Saturday, June 19, 2010

Martha: Transferred to Heaven




I wrote this on Thursday evening. That afternoon, my sister-in- law, Martha, left behind her pain, took Jesus’ hand and entered her new home with Him. Yes, we will miss her but we know she will not suffer up there.

She recently had surgery to improve her ability to walk. She was recovering well. Jim, my husband, thought she would be able to have a more active life. One of our nieces told us Martha was so thrilled to be able to go to Wal-Mart and walk around rather than using a motorized scooter.

A few days ago, I wrote a long prayer to God telling him what he already knew about her condition. The last paragraph stated what I will always believe about these past eleven days.



Dear Father God:

I don’t know what awaits us in this situation but You do. I ask your guidance as we walk this path. We trust You for all things. We will give You the praise for the outcome. We only want what’s best for Martha.

In the name of Jesus, I pray. AMEN



In my reading this week, I read about Jehovah-Rophe, God who heals. (Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler).

I found this passage most helpful: “Physical healing is a temporary remedy for mortal bodies. Ultimately, God’s healing work on this earth points to the healing all of us will receive in Heaven, where there will be no such thing as birth defects, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, AIDS, strokes, depression, diabetes, leukemia, hemophilia, or the common cold.”

One of my Sunday School teachers once told our class that divine healing, being taken home with God, was the best healing, a complete healing.

God heard our prayers. We only wanted what was best for her. As people hear of Martha’s going home, they will experience the loss we feel.

Shortly after we realized that we would lose her, Jim and I thought of an incident in her life that was truly Martha. I’m sure there are as many cute stories about her as she had friends.

I thank you for reading about our loved one and my humble thoughts about her home going.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Eternal






The eternal God is our refuge, and

underneath are the everlasting arms.

(Deuteronomy 33:27, NIV)



Eternal never ending, always.



God is. There is no end to Him. No time or place where He ceases to exist. He is omnipresent, there for the need no matter how large or small

When we take things upon ourselves into our own hands and fret, we are the ones at fault. For some of us the worry causes stress which causes symptoms of physical illness.

When we realize our concern was unnecessary,

We need to ask Him to forgive us for our mistrust and for being tempted by our over concern.

This is a lesson I had to learn anew this week. During these times of uncertainty, we all need to reflect on the support the Father gives us as we journey through this world. We need to feel free to call on Him for aid, comfort and care whatever the circumstance.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010


El Shaddai God Almighty




“And God is faithful, he will not let you be

tempted beyond what you can bear. But when

you are tempted, he will provide a way out so

that you can stand up under it.” (I Corinthians 10:13)



When children of God have family issues in their lives, the first thing most of them do is ‘run to God’. They request prayer for the need. One lady I know asks us to pray for them and the one who has initially caused the problem.

We all know of several people who are faced with family or personal health issues or relational problems. Our church’s prayer list is a full two sided 8 ½ by 11 sheet of paper. One of the church secretaries updates it for each Wednesday night service and, again, for each Sunday service. There are new needs brought to the church’s attention between the time of the updates and the services. The need of prayer for a family, an individual, or ministry group is always present in our lives.

How do we address El Shaddai, the almighty God? We call Him Father, seek His guidance with humility, wait in expectation, listen attentively, and receive with thanksgiving.

I can hardly take in the idea that El Shaddai, God Almighty, King of Kings and Lord of Lords is concerned about my puny issues when I hear of people in major life threatening crises but He is. He also wants to hear from us about our needs.

_____________________

Update on my sister-in-law, she had emergency neurosurgery yesterday afternoon. Overnight she had an issue they couldn't completely resolve. A CT scan showed the damage was more extensive than anyone first thought. She has not had oxygen to a part of her brain, she is in danger of losing that area's function. Please pray for whatever is best for her.

We thank you. QS

Monday, June 14, 2010

Faith as a Relationship






“. . .and without faith it is impossible to please God,

because anyone who comes to him must first believe

that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly

seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6



I read a statement in my devotional reading that made me think. The author, Ernest Boyer Jr., says that to some people having faith is just like having an opinion. This type of opinion is whether God exists. He further states that in living the presence of God, the opinion becomes a relationship.

When we feel comfortable when we call upon God at any time and under any circumstance for any reason, we find our faith becomes stronger. We feel His presence as we walk through the trials and tribulations of this life.

We can actually feel the prayers of others as we go through the ordeal of saying our farewells to loved ones those who have died.

We remain composed as we watch a family member try to recover from a medical crisis. We put it all into God’s hands. We stay in contact with Him as we travel, as we try to rest, as we sit by the hospital bed. We relinquish control to The One Who Heals.

Whatever the outcome, we will be able to praise God for His presence, guidance, and help during the time of extreme uncertainty.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...