Will God Forgive Me If

April 21, 2015 Gracie

Will God Forgive Me If I …

Will God forgive me if Had an abortion?

Divorced for non-biblical reasons?

Committed adultery?

Skipped church?

Broke a promise?

These questions are from real people searching on the internet.

They’re searching for guidance about an issue in their life that is weighing on their very souls.

God bless them for recognizing their need for answers about important questions in the Christian faith.

First, some important facts for everyone to remember:

We’re all sinners and we will all continue to be. We’re human beings, not God, so there’s no getting around our sinful nature.

Will God forgive me if ____________ (insert your concern.) Our loving Father does forgive if we sincerely seek His repentance. And, our infallible God is smart enough to know the difference between a sincere apology and a fake one.

How do we ask for forgiveness?

Talk to God. Pray about it and, if you feel comfortable, find a Christian friend or family member and ask them to pray about it with you.

Heavenly Father, I believe I have messed up.

I’m asking for Your forgiveness and

also Your guidance about this situation.

I’m listening, Lord, and I’m opening my heart

to your eternal wisdom. Please give me strength

and patience as I seek your Will for my life.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

* In Isaiah 1:18-20, KJV, the Bible tells us:

¹⁸Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

¹⁹If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: ²⁰But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Lord, Thank You For Your Grace

In my humble opinion, the word “grace” is one of the most beautiful and meaningful words in the English language. It is through His grace alone that we have salvation. We are forgiven from our sins through Jesus Christ, but we must believe in Him and repent when we sin.

I hope this is helpful to anyone reading this post who has a question like the ones above.

God alone, makes all things new.

God makes all things new

* In 1 John 1:9, Scripture tells us:

⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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* All Scripture verses are from: the King James Version (KJV), public domain.

Our Exceptional God

April 17 2015 Not A Day Of Silence

April 14, 2015 Gracie

April 17 2015 not a day of silence for me

It may be considered by some people to be about a socio-political agenda, but for me it will be another day of declaration. A declaration that there is one God and one way to Heaven and that is through the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

In my prayers that day, I will spend some time asking God for a spiritual revival in this great country. It is no longer the country I grew up in. Social and moral values have changed and our very freedoms are threatened by a growing tide of liberalism and godlessness.

American freedoms No need to be surprised. We knew it would eventually happen in America, I just never thought in my lifetime.

But, I’m over that.

Now that this growing tide of godlessness is here, we can remember that, in the Bible, God’s inspired Word, we’re told not to be afraid. That’s not always easy, especially when the persecution of Christians is on the rise.

So, what can we do?

We Can Pray

We can pray for a spiritual revival as previously mentioned. God hears every prayer. He knows our hearts and He knows all of our fears and concerns.

Ask God For Mercy

We can ask God for mercy for our own souls and for the lost. It’s not just the godless who sin. We ALL fall short and are in need of forgiveness. The Church is not and should not be a gathering of “holier than thou’s.” It’s a hospital for sinners and we do well to keep that in mind. Everyone should feel welcome in the pews, as long as they are respectful and they come with a sincere heart to seek God and forgiveness. God convicts the heart.

Teach Our Children Who’s Really In Charge

We can teach our children that, no matter what is going on in our world, God is always in control. It’s not easy to be strong and courageous in such a dark world, but we are not (and have never been) in a world where God is not on His throne. Jesus promised us that He would be with us always. If He didn’t mean it, He wouldn’t have said it.

He can not lie.

*From Matthew 28:18-20:

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We Can Turn Our Fears Into Prayers

You can do it!

Pray “Lord, please help me. I’m feeling anxiety about this situation. There seems to be no clear cut answer and I don’t know how to handle it.”

It’s not weak to say that. It’s an honest petition to God.

As Christians, we will face mockery and name-calling for staying strong in our faith.

*From 1 Peter 3:13-17:

13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.”

Defend The Faith, But…

No one should be a bully, no one on either side of the political and social spectrum.

We can and should stand up for our faith when asked, but please be kind. Just because we know, by our faith, what God calls sin, that does not warrant harming another person. We can remain steadfast in our faith and pray for those unbelievers who mock us. Don’t compromise the truth of the Bible just because someone else talks louder or shouts you down. Hold onto your faith and God will honor that.

Please Vote

We can vote for political candidates who believe in God and the Bible. You will know by their actions and record what they support. We can also pray for them, in fact we’re commanded to pray for our leaders, even though it’s hard. It hurts me to my very core to pray for someone who supports abortion (the murder of babies), but I do.

God knows our hearts are hurting when political laws change that mock His word, but we can pray for strength. We can also pray that the eyes of those people defying God’s Word will be opened to His truth. Hearts can be changed through Divine intervention. Remember the Apostle Paul in the Bible? Formerly known as Saul, he was a persecutor of Christians. Through God’s grace, Saul’s eyes were opened and he became Paul – one of the most memorable defenders of the faith.

Believers Should Pray For Each Other Also

During times of trial we can ask for support from fellow believers and we can also give that prayer support when a suffering friend reaches out to us. We need each other and we can pray for each other.

We Can Read The Bible

In Genesis 9:12-16, God clearly gave us the rainbow as a sign of His covenant with man. He hasn’t forgotten. Trying to change it or redesign its meaning is an act of defiance that God will judge one day.

I believe that the Bible is 100% true…every single word.

Why would a perfect God give us anything less?

He wouldn’t.

God didn’t say to the gospel writers: “Hey, I will give you my inspired Word, write it down, and I’ll just let mankind guess how much or which part is true.”

No one should say there’s a lot right in the Bible, but there’s wrong too. That doesn’t even make sense.

Either It’s All True Or None Of It Is

It’s as simple as that.

Anyone preaching or teaching otherwise is doubting the Word of God and that becomes yet another example of mankind deceptively trying to fuel doubts in Him.

Why?

Because, ultimately, mankind does not want to feel convicted…about anything.

Keep that kind of watered down, false doctrine and false teaching away from me.

Here’s one sad example. We hear that at least one well known musician doubts portions of Scripture (including Genesis). Because this person is famous and/or some like his music, we’re supposed to label the Bible a myth because some imperfect, modern day, doubting Thomas says so?

Nope, nada, no thanks.

We’re all imperfect. There is only One who is perfect – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God’s Love Letter

The Bible is God’s love letter to us and it is absolute Truth. The so-called inconsistencies are explainable to anyone who has doubts and desires to seek the truth. The resources are available. If you have doubts, have you taken the time to research it? Read Josh McDowell’s “Evidence that Demands a Verdict.” There are so many evidential materials available, you have to take the time. Please don’t ruin your witness for Christ by discouraging others with a disclaimer on the Bible.

There may be parts of the Bible that continue to be puzzling, but there’s no harm in saying that you don’t know what something means. None of us are perfect. We all have a lot still yet to discover of the richness contained in God’s Word.

For so many years, I never read the Bible because I didn’t grow up as a Christian. Once I was saved though, it was like a light bulb turned on and I couldn’t get enough. I have never felt so loved in my life as I do when I study about the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I pray your April 17th will be a day of peace and one of remembrance for the One who gave His life for your sins. This is the same God who gave us the rainbow, a symbol of His promise.

April 17 2015 not a day of silence

Shine Your Light

There will always be disagreements and strife in this world, but we can pray, persevere, and shine the light of Jesus Christ to those around us who do not know Him.

Your race, gender, or beliefs don’t disqualify you if you start earnestly seeking after our one true God. All can be saved, but it will only be through Him.

It is the best feeling in the world to come to know Him. I am living proof.

We will all continue to sin, but believe me, the Holy Spirit will work in your life. You will seek to put aside your sinning ways and follow Him. When you screw up, He is there if you truly seek His forgiveness every time.

You will be a new creation.

*From 2 Corinthians 5:17 –
17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Our Exceptional God

Does prayer work for some and not others?

April 7, 2015 Gracie

Does prayer work for some and not others?

It’s a question that’s usually asked out of frustration and, sometimes, even anger.

Does prayer work for some and not others Here’s the better question: Is your heart right with God and are you praying with the right intentions?

Prayer does work and God does answer them, but just remember, His answer may not be the answer you were hoping for. He will answer your prayers in one of three different ways, and that answer depends on His providential will regarding your particular circumstances-

God can reply:

1. “Yes” (We all want that answer, right?)
2. “No” (This is the answer that hurts sometimes, but God knows best.)
3. “Not now” (This is an answer that can also hurt, but only God has perfect timing. Even though that thing you prayed for seems to be the most pressing issue in your life right now, God may decide that it’s better for you to wait.)

Bottom Line: Keep praying!

Don’t give up on God because you didn’t get the answer you were looking for. Someone actually said to me once: “I did pray and God didn’t answer the way I wanted Him too. He has forsaken me.”

Remember, He hasn’t given up on you and He hasn’t forsaken you at all.

We must trust Him even when life doesn’t seem fair. Don’t blame God that sin entered the world. We’re dealing with the repercussions of that to this day.

As our Heavenly Father, He cares for us more deeply than any earthly parent would care for their child. His saying “no” or “not now,” even when it doesn’t appear to make sense or doesn’t seem fair at the time, is the most loving thing He can do. You may not understand it now, but you will someday, if you trust Him. That’s what faith is all about. He grieves over the sins of this world right along with us.

Examine Your Heart Before You Pray

Prayer is also about gratitude. Prayer isn’t simply a means for us to ask God for things. He’s not a magic genie and He’s definitely not tied to those nutty chain letters that promise a miracle will happen if you forward the letter to 10 of your closest friends.

You should examine your heart before you pray. Are your prayers full of selfish wants? Have you put your own desires aside to thank Him for His blessings? Are you even showing your gratitude to the One who gave you life?

The Bible tells us that, as we go through life, we will face many challenges. Sometimes the only thing we can do is pray for guidance.

It’s okay to go it alone, but sometimes the best thing is to ask for prayer support from our Bible-believing family and friends.

When’s the last time you shared a painful experience with a Christian friend and asked him or her to pray with you? You may be surprised at how quickly they can’t wait to do so.

You’re not alone, you know.

The immense support you can receive from a fellowship of believers can help sustain you through the difficult times. It has happened to me.

A Resource That May Be Helpful For You

If you don’t have that intimate prayer support, I want to share with you a resource that might help you.

It’s called “Prayer Works.”

You can find here.

http://www.fromhisheart.org/prayer/prayerworks

It’s part of Pastor Jeff Schreve’s “From His Heart Ministry” website. Simply visit the site and submit your request for prayer.

Christians visiting the site have the opportunity to read your request and then can pray for you. That’s a good thing, but I think the even better thing is that you can check the option to be notified anonymously when someone lifts you up in prayer.

What could be more encouraging than that?

For example, imagine that you’ve just lost your job and you have no idea how you will support your family. Your situation seems hopeless. You want to ask for prayer, but don’t have anywhere to turn. Go to the Prayer Works section of the site and list your request there. Those little “I’m praying for you” notifications you can receive during the stressful days ahead are like little beacons of hope in the darkest of circumstances.

Here’s Ricky Skaggs singing “Somebody’s Praying.” I urge you to listen to this song. It’s hard to hold back tears when you ponder the meaning of the song.

Even Mr. Skaggs chokes up.

God bless!

Our Exceptional God

Sunday’s Coming

April 3, 2015 Gracie

It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming!

Sunday's coming Praise God!

Feel the love that God has for you.There is redemption for the sins of believers.

Sunday’s Coming

Christ died on the cross for yours and my sins.

There is no greater love than this!

If you’re ever feeling unloved, think about this!

Here’s a favorite passage of mine from the Bible, especially the last sentence.

“Truly this was the Son of God” – spoken by a Roman!

⁵¹And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. ⁵²The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, ⁵³and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. ⁵⁴When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
– English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The Lord Is Coming – Celebrate!

If you profess your belief in Jesus Christ, you will spend your eternity in Heaven with Him.

Have you ever thought about what Heaven could be like?

Think about JOY Everlasting with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sunday’s coming! It is!

Go out and share the Good News of the Gospel!

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Our Exceptional God

No Birds At Auschwitz

March 31, 2015 Gracie

“There were no birds at Auschwitz”

Auschwitz concentration camp “There are still no birds at Auschwitz.”

The silence in the room was overwhelming, except for the sounds of a few listeners grabbing Kleenex from their purses.

Those of us in the audience were deeply moved as Dr. Edie Eger shared her triumphant story of survival in a Nazi concentration camp.

I’m sure you’ve studied in history class or perhaps even seen movies about the horror and atrocities that took place in Auschwitz.

Man’s inhumanity to man.

How could this have happened?

Acting less than human and even less than animals, a face of evil drove thousands of brainwashed SS members in World War II to arrest and exterminate millions of Jews during Hitler’s reign of terror.

It is almost incomprehensible that anyone (man, woman or child) could have survived the savagery that took place there in the concentration camps. And yet, there before me, sat this remarkable woman on the stage – a Holocaust survivor and the epitome of grace and forgiveness.

At 87 years old, Dr. Eger can still command a room. Her stories of surviving Auschwitz are unforgettable.

I’m still thinking about them.

She is living history, and it was a privilege to hear her talk about her life. You can read more about her at this link: http://dreee.com/history.html

There are no birds at Auschwitz

No birds at Auschwitz Think about that. It still gives me chills.

I can look out the window of my home and see and hear birds chirping every day. For Dr. Eger, the pleasure of experiencing the beauty of God’s creatures was stolen from her as a young teenager.

Like most of us at age sixteen, she had hopes of fulfilling her dreams and making her life into something wonderful. As a trained ballerina from Hungary, one of her dreams was to become an Olympic gymnast.

That dream was snatched away from her in 1944 as the Nazis took her and her family to Auschwitz.

Upon arrival at the camp, her parents were taken away. She and her sister never saw their father again and were told that their mother was in another line somewhere to take a “shower.”

Dr. Eger could have lost all hope, but as she told us, that’s all she and her fellow prisoners had to cling to in a death camp – Hope.

More chills.

Dr. Eger and her sister had their hair shaved off immediately. Everything was taken from them – their jewelry, clothing – all of it and every day, they would wake up and think “What next?”

Surviving The Horror

Despite the constant fear and intimidation hurled at them from their captors, Dr. Eger held onto the fact that she would defiantly survive this horror.

“They” could never take away her memories and they could never take away her spirit. She willed to live in spite of everything that was happening to her and around her.

She remembers the needle sticking in her arm as she was forced to give blood which was then used to save the lives of injured Nazis.

One of her most chilling memories was that she was selected to dance in front of Dr. Josef Mengele, also known as the “angel of death.” I guess he needed some entertainment in his down time.

Besides Dr. Eger’s unwavering will to live, her talent as a ballerina was just one of her abilities that helped keep her alive. She could use her talent to dance before the enemy and, sometimes, it resulted in an extra ration of bread.

The extra scraps of food helped sustain her, but more importantly, so did her belief in God.

“God was with me in Auschwitz”

Her hope for a rescue and her belief in God kept her going and she knew in her heart that, one day, she would be freed. She was weak and injured to the point of death at times, but her life was far from over. In 1945, her hope became a reality as American soldiers arrived and rescued her. She was discovered, almost unconscious, as she lay among a mass grave of fellow prisoners.

Dr. Eger’s stories of life in Auschwitz (and the other camps she was moved to) are enough to make you shudder and be ashamed for taking anything you have in this life for granted.

You would think that Dr. Eger hated her captors, but she didn’t.

She said she pitied them.

She knew that the people who staffed those concentration camps would eventually be tried and, in some cases, executed for their war crimes. Even worse, until they died, the images of their brutality would be on their consciences forever.

Forgiveness no matter the cost

I can’t think of many examples of people who are as forgiving as Dr. Eger is.

She’s a shining example of what Jesus told us when He commanded us to love and pray for our enemies. We may not be able to change them, but we can pray for them.

Dr. Eger has become one of my heroes. This lovely woman has turned the heartbreaking memories of her past into a mission of encouragement for all of us to reach for our Savior, even in the darkest and loneliest of places.

God bless you Dr. Eger for sharing your story with the world. At age 87, you are one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever been around.

May God bring all of you peace who are reading this today.

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Our Exceptional God

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