Category: Our Exceptional God

Jesus What Is Your ETA?

What is Your ETA?

Has anyone ever asked you that question?

Hopefully, it wasn’t a cellphone call from your boss because you’re late coming back from lunch.  😉

Many years ago, when I was a news reporter, we used to answer the ETA question a lot.

disturbing news headlines

For example, after covering a news story, my cameraman and I would radio the TV station to tell them we were finished and on our way back.

Something like this:

 

Me: Hey. We’re done. Headed back to Base.

Assignment Director: What’s your ETA?

Me: About 30 minutes.

 

Journalism is a very time-driven profession.

I think we’re all that way to a degree. We like to know when we can expect this or that to happen, especially if we’ve been waiting a long time. But it doesn’t always happen that way, does it?

Jesus, What Is Your ETA?

With the direction things are going in this mixed-up world, it’s no wonder the heightened yearning for our Savior’s return.

I read some of the disturbing news headlines, and silently pray the Lord comes back sooner rather than later.

But always in accordance with the timing of His will.

mixed-up world

Disturbing such as:

  • Did you ever think you’d see radicalized sex education being taught to grade school students?
  • Did you ever think you’d see a giant Ouija board erected in Massachusetts?  

Very, very sad.

Depending on the headline, I cringe, or I cry, and sometimes I grieve, especially if it’s a story affecting the future of our children.

Please, make it stop.

Come Lord Jesus!

The fact is, just as in Biblical history past, we don’t know when Jesus will return.

God decided in His infinite wisdom that we don’t need to know the timing. The exact future day and time will remain a mystery, until it’s here.

Good News for Repentant Sinners

When the headlines get you down, remember Who is always in control.

I take comfort in the reminder that God will save every last sinner who repents and turns to follow Jesus.

But that takes time. This is a big world and God is moving in ways that we don’t see.Jesus what is your ETA?

God’s timing is always perfect, even though it can feel like forever to us.

Doesn’t God care about how bad things are getting?

He cares more than we could ever understand.

In the meantime, we must continue to persevere and shine the light of His glory as He exercises His Sovereign power over all of humanity.

. . . the real reason for the Lord’s delay is not that He is negligent or careless in fulfilling His promises, but simply because He is long-suffering and kind, delaying Christ’s coming and the wrath that will accompany it while He calls out people to salvation.  

And Christ will not return before the merciful purposes of God are complete.  

Far from suggesting apathy or neglect on God’s part, the long delay before Christ’s appearing simply underscores the remarkable depth of His nearly inexhaustible mercy and long-suffering.1 – John MacArthur, Pastor and Bible Teacher, Grace To You.

Praise God for His inexhaustible mercy, or none of us would be saved!

# # #

John MacArthur quotation, courtesy of  GTY.org/library/articles. 23 July, 2009. para. 30. Web. Accessed 4 November, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.gty.org/library/articles/A368/is-christs-return-imminent.

Share

Here’s Your Sign

Here’s Your Sign

Have you ever been to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?

Walks on Myrtle Beach

It’s a fun place to visit!

I am seriously missing those long walks on the beach right now.

Seriously . . . missing.

One morning, when we ventured out of our hotel to walk the property, we saw a very interesting sign.

Check it out.

warning up ahead

You know, I thought I saw something move by that bush over there.

“Here’s your sign,” as Bill Engvall used to say in his comedy routine.

It’s a good thing the hotel put out a warning, right?

danger up ahead

Venture too far out into that marsh and you could end up as appetizer for a real live alligator.

No thanks.

Another Warning Sign

Here’s another sign we need to be aware of.

Jesus Himself issued a warning to His disciples to beware of false teachers.

A Tree and Its Fruit

15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. – Matthew 7:15. NASB.1

Fortunately, there are still good Bible teachers out there.

Unfortunately, there are also false teachers (and book authors) who are teaching anything but sound doctrine.

Discernment is a must.

For instance, just because a popular book in the Christian category of a bookstore becomes a best seller – that doesn’t mean it’s biblically sound. 

You’d be wise to read reviews from people who have actually purchased and read the book.

Going strictly by the endorsements isn’t always the best method (what if the endorser is also a false teacher?)

Beware of buying “Christian” books whose messages don’t line up with Scripture. If a teacher or author tells you they’ve received a “new revelation from God,” your red flags should be flying.

Jesus was the most loving person that ever lived and would say “neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” He did not judge in the condemnatory sense but He certainly made a judgment of discernment. And that’s where we get confused. When the Bible tells us not to be judgmental, it means we are not to have a spirit of condemnation towards fallen people. We are to love them, be concerned for them, pray for them—all of that. But we are still supposed to have discernment—to be able to distinguish between what is righteous and what is unrighteous. – R.C. Sproul, theologian, Founder of Ligonier Ministries.2

Let’s Get Equipped

If you’re not familiar with a teacher’s background, then what?

Here’s some good advice.

In summary:

  • What does this teacher say about Jesus?
  • Does this teacher preach the complete gospel? (including the Resurrection of Christ, repentance for our sins, and salvation by grace alone. Remember, helping the needy is not the entire gospel message.)
  • Does this teacher exhibit qualities that glorify the Lord?

I hope this is helpful to you.

God bless

# # #

1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

2 R.C. Sproul quotation, courtesy of  Ligonier.org/blog. 23 November, 2016. para. 2. Web. Accessed 27 October, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.ligonier.org/blog/difference-between-being-judgmental-and-exercising-discernment/

Share

Zach Williams Rescue Story

Zach Williams’ “Rescue Story”

Zach Williams Rescue Story

Have you heard Zach Williams’ latest album, “Rescue Story”? Released just this month, the album is gaining traction and rave reviews.

“Rescue Story” garnered four out of five stars on Amazon Music and, as of this writing, Zach has over 377,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel.

That’s a lot of fans who appreciate his soulful God-given voice, and songwriting talent.

“The music is about the redemptive Love of Christ – how He alone has redeemed us and given us new life. I pray that the music ministers to your heart!!” 2 – Zach Williams on Twitter.

Zach Williams’ Rescue Story Album

In our upside down world, Zach Williams’ songs offer messages of hope. 

I’ve been a fan of his since his best-selling song, “Old Church Choir” came out three years ago.

My favorite songs on “Rescue Story”?

All of the songs are really good, including the title track, but I have two favorites.

“Face to face” – I’m a big fan of southern gospel music, and this song is a great example. I’ve listened to it over and over. It moves me the same way as MercyMe’s, “I Can Only Imagine.” As Christians saved by grace, the lyrics are an encouraging reminder to us that a blessed time is coming “When we all see Jesus face to face.”

“Baptized” – This song has a special meaning for me. After our tragic family accident many years ago, I had to wear a heavy leg cast on my left leg for three months. I hated that thing even though it was helping my leg heal. During my recovery, it became a goal of mine that, once the leg cast came off, I wanted to be baptized at our church. I would walk with both legs on my own into the baptistry to make a public declaration that I was giving my life to Christ. It’s been over twenty years now, but I still remember that special Sunday.

Zach Williams On Tour

If you’d like to hear Zach Williams in concert, you can check out his tour dates here. He just might be coming to a city near you.

###

1 Photo courtesy of Wikimedia, 29 September, 2016. Zach Williams at 12th & Porter in Nashville, TN. By Wlgnumeedeeah – Own work, [CC BY-SA 4.0, (https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51941881)]

2 Zach Williams quote, courtesy of zwilliamslive Twitter post. 4 October 2019.  Accessed 14 October, 2019. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/zwilliamslive  

Share

Light To Pierce The Darkness

There’s A Storm Coming In The Darkness

I’ll never forget that spring afternoon when a tornado formed just up the street from our house.

darkness

My husband wasn’t home from work yet, and I was by myself (with our dogs) monitoring the weather.

Things happened fast.

I remember looking out the window and seeing a scud cloud go racing by.

Uh oh.

It took me only a few seconds to grab the dogs plus a flashlight so we could get inside the bathroom to take cover.

My concerned husband was driving home during all this.  The weather was so bad on the interstate that he had to exit and duck into a retail store for safety.

Thankfully, he called to check on us. It was so good just to hear his voice, even though I could hear a crashing sound outside our windows. Unfortunately, right in the middle of our conversation, the electricity went out and the phone went dead. My connection to his voice of encouragement disappeared – just like that.

Of course, I prayed a lot in that dark bathroom.  The comforting light of that one flashlight helped make a difference – even if it was just a little bit of light to pierce the darkness.

Light To Pierce The Darkness

Can Christians be the light that pierces the darkness?

Our world is consumed by darkness and sin. I’ve never seen it so bad.

But that’s a blog post for a different day.

What does this world need?

There’s only one answer.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

light to pierce the darkness

As Christians, we should “shine a light” to help point a dying world towards Him, and Him alone.

Remember this passage from Jesus Himself at the Sermon On The Mount.

We are here for the glory of God.

May everyone see His mercy and power and forgiveness reflected in our own lives and through our spiritual transformation.

16Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16. NASB.1

I love this heartfelt poem written by fellow Christian writer Robin Bartholomew called, “The Light of God.”

In my opinion, her poem is a gentle reminder for all of us to “let our light shine.”

The Light of God

by Robin Bartholomew
05/02/15
Free to Share

The Light of God

Does my light shine, so that others might see,
Just what the Good Lord has put into me
Do I stand out in a crowd with God’s light shining above?
Am I bright light, to light up the darkness with Love?

Do others, when they look at me,
see the Holy Spirit within?
Does my life magnify our Lord Jesus,
So that others want more of Him?

Do I cast out a glow,
Of over whelming love from above
Or do I put out a dimming light
That no one see’s as love?

Do I only sometimes glow,
With God’s bright light from overhead?
And only show all the world
The light that’s sometimes dim?

I Pray fervently each day,
for God’s special bright light.
So that others will see what I have,
And ask how to get their own light.

So I Pray Father God
That your light within me will shine,
So that others ask of that glow up above
And they say: “Tell me, how do I get mine?”

 

# # #

1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Share

Spiritual Thirst For God

Quenching Our Thirst

life-giving water

How long do you think you could you go without water?

It’s a sobering thought.

Estimates vary from a few hours up to one week, depending on a person’s age, overall health and surroundings at the time.

But, there’s no question about this, we need water to live.

Precious, life-giving, water.

Spiritual Thirst For God

May we never lose our thirst to learn more about the One Who gives us “living water.”

Living Water that leads to eternal life with our Father in Heaven.

spiritual thirst for God

As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God. – Psalm 42:1. NASB1

In Psalm 42 an ode of the sons of Korah, we read that the author is downcast and in utter despair. The Psalmist pours out his heart to God.

But through the turmoil, he realizes that there is only One Who can give him peace and rest. He continues to praise Him.

I love this thought-provoking poem by fellow Christian writer, Deborah Ann Belka.

I believe it matches the heart of this psalm eloquently.

We can cry out to God and He will hear us.

To Be That Deer!
by Deborah Ann Belka
5/15/2013

Lord, may I be that deer,
that pants after You
may Your living waters
in my life, run though.

May I thirst after You,
more and more each day
may I find Your mercies
as I go along my way.

May I long to seek You,
to know Your perfect will
may You be the strength
keeping me calm and still.

May I sip from the brook,
flowing with eternal grace
may it be Your undying love
my heart, cries to embrace.

Lord, may my life reflect,
my desire to be near
may my soul pant . . .
after You, like that deer!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 42:1-2
King James Version

“As the heart panteth after the water brooks,
so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God:
when shall I come and appear before God?”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka
bdebby@hotmail.com
www.hiswingsshadow.com
http://poetrybydeborahann.wordpress.com/

# # #

1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Share
1 … 50 51 52 53 54 … 98