Consuming Revelation

What a funny title for a post! But that has been for me lately.  I am reading, reading, & re-reading the Book of Revelation, & any other related books of the Bible.  

I started the study of this book at the request of the ladies in my Bible study.  To tell you the truth I haven't been in Revelation for quite some time, so I had to re-familiarize myself with it again - the whole thing not just bits & pieces of it.  I find myself getting side tracked a lot, going on a tangent hunt.  But I'm loving it!  The problem though is that it's Christmas time & I haven't done any decorating because I'm consumed with this study.

I had a very difficult time finding a relevant study of this book.  Everything I found either discussed just the first 5 chapters & the last 2, or it was written in the last century.  I know the last century was only 12 years ago, but soooo much has happened on the political scene since then.  Those that really dug into the book, set the stage in Europe for the events to unfold. That's what they knew then.  But the Lord has revealed so much more to us today.  As a recent writer of this subject wrote in his book, Israel & the Middle East is & always has been the center stage for all Biblical prophecies.   I had a good dose of correction in reading Joel Richardson's book, The Islamic Anti-Christ, last Spring.  Reading that book really opened my eyes.  The book was published in 2009 & like Joel Rosenberg's books, so many things he predicted have come to pass.

I am just amazed at what Beth Moore has taught us in this series.  Really the book of Revelation is the story of redemption.  God wants desperately to redeem a people out of sin's grip, Satan's grip, death's grip.  But men are too stubborn sometimes to be rescued.  What shocks me is that there are those who rail their fists at Him instead of begging for mercy.  That blows my mind!

But none-the-less I am thoroughly enjoying this study.  I hope my ladies are, I know some of them have.  Please pray that they understand it, & that they attend.  Even though they requested the study, many haven't come because roadblocks have come in the way.  Just like the enemy to keep them from learning the truth.

The First Love Experience

I have come to learn not to despise a small group when I teach Bible study.  Because usually those who don't generally open up, will when there is a smaller group. A more intimate group tends to give that quiet one a chance to get in there and say something.  I don't know if they feel safer or that less voices give them an opportunity to share.  Well that was the case Tuesday night. 

We've been watching Beth Moore's DVD Bible study on the book of Revelation.  That particular night we were on the 7 churches listed in chapters 2 and 3. When we begin, we review our homework, watch the DVD lesson, and then I will ask was there anything that stood out to anyone. After some silence, one of the ladies shared that when Beth talked about returning to your first love, she had never understood it.  But now that she explained it the way she did, she wants it badly.  She said it with tears.  She had been coming from a worldly perspective. 

I love how Beth Moore explains things.  When she began with the concept forgiveness, this lady now had a scriptural basis from which to build upon.  Beth showed that you can't hang on to unforgiveness and your first love with the same set of hands.  Then, in a Beth Moore fashion, she shared what first love with Jesus is.  Realizing this, she challenges us, something has to go.  Beth speaks from an experience that gives her a voice where some of us cannot speak from.  She also speaks from such love.

Once Beth Moore had explained it, my friend knew that this was what she wanted.  She never really had a first love experience. When we all had shared and were ready for prayer, she asked that she would be able to have that experience for herself.  Most of these ladies that I teach grew up in the church, but they had wandered far from it once they were on their own.  I ask that you join with us in prayer that these ladies would all have that first love experience and have that desire to maintain that relationship as well.

 

Clairton Ministry

I've had the privilege to minister to some wonderful ladies in studying the Bible.  It has been a little over a year that I have been digging into the Word with them. We started with Hannah's prayer and we have just finished studying the book of Ruth.  

These ladies live in the projects of Clairton, right in the heart of chaos and crime.  Most times my arrival is met with drama.  They live in default mode.  Their social life revolves around this community of ladies who all live on the same street very close to each other.  In the summer you will find them outside hanging out on their street.  They get into each other's lives, raising each other children.  For me, this is a very different way to live.  I am having to learn a new culture and a new language, yet they have won my heart.

It has been wonderful watching these ladies grow each at their own rate.  When I arrived, a good many of them were nominal Christians at best.  They wanted to keep their worldly habits and still be called a Christian.  But over the last year I have seen such a transformation in them.  

Two of these ladies rededicated their lives to the Lord and were water baptized on a very cold fall day.  Two weeks later, they had their babies dedicated to the Lord.  Each of these ladies let their light shine wherever they go and share the Word of God as the Lord leads. I am so proud of them.

Another young lady has such a hunger for the things of God.  She is quiet, watching what goes on around.  But as of recent, she is beginning to come out of her shell.  When I can, I take her to the church I go to Sunday evenings, which is about every other week.  She loves that little store front church.  There she can be herself.  It's a small enough group of people that we can be free to worship as we choose.  We laugh, we cry, we jump up and down, we bend our knees or even lay on our faces.  She feels right at home there.  And I'm beginning to see such a change in her.

Recently, I was referred by one of these ladies to a friend who was going through some difficulty.  She lived on the next street up.  She just asked me to listen to her and see if I could be of any help.  I had never counseled an adult before.  I've mentored, befriended, and lead Bible studies before, but this was again something new to me. My pastor encouraged me to go ahead with it.  He said that I did have it in me.  So that's what I did . . . I listened.  I visited her often, sharing the Word with her and again just listened.  I would often say a silent prayer asking for wisdom as to how to answer her.  She was so hurt and bitter, I felt I needed the wisdom Solomon to help her.  She was not a believer, but as time went on she asked Jesus to come into her life and show her His Words.  Immediately her countenance changed.  I gave her a little booklet called "The Roman's Road to Salvation".  She couldn't get enough of it.  She has been asking questions and learning. 

It's been a joy to meet in their living rooms and fellowship with them each week.  And it's exciting to be a part of God's work and to be where He is moving.  I do ask you to pray with me for this ministry.  The enemy is such a great force there and darkness abounds. Along with my ladies' Bible study is a children's ministry and a youth group.  I work with a great staff!  God put Clairton on Pastor Brent's heart several years back, he works with the teens.  Brittany and Megan work with the kids.  They can have up to 40 kids at one time.  We are currently looking for a building right on that street to house the ministry.  Pray that we have favor and that doors will open.

Congradulations Carissa!!!

We are so proud of our daughter-in-law!!! This amazing woman has completed her MBA amidst working & putting her hubby through law school. I know that this must have been a very trying time for her.  She is such a wonderful blessing to our family!  Congratulations Sweetie!!!

Our Visit to Virginia

We were able to go down to celebrate our daughter-in-law's graduation from grad school. We all prayed that it would not rain because of all the outdoor activities. When we got there, we joined Dave & Carissa at a reception for the graduates & their families.  They hosted it at LU's stadium.  What a wonderful spread they put on! 

Saturday was damp but it did not rain as the graduation ceremonies began in the stadium.  We were handed a program & a poncho just in case as we came in. This was Liberty's largest graduating class yet.

As the graduates were walking in Carissa was trying to find us.

Proud Mom & Husband!

There was a heavy mist at times but it did not rain at all through out the outdoor events!  God was good to us!  We looked on from the bleachers. Both the opening ceremony & the school of business diploma ceremony was held at the Williams Stadium.

Randall Wallace was the keynote speaker & what a wonderful speaker he was!

Dave & Carissa

 Afterward, we came back to Dave & Carissa's beautiful home.  It was time to party!  It was good getting together with her family & catch up on news!

We stayed an extra day & did some sight-seeing at the nearby Civil War battle field. Aaron & Andrew love history so this was a treat for them. We counted it as a field trip for school.

We had a great time, & as all good things, our trip came to end all too fast!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day ended up being a wonderful surprise! The day was beautiful, which after many days of rain was a welcome relief. You couldn't ask  for a prettier day!

A friend of mine needed a ride to church so we enjoyed catching up with her to & from church.  She had been very sick for a really long time, so it was wonderful to have her coming back to church again!  The service was, of course, dedicated to the mothers, worship was good, & I was able to minister to another friend who had just received some bad news.  Then at the end of service Pastor Bill prayed for the mothers & the teens gave us all flowers.

I got a beautiful pink Dehlia.

Then after church my guys went to town to fix dinner.  As they worked on it, my Dad & his wife, Ginnie, stopped by to pick up some items on their way home.  It was so nice that they were able to stay & visit for awhile.  Only wish the visit could have been longer, seemed like there was much to catch up on.  But they had to get home to meet my brother & my nieces.  The girls were staying over Grandma & Grandpa's then taking a bus to the JFK airport to fly to Egypt & visit my daughter.

Then Scott's Mother came shortly afterwards to join us for dinner.  We had a good meal! Scott grilled London broil, & had made Hot German potato salad & fresh baked bread while the boys made strawberry shortcake fixings for dessert.  He steamed our home grown asparagus to go with the dinner.  We enjoyed visiting with Mom & she enjoyed the homemade meal.  We learned long ago that going out to eat on Mother's Day was insanity!

Later on as Mom left, we took the boys to meet with friends for volleyball fun.  Scott & I went for a drive into the country.  We decided to go up to the upper end of Washington County.  We've been to our end many times, it was a nice change. I like to new places to discover.

The 1st place we went to was a new plant Scott wanted to see just outside Houston.

Next we headed on over to Hickory. That is such a quaint town.

 

I love what they did to this old log home!

Then we drove out to see what was around.

And ended up in the town of McDonald. 

We have 2 pastor friends who live in McDonald so we decided to see the town.  We stopped at an ice cream shop & ended up with huge portions.  I guess you live & learn.

Soon we got a call from the boys to be picked up.  They have a great time!

Beautiful sunset to end the day!

I Love Springtime!

I absolutely love Spring!  It's my most favorite time of the year.  I love watching the world come awake again as leaves begin to emerge, flower blossom show their beautiful array, the day lengthens and begins to warm up, and the birds begin to sing their songs of praise!  The pond comes alive with music as the spring peepers begin their choruses. Each week holds more surprises of new life taking place.  It's wonderful to see baby calves, lambs, and foals dot in the fields once again. 

How wonderful to wake up with the sun instead of waiting for its arrival in the day. Each week we notice how much later the sun remains in the sky before going to bed for the night.  These are the times we are blessed with all kinds of activities that the heavens display.  Whether its an approaching storm, a rainbow after the rain, or a glowing sunset, Spring is the time of year that God displays His majesty.

Each week brings new blossoms that bloom and the fragrance fills the air with wonderful aromas!  This is the time to bring out the camera to catch all festivities as they come. I so enjoy bringing in each cut bouquet. They are a lovely feast for the eyes!

A drive in the countryside reveals striped farmland getting ready to plant for fall harvest.  The smell of freshly turned soil is exhilarating knowing another growing season is on its way. Along with the turned soil comes the fragrant aroma of freshly cut grass as the new cutting season begins.

Gardens begins to yield their line of goodies. It's fun to watch as each thing peeks its head out from the soil.  First pickings out of my garden is the spinach that sat dormant all winter.  Then the rhubarb contends with the asparagus for second place.  Then somewhere along the line comes the luscious strawberries.  This year is the 1st pickings of this new crop, because they had to establish last year.

The Spring mornings bring its own set of occurrences. If it's been a cold night you might find frost still lingering from winter. Or maybe an early morning fog covers the valleys with jewels of dew glistening atop of the grass. Sunrises have always been a wonderment for me to see. They can sometimes tell you what kind of day you will have. The days usually start out crisp, warming up as the sun rises, then cool back down for the evening.

After a long winter, it feels so good to see life return, its a promise of many months of  warmth and greenery.  We are blessed to live in an area where we get all the seasons in equal proportions over the year.  I enjoy the blessings of each one, but my favorite is still Spring.

The parsley we grow each year.

Neighbor's dogwood

Maple tree behind our church

The truck farm close to church

Mama cow & her calf

Dogwood

Magnolia blossoms

Good Friday

Thank you Jesus!

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  JN 3:16

Spring is Finally Here!

This house belongs to a friend of a friend & sits on Rt. 40.

Henry Bridge in Mingo Creek Park

We took a drive & came upon these lovely trees full of pink flowers.

 These beautiful flowers are from Easters past.

These daffodils adorned an old Victorian home in Finleyville.

The sun was rising on this church that sits on Rt. 19.

Sunset, the days are longer now, yippie!

Can't remember where I took the picture of these Bradford pears.

These are their beautiful flowers.

Myrtle in our flower garden.

The Promise of Spring

April is finally here, but this month marched right in with snow!  Well, to be fair, it came with snow rain, dark clouds & sun shine!  Yes, you heard me right.  Ever since the 1st day of April we have had all manner of weather, whatever that can be thrown at us.  We are promised 70 degree days ahead. I can't wait!!!

Being a Fragrant Aroma

But thanks be to God,

Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ

and through us spreads everywhere

the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

For we are to God the aroma of Christ

among those who are being saved

and those who are perishing.

2 Cor. 2:14-15

It is amazing that an all powerful, almighty God uses us in the advancement of His Kingdom.  For we are that sweet smelling aroma not only to the Father but also to those around us as we carry His Word to a lost and dying world.  It seems like a daunting task for the believer, but it’s not.  As we spend time in His Presence, the Holy Spirit clothes us in His anointing power.  Sitting at His feet studying His Word, feasting on Manna, infuses His life giving power into our souls.  Worshiping at His throne, giving God due recognition and praise, drenches us in what Song of Solomon says as “dripping with myrrh”.  And it empties us of that responsibility and places it where it belongs.   In His hands; it is His work.  The more we spend time in His Presence the more He will lead “us in the triumphal procession in Christ and through us spread everywhere the fragrant” aroma of Christ.

A Holy God

Kim Walker of the band Jesus Culture sings a song entitled "Holy" with the words that say, "Oh, let me see Your face, the beauty of Your holiness God.  And only one word comes to mind. There only word to describe . . .  Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty".  I heard recently that the word holy just simply means set apart for divine purpose.  Although that is part of the definition, that is not it in its entirety. The word for set apart is consecrate.  That definition also describes the word sanctify.  But holy has a much greater dimension.  We are considered holy, because of the blood of Jesus covers us and thus makes us holy.  We are to be set apart for God's purposes.  But that only happens by the divine power given to us by the Holy Spirit.

The only One who is truly holy is God.  Holy has the sense of purity that we cannot experience.  We were sinful human beings.  Even though we are covered and Jesus makes us pure again, we have that scar of our experience with sin.  Holy God never did.  He knows what sin is, what its has done and the price it cost His Son, but God never experience sin.  He was and always will be sinless, and therefor Holy!  That's a dimension we can't come from.  That's a dimension that is only reveal to us by God Himself.  The more I worship Him, the more I see His holiness, the more He reveals His holiness to me.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they lost the ability to perceive God's holiness.  And every time we sin, we build that harden layer between us and God.  We lose sensitivity to that holiness that gives conviction to our souls.  When we stand before a pure holy God, our filth is revealed.  Thank goodness, though, His Son can robe us in His holiness!!!

I love what A. W. Tozer said, "God is not now any holier than He ever was.  And He never was holier than now.  He did not get His holiness from anyone nor from anywhere. He Himself is the Holiness.  He is the All-Holy, the Holy One; He is holiness itself, beyond the power of thought to grasp or of word to express, beyond the power of all praise"! We try to express with words too limited the awesomeness and power and holiness of God, but we fall short. But I don't stop trying either.  I believe God delight in the trying.