Saturday, April 30, 2011

God in Every Moment

By Charlotte Lowrie

I often hear sermons about waiting for “God to show up.” When I hear these sermons, I am inevitably confused. I believe that God shows up in every moment of life. There is no waiting. He said that He will never leave us or forsake us, and I take that promise literally. I believe that it means He will be present in every moment of every day of my life.

This is important because for many years, I was determined to live my life myself—all by myself. Independence was the watchword of my life. I trusted no one except myself. After I found Christ, one of the first changes in my life was turning over everything in my life to Christ. Relinquishing control over my life required complete trust in Him.

Through the years, day-by-day, challenge-by-challenge, I've found Him to be wise beyond human understanding. His decisions are sometimes beyond my understanding, and they are always perfect. The impossible becomes possible, not once, but over and over again. Ordinary moments became extraordinary as I learn of His love. Moments are also extraordinary as I also experience His marvelous sense of humor. Periodically, I still remind Him that He's invited to be in every moment and every aspect of my life. And, once invited, He is there faithfully. I never have to wait.

Does this mean that everything goes perfectly in my life? Far from it. I know that there are many things that He has to teach me that involve changes and challenges. And in the course of an average day, I make mistakes. But because He is in every moment of life, I can immediately talk to Him about the mistakes and learn from them. And we, together and in that moment, can move on from that place.

After all these years, I can imagine my life no other way. I never wait for God to show up. I know that He is there in every moment, just as He promised.

For me, a moment without God is a moment without breath. I pray that He is in every moment of your life as well.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Blessings During Easter Season

Easter is celebrated on one day, but living life as a follower of Jesus
is a journey that lasts a lifetime.
As Easter day passes, let us
live the power of the resurrection every day!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Thoughts for Holy Week, 2011

By Charlotte Lowrie

If you’re like me, the ongoing events throughout the world are clear signs of Biblical prophecies being fulfilled before our eyes. As we enter holy week anticipating the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, I’m reminded of His command:

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this, if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24: 42-44 NIV)

As we watch and wait, I hope that you will join with me in praying for:

  • A mighty, powerful revival that will sweep through the world.
  • A strong, clear voice for Christians worldwide.
  • Our brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide who are today being persecuted for their faith in the Lord.
  • The Lord’s continued protection of Israel and Jews worldwide.

Jesus said that many deceivers would come. And today, we’re conditioned to be tolerant and accepting of other beliefs and religions. But the Lord didn’t tell us to be politically correct. He warned of false Christs and prophets that will deceive many. Rather, we are to test the spirits. I John 4 says, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” (I John 1-6, NIV)

For a new and important look at the end times and prophecy, I recommend reading God’s War on Terror. This book by Walid Shoebat, a former Islamic terrorist who converted to Christianity, provides a detailed and revealing look at the end times.

I pray that this week will bring a renewed commitment to sharing the Lord Jesus Christ with friends, family, and anyone who will listen.