"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also."
~John 14:1-3
Have you ever listened to a non-believer dispute the Bible and then ask for prayer when some calamity befalls them? As a chaplain, I have spoken with many who claim to be athiest, agnostic, Buddhist, Wiccan, owl loving tree huggers, and a myriad of other nonsensical beliefs. My father, who was raised by a minister, used to tell me, "When you're dead, that's it. There just ain't no more." But the Bible tells us something completely different. Psalm 14 says, "The fool says in his heart there is no God." Fortunately, my father figured that out and accepted the Lord as his Savior thirty years ago.
As a chaplain, I've prayed for many who said they don't believe in God. Some even told me they didn't think it would do any good but I could pray if I wanted to. I've seen many of those same people crying when I said 'Amen'.
When people are hurting, in crisis, dying, or watching their loved one die, I've found they all want the comfort of knowing death is not the end. They may not all convert but in those moments, they all believe.
There are no atheists in hell. I don't mean that to be humorous, it's a fact. Once we die, we know the truth. We stand before God Almighty, and while I look forward to the day I see Him face to face, I can't imagine what it must be like for someone who has denied Him all their life.
"How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:29-31)."
I accepted the Lord as my Savior many years ago but the longer I walk with Him, the more aware I have become of what it cost Him. As a wife and mother, I understand cost and sacrifice but I have never had to give up my own life to save one of my children. I have never had to give up the glory of Heaven to ensure all people have the opportunity to spend eternity in Heaven. The older I get, the more aware I become of the price Christ paid to redeem my soul. It breaks my heart and makes me want to be a better person, a better Christian, and to share what I have in Him with others. That people can deny His existance breaks my heart.
"Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life (1 John 2:22-25)."
Hell was created for Satan and his demons, not for human beings. Don't let the devil fool you into believing God doesn't exist.
"Let us then approach God’s 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)."
Read Deuteronomy 31:30-32:52
Psalm 90
Weekend reading
Deuteronomy 33-34
Joshua 1-6
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6)."
Friday, March 23, 2018
Thursday, March 22, 2018
The Battle Rages
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11)."
If you've seen any kind of news lately, you've seen a horrific rise in every kind of hate filled crime there is. We seem to be losing the battle between good and evil. In fact, it seems as if evil is winning. Everywhere we turn there are shootings, bombings, knife attacks, children totally out of control, and parents who don't seem to care. People don't seem to care. Everyone is so intent on blaming someone else they don't realize the fault lies within each and every one of us who has allowed God to be removed from our society. Including churches that have allowed the immorality of today's world to infiltrate the pulpit and become acceptable. And it's not just in America, it's worldwide and in every single part of society every place on Earth.
"There is a way that seems right to man but its end is death (Proverbs 14:12)."
We blame the government. We blame guns. We blame God. But the blame lies squarely on each and every person who has denied the existence of God and allowed His word to be erased from this world. We have no moral compass without God. We have no lawful order without God. We have nothing but chaos, which is quite evident in life today.
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me' (John 14:6)."
As we look around and see the condition of the world, it is apparent something has to change. As the body count rises, so does the souls in hell. And as the song says, the devil is laughing with delight. The devil and his demons know how their story ends. Ours doesn't have to end that way, if only we follow the One who wrote the story.
"And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen Me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me' (Acts 26:15-18)."
Read Deuteronomy 29:1-31:29
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
If you've seen any kind of news lately, you've seen a horrific rise in every kind of hate filled crime there is. We seem to be losing the battle between good and evil. In fact, it seems as if evil is winning. Everywhere we turn there are shootings, bombings, knife attacks, children totally out of control, and parents who don't seem to care. People don't seem to care. Everyone is so intent on blaming someone else they don't realize the fault lies within each and every one of us who has allowed God to be removed from our society. Including churches that have allowed the immorality of today's world to infiltrate the pulpit and become acceptable. And it's not just in America, it's worldwide and in every single part of society every place on Earth.
"There is a way that seems right to man but its end is death (Proverbs 14:12)."
We blame the government. We blame guns. We blame God. But the blame lies squarely on each and every person who has denied the existence of God and allowed His word to be erased from this world. We have no moral compass without God. We have no lawful order without God. We have nothing but chaos, which is quite evident in life today.
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me' (John 14:6)."
As we look around and see the condition of the world, it is apparent something has to change. As the body count rises, so does the souls in hell. And as the song says, the devil is laughing with delight. The devil and his demons know how their story ends. Ours doesn't have to end that way, if only we follow the One who wrote the story.
"And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen Me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me' (Acts 26:15-18)."
Read Deuteronomy 29:1-31:29
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Be A Fool
"And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.
And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod.
And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants' female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” And David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will celebrate before the Lord. I will be a bigger fool than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.”
~2 Samuel 6:5,14, 20-22
This story of King David is one of my favorites. David was celebrating having possession of the Ark of the Covenant and worshipped the Lord with his whole being. His wife, Michal, wasn't too happy to see her husband dancing like a fool in the streets where everyone could see him. Maybe she thought because he was king, he needed to be a bit more respectable in public. Maybe she felt worship was something to be done in private. Whatever it was, the result was David telling her he didn't care what she thought, he was going to praise God openly.
Worship has always been my favorite form of communion with God. I like expressing my love for my Savior through worship in dance, movement, and sign language. I do not have a voice for singing but I am still very vocal in my praise. The Bible tells us the Lord inhabits our praise (Psalm 22:3), and I know it's true. Whether it's in church or at home, I put my heart and soul into praising and worshipping my Lord and Savior. Even though some people have found my particular form of worship distasteful, I'm like David - I will be an even bigger fool than this because my worship is not for people, it is for the Lord.
And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod.
And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants' female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” And David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will celebrate before the Lord. I will be a bigger fool than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.”
~2 Samuel 6:5,14, 20-22
This story of King David is one of my favorites. David was celebrating having possession of the Ark of the Covenant and worshipped the Lord with his whole being. His wife, Michal, wasn't too happy to see her husband dancing like a fool in the streets where everyone could see him. Maybe she thought because he was king, he needed to be a bit more respectable in public. Maybe she felt worship was something to be done in private. Whatever it was, the result was David telling her he didn't care what she thought, he was going to praise God openly.
Worship has always been my favorite form of communion with God. I like expressing my love for my Savior through worship in dance, movement, and sign language. I do not have a voice for singing but I am still very vocal in my praise. The Bible tells us the Lord inhabits our praise (Psalm 22:3), and I know it's true. Whether it's in church or at home, I put my heart and soul into praising and worshipping my Lord and Savior. Even though some people have found my particular form of worship distasteful, I'm like David - I will be an even bigger fool than this because my worship is not for people, it is for the Lord.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103:1-5)."
Whether in church or at home, worship the Lord in whatever way your soul desires. Don't let pride or the fear of ridicule keep you from expressing yourself and worshipping in spirit and in truth.
Read Deuteronomy 27-28
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
Read Deuteronomy 27-28
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Your Divine Appointment
"And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed."
~Acts 13:48
Did you know you have a divine appointment with the Creator of all things? We all do at some point in our lives, but sadly, not all of us keep that appointment. We've all heard stories of the man who had chest pains, made a doctor appointment but started feeling better, so he cancelled the appointment thinking it was only indigestion. Later on that night, he had a massive coronary and died. Not everyone pays attention to the signs our bodies give, and not taking those signs seriously can have dire consequences. When we don't keep our divine appointment with God, the consequences are eternal.
"When Jesus had spoken these words, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given Him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:1-3)."
We don't like to think about eternity because we don't like to think about death. But the older we get, the more real death and and eternity become. The problem with that thinking is we don't all get to be older. People die young every day, and as heartbreaking as it is when a young person loses their life, knowing they never gave eternity a second thought is even worse.
"Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. (Proverbs 22:5)."
When we keep our divine appointment with the Lord, we are able to pass on His light and life to others, including those we love. The Lord knows each and every one us and desires an intimate relationship with us. As long as there is breath in our bodies, it's not too late to keep that appointment.
"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:12-13)."
Read Deuteronomy 23-26
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
~Acts 13:48
Did you know you have a divine appointment with the Creator of all things? We all do at some point in our lives, but sadly, not all of us keep that appointment. We've all heard stories of the man who had chest pains, made a doctor appointment but started feeling better, so he cancelled the appointment thinking it was only indigestion. Later on that night, he had a massive coronary and died. Not everyone pays attention to the signs our bodies give, and not taking those signs seriously can have dire consequences. When we don't keep our divine appointment with God, the consequences are eternal.
"When Jesus had spoken these words, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given Him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:1-3)."
We don't like to think about eternity because we don't like to think about death. But the older we get, the more real death and and eternity become. The problem with that thinking is we don't all get to be older. People die young every day, and as heartbreaking as it is when a young person loses their life, knowing they never gave eternity a second thought is even worse.
"Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. (Proverbs 22:5)."
When we keep our divine appointment with the Lord, we are able to pass on His light and life to others, including those we love. The Lord knows each and every one us and desires an intimate relationship with us. As long as there is breath in our bodies, it's not too late to keep that appointment.
"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:12-13)."
Read Deuteronomy 23-26
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
Monday, March 19, 2018
Ease Your Mind
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." ~Romans 12:2
There was a time I conformed to this world. I was young and wanted to be part of the crowd. I wanted to have fun and be with friends, and make new friends. It's part of our human nature to want to be accepted, loved, wanted, and needed but that can be a problem when we don't have the right mindset. When we get involved with the wrong people, wrong activities, wrong frame of mind, we wind up in trouble. We often find ourselves doing things we shouldn't, heading down a path that can only lead to destruction.
"There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is death (Proverbs 14:12)."
I don't remember if I ever stopped to think where my friends and I were heading, whether I took into consideration the end result of my actions, but probably not. Humans tend to live in the moment, and especially when living a wayward lifestyle, we rarely stop to consider the consequences. In hindsight, I know if I had not come to my senses, the end would have meant death and eternal separation from God. I was on that wide path to hell (Matthew 7:13).
If we are to live right, to be accepted, loved, wanted and needed in a healthy way, we must renew our minds and be transformed by the Word of God. We are made in God's image, so why is it so easy to follow destruction rather than transformation? I think it's because our minds are filled with negative ideas and images from such an early age that we believe the garbage long before we find truth. And the garbage of this world is only getting more pervasive.
"While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18)."
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2)."
Renewing our minds daily in Jesus Christ is how we avoid being caught up in the things of this world. It begins by accepting Christ as our Savior, and then by going to church, reading the Bible, prayer, and being friends with other believers. We can also stop reading and believing everything we see on social media. We don't have to inundate our minds with everything that is going on around us.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13)."
Read Deuteronomy 18-22
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
There was a time I conformed to this world. I was young and wanted to be part of the crowd. I wanted to have fun and be with friends, and make new friends. It's part of our human nature to want to be accepted, loved, wanted, and needed but that can be a problem when we don't have the right mindset. When we get involved with the wrong people, wrong activities, wrong frame of mind, we wind up in trouble. We often find ourselves doing things we shouldn't, heading down a path that can only lead to destruction.
"There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is death (Proverbs 14:12)."
I don't remember if I ever stopped to think where my friends and I were heading, whether I took into consideration the end result of my actions, but probably not. Humans tend to live in the moment, and especially when living a wayward lifestyle, we rarely stop to consider the consequences. In hindsight, I know if I had not come to my senses, the end would have meant death and eternal separation from God. I was on that wide path to hell (Matthew 7:13).
If we are to live right, to be accepted, loved, wanted and needed in a healthy way, we must renew our minds and be transformed by the Word of God. We are made in God's image, so why is it so easy to follow destruction rather than transformation? I think it's because our minds are filled with negative ideas and images from such an early age that we believe the garbage long before we find truth. And the garbage of this world is only getting more pervasive.
"While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18)."
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2)."
Renewing our minds daily in Jesus Christ is how we avoid being caught up in the things of this world. It begins by accepting Christ as our Savior, and then by going to church, reading the Bible, prayer, and being friends with other believers. We can also stop reading and believing everything we see on social media. We don't have to inundate our minds with everything that is going on around us.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13)."
Read Deuteronomy 18-22
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Attitude Is Everything
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
~Philippians 4:8-9
Have you ever known someone who is always negative? I have known a couple of people who, for as long as I can remember, have never had a positive thing to say. Every social media post is a rant about how someone wronged them, spoke ill about them, or otherwise offended them. They complain about everything and everyone in their life. They are so unhappy, it feels as if they think spreading their negative attitudes around will somehow change how they feel. FYI, it won't, but it will make people not want to be around them!
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23)."
When we accept Christ as our Savior, we receive His Spirit, and the product is the above verse. We may not see that fruit all at once, but we should, at least, feel His peace, kindness, gentleness, and have joy. We may have to practice patience and self-control but the longer we walk with the Lord, the more evident the Fruit of the Spirit should be in our lives.
I have known a particular person for many years who is a pastor but if I had only known them through social media, I would not have been able to tell. As Christians, and especially as pastors, we are to model Jesus to the world. When we act like everyone else, why would anyone want to be a Christian? We are to be set apart from the world, and certainly, God holds us to a higher standard. Why aren't some Christians holding themselves to God's standard?
"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless (James 1:26)."
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2)."
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29)."
Read Deuteronomy 6-8
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
~Philippians 4:8-9
Have you ever known someone who is always negative? I have known a couple of people who, for as long as I can remember, have never had a positive thing to say. Every social media post is a rant about how someone wronged them, spoke ill about them, or otherwise offended them. They complain about everything and everyone in their life. They are so unhappy, it feels as if they think spreading their negative attitudes around will somehow change how they feel. FYI, it won't, but it will make people not want to be around them!
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23)."
When we accept Christ as our Savior, we receive His Spirit, and the product is the above verse. We may not see that fruit all at once, but we should, at least, feel His peace, kindness, gentleness, and have joy. We may have to practice patience and self-control but the longer we walk with the Lord, the more evident the Fruit of the Spirit should be in our lives.
I have known a particular person for many years who is a pastor but if I had only known them through social media, I would not have been able to tell. As Christians, and especially as pastors, we are to model Jesus to the world. When we act like everyone else, why would anyone want to be a Christian? We are to be set apart from the world, and certainly, God holds us to a higher standard. Why aren't some Christians holding themselves to God's standard?
"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless (James 1:26)."
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2)."
If our minds are not renewed by the Holy Spirit, the words we speak and write are not going to be honorable, pure or lovely like Philippians 4 tells us to be. When we continually pour negativity into the world, we are going to see more negativity in our lives. Jesus was not negative, He walked in the light of life. If we truly follow Him, we will follow His footsteps and walk in his light.
Read Deuteronomy 6-8
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
The Lord Is Righteous
"The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works.The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them.
~Psalm 145:17-21
I've been asked many times if God is so righteous, how can He let people suffer? Why is there starvation, disease, war, and a multitude of human sufferings? How can a righteous God send people to hell? In fact, those are some of the questions I asked many years ago. The answer is easy but difficult. God didn't cause any of this and He doesn't send us to hell...that's the easy part. The difficult part is understanding that we, all of us, humankind, caused all of this and we choose Heaven or hell for ourselves.
From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden, it set things in motion, and as the Earth became more populated, sin grew exponentially. But we've always had the choice to follow God or live in sin. God doesn't want anyone to go to hell. It breaks His heart when we sin because He loves us all so much.
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.(2 Peter 3:9)."
Mankind has continually refused to follow God but God never gave up. No matter how we treat Him, blaspheme His name, deny His existance, or mock His Word, He is still waiting for us to love Him and live accordingly. In fact, His love is so great, He sent His own Son, Jesus, to take our punishment and die on the Cross so we wouldn't have to go to hell.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him (John 3:16-17)."
One day, the Lord will return and make right all that is wrong. One day, we will all see Him, and one day, we will face eternity. There is only one way to Heaven, one way to avoid hell, and that is through Jesus Christ. The choice is ours.
"There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is death (Proverbs 14:12)."
"Therefore, God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11)."
Read Deuteronomy 3:12-5:33
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018
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