Even David knew that God was present and active in his life. All I must do is obey if He asks me to do something, and trust Him for the results. Undiagnosed for a few months, I became increasingly more anxious and frightened with reoccurring incidents. Mary Alice is the prayer coordinator for our church and is always reaching out to those who need encouragement, including me. One of the gifts God gave me is being an organizer, or planner. https://bible.org/seriespage/16-restoration-elijah-1-kings-195-18. The scripture that comes to my mind is from Hebrews 10:23-25: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. He won’t let me kiss him on the cheek in public and I’m damn sure he won’t kiss me on the lips in public . “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8. The refrigerator quit. Nicholas Herman (1611-1691), better known as Brother Lawrence, found this to be true following his conversion to Christ at the age of eighteen while serving in the military. The modern world seems to throw everything at us, so to prevent us from living a spiritual life, one that pleases the LORD. all at … Even at the movies a few nights ago it was us and one other couple in the movie theater, we sat on the bottom and the other couple was all the way up top making out . When all seems dark and hopeless, Jesus is there. Hold (to his hand) to God's unchanging hand. As you reflect upon these, you will no doubt be able to determine what’s important in your life. About a month after Daryl was hospitalized, I received a call from his sister. Our greatest weaknesses (either real or perceived) can become our greatest strength, when we fully surrender them to God. That is, until their starting pitcher, Justin Verlander rallied his team onto victory. I called a plumber we had used previously. Turn off all social media devices and find a place of solitude. And what often makes the difference in whether we’re ready to throw in the towel or not, is having someone who is willing to step in and “yell” at us, “Come on! On Christmas Eve, 1971, I gave birth to a stillborn child that I had carried for nine months. You can choose to blame God for rape, since He allows suffering to happen, or you can blame sin. Jeff and I sat across from Andrew and Jameel in the Mosaic Café as they reiterated their story of forgiveness and redemption. We have invited him, in his Son, to enter our hearts and live there—but often we neglect him, almost forgetting that he is there at all, so distracted are we by other things and other people. Place your trust in things eternal, Hold to God's unchanging hand. Several other disciples joined him. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. (To read more about Brother Lawrence, his conversion and life, go to: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/lawrence Serving in menial roles, mostly in a hospital kitchen, Brother Lawrence became known for his quite remarkable and serene faith, and his simple but dynamic experience of “the presence of God*.” Thousands of lay persons and clergy desired to know the secret to his life filled with unquenchable joy, peace, love, and humility. She wrote so many that she was forced to use pen names lest the hymnals be filled with her name above all others. Recently, I was trapped by myself in an elevator during a storm. I don’t let anything keep me from sitting at the feet of Jesus during my morning prayer and Bible study. Jesus felt the pain I was feeling. It took a few years and a few more reprimands from the LORD before I realized what a joy it is to simply live in the moment with my God and Savior. Covet not this world’s vain riches *”It was all made up,” said McGee. If so, I encourage you to quiet your spirit and listen for God’s gentle whisper. 2 Trust in him who will not leave you. I'm still holding to his hand You see when I was young, I gave God my hand, And I told him to lead the way. When I cried out in agony, He was by my side. It will also determine what kind of year you will have. Pull Him. 12 When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Order grave marker, Ministry and Missions                                        Lead a discipleship group, Medical and dental appointments                    Take care of physical body, Retirement (future and ongoing…)                   Trust in the LORD for future, Vacation and family outings                              Same, according to God’s will, And so much more! (One of our greatest encouragers who gave the tightest and most sincere hugs went home to receive his reward from our Heavenly Father three years ago. I thought God was a big guy up in the sky, telling me what to do, but never telling me why. It was a large inflatable blanket-type device which blew warm air onto my cold body. “I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when he showered so many other gifts upon you,” remarked one well-meaning preacher. My blood sugar was extremely low, in the single digits. Just recently, I was driving down what is typically a very busy street. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. I am resolved that in this world Contented I will be. McGee went on to CBS News about his Christian faith, and his hope for a kinder mankind. These are three wonderful experiences that my parents didn’t know I would ever have. 3. I didn’t want to take the time to go shopping, so I ordered a new refrigerator online. If you’re walking in the mall, slide your hand down his arm and grab his hand as you … Still more closely to Him cling. Healthcare facilities are not cheap! Shortly before her fifteenth birthday, Crosby was sent to the recently founded New York Institute for the Blind, which would be her home for 23 years: 12 as a student, 11 as a teacher. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Mary Alice holds an unshakeable faith in Christ. Covenant Heirs Encouraging parents and grandparents to intentionally pass down their faith in Christ to the next generations. We can do this!” Sure enough, the Astros scored 2 runs in the top of the 11th and won 7-6. The next day some kind friends followed me to Tires Plus so I could get it fixed. I was unable to get someone to come out immediately to dry everything out, and they would not install a new floor until they were sure my insurance was going to pay. I never would wish the pain I experienced on anyone, but you know what, God used that pain for His good and taught me a few valuable lessons. Andrew told us that the Mosaic Café ministry gave him a place to not only earn a paycheck, but more importantly has allowed him to give back to the community where his corrupt lifestyle hurt so many people. New Living Translation Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. Whenever I think of people who have hurt me, and those I have hurt, it helps me to let go of past wounds by recalling these last words of Jesus spoken from the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). 12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—(Romans 12:5). After high school, I attended Olivet Nazarene College (now University) for two years. http://blogs.bible.org/engage/sue_edwards/does_god_allow_rape, https://holdinghishand.org/receive-jesus/, http://joypedrow.com/2017/01/how-to-heal-from-sexual-abuse/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEOtFEs0Jos, http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/poets/fanny-crosby.html, http://ambassadorspeakers.com/ACP/speakers.aspx?name=ANDREW%20COLLINS%20&%20JAMEEL%20MCGEE&speaker=5754. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. You'll be all right, won't you? Mary Alice and Daryl have raised a family who loves Jesus. [a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”. He wants to be an example — so now he and Collins give speeches together about the importance of forgiveness and redemption. Actually, Dole stated he kept that pen in his hand as a signal to everyone that "this hand is busy" when it came to shaking hands. Born in Putnam County, New York, Fanny Crosby became ill within two months. Those were eye-opening days for me and experiences that enriched my life. 49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man (Adam), so shall we[g] bear the image of the heavenly man (Christ). I love the fact that Jesus not only waits patiently for us to follow His instructions, but He blesses our obedience by warmly nourishing our souls. Thousands of dollars are spent on finer lifestyles, while yearning for retirement days spent listening to the ocean waves rather than the voice of our Creator. Sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and we now live in a world filled with the effects of sinful man. Katie serves alongside of her husband, Mike, as Outreach Pastors at our church (St. Paul’s Church of the Nazarene, KC, MO). Such close friends, not long ago McGee actually told Collins he loved him. Prayerfully evaluate your life. I ended up having a stent inserted into my artery, which was nearly 100% blocked. *”Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. In fact, while paying on four different hospital bills, I received another one. We forfeit true inner peace with God and with the person we refuse to forgive. If you are a victim, He is painfully aware of your suffering. When we place our trust in the hands of the Savior, we can rest fully upon His guidance without fail. A place where God will dwell with his people. Jesus holding the world in his left hand World Environment Day concept: hand holding plant on blur green nature cross background. He said the doctors gave little to no hope of survival for their precious little girl. And, for many people, the most remarkable thing about her was that she had done so in spite of her blindness. In the fall of 1972, I began working at Nazarene Headquarters (now Global Ministry Center). Trust in Him who will not leave you. Whew! You have collected all my tears in your bottle. Unfortunately, the family doctor was away, and another man—pretending to be a certified doctor—treated her by prescribing hot mustard poultices to be applied to her eyes. First of all, God revealed to me that I did not know Him. I felt like no one understood, but again, God was so faithful and provided strength and guidance. After a time of personal reflection, determine to spend more time this year in the presence of God, at home, school, work, on vacation, and definitely “in the kitchen.” If you’re not intentional in prioritizing your life according to living in the presence of God, you will find yourself simply “chasing after the wind.” And think about it, no one ever catches the wind. Trust in Him who will not leave you, Whatsoever years may bring, If by earthly friends forsaken Still more closely to Him cling. The plumber came and discovered all the wood flooring under the kitchen was water-soaked and the kitchen floor needed to be pulled up and the wood dried out. I did not fully understand that I was experiencing the result of sin until years later. For me, His voice whispered through a Bear Hugger. The Scripture clearly shows us where Martha was amiss. Used by permission*. At that moment, the sin of the man who was hurting me was the sin that Jesus paid the price for on the cross. It was a true blessing to meet some of her family during our National Grandparents Day of Prayer. Read what His Word says about sexual sin: “In this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. She has 30 years experience in Bible teaching, directing women’s ministry, retreat and conference speaking, training teams and teachers, and writing curriculum. So many “things” and people vie for our time, and as Solomon so eloquently penned, “there’s a time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). [c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. The faithfulness of Fanny’s Christian grandmother laid a strong foundation of faith in Christ. God continues to show His faithfulness to me in so many ways. Last year, by sheer coincidence, they both ended up at faith-based employment agency Mosaic, where they now work side by side in the same café. And on occasion, we drove about 2 hours to watch the St. Louis Cardinals. We were blessed with two children in the next two years. Do not place blame somewhere other than where it rightly belongs. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. The Christian’s biggest, most important job on earth is to live and die with the LORD. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do” James 1:2-8. Listen intently – through those God appoints in your life, a pastor, godly spouse, friend, etc. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Jameel was sentenced to prison. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. They found out that the illness I had was rare and only a few children in history had been born with it. Two final thoughts recorded from Brother Lawrence’s conversion experience: “Suddenly I saw what ‘providence’ is all about—it’s simply believing that God has the power and the will to do all things well for us, if we will only submit to his loving, patient rule. Please click on this link: https://holdinghishand.org/receive-jesus/, I encourage you to share your pain with a trustworthy Christian (friend, pastor, counselor). Did I wait long enough, or did I rush off to work or jump right into the next project on my list? “How many blessings I enjoy That other people don’t, To weep and sigh because I’m blind I cannot, and I won’t!”. He rolled over several times right down the middle of the street. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. When all seems dark and hopeless, Jesus is there. He was MAD. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. The Bible says that Christ is preparing a place in Heaven for all who have received Him. Holding His Hand: Mike and Katie Celebrating Christmas with Katie’s Family. No way am I going to hook up with this dude…he’s the one who sent me to prison.” But after meeting Andrew face to face, he felt God’s forgiveness fill his heart as they shook hands. and your dominion endures through all generations. Illness and death are sadly a part of this world. One evening, following the resurrection of Jesus, Peter decided to go fishing. Hold to God’s unchanging hand. We're headed to Salt Lake again, and this time we're sharing the train with two teenagers we knew who were caught HOLDING HANDS! When I cried out in agony, He (God) was by my side. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. I know you're worried about giving your speech, but I'll be there to hold your hand. Hold to His hand, to God's unchanging hand. 45 So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”[f]; the last Adam (Christ), a life-giving spirit. This is a book to re-read many times as it is witty and easy to read. Listen…so you may hear His loving and gentle voice. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who … I had wonderful friends who offered to drive me on days when I couldn’t. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Literally, to grasp one's hand and continue holding it, typically while walking together or sitting next to each other, often as a show of affection. Being fully human is the easy part. And while these things are not bad in themselves, taken together along with the accelerated advances in science, the turbulent rhythm of life, and the external tensions of world events (recently in 2019/2020 with the Coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest which is sadly continuing in 2021), they tend to produce a society that has little time for personal relationships and even less time for God. The cost was minimal because I had purchased a maintenance agreement with the company. He is faithful and I will serve Him as long as he gives me breath. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. God places these people in our lives, to give us that little extra support and encouragement…at just the right timing. Francis Jane Crosby (Fanny Crosby) — Excerpt from Christianity Today (Christian History, People) http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/poets/fanny-crosby.html. Daryl & Mary Alice Medley 50th Wedding Anniversary. Eventually, that crooked cop was caught, and served a year and a half for falsifying many police reports, planting drugs and stealing. I needed to stay home and care for him, and again, God was faithful to give us strength and supply our needs. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. This word will define the person you are and who you desire to become. However, God had another plan. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. I have had the experience of graduating high school, college, and am now married! His initial reaction: “What? My parents were unable to help me financially, so it was a struggle, but again, God was faithful and I am so thankful for the opportunity and the friends I made during those years. God’s timing is perfect. Throughout my childhood I spent a lot of time in the hospital. She initially indulged in her own poetry and was called upon to pen verses for various occasions. Her desire to please God in all areas of life is demonstrated by her humble and gentle spirit. (John 14:1-3) It will be a glorious place! 10 Inspirational, Motivational, Uplifting, Reassuring & Encouraging Bible Verses, Scriptures, Quotes & Passages about God Holding us: God holding us in His hands, God holding us in His arms, God holding you, and God holding your hand. The doctors discovered that my pancreas had grown back and was producing more insulin than it had before, so at age 5 my pancreas was completely removed. 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