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Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano Claims Lives in Deadly Eruption

Deadly Guatemala Volcano Claims Lives

All over the world, there have been many natural disasters that have claimed the lives of many, from earthquakes and floods to hurricanes and volcanoes. On June 3 Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted, sending a pyroclastic flow that devoured coffee farms and a golf resort, descending even further to cause terror and destruction to all those it encountered.

The Fuego volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America and in the Ring of Fire chain. Volcan de Fuego, which means “Volcano of Fire”, erupted on Sunday, the most devastating eruption that the country has seen in four decades. Miles of thick plumes of ash were shot into the sky, raining down on nearby towns, covering them in a thick layer of ash and volcanic rock.

Dangerous flows of lava, ash and toxic gases continue to pour down several canyons below the crater of Volcan de Fuego, killing many people in its path of destruction. The violent eruption has claimed the lives of 109 people, with time running out for rescue chances. Thousands of people have been displaced and have sought refuge in shelters, with many of them mourning the loss of dead loved ones or holding onto a fading hope of finding missing family under the thick gray ash covering the stricken region. The rainfall that followed the eruption has made it difficult for rescuers to dig through the debris, rocks, and mud, and with many of the bodies already charred, heavy machinery will only result in tearing the corpses apart.

The most recent eruption of Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii that began just a month ago is a clear indication that volcanoes are significantly different, ranging in their ability to create destruction, loss of life and speed. In Hawaii, most of the lava has oozed from fissures, traveling at a slow pace, posing little threat to people. However, many houses and buildings have been destroyed by the lava’s chosen path.

The Fuego volcano’s eruptions, on the other hand, have been explosive and deadly, with fast-moving and scorching hot clouds of volcanic ash and gases that have claimed the lives of over 100 people with many more still missing. Typical lava flows do not kill people, as they move slow enough for you to get out of the way, but pyroclastic flows are dangerous with temperatures reaching as high as 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. One cannot hope to survive a pyroclastic, as the ash clouds can fall at speeds of 100 miles an hour or more, easily overtaking people trying to run away from its deadly path.

Alfonso Castillo, who lived with his extended family on a plot in Los Lotes, described the huge ash that came pouring down as a “sea” of muck that destroyed homes, people, pets, and wildlife.

“In a matter of three or four minutes the village disappeared,” Castillo said.

We need to take the time to include these people in our prayers, that our Father would have mercy on them and help those who are suffering from the destruction caused by the deadly volcano.

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Biblical Principles on How To Reclaim Your Life

Are you low-spirited? Is your mind and heart bogged down by a multitude of issues? Failures, regretful words spoken, deeds you wish you could scrap from your history, wrong decisions you wish you could rethink over again? These are some of the culprits that make you lose out in life. When these take over, you lose joy and zest for facing your now and your future. The child of God shouldn’t live in such an unfortunate way. Following are some principles that will help you reclaim your life.

Learn from the past but don’t live in it.

From 1 Corinthians 10:11 we understand that past occurrences serve as examples and warnings of what we need to imitate and what we need to avoid following after. From both the good and the bad there are learnings to mark and treasure. Successes and failures should never be inflated. Let them serve their purpose to affirm or to warn, then put them to rest.

Romans 12:3 warns us saying, “Let no man think of himself more highly than he ought to think.” Over-dwelling on accomplishments tends to lead to that. It lifts the successful man to a plane he may find difficult to come down from.

Proverbs 24:16 encourages us saying, “Though the righteous man falls seven times, he WILL rise again.” There is never a pit God won’t be able to lift us from. In every downfall, there will always be a rising for the beloved one of God.

Life is filled with seasons. In every season, take courage and maintain joy and drive in all that lies before you. Ecc 6:11 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all you’ve got.” Be excited of the fact that whatever unfolds, God is ever at your side. He will never leave nor abandon you.

Stop using wrong measures.

2 Corinthians 10:12 says, “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” Further, verse 17-18 say, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” Lastly, Romans 14:8 reminds us, “Whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

From the passages we gather that it is wrong for man to use fellow man as a standard for performance and worth. God who is impartial, always loving, always good; His standards are just right, always within perfect reason and purpose. It is His standard and precepts we should consider. It is His approval that matters. It is His approval we should long for.

Yes, Seek God’s approval first and desire His approval most.

1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us of the proper perspective to all things. In everything we do, God’s pleasure and honor is to be our purpose and goal. It’s normal to pursue achievement and success because these make us feel good and proud of ourselves. Achievements are an affirmation and appreciation of all the hard work we put into something. But that shouldn’t be our only motivation. God’s pleasure and testimony should be the top reason why we want to do well in school, in work, in life and relationships.

We have a Father who is never unreasonable nor overly expecting. We know that anything done rightfully and sincerely will be accepted of Him and will receive praise from Him. In the Old Testament God has made clear from the beginning that if we do right we will be accepted. (Genesis 4:7) In the New, we know that God pays attention to the motives of man’s hearts and basing from that, each man will receive due praise from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)

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God and Hamilton: How Stories Transform Us

Why do audiences love Hamilton so much? Why do people pay thousands of dollars for tickets? Why do nearly a hundred thousand people line up in the digital lotteries each time new tickets go on sale? What is it about this musical that connects so deeply with people?    

Part of the answer lies in the truth that stories hold a unique power to transform our lives.

 I’ve spent the last three years of my life researching and writing about the spiritual themes found in Alexander Hamilton’s life and the Broadway musical he inspired.   My book, God and Hamilton, which released this week, wrestles through these different themes. But more than any individual theme, I continued to be struck by how story inspires, challenges, and motivates us to live a more fully human life.

Brene Brown writes about the power of story.   She suggests that “Story is literally in our DNA”¦.we are hard-wired for story.”   She tells about how studies show that when we engage in a story our brain releases chemicals that help us connect, empathize, and make meaning of this world.

Other studies in the field of neuroscience point to this same truth. They have found that when we watch a story, our brain activity jumps significantly. If we watch a scene in a movie about someone swimming in a race, the parts of our brain that fire when we actually swim are active. They call this phenomenon “transportation.” The idea is that when we watch a story we get transported into it.   We begin to feel like what is happening in the story is actually happening to us.

In Hamilton, there are so many important themes that transport us into the story. We see the incredible initiative Hamilton takes throughout his life, as he sings about “not throwing away my shot.”   That example motivates and challenges us. We feel inspired to be that kind of person as well, the kind of person who takes advantage of our opportunities, who doesn’t throw away our shot.

Or we watch a scene where Eliza Hamilton forgives her husband for betraying her in his affair with Mariah Reynolds.   We are moved by her forgiveness and challenged to follow her example. Will we be the kind of person that forgives, no matter how difficult it may be? Will we offer grace to those who betray, hurt, or wrong us?  

So many reasons exist as to why Hamilton impacts audiences so deeply. But the transformative power of story is part of the answer. We watch or listen, to the story Hamilton tells, and find inspiration, encouragement, and hope to live a more fully human life ourselves.    

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Why John D. Rockefeller Could Teach Christian Millionaires?

It’s been said: If you’re a believer in Christ you need to shy away from the trappings of wealth and affluence. Christian millionaires or “Christian (gasp!) billionaires” are not good role models.  And that is completely true.

Or is it?

Well”¦it turns out you can be a Christian millionaire (or billionaire), love God,  and do great things in the world.

According  to a study  from the nonpartisan wealth research firm New World Wealth, of the 13.1 million millionaires in the world, 7.4 million, or  56.2%, identify themselves as Christian.

This is in contrast to:

  • 6.5% who identified themselves as  Muslim.
  • 3.9% who identified themselves as  Hindu.
  • 1.7 % who identified themselves as  Jewish.

In other words: IT IS possible to love God, do His work, AND be affluent.

And one person who exemplified that was John D. Rockefeller.

John D. Rockefeller became the the richest American  ever

His wealth was 1.5% to 2% of the U.S’s GDP (his personal wealth  $1.4 billion; the US GDP  $92 billion)

Some historians will paint him as simply a ruthless, greedy businessman.

But the facts are this:

  • He was a devoted father.
  • A devoted husband.
  • His “monopoly” brought order to an industry full of discord.
  • He loved the Lord and his philanthropy was birthed out of that love.

In this post we’re going to delve into the lessons future Christian millionaires could learn from Rockefeller.

1. HE UNDERSTOOD THE IMPORTANCE OF MONEY

The Bible says,

“A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.” (Ecclesiastes 10:19 KJV)

As a young man John D. Rockefeller had the financial “plan” for his life:

“I remember clearly when the financial plan–if I may call it so–of my life was formed. It was out in Ohio, under the ministration of a dear old minister, who preached, ‘Get money; get it honestly and then give it wisely.'”

Most people are taught that money is a necessary evil. They say,

“Yes we need it but it doesn’t have much importance in our lives.”

Yeah, ok!

That is completely wrong

Rockefeller wanted options for his life and the life of his family. He understood how money would give him those options.

2. HE LEARNED HOW TO BE A GIVER

Over time John D. Rockefeller’s philanthropy equated to hundreds of millions of dollars (billion adjusted for inflation)”¦

”¦ and he did this because he learned how to give at an early age.

His giving began with his first job as a clerk at age 16. By the time he was twenty, his giving exceeded 10% percent of his income. According to his biographer:

“During his first year on the job, the young clerk donated about 6% of his wages to charity, some weeks much more. ‘I have my earliest ledger and when I was making only a dollar a day I was giving five, ten, or twenty-five cents to all these object, ‘ he observed. He gave to the Five Points Mission in a notorious lower Manhattan slum, as well to ‘a poor man in church’ and a ‘poor woman in church.’ By 1859, when he was twenty, his charitable giving surpassed the 10 percent mark. Despite a pronounced tilt toward Baptist causes, he gave early hints of an ecumenical bent, contributing money to a black man in Cincinnati in 1859 so he could buy his wife out of slavery. The next year, he gave to a black church, a Methodist church, and a Catholic orphanage.”

Rockefeller was always under the belief his success was divinely inspired. He said, quite emphatically:

“God gave me my money.”

Why did God single John D. Rockefeller out for stupendous wealth? He believed it was because he was a good steward. In his seventies he said:

“It has seemed as if I was favored and got increase because the Lord knew I was going to turn it around and give it back.

There is enough statistical data that shows a correlation between tithing and wealth.

Now to be clear–I’m not suggesting that if you tithe:

  • someone is going to pay off your debt
  • a check is coming in the mail
  • or you’ll be a millionaire overnight

Not at all.

I AM saying that there is story after story of affluent people who loved God, who testify to the power of tithing and giving. So whether you are a millionaire or just starting out”¦learn to give now.

3. HE MADE MONEY HIS SLAVE

He knew from early on that money was important. But he also knew he wanted to be the master of money– not its servant.

By the time he was 12 he had saved $50, about $1400  in today’s money. He then loaned a farmer the $50 at 7% interest. At the end of the year he collected $3.50  with absolutely no work. He later said,

“The impression was gaining ground with me that it was a good thing to let the money be my slave and not make myself a slave to money.”

When Jesus spoke about good stewardship it wasn’t just about handling money”¦it was about  multiplying  money:

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.” (Matthew 25:14-18 KJV)

Another translation says verse 16 like this:

he servant who had received five talents went and  put them to work, and gained five more.” (Matthew 25:16 Berean study Bible)

Rockefeller was a hard worker. When he worked as a bookkeeper he would sometimes put in 12 hour days. But even while he was an ordinary laborer he would trade his own money in different futures and commodities.

In other words, he was always looking for ways to put his money to work.

Jesus also saidAnd he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Occupy till I come.'” (Luke 19:13 KJV)

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Occupy till I come.'” (Luke 19:13 KJV)

That Greek word “occupy” is the Greek word “diapragmateuomai” (pronounced  dee-ap-rag-mat-yoo’-om-ahee).  It has different meanings:

  • “Gain by business trading.”
  • “Busily engaged in making trades.”
  • “Increase by trading.

It implies active, detailed trading that “buys right” and then knows just when to exchange.

Wow!

So in other words:

  • “Gain by business trading” till I come.
  • “Be busily engaged in making trades” till I come.
  • “Increase by trading till I come.

Selah.

Here’s the Next Step”¦

Now to turn it over to you:

Which of these Rockefeller lessons are you going to implement today?

Are you going to focus more on wealth?

Are you going to strengthen your never-ever-give-up muscles?

Or maybe you’re going to start tracking your money like John D. Rockefeller.

Either way let me know by leaving a comment below.

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Laura’s Story: How I’m Coping after Losing My Father to Suicide

I wanted to share a short version of my story from the perspective of a survivor of someone that has been directly affected by suicide. Recent news has broken my heart in a way that has made me realize that even the happiest faces can hide grotesque feelings of inadequacy. There is hope. Reach out- no matter what.

My Story

When I was 17, I received a phone call that forever altered the history of my life.

My dad had taken his own life.

As a result of this tragedy, I have limited memory. I have not been diagnosed with PTSD, but I can bet that it would be applied to my medical chart if I sought a diagnosis. I push out moments of time through perverted coping skills that I acquired from years of learning to deal with undefined emotions on my own. Just ask my husband how long it took me to finally remember the date of our anniversary. Six years.

There are other underlying issue that I dealt with for years after the news that my father had committed suicide.

As time passed, I started thinking about my two older brothers and how this event affected them. I would worry about losing them. I wondered if they were secretly hiding emotions and temptations of suicide.

To this day I haven’t openly discussed this with them. Mostly, because the wound from our father’s death seventeen years ago has scabbed over. Only occasionally do I let my mind wander to that place and begin picking at the crusted over terror. I quickly  remember why I don’t visit much.

Thankfully, God saved my soul in October of 2004.

I was on a road that was going to lead me to a dead end in some form or fashion.

Once I realized that there is an eternal hope where I could place my past, present, and future, I knew that this was the answer.

 

Jesus is the answer to suicide. Those currently tempted and those who have survived.

 

I was given a book by my uncle and aunt shortly after my dad’s death. Honestly, I didn’t open it until a couple of years after receiving it. When I did, I read about a man that thinks I am precious in his sight- no matter what. A man that loves me- no matter how wretched I felt inside. This man was, of course, Jesus Christ.

I had a black hole of dread and emptiness in my heart and I was searching for something that could only be answered by the cross.

 

Learning To Love

Due to the handful of tragic events that have taken place in my life, I thought I would never know how to give or receive love appropriately. My mind had been distorted. At best, I could imitate how I imagined love was supposed to look like, but even then, I felt like I fell short.

After Jesus saved me, I learned about a love that covered every fear, anxiety, misconception, and torment that my flesh could wield.

His word became my sword for these emotions.

I slowly chopped down misguided feelings and replaced them with the rock solid truth of the Bible.

 

If You Feel Like No One Understands – Pick Up Your Phone

If you find yourself in a place of hopelessness and you are convinced that no one understands what you are going through, pick up your phone and call someone. If you think there is no one you can call that would possibly understand, then call this number: 1-800-273-8255. This phone number is one that you can call 24/7 and someone on the other line will be there and they understand. If you don’t feel like talking, then please text:    HOME to 741741.

 

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What Does The Bible Say About Fathers?

In many countries, Father’s Day is celebrated every third Sunday of June. There are many ideas about fatherhood. Fathers everywhere have endless words of advice to share with fathers-to-be. The Bible has some words to share about fathers. Here are some insights:

1. Fathers are not to exasperate their children.
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” In another version, it says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”. (ESV)

From the verse, we gather that “exasperate” and “provoke” is the opposite of nurture and admonition. Fathers should not have the habit of infuriating or intensely irritating their children. Instead, they should be nurturing and admonishing towards them thru the guidance of God’s Word.

To nurture is to care. Fathers must show care and to show it in a way that their children understand. Hard love is sometimes necessary. But at all times, a father must ensure that there is indeed love in how he deals with his children.

To admonish is to advise and to warn. Fathers must not hesitate giving advice to their children. Guided by the Word, he must ever be ready to give insight when it is needed and to give rebuke when it is warranted.

2. Fathers are to discipline their children in love.

Proverbs 3:12 says, “For whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.”

From the verse, we gather that love is the foundation and the reason for rebuke and discipline. Fathers and yes, mothers, are not to discipline out of anger. For those who believe (as the Bible does) in a physical form of discipline, it must never be done as a reactive response. A reactive response is” we hurt somebody because that somebody hurt us; we shout because somebody else shouted at us. Discipline is not like that. It is a proactive response. Fathers (parents) discipline their children in order to reinforce teaching and so that the error hopefully will not be repeated again.

3. Fathers are to show compassion on their children.

Psalm 103:13 says, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”

From the verse, we gather that fatherhood should be marked by compassion. This means that there is no need to instill great fear in one’s children. This means that a father may be bare and open before his child and not be perceived as weak but rather, honest and compassionate.
The compassionate father will learn not to overly or unreasonably expect beyond what his children are capable of at the moment. The compassionate father will learn to extend patience while his children learn the basics and equip themselves for independence later on. The compassionate father will rebuke but not reject a wayward child. The compassionate father will not be happy with a child’s failures but will always be encouraging his child towards betterment.

The Bible has more to say. In many points, the seeking father will learn that he should pattern his fatherhood after the Great Father- the Loving One, the Forgiving One, and the Strengthening One; from whom he will get strength and guidance in order to be better at fatherhood, one day at a time.

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How to Find Strength in Tough Times: A Biblical Approach for Conquering Life’s Hardships

How to Find Strength in Tough Times: A Biblical Approach for Conquering Life's Hardships

Reading through Job 19, we get a glimpse of the hardship Job went through. The chapter details just how difficult life was for him at that time. People around him had nothing good nor helpful to say. He met no comfort. Instead, all he kept hearing were tormenting and crushing words that sank his spirits even deeper. People were condemning him; suspicious that he was in great sin because of the great trials and sufferings he was going through. People thought themselves better than him and looked on him with contempt without any effort to hide what they felt.

In prayers, Job cried for help and for justice, but God didn’t seem to answer. He felt God had closed all doors and left him in the dark. He was stripped of decency. His friends and relatives forsook him. His workers wouldn’t beckon to his call. Even his very wife was repulsed with him. To top it off, his body was wearing out because of a disease.

In all these, he decides to still set his mind on God. He says, “I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end, he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh, I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

Now we must remember that Job was a real person. He was just like us. He wasn’t perfect. He wasn’t supernaturally endowed with resolve or spirituality. He was like us in every way and the book of Job shows how human Job was like we are. The account of Job is to be thanked because it shows us that the child of God can weather the storms and setbacks of life. You and I can respond right even when things are going so wrong. Through the life of Job, we can find encouragement to stay the path even when the flesh wants what Job’s wife wanted in chapter 2 verse 9, “to curse God and just die.”

When the wind is against us and when we can’t make sense of what to do, Scripture points us to how we can respond right.

1. When life is troublesome, keep trusting.

Even impending death should not be a cause for a Christian to forsake God. Job 13:15 says, “Though He slays me, yet will I trust Him”.

2. When life is bad, keep loving God.

We may not understand the situation but God has proven Himself over and again that He is good. Think of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

3. When nights are sleepless, keep staying your mind on God.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.” Philippians 4:7 says, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” There’s one blessing the child of God can enjoy, to have peace even when everything is in chaos. This cannot be achieved by human methods, not by yoga, not by any potion. But when you’re at your wit’s end, when your back is against the wall and you have nowhere to go, the Spirit of God in you comes to calm you and bring you to stillness. In perfect release, surrender, and trust, you find God. You find peace.

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9 Things your Kids Need (But won’t Tell You)

9 Things your Kids Need (But won’t Tell You)

Nothing beats the feeling of desiring to become a parent. No one can dismiss the joy, excitement and the strong desire to hold and cuddle your bundle of joy and live happily ever after. The plannings of how your baby will be received in the family not forgetting the baby showers that come in handy. Friends and family send the congratulatory messages to the newest parent in town.

Parenting is beautiful but unfortunately no manual can come in handy with instructions on how to raise and handle the new member in the family. The days and nights are always longer. Stress and feelings of breaking up are experienced in the few months after birth. Lack of sleep is the order of the day.

The good part is that it pays off. Parenting your children with Christian values helps to build strong families where strong societies and cultures are built from. We are living in the world with a lot of challenges and your children are not an exception as they’re prone to them.

Here are some of the things they need but won’t tell you.

1. Your marriage

When your marriage is perfect and you invest much in it, you’ll definitely have a great family. When children are born, they come along with an empty basket that needs to be filled up in all areas of their lives. You should always be at their service to provide them with your time and resources. Their future should be secured. Invest in them. When you invest in your marriage and let the children know that your marriage comes first, they’ll respect the institution.

2. Your faith and love to Christ

The adage says, “Actions speak louder than words. “Your children are likely to follow your actions more than they can listen. Which faith do you profess to? Share the love of Jesus Christ with your children. Be a role model even in the matters of Christianity.

3. Technology

In these times we are living in, technology has taken over our homes by storm. I remember when I got my second child, during feeding time and when I wanted to keep him calm as I worked. A phone always came in handy. I would allow him to play games and watch videos. The hardest thing was retrieving the phone back and erasing the mindset he had concerning the gadget. We need to put boundaries on technology. Let the children know that for their lives to be perfect they don’t need to be exposed to technology.

4. Encourage them more than you correct them

Have you ever been in a position whereby you only notice the mistakes your children are making?
Sometimes children can turn out to be chaotic, jumping up and down from the couches, fighting each other or speaking with food in their mouths disregarding all the etiquette you’ve taught them? You may feel like yelling at these little angels and put sense into their little minds. How do you respond to that? In the midst of all these shortcomings, is there a positive thing you can point out and say, “WOW, I am so proud of you!”

How often do you tell your children that you love them? I know what you’re thinking. I provide for them, take them to the best schools and I’m always there for them. They know too well that you love them but telling it to their faces makes all the difference. Spoken words are powerful. Speak positively to them and this will build them up. Stop assuming that your child knows how you feel about them. Tell them.

If you’re struggling with taming your tongue read the book of Psalm 141:3 “Set guard over my mouth Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. The Holy Spirit will always be your guide if you allow Him.

5. To know life isn’t fair

We all go through some nasty experiences in life. Let the children know that nothing comes easily in life and they need to work hard for it.

Good grades at school just doesn’t just fall into their laps, they need to work extra hard to earn them. Nothing in life is handed on a silver platter. Whatever we go through in life no matter how hard it is, it’s meant to build us make us strong and we learn from it.Romans 5:3-5 “But we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

6. To say no and protect their boundaries

We all set boundaries in all areas of our lives but the tragedy are when you set them in your own house and nothing seems to work. What happens when you tell your child not to do something that you feel isn’t right or would hurt them? Your guess is good as mine; they end up doing it.Learn to set boundaries.

Let your no be no but say it with a lot of love. These boys and girls just want to grab the attention and let you know that they are in existence lest you forgot.

7. Help them to become the best man and woman they were created to be, not who you want them to be

When we conceive, we make plans for the unborn child without regarding Gods intentions for their lives. We all want the best for our children but we end up eliminating GOD from the picture. How many people out there ended up being what God didn’t intend them to be just because somebody thought that “this suits you better than that”. Career wise, if I tell people to raise up their hands if they ended up in wrong careers just because their parents thought that Doctors are paid more than Teachers or Lawyers earn more than musicians. You’ll be surprised.

As parents, we need to nurture our children talents. Once you recognize them, the best you can do is to uphold them. Never ever make a mistake of comparing your children. It really hurts. I can very well remember back then while schooling. I did something that annoyed my mum and the worst mistake she did was to compare me with my friends and I didn’t like it. This really crushed my spirit, my self-esteem dropped to zero but I thank God I am not where I was then. Knowing Christ has helped me a great deal.

I thank God I can encourage my children to be better than what they were yesterday. I always seek guidance from God. You can do the same also. Pray and read the word of God for direction.

8. Discuss with them topics that are always avoided

Talking about sex is the hardest topic a parent can discuss with their children. They always dodge the conversation to the slightest opportunity they get. Let me ask this annoying question, whom would you want your child to discuss this with?

Children are always keen with their body parts and a boy can tell he looks different from a girl. Tell them and explain with the language they can understand. If you won’t tell them, the world is waiting to tell them as it is.Do not let your children subscribe to the patterns of the outside world.
Create a channel for conversations. Open dialogues works wonders.

9. Prayers

Pray for your children, pray with them and for them. Prayers works wonders. Some years back, my brother who’s behind me was living a life that we couldn’t understand. He could only come to visit me when he planned it and felt like seeing me.I would go for months without seeing him and this really affected me.I couldn’t get him on phone unless he called me.

I decided to involve God in it.I prayed and fasted because of him. I still do. He may not have accepted Christ as his savior but I’m sure one day God will save him. I thank God because he changed him in all areas of his life.

What does this mean to you? You guessed it right, prayers changes things.

Make a habit of praying for, with and for them. Have family devotions and you’ll experience great and mighty things. May God bless you and order your steps.

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Muslim Lands: Where Are Your Jews?

“I declare a Holy War, my Moslem brothers! Murder the Jews! Murder them all!" ⁃ Haj Amin al-Husayni, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Chairman of AHC

We are all aware of the growing anti-Semitism in Europe, but we fail to address the persecution of Jews at the hands of the Muslims. From ancient times the Arab world has sought to remove the existence of Jews, thus it is understandable that the Jews desired a nation of their own to escape from the hands of the Muslims.

Many anti-semitic massacres have been carried out by the Muslims for centuries:

– Year 627- In Medina, Saudi Arabia Muhammed beheads 900 Jewish males
– Year 628- In Khaybar, Saudi Arabia, 93 Jews are killed
– Year 1013- The Jews of Cordoba are slaughtered when Sulayman ibn al-Hakam attacks
– Year 1033- A Muslim leader conquers Morocco’s former capital city Fez and massacres about 6,000 Jews
– Year 1066- A Muslim mob stormed Grenada in Spain and slaughters 4,000 Jews
– Year 1090- Again in Grenada 2,000 Jews are slaughtered in another massacre
– Year 1146- The Almohads conquer Tiemcen in Algeria and slaughter any Jew that doesn’t convert to Islam
– Year 1146-The Almohads take Sijilmasa in Morocco and slaughter 150 Jews who refuse to convert
– Year 1146- The Almohads capture the Moroccan cities Fez and Marrakech and slaughter over 100,000 Jews
– Year 1232- The Jews are allowed to return to Marrakech, but this enrages local Muslims who slaughter all of them
– Year 1247- Jews were again offered Islam or death in Meknes, many were massacred
– Year 1275- Moors massacre 40 Jews in Fez
– Year 1290- The Jews of Baghdad in Iraq are massacred
– Year 1465- The entire Jewish community of Fez is massacred
– Year 1492- Abd al-Karim al-Meghili orders the destruction of Touat synagogues and massacres many Jews
– Year 1518- Ottomans rape and massacre Jews in Hebron, Israel
– Year 1736- The Jews of Algiers in Algeria are massacred
– Year 1776- The Jews of Basra in Iraq are massacred
– Year 1785- Ali Gurzi Pasha murders hundreds of Jews in Tripoli, Libya who refuse to convert to Islam
– Year 1790- Sultan Yazid orders the murder and rape of dozens of Jews in Tetuan, Morocco
– Year 1805- Muslims massacre 500 Jews in Algiers, Algeria
– Year 1815- Muslims burn 8 Jews at the stake in Algiers
– Year 1828- The Jewish community of Baghdad in Iraq are massacred
– Year 1830- The Jews of Algiers are massacred
– Year 1830- The throats of 400 Jews are slashed in Tabriz, Iran
– Year 1834- Half of the Israeli city of Safed were Jewish, but the city was subject to a vicious massacre in which Muslims raped, murdered and expelled the Jews
– Year 1839- In Mashad, Iran 36 Jews were murdered and 7 young girls kidnapped and forced to become Muslim brides
– Year 1864-1880- There are continuous pogroms against the Jews of Marrakech
– Year 1867- In Barfurush, Iran 22 Jews were murdered, with women and children being kidnapped and forced to become Muslim brides
– Year 1903- 60 Jews were slaughtered in Settat and Taza, Morocco
– Year 1907- 30 Jews were slaughtered in Casablanca, Morocco
– Year 1910- 12 Jews were slaughtered in Shiraz, Iran
– Year 1912- 42 Jews were slaughtered in Fez, Morroco
– Year 1925- Numerous Jews were massacred in Damascus, Syria
– Year 1934- In Constantinople, Algeria 34 Jews were butchered
– Year 1941- Inspired by Nazi Germany, the Muslims of Baghdad massacre 750 Jews
– Year 1945- The Tripolitania pogrom in Libya leaves 140 Jews dead
– Year 1947- 75 Jews dead after the Aleppo massacre
– Year 1947- Muslim mob slaughtered 82 Jews in Aden

This is by no means a thorough and comprehensive list of anti-semitic massacres carried out by Muslims- there were many other gruesome killings that took place. To date, over one million Jews have fled to Israel from Muslim lands.

At the UN Human Rights Council, March 20, 2017, many Muslim countries had much to say against Israel:

Palestinians- “Israel has used the worst kind of abuse, ethnic cleansing and imposing a regime of apartheid…”
Qatar- “Israel continues to exercise apartheid in Palestine which constitutes a crime against humanity.”

Sudan- “Violence and Terrorism are being exercised against the Palestinian people…”
Syria- “Violations include building apartheid walls to legitimize the theft of land and to Judaize Jerusalem…”

Bahrain- “Separation wall is an example of the apartheid policy practiced by Israel…”
Saudi Arabia- “Israel’s practices of discrimination and extremism…”

When Hillel Neuer of UN Watch took the floor to respond, he effectively silenced the U.N.: “Egypt, Iraq and the others, how many Jews live in your countries? How many Jews lived in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco? Once upon a time, the Middle East was full of Jews. Algeria had 140, 000 Jews- Algeria, where are your Jews? Egypt used to have 75, 000 Jews- where are your Jews? Syria, you had tens of thousands of Jews- where are your Jews? Iraq, you had over 135, 000 Jews- where are your Jews? Mr. President, where is the real apartheid? Why is there a U.N. Commission on the Middle East that does not include Israel? From the 1960s and the 70s, they refuse to include Israel. Where is the apartheid, Mr. President?…”

The wall that they speak of is the Israeli West Bank barrier. It is a separation barrier in the West Bank or along the Green Line. Israel says it is a security barrier against terrorism, while the Palestinians call it a racial or apartheid wall. Being South African and knowing all about apartheid (seeing as how the term originated here), I do not see that wall as an expression of apartheid. This regime was inflicted upon the people of color to remove them from areas that the Afrikaaners deemed worthy for white people alone- it was not done for security purposes. Israel, on the other hand, is trying to protect its people. Is it wrong for Israel to protect itself against those who seek its annihilation?

Recently, Hamas leaders in Gaza have offered a long-term ceasefire to Israel, which would lead to a green light for large-scale infrastructure projects and a prisoner exchange. The only reason why they are more open to discussing such a cease-fire is that they are in dire and unprecedented strategic distress. This does not sit well with me. Back in 2012, a top Hamas official, Sheik Akhmad Bahr, called for the annihilation of Jews and American alike in a sermon broadcast on Hamas’s Al-Aqsa TV. He even prayed “Oh, Allah, destroy the Jews and their supporters,” and “the Americans and their supporters.” With such a deep-seated hate for Jews, I cannot help but think that this is a strategy on their part to fool Israel into dropping their offenses and attack them at a more opportune time. People such as this would not hesitate to use any opportunity to get rid of Jews.

At the end of the day, GOD has continued to protect His people. During 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict, an Iron Dome commander explained that a missile was fired from Gaza, which could have killed hundreds of Israeli civilians. The commander said, “We know where the missiles are going to land down to a radius of 200 metres. We fired two interceptor rockets. They both missed. This is very rare. I was in shock. At this point we had just four seconds until the missile lands. We had already notified emergency services to converge on the target location and had warned of a mass-casualty incident. Suddenly, Iron Dome (which calculates wind speeds among other things) shows a major wind coming from the east, a strong wind that… sends the missile into the sea. We were all stunned. I stood up and shouted, ‘There is a GOD!’ I witnessed this miracle with my own eyes. I saw the hand of GOD send that missile into the sea. If that Hamas strike had succeeded, it would have been the worst terrorist attack in Israel’s history.”

Also, Col. Ofer Winter, commander of the Givati Infantry Brigade, described a mysterious fog that favorably covered him and his troops as they advanced on an enemy position in morning light after their nighttime raid was postponed. Winter labeled the covering as “clouds of glory.”When most of the modern world is against Israel, we, as Christians, must continue to support Israel.

Resources: Europe’s Rising Anti-Semitism Forces Jews to Leave or Hide

 

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The Squeezed Orange of a Psychiatrist

The Squeezed Orange of a Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist was preparing for class and decided to take an orange with him. He began to talk to a bright young man in front and asked him, “If I squeeze this orange, what will I get?”

He looked at the Psychiatrist and answered, “Juice, of course!”

The Psychiatrist said, “Don’t you think I could squeeze apple juice from the orange?”

Laughing, he said “No.”

“What about grapefruit juice?”

He said, “Nope.”

The Psychiatrist asked again, “What would I get from this orange?”

“Orange juice, of course.”

He repeated his question, “Why? Why would I get orange juice from an orange?”

He answered, “Well, it is an orange, and that is what it has on the inside.”

The Psychiatrist nodded and said, “That’s right! Let’s think that this is not an orange, but it is you.

Someone puts pressure on you and says something you don’t like.

You get offended. Fear, bitterness, hatred, and anger come out of you. Why did this happen?”

The boy answered, “Because those things are on the inside.”

Now we have to consider what’s inside of you and me, because Matthew 15:18 says,

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”

Jesus was squeezed and forgiveness, love, and mercy came brusting out of Him.

He taught us that regardless of people insulting, beating, humiliating, and treating Him worse than a criminal that we should afterwards show love and forgiveness! It was under the mighty impulse of love that Jesus took our place in the universe and invited the Ruler of all things to treat Him as a representative of the human family.

He identified Himself with our interests, took our guilt and its penalty, and offered in our behalf a complete sacrifice to God.

Jesus identifies His interest with ours. He represents Himself as personally affected with all that concerns us.

If we are wronged, maligned, treated with contempt, our sufferings are registered in the books of heaven as done unto Him.

If we would become like Christ and receive His fashion of character, we must in little things train the soul to daily progressive sanctification. Acts make habits and habits constitute character. There is no fear of overlooking great things, but there is peril in overlooking and undervaluing little things.

Let’s be filled with that love that comes from God, and let’s live each day by His side.

Now the question that we must ask ourselves is: “What comes out when we are squeezed?”

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Because I Can’t Kneel At The Altar I’m A Weak Christian?

Meekness Is Not Weakness

I want to jump right into this post to spare details that would require me to rehash feelings and memories that once left me spiritually paralyzed.

But I can’t.

These words need to be written and poured out from the aching fluid in my joints that have crippled my legs.

There was a time when I claimed my spot at the altar. It was an unspoken reverence that relished because I could safely walk forward to the front of the church. I didn’t have to worry about people staring or judging or assuming. I could kneel and figuratively lay my burdens at the feet of Jesus.

The altar is a sacred place. The rich history of it’s versatility is scattered throughout the Bible.  In the church today, the altar serves as a place of prayer, a way to the pulpit, a setting for the Easter cantata, and much more. One could easily argue the functionality.

However when viewed through the broken lens of idolatry, the altar can bring pain.

When Viewed through the broken lens of idolatry, the altar can bring pain.

Before entering into the truth of God’s word by becoming a member of a church of the Southern Baptist Convention, my faith in Christ was defined by the appearance of my stature.

Taking a trip back to those times, I remember that when it was time for prayer, almost everyone in that small country church came forward. Among those left in the pews were a handful of persons that were possibly crippled by their own various diseases. At the time, my autoimmune disease was under control. I was able to walk forward, find my place, and effortlessly kneel down on the floor. It was a special moment.

As time passed by, the false doctrine that was being preached continually pierced my heart. I was under a fake conviction that I had to look and be a certain type of person for Christ to accept me. I honestly believed that if I missed church that God was watching over me in heaven with a look of deep disapproval; not taking into consideration that I couldn’t possibly attend a particular Sunday because I was puking my guts up in the bathroom. It didn’t matter.

I honestly believed that if I missed church that God was watching over me in heaven with a look of deep disapproval…

Prayer is a sacred gift that Christians are given through salvation.

In the midst of a painful divorce, I walked through the doors Ridgeview Baptist Church  in  hopes of finding relief from my heartache.

Not only did I find relief, I found new friends, new ministry opportunities, and most importantly, a new doctrine.

The difference in worship, preaching, and teaching was a blaring signal in my soul that I had been duped.

The love that flowed here was not from false pretense of how good I could pray or my attendance record. It was the unconditional type toward which the Bible calls all Christians.

Over time, my beliefs changed and God’s amazing grace became a thing.

Never once did I consider the words from the old hymn as I did when I realized that God’s love for me was not dependent on my physical posture at the altar.

Yes, I still think that if God is calling you toward the front of the church that you should go. I believe that it is still a beautiful response for healing, help, and encouragement.

We are to encourage one another to good works, but, working is not kneeling at the cross. Helping a sister pray through a difficult time looks more like Jesus than bent knees with a heart of idolatry.  Consider the text:

First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

—————-

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left…
Jesus paid it all.

Religion has no place in the house of the Lord. Jesus’s death on the cross was the abolishment of such practices that would cause us to fall into the trap of the law.

The law smothers love. It handcuffs grace to the idea that we are good enough to save ourselves.

Because we love Jesus is the answer to those burdensome rituals that press down and squeeze life from our already bruised bodies.

I may make it to the altar again one day.

Until then, I am reassured that God sees the posture of my heart.

 

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Funny Church Names & Oneness of Worship

Oneness of Worship

Religion has sawn the body of Christ into tens of thousands of different Christian churches, denominations, and organizations with many different names. However, Jesus prayed in John 17 that His body be one, even as He and the Father are one. He also wants believers to meet in His name.

There are so many organized churches that many of their names are funny. I googled “humorous church names” and found these: Angel On Fire Chapel Of Peace, Church Of The First Born, Halfway Baptist Church, Cowboy Church, Original Church Of God, Hell Hole Swamp Baptist Church, Fire Baptized Holiness Church Of God Of The Americas, Old German Baptist Brethren New Conference, and Affirming Pentecostal Church International.

Babylon Bee even got in on the action by posting some pretty funny fictional names for churches: Holy Grounds (a coffee house church), Jiffy Church, Any Greek Word + Church, and The Church That’s All About You.

Perhaps it is time to get back to Jesus’ vision for His body. Instead of identifying ourselves as a part of a fraction of the body of Christ, let’s just be part of the eternal body of Christ that is not divided into religious organizations. Let’s recognize our oneness with every Christ-bearer around the world. Let’s receive anyone who has Jesus living in her/him as our Christian sister or brother! Need help in doing that?

 

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We serve an AWESOME God!

We serve an AWESOME God!

When someone says that they are a Christian…what exactly does that mean? Do they believe in Jesus as the Christ? Is He their Savior or could their knowledge and belief be based on things that they have heard on TV or maybe at church? What about the Trinity? It is never mentioned in the Bible so where did that idea come from?

All of these questions are good questions and they can be answered, up to a point, by reading and studying God’s Word. The first question about being a Christian is actually the toughest because there are many people who claim to be Christians even though they only attend church on special occasions. Granted, being a Christian is not dependent upon church attendance but you should want to have fellowship with fellow believers. Anyone can claim that they are a Christian just by saying so and many do just that. But the reality of it is that a Christian should be changed in their heart not just by knowing about Jesus or that they went down the aisle one Sunday or on a revival night.

Anyone can walk down the aisle and say a few words which can lead others to believe that they are sincere in their belief, but if their life doesn’t change then those were just words and nothing more. Being a Christian and serving the God and Creator of the universe is a change which is complete and whole. Meaning that you won’t go back to the life you had before, you won’t do the things which you were doing prior to becoming a Christian. If you haven’t gone “all in” with Jesus then your claim to Christianity is false.

Our God is awesome and He loves us deeply otherwise He would not have sent Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins.

The Trinity is referenced in the gospels not so much as the “Trinity” but by description. When Jesus was baptized God the Father spoke and said He was His Son in whom He was pleased and the Holy Spirit came down in the form and shape of a dove and rested upon Jesus. In this, you have the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit of the Trinity. God proved that Jesus was and is His Son by the resurrection after His death on the cross which paid our sin debt in full, all that we have to do is believe and repent of our old life and walk with Him from this point on. Amen

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What does it mean that God is the God of all comfort?

What does it mean that God is the God of all comfort?

I crave comfort. I like chicken and dumplings, biscuits and gravy, chocolate chip cookie dough, latte’s and smoothies, and my grandmother’s strawberry shortcake in the summertime. I like to feel like the energizer bunny with the ability to keep up with my rambunctious crew. I like to have harmonious relationships where everybody gets along and knows you by name. I like a good book on a not-too-hot kinda day, while sitting on the edge of the pool.

I like boat rides.

Sunsets.

Chic-flicks.

Yep, I like them all.

Oh, the sweetness of comfort…it just feels gooooood.

However, when I look at 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (please read along), I quickly discover that my interpretation of the source of comfort differs from God’s point of view. Suffering precedes comfort. Affliction before blessing. It sounds like God got it all wrong.

“who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Cor. 4-5

I must constantly remind myself that suffering is part of the blessing. In the midst of my difficulties, I draw near to God. If I never walked through hard times, there are parts and pieces of God that I would never experience and come to know first-hand. It is through affliction that I come to know Him more. He knows suffering better than I do, and He is holding out His hand asking me to come along.

He is the God of all comfort

There is a great promise here: God is the God of ALL comfort. His comfort is available right now. He doesn’t hold time-constraints or limitations on it. His warranty doesn’t run out in 5 years. He tells us we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings so that we can share abundantly in comfort too.

If I am brutally honest…I am thankful for the hardships in my life. Although I don’t want to repeat them, I can say that through them God has drawn me closer nigh. Here’s an excerpt from my recent journal:

I feel like I am in a water raft going down a muddy, uncharted, turbulent river. The course before me seems impossible with all of its bumps and turns. My heart longs to jump overboard; however, I know that the riverbank is too steep and rocky. I could never escape alive. I find myself struggling to keep going and instead, put up a fight. I’m not ready to receive comfort. I want to linger here a little while. Stew a bit. Ponder the situation. Try to fix it on my own. Maybe I’ll start a petition, or loiter in the restroom. Hold a picket sign. Cry a bit. I really don’t want to move on.

But as I glance over my shoulder, I see that Jesus is my guide. He is charting my course and holding me steady, ensuring that I don’t completely drown. He tells me to keep my eyes steadfast ahead. He’s got me covered before and behind. And so, I will keep on paddling. Keep going. He is always faithful. He promises to do it again and again!

“He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” 2 Cor. 1:10

Keep your eyes on Him. He will deliver you….and when He does, you will be able to help someone else along.

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Hypocrisy — Where does it come from?

Do You Know A Hypocrite?

Image result for hypocrite

Do You Know A Hypocrite?

Jesus is clear. Jesus hates hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its reality in my life. I must change my mind (aka repent). This is imperative!

Hypocrisy is an outward pretense masking an inner reality. Jesus condemns hypocrisy, especially in matters of faith. Followers of Jesus are to express our commitment to God in our words and our deeds, as well as in our inner motivation. There should always be alignment of the heart, the mind and my actions.

Knowing that, why do I pretend?

The Greek word is ὑποκριÏ”žÃŽ®Ã”š (hupÃ…kritÄ“s, hoop-ok-ree-tace) meaning an actor under an assumed character (stage-player). Many times, I am acting. I know it. Jesus knows it. I am guessing others know it as well.

My nature, along with all of us, is one that is fallen and I constantly miss God’s goal (aka sin). I try to cover that up by appearing to be a good person. I am not. You are not. We are not.  

“For from within,  out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness,  as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.”  Mark 7:21–22 (NASB)

Jeremiah 17:9 (NASB) —  The heart is more deceitful than all else  and is desperately sick. Who can understand it?

Hosea 10:2 (NASB) —  Their heart is faithless.  Now they must bear their guilt. The Lord will break down their altars and destroy their sacred pillars.

There is good news!

Jesus has redeemed me and freed me from my deceitful heart. I am a new creation, pure and holy.

Hebrews 10:22 (NASB) — Let us draw near with a  sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

James 3:17 (NASB) —  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering,  without hypocrisy.

Κύριε Ἰησοῦ ÃŽ§ÃÃŽ¹ÃÆ’Ï”žÃŽ­, ÃŽ¥Ã¡¼±ÃŽ­ Ï”žÃŽ¿Ã¡¿¦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν ÃŽ¼ÃŽµ Ï”žÃ¡½¸ÃŽ½ ἁμαρÏ”žÃ”°ÃŽ»ÃÅ’ÃŽ½

Translated: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”

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