Morning Cuppas With Glenys : Christianity

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He never did!

So, it is now 10 weeks post surgery since my finger was washed out twice following an infected cat bite.

As promised, I am writing to tell you how the LORD ministered to me during that horrible hospital stay.

Firstly, let me say that I have a fear of being in hospital and an even greater fear of surgeries. The fact that I have a sick husband at home who needs me didn't help matters.

In the 8 days I was hospitalised, I got to know all the different nurses through their shifts and we developed quite a respect for each other which later blossomed into friendship.

As it turned out, most of them were practising Christians and we had a wonderful rapport. It was koinonia!

For my first surgery, the nurse who was looking after me- I will call her Edith, helped an orderly transport me and paused behind the operating room door and prayed for me. Later when I came back to the room, I remarked on it and she assured me that she prays for all her patients going into surgery.

During the procedure I was talking to the anaesthesiologist who was monitoring my pain levels as I was given a nerve block and local anaesthesia. She kept me on an even keel as my fear levels were high. I expected to be put to sleep but with all my comorbidities it was safer to do locals...

During the following 5 days between surgeries, I was looked after by many Christian nurses who also kept remembering Chris in their private prayer time. Due to his illness I told him not to come in and see me. My son who lives nearby came daily to visit and check on him..

The second operation came 5 days after the first as despite IV antibiotics, the infection was still there. It was a repeat of the first except I had a deeper peace about it which I am sure was because of the prayers of the nurses.

At the end of the surgery, the plastic surgeon warned me that the skin edges looked like they were going necrotic and I may need a skin graft... praise God, it wasn't necessary.

There were many dressing changes and blood tests to keep checking on the infection and my veins were all collapsing. The IV cannula was needing to be changed and another Christian nurse who I will call Megan joined Edith in trying to place a new one.

They were having a battle. If they did get one in, it wouldn't flush. After 90 minutes, I couldn't take any more. I started to cry and the girls, who were under the pump to get another IV running, saw that I was at the end of my rope- about 12 attempts, and gathered round me.

Edith held me against her chest and joined Megan in pleading with Jesus to make a way. They were both crying. It was an emotional time because the Holy Spirit was touching us all. When I was prayed over, I noticed a rosary in my hand. Megan had put it there for strength and trying to return it, she said it was for me to keep- but only if I wanted to..

Personally, I do not pray the rosary or to Mary, but I told her I would keep it to remind me of our blessed time with the LORD.

We still needed to get that IV running but I needed a bathroom break and Edith came to help me. I asked her what my rights were as I couldn't take much more prodding etc and and did not want them trying to put a cannula in my feet. Not with lymphedema and fibromyalgia.She told me that I can deny any treatment but of course the catch was that my infection would spread.

Helping me back into bed, Megan joined Edith and we reluctantly agreed we must keep trying with the cannula. So after another fruitless search for a vein, Edith remarked to Megan that there was a good one but it was in the arm of the injury.

They remarked what a pity because it looked like a goer. So I piped up and asked if they could please try it! Edith asked me if I trusted them. I replied that irregardless of whether they get the cannula in or not, I trusted them! They both teared up and decided to give it a try! Praise the LORD, they got it in and were able to set the IV up!

Not 5 minutes later, the doctor from Anaesthetics (who would not free up the ultrasound machine to help the nurses find a vein), bustled in, saw that the cannula was situated in the side of the injury and said to me,"Glenys this is not what you want to hear, but it has to come out!" I remembered that I have rights and told her no- it stays! It did!

Behind her Edith punched the air in victory and Megan mouthed, "Praise the LORD!" The unsympathetic doctor left with more trials in mind for us.

Coming into the curtained off bed, Megan whispered in a shocked voice that they now want another blood test to which Edith retorted if they wanted to get blood out that they can come and do it! They were not allowed to use the cannula which supplied the antibiotics.

Apparently all the bloods were up to date and the nurses decided it was a power play and I was the pawn!

Edith was helping me in the bathroom again and we discussed how we all knew the LORD was with us. She reminded me that it is OK to feel fear and not to actually feel the LORD'S Presence during trying times. It is not a lack of faith.

I thanked her for praying for me when she could lose her job if it were known. She replied that we must serve God and not man.

Another nurse called Sulah looked really unwell and I asked her if I could pray for her. We shared a joke about Eve having a lot to answer for eating that apple as Sulah was suffering from women's problems.

I dropped my phone off my bedtable and a male nurse, Joe picked it up and took it to the nurses station to repair it. He knew it was my lifeline to checking on Chris at home... and he was praying for him!

All these believers were of different nationalities and cultures yet there was a strong bond of love. Some likewise were of different denominations yet they all shared joy in Christ and His sacrificial love for us.

The day I was discharged, those nurses who were on duty came to say goodbye. Edith walked me past the nurses station to say goodbye... Joe came and gave me a holy kiss on the cheek, and the admin staff wished me well.

Edith stayed briefly while I waited for my taxi and said we now were friends. She waited until her shift began. I told her I was grateful for her reminding me that our LORD was with me even though I couldn't feel His presence at the time.

I learned that faith can be tested but if genuine, will endure. I know that faith is not dependent on feelings and I know this verse of scripture to be true, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said,“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Yes, His Word is true- "I will never leave you!" ..and He never did! © Glenys Robyn Hicks

Micah says it all!

Recently during one of my quiet times, I read one of my favourite verses from Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Being a Christian isn't really that difficult. Once one has surrendered his or her life to Christ, the Holy Spirit guides us into that which pleases God.

Our walk with Him is continuous and should lead us to becoming better people than we were yesterday, emulating the Master, Jesus Christ.

As a sufferer of many ailments which cause chronic pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia being the worst culprit, I used to worry about not being able to serve God as well as I did in my younger Christian walk before illnessdep.

Depression would hang around my shoulders like a cloak because I felt unable to do much for Jesus, in fact unable to do much at all for even my family.

Then I had an epiphany! I realised that God can be served mostly by having a loving heart. Besides, His love for us is not dependant on what we do, but on what He has done for us!

God only requires that I love Him with my whole heart, mind and soul, that I love justice and mercy and that I walk humbly with Him. It's nothing to do with limitations brought on by illness or disability or our lack of energy or spoons to do things. Grace is wonderful and my favourite verse in Micah says it all!

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

Jesus died for you- live for Him

I think for most atheists or even those seeking God, they cannot conceive of a God Who loves them but not their sin. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

They see only a supreme being- if they even believe in that- who is judgemental and hateful. “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” -John 6:37.

Our God is a compassionate and merciful God. He desires that no one should be lost, but that all should come to salvation through repentance and personal faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.-Epehesians 1:7

If they only knew the graciousness of God they wouldn't stay unbelievers for long...Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God doesn't care about your ethnicity, belief system or past- He wants you to come to Him, confess your sin and accept that His Blood has covered your sin. Then He wants a relationship with you- He is not interested in forming a religion per se.

No matter where you have been or what you have done, God still wants you to accept His salvation.

God's grace is deeper than any dark place you have been or any dark things you have done.

Jesus died for you- live for Him... eternally. How to become a Christian

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

A Godly Home

For those of us seeking to make our home a godly home, here is something by Mrs Rachel Shvetz that I found to be perfect.

We know that by building our home on Christ, we will have a firm foundation..

Blessings, Glenys

"The curse of the LORD [is] in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just" Proverbs 3:33

Mercy's been offered

The flood wasn't the scariest part of the story of Noah's Ark. The scariest part was when God shut the door. Because mercy had been offered...and time had run out.

Jesus is coming for His Bride- believers and it will be a time when we least expect it. Here in scripture Jesus likens this event- called the Rapture, to the days of Noah...

37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman 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.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Like in the days of Noah, mercy has been offered. Time is running out. Seek Jesus while there is still time. You must be a believer to go in the Rapture. Make today the day of salvation, while mercy's still offered.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

Serve God wherever He calls you.

Serve where you're called

Where will you go?

In life, we don't have a say how we were born, or who our parents are, but in death, we do have a say. Either we will be in Heaven or hell. Either our Father will be God or the devil.

Based on how we want to live forever, and the decision we make to that end, we have a say- a very important choice of whom we will serve. We have to make that choice- either we serve God and live with Him or we choose Satan and suffer with Him forever.

Make the choice to love God and live for Him. And remember, your indecision and silence means you remain in your sin, a child of the devil. You cant be half-Christian... you are saved or not.

Make the choice to be a Christian today. The end of your life here demands a choice. Get saved today. You must make a choice.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 1:25

Asked to remember

Today is Maundy Thursday. It was on the night Christ was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. He had a Seder or Passover meal with His disciples.

Knowing that He would be betrayed, Jesus donned an apron and washed the disciples' feet, showing that the greatest would be a servant.

Later He instituted the First Communion or Eucharist, asking His disciples and prophetically, all believers to come, to remember Him until He comes again.

I have been reflecting on how believers these days generally think of these sacraments at Easter. Many these days do not go to church, let a lone remember Christ by taking Communion.

Although I can no longer attend church per se, I will be worshiping Christ and remembering Him by taking Communion at home.

Perhaps you could consider taking Communion at home if you cannot attend church this year. I think it's important that we aquiesce at least by remembering Christ and taking Communion with the Body of Christ whether corporately or alone.

It's the least we can do for Christ Who asked very little of us, except to remember Him, on the eve of His betrayal and subsequent crucifixion.

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Luke 22:19

And having done all.. to stand!

God wants us to be strong and He knows in the world, His children will be fighting many battles on a daily basis. Even with ourselves.

We will be tempted every day to do that which is not God honouring and we have to make choices every single day. Often we need extra strength from the Holy Spirit to actually do that which is right.

Whilst we battle our carnal side to bring it into submission, we will find that we need to call on God and bring to mind scripture. That is how we know what is right and pleasing to God. So we need to be in the Word daily.

Prayer is a vital tool to overcome and live righteously. Our Father is always attentive to the cries of His Children and we should pray fervently and often. About everything.

Gratitude and worship and praise are also integral parts of the Christian's armour of spiritual weapons, for in using them, the devil will flee. And by thanking God and worshiping and praising Him, we will find our own spirits elevated.

There is joy in the Christian life if one applies the armour of God according to scripture, but it must be donned daily for our battle against sin, flesh and the devil is constant.

Being a loving Father that He is, God has equipped us with the means of defeating the evil around us, and having done all...to stand.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword fo the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints- and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20

Be blessed in your calling.

Serve God wherever He calls you. As a woman, wife, mother, homemaker or chronically ill woman.

If God has created you as a woman then the natural outflow of that is your calling as a wife etc and if you are a single woman, then your calling is to be a godly woman. You do not have to look for any other callings, for if you are God's, then being a godly woman in all these capacities, is your calling.

By embracing your calling and living a godly life, you will find contentment and peace. By living out your calling, you also will be living under God's Umbrella of Protection.

Be happy in your calling and seek to be the best Christian you can be. Our hearts are what God's interested in for that is what will last for eternity!

Be comforted and blessed in your calling.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

Just leaving this here

Most nights I don't remember my dreams unless they are nightmares. But last night I dreamt that the Rapture was imminent and I was approaching strangers, asking them if they knew Jesus as their Saviour.

It wasn't scary by any means, but I felt all the angst, as I desperately tried to present the Good News of salvation to people. The urgency was intense.

I woke up hyperventilating and took a trip to the bathroom. When I returned to bed, I was sure that I wouldn't dream about it again. But I did.

The second time was more urgent than the first time, and I was rapidly presenting the path of salvation to someone and was desperate that they be saved.

When I woke from the second dream, I prayed and asked the LORD what did all this mean and if it meant something that I needed to do, then let me know and I would do it.

It was no mistake that I got a link to a You Tube vlog of the imminence of the Rapture and all the prophecies that are being fulfilled daily now. Time is short.

I had my answer- and so, to whoever is sitting on the fence, get saved now. You do not want to spend eternity in hell and Jesus is the only way of salvation.

Because of the intensity and realism of the dream, I feel compelled to reach out and talk to you. You need to be saved because there isn't much time. Jesus is coming back for His church- the believers.

The world is going to be in a horrible state after this and you do not want to be left behind. God loves you- all of you who are still on the fence. I don't know you, but He does. He wants you to trust Him.

Whoever is sitting thinking about the future, know that the future is Hell if you are unsaved, but eternal life and joy in Christ for those who are saved-and you need to make a decision to trust Him and get saved now. The Age of Grace is nearly over.

Jesus knows who you are and you know where you stand in this matter. I have heeded my dream and done as I must. I'll just leave this here.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 1:25

You have no agreement.

An age-old question which is coming up today is do Muslims and Jews worship the same God? Here are my thoughts:

To worship the same God is to acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God. One must therefore deduce that Jesus's Father is God the first part of the Trinity and that by necessity, Christ (the second part of the Trinity) rose again through the power of the Holy Spirit (the third part of the Trinity). They do not believe in the Trinity, but they have similarities in faith-but not enough to say that they worship the one and same God.

As I see it, the similarities in faith are no different to the similarities and basis of Judaism and Christianity. We have the same Father as Jews, but they do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Similarities in the three faiths, but without accepting the divinity of Jesus, that one God Who they all worship is not the same to each of them...

Without accepting Jesus as the Son of God, there is no sameness in the gods who they worship. Jesus is the uniting factor. Without Him as God, you have no agreement.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” Mark 8:29