“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst, the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” Philippians 4:8 (The Message)
I woke up this morning grateful for all the good I see God doing in and around me. This past weekend Beth spoke at Women of Faith here in Houston and on Friday night, we as a staff worked the product table. It was kind of a rush because women are hungry for truth and that alone is thrilling! Having never worked the product table here at LPM, I was really encouraged by the ladies (of ALL different ages), who came to the table having never heard of So Long, Insecurity or even Beth herself! They had so many questions; to be able to introduce her to them through her resources, and to offer them something you yourself really believe in as well…easy.
All that to say, when there was a lull at the table while the worship and teaching was going on, I had the privilege of going in to hear Kari Jobe lead my new favorite song, Forever. (Go search “Forever (Live)” on iTunes by Kari Jobe and be blown away. You’re welcome.) While we were singing, my coworker Sherry looked over and whispered to me, “After being at Passion last weekend with thousands of college students, and now being in this room with thousands of women, it is mind blowing.” And it really is. Â How do we get to be witnesses to such extravagance? I have thought about that so much these past few days. The fact that two weekends in a row I got to hear thousands proclaim the name of Jesus, sing His name loud and proud, and study His word. That, my friends, is good.
Here’s a little glimpse into Friday night.
On the flip side, I also know and see the awful happening all around us, the heartbreaks, the evil, the ugly so I’m not naive enough to think or believe that we all live in a happy-go-lucky bubble. But for the time I got to experience His goodness, I’m going to receive that and dwell on that.
Since we are called to witness to Jesus Christ and what He’s done for us despite our sinful selves, can we just bear witness today on the blog? Can we take a day to proclaim the good things He’s done? The good things we see going on around us? Like Philippians so beautifully paints, can we fill our minds and meditate on “things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst, the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”?
In the comments, let’s encourage one another today! Write down one good thing you’ve witnessed recently. One good thing the Lord has done in you, through you, through your family or friends, corporately or privately. Jesus isn’t just good because of the good things He does for us, that’s not only why we praise Him, but we have full permission to praise Him for those things regardless. And He deserves the praise anyway!
So, let’s make it easy and just testify today! Testify to His goodness, His mercy, His grace, His redeeming love, His power, His Spirit! Whatever it is, we want to testify with you!
Side Note: Our dear Beth who I know y’all miss hearing from is trying, by God’s grace, to finish writing her new Bible study by the end of this week! It’s been an eighteen month journey that is coming to an end, so now is the time to persevere. Along with writing, we’ve had Tuesday night Bible study and Passion and Women of Faith, which is why she’s been quieter as of late. So, know that she sends her hello! You would not waste a prayer on her right now. That lady pours herself out in the name of Jesus more than anyone I know.
We love y’all dearly. Let’s hear your praises!
God is so gracious, loving, and kind. Good news when bad expected . A loving and faithful husband in the tough times when life isn’t all fun and games. Peace in the midst chaos.
Love and prayers for dear Beth. Love her so much! Twyla
My father-in-law passed away a week ago from a brain tumor that only gave us 1 month with him after he was diagnosed. However, one week before his death, my husband (his son) led him to Christ. So after living 69 years without Christ, he will now spend all eternity with Him!
I’m so sorry, Jennifer. But praising God with you over his salvation!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jennifer, but I’m praising Jesus with you that the workers who come at the end of the day receive the same wages as those who come at the beginning.(See Matthew 20) Now that, dear sister, is all God’s mercy.
My husband read a letter this week that I’d written to him in 2007 – when I was still single and had no idea who he would be. {I gave him a whole stack of letters like this as a wedding gift and he’s still reading them.} This particular letter was written from the pews of the prayer chapel where I fasted and prayed for him every Tuesday for months. We were married on the beach in Florida in 2012, and in early 2013, we had an at-home reception, and before it started, we went to that little chapel to have pictures taken in the very pews where I prayed. Hearing him read the words of the letter – words where I poured out longing and brokenness and desire to God and then looking at the pictures of the two of us in our wedding attire in that same spot – was goosebump inducing. Thankful for how He brought about the answer!
Amen, Sister! What a sweet story! Thank you for sharing.
My brother had a massive stroke Monday night. My church, my Christian friends, and family have prayed for him and today he can talk and walk much better. God is so good!! I want to praise him and give him all the glory forever and ever!!! Thank you Jesus!
Yes! Thank you, Lord!
God is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing. I love that verse also.
I listen to Beth this morning on James Robison. Tears just poured from my eyes as I watched her tell about Betty and James. As their daughter died with cancer. I know that kind of suffering. My mother also had cancer.
It is through those tough times, we can only lean on God.
…whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, if
there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy__meditate on
these things. Phillippians 4:8
Things that are true-means not false or unreliable, but genuine and real.
Many things in this world are deceptive and illusory, promising what
they can never supply. We should set our thought on that which is loyal,
faithful and true. God’s Word is true.
Things that are noble-mans honorable or morally attractive, reverence, worthy.
God is the only one worthy of praise. He is holy and honorable.
Things that are pure-means free from sin, without fault, high moral character,
morally undefiled. It describes that which has been so cleansed it is fit to be
brought into the presence of God used in his service. Our thought should be
clean, clean enough for God.
Things that are lovely-means that which is admirable or agreeable to behold or
consider, love inspiring, pleasing, worthy of being loved or pleasing in character.
We should set our minds on kindness, sympathy or forebearance.
Things that are of good report-means excellent account of, things fit for God to
hear or fair sounding. We should watch the words we say and think, to make
sure they are fit for God.
If there be any virtue-excellence, being concerned with Godly things, or moral
goodness. We need to think of the things God has done for us and remember
our salvation. We need to think of the things we learn, receive, hear and see in
Him.
Anything praiseworthy-glory to God, adoration from the heart, worthy of praise or
praise to God. We should praise God for everything and not seek man’s praise.
To meditate-to plan to think deeply. We should think about the things of God.
Right things leads to right living.
Hey there! Oh man, God totally blessed me and a handful of other girlfriends last weekend when we participated together in the IF conference. The original conference was earlier this month, but due to venue challenges we had to postpone ours to last weekend. God showed each of us so much, and I am praying each day to pour myself out in each task I do. So often I feel like I need to wait for something “important” to come up, but it’s being faithful in the small things that really need my focus too! Such a blessing.
OOOh. Love this!
One good thing I’ve witnessed? Just one?! Are you kidding?
Well, the way The Spirit has unleashed upon our Tuesday nights. That’s the foremost thing on my mind today. I moved here in October, still barely know anyone, and Tuesdays has been a highlight. Along with SSMT, Passion, etc…. It’s been incredible. So, actually, maybe the amazing thing I’ve witnessed is how comforting and beautiful LPM can be when you’re somewhere alone. It’s that familiar thing that is here for me in this season. And I can’t imagine what a move like this would’ve been without You all. No……SERIOUSLY.
We are so glad you joined us, Elisabeth!
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ for He removed a huge stronghold in my life. After 15 years of trying on my own, the Holy Spirit said, “It’s time” and I have been FREE for 4+ weeks. I know, that I know, that I know, this time is IT because the Holy Spirit is helping me and speaking to me! PTL, Hallelujah!
After losing a baby two years ago, God completely unexpectedly blessed us with a call in January asking if we would like to adopt a precious newborn. She’s a preemie and my husband has worked with premature babies for many years. She has, we believe, completed our family. Many more steps along the way before anything is final BUT He has been faithful. Even when I no longer believed redemption of this story was possible.
He is so faithful. The ultimata the redeemer! This was sweet to read.
God has worked miracles in my 20 yr daughters life and I’m beyond amazed at His grace and mercy. Praying that I will stay out of His way and let Him continue what He has started! 🙂 It’s so hard for this Momma to mind herself when it comes to her!!
God is working Miracles in my 22 year old son’s life too!! And I have had to sit back and completely trust God to handle all the details and He is amazing me and showing off Big time!!! One bit of advise I have heard in the last year is to do the opposite of what I WANT to do!! It has helped me stay out of the way!! It is hard but the rewards have been awesome!! Just completely different than how I imagined!!! God has His Ways!!! 🙂 And they are WAY better than mine!!
I love that! Do the opposite! And trust Him!! Amen sister!
One Good, pure, noble, praiseworthy thing He has done or is doing is…
sending me encouragement just when I need it, whether it be from a person or something read or watched.
Praises that a cousin and his wife have renounced the Jehovah’s Witness “religion.” I’ve been praying for this family for decades, starting with my aunt (now 87). She continues to be a part of this cult and has cut off relationship with any of her six children who won’t join her. You can’t even mention their name in her presence. This is the first cousin (her oldest son) to quit JW, and I keep praying the rest will follow suit! It’s sad his earthly mother won’t acknowledge him, but joyous that his Heavenly Father does. Hallelujah!
I literally clapped my hands when I read your testimony, Holley. He will visit His mercy on a thousand generations of those who love Him.(Exodus 20:6) Praying with you for the rest of them, dear sister. Email their first names only to me, and I will add them to my salvation prayer list. If you’ll email me at [email protected], I’ll explain.
I’ve been a believer all my life. Active in church, leading women’s ministry, worship team, etc. But have just admitted how angry I have been at God. His plan for me hasn’t look much like I thought it should; and my believer friends agreed! 🙂 He is freeing me from anger, bitterness, resentment and envy!! I can say today,and mean it; GOD IS GOOD!!
Loved hearing Beth this weekend at Women of Faith! She had me concerned though by mentioning the trials & heartaches that both Amanda & Melissa went through in 2013 and then went on to talk so passionately about Hagar & single motherhood. Loved how she brought the young mother, Tina, up on stage and prayed over her specifically along with the other single mothers in the house. She was so tender with Tina. Through the Women of Faith conference with Beth & the others (Sheila Walsh, Priscilla Shirer, Christine Caine, Lisa Harper & Kari Jobe)brought me out of the blue funk I’ve been wallering in for the past month.
God recently answered our prayers in HIS perfect timing… After years and years of unexplained infertility, after giving up hope that we would ever have children, we are now the parents of a beautiful 3 month old little boy. We feel a bit like Abraham and Sarah in our “old” age but God knew exactly what he was doing by giving us this child at this time. All praise to HIM for this incredible gift!
Congratulations! What a praise!
The Lord has brought me a long way the past 2 years. Praise God!! I help lead a women’s chemical dependency small group in Celebrate Recovery and a woman I have know for about 20 years has worked the program and been clean 5 years. She gave her testimony during our Testimony Thursday and Lindsee, she drew 125 people. The BIGGEST crowd we have ever had. Praises to our God who is always faithful!!It was simply amazing what an impact she had on others’ lives. It just showed me who faithful and merciful God can be. Oh the healing that was seen that night. It was wonderful!!
Amen! He redeems and restores!
I have been so blessed by a Christian co-worker who God put in my life as a specific answer to a pray I started praying for 2 years ago. This year has been so stinking hard and I would have probably broken in half by now if it wasn’t for her. God has been so good to me. God is so good to me. God is good! Sending prayers Beth’s way and for everyone at LPM. Love you guys!
I love when Jesus answers our prayers like that. He does supply all our needs, and so often through others. What a blessing!
I invited my mom to come sit with me at the Living Proof Live in Spokane in May and the Priscilla Shirer simulcast at my church in April and without hesitation my mom said yes to both! She has been very lukewarm with her faith for a long time. I started really praying for her, my Dad, my sister, and brother-in-law as a result of our siesta summer Bible Gideon study and amped up as I anticipated inviting her to these events. Praise God that she is so open to coming! YES without hesitation! Praise God that He never stops pursuing us! Praise God for opportunities like LPL and simulcast events that pack God’s truth and love in a beautiful, tightly wrapped package, perfect to invite a loved one to! I invited my sister as well and she pretty much said “thank you” and changed the subject, so I am continuing to pray that the Lord will soften her heart.
Thanks Lindse for the update. I believe it was a women of faith event which introduced me to the “real Beth” a few years ago when I was invited by some of my Houston friends. I had met Beth several years earlier prior to her sharing her real life story. I could not believe she was the same person. I was “blown away” to say the least and SAW the Holy Spirit alllll over that talented lady. That event began my blessed journey to be ministered, humbled, strengthened and served by one of the most gifted teachers I have known, Beth… ( I have been graced by some of the best in God’s kingdom) – I’m not bragging, God simply told me once I was willing to follow his direction in stead of my path, He told me he would show me some of his finest servants and Beth has certainly been one of those he has most graciously placed in my life. These remarkable servants he has sent me have ranged from Brother Roger of Taize to a female prophet from Georgia to Father Thomas Keating to a brilliant off shore rig engineer who God blesses with gold Dust on and on to Beth- Oh Boy, my practical nature has been shaken and I will never be the same. Lots of love and appreciation
Just today I sat down and looked at a decade or more worth of family pictures. Those memories came flooding back and I was reminded of the time and seasons of each album. Some of those seasons were joyful – courtship and marriage, birth of our babies, new homes, vacations. Some of those seasons were so hard and sorrowful – marriage difficulties, deaths of loved ones, miscarriages, leaving beloved homes for new ones, the challenges of parenting, goodbyes.
And then I was reminded of the song I sang at my Dad’s funeral almost a year ago:
“Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.”
Through each season, every step made ahead has only been possible through the lovingkindness and steadfast faithfulness of Jesus Christ.
With a shout of praise, I fall face down…
Blessings,
Dori
I said it this week and I’ll say it again, Jesus really is our anchor in ALL things!
I love that hymn, Dori, and I have been singing it in my heart often these day.
My husband and I work with a ministry that serves international students at a big ten university. Our church home was located quite a distance from campus. Out of the blue, the Lord moved us to a campus church, eager to reach out to international students. Its a great fit for us in ways we did not imagine before. He is good to us!
We found out in November that my husband was losing his job after 31 years. He is 58.. not ready to retire but old enough where many employers would not consider hiring him. God has proved faithful to us all of our lives and we trusted Him to be faithful again. He has not only provide my husband with a job, but with one doing exactly what he has been doing all these years and one in our hometown so we do not have to move!!! We are SO very thankful!! He IS faithful!!
Prayers for Beth as she finishes up this new study. .can’t wait until it comes out!
love and prayers for all of you!
I helped a friend (who describes herself as an atheist) through a tough time…never preaching or even talking about God…sharing my own personal experiences and offering support. She told me she believed I was sent from God!
Actions DO speak louder than words!
My mother got a promotion, and the struggles that God has brought into my father’s life and therefore for both of them they’re having to rely more heavily upon God’s grace and direction,and to believe Him when before it was more of having head knowledge.
In August, I committed to running in a race to raise funds for Abolition International. I AM NOT A RUNNER! At that time, I had never run a race before, it was completely new territory for me. My training was going pretty good until I was diagnosed with a medical condition that leaves me very tired. I was ready to give up and even until the day before the race, contemplated not running. I wanted to fulfill my commitment so decided to walk the race instead. The race was last weekend and as I waited for it to begin, God placed a fellow believer beside me who encouraged me and prayed with me. I ran the race! Not the whole way, still had to walk some, but it was like the Holy Spirit filled my lungs with supernatural air and put wings on my feet! God is so amazing!
I absolutely love that! Well done, Sister.
Attending Women of Faith this past weekend was remarkable. Attending with my two daughters and knowing how much they love The Lord, brought almost more joy than I can handle. Thank you, your team, our beloved Beth and the other speakers for blessing us with this ministry.
My friends Julia and Eric have been trying to get pregnant for three years, and it has finally happened with some intervention for doctors!! Praise you, Lord! They don’t know Him, but they have been asking me to pray for them through this situation. Now my prayer is that He will use this miracle to bring them home to His arms. God is SO good!
Natalie, I’ve just added Julia and Eric to my salvation prayer list and prayed for them from the Message rendering of Luke 14:23b; that they will accept God’s invitation, believing and receiving our Lord Jesus Christ.
I’m praying with and for you as you continue to serve and pray for them.
I had been planning to be at the event last Friday night. Strangely enough, something kept telling me “don’t plan on this event”. Well, February 3, my daddy suffered an abdominal aortic anuerysm rupture. We did not know if my dad would make it to surgery. Well, God gets all the glory–my dad survived. I cannot praise God enough for what He has done and what He has taught myself and my family through this. So many different things from that morning have showed us Gods hand through out. Like I said, God gets the glory!
I have to testify to an awesome weekend too! I was able to attend the Joyce Meyer Conference. Beth, of course is my MOST favorite of all time but I can’t pass up an amazing conference and God showed up!! He gave me a Word to go with the season and continued his Good Will into this week!! He answered a very important prayer I had for my son and to top it off he confirmed it with my fortune from my fortune cookie saying” Believe in Miracles!” I am!! I am!!! He has shown His Will, WILL be done!! I am about ready to pop with excitement from His Joy He gives me!!! Thank you for asking us to testify!! God is sooooo good!!!
God has been so good to form a community of women to come together in a blog project that I have been working on. Women from around the world are participating and reading about how God uses women in different life stages to further His kingdom and glorify Him! In the short time that we have been online, there have been many exciting things happen that truly are only for His glory!
After many challenges in his life, The Lord had given my 22 year old son the privilege of going on a mission trip for him to Sao Paulo Brazil. He is to leave with his fellow college students Friday morning. Even though Satan had reared his ugly head today holding up his Visa at the last minute I know God is greater than Satan and will triumph and his will will be done . Praise God from whom all blessings flow. I want him to be so glorified when Edward is on that plane Friday morning!!!
Our 8 year old son had an incredible dream of being healed by Jesus in heaven last week. He was healed. His recount is awe-inspiring and it has reached and been received by many hearts. I wasn’t going to blog about it and a girlfriend encouraged me. Praise God for her encouragement and the encouraging work for Jesus from a little boy’s testimony!
I’m glad i saw this today because I’ve been wanting to share this. Yeterday i was excited to go to the basketball game of a 9th grade girl my fiance knows, because her mom said I could help her improve since i used to play. Instead of having fun i was anxious and started feeling insecure. I was thinking this 9th grade girl may have a crush on my fiance. She’s 14 and he’s 28. I realized how silly this is and am glad I can share it with you women who have read So Long Insecurity by Beth. It has helped me to say, may the God of Jacob make me secure, from that book. Thanks God and Beth for helping me be secure! It’s sometimes still a struggle, but God will keep helping me.
I am praising God as I am dealing with one of the most difficult situations my family has ever had to suffer with. Through all of this I am learning to TRULY trust him for the outcome. My faith is being strengthened as I realize that Christ is the purpose for my life and the source of true joy.
I totally relate to your testimony!! I am feeling His Peace and His Joy through the storm too!! 🙂
It has finally started raining in recent weeks here in CA and I’m so thankful! We need the rain so badly! Today, as I was driving for work, it was rainy and dark;a car didn’t see me and came into my lane- he would have completely hit me but I saw him and moved out of the lane in the nick of time. Jesus literally saved me (and my car) from a bad accident.
Last year I felt the Lord ask me to step away from ministry and spend 6 months with just Him. I felt as though people didnt understand that and I felt rejected by people who I thought were friends. God began a deep work in me even though I felt so isolated and misunderstood, I just felt so empty and He began to speak and fill me. Last week I met with one of those same people I had felt rejected by and had so much to give to her as well as God validating, confirming, and bringing things full circle. Sometimes obedience hurts, but He always has our back. Praise Him.
Dear Lindsee,
A winter weariness has settled in for some of us way up north we are just plain tired of this subzero stuff. It has been a long hard winter on some folks. Though there is much sickness and just all in all tiredness about now, He continues to bless us beyond measure and though I can not point to specific things right now, I have enjoyed some wonderful quiet times with Him writing things and doing Bible studies while playing Christian tunes on my new Kindle HD Fire I got for Christmas. I have loved these intimate times with Him they have beeen like dates with a new love!!
PLEASE let Beth know if you are able that there is not a sun that sets on a day that some of us have not kept her to the forefront of our prayers!!
Prayers for the strength and wisdom to be able to reach those who really need reaching whether it be at a Bible study, a big venue at a sports arena or where ever.
I am looking forward to the launch of the new study for the discovery of it and I miss her deeply on this blog and can not wait for her personal posts again!! Nothing personal Lindsee, Ya hear???
Blessings on y’all there!
Love across frozen northern miles!!
Betty
I am from Alabama, and took a friend to the WOF conference last weekend. Besides the obvious blessing of being able to sit and be fed by 5 AMAZING, Spirit filled, well spoken, Passionate Truth loving, smart, beautiful speakers, (and, yes, i learned so much and was not ready for it to be over!), but an EXTRA blessing was their sense of humor. All 5 had different styles of “funny”, but ALL were hilarious! Is there anything more therapeutic than a good belly laugh!!!!? And boy did i! again and again! From Beth’s “between a rock and a hard place” mammo story, to Priscilla’s great story about her expectation of marriage, and when Sheila so truthfully pointed out that the alcohol commercials show everyone well-dressed and composed, “not throwing up on your cat”, and Christine so honestly saying, “email Beth, she reads them and cares, i don’t” (think i pulled a muscle on that 1!!!) and then Lysa… pretty much every word out of her mouth made me laugh- i LOVE her humor, and what a gift that is to the sad sad world around us. Ahhh, to love and live for Jesus, all the while showing others that it’s a blast! (i know we would be BFFs 🙂 ) So my encouragement ladies, keep speaking the Truth, keep fighting the good fight, keep blessing others with the leading of the Spirit on what to say, AND continue to sprinkle your humor in it! Yall are truly warrior women, with a divine design, and unique personalities and giftings. Thank you for using them for the Glory of God, AND for me to gobble it all up!!! “May those who refresh others, themselves be refreshed” Than You for taking time to refresh me, thru the power of The Holy Spirit speaking thru you! COME TO TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA!!! 🙂
I have prayed over my children that WHEN the do something wrong, they will be caught when the issue is still relatively manageable and before anyone is irreparably harmed. God has been VERY faithful to answer that prayer once again, this time for my 17-year-old son. Now my husband & I pray for wisdom & patience, which He has supplied abundantly, as we move forward to mature and discipline our young man.
I live on a beautiful island, 45 miles from town, & cannot go to many things offered in Charleston,SC, of spiritual blessings. I am so grateful for the internet that gives us teachings, sermons,& music of conferences whether we are there in person or not. I was able to live stream Passion and was blessed by Beth’s beautiful presentation of 1Timothey 6.11-16. “Fight the Good Fight.” I loved the Confession. Every day I expect to see it posted. I am praying for all of you! Thank you for praying for my grandchildren who need healings from physical difficulties. Thank you for asking us to post our gratitude!
This past weekend was Disciple Now weekend at our church so I spent the majority of my weekend with 11th and 12th grade girls. One of the girls in our group has only been in America for a few months. Amazingly, she has a knack for language and has picked up on English very well, considering. Let me tell you what… for some of those girls this weekend, more than anything else, I think that spending time with this girl was the most important thing that God ordained… myself included. You would think that a teenage girl who hardly knows anyone and has a bit of a language barrier to boot would be a little reserved in a group situation with people she hardly knows. But this girl… she was just so grateful to be there that if there was even an ounce of insecurity in her body, it didn’t show. The Spirit just oozed out of her pores. She comes from a little country where church as we know it isn’t allowed (it is primarily Muslim) and missionaries are forbidden… I didn’t get the back-story of how her family became believers. But there was no doubt that she was one. And her testimony brought light to the eyes of our girls that the freedom of corporate worship is not something to be taken for granted.
Most of the group was a little insecure about praying out loud. After some discussion about how powerful spoken words…and especially spoken corporate prayers… can be, I experienced hands down some of the most powerful, God-glorifying prayers I have ever experienced in my life rise up out of those girls… prayers coming out of dark situations, begging for God to take the pain away, and then asking even if He doesn’t, that God would bring himself glory through their pain… prayers that many adults are too afraid to pray. And the girl that I mentioned previously? She was the first one to speak up. Unabashedly, she dove right into praying in her primary language of Russian. I had no idea what she was praying but it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever heard, and my spirit definitely agreed with her. You could feel His presence thickly.
When it came time in group discussion to talk about miracles we had experienced in our own lives, this girl was on it. Since she was a little girl, it had always been her dream to come to America… she didn’t know why, but she knew she would be here. Her family never believed it… even to the point of applying for green cards which is very difficult where she lives, her mom was kind of under the assumption that “we’ll apply, and we’ll show you that it just can’t be done”. Yeah… they were approved on the first attempt and here they are. She shared story after story of “I don’t know how… but God…”. In the end she pretty much summed it up with “I just believe Jesus works.” I just love this girl… it’s like it has never occurred to her to be anything other than what Jesus has made her to be. What a lesson and a light she is… and only a junior in high school. This 31 year old could learn a few things from her. I can’t wait to see what God does through that life right there, and in the lives of all those girls.
Seeing God’s work daily. A man of God passed away last week, I knew him because his son was in my class through elementary, middle and high school. The mans daughter-in-law had been a friend since I was two. His service was held on Saturday evening allowing time for family and friends from many areas to travel in.
The mans service was a little different to some but to me not all that strange. For you see the man gave a witness and testimony to God daily while here on earth and even after during his service. Four men of God spoke to how this man had impacted their lives in one way or another all of them testifying that he had been a friend first and showed them the love of Christ and telling about the love of Christ through actions and words.
The service played — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9XyAMnSh6g — Toby Mac City on our Knees with excerpts from Billy Grahams message HOPE.
His wife had audio recorded a letter to him that was also played telling of journeys through trails and God bringing them through it and out of it, better on the other side of the trail. No, there was not a dry eye in the house. But his family was honest and compassionate about God being their rock and source of comfort in a time of need. God has always been there in their relationship from the good and bad.
Even during the past few years as he battled cancer, he was still working to further God’s kingdom telling and asking everyone he came in contact with if they knew. He lived his life so that others would know he was a man of God. I am thankful I knew him.
An altar call was given though know one went forward they all still heard and even if they accepted Christ while sitting there grieving God knows. Although you may seem it strange for the altar call to be given during the time sometimes the only time people will hear is at the funeral service of a dear loved one. This is the second funeral I have been to when the altar call was given.
Prayers continue for my friends and their families as they grieve this loss. But also joy abounds as his life touches many that are now saved. To God Be The GLORY.
I want to praise God for reminding me and my family daily while we wait on answers to many requests, that He is here in the midst of the waiting. He knows our anxiousness, He knows our weaknesses, He knows our doubts, He knows exactly how we feel….and He also knows the perfect answer He has prepared for each question in its due time. So, I also want to thank Him for giving us peace as we wait for those answers to be revealed, no matter how many times He has to remind us, “Be still. I am here. Just wait. I promise. It will be good. Very good.”
My son passed away suddenly 3 months ago. One thing I’ve learned through this is that God is sovereign and trustworthy. I got to talk to my son before he passed away about The Lord and his relationship with Jesus. He told me he was sure he was saved and he was trying to find his way back to a closer walk with God. This has been the hardest thing I have ever gone through but I know God only allows things to happen because he knows what is best. I know my son is with Jesus now and I will see him again someday when God is ready for me.
Glenda, I am so, so sorry. Sending a hug your way.
God is so good! Yesterday, I was going through archives of the blog and God led me to Beth’s teaching in Esther. I have been really challenged by a certain situation lately, and through her story, God was able to show me that He definitely has a plan and a purpose for me AND that His timing is critical. I read the entire book of Esther, with a few kleenex in my hands (lol), praised God for the things He is doing in and through me at this time, and asked Him to forgive me for not trusting him. God met me right where I was yesterday and I am so thankful!!
God’s peace, it is there in my heart even during the hardest storms. IF asked why I believe God is real, that would be my testimony. You don’t get that kind of peace in troubled times if it isn’t REAL! I praise Jesus for this kind of Love that warms you with Faith, Hope and Love! And Most of all HIS PEACE! Knowing that nothing hard will last forever, we have His Eternity to look forward to because of His death for All of our sins. Praise His worthy name!
Praying for “our” dear Beth and all the rest of you who work for us all the time! Each bible study I have done has been amazing. Thank you, and know each of you are loved, even when we don’t know all of you there, we know you are there and thank you with all our hearts. We love you!
I am praising my sweet Jesus daily as my husband, daughter and I have been relocated far from family and friends due to job. The struggle has been a hard one, but I praise Him. He has shown up in so many ways…. Through random texts etc but Mostly through my old Beth studies. When I needed answers, they were ALWAYS in the study, even years after I initially finished the study. Oh the cleverness of God. Hahaha. I get excited just thinking about what’s to come as we are still waiting on the vision He gave us to come to pass. I can’t even begin to explain the amazingly supernatural experience I have had with my God since being obedient in moving here. God never ceases to amaze me. I have learned that ALL things work for the good because we belong to Him. My whole life has been a struggle starting from childhood. But God has always been my refuge. He has taken care of me and has been taking care of my family as well. When we thought our baby girl at age of 6 ( now 15) was going to be taken, God showed up the day before telling me to have peace and remain joyful. So I praise Him. I love. Him and can’t love without him. I lost my mother a few months back and God showed up in the Middle of the funeral!! Hahaha. OHHHH He is SO good to me. He is so good to all of us. I pray for Beth and this entire ministry. I pray for those who have commented and those who have not. And I praise Him and keep loving Him more every day.!! Thank you for allowing me to comment.
I am thankful that even in the wilderness of a hard stretch, my God is taking care of me. Sounds simple enough…. but it has been so sweet and such an encouragement. My friend went into labor and here in Uganda, you need to bring all your supplies with you to the hospital. She had everything but alcohol to clean the scissors needed to cut the umbilical cord. Walking through the hospital in the bush of Uganda…. my eyes looked down and saw an unopened alcohol wipe! Something I would expect in a hospital elsewhere… but in a place where resources are tight… this was a moment to pause. He provided. Ironically, she never needed the alcohol wipe, the baby was delivered via c-section. Several days later, I opened up the alcohol wipe and it was completely dry. It was a defective wipe. It was as if Jesus was saying, I KNOW it all. I provided for you and yet, I knew you were never going to need it. I am so thankful that He knows and even in His knowing, He still sensitive to our hearts.
I grew up in a difficult home. My mother is psychotic, my father emotionally absent and my brother and I were not close. Last summer my brother was killed in action in Afghanistan and since then my world is crumbling as I grieve for my childhood of which all that is left is awful memories and no one to verify I’m not imagining it all. HOWEVER! God in His awesome wisdom saw fit to give me an amazing husband who loves me and supports me daily, and restored the years the locusts had eaten by giving me amazing in-laws and family through my husband! The heartache is still real and present, but even more so is the fact that God, my perfect Father, is not absent but instead is orchestrating every portion of my life to teach me about unconditional love and to restore the years while recording my tears!!
I’m sorry for your loss, Rachel.
Praying for you,
Patti Hayes