Our bodies are the temple of the Lord and we too are to draw lost souls to him. So let's ask ourselves this question: Is God's light shining through us to the point that the lost want to know more about Jesus?
Have you ever driven by a Bar, when the lights were on inside, and assumed that those inside were having fun? No? Niether have I. My heart isn't drawn to that lifestyle. But I believe that the lost, when passing by God's house when the lights are on, wonder why people gather there. His house is like a beacon calling for people to come.
Our bodies are the temple of the Lord and we too are to draw lost souls to him. So let's ask ourselves this question: Is God's light shining through us to the point that the lost want to know more about Jesus?
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Rejection slip: a notification of rejection attached by a publisher to a manuscript before returning it to its author. Reject: 1. to refuse to have, take, use, recognize, etc: 2. to discard
as useless or unsatisfactory. Sounds hurtful doesn't it. I can confirm that it is very easy to become discouraged (to deprive of ...courage, hope, or confidence; dispirit.) when you've been rejected in any way. Whether it be in your personal life, in the workplace, or Church, it can be devistating (1. to overwhelm, as with shock. 2. to lay waste; render desolate). I've had my share of rejection as most of us have, but my story doesn't end there. Often I have been so disappointed because of rejection only to find that it led to me being right where God wanted me to be. It has also led to much greater opportunities to have my songs recorded. Take for instance, yesterday I received an email from a publisher (one who makes publicly or generally known.) rejecting my songs. This is a very common occurance among writers in any field. According to seasoned writers, you may write 50 songs only to have one of them published. Isn't it wonderful to know that when God calls you to do something for him, he equips (to furnish with intellectual or emotional resources; prepare) you to do it. God's calling is far more greater than any man's rejection. There is no quiting place when you've been given a task from God almighty. Once God's own Son was despised (to regard with contempt or disdain; scorn) and rejected by the world but still he did his Father's will because he knew his purpose. And there you have it. Don't let anyone discourage you from doing what God has called you to do. Make your calling (a divine call or summons) and election (the choice by God of individuals, as for salvation) sure, II Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: When you have been accepted by God, man's rejection is powerless over your emotional and spiritual well-being. I've heard this said "When God closes a door behind you and hasn't opened a new one, just praise him in the hallway." When you're faced with rejection, take heart and don't be discouraged, often times there are blessings in rejection. May God bess and keep you all. While reading an article one day entitled "Attack on the Bible" I was astonished to learn the discrepancies in the text of all the "new versions" of the Bible. As I read about the omitted key words and omitting of entire scriptures I was very intrigued by what seemed to be blantant lies. As I delved deeper I bacame convinced by the evidence that it no long seemed to be lies but it actually was.
Comparing my 1611 KJB to the verses in some of the other books made me theorize that maybe this is how the strong delusion that God writes of in Revalations is going to begin to manifest itself. This morning while skimming over the local news paper I came upon an article written by a local Pastor and I was shocked at his quotation of John 3:16 "God so loved the world that He sent His Son, so that all who would believe in Him need not parish, but might have everlasting life. What's wrong with this you may ask. Here is what's wrong. When this "version" makes reference to Jesus, the word only begotten is omitted. God's word also calls Christians "the sons of God" in 1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." So what son is the author speaking of when he writes "He sent his Son"? Secondly, "but might have everlasting life" leaves the impression that you might not have everlasting life. You can know without a doubt that you have everlasting life when you receive Jesus as Savior. This is the correct quote from 1611 King James Bible: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Church, beware of the little foxes. The entire Gospel comes into focus in this verse. It's so important. Let's quote it correctly. I was so excited about transferring back to my hometown in 2002. My husband and I settled into our church home. I was working out and feeling on top of the world. Then it started. The pain, fatigue, and stiffness was too intense to be from my workout or every day task. But I had nothing else to blame it on so I went about my days coping the best I could.
When time came for me to visit my Doctor for routine blood work I really hadn't planned on mentioning the problems because I thought I knew the answer but when she asked me if my back was hurting, I told her I was hurting all over. When I said that she said "Have you ever been tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis?" I said "Not that I know of." So she ordered the test and I waited for her to call. I expected her to call and say all is clear and I just wanted to make sure you didn't have RA. That's not what happened. When she called she told me she was sending me to a Rheumatologist and that I wouldn't be waiting but would be seeing them ASAP. So after a first and second opinion confirming that I was ill, I began the fight to live as normal a life as possible. I researched this disease through every resource possible. I fought tooth and nail trying not to take the frightening drugs that they told me I needed to slow the progression of damage to my joints and organs. Yes, organs. You see what most people don't realize is that Rheumatoid Arthritis is not a form of Arthritis. It's an autoimmune disease that causes your own immune system to attack your own body. Arthritis is only a symptom of RA. I finally did submit to my Doctor's request to start treatment. I now receive infusions every 6 weeks. I take a drug every day specifically for RA and many others because of secondary conditions. I had to quit my career as a Licensed Optician. I've been disabled for three years now. At first I was devastated and I greived for the old me. I wasn't ready to stay home. But God had another plan. And since God knows best I knew He was going to open another door as soon as he closed the other one. He did. I hadn't been off work for a month before He started giving me new songs. I hadn't written anything substantial in years and now songs were coming one right after another. It wasn't long before Publishers started calling, Artist starting calling and singing my songs. And I had recorded my first solo project. And I know the best is yet to come. Now I am enjoying my second career and I don't even have to leave my home. I even have my own website from which I am writing this blog. Tell me God doesn't have good things instore for those who love him. He's my strong and mighty tower. Is there life after RA or any debilitating disease? There certainly is! Life more abundant than your heart could ever imagine! Right before my husband and I started dating he planted three Bradford Pear trees in his front yard. He planted them close together so they could support each other. They've stood strong for over eleven years now. And they have weathered some icy storms. They are often the topic of our conversation as Leon once again tells me that they are as old as our relationship.
Those trees remind me daily of how our love for God and each other has grown stronger each passing year and how by staying rooted in God's word and planted close together we can survive any icy storm. And that God is faithful and His mercy endures forever. Once there stood three trees on a hill called Calvary. With two thieves on each side and the Savior of my soul in the middle. His tree needed no support for it was grown for the purpose of lifting my Lord up as He gave his life's blood for you and me. There on Calvary's tree Christ redeemed my poor soul and took upon Himself the sin's of all. And we'll never need another tree like that because the debt was fully paid. In the finished work of Calvary I shall forever glory in the cross. Thank you Lord for reminding of the trees. Wow! I can't believe it's already February, 2013! They say time moves more quickly when you get older and I'm a bleiever. It's been a great year so far for the songwiting ministry with new cuts, demos, and songs. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Since I don't travel any more I do tend to feel a little isolated from what's going on with other groups and soloist so I try to read and reach out as much as possible. I was saddend to hear about Tracy Stuffle being ill and I've been keeping up with Libi and Tracy's progress. Here's a link to send them notes and read Libi's post. www.caringbridge.org Till next month, keep singing! Out with the old and in with the new! 2012 has been an interesting year. We have had many life changing events take place this year. We are starting our first year without my Dad and Step-mom and they are enjoying being with Christ Jesus. We are in better health going into 2013 and we're excited about the new year! Having 11thour record "Wake the Land" and The Proclaimers record "Singing on My Way" has been the highlight of 2012. I have enjoyed my relationship with new publishers and artist. I hope to have several new cuts this year as I am working on news songs right now.
LeoI wish you all the best. Have a happy and blessed new year!! We grieve along with the Connecticut victim's friends and families. It's hard to imagine their pain and suffering. It's even harder to imagine the evil which lives in the hearts and minds of those who murder innocent children. What a cowardly and brutal act of violence. The media with all their spins and repetition seem to try to explain what can't be explained. Do we really want to understand the satanic spirits that possess the souls of reprobates? I think not.
What I can't seem to wrap my mind around though is that we seem to greive more for children murdered by sedistic individuals than we do for unborn babies murdered by their own mothers. I know this isn't a popular stand to take in todays world but I'm not of this world. And as a born again Christian and as one who knows the words that God has given us to live and die by, I can't help but be ashamed of what our Nation has become. How much longer will our God withhold judgement on America? This nation murders babies, celebrates unholy unions, pipes porn into homes by every inlet you can imagine, and glorifies celebrities. Our leaders no longer lead and will soon audit what is said behind our pulpits. Our Churches are social centers more concerned about numbers than winning souls. You'll never hear the news media give you a body count of the murdered unborn. And you will never hear them announce that another person's name has just been added to the book of life. But the God of all ages knows all about it. Nothing happens in this life unless it is allowed by God. His ways are higher than ours and who are we to question God? My prayer is God please comfort all those who have buried loved ones because of someones violent act. Help us Lord to speak up, pray, and end the unspoken tragedy of murdered unborn children. What a beautiful Summer we've had so far. God is so obvious in so many ways. I was watching the humming birds and gold finches and became so amazed at the complexity of nature and how God orchestrates the entire world. What a might God we serve!
I'm so excited about the new songs being recorded. When the newest is released I'll share more information. Thanks to Crossroads for making such a beautiful demo of one of my latest. Chris Almon sang the lead and did a spectacular job. Blessings, You can now go to www.chriswhitemusicpublishing.com, click on the list of authors, find my name, click on it, and choose my songs to listen to. If you find something you like just let them know. For more choices just contact me. I hope you all are having a wonderful March!
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