Category: discouragement

Sunday 9/8 ~ Nero and your government

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn discouragement, Enemies, governments, persecution, power, prayer, Satan2 Comments

The scripture for today, September 8 (9/9), is Daniel 9:8 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

0-BK 7-ShadowOfDeath-Cover-new-Thumbnail“O Lord, we and our kings, our princes, and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you.”

Have you prayed for your government lately?  I Timothy 2:1 & 2 says “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone ~ for kings and all those in authority.”

At the time of this writing, Nero was Caesar. First-century historian Tacitus said this about Nero in his Annals 15:44:

“But all human efforts, all the lavish gifts of the emperor, and the propitiations of the gods, did not banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called “Christians” by the populace.

“Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilate, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their center and become popular.

“Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired.”

If the Apostle Paul could pray for such a government leader, can you not follow his instructions? Why don’t you stop and pray for your own government right now?

 

0-BK 7-ShadowOfDeath-Cover-new-ThumbnailTHEY MET JESUS: SHADOW OF DEATH tells the story of “Christus’ ” death at the hands of two governments ~ one out of jealousy, the other out of job protection.  Two chapters in this book cover the first three and last three hours on the cross.  The Merck Desk Manual for Physicians was the major source along with scripture. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/30V6hBb

 

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Saturday 8/31 ~ Be daring. Check it for yourself.

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn Bible, discouragement, ego, eternity, forgiveness, Holy Spirit, judging, knowledge, Saved from hell, Scripture, teaching, truthLeave a comment

The scripture for today, August 31 (8/31), is John 8:31f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-HS-592 VersesExamined-COVER-Thumbnail“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, then the truth will set you free.’ “

Myriads of people call themselves believers in or disciples of Christ; in other words, Christians. What is Jesus’ definition of a believer or disciple? He explained, IF we hold to his TEACHINGS, then we are his disciples.

It’s not automatic? So being born into a Christian family doesn’t automatically make me a Christian? Being born in a Christian nation doesn’t automatically make me a Christian? Owning a Bible doesn’t automatically make me a Christian? Believing Jesus is the Son of God doesn’t automatically make me a Christian? (Demons believe that and aren’t Christians.)

“But, Jesus,” you might say, “I really feel like I’m a Christian.” And Jesus replies, “Hold to my teachings, then you are really my disciple.”

Do you know what Jesus’ teachings are? Do you take for granted everything your preacher and teachers and relatives and friends tell you is true? Does everyone tell you something different? How about reading the New Testament? How about refraining from saying, “I know it says that, but it doesn’t mean that. My preacher told me so” ?

Be daring!  Forget everything you have been told. Read Jesus’ teachings for yourself and hold to them, THEN the truth will set you FREE.

 

0-HS-592 VersesExamined-COVER-ThumbnailTHE HOLY SPIRIT: 592 VERSES EXAMINED covers every verse in the Bible about God’s Spirit.  It succeeds in clearing away all the opinions and confusions out there.  An easy read. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2ZAwQyp

 

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Wednesday 8/28 ~ Be patient. It’s coming.

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn blessings, discouragement, Enemies, Inspirational, Loss, patience, problems, Thanksgiving1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 28 (8/28), is Romans 8:28 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-BK 7-ShadowOfDeath-Cover-new-Thumbnail“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.”

This is a favorite verse of many people. Notice, God can make all things work together for good. ALL things. That means bad things, disappointing things, unfulfilled things. It doesn’t say God will make them all work together for the best. But, even if you made a bad decision or something terrible happened, he will bring some kind of good out of it.

What has been your most recent disappointment, tragedy, heartbreak ~ something that just did not go the way it should have? At such times, it is easy to blame God instead of Satan. You’re playing into Satan’s hands when you blame God and forsake him. Try to remember that, with every disappointment and tragedy, God gives you a promise:  Someday you will smile again.

Are you are living according to his purpose? The promise is only to those who are. If, indeed you are, believe God will take your heartbreak and turn it in to some kind of good especially for you. As hard as it may be right now, try to be patient.  Your good thing is on its way.

 

0-BK 7-ShadowOfDeath-Cover-new-ThumbnailTHEY MET JESUS: SHADOW OF DEATH covers the last few hours of Jesus’ life before he let them crucify him.  They thought they’d won; they lost.  Satan had thought he’d won; he lost.  God brought the most amazing good out of this tragedy that mankind has ever seen. This is book 7 on which my proposed TV SERIES is based.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2Zx9HwC

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Tuesday 8/27 ~ And watch them become awed

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, discouragement, emptiness, faith, family, healing, Inspirational, Loss, problems, Scripture1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 27 (8/27), is Mark 8:27 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

09-Jonah-KindleThumbnail“Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, ‘Who do people say I am?’ “

Do you ask your family, our neighbors, your friends how they feel about God? Who do they say God is? You don’t know unless you ask. A lot of people are just waiting for someone to ask. Otherwise, they don’t know how or when to bring it up.

Whenever I meet someone who has gone through a tragedy, I ask them “How’s your faith?”. Now this person may not have darkened the door of a church building for 20 years, but s/he always knows what I mean. Since I am sympathizing with them at the time, they are always honest and reply, “Not very good,” usually meaning their faith is nearly gone if not all the way gone.

Then I tell them, “You know, Satan causes bad to happen to people, not God.” They always stare at me a moment and then breathe a sigh of relief. They hadn’t wanted to blame God for their tragedy, but they had a need to blame someone. They’d forgotten Satan exists and were grateful they could now put the blame where it belonged.

There are many other people today who believe in a “Higher Power” but have no idea who that “Higher Power” is.  Many, even in America today, have never read the Bible but are curious about it.  Ask people you know, “Who is the High Power?”, and listen to them. Then offer to show them how the Bible is divided up and how to read it (especially Genesis, then the New Testament).

You must continually be on the watch for people who need help in understanding their relationship with God. Be brave. Go ahead and ask. You’ll be surprised at how many WANT to talk about it. Then be delighted as you open up a whole new world to them and watch them become awed.

 

09-Jonah-KindleThumbnailA CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES:  JONAH.  Maybe you think of Jonah as a run-away coward. But eventually, despite his cowardice, he went to the pagans, told them about God, and they repented.  He learned a big lesson about loving his enemies.  A great set of 10 books for early-reader HOMESCHOOLERS, CHURCH LIBRARIES, CHRISTMAS, BIRTHDAYS.  There is a “Think and Do” at the end of each chapter. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2Pgrt3t

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Saturday 8/24 ~ Faith gone? You can still hope.

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn discouragement, emptiness, faith, Fear, healing, Heaven, Inspirational, patience, prayer, problems, weakness, worship2 Comments

The scripture for today, August 24 (8/24), is Romans 8:24f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-4+4-Strip Child's Cartoon-Medium“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

Sometimes you go through a period of your life in which it is difficult to have faith that God exists; or even if he does exist, that he cares what happens to you. During those times, you may not be able to have faith.

But you can HOPE. You can hope that God exists, you can hope he cares what happens to you. Even the weakest person can hope. Hope holds you until you are strong enough to, once again, have faith.

So the next time your faith wavers (and it happens to everyone at some time in their life), remember, you can still hope.

Ah, Lord God.  My logic tells me you are there.  But my heart is lost right now.  Satan is attacking me. I cannot find you.  Cling to me, Lord, as I wander until I can see you with clear eyes once again. Lord, come quickly.

 

0-4+4-Strip Child's Cartoon-MediumA CHILD’S LIFE OF CHRIST.  This set of 8 books has the same stories in it as the adult They Met Jesus.  Written in large squiggly 16 point font. At the end of each chapter is THINK AND DO with a good work even a 3-year-old could do.  Perfect for HOME-SCHOOLERS, CHURCH LIBRARIES, CHRISTMAS, BIRTHDAYS.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2zljveG  OR  https://amzn.to/2Pco5GC

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Sunday 8/18 ~ Remember your proof

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, discouragement, Fear, good works, Loss, patience, persecution, problems, rest1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 18 (8/18), is Mark 8:18f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

00-LUKE-KINDLE Cover-Thumbnail“Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember when I broke [in pieces] the five loaves for the five thousand [hungry people]? How many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

Economic and political times are uncertain and unstable right now for a lot of people. How much do you worry about it? Planning is good. But worrying?

Instead of spending your time worrying and tearing down your mental and physical health, do what you can, then look around. Is there someone else you can help? Visit someone who is sick and clean up their kitchen for them? Tell a story to a little child? Sing a song to an elderly person and invite them to sing along with you? Write a letter to your parents or a ground child? Read to someone with poor eyesight?

While you’re busy helping others, take Jesus’ advice and remember your past. Ask yourself, “Has God forsaken me in the past?

Sit down and make a list of every time you made it through a bad period of time in your life. How did God get you through them? This is your proof.

Remember your proof.

 

00-LUKE-KINDLE Cover-ThumbnailLUKE: SLAVE & PHYSICIANS.  Physicians in the first-century Roman Empire were slaves, usually of one rich family. Go along with Luke as he progresses from a slave to Tribune Theophilus,  to whatever medical education was available (not much), to being the personal physician to an apostle whose body had been tortured every way possible, to authoring two books of the Bible. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2P5YXkQ

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Thursday 8/15 ~ Rest in God

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, discouragement, Enemies, faith, Loss, love, rest1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 15 (8/15), is Romans 8:15 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

00-PAUL COVER-Thumbnail-“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.”

I knew someone a long time ago who went through a period of being afraid of everything, something she just could not control. Then she found this scripture and applied it to all her fears. She had read it many times before, but this time was able to apply it to her constant fear. She thought to herself, “Stop being afraid! You are a child of God! He is right there with you. Be brave now. And rest in God.”

Are there times in your life when you are a slave to fear? Perhaps it is fear of the dark. Or fear of losing health. Or fear of strangers. Or of a certain nationality. Or of losing a job or home. Or of losing a loved one.

Stop being afraid! Jesus said we cannot add one hair to our head by worrying.  Write today’s verse on some pieces of paper and tape it to your refrigerator, the dash of your car, the door in and out of your house, your bathroom mirror. Read it until you believe it.  Children of God are not afraid. God is right there with you. Be brave. And rest in God.

 

00-PAUL COVER-Thumbnail-PAUL: THE UNSTOPPABLE was just that. He purposely set himself up to be beaten, scourged, imprisoned so he could defy the local priests and tell people the only way to escape hell and be saved from Satan.  Each time he was beaten, scourged, imprisoned, he called out, “Jesus!  This is for you!”.  Go along with Paul and live what he lived.  To BUY NOW,  click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2OY5ka3

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Saturday 8/10 ~ In weakness, strengthened by God’s joy

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, Daily, discouragement, healing, Inspirational, joy, Loss, victory, weakness1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 10 (8/10), is Nehemiah 8:10b as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

3 Great Kings Kindle-Thumbnail“This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

After exile over 70 years for forsaking God, the Jews were led by Ezra and Nehemiah back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and rebuild the wall. On a special day, Ezra read the Law of Moses to all the people.

And they wept.

They were so embarrassed and so sorry they had betrayed God. The above scripture quotation is from that occasion.

But many people find it too humiliating to admit to others they were wrong. Others find it easy to repent, but never regroup and pull themselves up so they can try again. Still others say, “What I’ve done is so bad, God could never forgive me.”

God can perform miracles. That means he can forgive the greatest sinner. So grieve. Ask for forgiveness. Then start over fresh ~ innocent in the eyes of God.

Remember, when you feel weak, the joy of the Lord will be your strength and see you through.

 

3 Great Kings Kindle-ThumbnailA CHILD’S BIBLE HEROES: 3 GREAT KINGS introduces your child or grandchild to Saul, David and Solomon.  Saul wasn’t all bad. He conquered four nations of Israel’s enemies. He was a warrior king.  David was a warrior with a song in his heart which soothed him when others were doing bad to him or he was doing bad.  Solomon lived a life doing whatever he wanted and lived to regret it as expressed in his brilliant proverbs. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2yTxGax

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Thursday 8/8 ~ The God of Second Chances

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, discouragement, forgiveness, healing, problems, rest1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 8 (8/8), is Zechariah 8:8 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

00-PAUL COVER-Thumbnail-“I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”

The Jews had done terrible things against God. They had worshiped terrible idols that required ghastly things be done in their honor such as setting up brothels with so-called “priests” and “priestesses” and sacrificing their children on an altar of fire. They had nailed the doors of the Temple closed. They had broken every one of God’s rules. They had sworn at him, rejected him, hated him.

So, God punished them with 70 years of exile in Babylon. What a light punishment for what they had done!  Still, it was the boomerang effect. They had rejected God, so God rejected them.

But it was not permanent. God is love and has no choice but to discipline, then give people a second chance. Isn’t He amazing ~ that God of ours who loves us so mightily? The God of Second Chances?

 

00-PAUL COVER-Thumbnail-PAUL: THE UNSTOPPABLE hated Jesus. He rounded up every Christian he could find and imprisoned, tortured, and executed them.  But Paul made a turnaround. He became a dynamic soul-saver, enduring torture and death threats himself for decades. Why? He finally believed in the true God of Second Chances.   To BUY NOW click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2ONm2sD

LINK to all my BOOKS by CATEGORY:    http://bit.ly/MyBookInfo

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Friday 8/2 ~ He still reaches across the centuries

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn discouragement, emptiness, eternity, faith, forgiveness, healing, Heaven, Saved from hell, sin1 Comment

The scripture for today, August 2 (8/2), is Matthew 8:2 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

Road to Heaven-COVER-KINDLE-THUMBNAIL“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.’ “

People in Jesus’ day who had leprosy had to live outside of town in what we would call a leper colony. They were incurable. And if someone without leprosy started getting close to them, they were required to call out, “Unclean! Unclean!” 

But here was a man who apparently sneaked into town where he didn’t belong, went up and down streets where he didn’t belong looking for Jesus, pushed his way through a crowd where he didn’t belong.

Once he found Jesus, he didn’t ask him if he could heal him; he asked if he would. After all, he was “unclean”. Remarkably, Jesus said yes.

Then Jesus did another remarkable thing: He touched the man. He touched the leprosy. Not only was he willing to be seen with an unclean man, and have a conversation with an unclean man, he was willing to touch the unclean man.

Jesus still does this today. When you come to him with a diseased heart wondering if you are good enough, Jesus reaches out across the centuries and touches you. And his voice echoes across those centuries ~ “I am willing.”

No matter how much sin mars your life, Jesus still today wants to touch your incurable heart and say, “Be clean.”

 

Road to Heaven-COVER-KINDLE-THUMBNAILTHE ROAD TO HEAVEN begins with the problem of sin and evil and works its way step by step from the Garden of Eden to Golgatha and on to heaven. Thought-provoking and reassuring.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2KdVOuT

 

LINK to all my BOOKS by CATEGORY:    http://bit.ly/MyBookInfo

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