When Angels Appeared to Bring the Good News

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”  
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  
       “ Glory to God in the highest,
         And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.  And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.  Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them." Luke 2:8-20

Can you imagine being one of the shepherds that holy night?  Can you imagine taking care of your flock (as this Child would one day) and being interrupted by an angel of the Lord?  And then a 'multitude' of heavenly host appear and in heavenly choir sing praises of glory to the Lord?  Can you imagine the depths of wonder your soul would experience?  In the light of the stars and moon and in the glory of the angels, you must be unbelievably scared!  But you are told to not be afraid but instead to know that a Savior is born and He will take care of you forevermore!

So after the angels disappear, imagine standing there in the field with your sheep and your friends and wondering what was going on!  Your life is changed completely!  You didn't see just one angel, as Abraham and Jacob did, you saw a multitude of heavenly host!  A multitude!  How do you catch your breath after that?  After the honor that was bestowed on you to be a witness to such a miracle!

And then you do what they told you and you journey to the cave that houses an infant who will save the world!  How do you even comprehend all that?  You see His young mother cradling the Savior of the World and His earthly father watching nearby, protecting them both.  You fall on your knees and you worship the Babe.  You tell about what the angels told you, and you see His mother listening intently.  What an amazing honor to be chosen to be one of the first to see this and to bring a message from heaven to Mary!

You know how when we see a newborn baby we always marvel at the perfection of their lips and their eyelashes and tiny fingers?  Can you imagine seeing Jesus just hours old?  Knowing, because the angels told you, that He would save the world?  That He was the King of kings?  Do you dare to touch His little hand so that His fingers rest around yours?  What would it be like to touch the Son of God? 

Dear Reader, we can touch the Son of God anytime we want to!  He is in each one of us.  He is in your wife, your child, your husband, your friend, your co-worker.  He is in the guy down the street that doesn't bring his garbage can up right away.  He is in the homeless, he is in the downtrodden, he is in the teacher, the fireman, the executive, the secretary, he is in us!  Bless someone today with a hug.  If that is too uncomfortable for you, than bless them with a smile right from your heart!  Think of that person as Jesus, your Savior!  Love your fellow man; today do something extra special for someone you don't know.  Let the angels sing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men." 

Have a beautiful day, and God bless you today and always.  Wrap yourself in the miracle of Jesus' birth!  Please enjoy the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4qsDeHE1mw

Eight Seconds to Eternity



Pastors Terry and Jan Whitley



Pastor Steve Timmerman

 On 10 October 2013, in Pflugerville, Texas, just north of Austin, three people I love lost their lives in a tragic one vehicle accident on Texas Toll Road 130.  These were people who had a love for God and for their families, and for the church that they pastored.

Pastors Terry Whitley 65, his wife Janice 63, and Senior Associate Pastor Steve Timmerman 56, were killed when a tire blew out and the church van flipped several times and came to a stop.  They say it was all over in eight seconds.  The news sent shock waves that stunned our congregation.  Each person went through their own time of meditation and quiet disbelief.  "How could this be?"  "No, not all three!?"  "Tell me it's just a bad dream."

Dear Reader, news like this could cripple a congregation, but that isn't what happened to Grace Christian Center in Killeen, Texas.  Pastors Terry and Jan started Grace Christian Center with a handful of worshipers 33 years ago.  As the congregation grew, they moved to bigger facilities, and finally built the current church that houses about 2,000 weekly congregants.  It is a world outreach center, and has built and planted churches in many far off lands.

On the night after that terrible accident, the church opened the doors for what was to be a two-hour period of prayer.  The worship team was going to play three songs.  One of them, Majesty, written by Jack Hayford, was Pastor Terry's favorite.  My husband and I arrived late, closer to 8pm.  We were astounded at the amount of cars in the neighborhoods, on the grass at the church, and the packed parking lot.  When we entered the church, the halls were filled and the sanctuary was packed with people standing and worshiping.  What started out as three songs continued for two solid hours. The congregation, with tear stained faces, through smiling lips sang praise and worship to the Lord of hosts, the Great I AM, Jehovah, the Living God.  As the crescendo grew louder and louder and the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable throughout the building, I saw for a moment the huge gates of heaven thrown open from the sincere and heartfelt songs from the earth.  I could imagine our Pastor Terry saying, "That sounds like Charles!"  (Charles Reid, our Music Minister)  And Pastor Jan saying, "I hear Emmanuel!"  (Emmanuel Hernandez, our Worship Leader), and Pastor Steve recognizing Carolanne McLean, another of our Worship Leaders.  Then in my heart, I could hear them say, "That's our church!  They know exactly what to do in times of great trial and sorrow!  They know to worship the one true God with all their heart!"

And so we did!  I have never felt such an enormous and sweet Presence as I did that night.  As we cried and hugged each other we knew that our loved ones were gazing into the face of the Almighty God Himself, and that we were not alone here without them.  The local news reported on the strength of the people of Grace, and how through our sadness there was joy, for the reward was so great for our Pastors. 

The following week was a time of grief and honor for them.  The memorial for Pastors Terry and Jan was attended by several thousand people that knew and loved them.  Killeen, being right outside Fort Hood, was home to many, many soldiers over the years that were stationed here for two to three years and then they got orders to go elsewhere.  Many flew in just to honor the pastors they loved, the ones who taught them who God is and what the Bible says.  The friends and 'family' listened as close pastoral friends and the children spoke of the love they had for their parents, and the love their parents had for the congregation and community, and the country.

Pastor Steve was the Chaplain for the Killeen Fire Department for ten years.  As Senior Associate Pastor, he was a man without equal.  He was not only the Chaplain (Killeen has 8 fire houses), but he was the head of the Helps Ministry at Grace, which includes several hundred individuals; he handled the baptisms, baby dedications, and did hospital visits from Houston to Dallas.  He served the Pastors well, and often led the Sunday and Wednesday night services in their absence.  He belonged to the Patriot Guard Riders of Central Texas, who honored him with an escort to the Central Texas Veteran's Cemetery. 

On the day of his funeral, all the City of Killeen Firemen and women and EMS workers lined the inside of the church in respect to him.  The front of the church was not only packed with cars, but fire trucks and equipment.  Receiving the honors of a fallen firefighter, his body was placed in one of the fire trucks for his last ride to the cemetery he had performed many services at.  At the entrance to the cemetery were two ladder trucks with the ladders up and an American flag hanging from the arch it made.  The firefighters and EMS and equipment were able to attend because many of the surrounding towns loaned equipment and manpower to Killeen for the solemn occasion. 

Today would have been Pastor Jan's birthday.  She is very happily celebrating it in heaven with her beloved Terry and their Armor-bearer.  Though we miss them, we are stronger because of them, and we know what we are supposed to do.  All that we were taught for these last 33 years twice a week is in our hearts somewhere, waiting to be called upon when the moment is needed.  We won't be sitting back watching, we will be doing.  What is a legacy but to be lived?  We trust our Board of Directors to find the Pastor that we need.  He won't be a carbon copy of those we lost, who would want that?  But he will have the same vision as Grace Christian Center has, and he will love the diversity of our congregation, and will not seek his own agenda, but like our Pastors, refer to themselves as Under-shepherds to Jesus.

Until that day arrives we learn from the best, the Pastor's Pastors, the close inner circle of godly men that prayed over, for, and with us many times.   We watch our Associate Pastors rise to the occasion with a word in due season, and see the strength that our Lord has given them as they carry this unexpected mantle.  God has blessed us more than we can say.  I am not so sad that I lost them, because my gratitude of having had them is so great.  I smile when I think of them.  They were unassuming, devoted to God, and as transparent as glass, as I hope I always am.  They leave behind children and a widow.  Our love and prayers for their comfort are daily and fervent.  I know they are strong, and I know that through this tragedy they too will rise, like Grace Christian Center.  I believe the next 5 years will far surpass the last 25, because our house was built on a solid Rock foundation. 

I say 'Go With God' to them.  It's where they should be, it is a just and deserving reward for three wonderfully blessed individuals.  May God's grace shower upon their families like healing rain. 

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever."  Psalm 30:11-12 NKJV    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX8OfCSp7r8

The Word of God is Powerful and Can Change or Save A Life

Dear Reader,

My life has taken many turns these last six years or so since I came back to the Lord and got baptized.  My old life is in the past.  I am still learning from it, but I vow to never repeat it.  I am so different, and walking in a light that is visible to anyone who takes the time out to open their eyes and seek it.  Once you see it, you want it more and more and more.

I have been very blessed in the last few weeks since my last post.  I have received tips from readers of where to get pictures, hopefully the kind I need.  I have told you that my devotional begins at Week 6 Day 1 - Trust.  There is a reason for that.  Six weeks pregnant is really only four weeks after conception.  But it is how the doctors plan on a date because the actual moment or day of conception is unknown.  Let me try and make this short, but share a little story with you about how God works.

Earlier this week I saw Divine Intervention at work.  On Wednesday, a friend sent me a text early in the morning saying simply, "love you".  I thought that was so nice and so I texted her back and told her how it made my day blessed and extra special.  A few hours later another friend texted and said "Good word, please pray for a girl considering abortion."  Without even thinking, I asked, "Is there a way to get my devotional to her?  I will pray for wisdom."  She in turn referred me to someone else who was in touch with the young woman.  When I called her, she began with how wonderful the text I sent her was and how it was in due season!  I was flabbergasted.  "What text?  I didn't send you a text" I replied.  "Yes you did, it's right here, 8:31 this morning, from Deirdre Tolhurst.  "No, I was walking with my husband at that time", I said.  But she was looking right at it on her phone and insisting that I sent it, and it was exactly what she had been telling this young woman.  We spoke about how she told this girl that she knew that God had something planned for her and her child.  We then made arrangements for me to send her the devotional day by day.  

Dear Reader, this is exactly what I was saying in my last post.  That if we could get the word of God through this little book into the hands of someone considering abortion, that perhaps it would change their mind, and a life could be spared.  She has decided to keep her baby!  Praise God!  This is because she saw that there were people there that reached out and showed her that they cared, and that they were willing to listen and walk her through those moments of doubt and fear.  She knows the Lord loves her, but don't we know that the world can be very loud in its lies sometimes.

We need to pray for these women and lift them up to the Lord.  Things happen and consequences follow, but we are not to judge lest we be judged, and who of us could throw the first stone?  Certainly not me!  God wants these children to live.  He loves each of us and has a plan for us.  Who is to say that the next child born isn't going to be an amazing man or woman of God?  I prayed over my granddaughter every day before she was born, I wrote the devotional for her mom.  But while writing it I read it.  I said it, and felt it in my heart.  My granddaughter will be a strong woman of God.  She will lead many to Christ.  She will minister on the playground, because I have dedicated her spirit to the Lord Jesus.  I have no doubt that what He tells me is true!  

Back to that text that my friend received.  The night before or early on Wednesday I received a text from a wonderful woman I know.  It had a scripture and said that God was blessing me and that I needed to share this with a few other women.  So I hit forward and sent it to about eight of my girlfriends.  Almost immediately I got an error message back, repeating exactly the same thing for the number of people I sent it to.  So I did it again.  And again the same thing happened.  So I gave up and deleted all those and went on my way.  

Later that night I saw my friend in church and she showed me the text.  It was the one that I tried to send twice but it didn't go through!  More absolute amazement in how God works.  The next day my best friend calls me and tells me she meant to call me the night before but knew I would be at church.  She wanted to tell me about a conversation she was having with a fellow coworker about her prayers that morning on her way into work.  She was telling her about how there were things that she hoped for, but that she was perfectly happy submitting to God's will because no matter what, she knew that she knew that she knew that He had a plan for her and would reveal it to her when the time was right.  In due season.

So even though (I believe) the enemy tried to thwart my efforts of forwarding that text, God turned it around and made it work for His glory!!  Let's see, there was confirmation that what was counseled was from God.  A young Mom decided to keep her baby (Praise God a million times), and a friend received comfort knowing that her heart was indeed in the right place.  Only God Himself could do these miraculous things.  A miracle indeed, and I was blessed to be a part of it! 

What was the word that reached into the hearts of these women? 
"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

Please join me as I pray for those women who are lost.

Dear Father God, 

You are all mighty and all powerful and see every detail of my heart.  You are glorious and lovely, and always faithful and trustworthy.  I believe in the power of the Name.  I believe in the power of Your written word.  Please show those women that are lost or alone or afraid that Your love overcomes anything we may face.  Please always place a laborer in their path, send your heavenly messengers to them to minister in Your name.  Bring them through their hurt, disappointment, or shame to a place of light, and love and truth.  Help them to know that they are never alone, and that the child they carry is a child of Yours first.  You chose this time and place to bring that child into this world.  It isn't a mistake, it isn't wrong.  There can only be love and light and joy in the presence of the Lord.  And while You are within them, help them to see that only You have the right to give life and to take it away.  We are the stewards of all the things You have blessed us with, and I ask that You give us diligence to nurture and take care of those things and to follow Your word and live righteously.  I ask You to bless these women and the men who are now fathers, to follow Your word and step forward and take responsibility for the most precious and worthwhile gift in the world, that of being a parent.  Thank You, Father for hearing my prayer of faith.  I love You with all my heart, and I pray in the name of Your own Son, Jesus Christ, Lord of Heaven and Earth, Sustainer of Life.  Amen

After the heartache, there is joy in life.  May God bless you all, always! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QLbR361wXI


   



         

My New Book is Almost Finished, But I Need Your Help!

Dear Reader,

I have been very busy writing my next book, Dear Child of Mine, a devotional for pregnant women to read out loud to their unborn child.  These last almost 12 months have been a blessing to me.  When I found out that our daughter was pregnant, the Holy Spirit told me to write a devotional for moms to be.  I had to rely on Him to lead me, as this is not an easy task, and it has been 30 years since I was pregnant and going through changes in my body, heart, and mind.  But I went into it with enthusiasm and joy of heart, and each day I would write something and email it to my daughter early in the morning.  She in turn would read it out loud to her baby.  My first grandchild, a beautiful little girl was born last January, a few weeks earlier than her due date.  I had to finish writing the devotional through 40 weeks.  When that was complete, I had to go back and start at the beginning.  But where would the beginning be?

I thought week 8 would be good, because by then a woman pretty much knows she is pregnant, and may pick up a devotional at that time, or receive one as a gift.  But....  when I started to research and found out what was going on with the developing baby at week six (four weeks gestation), I was astounded!  Did you know, dear Reader, that the heart is the very first organ to begin functioning?  Yes!  Would our loving God start anywhere else?  No!  The heart, a place we associate with life and love, valentines and joy would have to be the first working organ, it just makes sense.  The brain is also starting to function in the sixth week, and you would be amazed at how quickly Jesus forms the baby.

I truly believe that Jesus Himself, who resides in us believers, is right there in the womb speaking life into the child.  I believe the first words a child hears are those of its Creator, and that the first thing it touches is the mighty finger of God Himself!  Just a tiny little hand wrapped around the finger of God Almighty!  Oh yes, I can see that so clearly, can't you?

I have written from Week 6, Day 1 through Week 40, Day 4, ending with You Are Here!  I have pretty much completed the introduction and most of the epilogue, but I want to add a little synopsis at the beginning of each week to state what happens that week in the baby's development or the mother's changing body.  The most important reason I want to add this synopsis; however, is to add pictures of the developing baby in the womb, but I am not sure where to get those pictures with permission.

The enemy does not want babies to be prayed over.  He doesn't even want them born, and tens of millions have died by abortion in this country and around the world.  No matter how the baby came to be, God was behind the creation.  I understand that an unexpected pregnancy may cause fear in young women.  But abortion is taking from your body something that is a part of it.  What some women may think of as a mistake, is not what God had in mind.  He doesn't make mistakes, ever.  Every child is a blessing in His eyes, and it should be that way in our eyes too.  We were all born when we were for "a time such as this."  God declared that we were able to do His work even in the worst of times.  Perhaps because they are the worst of times.  We have wars, and rumors of wars, tornadoes and earthquakes, all those things that are prophesied. 

Who knows who that child would have become!  Could it have been this generation's Billy Graham or Joyce Meyer?  Who are we to silence the mouth of God's child?  At seven weeks, five gestational, the baby has arm and leg buds, a lower jaw, a mouth, and vocal cords!  It has a closed spine, a beating heart, ears, optic pits, and it is developing blood cells!  And possibly, a woman hasn't even skipped a period yet! 

So you see, I need to get permission to use pictures of the baby in the womb (like the kind in doctor's offices) so that women who are contemplating abortion for whatever reason will see that there really is a baby in there.  I didn't have any morning sickness, and no 'symptoms' of pregnancy.  My dear husband had that for me.  So I know that even though a woman knows she is pregnant, she perhaps doesn't feel it or show yet, that it makes it that much easier psychologically, I think, to get an abortion.  This devotional in the hands of some of these women may change their mind.  The Holy Spirit may speak into their hearts as He did into mine to write it.  I would love to see Pregnancy Centers all over the world give this book to unsure mothers.  Whether they accept it or not, they ARE someone's Mother, Mommy, Mama now, long before the baby is even born.  So my first hope is that lives could be saved by someone receiving this devotional.

I believe that women that aren't sure about God will fall in love with Him through this devotional and come to know Him better, perhaps even get saved.  Christian women who don't pray over their baby and read scripture to it will now do that.  I prayed that my own daughter would be healthy with ten fingers and toes, but I didn't pray over her every day. 

Each day has a word to the child.  The child is told each day that they are loved.  Then there is a prayer, expressing love and thanks to God for this wonderful miracle.  Each day's devotion ends with a scripture.  I have heard from women that I have sent it to that the baby reacts when the mom or dad reads the prayers aloud to it.  That is an amazing thing, to me a sign that the child already knows the Lord.  Also, after the child is born, I believe that  when it hears scripture it will find it familiar and comforting.  It does matter what our unborn and born children hear.  If they hear death they will speak it.  If they hear life, they will speak that.  There are devotions for the baby's development, it's eyes, ears, feet, friends, trust, grace, mercy, pancreas, heart, brain, mind, and many more.

Please pray for me, dear Reader, that I am able to get the pictures I need and the endorsements to reach the most pregnant women possible.  It is not for my own gain, but for the glory of God that I want to see success with this book.  How many can come to the Kingdom is known only by our Savior.  If you have comments, please leave them and I thank you for being faithful to my postings.  May God bless you and keep you.

By the way, my granddaughter, who I call Grace (her middle name), easily falls asleep when listening to worship music.  She is comforted by the words that must be so familiar to her.

Thank you for your prayers, may God bless you!  And to Him goes the glory!

"I have prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I ask of him."  1 Samuel 1:27 NIV

"I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."  Psalm 9:1 NIV

"I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me."  Acts 27:25 NIV

"I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord."  Habakkuk 3:2 NIV

"God made everything, and you can no more understand what he does than you understand how new life begins in the womb of a pregnant woman."  Ecclesiastes 11:5 GNT

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."  Proverbs 22:6 NIV

NO one!

Dear Jesus,

I read a scripture  today that is resonating in my heart and mind. 

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."  Joshua 1:5 NIV


The words no one keep repeating in my heart.  NO ONE.  I understand it doesn't mean that no one will ever come against me again, just that I don't have to feel the giants are going to win.  The Creator of all things is on MY side!  Like David, if all I am armed with is a rock and my God, the rock is inconsequential, an unnecessary weapon.

It wasn't so much the rock that slew Goliath as much as the presence of God in David's heart and life!  His faith in the truth kept him from being afraid.  It was what made him run forward towards the enemy, lest the enemy make any more progress in David's life or his words cut David down.  I too must run immediately towards that enemy, with such haste that I don't have time to even feel fear!  My God is beside me always!

I understand that I need to remember that You promised that you will be here for me like You were with Moses All the Days of My Life!!  Never leaving me or forsaking me.  Jesus, You are my shield, my faith, my hope, my desire and my love.  I will never be without You.  NO ONE can stand up against me ALL the days of my life!  You are with me.  I adore You and I thank You for loving me!  Amen.


Dear Reader, take heart when troubles are smothering you.  The bills, the children, your health, your relationships.  Our God is a strong and mighty God!  His wish is for you to come to Him and believe and trust in Him, and He will always, always, take care of you.  When you feel you just can't make it anymore, that the road is too rough and the day too long, remember, He will bring someone to hold your hands up so that His glory will be seen!  Hallelujah!  Give your praises to God for His love and mercy!

"And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.  But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.   So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword."  Exodus 17:11-13