Author: Betty Beach-Connell

THE RESCUE

THE RESCUE

— Read on throughthestorm2014.com/2024/05/01/the-rescue/

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:18

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

“Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling…Happy are all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 2:11, 12b

“Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7

“Truly…you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. “ Isaiah 30:19

The swimming pool was being cleaned and the drain had been opened to allow the water out. Something was noticed in the water and a closer look revealed hundreds of baby frogs. If they went down the drain they would surely die! They had to be rescued!

I grabbed a net, but as soon as I put it in the water to scoop them up, they raced away. They were only racing away to their death. I was offering them life.

God wants to rescue us from our sin, which if we do not repent, is death. He wants to give us everlasting, new life, but many race away. He can be trusted to lift your feet out of the mire and set them on solid ground. You see, left to ourselves we are hopeless and helpless, but with Christ we can do all things for He gives us strength. Don’t run excerpt into His arms. He is our rescuer.

Don’t be like the frogs who more than likely went down the drain and were seen no more. Jesus is the net that can save you. If you haven’t, take this time to invite Him into your heart. He loves you. He wants to forgive you. Just ask Him.

“…be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.” I Corinthians 8:9

People are protesting everything and anything. They shout, “I have my rights!” But, I wonder what right that would be? They have their rights to tromp over someone else’s property? Or, run their car through a crowd of people that include women and children? Or maybe it’s the right to storm the Capital of the United States and destroy it, including anyone who may get in their way? Or, maybe it’s to storm a school of innocent children to prove who knows what? All this only gives “the land of the free” a black eye and instills in many others a desire to do the same because it looks like fun to them.

This is not something new. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth about something similar, except it concerned food which belonged to idols. In doing so, they were worshipping an idol and making God second or third in their lives. Paul pointed out the error of their ways. Their rights did not include worshipping (praying to) anything or anyone other than God.

Paul reminded them that others were watching them. He told them their deeds were not in secret and could cause someone of a weak mind to go astray. This would hang heavy over their head. Their knowledge had been inflated by pride. (I Corinthians 8:1) That pride told them—falsely I might add—they had a “right” to eat whatever they wanted, in other words, worship whomever and whatever they wanted. If someone did not have the knowledge, nor understand, nor been taught that there is “one God, the Father, from whom are all things,…and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things…” (I Cor. 8:6) those persons will be led astray. And that would fall heavily upon the head of the one who gave the example.

Be careful when your puffed up pride causes you to think only of yourself. Instead, listen to the second half of I Corinthians 8:1 which says “Love builds up.” What a peaceful world this would be, and an example to all mankind, if we followed the 2nd greatest commandment—“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Lev. 19:18/Matt. 19:19)

Come, Holy Spirit. Inspire us to think of others before ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Read Romans 8:1–13

“I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born.” Jeremiah 1:5

The Psalmist wrote: “…all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.” (Psalm 139:16) Can you even imagine that? God, the Creator of the Universe, knew you, and me, even before we were born—before we were even a thought—before we were conceived! God, the One who created—the One who spoke and it was so—knows you, knows me, not only that, He has a plan for us. To follow that plan, all we have to do is believe, have faith, and trust God and His word. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

The problem is the world. Worldly ideas, thoughts, and promises of riches interfere with our lives. God had a plan for Adam and Eve, but worldly desires interfered. Satan planted a thought in Eve’s head that told her it was alright to eat the apple God told her not to eat. Just a simple thing, right? But, God’s word is true and solid. It is there to be obeyed. And when Eve disobeyed—and Adam, also—there were consequences. The battle was on and we are in that battle to this day. It is called Spiritual Warfare.

To be sure, God loves you and will forgive you all your sins. He died on the cross, for all our sins—past, present, and future—and He rose from the tomb, therefore, He is alive and walking beside us. Not only that, but He sent His Holy Spirit to help you and live in you. When you accept Jesus as your Savior, His Holy Spirit lives within you. You have a helper who will help you resist the evil thoughts and desires that “ole-slow-foot” tries to make you believe are good for you.

As Jonah discovered, as he fought his battle with Satan, “I called for help, and you listened to my cry,” (Jonah 2:2) you too will discover. If you are struggling with something, call out to God, ask His Holy Spirit to show you the way. You have an assignment—discover it. As O.S. Hawkins writes: “Somewhere there is something for you to do that no one else can do quite like you can. You have a God-given assignment. Find it.”

Lord, what would you have me do? Where do you want me to do it? In Jesus’ name. Amen

“…the Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost.” Luke 19:10

My daughter use to ask me “Where do you get these people?” She was referring to the people that I seemed to gravitate to and who sought me out. People who were on the outskirts of society, so to speak. They were people who needed a friendly word and a hand of acceptance, and a smile. But, evidently she, and many others, saw them as outcasts.

This was the way it was with Zacchaeus. He was a tax collector, who people hated and mistrusted, because they were known to collect more than they needed, so that, they could build up their own treasury. Zacchaeus, was not only a little mean in spirit, but he was also little in stature, meaning he was short..

Zacchaeus had heard that Jesus was in town. He also heard of all the so-called miracles, called such because what He did seemed impossible by common folk standards. He wanted to see this man who asked the rich, young ruler. “Do you want to follow me?” The young ruler said “yes.” Jesus said, “Well if you want to follow me you must follow the commandments given by God,” and the rich, young ruler said, “I have done all that all my life!” But, there was one thing missing. The young man was becoming rich while the poor were becoming even poorer. Jesus told him to distribute his wealth to the poor and then he would have treasure in heaven. And guess what! He couldn’t do it! And, he walked away from Jesus (Luke 18:18-23) In essence he sold his soul to the devil.

But Zacchaeus didn’t run away, he climbed a tree so he could see Jesus, thinking he wouldn’t be noticed, but he was wrong. Jesus knew he was there, called him down from the tree and went with him to his house and ate with him, much to the chagrin of the people. Jesus told him he had to repent if he wanted to follow him and unlike the rich, young ruler, Zacchaeus committed to pay back all he had stolen from the people in fact he would pay back four times as much!

Who is this Jesus? He is greater than he who is in the world! When you believe—truly believe—have faith and trust in Jesus, He’ll send His Holy Spirit to live in you and you will become a child of God.

1 John 4:4—“You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

GOD IS GREATER WHO IS IN ME, THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME. AMEN

Rev. Betty A Beach–2023

“I pray therefore…I bow my knees before the Father…I pray that according to the riches of his glory…”  Ephesians 3:13, 14, 16

          Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians expresses the fact that there is spiritual warfare. Therefore, to be victorious in this fight between “good and evil” we must unite, not divide. Christians—believers—who are the church, must kneel together before their Maker and seek His guidance and wisdom.

          Do you not see it? God is calling us to be united in prayer—pure, heartfelt prayer, calling upon Him to show us the way, to lead us down the path of righteousness. He is about to do a new thing and, I for one, do not want to miss it!

          Everywhere you look, you either see the word prayer or hear it. Every article—O not in the newspapers or on TV—but prayer comes to us in our meditations and the scriptures referenced. God is speaking! Do we hear Him? Can we even take direction? Is it really “Not my will but Thy will” as we pray?

          The busyness of this world, the rushing here and there, all the activities that take up our time crowd out time that should be spent on conversation with God. Our priorities have gotten a little skewed—mine included.

           I have deemed this year—2023—as “The Year of Prayer.” I am asking the Lord to help me fulfill what he is calling me to do. I am asking whoever reads this to join me. This means consult God before every decision and listen to his word, then do what he says. I know it takes practice, just like any new activity does. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up everything else you are doing, just remember to be aware that God is with you. Listen to Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians:–

          “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…you may be able to stand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10, 11, 13

          You see, brothers and sisters, our fight is not against one another, but against the evil spirits that we allow to take over our spirit. The question you must ask yourself is, “Whom am I following?”

          This is what Paul wrote in his epistle to the Romans:–

          “…put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:14

This is as relevant today as it was in AD57 when it was written, despite what some are saying, because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) God’s word stands and He is true to it!

          So, what do you say? Shall we make this year the “Year of Prayer?” God wants to ease your burden.

          Dear Lord hear our prayers. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:14) In Jesus’ name. AMEN

          Help us, Lord, to discern your will.

Now is the time to come together. The world is trying to separate us in every way. Remember “Divided we fall, united we stand.” It is in unity that we find strength.It isn’t about what church you attend, what kind of car you drive, or how big your house or bank account is. God is the creator of all and loves us all equally and that cannot be separated.

when Nehemiah was led to rebuild the wall around the Holy city of Jerusalem, he couldn’t do it alone. First of all, he knew God was with him, second of all, he was joined by every person in Jerusalem. He prayed for encouragement when he felt discouraged; he prayed when it looked like defeat was eminent; he prayed when it was the blackest and there was no light; he prayed amid he prayed and he prayed. Nehemiah trusted God to provide and to be true to His word. (Nehemiah 1&2)

This is a time such as that, therefore we need to pray to God who promises to never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5-8). We are becoming divided and fearful, which is just the way ole-sloo-foot wants it. He knows he cannot win, that in the end he will face his demise, but he wants to take as many of us with him as he can. Will you be one of them?

Will you pray with me?
Dear Lord, blessed be your name. We praise your name and give you all the honor and glory. Unite us in honoring you no matter on which side we stand. Let us be united in seeking your will. And as we pray in the prayer that you taught us, “Your will be done.” (Matthew 6:10) Unite us in building (or rebuilding) your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray.

“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

I’ve read this verse many times, especially when going through a rough patch. Each time I felt a sense of peace because I thought, “However bad it may be, God’s going to work it for “my” good.

However, this morning the truth hit me! God is not only working it for “my” good, but more importantly, to fulfill His plan. The verse says, “…to HIS purpose. It is not about me, (never is) it’s about the plan that God has set up in the beginning when He created the world and everything in it.

We,–you and I–were not put where we find ourselves simply for our own benefit. But, we have been called for a purpose–God’s own purpose. We have a calling–a high calling–and that is, to serve the Lord. I must humble myself in the sight of the Lord and there I will find love, peace, joy. What a blessing!

Lord, I know that You will keep me safe in the palm of Your hand, even in the midst of chaos. Help me to serve you in fulfilling Your purpose. My trust is in You who holds tomorrow. In Jesus’ name. Amen

“… light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5

Dear Lord, open the eyes of our hearts that we may hear Your still, small voice speaking to us. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen

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Every morning my husband and I awaken before the sun is up. While sitting, with our first cup of coffee, we watch with total amazement the darkness give way to the light. This scene is new every morning.

Some mornings the sky looks so black you wonder, “How on earth will the sun get through it!” Sometimes there is a crimson glow as the sun rises in the Eastern sky; and sometimes it encircles the dark clouds seemingly to say, “I will overcome!” Other mornings, there is no doubt that the sun will take its place in the sky and lighten every corner of our existence of this new day. We sit and watch as the sun overcomes the darkness.

The same is true of each of our lives if we believe. The Psalmist wrote: “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort Me.” (Psalm 23:4) No matter what your situation or what circumstances surround you, exercising your faith in God, believing and trusting Him, will chase away the darkness just as the “sun” rising in the morning chases away the dark clouds in the sky.

There is a reason that our Creator has chosen to remind us at the beginning of each new day by making His “sun” shine. God wants you and me to remember that His “Son,” Jesus, will have the same affect upon our lives. Whatever dark clouds are threatening to steal away your joy, remember that the light of Jesus Christ has already won the battle. Hear the words spoken by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)

God is calling us out of the darkness of this world, to walk in His great light. Be strong. Be courageous. Do not fear for God is with you.

HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD

“… if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining (I John 2:8/1:7). “…you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of the darkness into his marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9)

LET US PRAY

O Lord, hear our prayer and gather Your children under Your wings. Lead us on to Eternity while walking in the light of Your love. In Jesus’ name. AMEN

(C) Rev. Betty Beach-Connell; February 5, 2022

 “…the angel said to them [the shepherds] “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people; today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.” Luke 2:10-11

The third candle is JOY. This joy eradicates any and all fear. As the angels said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid.” Fear cannot live in the presence of joy. We sing “Joy to the world, the Lord has come…” There will be greater joy when He comes again—for those who believe.

Look into the heart of the manger and you will see joy. May it come to pass in your heart (manger) this Christmas,