Blog

Do you have family stories that are a testament to the blessing of God on your family? Can you children say they know a time God specifically placed His hand on an ancestor? Those stories are precious and priceless.

My husband has a story that my sister and older niece would always ask him to tell. This story intrigued them and spoke of God’s love, providing, and explained why my sweet husband loved being outside and nature. It is about his 8th great grandfather. Quite a long time ago this event happened, but the family still remembers it.

It was in 1700’s Appalachian Mountains on the North Carolina side. My husband’s ninth great grandparents had a farm homestead. They raised crops as well as a few animals. Unfortunately they did not have any living children. Everyone in the area liked the couple including the Cherokee Indians that were in the area and occasionally came to their home for food. In autumn on year everyone was trying to get as much food as possible put up for the winter. It was forecasted to be extremely cold and snowy. The summer had been brutally hot. Crops and animals were scarce. The couple shared what they could from the little they had. The Cherokee would be moving to their winter home in hopes of less harsh weather.

The husband was in his field gleaning whatever last remnants he could find and plowing it for the year. He heard the clanging of the big dinner bell announcing lunch so he quickly made his way back to their barn and cabin. He unhitched the horse, and hung the collar and empty feed bag up. He washed off at the pump, went inside and ate lunch with his wife. They always thanked God before each meal even if it was a meager one. When he went back outside to hitch up his horse, he found a big surprise. Inside the horse’s feed sack was a papoose, a little baby boy. Before the Indians migrated to their winter camp, they left the small, weak baby with the Christian couple that often helped them. The baby would probably not make it through the harsh winter without extra food, warmth and care. The Indians knew how much the couple wanted a child and left him for them. Waiting in the woods, watching was the mother. She wanted to make sure her child was found. Like Moses in the basket, the papoose was.

The man shouted for his wife to come. The laughed and cried happy tears, knowing exactly what had happened. As the new mama cradled her son, the new father looked around and saw the Indian mother. He signed “thank you” and she left. They never again saw the Indians. The baby was named Osceola. After receiving this great gift from God, the couple was blessed with four more living children of their own.

My husband’s ancestors helped what most in the area called enemies. They continued to pray and give thanks throughout a bad harvest and bad summer. They continued to share and give to others like the Cherokee even though they hardly had anything. Never did they turn from God when their pregnancies ended in miscarriage. This was a faithful Christian couple and Abba remembered that. Our reward might not come immediately or soon, but stay the course. The reward will come. If not on this side of Heaven then the other. Keep telling of His love, protection, and blessings for your family. Let your children know about their Christian heritage.

“Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation.” Joel 1:3 NLT

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 NIV

Are you a Christian? What church do you attend? Are you prejudice toward other churches? Do you believe that you attend the only correct, approved, right church? The only one whose members are going to Heaven? I am not talking New Age or other religions. I am talking within the mainstream Christian denominations where Jesus is God’s Son and our Savior.

One sunny summer afternoon in my bookstore, Heaven Help Us, a young woman came in with an adorable little girl. She looked about four years old and was beautiful. We began to chat about various things. I asked what her favorite book was and she asked if I had any pets because she didn’t. Did I have a favorite fruit because she loved strawberries, the sweet ones. I asked if she had a favorite song and she answered “Jesus Loves Me”. She wanted to know what animal Noah had on the ark I liked best. Hers was monkey and mine was koala bear. We were having fun learning about each other. Just as her mother joined us she asked what church I attended. After I answered her she turned that angelic face up to her mother and asked “is that one of those bad places, Mommy?” Her mommy grimaced and the little girl quietly asked “is that a question I am only supposed to ask at home with you and Daddy?” Her mommy curtly replied “yes”, grabbed the girl’s hand, and drug her out of the store. The sweet girl was looking over her shoulder telling me goodbye. The pile of merchandise left unpurchased on the counter.

For me it is heartbreaking when Christians influence sweet, innocent children to be prejudice. Children learn prejudice. It isn’t born in them. They can tell deep down it isn’t right. It is also disturbing when Christians judge other Christian churches. Doesn’t that contradict what those people are saying? Aren’t they not abiding by scripture and judging others, wrongly, too.

I cannot pretend to know the mind of God, just what His Word says. It tells me to love others. It tells me that He sent His Son for everyone that believes and not part of the denominations or one denomination. The Bible says that God loves me and you. He wants us to share that love with others. He wants us to tell others about Him and the way to salvation. It says not to judge others.

How do you treat other Christians? Do you love them? Do you teach your children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren to honor and respect them all or only the members of your church? Do we live and act like Jesus? We need to try. Today’s a great day to begin.

“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1)

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6)

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! Tomorrow is Easter. Lent will be over. Have you prepared your body, mind, and spirit for worshipping our risen Savior? We have talked about why He came, what He did, what He expects of us, and learned many things these past forty days, but the most important thing about Lent is have we prepared ourselves for Easter and worship? Are we ready?

Churches have all types of Easter services starting on Friday night and going through Sunday night. One of the most popular is the Sunrise Service. Have you ever worshipped at sunrise on Easter watching the sun rise and imaging Jesus Christ rising from the dead? It doesn’t matter when or where we worship, just that we do.

Easter morning very early a group of women that followed Jesus went to the tomb. The Bible says Mary, mother of James, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Salome went and found that the large stone had been rolled away from the entrance. They say an angel that said “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen.” (Mt. 28:5-6, NLT). When they looked in the tomb it was indeed empty. The shroud covering Christ’s body was neatly folded and placed where his body had been.

Jesus had accomplished what was foretold in prophesy. God’s Son was beaten, accused, crucified, placed in a tomb, and He arose on the third day. He had done what He said He would. He conquered sin and death. Our sin debts had been stamped “paid in full” because of our Savior. He gave everything for our salvation, but what have we given in return? Do I give Him my love and devotion? My obedience? Have I submitted my will to His?

Take time this Easter to really worship and think about the great sacrifice Jesus made for you. He didn’t just die on the cross for the disciples and Bible people. We are included in the covenant, too. He died for Cheri, Janice, Joyce, Tom, Donna, Den, Vanessa, Jason, and even me. Yes, He died for us, but He arose. He paid the price so that we may reign in Heaven as heirs of the true King. He died so that we might live. Life after death is real. Rejoice! He is alive. Worship Him. He will return as promised. Let’s rejoice, worship, and stay ready.

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you that He would be turned over to sinful men, be crucified, and rise again on the third day!” – Luke 24:6-7

“Jesus said: I am the resurrection. Anyone who believes in Me, even though that person dies, will live,” – John 11:25

Good Friday. Where did that name come from for the awful day our Lord Jesus was falsely accused, condemned, beaten, and crucified? Good? How was that day good? Scholars say the word “good” comes from the Old English “good” meaning holy. Yes, this was definitely a holy day. Others argue that the good comes from Jesus sacrificing himself for us. Obviously something good came from that – our salvation.

Here’s what happened. Early Friday morning, Judas realized what he had done and was overcome by guilt. With a heavy heart he hanged himself on a tree, not being able to live with what he had done. Around 9:00 a.m. Jesus was in the midst of being mocked, accused falsely, shamed, and horribly beaten. Still our precious Lord did not cry out. He endured. Then after a corrupt trial He was sentenced to be crucified, which is one of the most agonizing, painful, and disgraceful deaths of that time.

Still the soldiers would not leave Jesus alone. They placed a crown made out of pointed, sharp thorns on His head and pressed it down. Hard. Can you imagine the pain of just that one act? Then they mocked Him, spat on Him, and made Him carry His own heavy cross. He was still being tormented. Even as the soldiers hammered the nails in His precious body to the wooden cross, He was being insulted and mocked. Did He respond in kind? No. Through it all He remained silent.

His followers were clustered at the foot of the cross. They were mourning, grieving, and suffering. Did Jesus finally say anything? What did Jesus say? He told Mary and John there were now mother and son. He lifted His head and asked: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, NIV). He asked for forgiveness for those crucifying and tormenting Him. Then, the soldiers divided His clothes among themselves. They continued to mock Him and baited Him saying if He was truly God’s Son, then save Himself. One of the thieves hanging beside Him asked Jesus to remember him for surely He was God’s Son. Jesus told the thief he would be in Paradise with Jesus.

Around noon it became very dark and gloomy. The sun stopped shinning. Around 2:00 Jesus asked “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” And then Jesus realized to fulfill scripture one more thing must be done, so He said “I am thirsty.” They gave Him some sour wine on a sponge and held it up with a branch. After tasting it, Jesus said “It is finished.” He then said in a loud, clear voice with head lifted “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit.” Then he died. This was about the ninth hour or 3:00 p.m. This literally shook the world. There was an earthquake, rocks broke, the temple curtains were torn in half, and tombs opened and bodies of Holy people were raised to life.” Wow! Can you imagine being there?

Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body of Jesus so that He could be buried in a tomb on his land. Then before 6 p.m. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus down from the cross and lay His body in a tomb. They were both members of the Sanhedrin but now convinced that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. His body was guarded in the tomb all day Saturday (the Sabbath) by Roman soldiers. Then at 6:00 p.m. when the Sabbath ended His body was ceremonially prepared for burial with spices bought by Nicodemus. The tomb was sealed with a large, heavy stone that took more than one soldier to move. More soldiers were posted to guard overnight.

Did I take you to Good Friday and Saturday? I hope you were able to walk there and envision it. It is unbelievable the pain of that day, isn’t it. He did it for us. You and me.

“He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth.” (John 19: 39-40, NLT)

“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” (1 Peter 1:18-19, NLT)

Maundy Thursday is the day before Good Friday. It was the evening of the Passover Feast that the disciples had in the Upper Room. After sunset, the disciples and Jesus gathered in that upstairs room that Peter and John had found for their meal. Don’t you wish you had been there? Jesus began by first washing the feet of the disciples. This was done to demonstrate His great love. He wanted to show them that we are all to love and serve each other. No one is too great to serve another or show love.

After the foot washing it was time for the meal. A typical Passover or Seder meal is symbolic in the reselling of the first Passover. It consisted of roasted lamb, (symbolizing the sacrifice), a roasted egg (renewal, new beginning), bitter herbs (the bad experience the Hebrew slaves had), haroset, recipe below (mortar the slaves used to build for the Egyptians), and green leafy vegetables like parsley or celery (green of Spring). The table must also have three pieces of Matzah, unleavened bread.

This is what Jesus told his disciples before they ate: “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before My suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:15-16, NLT) Then He took the bread that was on the table, held it up, and gave thanks for it. Instructing His disciples “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”* This was when the first communion service began. After they had eaten the bread He took the cup and held it up saying: “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.”* (*Luke 22:19-20, ESV).

Our precious Savior, the Lamb of God, was hours away from fulfilling the true meaning of Passover. He would be giving His body and shedding His blood in sacrifice for our sins. We are instructed to take communion in remembrance of this great sacrifice. How could we forget? No one else has taken my sins upon himself, been beaten, or died for me. How could I ever forget for one day? I do, unfortunately. Life gets busy and things happen. Whether at home or at church Communion is a vital part of worship so that we do remember. We must partake, repent, and give thanks for His grace, mercy, and sacrifice. It is a sacred, holy moment – a time to spend in close fellowship with Jesus and remember what He has done for you. Will you remember? I will.

Haroset, a Maundy Thursday recipe

1/2 cup almonds, chopped finely
1/2 cup apple, chopped
3 tablespoons grape juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup dried fruit, chopped finely (date, fig, apricot, cranberries, etc.)
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped finely
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
pinch of ginger

Mix together nuts and fruits. Add spices. Add grape juice.

Serve as a salad, appetizer or eat on crackers or matzah. This Passover recipe is an Easter favorite, too.

Traditionally this day is called “Spy Wednesday” because on this Wednesday before the crucifixion Judas conspired to give Jesus to the soldiers. Judas became a spy, an agent for those wanting to hurt and kill Jesus. He made a deal to betray Jesus. Judas was paid, given silver, to hand over Jesus. Hard to believe but true.

Scripture doesn’t say what Jesus did on that Wednesday. Scholars speculate He probably spent the day in Bethany resting up from the busyness of the past few days. Most likely they were exhausted and Passover was soon. He might have spent it with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Earlier Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead and the people of Bethany believed He was the Son of God. Then Mary of Bethany went to Jesus and anointed Him with costly perfumed oil. Judas, the treasurer of the group, objects to the extravagance saying that the money could be used to help so many poor people, hungry people. Jesus rebukes Judas and says Mary has anointed Him for His burial.

The disciples are saddened to think about Jesus dying and leaving them. They believe He is God’s Son, but they love Him. They don’t want anything bad to happen to Him. Scholars believe Judas was trying to force Jesus into claiming His kingdom now. That Judas didn’t believe anything bad would actually happen to God’s Son. I don’t know. It is sad to see a follower betray his leader, especially when that leader is Christ.

Have you sold Him for something? Do you take payment in exchange for Him? Is there something you believe in instead of Him? Something that has taken His place? Maybe you treat Him like royalty and the Son of God that He is. Sometimes it is easy to let things get in the way of worshipping Him. It is easy to put our own wants before what we really need to do. Me? I need to worship our Savior. The One that suffered, was beaten, crucified, died, and rose from the dead so that I might claim eternal life with Him is the One I long to worship. My soul needs to sing His praises more than my body needs an extra hour of sleep. I need Him to know He is my priority since I was His. His love is priceless. It is worth more than I could ever say – much more than thirty silver coins.

“Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?” So they counted out for Him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand Him over.” Matt. 26:14-16

After Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday did you ever wonder how he spent His week? What did He do until His crucifixion? On Monday He taught His disciples a parable about faith when He cursed a fig tree that did not produce fruit. Do you remember that one? They were hungry and saw a fig tree with many leaves. When they looked for the fruit, none could be found. It was barren. Many believe the tree being cursed represents God’s judgment on those that are spiritually dead. Jesus also went into the temple and cleared it out of the dishonest money changers. Jesus went through overturning tables and saying: “Scripture says ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer’, but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” He drove the money changers and their animals out of the temple.

What stayed with me about this is that Jesus stopped and braided a whip so that He could think about what He was going to do. He didn’t fly off the handle but took time to think about the situation. Maybe He prayed? Could you do this? I can’t tell you how many times I have flown off the handle in anger. Acted quickly without thinking things through. No so with Jesus. His righteous indignation toward what was happening in the temple was just. It needed to be done. How many times have I done things that didn’t need to be? I went off on my own without asking Abba to guide me.

Tuesday the disciples walked back by the fig tree. It was now withered and dead. Jesus used that to teach them about faith, true faith. A person or nation that does not produce fruit for God, do His work, will wither and die all the way down to its roots. The tree had leaves so by first sight it looked like it was producing. A closer look revealed no fruit. Then Jesus cursed it.

Are you producing fruit? Are you leading people to God? Helping them find salvation? Does the light of Jesus shine through you? Do you help others? Are you loving, kind, selfless, good, joyful, and have the fruits of the spirit? Don’t wither away. Grow tall and produce fruit. Increase in your faith. Flourish in your faith. You will be amazed at the things that will happen when you believe and have faith!

“Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then He said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.” Mt. 21:19

“Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” My. 21:21-22

“So He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” John 2:15

 

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. It celebrates the day Jesus triumphantly enters the city of Jerusalem. Also, it is one week before Easter. Here in Southern Indiana it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the blue sky had a few puffy white clouds, and the wind would have been perfect for a kite. The weather seemed to be celebrating, too.

Scripture tells us that Jesus rode into the city on a young donkey. The streets were lined with people who threw clothes and palms or small branches, in front of him as a sign of homage and respect. This was what people did for kings. They were treating Jesus like royalty. Using palm branches symbolized peace and victory. Jesus was coming in peace, triumphantly. The crowd of people shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Can you imagine what it was like to be in that crowd? Jesus had come to save the lost, to secure their eternal life and salvation. He was the Messiah. Hearts must have been beating wildly at the anticipation of seeing him. Thoughts must have been running all over wondering what to do – stand, bow, wave, kneel. Tears surely filled many eyes. How amazing it must have been to see Jesus. He was the one that raised the dead back to life and healed the sick. He was the teacher everyone spoke of so highly. Jesus changed lives. Jesus was God’s Son. What would we have done in that crowd?

It makes me think of Heaven and what we will do when we see Jesus. Like the Mercy Me song:

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by Your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine, I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine, I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes
When I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I would do is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine, I can only imagine

What will you do? Can you imagine seeing Him face to face?

“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branchesand went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:12-13

There is a saying that says nothing in this world is certain except death and taxes. I disagree, but that is beside the point. It is almost time for the tax deadline. So, what about the other one? Let’s talk about death. Are you still with me? Thinking about death makes many people very uncomfortable so talking about is even worse. I used to be terrified of death. No more.

My maternal grandmother was a great Christian woman. Standing about five feet tall, Mammaw was a giant in her faith. After Pappaw died, she lived with family, including ours. She always knew her family and read her Bible daily. Her physical heath had deteriorated and it was difficult for her to walk and care for herself. My Aunt Marilyn was the primary caregiver of Mammaw after that, since Mammaw needed daily help and assistance walking. Basically Mammaw spent her days in a recliner in the living room after getting settled in. One morning before dawn my aunt and uncle were awaken by talking. It was Mammaw. She wasn’t in bed but had somehow managed to go to the living room. Her Bible was in her lap, her arms were lifted high over her head, face looking up, smiling widely, and she was loudly saying “I’m coming. I’m coming!” She was so excited. Before my aunt reached her Mammaw collapsed back in her chair and had met Jesus. Wow. Doesn’t that give you goosebumps?

A similar thing happened to my oldest aunt, a different one. She was in a nursing home and needed assistance to stand and walk. As an aide walked by her room, she found Aunt Kathleen standing straight up, looking up smiling brightly, holding both arms up over her head. The aide stepped into the room as Aunt Kathleen crumbled to the floor. She too was with Jesus. Awesome.

Of all the family stories about Jesus, I think this is the most touching. Setting up my Christian bookstore was a family affair. Even my five year old niece helped. We were shelving cards and I asked her “which card is your favorite?” She took my question seriously. Hopping up she went up and down the aisle of cards slowly. I expected a card with puppies, a rainbow, or perhaps little cherubs. No, even at five my niece was much deeper than that. She brought me a blue card with clouds featuring Jesus in the center. Intrigued I asked her why she picked that. “Because, Aunt Sissy, that’s how my Jesus will look in Heaven waiting for me.” She simply said. Out of the mouths of babes! “My Jesus waiting for me.”

So true. My young niece gets death. At five years old she knows about Jesus, death, and Heaven. We should all remember that death is not the ending. It is to be embraced with arms opened wide. We should be smiling and excited. It shouldn’t be rushed. We all have our appointed time. Make sure you know and serve Jesus. You definitely want Jesus waiting for you in Heaven like my sweet young niece said. Do you think He is?

“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling…..come home, come home, he who are weary come home……”

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 “So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

Philippians 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ”