the streets, God stirred his heart, and he began to teach those kids about His Friend Jesus.  Oscar came back home and I have not seen that discouragement again.

I get discouraged and feel overwhelmed at the prospects of being part of this ministry for the rest of my life.  I see unending needs - at least until we can help Oscar and Emma become self-sustaining through farming and other types of businesses they can do. And that is the plan Emma laid out long ago.  But that plan takes investment and right now, we're just trying to keep the kids in school and food on the table and provide beds for them instead of those matts.  So, I get discouraged. If I think about all they need, it becomes a burden.  But then my phone rings or I have to go to the grocery store or some other "important" task I need to do distracts me, and I forget what Oscar and Emma are dealing with every single day.  I can push their needs out of my mind for a while.  They can't.  They don't have the luxury of  taking a little break from the worries, because when they take a break, kids go hungry.

I know some of you will get very tired of hearing about Oscar and Emma.  I'm sorry. I know you have your own burdens and ministries and I don't want to take away from what you're doing already.  I apologize and understand if you don't want to hear any more.  But I have to tell people.  Some will listen and pray.  Some will listen and be drawn to pray and support financially. I just  want you to know Oscar and Emma like I know them.  I want you to see what I see - two people who have the most sincere hearts for Jesus and for the hurting.  I want you to see your "Lazarus" when God puts him in your path. And unlike the rich man, maybe each of us will be moved  to provide our own Lazarus with a cold drink of water.

Luke 16:19-31 NLT

The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus


19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.


22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’

25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’

27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’


29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’


30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’

31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Father, You have blessed me with the friendship of two precious people who have enriched my life and faith. I may not have much to offer them, but I can provide a cold drink.  Please help me never to fail to give what I can give just because it doesn't seem like enough.  Help me to be a better steward of the blessings You continually pour down on me.  Help me to seek Your Kingdom first instead of getting caught up in the things of this world. Forgive me for turning my back on those in need when it becomes uncomfortable or when their  needs seem too great.  I know You are the Provider.  I will trust in You.  Lord, use me as You will.  I don't to be like the rich man any more.  In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

http://youtu.be/gupoINLzeYQ - Every Man - Casting Crowns

                                        Donations can be made for Happy Choice - Kenya at www.lostorphans.com . 

top photo is some of the widows Emma helps with Michael and Zack of Lost Orphans
standing in front of the new hostel built in 2011.

The bottom photo is Oscar wand Emma with some of the children getting ready to
cut the ribbons to the new kitchen!

God Provides!

I'm a Creationist!  There.  I said it. 

http://youtu.be/qF9aY49oQTs - Indescribable - Chris Tomlin

And God spoke all these words when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments: 

Exodus 20:1:  "I am the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt..."

verse 11:  For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day.  Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

SIX days!  Rested on the seventh.  Either days of Creation were normal 24 hour days or that seven day of rest was a really, really long time.  But that's just my understanding.  I walk by faith.  If God says it in His Word, I believe it.

And you know what I just love?  When scientific discoveries point right back to God's Inspired Word!!! 

Love it! Love it! Love it!

Over the weekend, I had a cold and was in bed watching a show on the History Channel - History's Mysteries - Sodom and Gomorrah.  It seems an amazing discover was uncovered.  First of all, we now know there was actually a city of Sodom.  For years some people thought that was just a "an old bible tale", but then archaeologists began to uncover evidence to support city life in an area right where the Bible said  Sodom was located.  How many times does that have to happen before we start believing God? 

Then a clay tablet was found that may answer some questions about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

http://www.sott.net/articles/show/226353-Decoded-The-clay-tablet-that-tells-how-an-asteroid-destroyed-Sodom-5-000-years-ago-

excerpt from the link above:
A clay tablet that has baffled scientists for more than a
century has been identified as a witness's account of
an asteroid that destroyed the Biblical cities of Sodom
and Gomorrah 5,000 years ago.


Researchers believe that the tablet's symbols give a
detailed account of how a mile-long asteroid hit the
region, causing thousands of deaths and devastating
more than one million sq km (386,000 sq miles).


The impact, equivalent to more than 1,000 tons of
TNT exploding, would have created one of the
world's biggest-ever landslides. ~~~





 This disc showed constellations in the sky and another interesting thing.  It appeared to indicate that an asteroid may have crashed to earth about 5000 years ago, very near to where Sodom and Gomorrah were located. Archaeologists had already determined that Sodom was indeed left in ashes by some catastrophic incident that happened suddenly, literally destroying Sodom, burning it complete to the ground.   The possibility of an astroid convinced the scientific community of a fact that was recorded in the Bible. I'm so glad they finally figured out what God had told us thousands of years ago in His Inspired Word. 

Genesis 18
The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. ² Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. ....

Abraham invites the three men, the Lord and two angels,  to be his guests.  The Lord then tells Abraham that at the same time the following year, Sarah would give birth to their son.  Sarah overheard and cannot hold back the laugh of disbelief.  I know the feeling.  I was 46 when I found out I would be giving birth to another son, Tyler!   

But God's promises are true.  Sarah became a believer when Isaac was born just when the Lord said he would be born.

When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. 17 Then the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? 18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. 19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”



20 Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.”

22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. 23 Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”


26 The LORD said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

27 Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, 28 what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?”

“If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.”

29 Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?”

He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.”

30 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?”


He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.”


31 Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?”


He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.”


32 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?”


He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”

33 When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.

Genesis 19
1 The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 2 “My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.”



It was not uncommon for guests traveling through a city to sleep in the square.  But Lot knew what reception they would be given if they stayed unprotected in the square.  He pleaded with them to come home with him for their safety.

“No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”


3 But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. 4 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. 5 They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.”

6 Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him 7 and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. 8 Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.”

This passage really upsets me.  The idea that Lot would think it better for these sex crazed Sodomites to rape his virgin daughters rather than raping the two men - whom he didn't realize were angels  at the time, makes me sick.  I can't imagine making this suggestion if I were in Lot's position,  but Lot evidently saw no other way out of the disaster that was about to take place.  To him, his daughters being raped was the lesser of two evils.  9 “Get out of our way,” they replied. “This fellow came here as a foreigner, and now he wants to play the judge! We’ll treat you worse than them.” They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door.


10 But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. 11 Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door.

12 The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, 13 because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.”

14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.


15 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.”


16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. 17 As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”


 But Lot said to them, “No, my lords, please! 19 Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I’ll die. 20 Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn’t it? Then my life will be spared.”

21 He said to him, “Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. 22 But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.” (That is why the town was called Zoar.)

23 By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. 24 Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land.

Astronomers have determined that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by the huge asteroid that landed some miles from these cities and as it sailed in from the atmosphere, balls of fire, possible sulphur? crashed down to earth for miles and miles.  Sodom and Gomorrah fell victim to this huge asteroid.
 
Hmmmm.....  How does that contradict what God's inspired Word says?  The Lord said he would rain down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah from the heavens.  I think He did just that.  Whether He used an asteroid or some other means, burning sulfur fell down on Sodom and Gomorrah and destroyed those cities completely.  Archaeologist have discovered layers of ashes and bones of people who all died suddenly - I think the documentary said there were at least 20,000 people who died at the same time. 
 
And get this.  Dr. Carole Fontaine, a "theologist", says we've misunderstood all these years what the "sin" of Sodom and Gomorrah was.  Most scholars agree that the people were extremely wicked in every way and the story we are shown in the bible seems to highlight the sin of unnatural relations between men.  Dr. Fontaine is quick to clarify our mistake.  She's says the great sin was, are you ready for this?  "Inhospitality to strangers!"     Well, they certainly were inhospitable.  I'll give her that.
 
True science is not the enemy.  Humans who try every way possible to take God out of the catastrophic events described in the Bible have to continually change their "theories" to match new findings.  The Bible remains steadfast.  The more science shows us, the more we see the Truth in God's inspired Word.  There are no contradictions with true science and God's Word.   The difference is Creation science starts with a belief in a Divine Designer.  Those who don't believe God is creator spend much of their time trying to dismiss the fact the so many "discoveries" were listed in the bible thousands of years before scientists figured it out.   How can we explain away that men (inspired by God) who had no great education or wisdom in and of themselves, were able to write truths of how our world operates - natural laws -  before man even had the ability to discover those scientific truths?
 
This show about Sodom really frustrated me. At the very end, the commentator made one little off handed statement to the effect that  "Could it be possible that God did cause the destruction with an asteriod?"   Are you kidding me?
 
Why is it so hard for some people to believe that God is Creator?  It takes so much more imagination and faith to believe this universe just spontaneously happened.  Every time I hear a scientist or archaeologist or astronomer grasping for some way to take God out of the new discoveries being found every day - discoveries that support what God has already told us, it just baffles me.  But God told us about the wisdom of this world, too. 
 
1 Corinthians 3:18-20
Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. ¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; ²⁰ and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”
 
Holy and Divine Father, Creator and Sustainer of everything that is, was or will come, forgive us for failing to give You the praise and worship You so deserve.  Everything in Creation shouts Your praise, except "man".  We are Your treasured possession and we give you so little respect and honor.  I don't know You keep from zapping us into Eternity.  Thank You for Your patience.  Thank You for loving us and continually showing Yourself to those of us who believe.  I know You're with me.  I don't need science to proof it, but I sure do love seeing Your science show off  Your magnificent glory!  I love You, Father, and sing together with all Creation - "You Reign for ever and ever!"
 
http://youtu.be/O7bD02ZmTqk - All of Creation - Mercy Me
 
 
 

My confidence is in Him.

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

http://youtu.be/KwsvqVmFV6Y - Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns

I love Charles Stanley. At 79 years of age he is still going strong - preaching God's Word every Sunday.  As I get ready for church on Sunday mornings, I try and listen to his sermon on  TV.  This Sunday
he talked about confidence.

Confidence gets a bum rap.  We self-righteous folks can sometimes confuse confidence for arrogance or pride.  But Dr. Stanley clearly explained how every Christian should have confidence because of the Power living in him/her.  Arrogance is being prideful and full of oneself because of what one believes he/she can do or accomplish.  Confidence that comes from knowing that Christ will give us all we need to succeed is much different.  We boast not in our own strength, but in Christ's. 

2 Corinthians 10:17

But, “Let those who boast boast in the Lord.”

As Dr. Stanley spoke,  I suddenly felt myself standing a little taller, believing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Well, maybe not "all things", but most assuredly, I can do all things that God has for me to do.  He certainly wouldn't give me His strength to do things that are not in His Will or purpose for me.  For instance, if I'm interviewing for a job that I think is perfect for me, God may  have a different plan for my employment.  He will not give me that job just because I think it's great.  He loves me enough to say "no" sometimes.  He will say "no" to my request so that I can enjoy His perfect plan, a plan that will be much better than what I see from my limited vision.  God's vision/plan for me has Eternal weight.  My limited earthly vision focuses on the here and now.  I have confidence in His plan for my life because He has promised that the plan He has for me is to prosper me, not to harm me; His plan gives me hope and a future. An Eternal future.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 TNIV
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.




If I knew what God has planned for me, what He has waiting on me in Eternity, nothing in this world would matter but those things that bring Eternal weight and glory.  If I really understood the magnificence of living in His Presence every single day, the glorious future He has promised for those who believe and put all their trust in His Son, my life would look so different.  I would be rejoicing every moment in the hope that I have in Him.  No challenge or struggle I face in this earthly body would seem too great because He will give me everything I need to face it.  I believe with all my heart that if He allows a struggle, it's because how I choose to deal with that struggle can have a purpose greater than my suffering.  God has an Eternal purpose for my suffering.  That's the confidence I have in Christ.  That's the trust I have in the One who loved me enough to send His only Son to die on my behalf.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.



Mark 9:23 TNIV
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”



I don't believe that God gives me the power to do anything that is not in line with His will for me.  But if He has placed a ministry or  task before me, I know without a doubt He will provide everything I need to accomplish that work:  Not with my own strength, but through His strength.  Not with under my own power but with the Power of the Holy Spirit  living within me.

When I think I'm not strong enough or brave enough or eloquent enough or whatever I see as my shortcomings, I have to remember Moses, Gideon, Elijah, all those great men who have gone before me.  They thought they weren't able to do what God had for them to do, but He gave them everything they needed. He supplied all their needs.   In their weaknesses, His Power worked worked best.

I'm in good company.  Think about all the unlikely people God used to accomplish great things. 

Rahab was harlot but God used her to rescue the spies and the Messiah came through her lineage!  Bathesheba - an adulterous woman was the grandmother - several times removed of Jesus.
Matthew was a hated tax collector - not the most honorable of professions but Jesus chose him to be an apostle.
Peter betrayed the Lord and then God used him to preach that powerful sermon on the Day of Pentecost.
Paul persecuted believers and did everything he knew to do to stop "The Way".  How could be be worthy to take the gospel to the Gentiles?  God chose Him.

Don't we all have moments when we feel inadequate to the task God seems to be putting before us?  Don't we have times when we just don't feel worthy to do anything in His Kingdom.  "Who am I", right?  but because of our relationship with Christ, we can do anything that He has for us to do.  That's the confidence He gives us.  That's the promise He has given us.  If we learn to trust in His Power and His Strength, even in our weakest areas, His power can work best.

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Father, forgive my unbelief.  How can I ever worry or be afraid of anything this world may do to me?  You are my Strength, my Protector, my Provider, the Lifter of my head.  You are my everything, and You provide me with just what I need in Your perfect timing.  Lord, I give You my heart and my soul.  Have Your way with me.  Make me what You want me to be.  Forgive me when I take my eyes of Jesus and try to do things on my own, in my own way. Thank You for always being there to lift me back up. Thank You for giving me as many "do overs" as I need.  I love You, Lord.  I trust in Your love.  I'm so happy to be Your child.  In the blessed name of Jesus I pray all these things. Amen.

http://youtu.be/GCKxteuDfEM - This is my desire - Hillsong

Psalm 121 - Looking to the hills

Beliefchangers Photos

http://youtu.be/dY0hUQFUSWw - Praise You in the Storm - Casting Crowns
Psalm 121 TNIV
A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

This was one of several Songs of Ascent.  There are many different ideas of what "Ascent" meant but most all would agree, the Songs of Ascent are songs/psalms about looking up, moving up towards a closer relationship with Yahweh.

This psalm is especially comforting to anyone who is traveling the road of suffering or struggles.  The road is not easy but we can be sure that God will be with us each step of the way.

I hope you can take a moment to read these words and let God speak to your heart.  Our help does come from the hills - the Mountain of God.  He watches over us even when we're at our darkest times.  It may seem that He is absent when the pain is great and our prayers don't get answered the way we'd like.  But our loving Father is more concerned about our Eternity than our life here on earth.  He is watching over our coming and going both now and forever.  He is saving us every day - not always from the physical harms that threaten on earth, in fact, He sometimes uses those very difficult times to draw us even closer to Him. When you feel alone or abandoned, remember that our God knows the future.  Every day of your life was written in His book before even one day began.  He knows what is best for us and loves us enough to allow those struggles that have purpose beyond our comprehension.  God isn't saving us from pain on earth. He never promised that.  He is saving us for our Eternal Home with Him.

Keep your eyes on the hills.

Holy God, Creator of heaven and earth, You are my protector.  I give you all my praise and worship as I bow before You in thanksgiving and love.  I'm so thankful that You are with me always.  And even when my path is bumpy, You keep my feet from slipping.  Lord God, I don't have to worry when bad things come my way, nothing takes you by surprise.  You never slumber but watch over me and protect me every second of every day.  You go before me preparing my way and You come after me protecting me.  How comforting to know that God Almighty is my Father who loves me and will never leave me to face this life on my own.  Be glorified in my life, Lord.  Use me however You see fit.  I will trust in You.  In the blessed name of Jesus I pray.  Amen.