Bring the Rain Page 60

I was in Louisiana moving my freshman into her dorm at LSU when the flooding hit so I've been looking at it from ground zero...but to look at this picture of my home town, Denham Springs, brings back the tears.  The loss and the overwhelming amount of work to be done makes you want to sit down and weep-and we did.  All of the homes that filled with water that day literally represent families, lifestyles and the essence of daily life.  These homesteads are now filled with watermarks where the water once stood, a smell that says filth was here, and visible destruction that indicates our helplessness sometimes.  

 My heart fell to my feet as I watched my parents entire life-everything that represents them; their hard earned work which established their 56 year-old homestead, become surrounded with water. Their home, my childhood home, was evacuated but I snuck back in to keep watch.  I sat a few items down on a windowsill and went to peek out the front door to see where the water level was.  As I turned back around to get those items I literally stepped in the water just as it began to seep in.  I gasped and begin to cry.  

Their home isn't JUST a home that flooded… it is A WAY OF LIFE and represents every single nuance that created my siblings and I that became swallowed in that flood.  I looked around the house in disbelief at the mess that we created in order to salvage their belongings; all the furniture was elevated, the piano, the grandfather clock, the dining table where we have celebrated every holiday, every birthday, every big event in our large family-elevated.  Loving my parents as I do and knowing my mother as I do -because I'm a perfectionist, just like her, I became astounded at the destruction-zone their home had become and the water had not even done any damage yet. I was preliminarily stumped as to what to do.  There seems to be a moment in time when you find there is simply nothing you can do. As we watched the water continue to rise I can’t tell you how many times I stopped in my tracks and desperately searched my mind and prayed to heaven for a way to keep the water out of their house.  If I could have found a way I would have.  I honestly would have done anything! There simply was no way!  This is the point that shows us who we are.

The water has crept off leaving brown markings on trees and walls indicating where it once stood.  Through this I have learned that I have parents who are rock solid and steadfast in their stance of faith and who are the hardest workers I've ever known. Actually this is simply a confirmation because I knew this already.  I watched as my 81 year-old daddy began working to protect his home and to this day he literally hasn’t stopped.  My family never misses church so I joined my 82 year-old mother as she led a family Bible study on that 1^st Sunday morning; all of us gathering around to listen to her wisdom through the Word of God.  We wore work clothes instead of church clothes and wore faces that said “I’m tired and devastated but I’m ready to work all day again today for this family”.... and day after day we did- from sun up till sun down! 

With a proud but grieving heart I've learned that I have brothers that will do anything for our family, sisters- in-law who love unconditionally, nephews and nieces who will put others before themselves, and sisters who stand by their parents even when their homes have been flooded as well.  I've learned that life can quickly become devastating but we can salvage it.  This is what South Louisiana is doing right now.  This is what my parents and siblings and entire extended family are doing right now.  The smallest kindness helps. A stranger gave me a cold bottle of water and I was blessed beyond measure in that moment.  Please do one small thing for Louisiana and you have done one small kindness for my family.  Like Jesus said:   "What you do for the least of my brothers you have done for me".

End Note: 

My family & their homes may be water-logged but they are safe.  The Lord that brings the rains still reigns in our hearts and with my parents setting the lead, we kept that 1st Sabbath holy and honored him in the midst of it all.  This is who my family is and I am overwhelmed that God has blessed each of us with this kind of family legacy and this kind of faith that my heart wants to burst and my tears rain down. 

This writing is in honor of my entire family

and scripture below
 is in honor of my brother, John!

You are my hero!

Always have been-but you’ve always known that!

RvH

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name;

You are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

And when you pass through the rivers,

They will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

You will not be burned;

The flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord, your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Isaiah 43: 1-3

My family members who were affected by the flood:

Parents –home flooded.

Brother, Jimmy-home flooded

Brother, John-home flooded

Sister, Gloria-home flooded

Sister, Rachel-home flooded

Nephew, Ben-home flooded
Niece, Linzee-home flooded

Niece, Jennifer-Salon flooded

Song Recommendation:

Jesus, Bring the Rain

By: MercyMe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

Song Recommendation: 
O The Blood
By: Gateway Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxeVrMC1qVY

 Pray for my family and ALL of Louisiana!

Advanced Warning Signs Page 59

I was going over an old Bible Study that I had sitting on my desk and came upon this question:  “What will people be saying when sudden destruction comes upon them?”  With the state that our country is in the question seems appropriate.  The study then directed me to the answer that is found in this scripture: 

“Now, Brothers,
 about the times and dates
we do not need to write to you,
 for you know very well
 that the day of the Lord will come
 like a thief in the night.
 While people are saying,  
“Peace and Safety”
destruction will come on them suddenly,
 as labor pains on a pregnant woman,
 and they will not escape.”
1st Thessalonians 5: 1-3

This is a section from a Beth Moore Study and she adds this cool twist of information to the above scriptures: The phrase “Peace and Safety” was a “well-known slogan of the Roman Empire”.1  A different time and a different people but the political scene was the same as here in 2016 (and 2020).  I absolutely LOVE when scripture ties history together with its teachings because this is exactly what we are to see as we study God’s Word; the relevant etchings of humanity and the weaving of the mystery of God into our daily lives. 

The above scripture is indeed a mysterious forewarning of Christ’s return.  I find it beyond profound that the people of that day were calling for “Peace and Safety”-just as we are today! Don’t you?  (Don't let that paralleled warning sign slip by you.) The writers of the Old Testament as well as the New both let us know that advanced warning signs are there for us but we must be aligned with truth and be a student of the Word to see them.  

The scripture in 1st Thessalonians tells us that Christ will return to earth 'like a thief in the night'.  As a believer I am not surprised that an unexpected event will change things as we know it-for few are paying attention to the relevant things of God these days and it seems to me that God always likes to bring us back to Him through the channel of the painfully unexpected.     

Regarding Advanced Warnings, let’s become a student and research this- using the scripture Jeremiah 18: 7-12 as our study guide- because this advanced warning is of the upmost importance in America, 2016 (and also here in 2020):

“If at any time 
I announce that a nation or kingdom
 is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed,
 and if that nation I warned 
repents of its evil,
 then I will relent
and not inflict on it 
the disaster I had planned.
And if at another time I announce
 that a nation or kingdom 
is to be built up and planted,
and if it does evil in my sight
 and does not obey me,
 then I will reconsider the good 
I had intended to do for it.

“Now therefore say to the people of Judah
 and those living in Jerusalem,
‘This is what the LORD says:
‘Look I am preparing a disaster for you
 and devising a plan against you.  
So turn from your evil ways,
 each one of you 
and reform your ways and your actions.’

 But they will reply,
‘It’s no use.'
We will continue with our own plans;
each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.’

51 A.D.

Please don’t over look this example that shows that the Lord wants to give us a way out of the disaster that is heading toward us.  The above scripture gives us exact directions on how to avoid this calamity:“Turn from your evil ways” by a direct change of behavior. The answer is relatively simple! 

 The dilemma comes into play these days, just as it did in Jeremiah’s, because the people (or citizens) respond with stubbornness or, quite the contrary, fall into apathy because of the overwhelming belief that  “It’s no use.”  Why bother seems to be the prevailing implication here.  Why was this their reply?  Why is it ours?

Maybe we’re truly worn out for standing up for our Christian principles.  Perhaps we feel that it is a lost cause or that it is beyond our control.  Perhaps we are that stubborn.  Humanity is that selfish, we all know that.  But with frustration, I still have to ask “Why?” - for we are running out of options!!!  Why do we overlook or simply squander the warning that is so blatantly given to us that implies that We, The People need to change our ways and our actions; our hearts and our attitudes. This is a call to all U.S. citizens.

It’s a gift of mercy that the Lord is willing to relent and it requires true faith to pray and watch as God answers those prayers.   But, we have moved so far from scripture and God’s directives that we don’t know the lesson or see the relevance.  My fellow Christians:  Scripture tells us that "The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective” James 5:16.  Do you believe that?  If so, then form your prayers for our sake of our country with the conviction that God’s power will find a way and restoration of our way-of-life will be found through the saving grace of God! That, my friend, is faith!!!

Scripture teaches this very profound and applicable directive on prayer:

“If my people, who are called by my name, 
will humble themselves and pray 
and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven
 and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

II Chronicles 7: 14

The phrase ‘If my people’ is a shout-out from God, Almighty to all fellow believers.  Spiritual apathy has been the ruin of many people and the downfall of great nations.  America could be the next one and it’s truly unfortunate -for we have been given advanced warning signs and the birth pains of evil are close and consistent; the time is near!  “Change our ways” is the directive!  Using the same spot-on analogy regarding pregnancy that was used in 1^st Thessalonians 5: 1-3 (above) I ask “How can we over-look labor pains that are always so blatant and meant to indicate the obvious?” 

What are some of America’s Labor Pains? (Please note that this was originally written in 2016): 

• ·      Social Unrest -Created & PURPOSELY implemented to loosen America’s Foundation.
• ·      Astronomical Rising Debt -purposely created to weaken the dollar & therefore America.
•     The Rise of Socialism - Political Movement for Government to Provide for All Citizens.
•     Willingness to Accept Lies as Truth -A Doorway to Manipulation & even death-think Nazi Germany
• ·      Christianity as Socially Unacceptable -Meant to change the U.S. into a godless nation
• ·      Political Correctness -Established as a Form of Control to manipulate certain groups of people-for example- Christians
• ·      Control of News Media Outlets -A form of mass control meant to sway the low-information voter & eventually change the entire foundation of our belief system
• ·      Propaganda Flaunted as News -Meant to Sway & Control the country and its citizenry
• ·      Organized Uprisings -Used to Manipulate truth, instill fear, sway opinions & therefore control the citizenry with said FEAR.

Whether you find it tasteful or not, politics and religion are tied together.  Jesus was executed because of politics so there you have it.  These bullet points are just a few to ponder and, to me, they are all dangerous and flabbergasting!  Please look at what is happening in America through the lens of the truth listed above and realize that these are indeed the Advanced Warning Signs of the Downfall of a Mighty Nation!

My advanced warning:  Please don’t let your reply to this manipulative evil be “It’s no use” as they did in Circa 51 A.D. God has directed us to pray and indeed this is what we better do! 

In regards to Socialism and Communism-ponder this: 

“Those who can’t remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
George Santayana

Socialism defined:
 A stage between capitalism and communism;
a classless society.

Jesus:

Son of God;

A Rabbi who taught about charity, morality,

the principle that you reap what you sow

and, in regards to faith, taught you become what you believe.

Question:

At this point in time what does America believe?

Song Recommendation:

There Will Be A Day

By:  Jeremy Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le-TG4sRRiQ 

Song Recommendation: 

Love Has Come

By:   Mark Schultz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIIAf2lS_Us 

1- Children of Light by Beth Moore

Hard to Live Out! Page 58

Here is something I learned recently:  It’s easy to write and/or talk about our belief system, what our faith provides for us, what God’s forgiveness means to us, what God’s grace can do for us and who we believe we are in Christ…. But, in this fallen world, it isn’t that easy to live it out. 

I would hope that with the many years of learning about my faith and growing in God’s word that I would have mastered a few things and perhaps I have; however, in recent weeks I’ve discovered that one mistake can make you question many things regarding your parenting, your ability to see truth, your ability to be a light in this dark world, your ability to wait patiently, your ability to walk in faith, your ability to speak up, rise up, to trust, endure, persevere, to forgive-others and/or yourself.

Here is where I am coming from:  With parental love I watched as my child was disregarded, harassed and slighted for over a year!  Her inner-strength was impressive but I could barely take it.  I cried out for God’s help.  I stood silently and waited till I could not wait any longer and suddenly salt water flowed from my mouth till it my words were red, like blood.  Sitting in the after-math I longed for a guard for my mouth but it was too late.  To be honest, what I said needed to be said but my method was wrong.  This mistake didn’t seem rectifiable.  With passion for my child, I thought I was standing on righteousness (and in my heart I truly was)…. but self-righteousness never pays off and the pride of that can easily grind on your heart till it’s raw with anger.  Pain is the one thing you surely get when your fleshly heart is hurt and your anger exposed.

A close friend graciously said to me “One moment does not define you”.  That was what my soul needed to hear but it seems there are times when one single moment can make you doubt everything.  Believe me when I say THAT is a scary moment.  Just as quickly as that salt water flowed from my mouth God moved into action, as He ALWAYS does, and began working in my life through circumstances.  Literally, within one day His words were piercing my heart with purpose and truth.  Here is the 1^st gracious scripture He comforted me with:

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many,
 are forgiven-for she loved much.
  But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
 Luke 7:47

The next lesson God taught me is this:  Secrets Manifest!  I was blown away at His on-point explanation to me.  I was unaware that the bitterness I was holding secret was going to manifest into such a mess.  What a life-lesson! It’s worth repeating; secrets manifest!  Who knew!

Scripture tells us not to let bitterness take root- for good reason (Hebrews 12:15).  But, bitterness is slow growing and finds it’s roots in the repetitiveness we allow to remain in our lives.  I had chosen to stand in the briars of bitterness and loitered there waiting for fair play to turn up, but it never did!  To be honest, I had exposed myself for too long to the root cause of my anger and I have to take responsibility for that.  (“Anyone who knows what he should do and does not do it-sins”. James 4:17)

As a mature believer I needed a wake up call and God took care of business.  He shook the ground where I stood and made me face down my bitterness and it was ugly.  Once that salty bitterness spewed out of my mouth He then said, “Repent and move on!” Repentance is one thing…. repercussions are another! I was forced out into the unknown bringing my child along with me.  This is a perfect example of how disregarding God’s Word can affect those we love the most.  Because I justified my feelings and allowed bitterness to fester the very one I was trying to stand up for was now adrift with me…but graciously God did not leave me to my own demise.  He provided scripture to mend my heart and friends to soothe my soul.  He has opened doors that offer freedom away from the familiar bitter root that I planted, nourished and paid for with my money, time and energy.   Though I felt the pain of its extraction I cherish the fact that my God cared enough to be right there when I looked up again!  As far as my child goes-she is happy and looking forward to what the future holds.  God has truly blessed her with a huge heart and tons of courage and for that I am eternally grateful!

Yes, the circumstances of my words and actions stand before me…but My God does as well!  It’s hard to say, but I’m grateful for this life lesson and the priceless wisdom it immediately ushered into my life.    If we can take those moments that seem devastating and learn from them then we’ve grown a great deal in God’s eyes.  With this hard-earned wisdom tucked into our hearts and minds we will find the courage to rise again and move on.  Indeed, scripture states that we should do so!

Scripture also says “The old is gone -the new is here!”   I can’t imagine a better phrase that graces us with restoration.  Many magnificent events have been birthed from this statement. Indeed, God’s kingdom is filled with believers who have been gifted with the understanding of these poetic and profound words.  I’m one of them!

RvH

In honor of my daughter, Ava, who's heart is as big as the sky

 and your inner beauty simply captivating. 

 I'm blessed that God has shown me the best of myself 

reflected in your soul!  God is truly Merciful!

RELEVANT SCRIPTURES:

“See to it that no one misses the grace of God
 and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Hebrews 12:15

“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

James 3: 11

“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Psalm 141:3

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 12: 36-37

“The righteous falls seven times and rises again.”
 Proverbs 24:16

“Yet I am writing you a new command: its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.”

1 John 2:8

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come;
 the old has gone, the new is here.”
II Corinthians 5:17




Song Recommendation:
Not Backing Down
By:  Blanca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJVfmfqHWOI

Song Recommedation:
How can it Be?
By:  Lauren Daigle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt5X91ciE6Y