The Hole in Your Soul June 24, 2009

Faith Fills the Hole in Our Soul

Hebrews 11:1 KJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

Have you ever read this chapter of Hebrews? I counted the word faith 24 times in this one chapter. Paul illustrates historical examples of how faith worked in the lives of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sara, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. Faith brought down the walls of Jericho and closed the mouths of lions. Faith in Jehovah God can set you free. Faith can make you whole.

Faith works the same way today as it did in the days of Daniel. Can you imagine the faith of Shadrach, Meschak and Abednego? Three Hebrew children, who would not worship the King but held tight to their devotion to Jehovah, were cast into a fiery furnace. They were not burned. When we pray, we are demonstrating faith that God is there and that He hears our prayers.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. Without faith what hope is there? Hope is the trust that God indeed loves us and answers our prayers. Without hope there is only doubt, fear and despondency. Consider those who are lost and outside of God’s protection. It is a dismal consideration. Without Jesus Christ there is only hopelessness. Some may put their trust and hope in other people or in money but a hope placed in these can only bring disappointment and grief. Men may disappoint and desert you, but God never will. He is always there. When we need Him He carries us when we can’t even walk. Sometimes, the things of this life are overwhelming. Without hope, faith and trust in Him, how can we possibly hope?

Faith is the knowledge that life on earth is not all there is. Faith is in knowing that beyond this life we have life eternal with God. I know people who believe that this life is all there is, that when we die, that is just the end. How sad it would be to go through everyday thinking that all we had to hope for is nothing. As Christians we have faith that one day we will be in heaven and abide with Him. Jesus is the only way to heaven. Do not be deceived. There is one and only one way to heaven and it is through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 is all you have to know to be saved. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son and whosoever BELIEVES in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

In this life on earth we have two choices. We can believe and be saved or we can reject Jesus and go to hell. It is that simple.

To have faith there must be belief. Unbelievers have no hope. Faith is so simple. God made His gospel so simple even little children can understand it. It doesn’t take great intellect to understand that God made us. He loves us and He wants to have a relationship with us. Some scholars have tried to disprove God’s Word. They have taken away their own hope. They try to reason too much about this simple story. By picking apart the Word of God they have made it hard. The brain God gave them has gotten in the way of being able to believe.

Humility and faith go hand in hand. There are times when nonbelievers think they have it all figured out and they feel they have out smarted God. This is a major stumbling block for them to believe. It blinds them to the simple faith that passes all understanding. We as humans are not meant to know everything. If God wanted us to know everything now He would have told us in His Word. What He did tell us is He loved us so much He sent His only Son to die for us. No one can disprove this no matter how hard they try.

All human beings have a big hole in their soul. People try to fill this hole with many things. Money, prestige, fame, fortune, drugs, alcohol, sex but they will always come up empty. The hole will still be there. The only thing that fits in the hole is God and his love for us.

Faith fills up the hole and makes us whole. Trying to fill this hole in our soul with anything but God is like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. Nothing will fit. Nothing will fill the hole except for the power and love of God. He created us with the hole in our soul. He created us to only be completely at peace when we fill the hole with His love.

What we know as Christians is we have the faith one great day every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Now there is something you can put your faith in. There is the hope that fills the hole in the soul. There is the answer.

Dear Lord Help us to demonstrate our faith in You so that others may believe. Help us to help the lost fill the holes in their souls with Your love. Thank you for Your Word and Your peace. We praise You and love you, let Your light so shine that others may see You in us everyday. In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.

How do you fill the hole in your soul?
Does your faith shine so that others may see something in you that they desire?
How can we reach those who need Jesus the most?

©Angela Posey-Arnold 2008

Gifts– February 10, 2009

Gifts by Grace Alone

By Angela Posey-Arnold age 49 on February 2^nd, 2009

 

Each year my birthday seems to get better and better. Years ago I measured the joy of my birthday by what I received materially. I can remember having miserable birthday because I did not get “enough” or “what I wanted” Poor spoiled pitiful me. Thank God as my life’s journey with Christ leading continues year by year, the celebration of my birth gets sweeter each and every year. I am no longer ever disappointed. This year was no exception.

 

Being born on Groundhog Day entices loved ones to call at sunrise to see if I saw my shadow or not. Puxatawnee Phil has nothing on me. Usually, his prediction and mine match. But this year he saw his, I didn’t. Personally, I think the poor little fella just wants to be left alone. Every year he looks more terrified as the jerk him out of his cozy hole and the flash blubs go off in his little face. Poor thing. In contrast I get to stay in my cozy pjs and talk to my dearest friends and loved ones.

 

This year my family provided an extra special surprise for me.They are all very sneaky. Knowing how I love church and Sundays, they showed up unexpected at morning worship service where I am resident pianist. My parents, my goddaughter, and my brother and his wife, and my husband took up an entire row—I was so surpirsed and so incredibly happy to have my family and my church family all in one worship service. Overwhelmed with joy and praise I introduced them to each other, “Church family, meet family”—my praise for the morning.

 

It is defintely a rare occasion to have my brother and I in the same worship service. For one thing he lives in Florida and I live in Alabama. The distance alone makes it a rare occurance. More than that, He is the Pastor of a church and I am resident pianist at a church. This pretty much books up all our Sundays. To have him and my sister-in-law come to worship with me was an extra special surprise and blessing.

 

My sister in law did take some pictures after the service—I will share them as she sends them to me.

 

Monday, Febuary 2^nd was my actual birthday. My oldest dearest friends always remember to call me, send me cards, and make sure I know they remember me. What a blessing they are to me. Two of my best friends have been my friends since we were in kindergarten, long time. One of my dearest friends has been my friend for 30 years, and the other has been my dear one for 15 years.  

 

For the last few years I have been so blessed to make some dear new friends. I am reminded of the song I learned as a child in Brownie Girl Scouts, “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” It is very true. My new friends sent cards, emails, and one precious one wrote a poem for me. We are a group of Christian Writers. We have never met face to face but we are sisters in Christ and have a friendship bond that is very strong.

 

As writers, receiving a poem written from one of them is a precious gift of themselves. I would like to share it with you. She calls me Angel-a. Therefore, the space between Angel and a. She is a dear sister in Christ and an inspiration to us all.

 

 

Birthday Poem

by Kathy Tierney

 

It’s Angel a’s birthday, we celebrate she.

All who love her especially me!

 

Her talent terrific, she’s gifted too,

She blesses us all, me and you.

 

We share our prayers to lift her up

and ask the Father to fill her cup.

 

I know my heart in joy will raise

Thank you to Him with greatful praise.

 

Keep her safe Lord I pray

giving her a very blessed day!

 

 

 

This poem touched my heart so much. It is one of the greatest gifts I received this year, not only the poem but the prayers which accompany it.

Materially, I did get some things, but most important were the gifts of love I receieved. The joy comes from that.

On Monday friends and family gathered at the Blue Bird Café in Haleyville, Alabama. (our hometown). Many gathered and ate, laughed, loved, and fellowshiped. We held and loved on the newest baby in the group and shared memories while making new ones.

It was a wonderful time that will stay with us for a long time.

Some of our family could not be with us, but by the miracles of modern technology—they were there by blackberry and cell phone. We also took many pictures to remember the day and the time together.

Material items just don’t matter so much to me anymore. It is the joy of family and friends that make each birthday, each celebration more special. Oh and cake—cake makes it sweeter too. J

Happy Birthday to me. I thank and praise my Lord Jesus for making it sweeter as the years go by. Jesus is the joy that fills all our hearts—incredible awesome joy.

Valentines Day is next—yipyee. I don’t need candy and I don’t need roses or diamonds to complete my joy. Love is the menu of the day. Make it yours too. You’ll never be disappointed.

 

©Angela Posey-Arnold

Are You Comfortable In Church? February 6, 2009

Do You Feel Comfortable In Church? If your answer is no, then I have some good news for you. Do you have a problem with organized religion? Then I have good news for you too. Jesus wants a personal relationship with you, not a religion.

I am so pleased to announce the beginning of a brand new God inspired web-site–www.TimeWithChrist.org. It is so amazing how God works things out. Like a puzzle, pieces just fall into place right on time. My dear friend and ex-boss (odd combo I know) works for the Salvation Army. She is the Director of Homeless Services. Valerie finds herself in many meetings when not being a first responder or running the men’s homeless shelter.

Recently, at one such meeting she met a spirit filled young man who told her about God’s call on his life. He is a commercial airplane pilot and in his ‘ground time’ he is being obedient to the call. He has started a web-site called www.timewithchrist.org.

 Because of my connection with Valerie I contributed a couple of stories to his site. From there we all began to talk about the purpose of the site. Valerie and I both are now Board Members for the ministry, contributing writers and prayer warriors as well.

 A relationship with Christ is so much more than “religion” as today’s society sees it. Being a Christian is all about a personal relationship with Christ, not a man made religion. This is the focus of the web site–to clear up this mis-understanding and to reach those who can’t get past the “religion” to find themselves in church.

 Visit the site–invite people you know who need to hear this message. I am very excited to see where God will take this, and how He will work it all for good, bringing sheep into the fold–right into the arms of Christ. www.timewithchrist.org

 Sincerely–I hope to see you there. Sign Up!!

 Angela

Jesus Died for You January 27, 2009

In continuation of the series of devotionals for the upcoming lenten book, today’s devotional is a testimony of how God speaks to our hearts. Thanks to Mrs. Freda Crumpton for sharing this.

Jesus Died For All

 

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies ( John 11:25NIV)

 

Read John 11:25-57

 

 

A mirrored cross graces the First United Methodist Church in Haleyville, Alabama. The front of the cross is smooth and plain but the sides and the top are broken pieces of mirror all glued together. Each broken piece placed side by side and on top of each other with cracks in between both large and small.  We use this cross for many different worship altars.

 

Recently in a service we used this cross. As I sat down I realized I was sitting directly in front of the cross. All I could see was my reflection in the cross. I sat there for a few minutes thinking ‘this cross is for me.  Jesus died on that cross because of me.  He gave His life for me’.

 

Although deeply touched I became uncomfortable, maybe it was mostly guilt or just plain shame, whatever it was I changed seats with someone else.

 

Gaining courage to look again at the cross I could no longer see just me.  I saw the faces of my friends, my loved ones, my church family, some were broken, some were cracked, some small, others larger, then I knew. The cross is ours. Jesus died for all of us.  None of us are worthy, we all are guilty and full of shame but God’s Grace through His son Jesus is free to us all. His marvelous grace makes us free to live forever.

 

Heavenly Father, All praise and thanks be to You. Your grace and love went to the cruel cross of Calvary to save us and set us free. With Jesus we are free indeed. We love you and praise You forever. In Jesus Precious Name, Amen. 

 

Prayer Focus: Those who don’t know Jesus.

 

Thought for today: Jesus died for you.

 

©Freda Crumpton

 

 

Reach Out January 22, 2009

Over the last few days I have had the gracious opportunity to lend my writing assistance to my Mother and two of her dear friends and sisters in Christ. They all attend the church where I grew up, Haleyville First United Methodist Church in Haleyville, Alabama.

The Pastor initiated a new program for Lent this year. He asked for 40 people to write a devotional. Just one per person. These devotionals are to be used in a Lenten Worship Devotional Booklet in service of the Lenten Season.

I have been blessed to be able to be the editor for these three devotionals–My Mother’s, her dear friend, Maryanna Foster and a very special lady whom I have always known, Mrs. Freda King Crumpton. I could start with how Mother knew Freda when she was a baby and how Freda babysat me when I was a baby but let’s just suffice it to say, we are all life time church family.

As a Christian Writer I read and wrtie devotionals and articles everyday. I read many other writer’s but it is rare to obtain stories from real Christians who spend their time serving and blessing others in many ways besides writing about it. Since they so graciously asked me to edit their peices I have been blessed by each story. I have asked each of them if it is okay for me to share their stories. They are excited about that.

In this form I will share each story in my blog. In another form these will all be submitted for publication.

My prayer is that you are as blessed as I have been by these three servants of God. I will post My Mother’s first. If you are blessed by this, email me and I will pass it on to them. They would love that.

Outreach

By Bonnie Posey

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10 NIV)

Being of a ‘certain age’ and a member of Haleyville First United Methodist Church most of my life, I have always been confident we were a church doing the Lord’s work. Several years ago a brash young preacher assigned to us took a very good deep look at us. In love and honesty he said, “You are the best church I have ever seen at taking care of yourselves, now you are going to reach out to others. This church is going to reach out next June to the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. It will be a mission outreach.”

My initial response was, “I will plan the trip but I am not going out west in the summer, it will be too hot.” Famous last words. My husband, Merle, said “Sure, we can do that.” So away we went along with 32 other people from this church and two other congregations in our district. Each person seeking something different. Some just looking to sightsee the Indians or Monument Valley. But all were available to be used by God. I’ve learned, God is not looking for ability; He is looking for availability, willing vessels to be used by Him.

Personally, I became available to the call I had been hearing since I was a teen sitting in the balcony of this same church hearing missionaries sharing their experiences in far off lands. God has shown me the call to mission and outreach can be in a ‘not so far off land’. It can be in New Mexico, Eastern Kentucky, Cherokee, North Carolina, Wyoming, and Mississippi or right in your own back door. Possibly every Tuesday morning serving on the Helping Hand committee.

When I made myself available to be used by God for His purposes He used me to reach out to others. All of us have the potential to do great things for God with the gifts and talents He has so graciously given. God is looking for willing vessels with an open heart to be available for Him to work through.

“God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.”

Dear God, You love all Your children. Teach me to use my time and gifts to serve others. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.

www.angelaposeyarnold.com

Relinquish Control January 20, 2009

Surrender-Heaven Rules

God is in control.

“………….. your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules”. (Daniel 4:26 NIV)

“I didn’t hear you buzz.” I said to my Mother on the phone.

 “I buzzed ‘yahoo’ several times, it looks like you are online but you are not answering me.” She said.

“Well, I must have a sound problem. I’ll have to call tech support if I can’t fix it.” Ending our conversation pretty sure I would be calling tech support.

With so many companies outsourcing jobs overseas calling tech support rarely connects me with an English speaking individual. I try to be courteous and kind but there are just so many ways to say, “excuse me, what did you say? I am so sorry; I didn’t understand the last five things you said. Would you mind repeating?” The language barrier can be frustrating.

 Connected with tech support and a patient lady named Rafe who lives in India, together we checked sound settings on my computer. Unsuccessful in regaining the sound on my lap top she said, “I need to take control of your computer.”

 Cautiously agreeing I watched as she examined the inner workings of my laptop.  I suddenly realized she had unlimited access to my most personal information. My computer was completely vulnerable to attack and all my writing, my work, at her mercy.

Surrendering control to a complete stranger is disconcerting and uncomfortable. As a writer, it would be a disaster if my files were corrupted. Fear gripped me as I saw her open my documents file. I prayed to prevent panic.

 Trust and peace eased the grip of fear as she continued working. Soon she had corrected the sound problem.  My computer was fixed and back in my control. Surrendering control is difficult, especially if we don’t know we can trust the person taking control. We surrender control in many aspects of life. To pilots, politicians, other drivers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, each could disappoint us or make a mistake.

Surrendering to Jesus is not like that at all. In giving up control to Him there is no worry that He might lead us in the wrong direction or hurt us. Relinquishing control to Him is a relief. Burdens are lifted. By trusting Him we gain peace and hope. By giving up, we win. Accepting that Heaven rules and God is in control we find hope, peace and a joy that cannot be found any other way.

Thank You Father for being in control of my life and this world. What a joy to know You are in control. You are an awesome God. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen

Angela Posey-Arnold 2009

Setting Goals for the New Year 2009 January 5, 2009

Setting Goals for the New Year 2009

Full of Sap and Life

A sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley-reproduced and expounded upon by Angela Posey-Arnold

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
         He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Those who are planted in the house of the LORD
         Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
 They shall still bear fruit in old age;
         They shall be fresh and flourishing,
 To declare that the LORD is upright;
         He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.(Psalms 92:12-15 NKJV)

Setting realistic goals for the New Year remains to be a matter of prayer and listening to God. Many set goals to high to obtain, not realistic and not obtainable. Goal setting requires asking ourselves some questions about the goals we are setting.

God has a plan and purpose for each of us. He will guide us if we let Him. Trying to accomplish task in our own strength will lead to disappointment and frustration. But, if we allow God to guide us, and recognize His leading 2009 will be a year of accomplishments and steps in our journey on this earth.

Through His Word we gain a sense of direction and confidence that we are on the right road. As you set your goals for 2009 consider if the goals line up with God’s Word, His purpose and plan for your life. Ask yourself if your desires and goals fit with God’s will. And most importantly determine if the goal you set is something that you can ask God to help you with.

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. (Colossians 3:15-17 The Message)

If you are not sure what God’s will for your life is—Ask Him. Read His Word and He will reveal these things to you. Peace that passes all understanding will follow.

From His Word we know He wants us to continue to bear good fruit though out our lives. Running the race He has set before us. There are many things we can do to grow old gracefully and in service to Him. The following list developed by Pastor Charles Stanley is a wonderful reminder of how to live a life of happiness in service and love. It has nothing to do with Botox or nip tuck. It has to do with the heart.

How to Stay Young and Vibrant—

*Keep Learning—stimulate your mind and learn new things. Especially learn new things about God. Discovering God in new ways and letting Him speak to you. God will be as close as you let Him be.

* Keep Loving—Love God and love one another. Love Jesus. A loving spirit flows and gets rid of tenseness and stress. When you find yourself having a pity party, find someone to help. It is amazing how fast your pity party will be over when you help someone else. Take the gift of experiencing God’s limitless love. Love will overcome unforgiveness. Unforgiveness ages you and forgiveness is freedom for you. You can’t forgive if you don’t love.

* Keep Laughing—laughter is good for the soul like medicine-the Proverbs tell us. It is relaxing and gets rid of stress. Just picture in your mind Jesus laughing. He laughed. Just his loving countenance encouraged laughter and it still does. Just laugh at yourself and with others.

*Leave what God has forgiven you for behind—Leave the burdens with Him after you give it to Him, don’t go back and take it back. Drop the sin and leave it behind. God does not want you living in the past. Keep your mind on what God wants you to do in the future.

*Keep longing and dreaming—it is okay to dream. Long for good things in life and reaching your potential. Dream big dreams and give it to God. He will bless you and take you to heights greater than your dreams. He wants is to be blessed. Use the imagination He has given you. God will allow things when you are obedient to Him, more than you ever could have dreamed.

*Keep looking for evidences of God in your life—recognize His hand in your life and the lives of others. Look for Him with a purpose—the purpose of finding Him. What you focus on is what you will become. Focus on being your best, doing your best and the best is what will happen. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

*Keep language—what your mouth speaks, your ears hear, your brain registers and your body responds. Don’t talk yourself into sickness or old age. Evaluate your talents and gifts and get to work. Your attitude makes all the difference in your attractiveness to others. Smile and be happy. Encourage others.

*Keep laboring—we are designed to move and work, 6 days. Do the Lord’s work and give of yourself to the Master. Design your work to be of eternal value. Lay up treasure for heaven. Writing for me is working for Him. I write to change heaven, to populate heaven, to effect heaven, to please heaven and to please God. The same with the gift of music He has blessed me with. These are gifts He gave me to use for Him.

*Keep leaning on Jesus—No matter what we face Jesus is there. Without Him all is in vain. With Him He is our source.

*Keep listening to God—Ask, pray and listen. Shut your mind to ungodly negative people. Be careful little ears what you hear. Don’t fill your mind with the Babylonian mentality of our culture—it is not all about you—it is all about Him. Fill your mind with things of God.

If we apply these principles to our lives our goals for 2009 will be blessed by God—we will be full of sap and fruitful for the Kingdom of God.

Thank you Lord for Brother Charles Stanley who continues to serve you and give us the messages from Your Word that we need to hear. As we begin this new year of 2009 help us to step in Your steps. God before us and prepare the way. Give us the strength to keep our eyes on You. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.

©Charles Stanley as related to the congregation—reproduced and paraphrased by Angela Posey-Arnold 2009.