Many are called; few obey.

Good morning to all on this Tuesday morning! I woke up with God on my mind and my lips; whispering prayers of thanksgiving for He alone is worthy! My eyes are on "Sunday Morning" when He arose from the grave forever releasing me from a sentence of death from sin and not on "Friday Afternoon" when He willingly gave His life that I might live. Hallelujah, hallelujah and hosanna to the King! As you go through your day and are bombarded with challenges and opportunities, focus your eyes on "Sunday Morning" and praise God that He has a plan for you each minute of each day and don't allow Satan to focus your attention on "Friday Afternoon"! In fact no more TGIF (Thank God Its Friday)--instead PGSM (Praise God for Sunday Morning)! Continue to keep ET and his healing in your prayers and continue to keep JKS in your prayers.

We have finished the 2 letters from Paul to Timothy. I am led to explore Jeremiah and see where this takes me. I am beginning with Jeremiah 1 verses 1-12, "The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. The Word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile. The Word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out His hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” The word of the LORD came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that My Word is fulfilled.” Amen and amen.

Jeremiah is traditionally credited with authoring the Books of Jeremiah, 1 Kings, 2 Kings and Lamentations. Jeremiah was called to prophetic ministry in c. 626 BC, a few years after Josiah king of Judah had turned the nation toward repentance from the widespread idolatrous practices of his father and grandfather. Jeremiah’s job was to reveal the sins of the people and explain the reason for the impending disaster (destruction by the Babylonian army and captivity), “And when your people say, 'Why has the Lord our God done all these things to us?' you shall say to them, 'As you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your land, so you shall serve foreigners in a land that is not yours.'" Jeremiah was a great prophet and though he was not the bearer of good news all the time, he was an obedient bearer of the message that God wanted conveyed. His job was to be obedient and not question the instructions from God and as we will see, without Grace and Mercy, men bore the direct consequences for their sins under the old dispensation. Thank God for Grace and Mercy as a result of the payment and sacrifice made by Christ and that we live in a era which allows us to experience the grace and mercy of God without the need of intervention by prophets. But more about that later.

Jeremiah was called and the scriptures said, God called him even while Jeremiah was in the womb. In truth God calls all of us while we are in the womb. He has numbered the hairs on on head. He loves us even as we are conceived and hopes against hope that we will allow Him to use us. Most of us, like Jeremiah, don't feel qualified--I am too young--I don't have the gift of speech--I don't have leadership skills-- I, I, I which then blinds us to "It is not about you"! If God calls us then He knows better than all what we are capable of and as He told Jeremiah "Do not be afraid of them, I will rescue you." In other words, I (God) got your back and I (God) have that check covered! Hallelujah! When God has your back you are truly covered! I pity the fool that goes up against God!

I have learned long ago to trust God's calling because when I am in the God zone I need not worry about the consequences. That's God's job--my job is to obey and speak and live the truth. Many of us are what I call "convenient Christians". We have no problem praising God when we are in control of all the variables, or think we are anyway, and then when God tests our resolve we cannot stand on the affirmation of faith we had when we thought we were in control. When you give something over to God, then you have to trust the twists and turns that may come your way. These twists and turns may at times seem like dark alleys with  no way out but just look up; just look up; just look up and you will see a different perspective. I am sure our brother ET through these many months of disappointing answers has had to wonder what God's plan is for his healing. ET knows God and knows that God has a plan for his life and he wants to know what God's plan is for his healing. ET has never given up on his faith for healing and I for one am holding fast to God's promises for our faithfulness of prayers for ET's healing. Et's salvation is secured. He will be with God in eternity and he wants God's healing so that he can live his days long with his grandchildren. So ET continues to ask for our prayers and you know what, God continues to allow ET to  live on this earth regardless of his physical condition. Hallelujah I just had a break through of my own!  At the end of the day, God is in control of everything EXCEPT our obedience and faithfulness. You are called today for kingdom building. Be a Jeremiah and step out on faith.

Now may the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.

Stephanie

If you are in need, then Christ certainly has the answer!

Good morning to all on this Easter morning. He arose on this day 2000 years ago so that we could be free from the bondage of sin! Hallelujah! God is in His Heaven and all is right with the world! I am cooking our Easter dinner which we will pack up and take to Violet today. Aleron is on call so I plan to stop and bring him Easter dinner too on the way to church. Waine and I are hunkered down and enjoying a very peaceful Sunday  morning with smells of dinner wafting through the house.  ET is still hospitalized but feeling better. The Kong household is thriving and we eagerly await Hailee's first birthday. Hey, Waine and I are thinking about organizing a cruise to Argentina and Chile. The cruise also goes through the Falkland islands and lasts 10 days. The cruise starts in Santiago Chile on 1/27/12 and ends in Buenos Aries Argentina on February 12, 2012. Sounds like a blast. You should consider going.

I am continuing my journey in 2 Timothy 4 verses 9- 22 "Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all." Amen and amen!

Paul was lonely for Timothy, who as a son, was of great comfort to Paul. He, Timothy, had stayed true to the test of persecution throughout Paul's incarceration for preaching the message of the Good News to the Gentiles. You can see from Paul's remarks many had abandoned the Gospel of Jesus Christ because when the going got tough, they got going.  It is also interesting that Paul's insight for those that had purposefully attacked him personally for the sake of the Gospel. I am a firm believer that God will reckon with those that attack His children when His children are in His will. I am also a firm believer that when you are in situations and are trying to spread the Gospel and you are met with resistance and maliciousness, you should sake the dust from that place from your shoes when you leave. God commands us to do so and then God takes care of them for their disobedience. When God fights your battles, they are fought indeed and the victory is already gained! I am not the type of Christian that looks at the Bible as a fairy tale. I take the Word of God literally and as such I practice what the saints of old practiced.

I am also a believer in intercessory prayer, which is why I ask for your prayers for others. I do believe when we pray as a team the work of the Holy Spirit can be accomplished! God does not want us to suffer. In fact He wants us to have the life abundant that was possible before SIN entered our lives. As Christians we are in a sense back in the Garden of Eden, talking with God. Christ went through hell and back so that we could experience the life of abundance that has been promised to us so on this day claim what is rightfully yours!

On a final note, don't be afraid to ask for what you need from other Christians. Paul certainly didn't have a problem telling Timothy to bring things to him that would give Paul comfort. Paul's coat because winter was coming. Paul's reading material so that he could keep his mind occupied. Paul's parchments so that he could continue his writings. We are to trust and serve one another so that the Spirit of Love through Christ can be shared!

As you go about your day today, in worship, in song and in praise remember that it is Easter every day of the year because you are a child of God and He loves you and will take care of your every need. Like Paul, if you need a winter coat then just ask one of your brothers and sisterds in Christ.  If you need friendship, just ask. If you need sustenance, just ask, If you need healing, just ask. If you need protection from those trying to harm you, God's got your back. We are to be free to experience the abundance of what God has to offer. Christ died for us to have this opportunity. He rose again so that the opportunity was assured!

Now may the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace!

Stephanie

Dear God

My friend, your son, ET is very ill. I don't have to tell you that the physicians have given up on his healing but you are the only healer that I trust. We have been praying for his healing these last 10 months and I continue to pray for his deliverance from this illness.Spare his life and make him whole. Teach us how to pray effectively for him and his family. You are the only author and finisher of life; you know your son and his faithfulness to you. You know how you have used his illness to help other. Well, you are an on time God and I claim victory over the grave for my brother. We all love you and are faithful to you even Lord when the obvious would say something else. Use your son ET as a witness to our faithfulness in the POWER of your grace and mercy. We all touch and agree, through space and time for ET's healing, in the name of Jesus the Christ who makes all things possible this day. Amen!!

I am continuing my journey in 2 Timothy 4 verses 1 - 8 "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." Amen and amen!

I have fought the good fight AND I have finished the race AND I have kept the faith. Paul was able to rejoice in his infirmities, his imprisonment, his loneliness because he knew that he was fighting to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ; that Christ had conquered SIN and DEATH by becoming sin and paying the ultimate price so all of us could spend eternity with God through Christ. Paul was claiming victory! He had been shown the other shore; he had crossed the river Jordan and sat with Jesus in "Jerusalem". He no longer feared death. He didn't welcome it either but was more intent in doing the will of his Father with every breath he took. He had preached the Word and been about his Father's business to win souls for Christ. It is our job as well to continue the job of Kingdom building by "correcting' and "rebuking" and "encouraging" without equivocation. Each of our struggles are unique to each of us however there are some commonalities. When I am around people who are trying to justify sin in any context, I quote the scriptures and rebuke Satan. Satan is very subtle until he has you in his clutches and there is no escape. But Satan can not be in the same space as the name of Jesus, so sometimes its just enough to talk about Jesus. Our job is to sow the "seed" and then move out the way so that the Love of God can do the rest!

If you are reading this then pray for our brother ET and pray for his healing. God's will is that we all be made whole both here on earth and in heaven and He tells us not to equivocate and pray without ceasing. So pray. When you pray for others you are showered with blessings as well.

Now may the LORD bless you and keep you; maythe LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.

Stephanie

What are the Fruits You Bear?

Good morning to all on this Monday morning and I thank God for my husband, my family and for you. I awakened with God on my mind and heart; I was praising Him for all the good that He does in my life daily and thanking Him for all the blessings He has bestowed on us. God is merciful and His grace is truly sufficient for this moment, which is the only moment that is promised to us. Keep Waine in your prayers while in Jamaica. Please continue to lift ET up in your prayers and pray for his healing. Please also keep JKS in your prayers.

I am continuing my journey in 2 Timothy 3 verses 1 - 9 "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone." Amen and amen.

Sound familiar? This was written over 2,000 years ago and Paul was admonishing the early Christians to stay clear of people who bore the fruits of the evil one. Just as Christians are to bear the Fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, likewise those that are not born of the Spirit of Christ will bear fruit as well. These folk will be lovers of themselves, putting their needs above all others. They love money and power more than they love God or others. They focus their energies in having pleasure and not on the Kingdom Building principles of God through Christ. There should be no doubt in your mind when you come across those that are of the Evil Spirit and we are admonished not to be around them. They oppose the Truth and will be of a depraved mind. If these folk remain in their depravity, they will not have a place in eternity with God.

So what should we do when we meet such people. You should do as we are commanded. Share the love of God with them and offer them the salvation from this depravity that comes from Christ. You can sow the Word and then pray for them. They deserve to know the love of God as well and there is no one beyond redemption. Remember we were all in SIN before we were saved. We were all born into sin but Christ has conquered sin and the grave! This world needs Jesus now more than ever and the love of God can heal even a depraved person. The Word of God will get them unplugged from Satan and plugged into the Holy Spirit.

Pray without ceasing for the Devil is busy and he is a liar. Your abundant life is available each day that you draw breath. God loves you this day more than He did yesterday and not as much as He will tomorrow! Now may the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace. Amen.

Be generous with others today.

Stephanie

What Impact Does Your Life Have?

Good morning to all on this Wednesday morning. Waine and I are back in Atlanta and all is well here. We had a pretty bad storm system that passed through here but we were safe. Freddy was driving up from Orlando to Atlanta and God gave him traveling mercies. Waine and I had a great time with Hailie and Kai over the weekend and it was also great to see our niece Michele. Aleron has signed his contract to complete his Internal Medicine residency at Grady and keep him in your prayers this month as he rotates through ICU. Daughter Jillian moved into her new office space without a glitch and we are very thankful! Please keep ET in your prayers as well as the healing of JKS. We serve a GREAT God who watches out for us all the time.

I am continuing my journey in 2 Timothy verses 14- 26 "Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

It would appear that the early Christians and the early church experienced the same challenges we face today. There are many who profess to be disciples of Christ, some of whom have large followings, but are involved in the ungodly chatter that Paul is writing to Timothy about. Like Hymenaeus and Philetus, in this letter to Timothy, there are those today that spread false doctrines about Christ and Christianity and those that follow the false doctrines. Paul urged Timothy and us to "gently instruct them" in the Truth according to the Gospel and then......let God lead them to the truth. Only then can they come to their senses and escape the trap that has been set by the Satan. Remember our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the anti-Christ that seeks to destroy the souls of people who could, given the chance, live eternally with God through Christ.

I have been to churches in which the "success" of the sermon is measured on how many people respond to the alter call. God does not measure that as success, I don't think. The parable about the "sower" tells us that our job is just to sow the seeds as presented in the Word. Some seeds will fall on ground that is not conducive for growth. Some seeds will fall where the weeds will choke it. Some seeds will fall on fertile ground and this seed will flourish. Our job however is to sow, because if the "seed" is never sown then it is guaranteed that a harvest will not occur.  We are to present ourselves to God, wholly and blameless through the death and resurrection of Jesus, with a heart that is willing to sow the love of God to a world that is lost!  There is so much false doctrine that is out there and Paul describes this false doctrine as gangrene. As a physician, I look at gangrene as tissue that has lost its blood supply--folk that don't KNOW Jesus are likewise cut off from their blood supply and will die unless they are reconnected. That's our Kingdom building JOB! To use our life to "gently instruct" non-believers about the power and love of Christ.

I saw 41 patients on Monday and 38 yesterday. I can tell you I was more instructive with patients 1-10 then I was with patients 11-40 just because of the physical grind of having to interact with so many people. But these scriptures tell me I was to be gentle and kind to all of my patients because each was an opportunity to have my life be a witness. It is true of all of us. Just reflect on how many people you impact daily. The clerk at the grocery store; the tele-marketer; the person on the bus next to you; the people at your daycare; your children's teachers. We touch so many people some of which just need the love of God to shine on them through you. God be praised! My prayer is that you have the impact on people that God leads your way today and I thank God for you!

May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

Stephanie

How does your story end?

Good morning to all on this 1st day of April. Our daughter Jill is expanding her practicie today and we are very proud of her. Waine and I are packing up to head to Orlando after my clinic session ends. I am anxious to be with the babies! It has been raining for the past 2 days but today is supposed to be sunny so my beloved will get some good golf in. Please continue to keep ET in your prayers and pray for his healing and relief from pain. Continue to keep JKS in your prayers as well.

I am continuing my journey in 2 Timothy 2 verses 1-13, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. " Amen.

Remember that Paul is writing this to Timothy while imprisoned in Rome. Paul is continually encouraging his disciple, Timothy, to keep his faith strong even while he, Paul, is locked up and chained. Ever the teacher, Paul is admonishing Timothy to keep his faith strong and to continue to obey the teachings of Christ and fight the good fight even though Paul is not with him. It m ust have been hard for Timothy because Paul was usually the one teaching and encouraging others to accept the diety of Christ. All Timothy had to do was be with Paul. Not it is left up to Timothy to proclaim the Good News knowing it may land him in jail too.

All of us have our own struggles. If we are human you will struggle. If you are a Christian you will struggle and there will be constant and consistent opportunities for us to have our faith tested. God will ensure that your faith is tested, not for His sake but for yours. He wants you to understand how to hold on to Him when there is nothing else to hold onto.  This is when we learn the lesson of "If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself."  And why does God want us to hold on to Him? It was the reason we were created! To receive His love and to give back that love withour own free will.

Some people say a good singer who has depth has experienced life's disappointments. Likewise, Christians with "depth" have experienced challenges that have shaken their faith and yet THEY REMAINED FAITHFUL to the promises that Christ made. When we are enduring, it is helpful to remember this saying, "This is not how my story will end!" If you are facing a life limiting illness and everyone thinks you are going to die, then its time to claim your victory of healing in the face of death and say "this is not how my story will end". If you are facing financial ruin and can't pay your mortgage and the bank is going to foreclose on your house, then its time to claim your victory in the face of foreclosure and say "this is not how my story will end". If your spouse has found another "love" and wants a divorce, it is time to rebuke the devil because he is a liar and say "this is not how my story will end". If your children have forsaken your teachings and are in the grip of drugs, it is time to rebuke the devil's hold over the lives of your children and say "this is not how my story will end". If you are coming under attack on your job because of your faith then it is time to start praising God more boldly because His gospel is being heard and say "this is not how my story will end".  If your body is racked with pain to the point its hard to walk and get around, praise God for the pain and keep walking and say "this is not how my sotry will end". God is still God and He loves you and wants you to have a life of abundance. If you are not experiencing the abundance then ask that the abundance be revealed to you this very minute and claim your victory by saying "this is not how my story will end". Your story will end with VICTORY and it has to be VICTORY that you design with God. Leave all of these burdens at the cross so that you can unburden your heart and mind to experience the JOY that is yours today!

Now may the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace. Amen. Sometimes the quickest way to get to your STORY is to pray for the happy ending for the story of others.

Stephanie