Morning Cuppas With Glenys : witnessing

Showing posts with label witnessing. Show all posts

Of salvation and love glances

Over the past 44 years of my walk with the LORD, it never ceases to amaze me that He has always been attentive to my needs.

Before I was born again, I know He wooed me, calling me to Him by His Spirit. He rejoiced over me when I accepted Him as my LORD and Saviour and He spoke to me in my worship times. He corrected me in times of temptation and graciously pardoned me when I fell.

There were dry seasons when I didn't feel His Presence. Even felt alone, but it was always me who had moved away- never Him. He was and is and is to come, and He responds to me lovingly no matter how far I may have fallen or doubted or panicked. He hovers constantly by His Spirit and strengthens me when I cannot even formulate sentences. And there have been many times over the years I have just shot up an arrow prayer: help! And He has!

There were times that I felt His compassion as I cried in pain from surgeries to remove kidney stones and lay with 9lb weights on my legs in traction for spinal problems, and I can testify that He has heard, for at my most vulnerable of times physically and emotionally, He has always sent someone- be it nurse or doctor or even patient, who has exuded compassion and concern. And even prayed for me.

Having had a rather sad life up until I met Chris, I can tell you that God keeps His promises to be with us and never leave us. He has been with me in my lowest of times and has given me that peace that surpasses all human understanding and I am humbled and grateful.

In happier times, I have shared a laugh with the LORD- something that was just for me and He to get and I tell you, there's nothing better than to laugh in the Spirit. You actually bubble up with happiness and joy in the pit of your stomach and it makes your eyes glisten with tears of mirth. There's nothing like it...

People are so wrong when they say Christians have got religion: loving Christ is not a religion- it's a relationship. God is love and He loves us with an everlasting love.

And talk about God being the Lover of our soul: He is most attentive to His Bride for He arranges things that only I will see and which He knows will delight me. I call them Love Glances. He causes me to see so many beautiful things that could easily be overlooked... and I love Him all the more for it.

I am sharing this with you not to say that God will live out your and His relationship exactly the same way as He does with me. We are individuals. But He will be faithful and true and would have died for even *you* alone if He had to. He loves *you* that much.

If you want to love the LORD in a deeper way, just tell Him. He will be there immediately. Start your new walk by developing gratitude for what He has already done for you: He has saved you from sin and has promised eternal life with Him. When you start being grateful for what He has done, you will see more and more what He is doing and you will believe more strongly in what He will do in your life.

I don't know how people can cope with some of the things we face in the world, especially now- without God. But if you believe in Him and what He has done and you have accepted Him as your LORD and Saviour, you will never have to face it in your own strength.

If you don't know Jesus as your LORD and Saviour but want to click on here. Time is short now and it is time for the Church Age or Age of Grace to end. Jesus is coming for His Bride- believers. This is known as the Rapture. Those who stay will have hell on earth. Literally.

Why not accept the LORD'S offer of salvation now and enjoy your life as a Christian with us? Eternity could be seconds away and the decision you make now is one which will spell out your eternal end.

The Spirit and the Bride say "Come!" Today is the Day of Salvation and tomorrow's the Day of your own Love Glances!

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

God has broad shoulders

With all that is happening in the world today, even the strongest of Christians are feeling some fear. Disease, corrupt politics, change, unknown unchartered waters- all contribute to an underlying anxiety in most of us, if we are honest.

Some of us pray yet even so, fear remains and we feel hopeless and helpless. We cannot plan much in advance: everything is so uncertain.

We have been buffeted about by the secular powers that be: herded into our home, our children denied school attendance, jobs either lost or in doubt, and threats of punishment for those who do not comply.

There is hardly a person alive today who hasn't been touched by Covid rules or who doesn't know of someone who has been physically touched by it. It seems that the whole world is swamped with it.

Justice and righteousness have been thrown aside, except for those with enough courage or opportunity to stand against evil people intent on bringing down democracy and freedom.

At times this seems surreal, with no end in sight and we are feeling depressed and helpless. We see everyone masked, and we wonder once again- is this for real and how long will it last. We are feeling bombed out and on the verge of despair.

With social distancing, and lock downs, even not being able to see people's faces because of face masks, we are feeling isolated and lonely.

When feeling like this, it is important that we withdraw and run into Jesus's Arms. We need to pray and confess our fear, read or listen to the Word and worship God. Worship lifts us up.

We need to run to Jesus for is a good Father. He says He is a strong tower and we are safe when we run to Him.

Do not leave His Presence without feeling His incredible Peace which passes all human understanding. We need this Love, this assurance, this peace.

Until you feel refreshed and assured and strong again, don't leave. No matter how many times a day or night we come to Him. God welcomes us with open Arms.

Remember you are His Child and that He is with us until He comes for us, then for eternity.

God is not a man that He would tire of His children's need of comfort and peace and renewal of faith. Come to Him. As often as needed. God has broad shoulders.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

I'll just leave 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

Prince of Peace

So many years ago, the earth saw a miracle that blessed humanity for all time...

The earth that saw Jesus' birth 33 years before, drank in the Blood that flowed freely.... freely running, freely given, freely pardoning, freely saving unto eternal life anyone who would only believe in Him.

The same earth that is Gods' footstool, trembled at the cross alongside the centurions and soldiers and those few of Christs' followers who remained or who watched from a distance....

Unable to withstand the magnitude of atonement and celestial grief, it swayed in its power, reeling as someone in shock...

And utter darkness covered the earth as it shook, highlighting the terror as God turned His Face away from His Son, unable to look upon the sin of mankind that His Son had taken upon Himself...

It violently heaved in the aftermath of a crucifixion that saw the greatest gift of redemption the earth would ever know, releasing resurrection power to many who had died and tore the Temple veil in two.

Then hastily the earth swallowed the body of Christ into its maw of hewn rock, as it had done to men since Abels' untimely death until this day.... yet no ashes to ashes or dust to dust: no decomposition...

And another Sabbath passed, not shrouded in joy and welcomed since the birth of the Jewish people, but bringing with it a desolate cloak of disbelief, shock and despair that threatened to engulf the little band of believers who had trembled at Christs' words... unaware that triumph was already His. And theirs.

Beneath, the earth reeled as Christ stripped Lucifers' hopes of victory against a God Who now presented Himself King of Kings and Everlasting God.- Light of Light, Holder of the Keys of the Kingdom, destroyer of death and sin.... and Lucifer and his minions trembled.

The earth marvelled at the intensity of the Power of Resurrection... molecules and atoms infused with Life, vibrant in a way it vaguely remembered at its birth so many aeons ago.... magnificent creative force, God breathed life and Power.... Pulse of God.

Was ever there a time like this as Creation remembered Diety's Touch, revelling in His Footprints as His pierced Feet swung from the burial ledge, and His Hands that held the weight of the world folded the shroud so hastily bound around His lifeless Body 3 days ago?...

An almost forgotten thrill caused the earth to shudder as the Power of Gods' angels rolled away the enormous stone that blocked the burial chamber....

And it sang in ecstasy as the Feet of its' Creator once again walked amongst men.... victorious King, conquering Saviour, merciful God, everlasting to everlasting Prince of Peace.....

"He is not here; he has risen!" Luke 24:6-7

Today's the day of salvation

I think most of us believers feel that God is slow in coming back for us, and we are frustrated and depressed as the world is a sad place.

I have studied eschatology and I believe that the LORD is coming for His Bride- us soon! very soon.

Let that blessed hope buoy you up. It does me. He is at the gates... Just keep trusting in Him for He loves us... look up my friend. Our redemption is nigh.

God's wrath is for the unbelievers and Israel to recognise the Saviour they rejected. We are not going through the Tribulation.

We leave soon. Look up... I will save you a seat at the Marriage Supper.... Maranatha! Choose joy. we are blessed!

If you don't know Jesus as LORD, you can be Rapture ready by being saved. You don't want to be left behind. Today's the day of salvation... don't leave it too long.

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10

Let your bed lamp shine

We recently talked about wanting to serve the LORD from where we are at: usually for us it's from our bed or recliner.

But being faithful and serving God has nothing to do with our state of health. It's a state of heart. The desire for godliness and holiness should still be there regardless of chronic illness.

I have found that the majority of sick Christians still want to serve God but feel that they have nothing to offer Him. They feel they cannot serve because of physical limitations.

This is not true. A faithful servant of God is one who loves God with her whole heart. She turns to Him for her daily survival in a physical world full of tribulation. And she longs to be used of her LORD.

The good news is: we can still be used of the LORD.

With physical limitations comes more time on our hands, time that can be used to influence others.

This influence can be from the confines of our bedroom, hospital room, wheel chair, walker, or doctors' waiting room. We can bring Jesus into the same places others occupy.

When we walk through the door even while leaning on a walking stick or crutches, we can still bring Jesus to others. Make no mistake, they will be watching.

Pray for opportunities to talk about Christ and the hope that is within you. Be a blessing by being aglow with the Spirit and let others see that you indeed have Something that they want!

If we can show that in spite of our outward appearance, we have Something worth having, people will be attracted to us regardless.

Over the years, I have been in hospital- in traction for two weeks at a time, and I made an effort to pray for the nurses, cleaners, people who came with meals, physiotherapists and people who shared a room with me.

Goodness knows, I had plenty of time to pray. And though my prayers were for the most part silent, I believe that people responded to them without even knowing it. They liked being around me. But it was the Holy Spirit that was the attractive part. And He made me smile so much that I was nicknamed "Smiley"

So, you can sow seeds wherever you go- however you get there. And if you no longer leave your home for appointments or whatever, you can still hold people up in prayer from your home.

Bed is a wonderful place to pray and prayer is the best way you can serve God. Prayer opens up doors for opportunity to grow, to trust, to care, to love and to find paths to witness for Christ. Service is totally possible.

Nowhere in life is there a place where you cannot serve God by praying. So start worshiping and praying Blanket Prayers if you are bed bound, and read or listen to the Word. You can always do something for Jesus.

Let your bed lamp shine!

Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you. 1 Timothy 4:14a

I will not be laughing!

Those of us who have been Christians for some time have probably been the butt of jokes of unsaved family and friends. We are often openly laughed at and made fun of. It can be depressing as well as humiliating.

Recently when I was clearing out my mother's belongings after she passed, a little plaque my mother had with "God Is Love" on it was passed down from her display cabinet. People who were helping wanted to throw it out into the give away to charity pile. Then one of them started laughing and said, "Sure, He is! huh, who wants this?" (laugh laugh)- then she said, "Oh give it to Glenys, she'll take it cos she believes in this sh*t!" Feeling a tad hot faced, I took it and put it in my handbag to take home with me. Their smirks weren't lost on me either! (No fool like an old fool, right?)

Likewise, when cleaning out the bookshelf, they saw the old but well preserved Bible and were going to pitch it out. I hurriedly sprang forward and claimed it, much to their enjoyment. It went alongside my handbag to find its way to my home where it would be put in a place of honour and easily accessed.

Just recently I had an irate family member declare that she won't follow my posts on Face Book because they "are too religious" and she "doesn't think it's right to have it up on Face Book". However, I would prefer to see them than her endless selfies and pictures of her rather prominently displayed bust. Come to think of it, maybe this was the reason my estranged brother unfriended me from his Face Book yesterday. How he describes Christians is unprintable here....

All in all, I sometimes feel that there is a conspiracy amongst unsaved family and friends in keeping our faith at arms length, and any chance to degrade, hurt, ridicule and humiliate us is taken. We are fair game, people. Yet we cannot change our life style, if we truly believe.

If we believe, we will be Christ-like, and to the unsaved, this is a threat. For Christ-likeness shines His light over their darkness, and they are exposed. This is very disconcerting to the person whose heart is far from being saved. But rather than retreat, we must advance and keep being faithful. Who else knows them like we do? Who else but us bearing Christ in us, would want to see them saved? Who would forgive? Who would pray? And yes, even love them?

It's not easy being a Christian today, especially with unsaved family and friends. We will have an extra cross to bear in humiliation, we will have our faith tested and our resolve to be loving will be sorely tried. And if the one who is unsaved and antagonistic to our faith, is our spouse, a sword will pierce through our heart over and over again.

We dare not take this treatment and derision to heart, for if we do, we may never see our loved ones come to Christ. We may not know that the Holy Spirit is wooing that person and that the barbs and derision are coming to the fore because of a spiritual battle within him or her. It often happens like that. No matter what happens, I must forgive and try to forget the laughter at my expense.

I cannot change who I am now. I am Christ's, Who was also laughed at as He was whipped and stripped and refused to save Himself by coming off the cross. The die is cast for me, my path is clear. I am moving forward in spite of the jests and guffaws. Let them laugh: we'll have the last one!

But I will be praying for them to be saved for the sad thing is that them going to Hell's not funny and I will not be laughing!

And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” Luke 23:35

Ready for your crown?

Prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes every day at a frantic pace. We who are looking for the soon rapture or snatching up of the church, are expecting to see our Saviour very soon.

Not only has Jesus gone to prepare a place for us, but He is going to give us a crown of glory that doesn't fade away. What an honour!

Throughout scriptures, we are often told of crowns speaking of righteousness, obedience, honour and rewards. Those of us who love the LORD, will each be given a crown.

Some verses that speak of this are:

The Crown of Righteousness: - Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

The Crown of Life: - Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him James 1:12

The Crown of Glory:- And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:4

The Incorruptible Crown:- And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 9:25

The Crown of Rejoicing:- For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 1 Thessalonians 2:19

I am not only looking for the signs of Christ's coming for the Church, I am waiting for the sound of the trumpet. That is going to be a magnificent time when believers get to see Jesus, but also get to live with Him for eternity.

There's still work to be done until that time- we must tell unbelievers of the salvation of the LORD and the impending end times.

We must continue to witness, live a holy life, stay close to Jesus through worship and prayer, and fight the good fight.

The trumpet is about to sound: are you ready for your crown?

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

It fills the void of an empty nest.

I have had our granddaughter Taylah, 10 with us for a few days as it's school holidays here and her mother works. Sunday we picked her up and we took her home Wednesday.

It's been proven that children who have grandparents active in their life are happier than children who don't- so much so, that older people are hired to be "grandparents" to children who lack them.

I think it's a two way street though. All 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild have had quality time with us and enjoyed it, but I have to say that it was reciprocal and we enjoy being there for them.

Taylah in particular has spent a lot of time with us as her mother is a single mother and works hard and long hours. Taylah has enjoyed seeing life as a country girl, learnt basic cooking skills, role played as a nurse or hairdresser or doctor, made cubby houses with me, read stories to me when she got advanced in her reading, learnt about lineage and cultures of us, her grandparents, learnt even about Judaism, basic facts of life when necessary, basic baby care, learned to speak some Italian and French, and much else- besides the most important- she has come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Over the years, all this has been passed on to her in an easy, matter of fact way, and she has sometimes stretched my knowledge in answering her very clever questions. Being a curious child, she has been happy to learn and I in turn, have been happy to teach her.

Teaching our children and grandchildren is a natural thing and it is biblical. We not only train them, but pass down vital information that is from generation to generation. It is a responsibility that I take seriously, and as a grandmother, I find I not only have the time to step in the gap to help my busy daughter earn a wage, but I help her raise her child in a well rounded, informed way.

I find that taking time with our grandchildren not only helps them avoid being depressed, but helps us as well. Grandchildren, like our children, keep us young, and fill the void of an empty nest.

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6

Everlasting Prince of Peace

So many years ago, the earth saw a miracle that blessed humanity for all time...

The same earth that is Gods' footstool, trembled at the cross alongside the centurions and soldiers and those few of Christs' followers who remained or who watched from a distance....

Unable to withstand the magnitude of atonement and celestial grief, it swayed in its power, reeling as someone in shock...

And utter darkness covered the earth as it shook, highlighting the terror as God turned His Face away from His Son, unable to look upon the sin of mankind that His Son had taken upon Himself...

An almost forgotten thrill caused the earth to shudder as the Power of Gods' angels rolled away the enormous stone that blocked the burial chamber....

And it sang in ecstasy as the Feet of its' Creator once again walked amongst men.... victorious King, conquering Saviour, merciful God, everlasting to everlasting Prince of Peace.....

"He is not here; he has risen!" Luke 24:6-7

Let your bed lamp shine!

We recently talked about wanting to serve the LORD from where we are at: usually for us it's from our bed or recliner.

But being faithful and serving God has nothing to do with our state of health. It's a state of heart. The desire for godliness and holiness should still be there regardless of chronic illness.

I have found that the majority of sick Christians still want to serve God but feel that they have nothing to offer Him. They feel they cannot serve because of physical limitations.

The good news is: we can still be used of the LORD.

With physical limitations comes more time on our hands, time that can be used to influence others.

This influence can be from the confines of our bedroom, hospital room, wheel chair, walker, or doctors' waiting room. We can bring Jesus into the same places others occupy.

When we walk through the door even while leaning on a walking stick or crutches, we can still bring Jesus to others. Make no mistake, they will be watching.

Pray for opportunities to talk about Christ and the hope that is within you. Be a blessing by being aglow with the Spirit and let others see that you indeed have Something that they want!

If we can show that in spite of our outward appearance, we have Something worth having, people will be attracted to us regardless.

So, you can sow seeds wherever you go- however you get there. And if you no longer leave your home for appointments or whatever, you can still hold people up in prayer from your home.

Let your bed lamp shine!

Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you. 1 Timothy 4:14a

On His young Shoulders

Luke 2:43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;

Luke 2:44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.

Luke 2:45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

Luke 2:46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

Luke 2:47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

Luke 2:48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

Luke 2:49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

Luke 2:50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

We see here a 12 year old Child who is already aware that His Father is not Joseph, but God. A Child growing in stature and wisdom and grace- one who has more wisdom for spiritual matters than the Jewish teachers of the Law.

Seeing the response of the Child to His Mother, there can be no doubt that He knew even then that He was the Suffering Servant and the Passover Lamb. Yet He never wavered from that path.

Let us give thanks that this Child- the Son of God, chose to obey and honour His Father so that we too may call Him our Father!

If you do not know Jesus as your LORD and Saviour, now would be a good time to do it. Read this link and don't waste His sacrifice, for when He died, He had you on His mind.

Let us all not waste a minute longer living in sin and fear for the Age of Grace is almost over and the darkness of the anti Christ is about to begin for those who do not believe. Christ is coming for His Bride, the Church. Be among those of us who believe and live with Christ forever.

Let us all believe on Him and love the little Boy, Who took away the sins of the world- at 33 in His Body and with being only 12, the weight of that knowledge on His young Shoulders!

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31

Backslidden children: God gently leads them back.

As mothers and grandmothers, we often feel like failures when our children stop following the LORD and are backslidden. In spite of training our children and teaching them about the LORD, they seem to be departing from The Way and it can send us into a panic.

I can understand how you can feel a failure, but your children have to make certain decisions for themselves as they grow up. Walking the path of faith is a deeply personal daily choice. We cannot make them believe nor can we save them.

The five children I bought up (from ages 49-43 plus a grandchild now 29) have been brought up in the faith. My own children made a confession of faith when young and were all baptised by immersion. Two of them are now living for the LORD and two of them are backslidden but still consider themselves believers. My first grandchildren is agnostic, almost a believer.

All we can do in spite of outward appearances is keep praying for God to change them. We as loving mothers or grandmothers don't know what work God is doing in their heart. We know that the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, and we have to allow Him to do the work. Often trying to be the Holy Spirit just causes rebellion and hurt feelings and we just get in His way.

There was a stage I thought that none of them believed, but praise God, what was taught them from their youth has resurfaced. So I encourage you not to blame yourself either and to keep praying and believing that your prodigals or backsliders will walk in The Way. God often meets them in the wilderness and gently leads them back on the Straight Path..

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. Ezekiel 18:20

Just leaving this here