Chris Buscher's Blog, page 4

When God Says Go

Flashy Me, A Public “Wreck”
CHAPTER ONE

 

Lessons Learned, Promoting Your Own Victory

How do you define success? Is it with money? Power? Material things? Public Perception? Maybe it is simply based on where you started as a kid and where you are now. A few years ago, I would have defined success as material things, Flashy cars, designer clothes, Multiple companies… the list went on and on. There was something missing from my list, which was God. I attributed all my success to luck, hard work, and a lot of me.

Yes, I thought I had it really going on, in fact you couldn’t tell me nothing. I was an unstoppable, woman who was leading in my profession of Marketing and Public Relations, or so I thought. Then suddenly the Holy Spirit told me to GO, leave my hometown and start a new life in a whole different state. Not only was I led to GO but when I left I had a life changing wreck, I was hit by a semi-truck with no seatbelt on and not to mention not one airbag deployed in a brand new car. I was driving, on the phone, eating, and I was headed to a business meeting that I had no business going to, and further into the story you’ll learn why I should not have been going to a meeting.

My Lexus was totaled, the entire front end of my car was on the ground, and glass from my windshield was everywhere. My life flashed in front of me! This was the moment that I realized that God had a purpose for my life, and I had to learn that my purpose did not start with focusing on my own self-centered desires. Everything I had done up to that moment was no more than a lesson from God, and it was God’s hand that helped me walk away from that horrible accident without even a scratch. This was my ‘Go moment’.

We must understand that positions of power in life come with great responsibility. We must prove our ability to not only run these positions, but do so from a place of Godly growth. I would not be honest with you if I told you that I was not God’s finest creature walking the planet a few years ago; I had all the appearances of success, but I was very empty on the inside. There  was a void there, I could not understand what I was missing, but I was missing something and it was something that money could not buy.

I was not living a Godly life, I wasn’t paying my tithes all the time, I wasn’t praying the way that I should have been; you could not tell me anything. I was constantly spending money on materialistic things, and to be completely honest, at one point in my life, I wasn’t even paying my taxes. Looking back at myself, I was blind, spiritually dead, and lost. The journey has been rough, but so rewarding.

I always knew that God created me for something much bigger. Thanks to my business failures that I learned early on in life when I failed many times, I never gave up. I just kept on going until I finally learned how to turn my failures into success. I thank God now for all my past failures, I realize now that they were all part of my journey. Most people could tell there was something more than a beautiful smile happening with me. The accident that changed my life was my rebirth, my new life, a fresh start, a way for God to really lead and guide me, giving me a life of peace, happiness, and joy. A life full of blessings, freedom, and abundance. The other women in this book didn’t experience a wreck, but they did have powerful ‘Go moments’ of their own; words of the Spirit of God reaching into their soul and changing their lives in a moment.

When God Says Go is the ultimate blueprint to help you overcome obstacles and stumbling blocks that have kept you from reaching your fullest potential. Your Destiny is waiting for you! Let go of everything and trust God. Are you ready to listen to the voice of God when he tells you to Go? I encourage you to embrace this journey; we aren’t truly living until we’ve found our true purpose in life.

DID YOU ENJOY THE FIRST CHAPTER FROM AUTHOR Velma Marie Trayham?

DON’T STOP NOW! GET IT ON AMAZON! CLICK HERE!

The post When God Says Go appeared first on Lay Me Down Ministries.

Is your Faith Subsisting on Breadcrumbs and Not Satisfied with the Status Quo?

Is Your Faith Subsisting on Breadcrumbs and Not Satisfied with the Status Quo?
– By Cynthia Feenstra of InductiveCharts.com

 

* There’s Something Different about Debbie’s Faith

I can remember the moment I met Debbie like it was yesterday.  I had brought my son to Mommy’s Day Out at a local church and upon arriving home, his backpack contained an invitation to a women’s Bible study.  Unsatisfied in my faith and seeking new friends, I attended the following week.  The instant I met Debbie, I knew there was something amazingly and wondrously unique about her.  It took me just minutes to recognize it—she was head-over-heels, whole-heartedly in love with Jesus.  She spoke of Him like He was her friend, standing right next to her.  She knew Scripture, but not only in a head kind of way—in a heart kind of way as well.  Her prayers, which were a fusion of sweet tenderness and awe-inspiring power, effortlessly rolled off her lips and were like intimate conversations with Him.  I had never met anyone like her, yet I knew that whatever she was doing to grow her faith, I wanted in.  For years, I was not satisfied with my faith in the status quo.  I so desperately hungered for that kind of relationship with my Savior.  I just didn’t know how to attain it.

*My Personal Breadcrumbs Story and Hunger for More Faith

In comparison, my relationship with Jesus was so very different.  It went something like this.  I would wake up, put my feet on the floor and say, “Good morning, Jesus.”  While brushing my teeth, I would mentally go down my laundry list of all I needed to accomplish that day and petition His help.  While getting dressed, I would pray for my family and friends and ask Him to bless them.  While drinking my coffee, I would grab my devotion or Bible study, shoot up a prayer for the Holy Spirit to guide me, fill in the blanks to the workbook, and end with a “Thank you, Jesus.” Having checked everything off my daily list I knew on how to feed my faith, I hoped I could make it through the day on the few breadcrumbs I had consumed.

Yet, in the depth of my soul, I was so very hungry.  I ardently craved for more.  More faith.  More intimacy.  More Jesus. More! I recognized I was starving and in desperate need of a hearty meal.  However, my constant search rationed only breadcrumbs for nourishment, so I robotically consumed them, abandoned my pursuit for more, and resigned myself to the belief that breadcrumbs were my only option on the entire menu, while hearty meals were reserved for the spiritual elite.   I remember asking myself, “Is this it?  Is this all there is to experience in my faith—a constant ache in my belly, craving in my heart, and emptiness in my soul?”  However, the moment I met Debbie and witnessed her satiated relationship with the Savior, I understood that God has provided so much more than a meal; He invites us to His perpetual, all-you-can-eat banquet! We just need to show up and feast!

*The Faith Feast and Surprise Dessert

I remember asking Debbie what kind of schooling or special training she had that taught her how to obtain such a closeness with Jesus.  My thinking was, how else could she speak to Him so easily, quote verses off the top of her head, or thumb through her Bible and find applicable passages with lightning speed?  She shared with me that she had not gone to a school or had any special training, and that what I was witnessing was the fruit of the Bible study method she used.  Her students confirmed her assertion and testified that they had never experienced a Bible study that so dramatically and rapidly grew their faith, fed their spirit, and renewed their mind.  But I noticed something even more.  I also observed that her community of women had an amazing bond—something so much deeper than I had ever experienced in my own friendships.

Later, I understood that in employing this Bible study method, they obtained a mature and satiated relationship with their Savior, and that became the foundational source of the loving attachment they felt for each other.  In doing life together, they prayed for their ministry, celebrated their life’s blessings, counseled their broken-hearted, wept with their hurting, laid hands on their ill, and financially assisted their needy. Even though I knew I was witnessing something remarkable, it wasn’t until studying Philippians that I came to see how much their group resembled the church of Philippi that Paul exhorted, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.” (Phil. 1:9) It was their real knowledge and all discernment that caused their love to abound more and more for each other and for their Savior.  In them, I understood that deeper, more meaningful relationships were the feast’s bonus dessert.  My heart’s desire for true friendships was, for the first time in my life, a possible reality.

Since meeting Debbie and her group over 20 years ago, I too have fallen in love with my Savior.  I have come to not merely know about Him, but know Him.  I have learned how to feast upon His meaty Word, which feeds my mind and satisfies my soul.  I have friendships that are, quite frankly, super-natural in their outpouring of love.  In times of trials and pain, I know the One Who carries me, and I have a confidence in Him that only comes from intimacy and trust. That’s my prayer for you!  God’s Word is the banquet meal that can satisfy the constant ache in your belly, craving in your heart, and emptiness in your soul.  You just need the directions to the feast!

*Your Invitation to Dine and Feed Your Faith

August 25-27, 2017, at Billy Graham’s “The Cove” in Asheville, NC, I will be teaching the method Debbie explained to me so many years ago, which I have since taught to countless others.  You will acquire skills to mine for treasures in the Word of God, each building upon the previous. By the end of our time together, you will know how to feast upon the Word for yourself.  In tandem, you will use the book of Titus, which when done studying it, will forever be imprinted upon your soul.  For example, you will understand what was happening in the church at Crete that made Paul, through the Holy Spirit, give Titus the qualification list for elders that became the qualification list for all Church pastors.  You will understand how the culture of that time was bringing its influence into the church then, and see how Paul’s instructions to them apply to the church today.  You will comprehend the importance of seasoned believers in the life of younger believers, and how that translates for healthy living inside and outside the church.  You will see how godly lives today prepare Christians for the coming Savior.  We will also correlate Old Testament Scripture with Paul’s description of how Jesus rescues us from sin. Further, you will come to understand the true meaning of words like justified,  hope, faith(ful), doctrine, and knowledge . You will have confident assurance in your faith because you have confidence in Him.  But, more than anything—and I’m speaking from my own experience and the testimonies of countless others when I say this—you will love Jesus more, and be wholly satisfied.

Come, join me at the banquet table as we feast on His Word.

There’s a place here just for you!

For more details, go to The Cove Retreat

The post Is your Faith Subsisting on Breadcrumbs and Not Satisfied with the Status Quo? appeared first on Lay Me Down Ministries.

If You Claim to Be a Christian

If You Claim to Be a Christian
Chapter One

Step One – Aleph – ”The Strong Leader…”

Let’s start with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Aleph, which means ‘The Strength of the Leader”. As it is the first one, it relates to God the Father.

The numerical value is one, as God is one, and a house divided against itself cannot stand.

It’s the first attribute of a successful follower of Christ, irrespective of sex, colour or social status.

Each person will be responsible for their household at judgement day, because the ones near to us will look at the closest representation of Christianity in their lives, and often judge Christ by our actions. At a certain level, we are Christ for them, just as the branch that grows from the vine is the same in nature as the vine itself.

A wise man once said: ‘’Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words.’’

Distorted Christianity and confabulated stories always rise around people that are lukewarm, the ones that don’t take the battle seriously. If we could really see the battle field, we would stop leaving our armour and weapons at home every day.

Misjudgement of what Jesus teaches mostly comes from self-proclaimed followers that live dual lives, which at some point convinced themselves that sin is a part of life, and that grace is the mop every house must have.

Being a leader means getting right with God, and mirroring Him on earth. It’s not about pointing fingers or telling others how to live, it’s not about giving orders and putting others down, but about the father’s business, spending time in prayer, in the secret place, and then doing exactly what He tells us in this temporary world of His.

How can we quickly reach ‘Leader’ level 99?

If you associate being a leader with superiority and responsibility for everyone else, you still have the world definition of a leader.

The bible clearly tells us that if we want to be numero uno, we must be the best at serving others. Therefore, we can safely deduct that to lead is to serve.

Serve others, and by your example, they will be led to Christ. We must remember that it’s not our job to convince, to convict or to control. I call them the three C’s, and they put a spin on God’s version of a leader.

Was Jesus all talk and orders, or did He wash everyone’s feet and then die for us? Why do we want Him as King over us? Because He knows how to lead, fight for us, takes pleasure in serving us, and expects the same in return.

A relationship will only thrive when each person puts the other’s needs before their own. This way, all needs are met, and there is no burden of the self.

Another important point is who are we looking towards for recognition. Are we leading to get appraisal from men, or are we concerned about God’s opinion?

May God turn you into the leader you are meant to be, royalty of pure blood and descend, directly from the Creator Himself!

‘’Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine, so that through you, others can see!’’

 

DID YOU ENJOY THE FIRST CHAPTER OF AUTHOR  Alexandru Horatiu Mesesan‘S NEW BOOK?
DON’T STOP NOW, GET IT TODAY ON AMAZON! CLICK HERE!

The post If You Claim to Be a Christian appeared first on Lay Me Down Ministries.

You Can Know the Truth

You Can Know the Truth
10 Verifiable Proofs the Bible is God’s Truth

You Can Know the Truth: 10 Verifiable Proofs the Bible is God’s Truth: Bold New Christian Apologetic Book Draws Critical Acclaim from Believers and Skeptics.  

Destin, FL – From the days of Paul the Apostle, Christians have used apologetics to present a historical, reasoned, and evidential basis to defend Christianity against objections that seek only to dampen the truth of God’s Word and keep it from fully resonating in hearts and minds.  In 2016, ordained minister John Horton is breaking new ground among Christian apologetics, in a way never seen before.

Horton’s new book, ‘You Can Know the Truth: 10 Verifiable Proofs the Bible is God’s Truth’, is a massive undertaking that pores through thousands of years of history to present 100% fact-based, verifiable answers to the questions that keep skeptics away from God, and prevent Christians from growing closer to God in their faith.

Synopsis:

“You Can Know the Truth”  presents objectively verifiable answers to the concerns and questions of both skeptics and Christians in simple non-theological language with hundreds of concrete examples.

“Is the Bible really full of errors and contradictions?”
“Is the Bible even relevant to my life today?”
“Do all holy books and religions lead to the same God?”
“Is there proof for the Bible, beyond the Bible?”

 

Look beyond the world’s empty opinions and philosophies – to verifiable, fact-based proofs the Bible really is God’s inspired truth:

Biblical prophecy
Science
Archaeology
Literature
Claims of inspiration
Harmony
Life-changing power
Indestructibility
The Holy Spirit
Exponential and mathematical evidence

 

Author John Horton has exhaustively researched this comprehensive book, packing it with over fifty lists, hundreds of specific examples and quotes by experts from Biblical and secondary resources. You Can Know the Truth will strongly support your understanding, presentation, discussion, preaching and teaching of God’s truths. A thorough bibliography, summarized outline, cross-reference guide and even an appendix that examines the theory of evolution are included.

You are not doomed to accept the uncertainty, confusion and contradictions of post-modern relativism. You Can Know the Truth will help you quickly and confidently find the objective, unchanging, reliable truth and answers you seek.

“This is a book for the skeptic, new believer or passionate follower of Christ,” Horton says. “I fiercely challenge disbelief from any angle, including prophecy, science, archaeology, literary, claims of inspiration, harmony, life-changing power, indestructibility, the Holy Spirit, and exponential and mathematical proof – all in the same volume.  One goal is to definitively answer many of the questions about the whys of faith and the way in which our wonderful Lord works.   Its ultimate goal is for people to find confident security for a better life, driven and empowered by the world of God.”

With the objective of widely reaching both believers and non-believers, this book is written in a way that requires no familiarity with Scripture or theological doctrines.  To further this goal, the book includes quotes from a wide range of celebrated thinkers spanning Nobel Prize winners, scholars, politicians, doctors, physicists, poets and more. This really is a volume anyone can read, and I wholeheartedly believe it can only change their life for the better.”

Horton’s work has been received with critical acclaim. For example, attorney J. Mason Williams, Esquire, comments, “You Can Know the Truth is an incredibly detailed journey through prophecy, science, archaeology, literature and yes, even mathematics, demonstrating the truth of God’s Word. John Horton has obviously drawn on a lifetime of study, experience, and spiritual teaching to provide such an in-depth recitation of biblical events, scriptural references, prophecies, and their fulfillment. This book will provide an incredible resource for teachers and pastors, as well as for those who seek to immerse themselves in the breadth and majesty of God’s Word.”

Colonel (retired) Jimmie H Akridge, adds, “An excellent compendium of Scripture Prophecies and cross referenced Proofs of the Truthfulness of the Bible. Using citations of Scripture and referenced historical and current day events the author convincingly proves the truth of the Bible. – Superb study guide for students, ministers, and plain everyday people. Study of this work will improve your understanding of the bible scriptures, strengthen your faith and surely better your relationship with God the father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

‘You Can Know the Truth: 10 Verifiable Proofs the Bible is God’s Truth’ is available now: http://amzn.to/2gzKpY0.

For more information and resources, visit the author’s official website: http://www.ucanknowthetruth.com.

The post You Can Know the Truth appeared first on Lay Me Down Ministries.

Journey to healing and wholeness

Journey to healing and wholeness
Through correct philosophies and right thinking
Knowing that God wants you well

God has provided healing for us through Christ’s crucifixion. It is one of the gifts that He has chosen to give mankind and that is one of the reasons that He wants us well. He wants all of His children (sons and daughters) to be able to receive and walk in every gift that He has made available to us through His Son Jesus Christ. In His earthly ministry, Jesus healed many people and healing is still available to us today through the redemptive work of Christ. As you read through this journey, it will become self evident that God wants you well and healing can be yours because Jesus provided it for us and God loves us and wants us to walk in the fulness that His Son provided for us.

Many people willingly embrace their sickness or infirmity as God’s plan for their lives. Sickness is not God’s plan for your life! Scripture tells us that, “The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,” John 10:10. The devil comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but Christ came to give life and to give life more abundantly. Sickness is not from God, just as health and life are not from the devil, it is actually that simple. I don’t think anyone would accredit the devil with giving God’s people health and life, why then do we then accredit God with bringing or allowing sickness, disease to come upon His own people? When we do this, either we are ignorant of God’s Word and His goodness or we are questioning and slandering His character.

Jesus, God manifested in the flesh, during His earthly ministry never put sickness on anyone. He never told anyone that it was not in God’s timing for them to become well and He never refused to heal anyone. Jesus always healed and was always willing to heal. When the leper came to Jesus asking if He would heal him, Jesus replied, “I will,” Matthew 8:3 and Mark 1:41. The only time in the gospels where it tells us that Jesus could not do many mighty works is in Matthew 13:54 58 and Mark 6:1 6, when He was in His home town of Nazareth. Because the people doubted that Jesus could do anything for them and most likely, they did not even bother to come out to Him.

I have listed here several scriptures that speak of healing and living the abundant life. Jesus equated this with doing good and not evil. You will not find death in any of the scriptures, nor will you find any reference to sickness of any type.

Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed, 1st Peter 2:24.

But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you, Romans 8:11.

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: Who went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him, Acts 10:38.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all thine iniquities; Who heals all thy diseases, Psalm 103:2 3.

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers, 3rd John 1:2.

He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:20-21.

. . . for I am the LORD that healeth thee, Exodus 15:26.

Most people know John 3:16; “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” And they consider it to be solely a salvation verse, but let’s read the two verses before it and we will see that it also refers to healing.

14 But even as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him, John 3:14-17.

The account of the serpent in the wilderness is that the Israelites had gotten into complaining and God sent fiery serpents to bite and kill the people. However, Moses interceded to God and he was told to lift up a bronze serpent on a pole and that when the people looked at it, they would be healed. You can read about this in Numbers 21:5 9.

John 3:16-17, is the New Testament fulfillment of Numbers 21:8. Whoever believes on, looks on Him (Christ), shall not perish, but have everlasting life. The church has minimized the term “everlasting life” to mean merely living forever. All of us will live forever, some of us to everlasting life and others to eternal damnation; “those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of damnation,” John 5:29. The definition of everlasting life is this; “And this is life eternal, that they might know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent,” John 17:3. Everlasting life is knowing God, His Word, His Son and His Spirit, that we might also gain the inheritance that we have in Christ (life and life more abundant). And life more abundant includes health and healing. Even earthly logic tells us that sickness is not having life more abundantly. Some people will then make the argument that we all have to die of something. And it is true that we will all die, “for it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,” Hebrews 9:27. So we shall all pass from this physical life, but we do not need to be taken because of sickness or disease. We can live a healthy, productive and triumphant life up until the very end.

We also see in the Old Testament that life and health are blessings and death and sickness are curses, Deuteronomy chapter 28. Now, in the New Testament, we are no longer under the curse, for Jesus has taken that from us, Galatians 3:13. We are now under “grace.” Life and health are still blessings and we can consider death and sickness to be non blessings. Man can come up with many clever reasonings to justify his sickness. I have put down a few of the more common justifications, ones that I have also used over the years, with a very small critique next to each. However, I will not spend time debating these arguments. For God’s power is within His Word and not in man’s vain philosophies that make the Word of God of no effect, Colossians 2:8.

God is teaching me something through this. (Sickness is not from God; it is from the devil. God’s preferred way of teaching is through His Word, 2nd Timothy 3:16-17. However, your sickness could be leading you to know God’s Word and the power within His Word. And in that respect, He is trying to teach you something).

God made me like this and if it’s OK with Him, it’s OK with me. (I tried believing this lie for years, and you can even attempt to justify this through, Exodus 4:11. But, why would a all powerful and loving God, who could make perfection, choose to make less than what He was able to make and then say, “I am OK with it”?)

Well, the important thing is your spirit, (implying that physical healing doesn’t matter). (You tell that to someone hurting and in chronic pain. If the physical body is hurting, the spirit and the soul are also grieving. God is love and true love would not leave someone suffering and say, “well, it really does not matter”).

He told me that His grace was sufficient for me, (as I bear my sickness). (His grace covers believers and unbelievers alike. However, this does not apply to sickness, it applies to “persecution for righteousness sake,” 2nd Timothy 3:12. I address this later, in this section. But, if you want to believe this applies to your sickness, you have the right to do so. For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he, Proverbs 23:7).

The justifications that we come up with can be endless. We do this mainly to make ourselves feel better about our inability to receive healing from God’s Word, that we or others need and place all the responsibility for our healing on God.

Many bible scholars, when trying to disprove physical healing, say that it only refers to spiritual healing. This may be the focus of certain scriptures, for we are a three-part being, (body, soul and spirit). “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1st Thessalonians 5:23. But the question then becomes, where does one part leave off and another starts? Where do we draw the line of what is spirit, what is soul and what is body? For the body is complex and one part affects another. I believe that if the physical body, or soul, is hurting, the spirit would be grieved. We cannot completely separate or isolate one part from another. And if we are being led by the spirit within us that is complete and whole, our physical body will eventually follow and become completely healed and whole.

God’s Spirit wants you to be well. He actually wants us to allow Him to do His job. According to Romans 8:11, the Spirit within us will quicken our mortal body. We are the ones that usually inhibit God’s Spirit from moving in our lives, either through disbelief, unbelief or believing wrong and worldly teachings. See, the Holy Spirit will not force His will upon us, and He wishes us to be healed and to enjoy the fullness that God has provided for us, but we need to get to the right place in our mind through proper beliefs and right actions.

God has given us a choice. In Deuteronomy 30:15, He said, “I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil,” And God told the Israelites to, “Choose life, that both, they and their seed might live,” Deuteronomy 30:19. Since God is “the same yesterday, today and forever,” Hebrews 13:8, it stands to reason that God also wants us to choose life and what is good and not to accept our sickness that is slowly destroying our body, leading to death.

Paul’s thorn in the flesh, spoken of in 2nd Corinthians 12:7-9, is often cited as proof that Paul had an illness or a disease, perhaps a puffy eye and God expected Paul just to bear it. People have told me, “Well if Paul had his thorn, I can also bear my thorn.” Paul’s thorn in the flesh was not sickness ― it was persecution. Paul later wrote; “and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” 2nd Timothy 3:12. Let’s take a closer look at Paul’s thorn in the flesh.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me, 2nd Corinthians 12:7-9.

1. Paul’s thorn in the flesh, was not from God; it was a “messenger of Satan to buffet him, lest he should be exalted above measure.” So it was clearly something not to be embraced.

2. Paul’s thorn in the flesh, does not apply to you unless you have an abundance of revelations. Being mature in Christ, having written or spoken great teachings such as the apostle Paul did.

3. Paul’s thorn in the flesh, was persecution, for Paul later wrote, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” 2nd Timothy 3:12. Here is a brief list of the apostle Paul’s trials and persecutions, 2nd Corinthians 11:23:

Five times received 39 stripes, three times beaten with rods, once stoned, three time suffered shipwreck, wearied through journeying and of robbers often, in prisons often, in hunger and thirst, cold and nakedness and responsible for the daily care of all the churches. You can see a more detailed list here.

An example of persecution is, when Paul preached in Iconium and when he became aware that the Jews wished to stone him, he fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia. The Jews from Iconium and Antioch formed a posse and came to where he was, they stirred up the people and stoned him. When your enemies follow you around just to do you harm, that is real persecution! You can read about this in Acts 14:1-20.

4.“thorn in the flesh,” was used in the Old Testament three times meaning, “people” (your enemies), will become thorns in your sides or thorns in your eyes, if you do not overtake them and drive them out of the land, Numbers 33:55, Joshua 23:13 and Judges 2:3.

5. Also, the apostle Paul said to the church at Corinth that he labored more than they all, 1st Corinthians 15:10. It would have been very difficult for Paul to truthfully make that statement if he was dealing with a physical infirmity.

It is God’s will to heal, just as “God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,” 2nd Peter 3:9. Just as we had to decide to come to Christ, to live for Him and serve Him, we also have to decide to stand firm on His Word for our healing. Although we have an adversary in this world, he cannot stop us. All he can do is hinder us and delay us. If our adversary could have kept us from our salvation, he would have done just that and our adversary cannot keep us from our healing either, once we realize that it is ours.

It took me years to realize that God truly wants His people well. As I went through many stages of belief, my underlining view of God was always that He was uncompassionate and uncaring. I now realize the Bible to be true rather than going by my feelings. For scripture says that, God is Love, 1st John 4:19, and it would be a contradiction for Love to put a sickness on you. But you may be thinking that God’s ways are much higher than our ways and He may be using this sickness (evil) to achieve good. There is no doubt that in this physical life, we go through many trials, tribulations and even evil things and hopefully, we learn and grow from them. But God is love, and 1st Corinthians 13:5, says; “love thinks no evil.” Therefore, how can God use evil for good, if He thinks no evil?

Salvation, is the Greek word “sozo,” .Strong’s NT:4982

Definition: to save, that is to, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): – heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole. – – – Strong’s Dictionary.

The word, “sozo” has been interpreted as;

Save, Saved, healed or made whole. Click on the above link to see the individual scriptures.

Jesus used physical healing to call people to Him, to give them an opportunity to believe on Him as their Messiah. In His earthly ministry, Jesus was either healing or teaching the people. If Jesus used healings, miracles, signs and wonders to draw people to Him, how much more should we also be using healing miracles to bring people to Christ.

God provides healing for us in many different ways. There are over 40 unique healings recorded in the gospels and over 10 healings in the book of Acts and they were all done in different and unique ways. You can find a table listing of all the healings on the ministry website. Jesus never put sickness on anyone. He never told anyone that it was not God’s plan for them to be healed, that it was not God’s timing for their healing, or that they needed to suffer just a bit longer to build up their character. So if you tried one certain way to get healed and it has not yet worked for you, do not give up! Rather keep on pursuing every means possible until you are successful.

Action to be taken:

Knowing that God wants you well

• You must be totally convinced that God wants you well, that healing has provided for us and it’s a gift that all of us can acquire.

• Review the healings in God’s Word, over 40 unique healings in the gospels and over 10 in Acts.

• In this section, praise God because He wants you well and God is able and willing to do so. For scripture tells us that, If we have God’s Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in us, God shall quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you, Romans 8:11.

God’s Word is still sufficient to heal and provide for us today and forever, it has not diminished in its power over the years, “Jesus Christ (the Word), the same yesterday, and today, and forever,” Hebrews 13:8.

His Word will heal and make us perfectly whole, if we dare to believe, we shall see mighty signs and wonders.

We are healed not because of our actions, but because of what Jesus did for us, it’s all about Him.

When we truly seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, Matthew 6:33, we will have no need to seek yet another kingdom. For the kingdom of God will provide all of our needs.

DID YOU ENJOY THE FIRST CHAPTER OF AUTHOR Paul Halbeck’s BOOK?
DON’T STOP NOW. GET IT TODAY ON AMAZON CLICK HERE!

The post Journey to healing and wholeness appeared first on Lay Me Down Ministries.

A Nativity Christmas

A Nativity Christmas
Tawney Anderson

It was Christmas Eve.  Jenny was humming to herself as she sat on the living room floor, gazing at the wooden nativity cradled in a plastic box.  She was 8 years old, athletically built and very bright.  The light from the sun reflected upon her golden hair, almost giving a halo effect.  I miss the farm so much, Jenny thought.  As she put the nativity on the fireplace mantle, she began to sing the words of Silent Night.  First out of the box was Joseph, then Mary. Jenny remembered how her father carefully carved them in his garage shop, closely examining each detail.  “I don’t like it here, God.  Please move us back,” she whispered. Jenny continued to bring out the nativity characters until they were all in place.  Then she smiled as she lifted the last piece from the box.  Her dad had just finished carving the donkey two nights ago.

“Mommy, I’m finished!” Jenny yelled.  Jenny’s mom, Sharon, entered the living room.  She was a rather tall woman with brown hair and a warm smile. 

“Oh, my!” she declared.  “I think it gets lovelier every year.”

“See the General?” Jenny asked as she pointed at the donkey.  They hugged.  In the distance they heard the baby begin to wake.

“He’s on time again.  I could set my watch to your brother’s tummy!” Sharon said.  “Your snack’s in the kitchen, Jenny.  Finish packing while I get Joshua ready.”

“Ok, mom,” Jenny said. Jenny could hear her mom’s footsteps on the polished wooden floors and her words of delight as she greeted Joshua.  Soon we’ll be at grandpa’s and grandma’s farm and have another wonderful Christmas.  She couldn’t wait to see all the animals again… especially the General, grandpa’s old donkey.  A shadow crossed Jenny’s forehead.  If we just hadn’t moved into town in the first place, Jenny thought, I wouldn’t have to be so far away from my animal friends!  Jenny carried to her room the peanut butter and jelly sandwich and her glass of milk.

Jenny’s room was not a typical little girl’s room.  Yes, she had bright colors everywhere but practically no dolls.  Jenny was not a fan of dolls.  By the time she was three years old, her parents finally figured that out and started giving her horses…much to her delight.  Everywhere there were pictures of horses as well as horse figurines.   Sitting on the headboard, were a stuffed grey donkey, a black and white cow, a white goat, a brown dog, a golden cat, a red rooster and a red robin.  These were her favorites.  Over the years, she had carefully collected them because they represented her friends at the farm.  Jenny was humming while she chewed. She could hear the phone ring and her mother answering it.  Suddenly the sun dimmed in her room and her window gave a little shake.  Jenny’s countenance fell.  She put her plate and glass down and rushed to the window.  She had heard the news the night before.  A fierce winter storm was forecasted.  In her prayers she had asked God not to let the storm hit until after they had arrived at the farm. 

“Please, God,” she had pled.  “Don’t let it come until after we’ve arrived.” Jenny pushed her nose against her window.

Outside dark clouds were gathering in the distance, blocking some of the sunlight that had shown brilliantly on the small patches of snow.  The stiff wind blew their American flag straight from the North.

“God, you just HAVE to stop the storm!” Jenny cried.  She knew what this meant.  If the storm hit before they could leave, her parents would not risk the journey.  And it was Christmas Eve!  Jenny threw herself on her bed. 

“Oh, if daddy hadn’t made us move into town three years ago!” she said.  She hated being away from her grandparents and the animals.  And she hated that she couldn’t talk about it.  Her mom would shush her or her dad would scowl and leave the room.  It wasn’t fair!  Jenny sat up.  She was determined this holiday would be different.  She was going to tell them both in front of grandpa and grandma that she was moving back to the farm – permanently!

“I’ve got to finish packing,” she said.  With a new determination, Jenny ran to her bookcase and quickly scanned the titles.  “Aha, there you are!” she exclaimed as she laid it next to the suitcase.  ‘A Christmas Nativity’ had a worn cover but the print and the pictures were still clear.  Jenny ran out of her bedroom, down the wooden floors and into the kitchen. 

“Mom, when’s Daddy coming home?  The storm will be here soon and we just HAVE to get to Grandpa’s and Grandma’s tonight!” Jenny begged breathlessly.

“Daddy’s moving as fast as he can, honey,” Sharon said. “He just called and is leaving work early.  Our job is to be ready when he gets here.  Good thing I had Grandpa Bob take all the presents to the farm yesterday.  Now you can be a big help by finishing packing and putting your suitcase by the door.  Don’t forget your parka, hat and gloves…but wear your boots.”

Jenny ran back into her room and threw herself onto the suitcase, forcing it to close.  Running into her closet, she emerged with coat, hat, boots, scarf, mittens…all piled into her arms.  She threw them into her suitcase.  Tossing her slippers off her feet, she put on her boots and pulled the scarf over her neck.  Thinking twice about her slippers, she opened her suitcase and threw them in as well.  She saw Prancer sticking out from her covers and grabbed one of his legs. 

“Oh, Prancer, I almost forgot you!  We’ve got work to do tonight.  Where’s your saddle?”  Jenny rummaged around the bed then looked under it. 

“Aha…that’s right.  You were a famous race horse last night and we left your saddle in the barn.”  She quickly put the saddle back on her toy horse.  It was a rich brown color and contrasted nicely to the palomino’s shade.  Jenny heard a noise outside as she zipped up her suitcase.  Running to the window, she recognized the truck.   Grabbing everything, dropping some things, picking them back up again, Jenny made her way to the front door in time for her father, Mike, to open it.  Mike was a kind looking man in his mid-thirties with blonde hair.  Just then a large cloud covered the remaining sun, lowering the light in the house by half.  At the same time, Sharon entered the living room, carrying Joshua.  The darkness had a sudden impact on them.  Mike looked outside and searched the skies. It was so quiet in the house that Jenny could hear the wall clock ticking.

“I don’t like the look of it, Sharon,” he said.  “I think we should wait and go tomorrow.”

“We can’t, daddy!”  Jenny cried.  “The General is waiting for me!”

“I know, honey, but in a little while, it won’t be safe to drive,” Mike reasoned.  Jenny was so upset, she accidentally dropped Prancer and his saddle fell off.  This made her anger snap, like a rubber band wound too tightly.  She picked up the toy horse and saddle and faced her father.

“It’s all your fault!  We wouldn’t have to worry about storms and tires and things if we had never moved!  Just because you wanted to leave, didn’t mean me and mom wanted to go, too!  I hate it here!” Jenny yelled.  She ran to her room.  She could hear her mother calling her, accompanied by Joshua’s cries but she didn’t care.  She knew she was in big trouble but there, she said it.  She curled up on her bed as big tears spilled onto her cheeks. In the living room, Mike hung his head and sat down on the couch.

“Mike,” Sharon said reassuringly, “she doesn’t mean it.  She’s just upset because of the storm.”  Joshua fussed in her arms.  Mike leaned back on the couch and looked at her.

“Do you like it here?” he asked.  Sharon busied herself with Joshua a moment.

“It’s…it’s fine,” she whispered.

“The truth,” Mike answered as he patted the cushion next to him.  Sharon sat down and put Joshua on her lap.

“Sometimes, Mike,” she answered.  “But I’m a country girl and so is Jenny.  She misses her grandparents and the farm very much…and frankly, so do I.”  Mike slowly nodded and looked around the living room.  His gaze landed on the nativity set.  After a moment he got up and went to the fireplace mantle.  He picked up the baby Jesus and stared at it. He turned to face Sharon, the love for her so apparent on his face.

“I know I was selfish to make us move to town.  I guess I thought everyone would eventually adjust,” he said. “Well, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the farm, now would it? What are we waiting for?” he asked with a smile.  She picked up Joshua and walked into his arms.  He motioned down the hallway.

“Wish me luck?” he asked.

“You’re on your own!” she laughed.  Mike walked down the hallway and tapped on Jenny’s open door.  She turned to face him.  The marks of her tears wounded his heart.  Mike sat next to her on the bed.  He gave her the baby Jesus.

          “He’s always with us, Jenny, and today is no different.  Let’s go.”  Jenny jumped up and hugged her father.

Did you enjoy the first chapter of author Tawney Anderson’s new book: A Nativity Christmas?
DON’T stop now! Get it today on AMAZON by clicking HERE!

The post A Nativity Christmas appeared first on Lay Me Down Ministries.

Adding Scriptures to Your Homeschooling Curriculum

Adding Scriptures to Your Homeschooling Curriculum

There’s no better way to have your child grow in the light of Jesus. Homeschooling gives you an opportunity to take it to a different level. You can involve scripture reading as much as you want at your own requirement in the development of your child. This is certainly a great way to introduce Jesus to your child and making them disciples.

You have the freedom to teach your child more about the Bible than any other school would. They can focus on Christian living first and studies second. Some families believe that educating their child in the ways of Jesus is far more important than any grades or scholastic achievement. Most of the time, regular schools encourage competition.

Teaching your child about Jesus creates a solid moral foundation in them. God’s laws don’t change and would you rather have a child aiming to do God’s work or have a child work away aimlessly without any hope for an afterlife? As early as possible, we have to mold our children to be disciples. Make them understand what really matters. If we’re basing our success on worldly things, then there will never be contentment and happiness in our hearts.

Adding scriptures to your child’s homeschooling curriculum ensures that the child is learning morals and values from the Bible. It’s easier to trust God with your child rather that what the world will teach them on how to live their lives.

You can consistently include scriptures to your curriculum by journaling, visual interpretation, and storytelling. Relate the scriptures to practical situations. We can even connect these wonderful teachings with present, past, or future events where our children can use their imagination. Tapping on their dreams and desires revolving around God’s words will be good too. We can also take advantage of Biblical songs and movies as part of our regular lesson plan.

The world’s constantly changing, and so are its views and acceptance towards certain social issues. Disappointments and heartaches are inevitable. Aim to encourage your kids to lean on God for everything. Bring your child closer to Jesus with the use of the words and works He has left for us to study creates peace and hope in a child’s heart and mind.

Believing and following Jesus can certainly make any adult’s life easier when it comes to big decisions. Why not make this the same for your child. There’s no right or wrong age for a child to be introduced to the Scriptures since it’s filled with God’s messages of love and how to be with Him in the afterlife.

The word of God in some homeschooling curriculums are the foundation of their programs. Remember that you also need to learn the scriptures if you are adding it to your child’s homeschooling curriculum. This is a great time to learn God’s word as well. Always make sure that you put into practice the teachings and you aren’t treating it as an academic subject. The greatest gift that we could ever give our kids is to guide them into living a life with God.

For 15 years Mimi Rothschild has been privileged to help hundreds of thousands of homeschoolers educate their children at home. The MorningStar Academy is a private online Christian school offering diplomas and teachers. The Jubilee Academy is an online Christian curriculum provider offering over 150 full year online Christian courses for PreK-12.

The post Adding Scriptures to Your Homeschooling Curriculum appeared first on Lay Me Down Ministry.

Be Empowered To Pray

Be Empowered To Pray
Chapter One
The 1st Essential

 

Praise

 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 100:4

Begin with praising God. The act of praise means to speak highly of someone. Praising God is how we celebrate Him. Speak highly of God. Reflect upon the way God reveals Himself to us through His names that are recorded within scripture. Think about how those names reflect God’s character. Take the time to thank Him for being true to His name.

Jehovah Shalom – The Lord my Peace

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord my Provider

Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is There

Jehovah Rapha – The Lord who Heals

 

Take the time to think about the blessings you have received from God. What are you grateful for? Thank Him for it all.

Every day you wake up is a blessing. If you have the financial means to provide for yourself and your family in these challenging economic times, praise God. If your children and loved ones are healthy and active, praise Him. Thank Him for the food on your table.

Instead of worrying about what you don’t have, be grateful for everything you do have. Focus on the good in your life. Consider that what you think is missing in your life could actually represent God holding space for something better to be brought to you.

God’s blessings are all around you, it is up to you to choose to see them.

Praise is simply about telling God how great He is. It is the act of thinking about who God is in your life and giving Him credit for existing. Tell God who He is to you.

Praise is an important part of a Christian’s life. It isn’t something we only do in church. It must be a part of our daily lives.

I give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.   Psalm 9:1

Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. Psalm 18:49

I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 104:33

DID YOU ENJOY THE FIRST CHAPTER OF AUTHOR Kenneth Ocasio’s NEW BOOK? 
DON’T STOP NOW, GET IT TODAY ON AMAZON CLICK HERE!

The post Be Empowered To Pray appeared first on Lay Me Down Ministries.

When the Tide Rushes In

When the Tide Rushes In
Chapter One

Seven Years Later . . .

Eliza Lancaster parked her shiny new Packard behind the hearse. “Congratulations, Mama. You had to go and die to get your way, but you finally got us together.”

Throngs had gathered in the Gladstone Cemetery, but the first face Eliza recognized was Oliver Weinberger’s. She slumped in her seat and groaned when Oliver waved and sprinted toward her. With his long, skinny legs and big, brown doe eyes, he looked like a panic-stricken whitetail deer on the first day of hunting season.

She glanced at the hordes of people staring in her direction and wondered how many had come out of sheer curiosity to gawk at a marked woman. Or at least one presumed to be marked. Privy to the nasty gossip that had continued to circulate through the small town, her pulse raced. Eliza didn’t need to hear the whispers to know what they said about her. Surely, Oliver knows. He lives here. Jeepers, has he no pride?

He hunched over with his head slightly leaning toward the open window and panted. “Ah, my sweet. I trust you received my telegram.”

Eliza feigned a smile and nodded. She hadn’t responded to the wire. Now, sensing a flicker of hope in his high-pitched voice, she wished that she had. He seemed to interpret her failure to reply as an affirmative answer to his request. Eliza had no desire to create the illusion they were a couple and give rise to his fantasies, but neither could she humiliate him by spurning him publicly before a mob of curious spectators. She’d accept his offer to escort her to the memorial service and deal with the consequences later. At the moment, it appeared she was holding up a funeral.

Oliver jerked open the door. “I was beginning to worry, Eliza. We mustn’t tarry. The preacher’s waiting.” He lifted his felt hat and blotted his damp forehead with a handkerchief. “I’m sorry about your mother—she was a grand lady. We were quite close, you know.”

Eliza nodded. “Yes. Mama reminded me often.”

His face lit up. “She told you we were close?”

“No. She reminded me often that she was a grand lady.”

His brow furrowed.

“I’m teasing, Oliver. Yes, she was quite fond of you.” Eliza had known since grade school that Oliver was everything her mama had ever wanted for her. But she wanted much more—or according to one’s viewpoint, perhaps she wanted much less. In either case, Eliza knew what she wanted and Oliver Weinberger was not his name.

“Eliza?” Oliver’s treble voice lifted. “I don’t mean to rush you, love, but we’re late.”

She reached up and placed her lacy-gloved hand into his outstretched palm. Without a word, she shifted her body and stepped out of the car. Her peep-toe heels dug into the soft dirt. She grimaced when sweat from Oliver’s clammy palm penetrated her thin glove.

With his head tilted back, Oliver peered down his long, Roman nose and with his index finger, smoothed his pencil thin mustache. “Ready, my dear?”

Her gaze met his. When a childhood memory invaded her thoughts, she gasped and tried to shove it back where it belonged—in the past. The timing couldn’t be worse. She clinched her lips tightly. Don’t think about it, Lizzie. Don’t! You know what’ll happen . . . Armadillo face . . . now you’ve done it. Armadillo face. I can’t make it go away. Don’t start laughing. Not now. Armadillo face. The name she called Oliver in the sixth grade stuck through the years. It’s not funny. She swallowed hard. Think of something else. Mary had a little lamb, his—

Oliver tugged at his pinstriped waistcoat and crooked his arm. With her composure regained, she looked into his woeful eyes, smiled slightly and slid her arm into his. As they strolled past, the crowd parted, creating a narrow human avenue. Nauseating smells filled the hot, humid Gulf Coast air with the stench of cheap perfume, body odor, and stale tobacco mixed with an overwhelming fragrance of far too many floral sprays. Eliza winced and held her breath.

Oohs and ahhs followed them as Oliver escorted her toward the dark canopy located in the center of the graveyard, where generations of Gladstones lay buried. On a mound behind the freshly dug grave, stood a life-sized statue of a man on a horse—Papa Gid—holding a cotton boll. Etched on the impressive marble slab were the words “Gideon P. Gladstone III, Alabama Cotton King, 1852-1918.”

As they inched their way toward the tent, Oliver stooped and whispered, “Eliza, I do hope it isn’t inappropriate for me to say at such a somber time—but you look lovely, my dear—even in mourning. Oh, how I’ve missed you.”

Eliza tried to muster a smile. She whispered out of the corner of her mouth, “Step it up, Oliver. This is taking far too long.” When a gust of wind blew a wavy strand of platinum blonde hair into her eyes, she reached up and gently tucked it beneath her gray slouch fedora. Dressed in a Madeleine Vionnet Original, Eliza selected the black silk shantung suit with metallic cloth trimmings exclusively for Aunt Merle’s benefit. Although Eliza preferred her red Chanel halter-neck, which showed off her tiny waist and newly acquired tan, she knew her aunt wouldn’t consider it proper attire for a funeral. Her aunt had already worked herself into a dither over what people were saying. According to Aunt Merle, rumor had it that the Gladstone heiress left home seven years ago after a young hoodlum took advantage of her. Exactly what it meant, no one seemed to know for sure, although there’d been much speculation as the nasty rumors circulated. But Eliza had no intention of satisfying the gossips with any sort of explanation.

Arm in arm with Oliver, she strolled with her head held high and nodded when men tipped their hats as she walked past. Don’t look so smug, people. I know what you’re thinking. Frankly, I wish every word of the gossip were true. She bit her tongue to keep from blurting the words aloud. Eliza sucked in a deep breath, conscious by the women’s uplifted brows and the men’s shameless smiles that a sudden puff of wind had caused the bias-cut skirt to cling to her shapely body. She rolled her eyes and considered giving them something truly shocking at which to stare. She thought of her father lying on his deathbed at the manor, and out of respect, quickly dismissed the idea. Eliza adored her daddy.

Oliver thrust his chin forward and pulled at his tie. “Ah, the breeze is a welcomed relief.” He lifted his eyes toward the sky. “We could use a good rain to cool things off a bit.”

Not in the mood to indulge in idle chatter about the weather, Eliza felt no urgency to respond. Four chairs sat under the canvas tent and only one empty. Oliver stepped back into the crowd when Eliza let go of his arm and took her seat—twenty minutes late.

Pastor Hawkins’ jaw dropped and his eyes bulged when Eliza sat and crossed her legs, revealing shiny silk stockings. She bit the corner of her lip and adjusted her skirt.

Cousin Bonnie sat in the slatted wooden seat next to Eliza. Aunt Merle and Uncle Henry occupied the other two chairs. Aunt Merle pursed her lips and made a point to look at her watch.

Eliza reached for Bonnie’s hand and gave it a little squeeze. She mouthed the words, “Good to see you, cuz. I’ve missed you.”

“Lizzie. I’m so sorry—”

Eliza smiled slightly and acknowledged the expression of sympathy with a nod.

Pastor Hawkins stood behind a wooden podium with his arms tightly folded. He cleared his throat and lifted a Bible from the pedestal. With his brow furrowed, he peered over the top of his wire-rimmed spectacles and glared in Eliza’s direction. “May we begin?”

Eliza fidgeted with her earbob, aware that his comment was not so much a question, but an acknowledgement of her inexcusable tardiness.

The elderly, rotund preacher pulled a large handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped sweat from his bald head. With a perfected pastoral quiver in his voice, he began. “Our hearts are deeply grieved as we gather here today to commemorate the life of Alamanda Victoria Gladstone Lancaster, a precious saint if ever there was one. A true Biblical scholar, I venture to say the dear lady wrote more of my sermons than I did and with amazing unction, I might add.”

Eliza shifted in her chair and glanced about as heads bobbled up and down in apparent agreement. Her lip curled at the notion that her mother may have written the flowery eulogy.

The preacher continued to read from notes stuck between the pages of his Bible. “A pillar of the community, this dear, generous sister shared her wisdom with us all—bold and unwavering in the face of opposition, she stood firm in her beliefs.”

Unwavering. What an accurate word. Eliza couldn’t deny the one thing she and her mother had in common was their stubbornness.

Pastor Hawkins blew his nose and flipped a page. His voice trembled. When he dabbed his eyes and drew a deep breath, Eliza suspected the sympathetic gestures were in his notes.

His voice lifted. “Ah, yes, Mrs. Lancaster personified the virtuous woman described in the book of Proverbs. Surely, her worth was far above rubies . . . strength and honor were her clothing; and in her tongue was the law of kindness—”

Eliza crinkled her brow and tilted her head toward Bonnie. “I think I may be at the wrong funeral,” she whispered while listening to the glowing attributes Pastor Hawkins credited to the dearly departed. “He can’t be talking about Mama. Can he?”

Bonnie hid her mouth with a lace handkerchief. Aunt Merle stretched her neck and gave both young women a stern look.

The Reverend paused and nodded toward the widow Blanchard, who stood and proceeded to play a mournful sounding tune on her accordion, while a men’s trio belted out the words to “Will the Circle be Unbroken.” Eliza swallowed hard. Our family circle broke seven years ago. Though she could never forgive her mama for ruining her life, she had no doubt her mother made her peace with God—just not with her. Her thoughts drifted to the Lord’s Prayer. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who . . . No, Lord. I can’t. It’s too much to ask.

Aunt Merle reached over and nudged Eliza, who understood it to be her cue. She stepped up and dutifully tossed a rose atop her mother’s casket. As she gazed into the dark hole, Eliza determined that even on 2,000 acres, there wasn’t enough room in the ground for Mama and all the secrets buried long before her death. Why did Kiah Grave leave without saying goodbye? Eliza made a silent vow to stay in Goat Hill until the grave secret could be unearthed.

Pastor Hawkins had barely begun on Part II of his Farewell to Alamanda, when an unexpected cloudburst had everyone scrambling for cover. Thunder boomed as streaks of lightning flashed across the sky. The crowd scattered, seeking refuge as the rain peppered down. Everyone disappeared except the four surviving relatives and the preacher. Gusts of wind whipped underneath the canvas cover, causing it to billow, while sheets of rain rushed in, drenching the seated occupants.

The eloquent orator appeared oblivious to the hammering downpour and continued to read from his notes. “In addition, our dear departed sister leaves to mourn her devoted sister-in-law, Merle Lancaster, who shared Alamanda’s love for the arts. Together they—”

With the rain stinging her face, Eliza glanced over at Aunt Merle and supposed someone should tell Pastor Hawkins to cut it short. Poor grieving Merle appeared too distraught to notice they were getting soaked. She sobbed hysterically, while Henry wrapped his arm around her, trying to offer comfort. Yet it seemed the harder he tried, the louder she wailed. Aunt Merle’s crisp, black taffeta dress—now limp—clung to her tightly corseted body.

Uninvited comical mental pictures popped into Eliza’s head, prompting an irrepressible urge to laugh. She could almost hear her mother’s voice, scolding. Stop it, Eliza. You’re acting like a Loudermilk. Her mother always used the poor Loudermilk family as a measuring rod whenever she wanted to reprimand her daughter for uncouth behavior. Eliza pressed her lips together in an attempt to stop the inevitable giggles, which seemed to take root in the pit of her stomach at the most inopportune times. After the first little tee-hee escaped, there was no stopping the embarrassing snickering. Lizzie lowered her head when her body began to shake.

Bonnie’s brows arched. “What’s funny?” she whispered.

Eliza cupped her hand over her mouth and replied, “Absolutely nothing, but I can’t stop laughing.” Mortified, she slipped a monogrammed handkerchief from her clutch bag. She slid the dainty linen cloth under the veil and clasped it tightly over her mouth. What could possibly be funny? Her mama was dead. Aunt Merle was overwrought with grief, and the preacher was not yet finished with his elaborate farewell.

A gust of whirling wind blew rain in from Uncle Henry’s side. If given the opportunity, surely he would opt to leave, although she knew him well enough to know he wouldn’t feel it his place to suggest it. She decided as the nearest kin, it was her call. Eliza bolted from her seat.

“Let’s go people!” She blurted, right in the middle of “dust to dust.”

With neither protest nor delay, Pastor Hawkins lifted a sanctimonious brow and snipped, “Shall we pray.” Eliza was convinced the brief prayer would go down in history as the shortest one he’d ever uttered. At the sound of “Amen,” Bonnie grasped Lizzie by the hand.

“Thank you, Lizzie. I’m glad you shortened the rites. Lightning scares me.”

Eliza chuckled. “Everything scares you, Bonnie. You look swell, kiddo. I hope you’ll stop by the manor so we can visit.”

“Oh, honey, I’d love to, but Joe’s going out of town tomorrow. I need to get home. Lizzie, I wish …” she paused. “Never mind.”

Eliza lifted a shoulder. “What’s bothering you, ducky? Go ahead and say it.”

“Lizzie, you may fool some people with your fake smile, but you aren’t fooling me. Where’s the fun-loving girl I once knew? It’s been seven years. It’s time to forgive.”

Eliza bristled. “No, Bonnie. Mama ruined my life. I have no idea what she held over Kiah’s head, but she ran him out of town. I know she did. I’ll never forgive her!”

Bonnie’s eyes glistened, as she opened her arms. “One thing about you has never changed. You’re still stubborn . . . but I love you.” She turned and waved as she ran.

Eliza’s throat tightened. If only she could turn back time. She approached her vehicle—and stopped short—startled to see Oliver standing beside the automobile, water dripping from his black felt hat. “Oliver! I thought you left.”

“I waited for you, my dear.” He gestured toward a 1938 LaSalle parked at the bend in the road. “That’s my coupe. May I drive you to the manor?”

“I have my car, thank you.”

“But, dear, you shouldn’t be alone at a time like this. Perhaps I should ride with you.”

“No, Oliver.” She winced at the coldness in her voice. Was she turning into her mother?

He nodded. “I understand. We all have to mourn in our own way, I suppose.”

“Yes. I suppose,” she murmured. She wasn’t sure what he meant, but she had no desire to have him expound on the subject. Jeepers, Oliver, what do I have to do for you to catch on?

Oliver opened her door and she slid in. She tossed her hat on the seat, removed her gloves and attempted to reset the finger waves in her wet hair. Eliza didn’t want to be mean to Oliver, but she wished he would share his affections with someone who could appreciate them. She groaned, as she watched him trudge toward his vehicle, hat in hand. Poor Oliver. It wasn’t his fault. He was caught in the middle of a feud—a feud that even death couldn’t squash.

She grumbled aloud, “You’re dead, Mama, yet I’m still trying to beat you at your game. When I sent Oliver away, I gave myself a notch. But I can’t win, can I? Thanks to you, I lost the only love I’ve ever known—or ever will know. But you won’t win, either, because I wouldn’t marry Oliver Weinberger if he were the last man alive.”

In no particular hurry to leave, Eliza sat in the parked car, remembering things she spent seven years trying to forget. Raindrops trickled down the windshield, like giant tears. She dreaded going back to Gladstone to face Aunt Merle, after the shameless way she giggled at the funeral. But Eliza knew she’d go back. She had two very good reasons and neither of them had anything to do with Aunt Merle. Her father lay dying at the manor, and Eliza wanted to be by his side. Then, there were the secrets. She pounded the steering wheel and screamed, “Why, Mama? What did you do to make him leave?”

Eliza loved her mother, although she never expected anyone to believe it. Yet she didn’t like her. She never believed her mother loved her, although she found it conceivable that Alamanda might’ve been proud of her—proud that her daughter wasn’t homely so she could show her off. But Mama was also proud of her Rolls, her fox stole and the diamond necklace Papa Gid gave her on her fortieth birthday. Mama took pride in Gladstone and all the trimmings. Eliza was a trimming.

The sun peeked from behind the clouds, as the rain slackened to a drizzle. Millions of tiny white marble chips surrounded each burial plot and glistened like diamonds as the light reflected off the wet fragments. She rolled down the window and sniffed. The shower left a clean, fresh smell.

Eliza glanced around the cemetery and sighed. No doubt she’d be planted there one day. She may as well be lying in the grave now. She wasn’t alive—not really. A person without a heart ceases to live. She stared at the countless stone angels hovering atop the huge marble headstones, marking the graves of infamous blood relatives. Eliza surmised there were more angels in the cemetery than there were in heaven.

She gazed across the field at her grandfather’s imposing statue and shivered. “Ridiculous,” she muttered. “If anyone marks my resting place with a sculpture of me riding to heaven on a stone stallion, I’ll beg permission to return from the dead, long enough to swat the guilty party with my burial shroud.” An amusing idea caused her jaw to drop. Before leaving Goat Hill, why not choose a tombstone and write her epitaph? She’d already written her obituary. The thought of the impetuous act years ago caused her to laugh, but the laughter faded into snorts, which soon evolved into soft sobs. She felt a warm wetness on her cheeks as tears trickled down her neck.

“What’s wrong with me?” She laughed when there was nothing funny, and now she cried when there was no need. All the tears in the world wouldn’t bring Kiah Grave back into her life. “Oh, Kiah—”Saying his name aloud made cold shivers trickle down her spine.

Eliza dried her face and pondered over a suitable epitaph. Her lips pressed together when she thought of the ideal lines: Eliza Lancaster, daughter of Will and Alamanda. Born: The day she met him. Died: The day he left. Cause of Death: SSM (Silver spoon in mouth.) “Perfect!”

Eliza didn’t dispute the fact that according to the latest census, her birth took place on May 2, 1914. Yet, she didn’t begin to live until eighteen years later—May 4, 1932. That was the day she and Bonnie went joy-riding in Lizzie’s new Model A and met Kiah Grave on a narrow dirt road near the railroad tracks. Had it really been only seven years? It seemed like such a long, long time ago. But she remembered it well—

***

“Did he get it? Did he?”

“He did, Lizzie. The scarf flew in his face.” Bonnie squealed. “Isn’t he a dreamboat? You think he jumped off the morning run, or do you reckon he’s waiting to hop the next train?”

“Why don’t I turn the car around and ask him.” Lizzie snickered.

“Are you crazy? You can’t turn around here. If you get out of the ruts, we’re likely to slide in the ditch, and we’ll be in big trouble—Uncle Will warned you not to cross the tracks.”

“So he did.” Lizzie crinkled her nose and grinned.

“Lizzie, I don’t like the expression on your face. I hope you aren’t planning something stupid.”

“Stupid? Of course not.” She clutched the steering wheel tightly and stomped the brake to the floorboard, causing the car to come to a jarring halt.

Bonnie buried her face in her hands, slumped down in the seat and moaned. “Eliza Lancaster, you know your mama will have a conniption fit if she finds out you flirted with a hobo—and you know she’ll find out. You can’t spit in this town without someone reporting it. ”

“All the more reason to do it, dear cuz—let’s give them something to talk about.”

“Lizzie, no. Don’t. It’s not proper. We don’t even know him. He’s a . . . a tramp, for crying out loud. Let’s go. Suppose someone sees us? What if your daddy takes your car away?”

“I’ll cry.” Lizzie chuckled. “Daddy can’t stand to see me cry.” The gears made a loud grinding noise when she jerked the shift into reverse. “Besides, we can’t possibly leave,” she said as the car shot backward. “He has my favorite scarf.”

Bonnie screamed. “Watch out!”

Lizzie’s shiny new Model A Ford, which her daddy had given her for her eighteenth birthday, spun around on the wet clay road and slammed into the ditch.

Bonnie clasped her hand over her heart. “I knew this would happen. Lizzie, we’re going to be in—” Her eyes widened. “Oh no! He’s running toward us. What are we gonna do?”

“Flirt, silly.” Lizzie pinched her cheeks and fluffed her hair. “How do I look?” She glanced in the rearview mirror. “Oh, Bonnie, catch me, I think I’m falling in love.”

“And what’s new?” Bonnie rolled her eyes. “I declare, you’re so dramatic.”

“I mean it this time. Isn’t he dreamy? Take a gander at those arms.”

“I see them. They’re red . . . just like his neck. Lizzie, you can forget him. I can imagine what Aunt Ali would say if you brought him to the family picnic.”

Lizzie smiled and batted her lashes when the handsome fellow approached the vehicle.

He propped his bare foot on the running board and bent forward, his head slightly leaning into the window. The hairs on the back of Lizzie’s neck bristled, when she felt his warm breath on her face. Slung over his shoulder was a red bundle and a pair of worn brogans tied to the end of a pole.

“Can I help, ladies?”

Lizzie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and flashed a quick grin. “Why, thank you. I certainly hope so.”

He stepped back and eyed the embedded tires. “Don’t worry, Miss. It’s not as bad as it looks. I’ll run up the road and see if I can find something to put under the wheels.” After taking a few steps, he turned around and pulled a scarf from his pocket. His blue eyes twinkled. “I believe this thingamajig belongs to you. Maybe you should tie it next time.”

“Thanks. You can throw your—” She eyed the pole and fumbled over her words.

“Bindle? Is that the word m’lady’s choking on?” His fingers raked through a mass of inky black curls.

Lizzie’s face burned. Yet, in an odd sort of way, she found it quite charming that he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. “I wasn’t choking. I simply didn’t know what to call it.”

“Try clothes.” His square jaw jutted forward. “I gather you don’t know the difference between a vagabond and a banker. We men of distinction pack our morning coats in red flannel when we travel, to keep from lugging around a smelly old cowhide suitcase.”

“No need for such haughtiness. I merely wanted to tell you to toss it on the rumble seat.”

He stiffened. “I suppose you’re accustomed to telling folks what to do, but I’m not in the habit of taking orders.” He shoved his bindle against the fence post and stalked down the road, looking madder than a run-over dog.

Bonnie crinkled her brow. “Lizzie, I can’t figure him. He’s almost rude.”

“Don’t be silly. He’s playing hard to get.”

“But isn’t that what we’re supposed to be doing?”

Lizzie gave a short laugh and took a second look at her reflection in the rearview mirror. “Well, I think he chose first, but I invented this game.”

Within the half hour, the handsome hobo returned, carrying two four-foot long boards on his shoulder. After making a track in the clay, he said, “If you ladies will kindly step out, I’ll crank ’er up. I think I’ll be able to get it out.”

“You think?” Lizzie cocked her head to the side, attempting to look coy. “Do you know how to drive?” It seemed a logical question, since he obviously didn’t own wheels.

His nostrils flared. “I wouldn’t have volunteered if I didn’t know how to operate an automobile Miss, but if you think you can get the car out of the ditch, I’ll not trouble you further.” He threw up his hand and with a smirk, muttered, “Toodle-do, ladies. Have a nice day.”

Lizzie flung the door open and leaped out. “Please! Don’t leave us stranded. I’m sorry.”

He trudged back to the vehicle, slid in and sat on the soft, gray seat covers. The motor revved and the car rocked. Then with a jolt, the Model A made a quick lunge and settled into the well-traveled ruts. Sporting an arrogant grin, he stepped out and strutted like a proud banty rooster. His gaze traveled from the front bumper to the rumble seat as he strode around, admiring the car.

Lizzie whispered, “If only he’d look at me the way he’s eyeballing this piece of metal.”

He gasped. “What a beauty. A real sweet patootie.”

“Why, thank you. I thought you’d never notice. Oh, silly me. You were referring to the car, weren’t you?” Lizzie shrugged when he ignored her. “Where are you headed?”

“Miss, do you have a habit of making everyone’s affairs your own?”

She feigned a pout. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to pry. I was offering you a ride.”

His blushing face grimaced. He grabbed his bindle stick and mumbled an apology, albeit a weak one. “Thanks. A ride would be swell.” With his head lowered, he added, “If it won’t put you out.” His next words caught her by surprise. “Would you happen to know the whereabouts of the Gladstone Plantation?”

Did you enjoy the first chapter of author Kay Chandler‘s book When the Tide Rushes In?
DON’T stop now! Get it today on Amazon by clicking here!

The post When the Tide Rushes In appeared first on Lay Me Down Ministries.

TOP 5 Homeschooling Scriptures

Top 5 Homeschooling Scriptures

Homeschooling will ruin your child. How can you stand to be home with your children all the time? I love my homeschool environment but you are not doing it right. Why are you using that curriculum? How can you stand to teach your child about [fill in the blank]? Homeschooling parents are faced with criticism and questions like this every day and perhaps aren’t sure where to turn assurance and guidance. When the days are long and confidence is low, here are 5 homeschooling scriptures that can give you strength.

1. Deuteronomy 11:19 ESV You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Moses is believed to have written Deuteronomy as the Israelites were entering the Promised Land after wandering for 40 years in the wilderness; he is reminding them to follow God and to teach his laws to their children. Today’s parents can expand this lesson to include teaching children about Scripture alongside and within their secular lessons. Homeschooling parents have the freedom to teach anywhere and at any time and can incorporate Christianity into each lesson and throughout the day.

2. Proverbs 22:6 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Solomon wrote Proverbs to pass his God-given wisdom on to his people; he knew that teaching children to follow the Lord would start them on the path to righteousness they could follow the rest of their lives. Homeschooling parents today can instruct their children in Scripture and a Christian life and know that even a wayward child will eventually return to his righteous roots. In the same way, a child who is taught to love learning in an accepting and creative environment will continue to love learning as she grows older and seek out opportunities for growth.

3. Colossians 3:23 ESV Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Paul is exhorting the believers in Colossae to apply themselves to the work of Christ, to do their best in all aspects of their life so as to honor Him. A parent/teacher can use this verse to motivate and inspire innovative and creative lesson planning and as a reminder that glory and praise should be directed to God. A student who studies this verse may be more apt to apply a little extra attention and effort in his work, knowing that everything he does is meant to be worship.

4. Proverbs 11:14 ESV Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Again, Solomon is giving the Israelites pieces of wisdom for their everyday lives, he is warning them to listen to priests and elders who can guide the people away from wickedness. Parent/teachers today can remind their children to glean as much information as possible from teachers, field trip guides, coaches, and church leaders. A wide range of perspectives and information will create well-rounded and intelligent students.

5. 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Paul’s letter to Timothy was meant to encourage a young pastor leading a church of believers much older than himself; here he is reminding Timothy how to earn the respect of his elders with his Christ-like behavior. Homeschooling parents sometimes need a reminder to set this example as well but this verse also serves as a reminder to praise a child for doing the right thing more often than to criticize mistakes. Parents should notice how children are often the best examples of a Christ-like love: children innately understand unconditional love and acceptance but too often lose that innocence as they mature. Parent/teachers who encourage love, faith, and respect will raise adults who cherish, pray, and forgive.

Mimi Rothschild is a veteran homeschooling mother of 8, writer of a series of books called Cyberspace for Kids, and passionate advocate for children and education that is truly worthy of them. In 2001, Mimi and her late husband founded Learning By Grace, a leading provider of online Christian homeschooling Academies.

The post TOP 5 Homeschooling Scriptures appeared first on Lay Me Down Ministry.