Blog Archives - The Remarkable Blog

How we end something determines how we begin something.

12/31/2018

Today, is the last day of 2018. How will you end this year? Why do I ask? Because many times, the way we end the old, is often the way we begin something new. Just think about it. We end an old relationship rocky, then we usually start off the new relationship rocky. End a job on a bad note, then most often we start off a new job on a bad note. I want to encourage you, end this year right. Do you have an offense against someone? Call them up. Say you're sorry. Ask for forgiveness. Whatever you may need to do, do it. Do not go in to this new year with old baggage.

Still looking for answers? Then determine in your heart to ask the Lord to show you what you need to know. Those who seek Him, find Him; if we search for Him with all of our heart. The Lord will direct your steps if you ask Him.

Here are some great Bible verses to get you thinking about the end of this year and your goals for 2019:

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Isaiah 43:18-19 - Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. (Read More...)

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Revelation 21:4 - And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

ACTION STEP: Whatever you need to do, do it now. It might be the last day of the year, but it could be the most important day of your life. Decide ONE WORD for 2019 for you personally. Be brave and focus on just "3 Goals", that you truly want to achieve. If we aim for nothing, we will achieve nothing. If we aim for 3 things and only accomplish 2 things, we have still accomplished something. You matter! Moments matter and they turn into years. Do not put off for another year your dreams and aspirations. This could be the greatest year of your life. End well, so that you can begin well.

Pray to God that He softens peoples hearts.

12/28/2018

“No one can come to me unless the Father Who sent me, draws him” (John 6:44).

The first century world was rotten to the core with all kinds of cruelty and violence and deviant sexuality – the very reasons God destroyed the world in Noah’s day and Sodom in Abraham’s day.

There was unparalleled luxury combined with abject poverty. One Emperor spent millions of dollars on food alone; even though he ruled for only eight months.

On the other end of the ladder were the sixty million slaves. To many people a slave was not a person but only a thing.A master, by law could torture, mutilate or kill his slave. Close to the slaves were the “rabble” - the lower class people for whom moral restraint was an unknown.
Unwanted children were thrown into the streets to starve and die, or be picked up and made slaves.

The low moral condition on every level of society was shocking. Pagan worship was characterized by three things: Sexual vice, drunkenness and gluttony.

In the worship of Aphrodite at Corinth a thousand priestesses devoted themselves toprostitution. One Emperor, talked about on the History Channel had a steady stream of slave children brought to him for his sexual pleasures. When he finished with them his servants threw them off the cliff near his palace to their deaths.

The cruelty was unbelievable. Loads and loads of sand were hauled constantly to the amp-theatres throughout the Empire to replace the sand stained with blood. People reveled in bloodshed. Crucifixions were common. The Greek philosophers saw and spoke of this. Virgil wrote: “Right and wrong are confounded.”

Tacitus in his history of the period wrote:
“I am entering upon the history of a period, rich in disasters, gloomy with wars, rent with sedition, savage in its very hours of peace ... All was one delirium of hate and terror.”

Matthew Arnold wrote,
“On that hard-pagan world, disgust and secret loathing fell. Deep weariness and sated lust, Made human life a hell.
(Quoted by William Barclay,“Paul- The Adventurer)”

Paul summed it up Romans 1:18-32“God has given them over to do the filthy things their hearts desire, and to do shameful things with each other ... God has given them over to shameful passions ... to corrupted minds ... they are filled with all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed, and vice ... they speak evil of one another, they are hateful to God, insolent, proud and boastful ... they think of more ways to do evil.”

Action Step: Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray the God of the harvest bring laborers, yes! But, also pray God prepares peoples hearts to be softened, and ready for the word. Hearts that are ready will receive the Word of God and it will change the lives of those who receive it.

“There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a Centurion (Army Captain). He was a devout man who feared God with all his household.
He gave alms to the Jewish people and continually prayed.”
Acts 10:1-2

God can cause our hearts to hear or be hardened.

12/27/2018

“And the Lord opened up her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.” Acts 16:14

God had prepared the hearts of men to receive the gospel.
Jesus said,
“No one can come to me unless the Father Who sent me, draws him”
(John 6:44).

God prepared Paul to speak, to the people. God prepared Lydia's heart to be open, to the Gospel. We need to pray, God prepares us to deliver, and others to receive.

The gospel is powerless to save without the preparatory work of the Holy Spirit. It is like seed scattered on the pavement or a match thrown into a river. But, when the Christian gospel fell on to the first century world, it fell like seed into rich, dark soil of hearts plowed by God. This is our desire. When we see the depravity of our nation we must realize, God can use the devil's works for good. God made the devil and He knows what to do with him.

ACTION STEP: Let us pray, that we say what the Lord wants others to hear, not allowing us to filibuster. Pray the Lord fills our mouths. May we allow people to see for themselves, they are eating with the pigs, so, they will desire to return to the Father's House. Let our pray be, "Father help us to be the light, so others can see their ways, and location. Then, help us to walk in the way that they want to follow."

The aftermath of Christmas

12/26/2018

There is always a huge crescendo to Christmas. Like a masterful piece of music the tempo builds to a frenzy, and then it begins to slow down, or suddenly ends; depending on the conductor and the musical arrangement. Is that the way it was when Jesus came to earth? Perhaps, it was more a slow build over 33 years and then, it suddenly ended. I'd like to think it is still building. The music has had an ebb and flow to it, but it has ever so slightly been building up for over 2,000 years. Soon, I believe it will reach a fevered frenzy, and then it will fade slowly. Those that are left behind, as the movie tells us will wonder why the music stopped. However, those with their ears to the Spirit, will realize it is still playing ever so softly; to those that have been awakened by the conductor. Music has always had a message. When the music changes so does the message. Christmas hasn't come to an end. The message of Christmas will continue on until Jesus comes again. How will it change our life is the question. What will the aftermath of Christmas look in your life? Does it look like the picture below?

Or does it look more like the one below this portion of scripture?

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:4-5; 11; 23-27)

Jesus has always had those that are holding onto their instrument, wanting to be part of His remnant. There are those of us still hearing the music. We are still wanting to play to the tune of a different drum. We are those that believe it could be any day. The aftermath of Christmas is just a reminder to us, that we are drawling closer to the day of His return. We can play on in the midst of chaos, because we still believe. We are like the little boy in the picture below. We are holding onto the hope of what is to come, a sound we hear in the very heart of our being.

It doesn't matter what is going on around us. What matters is what is going on within us. Luke 24:32 (KJV) "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" Our hearts are hearing something. We long for His return. It does not matter how chaotic and messy things may look, our eyes are fixed on Him.

Action Step: Allow Christmas to live on. Don't forget in the aftermath of Christmas the real meaning of what we just celebrated. There is a greater celebration coming. There is more to life than tinsel, ribbon and bows. As great as Christmas may have been, or as bad as Christmas may have been? There is a day coming that will far outshine any day we have ever seen. So, leave the tree another week, enjoy the reason for the season, and linger in the presence, regardless of the presents. The greatest gift for us that are still alive, is only opened by faith. Our eyes have yet to see what awaits us! Live for the day!

Today is Christmas Eve-The Family of God Celebrate!

12/24/2018

Many of us have waited all year for this night. Whether we are the young, or simply the young at heart, we look forward to the night, that presents are set under the tree; or better yet, we gather together at a loved ones homes, and open at least one gift! Well, tonight I am asking you to gather at Jesus's house.

No matter where you live, find a church that celebrates the birth of Jesus and join them for one of their services. Many churches have a midnight eve service. We have a 7 PM to 8 PM service. But, find one in your area and then attend as a family. Come together as the family that God made, to celebrate the way He made us family. God made us family through His Son Jesus. If we don't have Jesus we can't be true family. Oh, we may be related by the natural blood of man--but, it is the Blood of Jesus that washes away our sins and makes us the family of God.

This is a really good old song we use to sing, at the church I grew up. We'd all sing this song and go around and shake one another's hands, and give one another a hug. Most of the older folks use to cry. I always wondered why? Now I cry too. There is something very special about belonging to the family of God.

ACTION STEP: Reach out to those around you and invite them to go to a service at your local church with you. Don't have a local church? Then, what better night than tonight to find a church family that you can belong to? Introduce someone to Jesus tonight. It will be the greatest gift you can give to someone and it is guaranteed to fit everyone!

Ephesians 1:5 "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,"

You and I are the "Family of God". We all want to be a part of something. The greatest thing we can be a part of is, "The Family of God." Let's set the example for the world. Jesus came to be the light! Now, we are the light of the World. Let's you and I go shed some light on this subject, of family. The light of the world is looking for family! Family is our gift back to God! Merry Christmas!

But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15, NLT)

3 Days till Christmas Countdown

12/21/2018

The next time I write to you it will be Christmas Eve. Most of you will probably not read the post Christmas Eve, so allow me to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy your family. Enjoy your faith and enjoy all the fellowship. Find a moment to tell Jesus how much He means to you and perhaps give Him a gift of your presence. Please continue reading and listen to the song I've attached and read the words that go along with the You Tube video. I believe it will be a blessing to you. Consider it my gift to you!

Matthew 1:22-23 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

Whether this is your favorite Christmas or your least favorite of all, there is one thing that will never change. God is with us. This is what Emmanuel means~God with us. He came and gave gifts unto men. He gave you a gift. He gave me a gift. We are to be blessing one another with our gifts. If you don't have a home church please feel free to join me on Christmas Eve from 7 to 8 PM. You can find our address on the web at www.restorationchurchintl.org You can even join us live stream.

Genesis 28:15 "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

ACTION STEP: Take a moment and thank God for all the gifts He has given you. Ask Him to help you use your gifts this New Year, to bless others. Polish and shine your gift. Give your gift back to the world. Bring joy to the world with what you have to offer, just like Jesus did!

I am looking forward to journeying through the New Year with you. Please share my Blog with others. Drop me a line sometime. I love hearing from my followers and just knowing I am writing to real people, who care enough about what I say to read along Monday through Friday. If you haven't already subscribed you can, and each day it will arrive in your emails. God Bless us all and Merry Christmas to everyone.

4 Days to Christmas Countdown

12/20/2018

With only 4 days left until Christmas I am guessing that everyone reading this probably has their tree up. Perhaps, if you live alone you have a little glass tree you just plug in. No matter what you do concerning a tree I wanted to pass on some information about, "Why a tree?"

The Christmas tree today is a common custom to most of us. There are many interesting connections to ancient traditions such as Egyptian and Roman customs, early Christian practices, and Victorian nostalgia. However, most scholars point to Germany as being the origin of the Christmas tree.

One of the earliest stories relating back to Germany is about Saint Boniface. In 722, he encountered some pagans who were about to sacrifice a child at the base of a huge oak tree. He cut down the tree to prevent the sacrifice and a Fir tree grew up at the base of the oak. He then told everyone that this lovely evergreen, with its branches pointing to heaven, was a holy tree - the tree of the Christ child, and a symbol of His promise of eternal life.

In the 1840s and 50s, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularized the Christmas tree in England. Prince Albert decorated a tree and ever since that time, the English, because of their love for their Queen, copied her Christmas customs including the Christmas tree and ornaments. An engraving of the Royal Family celebrating Christmas at Windsor was published in 1848 and their German traditions were copied and adapted.

Another story about the origin of the Christmas tree says that late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope that spring would soon come.

Another legend that has not been proved is that Martin Luther is responsible for the origin of the Christmas tree. This story says that one Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through the snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of the snow glistened trees. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moon light. When he got home, he set up a small fir tree and shared the story with his children. He decorated the Christmas tree with small candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth.

Research into customs of various cultures shows that greenery was often brought into homes at the time of the winter solstice. It symbolized life in the midst of death in many cultures. The Romans were known to deck their homes with evergreens during of Kalends of January 15. Living trees were also brought into homes during the old Germany feast of Yule, which originally was a two month feast beginning in November. The Yule tree was planted in a tub and brought into the home. But there is no evidence that the Christmas tree is a direct descendent of the Yule tree. Evidence does point to the Paradise tree however. This story goes back to the 11th century religious plays. One of the most popular was the Paradise Play. The play depicted the story of the creation of Adam and Eve, their sin, and their banishment from Paradise. The only prop on the stage was the Paradise tree, a fir tree adorned with apples. The play would end with the promise of the coming Savior and His Incarnation. The people had grown so accustomed to the Paradise tree, that they began putting their own Paradise tree up in their homes on December 24.

Whatever legend you wish to pass on, remember that Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The origin of the Christmas tree can't change that fact.

ACTION STEP: No matter what your tradition concerning the Christmas Tree, remember our Savior died upon what was once... a tree. Celebrate! He came off, what was once a tree.

5 Days Christmas Countdown

12/19/2018

English speakers borrowed the word noel from French. It can be traced further back to the Latin word natalis, which can mean "birthday" as a noun or "of or relating to birth" as an adjective. (The English adjective natal has the same meaning and is also an offspring of natalis.). Noels were being sung in Latin or French for centuries before the word found its way into our language in the 1800s. The earliest known musical use of noel occurred in the text of a Christmas motet called "Nova vobis gaudia," which was written in the 1400s. When we say Noel Noel we are saying, "Birthday Birthday". I will never sing Noel the same.

Christ birthdays all the more reason to celebrate. Everyone likes to have their life celebrated. Birthdays are special. It's even more of a reason to celebrate when you realize that He was born to die. God created us all to live forever. Then, God sent Christ to die. It's hard to wrap your brain around this, but it's the truth. Because Christ came to die we get to celebrate, because of the great exchange! He came to die that we might live.

ACTION STEP: Don't just celebrate Christmas meaning the Christ Mass, celebrate His birthday, your live forever day! As the song so dramatically reveals, the Light of the World given for us. Five days left to finish all the things we consider so important at this time of year. Have you made the finishing touches on your gift back to Him? What did you get Jesus for His birthday this year? I am pretty sure all He asks for is you....all of you.

6 Days Christmas Countdown

12/18/2018

When Jesus came to earth peoples hearts were not much different. There were crowded hotels with rude staff, grumpy tax payers, lost wise men, rulers with murder on their minds and conspiracy theories. Clearly, I am joking but I'm not. Young people were still getting married and having babies, and traveling during the holidays. All true. But, I can't get away from the light part. The light was shining bright. The light was leading the way. The light was pointing to Jesus. That's it you all! We are the light! We have got to get out there and shine. I believe Jesus is wanting others to find Him; not just for Christmas but forever. Accepting Jesus makes us family. Accepting Jesus means we are adopted. Do you realize how many orphans there are in the world today?

Look at what I found on the net:
Let the following facts and statistics about the orphan crisis inform your heart as you consider your own part in the movement to care for orphans:
1. There are roughly 400,000 children in the US foster care system. Of that number, approximately 100,000 are waiting to be adopted.1Every child is created in the image of God and deserves to belong to a loving family! Starting in your own community, research ways that you can help meet the needs of children in foster care. If you are considering adoption, know that Show Hope is here to help! We provide adoption aid grants to families in the adoption process. The average Show Hope financial grant is $4,000.
2. Of the children waiting in foster care, 30,000 age out every year, without families.2One of the greatest needs for the children who age out of foster care is to connect with a loving mentor who will guide them through important decisions. If you have a small business that can provide vocational training or if you have experience with college applications and scholarships, this may be the perfect way for you to care for those who are aging out of the system! Contact your local Department of Human Services for more information about becoming a mentor.
Asia is home to the largest number of orphaned children in the world: 60 million, at last count.

Not all orphans are children. Some are adults that have never met their Father Jesus. We can be orphans at any age.

ACTION STEP: Let your light shine and go welcome someone into the family of God. Pray for the lost. Intercede for the will of God to be done on earth. Pray daily. Make the world a merrier place by getting people married to Christ. Once we become sons and daughters, we become the bride waiting for our groom. We have the hope of a whole new family...a family that will last forever.

7 Days Christmas Countdown

12/17/2018

As we prepare to celebrate the King of Kings birth on earth, let us not forget that He is coming back, "The King of Kings." God spoke to me, and told me, "Raise Kings", not just have a Womens Ministry, or pastor, but to raise Kings. Kings have authority, power, finances, servants and a kingdom mindset. The word of God teaches us to pray, "...Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven..." We need to be getting earth, to become like heaven. As I was sharing with friends tonight, He brought this back to my attention, when someone else spoke about angels. I heard God say so clearly, "When Christ the King came to earth, angels were seen and heard." I understood that He was telling me we will see a resurgence of angels in our life time. Many times I have seen angels, both evil and good. When my husband went out of the country, God showed me an angel He was sending with him. Then, when I was sent out of the country, He showed me the angel He assigned to me. We are living in a most wonderful time. Let's celebrate the King and His soon return. Let's join with the angels and proclaim His birth!

ACTION STEP: See yourself walking with the King of Kings. See yourself as a king that Christ is returning for. We are not just the Bride of Christ! We are a new breed of kings, waiting for the return of our KING!