Month: October 2015

What comes to your mind when you think of famine? A food shortage? Dry land and withering plants? Parched fields where food once grew in abundance? A water shortage that brings forth thirst and hunger? Do you picture starving children with bloated bellies? We may picture these images in our mind. With certainty, they are sad. Yet, none of these things were being referenced in the title of this blog entry: “A Famine is Coming!”

You may find this to be odd. After all, famine is about food and water shortages, isn’t it?

As cited in a recent blog post titled, “Teacher: True or False?” the scriptures state that there will come a time when false teachers among us will deceive many. The false teachers had been fraternizing alongside the Israelites. The time referred to had come to their land then, and now, it is here again, in our present day.

There is yet another time coming. Although it is not here yet in full force, it has certainly begun, in my opinion. Yes, famine has been here before and is now in the forms of lack of food and water. However, this famine is different.

The Bible states: “ ‘The time is surely coming,’ says the Sovereign Lord, ‘when I will send a famine on the land — not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord.’ ” (Amos 8:11)

In fact, did you know that the very next verse in the Bible states that: “People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from border to border searching for the word of the Lord but they will not find it.” (Amos 8:12)

Don’t wait for the famine.

Why do people put off reading the Bible? Why don’t they read the precious Holy Word of God daily? It’s needed so very much. It’s food for your soul and spirit. Please don’t wait another day.

“The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His [God’s] life brought light to everyone.” (John 1:4)

In the Bible, we are told the story of Joseph and a prior famine of food that struck the whole world.

“… People from all around came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe throughout the world.” (Genesis 41:57)

The famine of the Word of God will be worldwide and similar to the food shortage that struck the world in Joseph’s day.

I am not immune to my own famine of the Word. Although I may read the Bible every single day, communing with the Lord and being fed by His Word daily, at times, I suddenly find myself not reading the Bible at all for several days. One day turns into the next when I realize that I have not opened up God’s Word, the Bible! I find myself lacking direction and losing my close communication with God and His Word.

How does this happen? Why are we so easily distracted? We stray away from the Lord even though we know that we shouldn’t! Although we live in a fallen world with sin running rampant, we must keep our focus on God, so that we are not as easily distracted. We cannot grow weary. We must stay in the Word of God daily. After all, God has given Himself as a sacrifice and suffered for us. After all He did for us, can’t we even commit to Him every day? It’s for our own good! His Word is given for our daily bread. We must eat food daily to survive. We need His Word, the Bible, daily, too. God’s words are life and the Word of God is alive.

From now on, we must remember that there will come a time of great famine of God’s Word. As I mentioned earlier, I believe this time has already begun.

It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Deuteronomy 8:3 and Matthew 4:4).

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises for “all the promises of God find their Yes in Him.” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Jesus Christ is the very Word of God (Revelation 19:13), which is why he called Himself the Bread of Life (John 6:35) for “whoever feeds on this bread will live forever” (John 6:58). Jesus is the Source and Sustainer of our hope because without Him we would not have a future.

“… Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But Jesus told him, ‘No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4)

Let our desire be as Jeremiah describes:

“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.” (Jeremiah 15:16)

There is a lack of hunger for God’s Word. What can we do about it? First, we need to realize that we ourselves hunger for God and His Word, and we need to fulfill that hunger by reading the Bible daily and praying without ceasing. We need to tell others, too. We need to encourage others to read the Bible daily and pray without ceasing, too. 

We need to realize that we are not living in right relationship with the Lord when we are not feeding on His Word. We separate ourselves from God when we sin and when we do not feed on His Word daily.

What do we need? We need to be immersed in the Bible (the Word of God). We need to allow God to write His Word on our heart. We need to study and meditate on the Bible day and night, every day!

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Joshua 1:8)

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: Remember: “The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine on the land — not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord.” (Amos 8:11)

Copyright © 2015 by Patricia Shehan

From a previously published post that had to be temporarily removed. I am able to repost this again in memory and love of my precious granddaughter, Lily, who is in Heaven with Almighty God. This is the blog entry from March 2015.
 
Last month’s blog post was missed due to my granddaughter’s passing, but I’ve decided to share this overwhelming, distressful news with you, my readers. I ask you to consider praying for all of us at this time, as I continue to pray for you, too. 

Lily Anne is my precious granddaughter whose life was cut short way too soon. While my daughter was in labor with her full-term baby girl, Lily, it was told to us that the baby’s heart had stopped, and she did not make it out of the womb alive. It seems that our Lily must have entered into the lilies of the valley in Heaven before we were able to see her.

With this excruciatingly devastating news, we all wondered how this could happen. Both baby and mother were healthy and happy.

The unexpected, greatest sorrow gripped Lily’s mother (my daughter, Bethany) certainly the most of all. This great pain extended to her father, her grandparents (myself included), her extended family, and friends. We were all just moments away from great excitement that very suddenly turned into enormous grief.

Many were awaiting the news of Lily’s birth and praying for a smooth delivery for her mother. When uncertainties arose, prayers were intensified and a miracle was sought. Yet, still, way too quickly all our dreams, hopes, and plans were shattered.

We could not help but wonder why Lily was taken so tragically. We were told all along that everyone was fine, and just 2 weeks prior it was mentioned how Lily was such a healthy and happy baby.

Only God knows why this happened. Only God knows why we must endure this intense sorrow.

I call on the Lord to help us get through this valley, especially my daughter. 
If “we are led by the Spirit of God,” then we are “children of God.” (Romans 9:14)

“And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering.” (Romans 9:17)

Suffering is never easy, but as Christians we know what we will be inheriting when we see God face to face. We know that we will get through this together.

“… What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.” (Romans 9:18) — This may be hard to understand now. Nevertheless, it is true, and we can hold onto this truth.

The one saving grace I have is that I know, without a doubt, that sweet baby Lily is in the arms of Jesus Christ, our Savior. She is in Heaven. She is out of pain. She is alive there, even though she could not be alive here. She is joyful there, even though we would have been joyful with her here. She is awaiting the arrival of her parents and her family to see her again in Heaven. So, if you’re not saved, if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, it’s time to do so now!

Lily Anne  1-30-15
A baby being held by our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Lily Anne in a butterfly bonnet.

I would like to share the eulogy I wrote for Lily’s memorial/funeral service here as follows:

Hello everyone, and thank you for joining us today in honor of Lily Anne. My name is Patty, and I’m Bethany’s mom, and grandmother to beautiful baby Lily.

Just prior to Bethany’s discharge from the hospital, the hospital’s minister was called upon to come pray over Mom and Dad with Lily, and the immediate family and a couple of close friends who were present. As that minister said, I repeat: “What can we say at a time like this?”

As you and I are all keenly aware, we are here today because of a huge tragedy. In the days ahead, we ask that you continue to pray for the strength of Bethany, and all the family and friends who are and will continue to be grieved by baby Lily’s departure from this earth.

We were making so many plans and we spent countless hours preparing for Lily’s arrival. Yet, here we are all today, in great distress over the horrible circumstances we find ourselves in.

For those of you who are Christians, may we find comfort in the book of Jeremiah chapter 1 verse 5 with God’s Word that tells us: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart.”

Although Lily was stillborn and she never got to take her first breath, we are left wondering “Why?” Yet she came to us for a purpose. We may never know here on this earth, in this world, but we must find salvation through God so that we may come to know in the next world that of our Heavenly home, in which Lily has now come to know as her own.

All the preparations were made to enjoy Lily here on earth, and when we saw her, we were in awe of her beauty, her gorgeous face, and her perfect body. Why, we ask, why – wasn’t she born alive instead?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 tells us: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under Heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plan and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.”

Let us today use our imagination in knowing that Lily is now dancing among the lilies of the valley with God in Heaven being held by His mighty right hand. Let it be known that for everything there is a season, and Lily will never, ever be forgotten. May her light shine down from Heaven with Jesus Christ and all those who have gone before us awaiting our arrival to be with her once again, in total peace, love, and joy, where there will be no more pain and no more tears.

Lily, we love you so very much, and you will always live on in our hearts.

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” (Song of Songs 2:1) 

Copyright © 2015 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word) and is set in italics and quotation marks.

I’ve heard a lot of Christians talking about false teachers more often these days. What I don’t hear being discussed is how we will recognize a false teacher. Are they true or false teachers? Do you know?

False teachers actually love to enjoy their evil pleasures in broad daylight! They are like “unthinking animals.” They also delight in deceiving you, even while they are right there eating among you in your Christian fellowship meals! They are a disgrace, but do you recognize them? (Based on 2 Peter 2:12-13)

False teachers are at our churches. They may be in our Bible study groups. They may even come to our homes.

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:5)

“Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” (Matthew 7:20)

It takes time to “see the fruit” of a person. We need to see how people act or better yet how they don’t act! We need to see what people will actually do and what they won’t do. Then we can have a better idea of who they really are or who they are not. What they claim by what they speak is insufficient for us to believe them. Their actions (or inactions) will show you! This takes some time. Patience will reveal a person’s true intentions, along with prayer and the Word of God.

False teachers commit adultery with their eyes because their desire to sin is never satisfied. False teachers have their own twisted sexual desires and they lure unstable people (those who have barely escaped a lifestyle of deception) back into sin. (Based on 2 Peter 2:14, 18)

“They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.” (2 Timothy 3:6)

Where are the man’s eyes? Are they looking back at you in the face or viewing your body in a sexual way. Just because you are lonely, doesn’t mean you should allow yourself to be carried away by evil lusts. This goes both ways with women viewing men inappropriately, too.

False teachers have hearts that are well-trained in greed. They live under God’s curse. However, you may recognize them if you listen carefully because they will scoff at things they don’t understand. (Based on 2 Peter 2:12, 14)

“In their greed they will make up clever lies to get ahold of your money. …” (2 Peter 2:3)

“You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey Him.” (Ephesians 5:5-6)

False teachers do not tell you that you must obey God. They live in disobedience themselves. This is certainly one way to recognize them. For God calls us to obey Him in every area of our life. The teacher must be pure, moral, and obedient to God.

Unfortunately, it is common that when a preacher or teacher is speaking in this way (with “great swelling words of emptiness”), most people don’t recognize it. Instead, they believe they are being encouraged by what they’re hearing. We need salvation and the Holy Spirit within us in to determine the truth.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (wholesome teaching); but after their own lusts, they will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3)

The time has already come. It is already evident in our world today by “gay churches” using a revised “queen James bible version,” and by “nude churches” with the preacher and those attending church without any clothes on. These heresies are abominations to a Holy God.

So, who do you believe? Do you choose what you want to hear and apply only what you like to your life? There must be a standard and it is God’s standard that must be applied. We must utilize the Bible (God’s Word) as our standard.

There was a time when I had “deaf ears” and “blind eyes.” Although I grew up with morals and a belief in God from my mind, I had yet to fully understand God or love Him as I should. I had yet not loved God from my heart nor had I understood that this is, in part, how I could be saved. I didn’t hear or see the whole truth in the church of my youth.

Most of what I heard, I tended to believe. However, when there is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, it’s not always as easy to detect the truth. They are not always easy to recognize because they wear a disguise.

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

We won’t know what to believe unless we have discernment from the Holy Spirit. We must believe. We must receive salvation and be born again. We need to get baptized. Please see my prior blog entries on “Salvation,” “Baptism,” and “Born Again!” You must first believe in God and in Jesus Christ, not just in your mind, but in your heart, too. Without him, what will you believe? How will you know the truth?

We were warned: “I know that falseteachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you…” (Acts 20:29)

How will you know who the false teachers are and who they are not? You must seek God for His discernment to know the truth! Jesus Christ told us that we will recognize a tree by its fruit (Matthew 12:33). Does the teacher provide the whole truth of the gospel, believing and applying these teachings themselves to their own lives? Do their characteristics glorify God or do they display pride? Does the teacher display morality and the love of God first and foremost?

“… There were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. (2 Peter 2:1-2)

Thank God for the following:

“… But God condemned them [the false teachers] long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed. For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment.” (2 Peter 2:3-4)

False teachers “despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings without so much as trembling.” (2 Peter 2:10)

Yet on the other hand: “… False messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” (Mark 11:22)

“… False teachers are so eager to win your favor, but their intentions are not good. …” (Galatians 4:7)

“And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.” (Mark 24:11 and Matthew 24:11)

If you didn’t know this, you have now been warned!

(Job 11:11)

Some who are deceived don’t even realize it about themselves!

“… Evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13)

Wow! To not even realize it about yourself! Now, that’s something to really think about!

So, if God knows who is good and who is evil, shouldn’t we seek Him for all truth, along with His Word in prayer to know who and what to believe? I pray we will not be deceived. I pray we will all received God’s discernment through our own obedience and love for God.

“And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.” (Romans 16:17-18)

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “Jesus told them, ‘Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and saying, “The time has come!” They will deceive many. But don’t believe them.’ ” (Luke 21:8 and Matthew 24:4-5 combined together, as they are nearly identical)

Copyright © 2015 by Patricia Shehan