Author: Betty Beach-Connell

“And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13

Deluded is a word that may be foreign to many. The dictionary says that the word means to mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive: His conceit deluded him into believing he was important. If you delude someone into thinking something you are making a fool of them. (Dictionary.com/Vocabulary.com)

Satan tried to delude Jesus when the Holy Spirit sent Him into the wilderness. Satan tried to entice Jesus into telling the stones to become bread and, a second time, to throw Himself off the pinnacle and God would send His angels to catch Him, also a third time, Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and said, “if you will fall down and worship me” I will give you all of this! But, each time, in spite of His hunger and fatigue, Jesus refused, depending instead, upon the Word of God. (Matthew 4:1-11) The Devil was defeated and left Him alone.

What more do we have to hear? There is only one way to live a peaceful, happy, and successful life filled with hope, that is, with Jesus and depending upon the word of God.

The following are some of the words that we may live by:

“…Be still and know that I am God…Do not worship any other God, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God…Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Psalm 46:10/Exodus 34:14/Matthew 4:17/Galatians 5:22-23

Lord, show me how to not be judgmental while still being true to Your word.

The great deluder has been around since he was thrown out of heaven for undermining God’s throne 4000 years ago. Don’t let him invade your spirit. The people of Massachusetts knew this, for in 1647 their government passed what is known as “The Deluder Act,” which required every township with 50 households to establish a common school. Children were required to attend and to study the Bible—it being understood that one of the chief projects of “The Ole Deluder” (Satan) was to keep people from a knowledge of Scripture” (The Christian Science Monitor, by Robert Marquad; Sept. 5, 1985). And Abraham Lincoln during his Presidency (March 4, 1861-April 15, 1865) made this statement: “Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him who has never forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust…our present difficulty.”

“Our present difficulty”—How about our present difficulties? Is the Bible still relevant? Is God still present? Is the Deluder still working to undermine God’s throne? Is prayer still a viable act to ward off evil? My answer? YES! YES! YES! & YES! And finally, are our children being faithfully schooled in the Word of God?

What is your answer to these questions?

Let us pray,

Lord, soften my heart so that it will be broken today over the same things that break Your heart. And when I feel Your pain put me to doing. In Jesus’ name. AMEN

“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning…God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes…His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Psalm 30:5/Rev. 21:4/Psalm 30:5

God gave us a promise that He will not allow the hurt, the sorrow, the tears, or the anger and disruption of the day before continue to infect and harm your world. He will wipe away your tears. He will heal our land, if we believe, trust, and ask Him in faith—God tells us through the pen of Matthew: “Everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (7:8) First, however, we must be seeking after God and His Kingdom, then, He says, all these things (our needs) will be added unto us. (Matthew 6:33, paraphrased)

You might be wondering, “What is God up to, allowing all this chaos to continue? Allowing our leaders to talk and act as they do? Well, if you listen you will hear from one of these “leaders”, the answer. Every once in a while the media slips and doesn’t edit it out. But, unfortunately that only happens once. But, the ears of the faithful believers hear it. Yesterday one of our representatives said the words “we have to be in prayer!” That’s the answer—PRAYER!

Believe it, “Joy is coming in the morning.” It will be in God’s time—when the time is right. His time, however, is not our time and His thoughts are not our thoughts. So while we wait upon the Lord let us live in the Wisdom of Solomon who wrote:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guard you on the right paths.”

Proverbs 3:5, 6

Lord, lead us down the path of Your choosing not ours—not mine. As You open the door, may I have the faith to walk through knowing that although I cannot know the future, You do. For You know the plans You have made for me. They are plans for success and not disaster. Your plan includes a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Praise God to whom I give all the glory and honor. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

“…you were bought at a price…” I Corinthians 6:20a

When out shopping for an item we very often check the price. Sometimes we come to the conclusion that the more expensive the item the better it must be. But, remember this is the world we are discussing! The world doesn’t always operate on the premise that “the more it costs the better it is!” Life is full of bumps and snags, therefore, we must always be on our guard.

Sometimes the cost doesn’t even have anything to do with money. For instance, a relationship that looks good may end up costing you your happiness, or your reputation, or in some cases, your life. A job may turn out to be something that asks you to do something illegal and/or against your faith. The costs are just too great and you may end up losing it all.

But, the cost that I really want to talk to you about is one that cost the buyer everything He had. This One gave His only Son so that the one who believes in Him shall have eternal life. (John 3:16, paraphrased) John goes on to write Jesus’ words—“Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned…” (vs. 18) O.S. Hawkins in his book, “The Believer’s Code, puts it this way—“The value of an object is determined by its cost. Your salvation came at a high cost: the death of the Father’s only Son—in your place! How very valuable are you to God!”

You see, God loves us so much that He was willing to sacrifice His own Son for our salvation and a promise of Eternal Life with Him. The only thing that keeps us from that promise is our sin. Our sin separates us from God, therefore, we must confess our sin—known or unknown—to God. Then the blood which flowed from the body of Jesus as He hung upon the cross and died for you, can cover all your sins past, present, and future, and make you pure in the sight of your Heavenly Father. The choice is yours. Do you want to confess and be redeemed? Or continue to live as the world lives and be lost forever?

Paul says in the book of Acts—“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved; you and your household.” (16:31) You may only be a hunk of coal now, but the Lord promises to make you into a diamond. What do you say?

Dear Lord, help me to accept Your gift of eternal life with You. I confess that I am a sinner lost in the world. Forgive me for whatever I have done that caused You pain. Make me whole in Your sight and teach me Your ways. I want to become a new creation and be assured of life with You. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

January 6, 2021 will be remembered for years to come. It will be remembered not for any good thing or any miracle, not even for someone walking on water. It will be remembered as the day when all hell broke loose and shocked the nation. As I watched the evening news I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. My husband and I watched with horror as we saw thousands of people storming the Capitol in Washington, D.C.!!

Did any of them even know what they were doing? Or a better question might be, “Why were they doing it?” Did they know what they were doing as they broke windows, stole things, smashed doors and quite literally trashed the White House? DID THEY KNOW??

Another thing besides all the destruction and trash in the streets, was the spreading of the Covid-19 virus. No masks! No social distancing! Not even any thought for anyone else but themselves—if that! Satan was having a field day!

There is only one thing that can turn this kind of behavior around. It is something that the Lord has been calling us to do for quite some time. And, just like the people in Noah’s time I’m afraid, it will take disaster to make us realize what we are called to do. The Lord God is calling all believers to get down on their knees and pray. Pray that these foolish people will understand the error of their ways and acknowledge Jesus as Lord as they confess their sin and seek God’s forgiveness. Then as they do, God will hear their prayers, as well.

Believers if we do not pray, this United States of America known as the “land of the free and the home of the brave” will be no longer. We must pull together and humble ourselves and call upon God to heal our land. God says if we do, “My eyes will now be open and My ears attentive to prayers from this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:15) It is imperative brothers and sisters that we commit ourselves to prayer—God is listening, He WILL hear!

“When He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense which are the prayers of the saints. (Revelation 5:8)

My prayer is that believers all over America, and the world, will be bowing their heads, falling on their knees, raising their hands, however it is that they pray, and seek the healing of the nations. There is only one way to peace and that is to have peace in your soul by inviting Jesus Christ to come in. He says, “I stand at the door of your heart knocking that I might come in.” (Revelation 3:20; paraphrased) But the thing is, it is you who must open the door.

Let us pray in unison: Our Father who art in heaven hallowed by Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses [sins] as we forgive those who trespass [sin] against us. Do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

“…forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead…” Philippians 4:13

I think I can speak for most everyone when I say, “I AM DONE WITH 2020!!!

God has something to say about that, also. Listen with your eyes and your heart to these inspired words:

“Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to the things of old…I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give you counsel…Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead…” (Isaiah 43:18/Psalm 32:8/Proverbs 4:25)

Then Paul picks up the theme when he is explaining where he has come from—the things he has done–and how the Lord saved him from his many sins, or perhaps, I should say, in spite of his many sins. He said he has to forget about his past for he has turned his life over to God. Now he lives to “pursue his goal and the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:13)

Is Paul unaware of his violent acts of his past? Of course not. But, he has to see them as they are—things of the past and not carry them over into the present. God has judged him and has forgiven him. Paul now has a new life and a new mission, instead of condemning all who follow Jesus, his mission is to call more and more persons into the fold. The past is gone and the new has come—this is a new beginning.

The same is true for you and me. The past has been frightful for many of us—perhaps, all of us—but there is a new day coming. Everything is only temporary. As a friend of mine use to say, “We are just passing through!”

Oh, I’m not suggesting that just because the calendar year changes from 2020 to 2021 everything is going to be honky-dory, but what I am saying is God has a plan and those of us who remain faithful through all the storms of life will be judged righteous and reap rewards that in this time we cannot  conceive or understand.

You see, our relationship with Jesus is paramount to anything else on earth. It is more important than our job, our home, our wealth, our possessions, our position in life, and yes, even more important than our family. For, you see, your relationship with God will enhance all those things. Without a relationship with God you cannot have a fruitful relationship with anyone or anything else. It may seem successful or loving, but one day it will end. And when you leave in death where will you go? All you have accomplished will be for naught.

So, I pray that this new year, will really be a New Year!! That it will be a year of new beginnings. A year where you will renew your relationship with Christ; or a year when you begin your relationship with Him. Commit yourself to:

1. Reading God’s word and listening to what He is saying to you.
2. Understand that God is a God of love, but also, a God of judgement because He loves you.
3. Say, “Forgive me, Lord for dishonoring You.”
4. Receive Jesus into your heart. (Revelation 3:20)
5. Pray, talk to God every day.
6. Seek a Christ-centered church.
7. Cultivate God-fearing friends.

Finally, start your day with these words, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) And end your day with: “In peace I will lie down and sleep. For, You, O Lord, make me live in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

Father, help me to understand that what is past is past, and lead me forward to a new beginning. Lead me Lord in Thy righteousness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

WELCOME TO A NEW BEGINNING

A CHALLENGING YEAR

BUT

THE KING IS COMING

“I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

“God’s grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. I pray that He will grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith…May you be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy giving thanks to the Father who has enabled you to share in the saints inheritance in the light.

I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me because He considered me faithful. The Lord will stand with you and strengthen you…The Lord will rescue you from every evil work and will bring you safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever.

2 Corinthians 12:9   Ephesians 3:16   Colossians 1:11   I Timothy 1:12   II Timothy 4:17-18 (Holman Christian Bible)

This Christmas letter is unlike any I have ever written or have ever received, just as this year, 2020, has been unlike any other. I have heard many say, “I’ve never seen anything like it in my lifetime.” But, Christmas is about joy and peace for the Christ child is born—the One who has come to earth to save the world! Christmas Eve will still come and with it a stillness will be felt across the land. And, for a brief time, we will be at peace and experience joy.

I hope and pray that you will not only read the scriptures that I have included herein, but will take a few moments to meditate upon them. Let them flow into your heart and soul as though God were right there speaking them to you. It will be His gift to you—unlike any other. Read them once, twice, three times. “And may the Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.” II Timothy 4:22

We celebrate the light that has dawned in a dark land. “A child was born for us…and the government will be on His shoulders” (Isaiah 9:2, 6). This land has been darkened, but there is hope. God has not left us or forsaken us. He needs to hear from you, from all believers, He is waiting. This time is only temporary, soon peace will come. Cling to Him.

Receive the most precious gift this Christmas—His love. It is a gift unlike any other and, when you open it, it will fill your space with a blinding light with which you will see no darkness at all. “May the God of peace guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). By His grace He will save us.

Peace to you and yours,

Rev. Betty

Instead of a word for the year 2021, I am suggesting a scripture to fill your days with confidence…

“I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A

BLESSED, HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR

© His Spirit LLC/2020

“See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel.” Matthew 1:23

Oh, what joy I felt when I first discovered I was pregnant! Yes there was joy at the prospect of a little baby conceived and birthed by two people who loved each other. Even though, the prospect of providing for this little bundle of joy was somewhat daunting. We were poor and struggling, but happy—and married.

Consider this—consider your own experience—then look at the experience of Mary and Joseph. They were engaged—not yet married—and she discovered she was pregnant. Now, you must understand that in their society in those days it was a law that a woman becoming pregnant without being married was considered a harlot and must be stoned to death. And, Joseph, knowing this didn’t want to disgrace her, so he decided to annul his relationship with her. Mary would be left without her loved one and unprotected—and what would’ve happened to the baby she was carrying?

Luke tells us in his gospel, “nothing is impossible with God” (1:37). Nothing is impossible? Even a birth when there have been no relations between a man and woman? Yes! An angel of the Lord came to Mary and quieted her spirit. He told her not to worry for she conceived by the Holy Spirit and she had been chosen to become the mother of the most High God, our Lord and Savior. She would be protected and suffer no disgrace.

Joseph wasn’t so sure about all this and wanted to save Mary’s reputation. But, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and instructed him not to be afraid, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:20) Joseph was faithful to God, and when he awoke he followed the angel’s instructions and married Mary.

Now, I’m sure tongues were waging then just as they would be today. But, you see, the Lord God has a plan. It is a plan for the salvation of the world. This was God’s heart-wrenching effort to come to us, making it possible for us to come to Him, and be approved to spend eternity with Him in glory. (John 3:16) What if? What if you or I had been asked to endure something that has the possible outcome of disaster, but God can use for good? Because remember all things are possible with God. Even a birth 2000 years ago to a mother and father with nothing but a stable and a manger in which to lay their new born baby.

So, today, God calls us to answer His call to come to that baby born long ago, who lived and died for the forgiveness of our sins. Perhaps, this could be your prayer this Christmas:

Dear Lord, make my body the stable

My heart the manger

And

May I invite Jesus to be born in me.

Nothing can happen that can be worse than not being ready when Jesus appears again to take those who believe home with Him.

Lord, thank You that anyone can come to You–and that includes me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

“…no harm will come to you; no plague will come near your tent.” Psalm 91:10

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 12:21—“No disaster overcomes the righteous, but the wicked are full of misery.” In verse 19 Solomon wrote, “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue only a moment” And, Proverbs 11:30 states, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives.”

In our world there is good and there is evil, it has always been so. It is more obvious at certain times, but it is always there. Evil is a coward. When he feels threatened he hides behind a rock until he thinks people have forgotten how they have suffered at his involvement in their lives. Then he attacks! Each time the effects of his violence is a little stronger and more deadly. Then the faithful pray and he runs and hides again.

Today there are those who are so frustrated and impatient that they are responding in violence against their fellow man. This violence is not only hurting those they are attacking, but it is hurting themselves and the cause toward which they are angry. They are allowing the whispers of the Evil One to speak to their hearts. Even so, I hope we can hear Jesus’ words from the cross as they come upon us like rain from the heavens: “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:32)

Violence does not give you control. Oh, it may seem to for a little while, but ultimately it makes you weak and unable to function. It steals common sense and the ability to think rationally from you. Your heart grows cold. Your mind swirls in a sea of lies told to you by the Evil One. Lies that are never a lasting quality of life.

Listen, instead to the Lord who says, “Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay. In time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” (Deut. 35:35) “For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a time of paying back for its hostility against [His Word].” (Isaiah 34:8) And, paramount to our situation today, “Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead leave room for His wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance belongs to Me: “I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) Do not put yourselves in the path of the Lord’s wrath. And finally, “The Lord will judge His people.” (Hebrews 10:30b)

Granted, there is a lot that is not right with the world today. Things may not be as you think they should be. But, listening to God’s Word is the only way to bring peace to yourself and to the nation. The Lord is waiting to show you mercy and He has compassion for whatever situation you may find yourself in. Hear Him saying, “Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) His promise is, “no plague will come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:10) And, finally, “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

Violence is not the way for there is no love in violence.

Father, help us, this world You have created, to be the people You call us to be. In Jesus’ name I pray Amen

“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly, He triumphed…” Colossians 2:15 Holman Bible

“In this way he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:15 NLT New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

In preparing for our weekly study, I read Paul’s words that he wrote to the church at Colosse. These faithful brothers and sisters of Christ were always on the mind and heart of Paul; he never stopped holding them up in prayer. He wants them to know that once they have accepted Christ there is still more to do. They cannot rest on their laurels, as some would put it.

Paul is always encouraging the Colossians to live in peace and love God above all else, then one another. Be thankful and sing hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. They were to teach and counsel one another in the wisdom that God gives them.

Now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other…Put on your new nature…In this new life it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile…Christ is all that matters and He lives in all of us,” (Colossians 2:8ff) Paul told them

Now if the Roman soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross, had known all this was going to happen, if they had understood who Jesus was, do you think they would have treated Him as they did? No, of course not! You see, they thought once He was dead and buried, they could get back to life as usual. They would rule over the people and the people would do as they instructed. They had no idea who Jesus was or what the ramifications of their evil acts would be—they had sealed their fate. Unless, they confessed their sin and repented, they would be lost. A few did just that, but many did not.

The dragon of pride is paramount in many lives. The Roman leaders were proud of their control over the people. Pride and control go hand in hand skipping down the road of life. They trample everyone who gets in their way. Life is no different today than it was centuries ago. Some still live under the shadow of pride and control, thinking that their power in themselves will continue to bring them stature and riches. It might, but without peace.

Christ gave Himself up to allow His blood to flow that you and I would be covered with it and washed white as snow. He took all our sins—yours and mine—upon Himself, though He knew none, and put them to death once and for all. ALL our sins—past, present, future!! For before we came to Christ we were just like the Roman soldiers. We humiliated, beat, and ignored the One who came to save us. Now that we know we have an even greater responsibility. We must give testimony to the greatness and love of God who created us by our words and our deeds. Paul writes it like this: “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord—you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23)

There is a saying that I learned somewhere along the way—it is this: “What goes around comes around.” I believe we can see this happening through-out history. What happened in Rome that day centuries ago, is happening even today. The dragons are still lurking and we must not let down our guard. Our inheritance is still waiting and God has promised to never leave us or forsake us, so do not be afraid, continue to seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit and from Wisdom will come understanding, and God will direct your path.

Where there seems to be no way, God will make a way.

Dear Lord, the days seem to be dark right now, but help us to see the brightness of Eternity. In Your precious name I pray. Amen

“…I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.”

Psalm 139:14 Holman Christian Bible

Think of it! A baby is conceived (well, you know how it’s done or do you?) and is born, grows day by day in body and spirit and one day is a mature human being. That person is you! That person was formed in the womb by the power of God! Did you ever think of yourself as “remarkably and wonderfully made?” Well, you are. And so am I. So is every human being, every animal, every tree, flower, all nature. You, I, animals, nature are all a creation of God, and thereby, are remarkably and wonderfully made.

There is a story I read about a stray kitten who was found and taken in by a loving couple. They bought her a comfy little bed all her own. But, every night she would insist on sleeping on the couple’s bedroom windowsill. Well, one night they discovered why. As they looked out the window they saw something in the tree. It was hanging upside down from a branch and looking right at them. This was it, their new kitty must’ve become friends with the little possum that hung upside down in the tree outside their window. The lost kitty and the baby possum had become friends. This upside-down, long-nosed creature and their now-beautiful, little, no longer stray kitten had become friends?!?

We all need to learn a lesson from the possum and the kitten. It is what is in your heart that matters not what is on the outside of your body. Your body one day will die and rot away, but your spirit will live on, hopefully in the presence of God the Father in heaven. For you see, God made you for His own. Oh, we are not puppets being controlled by a string attached to the puppeteer’s hand. We are, however, filled with the spirit of a loving, all-mighty, and forever, God. Therefore, He doesn’t look at our exterior, but only our interior. You might say, God is our interior decorator.

A beautiful, loving heart is what is important. Do we love others as God has loved us? Is there forgiveness there? Do we look upon others and see only how they dress, what color their skin may be, or anything else of their bodily nature? If so, please know that if that was all there was to a person, they would be like the eggs that my Mom use to paint, all hollow inside. If hit or dropped those eggs would have been history. The same is true of each one of us. Without a loving heart, we will collapse and someday fade away.

In Psalm 139, a Davidic psalm, David expresses his belief in an every-present God. He writes that God knows when he sits and when he lies down. God knows his thoughts, He knows every word that comes out of his mouth, even before he knows himself. (Psalm 139:1-4) Then in the 14^th verse, David rejoices that he is remarkably and wonderfully made.

The Psalms were the Hebrews hymn book. When they got together for worship, they would sing them. When singing a hymn it is like praying twice. Your voice and the words you sing are melodious to God’s ear. Let those words penetrate the walls of your heart. Fill that heart with good thoughts, forgiveness, and acceptance of every other human being for everyone is made in the image of God. It is how we choose to live that determines where we will spend eternity.

Father, help me to have the courage to live as a child of yours. Let me live by my heart not my emotions. Lead me, Lord, in Thy righteousness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Keep your heart firmly fixed on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.