The Story Of This Little Piggy...

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4

This past Easter was a very special one year anniversary for me. One that I will never forget, and will continue to share with others all of my life. I will 'wee, wee, wee, wee wee', all the way home! (I will squeal about it until I get to Heaven!)

All my life I had been plagued with ingrown toenails. It was something that I just became used to throughout my life. My mom says that even as an infant I had this problem. As an adult, I’d just get out my cuticle nippers and go dig in there to pry out the little piece of nail that was piercing my flesh! I usually would get it out and have total relief in about 2 - 4 days depending on just how difficult it was to remove.

Last year at the very beginning of my spring vacation from work, when I woke up on April 3rd I experienced that familiar pain in my right big toe. I figured I could take care of it, and poof! It would be gone! I was not going to let this thing spoil my vacation. After all, I had places to go and people to see! A little nip and tuck and a prayer, I’ll be fine! (So I thought!)

Well this one was a stubborn one…more so than I had ever had before in my life! I could not seem to recover this teeny piece of nail that had evidently embedded itself deep down into my flesh. Day in and day out…the pain would not go away…it only got worse.

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness..." 2 Corinthians 12:8, 9

A whole week and a day had passed by and the next thing I knew it was Easter Sunday- April 11th. I woke up and boy, was my toe UGLY! It was black and purple and oozing puss and throbbing painfully. Ebonically speaking, I was literally “‘toe up’ from the flo’ up!” I guess a person with common sense would have carried themselves to the doctor by now! As I said, I was so used to taking care of this myself that going to the doctor never even occurred to me...not even when I saw how it looked on Easter morning.

So now, the plot thickens: It is Sunday morning, Easter morning no less, and I am wondering what shoes am I going to wear? It was cold and rainy outside, but I had to settle for a matronly low heeled, pair with the toes out just so I could manage to squeeze my feet inside the shoe, but have my toes out, so I would be able to walk- and keep the shoes on! I am glad I still had those shoes (from when I broke my little toe), because otherwise I may have been barefoot save for some house slippers or something! But I was torn…I really needed to stay home to work on this toe, because I had to be able to go to work on Tuesday. But then I really wanted to go to church too- after all, it was only the biggest celebration in Christianity --Resurrection Sunday! And I wanted to be there! What should I do?

I got dressed, gathered up my family, and hobbled off to church! The service was wonderful. What I received spiritually through the music ministries, the drama/dance team and through the Word, I was sure had I made the right decision to attend church that day. But oh! There was one more thing!

Near the end of the service, Pastor Doolin asked the people in the audience to stand up if they needed healing for their bodies. This is where it got quite interesting to me, listening to the loud raucous of a debate going on inside of my own head as if I were a passive onlooker:

• Oo, oh! I can get healed of this painful toenail!


• Shut up and stay in your seat. Don’t be so dumb!


• But God is concerned about my life....


• There are people here with issues much more serious than a stupid ingrown toenail!


• But God loves me and He said He is concerned about the most minute details of my life.


• You’ll look like a butthead if you stand up now. The people who were going to stand have already stood up.


• But I have to get healed by God. I have tried everything I know humanly to do.


• Suppose the Pastor comes around and asks you what you need healing for? You know the microphone is on! You’ll look like an idiot! People will laugh and think you are stupid when they hear what you want healing for!


• If he actually asked what I need healing for, I think he would turn the microphone off. If not, then I’ll just have to look like an idiot! I need healing and I believe in God’s powers to heal me.

"...the devil...for there is no truth in him...for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44

And with that, I stood up. At that point, Pastor Doolin was instructing the members still seated to reach out and touch in agreement and in faith, the people who were standing for healing. I felt two warm hands on me.

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:20 (KJ)

My boys later told me, that as the Pastor prayed, he went around to the people closest to the front of the auditorium, and laid hands on them. I was one of them. I remember feeling my hand being touched, and a slight warming sensation travel up my arm and down my back at that time.

Later on that afternoon, when I got home, I noticed that my toe felt better! Wow! Anything short of that throbbing pain that morning was a miracle! Well, I believed in my healing, and I just could not wait to see how God was going to do this work!

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

The very next morning, when I woke up, the very first thing I noticed was the absence of pain! What? Could it be? Already? I squeezed it, jumped up and down on it, and walked on it, and then I ran as fast as I could, to tell my family the good report! My husband was still at work, so my kids became the targets of my joy! I’m hollering and screaming excitedly through the house, “Guess what? I’m healed, I’m healed! I’m healed! Halleluyah! I’m healed! God healed me! Halleluyah!

"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you..."Mark 10:52

I was so happy that this little piggy was healed! Wee, wee, wee, wee, wee, all the way home! My boys heard the commotion and came running to meet me at the bottom of the stairs. After they understood what happened, they smiled, patted my arm and shoulders, and went on back to their breakfast. Kids! If I had said I was buying a puppy, they’d be excited, then! ;-)

Looking back, I can clearly see that the enemy was trying his best to rob me of God’s blessing of healing for me. He threw up all kinds of reasons for me to stay in my seat; all of them appealing to my ego not wanting to appear stupid. If I had given in to that who knows how this would have turned out? My toe was severely infected....

"The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10

I still have questions about this incident to ask God when I see Him. Why didn’t He answer my prayers, when I prayed for myself? Why did this have to drag out so long, essentially ruining my whole vacation? Was it to keep me from being active on the road going places, thereby preventing me from being in harm’s way somehow? Was it to show the power of His healing? If I can believe Him for small stuff like this, and see His power in action, then surely I can have faith to believe Him for bigger stuff later on, right? (That's another testimony!) Was it to show me to never to listen to enemy, because he is a liar? Was it to give me another testimony that may one day encourage someone else? Was it a demonstration of His healing power for someone else who does not believe that He still heals today? Man! I have a running list of questions in my head to ask Him. I hope He does not mind! ;-)

Another facet to this praise report: In the whole year since then, I have not had one ingrown toe nail! Isn’t God wonderful?! Halleluyah!

Anyone want to share a praise report of their own healing? We'd love to read it, and praise God along with you!

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The "F" Words ------ Faith, Fact and Fear!

"And without faith it is impossible to please God..."Hebrews 11:6

Last week I had the pleasure of flying from my home state of Maryland to Norfolk, Virginia. "Why did you fly?" you may ask, "Besides, it's such a short drive!" The answer to that question and comment is two-fold. I did not want to get stuck in the notorious traffic backups due to construction and rush hour traffic, (the last time I drove to Virginia Beach it took 5 hours!!!) and more importantly I wanted to face a lingering fear head-on: the fear of flying in an airplane. I figured this was the perfect flight to do this, as it is a very short flight- about a total of 30-35 minutes in the air.

On the flight to Virginia, not too long after take-off, I pulled down the window shade! I had placed myself in the window seat to get a good view, but then I could not handle looking out of the window all the way down to the ground, especially when we felt turbulence. And being above the clouds? Ugh!

I thought to myself, feeling like this is absolutely ridiculous, but still I felt like pulling the shade down was the wisest thing for me to do at the time, otherwise, I'd need "the bag"! I managed to pull the shade up about 10 minutes before we landed. Man, was I ecstatic to be on the ground when we landed! I mean, REAL happy! But it's all good. God works everything out in us in His perfect time. Even through all of that, my behavior on this flight was much better than when I was on my last flight a couple of years ago...um, let's just say that it was not pretty!

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His purpose." Phillipians 2:13

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayers and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Phillipians 4:9

Man's facts state that statistically, we are more likely to be involved in a serious car accident than we are to be involved in an airplane accident. Statistically speaking, these facts state that the majority of accidents happen within a 5 mile radius of your home. I am not afraid to ride or drive in a car, so what was my problem? I guess I was still looking at man, not being able to trust in them- the pilots, the mechanics, the refuelers. But I had to remember that God is in control of them too! I am not, nor is anyone else, but God! God is in control of the whole world at all times. What about God's statement: The fact that He will never leave me or forsake me? Those statements are mind boggling, but true- factual!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28

In faith, I say that I trust God with my life. After all, I say that I believe that He is in control. So just what was my problem? If I truly believe that God is in control of all things governing my life and the world around me, then there really is no reason for fear. Whatever God has for me is for me, and what is not for me, is not for me! It's as simple as that! Fear and anxiety on my part is not going to change a thing for the positive. If anything, I can help draw negative things to myself by dwelling on them.

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and song; he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2

"...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." Phillipians 4:7

To make a long story short, I know within myself, without a shadow of doubt that my life is God's...in His hands, in His control. He knows what is best for me and my family. I had to learn to relinquish the position of trying to be in control, usurping God's job, and just trust....just trust....just trust, putting my faith to action. He's much better at controlling things than I could ever be.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...." Hebrews 12:2

This week on the flight home back to Maryland, by God's grace, I was a different person, praise God! I sat in my seat, and looked out the window, enjoying the beautiful sunset. I looked outside every chance I got when I was not reading. I felt peace and tranquility, resting in God's arms....even during the turbulence! I trusted in Him to deliver me to my family safely. I even envisioned angels flying outside with the plane escorting us. (Hey, before you smirk, who knows?!)

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philipians 4:7

But if God's plans were to differ from mine, then that would have to be okay too, because His plans are perfect.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways." Isaiah 55:8

"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

Besides, what can worry and anxiety change? If it is my time to go, then I'd rather go in faith, instead of fear. Wouldn't you? In the Eleventh chapter of Hebrews, it mentions people of great faith who remained steadfast in their faith, even though they died before receiving what they were believing in faith for.

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance..." Hebrews 11:13

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

When we landed, I had to fight hard to hold back tears of joy, as this really was a transformation in me that only God could have orchestrated. I was so happy to have reached this new level in my faith. God is so awesome, in how He deals with us! I am looking forward to my next flight!

To you, this fear may seem really dumb, foolish and irrational. To others flying is a real fear to them. Before you judge, just know that God sees your heart.

"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters." Romans 14:1

In what areas are you still harboring fear? Is it a fear of being laid off? Of being alone? Of being sick? Death of a loved one? Whatever it is, lay it at His feet. Don't carry that burden or fear around with you, letting it weigh you down anymore.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30

Wow. He's right there waiting for us to make that move to leave our burdens and fears to Him. Make that move and experience the peace of God...it's absolutely awesome!

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They're Watching.........

"Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, you they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God…” 1 Peter 2:12 New Living Translation

Even though I am not responsible for the actions of others, it grieves my heart when I see the actions and words of us as Christians as being less than honorable; especially when non-Christians are observing.

We are not perfect, but only by the grace of God we are forgiven, and made holy in Christ. But the world does not understand that concept!

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Ephesians 1:7, 8

“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'” I Peter 1:15-16

At my place of work, they have gone to the trouble of removing all of the graffiti on the bathroom stalls and walls. All the remarks, curse words, and other inflammatory things were finally removed from the walls, stalls, and doors.

Side note:
Have you ever noticed that people who write graffiti are usually extremely terrible when it comes to their spelling and grammar?! Why is that? Good grief!

Back to the story:
For those students who were not aware of proper behavior, they have even posted Student Rules of Conduct in plexiglass holders outlining the punishment for defacing the doors and walls. Well, all was well… for about two weeks.

And then suddenly yesterday, on one of the freshly painted stall walls, brand new graffiti appeared – and it was SCRIPTURE! The writer scribbled out the whole chapter about love (I Corinthians, chapter 13), but did not reference where the scripture came from. As if that act of defacement was not bad enough, someone else jotted down right next to it, “Rock on! That’s in II Chronicles!” Then a third person wrote something about “You hypocrite Christians, blankety, blank, blank etc….”

Good grief! I ruminated on that for the rest of the day. And here it is pouring forth today to you:

Okay people, I guess the first two scribblers’ hearts were in the right place. I assume the first person wanted to share the Word of God, and the second person, was trying to validate her words…but on a bathroom wall? Is an act of defacing an institution, in clear violation, and in view of the posted Rules of Conduct using wisdom? Will that actually make non-Christians see us (with the action of defacing the wall) in a positive way? It does not seem that way in this case by reading the comment left by the third scribbler. This negative view of Christians was possibly spread and appreciated by hundreds of others who used this stall viewing this dialogue exchange.

If we are not sure how to act or respond or how to share God’s Word, we need to stop and think and ask ourselves,

“What would Jesus do?”
C’mon, as radical as Jesus was for His time, do you think He’d deface public property to write His Word upon? All in the name of bringing others to the realization of who He is? Stopping to think what Jesus would do (in alignment with the scriptures) will always give you an answer. Trust me- graffiti on a bathroom wall (of all places) is not one of the things Jesus would do! Ask for His wisdom! He tells us that if we ask He will give it to us!

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

Only God knows if someone will read the scripture placed there on the bathroom wall, and be moved steps towards Him before it is removed from the wall. After all, God’s Word does not go out and return to Him void. It did manage to stir me enough after weeks of inactivity to write this blog about Christian conduct and common sense…something that evidently needs to be said from time to time. Just remember, we know that we are not perfect- but they don’t. Don't destroy your mature Christian witness in front of nonbelievers, and baby Christians. We should be careful in how we present ourselves in everything that we do, because the bottom line is, it is not about us, but it is about the Glory of God.

“Be careful, however that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” I Corinthians 8:9

“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” I Corinthians 12:26

“May God Himself, the God peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:23, 24

Amen? Amen. \0/

Down and Out in My Dining Room

by John Fischer, author of the Purpose Driven Devotional

I had a hummingbird trapped in my dining room today. I cranked the windows wide open and waited for the bird to fly out but nothing doing. I even tried to shoo it out waving my arms but that didn’t work either.

The problem was, every time the bird would try and fly, its instincts told it to fly upwards, so it would skate all over the ceiling, buzzing its wings furiously against it, chirping all the way until it would tire and come to rest on the curtain over the window or the light fixture. I left it alone for a while to see if it would eventually discover the open windows, but each time it took off to fly, it flew upwards and skated on the ceiling like before. It was frustrating — almost tragic — to watch it sit over the open window, catching its breath, oblivious to the fact that freedom lay only a few inches below. I finally succeeded in freeing it by literally sweeping the hummingbird off the ceiling with a broom. It took a number of tries, and it hit the window on the way out, but it flew off unharmed.

All the while I was doing this, I was trying to imagine what it would be like if I were that bird. I am aware that I am trapped, and I am trying to free myself the only way I know how, when this very large figure comes after me. I have absolutely no way of knowing that this giant thing, swatting at me with a broom, wants what is best for me; indeed, he is the only one who can set me free. And then this creature sweeps me off the ceiling and slams me into this invisible barrier, and it is only then, in my attempt to recover from that trauma, that I find I am suddenly free.

Is this not what happens to us with God? He throws some pretty scary stuff at us, and it’s hard to believe He has our best interests at heart. He may even be telling us to fly down, but we don’t hear Him, so He brings something into our lives that forces us down, and only then do we find that down was the way out.

What we have that the bird doesn’t have is a word from God that He is in control. Everything happening to us is happening for a purpose and we will see it someday, but in the meantime, it is for us to trust, and take what He sends our way as coming from His hand.

We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:9)

Arguments for Jesus

Take whatever humor you may out of these jokes, but please keep in mind, and I am not kidding, they were originally written by a nun in a convent. And yes, the convent has email!


THREE ARGUMENTS THAT JESUS WAS IRISH:
1. He never got married.
2. He never held a steady job.
3. His last request was a drink.

THREE ARGUMENTS THAT JESUS WAS ITALIAN:
1. He talked with His hands.
2. He had wine at every meal.
3. He worked in the building trades.

THREE ARGUMENTS THAT JESUS WAS CALIFORNIAN:
1. He never cut His hair.
2. He walked around barefoot.
3. He invented a new religion.

AND, FINALLY, THE PROOF THAT JESUS WAS JEWISH:
1. He went into His father's business.
2. He lived at home until the age of 33.
3. He was sure His mother was a virgin, and His mother was sure that He was God.

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