"And this is what He promised us--eternal life." (1 John 2:25)
Eternal life is God's gift promised to all who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. If we remain in Christ, we can be confident that we will spend eternity with Him in Heaven. When our physical life ends on earth, our spiritual life continues throughout eternity without end. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them." (John 3:36) “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24) Notice that the verbs in both verses are in present tense. Our eternal life starts the moment we place our faith in Jesus Christ. It is our current standing in Christ. We will never die spiritually, but instead, live forever with Him. "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die;and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?'” (John 11:25-26) "For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29) O blessed assurance! Praise God for giving us the certainty of our salvation and eternal life! We are eternally safe and secure. We are His now and forever. He will keep and preserve us for eternity. We can never be taken from His grip. God is our fierce Defender and Protector. He is our all-loving and all-powerful Abba Father. God is in control; He is sovereign over all. Please share the gospel with the lost so that they may also place their faith in Jesus Christ and receive the gift of eternal life.
"Christians can be confident about their growth in sanctification and eternal security because they are confident in the God Who promises it." (John Owen)
Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for my eternal life with You and my eternal security in Christ! My life is safe and secure in Your hand. Your loving protection and Your sovereignty give me peace, joy, comfort, confidence, and courage, even in the midst of difficult, challenging times. I pray that You will use me to share the gospel boldly and help the unsaved know how they can receive the gift of eternal life in Christ. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
"Then he (Gabriel) continued, 'Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.'" (Daniel 10:12)
This encouraging verse shows that God hears our prayers immediately and God answers prayers (maybe not the way we expect) but sometimes the answer to our prayers may seem to be delayed (God has His reasons). Therefore, do not be anxious. Pray. Trust. Rest. We must trust God, His will, His wisdom, and His timing. He loves us and knows what's best for us! If our heart is right (humble before God) and our mind is set to gain understanding (not to get what we want, but rather to understand God's will), we have nothing to fear or worry about. Our prayers will be heard, accepted, and taken care of by our Abba Father. Being sure of this, our strength is renewed, our courage is revived, and our hope is rekindled, as we wait upon the Lord. We can approach God's throne of grace with calmness and confidence."This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (1 John 5:14)
Prayer is not about words but rather the attitude of the heart and the condition of the soul that enjoy dwelling in God's presence. Prayer is pouring our heart out to our Heavenly Father, in love, in faith, in humble submission, and in gratitude. Pray earnestly without ceasing. Pray first and pray most. Let's take full advantage of this amazing privilege God has given us! Even though we know His will prevails and He knows all our needs, God desires that we come to Him in prayer because it's a relationship thing. "The purpose of prayer is that we get a hold of God, not of the answer." (Oswald Chambers) He wants us to rely on Him, look to Him for fresh supplies of grace & mercy to sustain us, strengthen us, and keep us to the end, and keep our hearts and mind focused on Him...on His purpose. We find shelter, rest, comfort, strength, joy, peace, encouragement, and assurance in sweet communion with our Father. Our attitude regarding praying should always be "not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42b). Praying draws us closer to God, and through prayer, God molds our heart's desires and our thoughts to be like His. Let us be thankful that God's answers are always wiser than our prayers! "We speak. He listens. He speaks. We listen. This is prayer in its purest form. God changes His people through such moments...Just as a happy child cannot mis-hug, the sincere heart cannot mis-pray. Heaven knows, life has enough burdens without the burden of praying correctly. If prayer depends on how I pray, I'm sunk. But if the power of prayer depends on the One who hears the prayer, and if the One who hears the prayer is my Daddy, then I have hope." (Max Lucado) "Prayer should be...constant, fervent, believing, hopeful, and incessant. God loves it, Satan hates it, and every true Christian values it. True prayer is always necessary, profitable and acceptable to God." (James Smith) "Be thou content to leave thy prayer in His hands, Who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold." (Charles H. Spurgeon) Prayer: Abba Father, I'm so thankful that I can come to You anytime, anywhere and tell you about anything. I'm so glad that You never get tired of listening to my prayers and that You're always available. Please continue to transform my heart and mind, my desires and will to be like Yours. Please help me to be steadfast and patient in prayer when I don't see answers right away. I know You hear and You care. I surrender all to You and I trust You for all things in all circumstances. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
This upbeat song encourages my heart and is perfect for me right now :). I've been studying and reflecting on the names of God.One of them is Yahweh Yireh/Jehovah Jireh "Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means 'the Lord will provide'). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.'" Genesis 22:14
As
a parent, it's always difficult for me to imagine being in Abraham's
shoes when God told him to sacrifice Isaac, the promised son Abraham
waited for 25 years to receive. I really admire Abraham's faith and
obedience. He obeyed God (he did what God told him to do without even
questioning God for details or reasons at all). He was willing to
surrender all (even if it meant his one and only son) to God. He
demonstrated extreme trust and confidence in God when he said to his
servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we
will come back to you." (Genesis 22:5) "We" not just "I"! How did he
have such confidence? Abraham completely believed God's promises to him
(before Isaac was born, God promised Abraham that countless descendants
would come through his son) and knew God would fulfill His promises.
Besides, Abraham "reasoned that God could even raise the dead" (Hebrews
11:19a). God did provide a
ram in a nearby thicket for a substitute sacrifice for Isaac.
To ponder: Are we willing to surrender all to God and trust Him for our every need/every situation?
Are we walking in faith and in obedience? Notice that God's provision
came after Abraham's obedience, not before. Step out in a childlike
faith even when you cannot understand it all. Do we remember to thank God for His provision...for being our faithful Provider? Do we have such confidence in God as Abraham did? If not, let's pray for that
:)!
God will provide
for what we need (needs are not the same as wants). He already provided
for our greatest need, the need for a substitute to pay the penalty for
our sin and die in our place. He provided His one and only Son, Jesus
Christ! "If we can trust God for our eternal salvation, how can we not trust Him
to provide for the "little" things of life?" (M.E.Howard) God loves you and He will provide for what you need when you need it. "My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) "God
is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8).
If you read the Bible, you know that Satan (the devil) is real. Some Christians avoid talking about Satan as if he no longer exists or he is no longer active. Others give too much credit to Satan for almost everything bad that happen in the world/in their lives or blame Satan for their wrongdoings (without taking responsibility for their actions....similar to what Eve did). What we should do is: be aware of spiritual warfare and understand the devil's schemes so that we will know how to respond, defend ourselves, and stand firm. To defeat your Enemy, know your Enemy.
"Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14)
"If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." (James 3:14-16)
He is crafty/cunning. He tempts (since Genesis). He lies (he is the Father of lies) and deceives. He knows the Scriptures but he twists God's Word for his own agenda. He takes advantages when we are weak and empty (physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually). He makes sins look good and sweet. He likes to make a deal (offering something attractive such as money, fame, power, sensual gratification, etc. if you'll only compromise your commitment/ obedience to God). He stirs up/seduces our fleshly desires/self-centered nature. He wants us to worship him, instead of God. He has temporary power to influence the world (but all things are ultimately under God's control). He dares us to test God or makes us doubt God/His Word. He wants us (the Body of Christ, family, marriage) to be divided, instead of being united/in unity.
Fear not! Our victory is in Jesus! Satan tried to tempt Jesus and failed miserably. We can learn much from Jesus's example in Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13.
Defensive and Counter-Attack Strategies:
- Live your life under the authority of God's Word. Be very familiar with God's truth so that you can detect the lies immediately (even when they come sugarcoated with a misuse of Scripture). Fill yourself up with God's Word, our spiritual food, daily. "Jesus answered, 'It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4: 4) "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105)
- Worship, serve, and obey God only...no matter what. With no compromise (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were great examples). Recognize that any deal from Satan is a bad deal. "Jesus said to him, 'Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'" (Matthew 4:10)
- Trust God totally and don't demand God to prove Who He is. "Jesus answered him, 'It is also written: Do not put the Lord your Godto the test.'" (Matthew 4:7) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil." (Proverbs 3:5-7)
- Be self-controlled and alert (watchful). "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith." 1 Peter 5:8-9a
- Put on the full armor of God. "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:11-17)
- Pray. Be in constant communion with God. "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." (Ephesians 6:18a) Spend plenty of time with God.
- Live by faith...by the Spirit. "We live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other. so that you do not do what you want." (Galatians 5:16-17)
"The devil is willing for a person to profess Christianity as long as he does not practice Christianity." (Unknown)
"He who delays his repentance pawns his soul with the devil." (Unknown)
"God put the Church in the world. Satan seeks to put the world in the Church." (Unknown)
"One of the devil's snares is to occupy us with the past and future so as to take away our peace for the present." (Unknown)
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.
When Lina (the Swedish writer of this hymn) was 26, her father (a devout minister) fell overboard and drowned right before her eyes. This tragic experience did not make her bitter or angry at God; instead, she chose to live each day with the conscious presence and strength of her Lord and continued to express a childlike faith/a deep & peaceful trust in Him day by day.
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Thanks to Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson Publisher, I was given 2 free tickets to the Women of Faith 2011 event, "Over the Top" at Rose Garden Arena in Portland. My mother-in-law and I had an absolutely blessed time this past weekend (Oct. 7th and 8th). It's my first time!
"This weekend we're celebrating the unrestrained, outrageous, wildly passionate love God has for each of us. He pours out mercy in a flood. He loves us more than we know. He gives us more than we can ask or dream. He is Over the Top." ~Mary Graham
The worship was awesome! I really enjoyed the worship time...focusing on God's amazing love. It was so cool to sing praises to God along with ~7,000 other women. The worship team included Jovaun Woods from New Orleans, Louisiana; Michelle Swift from Portland, Oregon; Hope Darst from Nashville, Tennessee; and Kara Tualatai from Westlake, California. They had fabulous voices and they truly used them for God's glory. The host, Lori Robertson, was very sweet and gracious. Wow...it was such a treat to hear and learn from all the wonderful speakers.
Patsy Clairmont: I love Patsy Clairmont! She made me think and laugh at the same time :). Some nuggets of truths from Patsy include "Life is messy." "Love is a choice." "Change can be good." "We are created with the will that's stronger than emotions."
Andy Andrews: I've read some of Andy Andrews' books (The Noticer, The Butterfly Effect, and The Boy Who Changed the World). He's a gifted author and a hyperactive motivational speaker :). Here are some cool stuff he shared: "Fear is the misuse of creative imagination." "Boundaries are made not to restrict but to protect." "Smile when you talk."
Me and Andy Andrews autographing The Noticer for me
Marilyn Meberg: Who would have expected this 72 year old lady to have a need for speed :)? She quoted one of my favorite St. Augustine's quotes: "You God, created us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in You."
Sandi Patty: Sandi Patty gave us a chill with her powerful voice singing "We Shall Behold Him." She shared her heart with us about her weight problem. So transparent and so encouraging! She also introduced us to her pals on the "Porch".
Lisa Whelchel: Lisa talked about friendships for grown-ups. It was hard to imagine someone beautiful and famous like her having trouble finding friends. But real friends are indeed difficult to come by.
Brenda Warner: What a roller-coaster life she has had! Courage, honor, and integrity never leave her. She is usually known as Kurt Warner's wife. She's very spunky :).
These outstanding speakers shared their life stories, lessons they learned, and words of wisdom. We soaked it all in. They shared their brokenness and pointed to God's restoration. Their faith helped them get through their struggles. We appreciated their authenticity. We witnessed how God used imperfect broken people to spread the message of His love.
Deborah Joy Winans (Cece Winans' niece) gave a funny skit about a mom wearing different hats. Mandisa blessed us with her beautiful heart and voice. You could see her love for God shine through and through. I was thrilled to see/hear Selah, one of my favorite Christian bands. I never get tired of hearing "You Raise Me Up" by Selah. Todd Smith even got the speakers up on stage to dance while he sang an African praise song. Lots of fun! AmyPerry was beautiful inside and out. Her voice was outstanding. Allan Hall entertained us with the 80's piano music. Go Selah!
I was really glad to see World Vision being promoted during the event. My family and I have been long-time supporters of World Vision and I used to work for World Vision in Thailand while my husband volunteered there.
During breaks, we women had fun browsing and shopping at Women of Faith products booths. I bought 2 Selah CDs and my mother-in-law bought a stack of books and a DVD.
My mother-in-law and I were very thankful for this wonderful experience. Certainly over the top! So much food for thought. Such a refreshing weekend! Our seats were on the fourth row on the floor next to the stage. I only wish they would allow photography (during the event) :). Well, I did take a few shots of the empty stage in different lights. Pretty, don't you think?
About Ginny Owens:
A three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved,” among others, Owens’ music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Her music has received widespread film and television placement, including songs on the popular WB series’ “Roswell” and “Felicity.” Owens was featured on national television, including NBC’s “Today” and CNN, for her contribution to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her fingers as the vision began to leave her eyes and by the age of three, a degenerative eye condition left Owens completely blind. Despite her physical challenge, Owens pursued a music career. Songs provide a window into a world Owens can’t see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams. Owens’ unique musical style and inspirational lyrics continue to appeal to Christian and mainstream audiences alike.
In 2005 Owens launched The Fingerprint Initiative, a hands-on, non-profit organization designed to “bring hope to the world, one project and one touch at a time.” The organization has partnered with and raised money for groups such as Compassion International, International Justice Mission, and Habitat for Humanity.
MY THOUGHTS AND REVIEW:
To be honest, I had never heard of Ginny Owens until I was offered an opportunity to review her newest CD, "Get In, I'm Driving." Wow...what a gifted musician she is! Her voice is so beautiful and pleasant. She writes most of the songs (words and music). It took her 5 years to finish this album. It contains 11 songs:-
1. Get In, I'm Driving
2. Mystery of Grace
3. Before You Fly
4. Rain
5. Joined at the Heart
6. Better Off
7. Lay It Down
8. Higher Ground (words and music by Stevie Wonder)
9. Daughter of Destiny
10. Better That Way
11. The Song
I enjoyed listening to this CD. Her music style is a blend of folk and R&B. Some songs made me want to dance :). Ginny's songs are songs of encouragement. Great lyrics. Her faith in God shines through and through. Some of my favorites in this album include Rain, Joined at the Heart, and Lay It Down. The Song (the last song) has really beautiful, soulful guitar playing. This CD would make a great gift for any girl/woman. Daughter of Destiny declares confidence in whom God made us to be. Mystery of Grace reminds listeners that they are loved, precious, and special in so many ways. Before You Fly encourages us not to give up but to take one step at a time. Ginny Owens is our modern day Fanny Crosby. She is blind but she sees the world through her Heavenly Father's eyes.
"As I make my way along this journey, Wisdom and truth will walk beside me, I’ve been given purpose and direction, Oh I am master-minded by the Author of perfection"
(from the song, Daughter of Destiny)
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video. If you like her voice, check out the giveaway below.
GIVEAWAY: You can win a copy of this CD!
To Enter: "Like" Ginny Owens' Facebook page and then leave a comment here including your Facebook name. Make sure you leave your email address, too. Deadline: Sept. 30th at midnight (Pacific time)
For extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each one you do):
- Follow this blog via GFC or NetworkedBlogs
- "Like" my page "Christ Alone" on Facebook
- Follow me on Twitter: @treasuredbyGod
- Share the link to this giveaway post on Facebook
- Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter
- Enter my Jeremy Riddle's CD giveaway
- Enter The Shunning DVD giveaway
~"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
About the DVD:
Everything can change in an instant … and take a lifetime to unravel. When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God … and just about everyone else. Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force—who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.
Can they somehow join forces to help one another when it’s impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one? Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God’s grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD … and never underestimate the power of God’s love.
My Thoughts and Review:
Death of a child often leaves parents distraught beyond words. Mac McDonald has a hard time letting go of his deceased son. He and his teenaged son are constantly at odds. His marriage crumbles. Sam Wright, a cop and a pastor, struggles with loving someone who hates him. He starts to doubt his calling. Both men (who get paired up to be partners) desperately need God's healing! The Grace Card is an inspiring film that demonstrates the power of forgiveness and grace. It is at times sad and depressing. I think I cried twice :). It addresses the issues of racial prejudice, grief, anger, hatred, bitterness, blames, and family relationship.
Academy Award®-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. gave a nice performance playing Grandpa George (Sam's grandpa). For most cast members, this was their first film; however, they did a fantastic job. I was surprised to find out that Michael Joiner (who played Mac) is a stand-up comedian in real life. He played a serious role so convincingly! I found the climax to be somewhat predictable but still touching. I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it. Don't expect a Hollywood production quality. If you compare The Grace Card (Graceworks Pictures LLC and Calvary Pictures' first film) to Flywheel (Sherwood Pictures' first film), it is pretty well done. It relied on tons of volunteers just like Sherwood Pictures.
The Grace Card is a faith-based & grace-filled film that is meaningful to both believers and nonbelievers. It's a great reminder that if we love like Jesus, we can't help but extending grace and forgiveness to others no matter who they are or what they have done. God's grace is indeed powerful and beautiful! Don't just receive it; give it, too!
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the trailer.
GIVEAWAY: You can win a copy of The Grace Card DVD!
To Enter: "Like" The Grace Card's Facebook page and then leave a comment here including your Facebook name. Make sure you leave your email address, too. Deadline: Sept. 4th at midnight (Pacific time)
For extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each one you do):
- Follow this blog via GFC or NetworkedBlogs
- "Like" my page "Christ Alone" on Facebook
- Follow me on Twitter: @treasuredbyGod
- Share the link to this giveaway on Facebook
- Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter
*If you don't win the giveaway, you can purchase the DVD here.
~“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Got questions? Here is a book of many answers regarding the Christian faith. Ray Comfort has compiled some of life's toughest questions he has received and offered his Biblically based answers. Most of these questions were from atheists and most of the answers were aimed directly at atheists. Ray Comfort wants to equip believers with the Biblical truth and facts that they can use to defend their faith. This book covers topics such as: Humanity: Rights and Suffering, The Bible: Biblical and Theological Issues, Science: Scientific Thought and Evolution, Philosophy: Beliefs and Worldviews, and Religion: God and Atheism. Questions about the Holocaust, Hell, Hitler, human origin, healing, and more are addressed. I really appreciate Mr. Comfort's heart for the lost and his love for our Savior. In almost every answer, he drives it home with the Gospel message, emphasizing repentance. However, I don't think his sarcastic approach (used to make a point) works effectively for everybody. One thing is certain: he doesn't sugarcoat anything. He is sincere; he even shares that he's not afraid of dying but he's afraid of the process of dying. (pp.108-115) He shows genuine concern for people's souls and their eternal destiny. He is humble; he doesn't claim to know all the answers. Yet he is confident when he gives answers based on God's Word. Mr. Comfort tells it as it is... comforting to hearers or not :).
"I can't deny the reality of the existence of God simply because I have unanswered questions. I know He exists because of the axiom of creation. I know He exists because I know Him experientially and have an all-consuming love for Him that embraces all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I'm not angered, worried, frustrated, concerned, or upset by these questions, because I love and trust Him. I know that the time will come when I find out the answers, and I don't mind waiting." (p.142)
"If we can trust God for our eternal salvation, how can we not trust Him to provide for the "little" things of life?"~M.E.Howard
Isn't that a great question :)? Compared to our eternal salvation, everything else seems so insignificant. All trials, problems, disappointments, struggles, and sufferings would be considered "little" bumps in life's journey when we look at them from an eternal perspective. Why then is it difficult for us sometimes to trust God to provide...to take care of our "little" problems? I believe it's often a matter of our perspective and focus. If our perspective is self-centered, we still want to be in control, not willing to acknowledge that God is in total control and we still only think of what we want, not what God wants. If our focus is on our situations, then we fret and get anxious and/or depressed. But when we focus on God and His attributes, we can rest in Him and leave our burdens at His feet. Personally, I don't have problem trusting in God's power and ability to provide and to solve my problems. What I usually struggle with is wondering if and when He will choose to do so. Then I need to shift my focus. I need to remind myself that God knows and wants what's best for me and I want His will, not my will to be done, including His timing, not mine. I find this quote to be a good reminder for me to let go of my "little" concerns and just trust God. Five points that might help us have the right perspective and focus when we have trouble trusting Him:
- God is in control even when things are out of control. His sovereignty rules. - God is faithful even when we have little faith. He always keeps His promises. - God is good all the time even when nothing good seems to be happening right now. His goodness never changes. - God loves us no matter what we do or don't do...succeed or fail. His love never fails. - God is omnipotent. Nothing is impossible for Him.
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Psalm 37:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Lord, please give us a childlike faith that simply and completely trusts in You 100% in any situation!
You're invited to share your thoughts about this quote on your blog and then link up your post here.To learn more about "In Other Words"(what it's about, how it works, and how it originated), visit here.
This Tuesday’s In Other Words is being hosted by Twinkle Mom of Sunflower Faith . This is my first time participating in "In Other Words"; I hope I'm doing it right :).
“Hope fills the afflicted soul with such inward joy and consolation, that it can laugh while tears are in the eye, sigh and sing all in a breath; it is called “The rejoicing of hope” ~William Gurnall
Hope and faith go hand in hand. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) According to the 1828 Noah Webster's Dictionary, hope (noun) means
"1. A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable.
2. Confidence in a future event; the highest degree of well founded expectation of good; as a hope founded on God's gracious promises; a scriptural sense.
3. That which gives hope; he or that which furnishes ground of expectation, or promises desired good. The hope of Israel is the Messiah.
4. An opinion or belief not amounting to certainty, but grounded on substantial evidence."
A great example of how hope and faith work together is found in Genesis 15-21 and mentioned in Romans 4:18-21, "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead--since he was about a hundred years old--and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."
Hope gives people the will/motivation/reason to live, to keep on keeping on, to get up after falling down, to face each day's challenges, to keep trying and not giving up, to get through tough times, etc. Hope is crucial in life! Without hope (even though "hope" always exists, they just simply don't see it or they perceive that their circumstances/their future are hopeless), people become depressed and many have committed suicide. Remember...we always have hope in Christ! He is our unchanging Hope. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) And He never leaves you nor forsakes you. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 6:19-20) Don't forget our ultimate hope, either: that Christ will return and that we will spend our eternal life with Him! "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4) God's Word/His promises give us hope because they are true and unchanging.
Do you know what usually makes people feel hopeless? Often, it's because they feel nobody loves them or cares about them, including God. That's why it's essential to rely on God's Word, not on our feelings. His love for us never changes. "But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You." (Psalm 33:18-22) Do you want to offer hope to others? Love them with the love of the Lord! "It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres....And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:7, 13) Where there is love, hope blossoms. Where there is faith, hope thrives.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that 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." (Romans 5:1-5) Why does hope not disappoint us? Because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit! When we're confident in His unfailing love for us, we have hope. When we love others and are loved by others, we have hope. And when we're filled with hope, it's easier to love others and to have faith. Again, we can see how hope, faith, and love fit together in Colossians 1:3-5, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-- the faith and lovethat spring from the hope that is stored up for you in Heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel."
I hope you are encouraged by my post and "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Yes, life is like the Emmaus road, and we tread it not alone For beside us walks the Son of God, to uphold and keep His own. And our hearts within us thrill with joy at His words of love and grace, And the glorious hope that when day is done we shall see His blessed face.
~Avis Christiansen
~ If you'd like to know what "In Other Words" is all about, please visit here.
Life of John Knox
American Missionary Fellowship
5 x7 • 144 pages • Case Bound
ISBN: 9780890516027
Retail Price: $14.99
Book Summary:
Rare vignettes featuring the Protestant Reformation’s fiercest defender! John Knox had a life of exciting adventure, harsh imprisonment, and brilliant scholarship. Fighting battles both political and religious, Knox bravely defied royalty, nobility, and the established power of the Papacy to speak the truth. A fiery and inspirational preacher, he fiercely upheld the authority of Scripture and salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. In perilous times, Knox risked his life daily in a fearless and tireless defense of the faith!
This biography was originally published in 1833 by the ASSU (American Sunday-School Union), now called American Missionary Fellowship.
MY THOUGHTS AND REVIEW:
I really enjoyed reading this book. Almost like watching a movie. Wow..so much drama! Do you know if John Knox's life has ever been made into a movie? If not yet, it should :). Political turmoils. Distorted Christianity. Persecution. Scary and wicked royalty. Through it all, John Knox (1505-1572), the reformer of Scotland, never wavered in his stand for God and His truth! John Knox's devotion to the service of God and his firm faith & boldness, in spite of opposition, are truly commendable. He never beat around the bush or sugarcoated sins, even when he talked to royalty and nobles. I wish more Christians nowadays would be like him, instead of being politically correct or sacrificing Biblical truth on the altar of "grace". John Knox was never afraid of being labeled "judgmental" or "unloving" or "unChristlike" or "unGodly" when he spoke against papacy/popery, idolatry, Queen Mary's unwise marriage, corruption, murders, anything unBiblical. He continued to speak the truth in love until his death even though many hated him for it. Accused of rebellion and treason, imprisoned, despised, and wanted dead, nothing deterred John Knox from defending God's Holy Word and the sufficiency of Christ. He was a champion of the faith, a Christlike mentor, a beloved minister who left a powerful legacy that inspires many believers around the world, including me. He consistently lived for God with integrity, humility, and courage, always aiming to please & honor God alone. He did not care what men thought of him; He only cared what God thought of him and them. God blessed him with divine protection and with a long life and used him in a mighty way for His glory. If I could have a dinner and chat with someone from the past, John Knox would definitely be one of my choices :).
Some of his last words before he peacefully left this earth to be with our Savior: "I have been often tempted by Satan to despair, but he could not prevail. Now he has tempted me to trust in myself, and to rejoice and glory in my labours, as if I should merit heaven by the faithful discharge of my duties. But I have expelled him with these passages of Scripture, 'What hast thou that thou hast not received?' "Not I, but the grace of God in me.' 'By the grace of God, I am what I am.' Therefore, I give thanks to God who has given me the victory; and now I am sure that, without pain of body, or distress of mind I shall soon close this mortal and miserable life, for that happy and immortal life which shall never have an end." (chapter XI, page 126)
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the trailer.
~I received this book free for review from New Leaf Publishing Group.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
***Special thanks to Anna Coelho Silva | Publicity Coordinator, Book Group | Strang Communications for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best known as the powerhouse lead vocalist for one of Gospel’s most acclaimed and awarded groups, The Crabb Family, Jason Crabb’s career has already been an incredible ride. While garnering multiple Dove Awards, three GRAMMY nominations, and 16 #1 singles with his family, Jason has become one of the Christian music community’s most acclaimed vocalists. Crabb has become a “fan favorite” at the Grand Ole Opry, appeared regularly on the Gaither Homecoming Series videos, and was honored to sing for the Rev. Billy Graham’s final crusade in New York. He has sung with the legendary Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, among many other diverse and prestigious opportunities. His solo album debuted at #1 on Nielsen SoundScan’s Christian/Gospel Christian Retail chart the week following its release in 2009.
More than anything else, this book is about an amazing God who reaches down and touches ordinary lives. It is a testimony of all He has done for Jason Crabb's family and for the people he has been privileged to meet throughout the years on the road. He wrote this book because every soul walks through the fire of adversity. Most of us have walked that plank several times. Whether the life of your dreams is unfolding before your eyes, or you are losing hope that it ever will, you have tasted a trial or two. No human being with breath in his lungs can say, "Difficulty has never darkened my doorstep." You may have entirely different life experiences than Jason. Yet, when you look in the rearview mirror, you can see the high points and low points of days gone by. The important thing—the truly amazingthing—is that like Jason—you came through all of it. There may be a scar or two to remind us of the past, but the past is behind us. Jason Crabb wants you to know that you came through it for a reason.There is something God is yet going to do with you. The important things to remember is that you can go through the fire—any fire—with God's help.
Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Charisma House (January 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616381744
ISBN-13: 978-1616381745
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Just hold on, our Lord will show up
And He will take you through the fire again!
...Trust the hand of God, He’ll shield the flames again.
Facing Life’s Questions
So many times I’ve questioned certain circumstances
Things I could not understand.
Every song I sing has lyrics centered on a strong gospel message, although the sounds are similar to musical genres that are popular today. Sometimes those familiar styles open doors to exciting and unexpected opportunities to sing outside of mainstream gospel circles.
I’m jazzed by invitations to take part in nontraditional gospel events. One such invite led to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, a place like no other in the world. Just being on that stage is an honor; how that particular night played out—well, it added to my amazement and demonstrated God’s willingness to use unusual circumstances in the fulfillment of His will.
Talk about irony! The sponsor of our portion of that night’s program was a watering hole in Nashville. You heard me right; our segment was sponsored by a bar—and what an amazing night it turned out to be. From that iconic stage I was privileged to share a
testimony that was fresh in my heart.
“Through the Fire” was part of my testimony that night. Like all my dad’s songs, it speaks to experiences that are common to all people. The song has run like a thread through the fabric of my own life. I told the audience at the Grand Ole Opry as much,
explaining how the song had ministered to Shellye and me during a painful season.
It was a poignant moment when I shared how God had brought us through the trauma of losing two precious babies in separate miscarriages. Although the shock of those losses was still fresh in our thoughts, fresher still was the miracle of God in bringing our season of heartbreak to an end. That night—February 14, 2003—I had the pleasure of sharing breaking news from our house: Shellye and I had just experienced the birth of our first child! Our daughter, Ashleigh Taylor, had been born the day before, and she and her
momma were doing just fine.
After the audience heard our songs and our testimony about Ashleigh’s birth, a woman stopped us outside the auditorium. Like most everyone else at the Opry, she had come to hear the music. But God had more than music in mind for her. With tears streaming
down her face, she said, “I didn’t have any idea I was coming here for this tonight, but I rededicated my life to God—right here at the Grand Ole Opry—sponsored by a bar!”
Life doesn’t always follow the script that makes sense to us. That was true for this woman, and it was true of our miscarriages. The birth of Ashleigh had come after many long days of testing and trial. So many times the dream of raising a family seemed bound
in thick layers of impossibility. Yet deep down, Shellye and I knew that we were not alone in the fight. God’s Word told us so. Many nights the Scriptures comforted and strengthened us. We had His assurance that He would bring us through:
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.
—Isaiah 43:2–3
Shellye and I walked through some fire. Yet God brought us out and blessed us—radically! Today we have two daughters, Ashleigh Taylor and Emmaleigh Love. They are as beautiful as can be, just like their mother. I will tell you more about them later, but first let me tell you about the love of my life.
My Cowgirl
My earliest awareness of Shellye came when someone brought me a picture of her and said, “You’ve got to meet this girl.”
My reaction was, “Yeah, she’s kind of cute. Yeah, I’d like to meet her.”
I guess I played down my curiosity in front of my friend, but I thought the girl in the picture was beautiful. Little did I know that someone had shown that beautiful girl a picture of me. It was a shot from the album Looking Ahead, a record our family made
even before we started singing full-time. I had a crazy hairdo at the time—a comb-over with a curl that dropped right down the center of my forehead. My hairstyle looked like a 1950s throwback. Shellye wasn’t impressed.
Her reaction was actually stronger than that. She looked at the photo and said, “No way. I don’t think I’d like him at all.”
She then pointed to my curl, saying, “I don’t know about that.”
Sometime later, the Crabb Family was invited by Kentucky Educational Television (KET) to be part of an outdoor concert in Rosine, Kentucky, the home of bluegrass and the birthplace of Bill Monroe, the man known to this day as the Father of Bluegrass
Music.1 KET asked us to sing for a documentary they were making about Kentucky music.
Friends had told me ahead of time that Shellye planned to come and see me at the concert. Things didn’t go exactly according to plan, however. She and her folks arrived after our set was over. We were headed off the stage when I spotted Shellye getting out of a car.
I never took my eyes off her; I watched her walk across the field and toward the stage. I might not be able to tell you what Shellye wore yesterday, but I can tell you exactly what she was wearing in Rosine. She cut straight across that field in blue jeans, a flannel shirt, and roper boots.
Shellye was the prettiest girl I had ever seen. She looked even more beautiful than her picture. My heart skipped a beat—maybe two—and I remember thinking, “Well, I’ve got me a little cowgirl with long, curly hair.”
I wasn’t the only one who noticed Shellye. Our drummer asked, “Who is that?”
I said, “Let’s go meet her.”
“Yeah, I want to meet her,” he said.
We talked to Shellye for a while. Then it hit me: I didn’t need to help the drummer get to know Shellye; I needed to head him off at the pass! Just as quick as you can bat an eye, I asked her, “Hey, what are you doing tonight?”
“I’m going to church,” she replied.
“Well, good, because I’m going with you.” I didn’t ask her if I could accompany her; I just told her we were going to church together. It was bold, but it was OK with Shellye.
She was comfortable knowing that her stepmom knew me. In fact, her stepmom was Kathy’s cousin. So, I wasn’t a complete stranger, and church seemed like a safe first date.
In the meantime, we tried to get out of the blistering heat. The only place that was even slightly cooler than that hot Kentucky field was the inside of our old GMC bus. It was our family’s first bus, and it burned almost as much oil as it did gas. It wasn’t pretty, but
it had places to sit and offered shelter from the sun. It even had a recliner that we had installed for on-the-road comfort.
Shellye sat in the recliner, and I stood in the stairwell. We just talked and talked until it was night. By the time we left for church, one thing was certain: our meeting was no accident. The hours I spent with Shellye were like nothing I had ever experienced. We
That night, Shellye and I went to church. At some point, I learned that she was seeing someone, but the relationship was not serious. The next day, the fellow Shellye had dated called her before I did. She refused to come to the phone. She had already decided that she didn’t want to talk to anyone but me.
When I finally called, it was Shellye’s turn to be bold. She asked me whether I was coming over and said she wanted to see me again. I didn’t have to think twice about my answer. I just said, “I’ll come over.”
When I got to Shellye’s house, she and her twin sister answered the door. Seeing the two of them caught me by surprise, but I got over it. There was no doubt in my mind: there was only one Shellye, and she was the girl for me.
The memories of those days are strong. The slightest reminder can trigger my senses and transport me back in time. During our courtship, I made it a habit to pick up some watermelon gum and a Dr. Pepper on my way to Shellye’s house. To this day, the
sight, smell, or taste of either one affects us, and each year the first October breeze reminds us of the day we met.
My Better Half
Years ago, I prayed and asked God to bring the right woman into my life. I knew it was important to find not just a good woman but the right woman. God answered my prayers. Shellye is everything I need and everything I am not. She helps me to remain rooted
in what matters. She helps me to strike a healthy balance between family and ministry. She helps me to stay grounded when I’m on the road.
Shellye is an amazing wife and mother and the perfect helpmate. Of course, she is much more than that. Ask anyone about Shellye, and they will tell you that she is a rock. In fact, that’s what they call her: the rock. She is content in life. She is comfortable with our
roles and all they entail. She is supportive of me while at the same time fulfilled as a stay-at-home mom. Her deep contentment brings me peace. I know that when I’m on the road, I don’t have to worry about her or my kids. Shellye has it all in hand.
Not everyone who travels enjoys the kind of homecomings I do. Not every spouse can deal with the things Shellye takes in stride. Keeping the home fires burning is not a chore for my wife. When I return from a stint on the road, I enter a home bubbling over with
warmth and love. It is inviting and reassuring and demonstrates Shellye’s wholeness. Her joy is a great blessing to our family. As a man,
I can’t imagine a better home life than the one I’ve got. As a father, I can’t imagine a better mother for Ashleigh and Emmaleigh.
One of my favorite pastimes is watching Shellye and our girls interact. She’s got a way about her that brings tears to my eyes. Whatever the activity, Shellye is right beside them. When they are learning their Scripture memory verses, Shellye is there. Already,
Ashleigh can quote nine verses of a psalm at a single clip, in part because Shellye is so supportive. As a mom, she is dedicated to helping both our daughters succeed in their endeavors.
Not that being a full-time mom is easy, especially when your husband travels as much as I do. Shellye is the nightly homework helper, the daily taxi, the resident chef, and keeper of all things domestic. Yet she relishes her life. She sincerely enjoys shuttling the girls to and from school and cheerleading practice—and not as a drive-by mother, either. Shellye is very involved at our girls’ school and finds ways to contribute and be a blessing to the staff and faculty.
As a life partner, Shellye is my perfect match, emotionally and otherwise. I value her opinion. She is smart, objective, wise, and knows me better than anybody else does. When questions arise as to the direction of ministry or the choice of songs for an album
or which producer or record company is right, I know I can go to Shellye for straightforward, reliable input.
Being transparent and at ease in our conversation is something we have been able to do since that first day in Rosine. There are no egos in the way. We just keep it simple and honest. That freedom allows us to grow individually and as a couple. After a two-andone-
half-hour concert, Shellye will say, “Honey, that set was too long.” I don’t try to convince her that a one-hundred-fifty-minute concert is a great idea. I take my wife’s advice seriously; I know she has my best interests at heart. At the same time, she knows I trust her and won’t be offended by the truth. In the end, if you can’t tell each other the truth, you have to wonder how solid your relationship really is.
One of the reasons Shellye and I came together in the first place has to do with transparency. At the very beginning, it was clear that Shellye loved me for who I was and not what I did. It wasn’t about the music, the recognition, or anything like that. In fact,
when we first fell in love, she didn’t know the extent of my musical and ministry life.
Shellye liked me as I was. As a result, she brought out the best in me. I had experienced relationships that lacked that kind of truth. In school, everyone had their crush and their reasons. I was a country kid with no fancy home or cars or anything to draw attention
to me. I wasn’t very popular with the girls. In fact, they usually gave me the brush-off. They weren’t interested in me—at least, not until I sang at a school variety show. Then, all of a sudden, the girls noticed me. Suddenly, I was in demand.
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.
—Proverbs 18:22
Shellye did not operate that way. She loved me first and learned about what I did afterward. We were blessed in that when we started our relationship, we truly loved each other. We weren’t drawn by illusions or impressions or any other distractions. That has proved to be a good foundation for the rest of our life together.
Shellye’s Testimony: It’s Not About Me
I met Jason in Rosine, Kentucky, when I was sixteen years old. In all of Kentucky, I may have been the only person who hadn’t heard of the Crabb Family. All I knew was that my stepmom and my father were taking me to a concert. There was a guy there my stepmom
wanted me to meet.
Moments after I met Jason, he asked me, “What are you doing tonight?”
I said, “I’m going to church.”
Without the slightest hesitation, he said, “I’m going with you”— which he did!
That is where our relationship began. We hit it off from the start, but since we lived seventeen miles apart, it wasn’t easy getting to see one another. Not only that, but Jason was on the road a lot. Often he would come in during the middle of the week, wake up
at six in the morning, and drive over to Central City, where I lived. He would take me to school and return in the evening to pick me up and take me home.
Just about every time Jason came to get me, I would ask him, “What should we do tonight?”
Jason’s answer was always the same: “We’ve got to put up posters.”
The posters let everyone know when the Crabb Family would be singing. Once each month, they gave a concert in Owensboro, Kentucky. It took lots of posters to get the word out. That is how we spent most of our dates. And since the Owensboro concerts
happened every month, we were never done hanging posters. Jason and I dated for three years. In 1997, I graduated from high school, and on May 12, 1998, Jason and I got married in my home church. I was nineteen, and he was twenty-one. Our backgrounds
were very similar; my parents divorced when I was only four years old, and my dad raised me; my twin sister, Kellye; and our older sister, Leslie.
Because my dad worked on the railroad and was gone a lot of the time, my grandmother lived with us and cared for us kids. She was very involved with my sisters and me and played a very significant role in our lives. So did Dad. He worked really hard to make a living for all of us. My dad and grandmother did a great job raising us—and they made sure we were in church every time the doors opened!
After two years of marriage, Jason and I learned that I was pregnant. We were scared, yet excited. Starting a family was something we both wanted very much. But almost as soon as our dream was underway, it was threatened. Early in the pregnancy, I started having complications. Soon afterward, I had a miscarriage. Jason and I were devastated to lose our baby. We couldn’t understand why this had happened to us.
About a year and a half later, I got pregnant again. Our hopes were high, but we lost that baby too. It hit us hard. I remember asking the Lord over and over again to give me the strength to get through the ordeal. He did.
Yet getting through the miscarriages was only part of the process. For so long I struggled with the loss of our babies and the disappointment that followed. At times I almost questioned God; I wanted to ask Him why He allowed everyone but us to have babies.
The loss of our children did not make sense to me. Still, I kept praying. At some point I realized that my focus was centered on me and what I wanted. I was preoccupied with the way I thought things should turn out. What I really needed was to get to the point where it wasn’t about me.
Through prayer and dedication, I eventually got to where I needed to be. It wasn’t about us anymore. It was about what God wanted for our lives. The day came when I could agree with the psalmist who said, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (Ps. 115:1).
Emotionally and spiritually, the change in perspective was dramatic. It not only kept us grounded in our trust of the Lord, but it also helped Jason and me to mature. Needless to say, our growth in this area was not easy; we were being stretched and tested. When you are in a situation like we were in, you sometimes wonder whether it will ever end.
Then one day, God spoke to me! He promised me a child. His promise did not come about right away, yet I knew I had heard His voice. And I knew He was faithful.
Shellye’s Testimony: Look to the Future
When Jason is onstage, he often tells the story of an evangelist friend who told us to buy a box of Pampers—before we had even conceived. The man’s name is Jay Boyd. Jason has known him since childhood when Jason and his family attended Jay’s revival meetings. Jason played drums for Jay at some point, and they have kept in touch over the years. The way Jason tells it, Jay could preach wallpaper right off the walls. I don’t doubt it. Jay is fearless about saying whatever he believes God wants said.
We bought that box of Pampers. Every day it served as a reminder that our promise was on its way. It was a tangible symbol of God’s promise and involvement in our lives,much as the watch from Pastor Parsley is symbolic of God’s faithfulness in Jason’s transition
to solo ministry.
This pastor encouraged us to be proactive in our faith, thanking God in advance for the blessing of our children. Doing that forced us to take our focus off the past. Jason and I set our sights on what was yet to come. Before six months went by, I was pregnant again!
This time, I knew everything was going to be fine. In fact, there was not a single doubt in my mind. I just started thanking God for our baby, knowing that He was taking care of us.
He was and still is taking care of us—all four of us! Now, when I look back to the years before the births of Ashleigh Taylor and Emmaleigh Love, I understand why things happened the way they did. The Lord has shown me, and continues to show me, the good
that came out of our trial. Night after night, women with similar heartaches come to our table. They are hurting and wondering why, just as we were during those hard years. Now we have precious opportunities to minister to them. And because we walked through the same flames, these women realize that they can come through the fire too.
God is faithful. He will comfort others as He comforted us! He will help others to understand the things He helped us to understand. They too will come out of the fire knowing that “ . . . neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39). In His wisdom and because of our experiences, God has given us a special way to share His love.
There is one other thing God showed me after our trial ended. I learned that trials are often one part why and an equal part when. It is clear to me now that when Jason and I first conceived, it was not the right time for us. The first five years of our marriage helped
us to draw close and build a stronger bond between us. God had something in mind for that season, and it wasn’t children.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
—Jeremiah 29:11
Through the struggle, we continued to minister. At times, when Shellye and I were on the bus, I’d look over at her and see tears in her eyes. Those tears did the talking even when no words were exchanged.
There was a question in my wife’s tears. The question was, “Why?” To this day, I really can’t say why Shellye and I endured the devastation of miscarriages. At this point, I’m not sure I need to know. I do know this: our experiences have helped us to bless others. So many people suffer the heartbreak of losing a baby. The numbers are staggering. In fact, depending upon the statistical source, as many as one out of four women suffer a miscarriage.
There are a lot of hurting people behind those numbers. For Shellye and me, it is easy to relate to them. We know what it is like to lose a child. It is hard—really hard. Yet even in the midst of our losses, we were not without hope. Nor was I without a voice. I just
kept singing “Through the Fire” and “Still Holding On.” I knew I could trust God to show up and carry me past the pain again.
Those two songs encouraged Shellye and me when we needed it most. It was as though God was saying, “I am faithful, and I will continue to be faithful.” He was giving us, through whatever means necessary, the strength to heed the words David wrote during his
own desperate times: “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Ps. 31:24).
God used those songs to renew our hope and refresh our souls. He used people too. Shellye told you about Jay Boyd and the Pampers. Jay knew my family for years. His and my dad’s relationship dated back before the Crabb Family Singers to the days when my dad was a minister. I remember Jay in the pulpit—the man could preach! I am thankful that our relationship has continued throughout the years.
Jay told Shellye and me to thank God for the promise before it came to pass. He said we needed to do what the Bible says and call “things that are not as though they were” (Rom. 4:17). We needed to be like the men who tore the roof off a building because they believed Jesus would heal the paralyzed man they brought to Him (Mark 2:1–12). We needed to be like Jairus trusting Jesus, even in the worst circumstances (Mark 5:22–43). We needed to come to the place where no matter the setbacks we would remain focused on the love and power of God to bless and heal.
All of Christianity is built on that kind of faith. It is the faith that says, “When doubt comes, we’ll praise Him. When life comes apart at the seams, we’ll praise Him. No matter the outcome, we’ll praise Him. Whether the promise comes to pass or it doesn’t, we’ll praise Him.”
That last one is a tough nut to crack. It means selling out to God to such a degree that your dreams are not as important as the fact that you are His. It took Shellye and me time to get there. We were not satisfied with the outcome of two miscarriages. We were not
satisfied to be childless. I won’t kid you; after the second miscarriage,
I threw my hands in the air and said, “God, I may not be the greatest father, but I will be a grateful father.”
In the midst of an ordeal like that, there are moments when you feel hopeless and unable to push past the sorrow. We often minister to people who feel exactly that way. Our hearts break for them, because we understand. We are so privileged to pray for them. How blessed we are to hear their testimonies afterward! Some of them write us to say that they have given birth. Others are ecstatic when they tell us that God answered their prayers through adoption. Still, I know that some of them have yet to see their dreams fulfilled.
For those who have had miscarriages, there is good news: your babies are in heaven. So are our babies. As hard as it was to lose them, I get excited to think that someday Ashleigh and Emmaleigh will meet their siblings in heaven!
At some distant day, all six of us will be there together.
It is not easy to be strong and take heart when things happen in defiance of God’s promises. In those crushing moments, it is hard to know what to think or how to respond. Should we trust in silence and ignore our doubts? Or should we deny our emotions, as though we were not in turmoil?
Our responses to difficulty have a lot to do with how we were raised and what we have been told about God. Some people say we should never, ever question God. Yet some of the greatest leaders and prophets in all of history have asked Him tough questions.
When Abraham learned of God’s plan to investigate the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham pressed God to share His intentions. He wanted to know whether God would kill his nephew Lot and Lot’s family along with the depraved. Abraham asked God point-blank, “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Gen. 18:23). He continued to press God until God assured him that the handful of righteous people living in the forsaken place would be spared (Gen. 18:24–32).
Life is full of questions. Not all of them are as pressing as our questions about death, suffering, and loss. Yet, even if we had never experienced a day of adversity, we would ask our Father the curious questions children always ask their parents:
• “How many stars are in the sky?”
• “Why is grass green?”
• “Why do we park in the driveway and drive on the
parkway?”
• “Why is my last name Crabb?” (Imagine how much
adversity a name like that can generate at school!)
• “Why...what...how...when...where?”
My point is this: if you have taken oxygen into your lungs, you know that life is marked by trials and heartaches. We experience circumstances we don’t understand and don’t want to embrace. We have questions and will continue to have questions as long as we are breathing, and maybe even after that. Who is better able to answer us than God? He wasn’t surprised by Abraham’s questions, and He won’t be surprised by ours.
I have met people in all kinds of situations. Often I can almost hear their hearts asking, “Why, God?” Recently I prayed with a woman in the Midwest. She wanted me to ask God to help her keep her new job. She said, “I have an incurable disease.”
She lost her health insurance when she took the new job. That sounds like trouble enough for someone with an incurable disease. Yet she feared something worse. She feared being without work. She had a family to support and was worried about getting fired. I got the sense that she was a single parent. Whatever her status, she was obviously under a lot of pressure and had decided to make choices designed to improve her lot. She believed her new job would open a fresh chapter in her life.
She summed up her thoughts by saying something unforgettable: “I have to get back to living.”
As the tears streamed down her cheeks, I started praying for words of encouragement, something God would have her hear. In my mind, I imagined the questions piercing her heart.
“Am I going to make it?”
“Will I lose my job?”
“Am I going to die?”
“Will they find a cure for this disease, or will God heal me?”
Then I asked this dear woman a question: “Do you believe that God can heal you?”
“I am trying to,” she said. “I’m going to church and hanging on to every word the preacher says.”
Although her unanswered questions lingered, I knew she would be all right when she said, “I have to get back to living.” Her life had been as tough as nails, but she was not about to give up. Nor was she willing to accept the bleak picture the devil was trying to
present to her.
We must never forget that the devil is a liar. Lying is his stock and trade. Therefore it is up to us to take the offense where he and his lies are concerned. When he tempts me, I like to ask myself this question: What if Satan had to tell the truth about himself,
about God, and about our destinies? What kind of picture would he paint then? How successful would he be at killing, stealing, and destroying lives if he could suggest nothing but truth?
The answer is that he would fail miserably at deceiving us. Unfortunately, truth is not the enemy’s hallmark. He continues to seek those “he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8, kjv.) The sense I got from the woman who wanted to get back to living was that she refused to be devoured by a liar. She was determined to keep moving forward. I like to see that kind of tenacity. People like her are hard to forget. In fact, I will never forget her or that altar service.
There are so many memories like that. The people we meet touch our hearts as much as we do theirs, if not more. I remember an outdoor concert from some years ago, before “Through the Fire” was completed. In fact, at the time, Dad had only part of the song
worked out. He had started it at the piano, but after a year, he was still stuck; the rest of the song just wouldn’t come together.
We had a product table at the concert. On that particular day, Dad was behind the table, and I was standing nearby. A woman walked up to Dad with a child in her arms. The woman asked Dad, “When you get back on the bus, will you pray for me? My son needs an operation, and my husband just left me.” We prayed for her right there.
A prayer request like that can take your breath away. Yet this woman showed great strength; as she turned to walk away, she reminded us about faith’s bottom line. Her last words to us were, “I’m still trusting in the Lord that He’s going to help me through all this.”
Her parting words were as riveting as her prayer request. We were reminded once again that there is always someone who is going through something worse than what we are experiencing. God used her to put our lives and issues into clear perspective.
That night Dad wrote the rest of “Through the Fire.”
MY THOUGHTS AND REVIEW:
If you are a fan of the Gaithers, you probably have heard or seen the Crabb family, including Jason Crabb. In this book, Jason shares his personal experiences growing up in a Gospel-singing family with all its ups and downs. His parents' divorce. Being on the road most of the time. His trouble with drugs. Two miscarriages. Going solo. Winning a Grammy. With the backdrop of the lyrics from his father's song, Through the Fire, Jason offers his thoughts and insights from what he has learned along his life's journey. He hopes to encourage others to cling to God, trust Him, and press on no matter what. Never give in and never give up! God will get you through any fire you face. I could sense Jason's love for God, his love for his family, his love for people, his childlike faith, and his humility through the pages. This book is a great read and a great reminder of a great God who loves each one of us so very much and cares for us deeply.
"Don't quit! The biggest and brightest blessings are on the other side of the struggle." ~Jason Crabb
