Christmas Time

Merry Christmas from "The Believer's Gathering"! I know, it is the day after Christmas, but have a blessed and joyful time with your families. :) Most of all, rejoice in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. HE is the true reason of the season and worthy of all our praise and honor. This Christmas, I personally have been learning about what is really important, and I praise my Lord for revealing to me Who He is and what He has done for me. Praise Him!

God bless you, brothers and sisters, and have a blessed Christmas time!

In Him,

Rachel M.

Thankfulness

This month, November, is remembered (hopefully) for giving thanks--for what God has done for our country and our families. Every month, we should be thankful for everything we have around us--food, clothing, shelter, family, God's Word, and Jesus Christ.

On her blog, 'Untraveled Path', Costume Queen is hosting "14 Days of Thankfulness".  The following is what she said about it:

In celebration of Thanksgiving this year, I would like to start a two-week event. I will be posting at least one thing I am thankful for every day, starting November 13 and ending on Thanksgiving, November 26. If you would like to do the same, please feel free to join me by participating in this event! Here are the guidelines:

1. Copy the picture above and post it on your blog, either on a sidebar or in a post.

2. Link back to Untraveled Path (exact link to this page: http://untraveledpath.blogspot.com/2009/11/14-days-of-thankfulness.html) so that readers of your blog can participate if they wish.

3. Post "thankful for" posts each day. If this is impractical for you, feel free to lower the number (every other day instead of every day, etc.).

I challenge you to think outside the box during this event. You can definitely be thankful for things such as health, family, Jesus Christ's redeeming love, etc. But I want you to also reflect on the "small" things that go by without notice.

You know what I mean: the art class you go to every Thursday that you were able to afford, the one friendly person who always says hi to you, your computer that you are able to use whenever you want.

Your "thank you"s don't necessarily have to be typical, general, or "spiritual." They should be personal, unique.

They can be objects you enjoy using, awesome events that happened, talents you possess, or people you appreciate.

Really think about those things you take for granted, and take the time to say THANK YOU to the Lord for providing them!

Feel free to simply list something you are thankful for every day, or describe the item/event/person as thoroughly as you want.

A list of participants will be posted with their respective blog links. If you've decided to join, please leave a comment with your name and blog URL!

It started today, and if you would like to join or share about it on your blog, feel free to do so. God bless and thank you, Costume Queen, for letting us know about it! :)

Living Radically For Christ Pt. 1

What does it mean to live a radical life for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Where will it take us? What will we have to give up? What does our Savior authoritatively teach us in how to become one of His disciples? The text is Luke 14 and I will hopefully answer those questions with humility of spirit, because this passage was convicting to me when I read it, and when I listened to a sermon on this particular passage. So bear with me when I try to unpack this passage.

Luke 14:25-33
Now great crowds accompanied Him, and He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple.

In this passage, we have three conditions that Jesus lays out for discipleship and we have two parabolic illustrations that warn us about making a careless decision to follow Christ. However, in this first part, I will thoroughly unpack the first condition of discipleship that Jesus clearly lays straight out for us. The first condition is found in verse 26. If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Ok, I know what some of you are already thinking. Hatred to my own parents, hatred to my own family, hatred to my own children, hatred to my own brothers and sisters. I thought that Jesus told us to love them. Isn't hate the exact opposite of love? Yes, in some sense of the actual truth, those answers are totally correct, but the danger here is watering down what Jesus is trying to say. What I mean is that, with this particular passage, some people try to fudge a little bit by saying, "Is Jesus truly teaching us to literally hate our brother, hate our mother, hate our father, hate our children. Come on, the Bible tells us to honor our parents and love our family. The Bible doesn't tell us to hate them." So because of that, we don't give a second thought to this passage. We turn our blind eye towards this passage and hope that it will go away; even when Jesus is clearly telling us how to be one of His disciples. So, what is Jesus really trying to exposit here?

The Greek word for hate is miseo. This word takes on two different extensions. The first one is to despise or to utterly hate something or someone, and the second extension takes on an entirely different form. The second extension is to love less. The second form makes more sense than the first form in the context of this particular passage, but what or who are we too love more than our parents, brothers, sisters, children. I know you can easily get this answer. Our first and foremost desire should be to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength (Matthew 22:37). Our love towards our parents, brothers, and sisters should be hatred compared to our love for God. That is what Jesus is trying to teach us. Our love for God and for His Word should far exceed any possible iota of love toward our parents. That doesn't mean we discontinue honoring our parents or obeying them. Just the opposite. If we truly love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we will want to obey His commandments, we will want to trust Him daily, and we will want to desire a relationship with Him. With that said, loving and honoring God, first and foremost above all things, will deepen our affections and love for our parents, which in result begins and ends with the first and greatest commandment. Our chief end should be to love the Lord with everything that we have and that is just the beginning of living a radical life for the cause of Christ. End Part 1

The Power of Prayer

Have you ever had a prayer request answered? It may have not been a huge or amazing request but something simple. Or maybe it was a big request and yet God fully answered it showing His amazing power.

Yesterday our neighbors and good friends were having an open house in honor of their four oldest children. As the day was approaching, they were working hard to get everything cleaned up around the house and buying food and everything else needed to make a party go well. However, the weather forecast was calling for rain all day. Everyone (our family and theirs) started praying. Saturday morning came. It was raining and stormy all morning. The open house started at 2:00. 1:00. It was so dark and raining so hard you could hardly see out the windows. 1:30, still pouring rain. We looked at the radar and there was still a ton of rain headed straight in our direction. Said it would rain until at least 5:00. 2:00. The rain stopped and the sky cleared up. Not one drop of rain fell for the rest of the afternoon and evening. And try to tell me that wasn't God.

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15).

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

"…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

Don't underestimate the power of prayer!

~Bethany~

I'm Saved!

I have to tell you all about something.This June,my sister and I went to a Christian youth camp in Tennessee.I was really excited about it.I would get together with some of my friends,cousins,and meet new people.At one night service,a singing group from Penn View Bible Institute sang the song "Nail it to the Cross".It made me and lots of other kids just cry.They started to go to the altar.My sister went up too.I went to one of the benches up front,at the time to pray for my sister,but I started crying more about how my life had sin in it.My dad was there that night and he came up and prayed with me.When I got done,I testified.I felt so glad that Jesus forgave me.I still have a lot to learn and do,but God will help me.Almost every time I hear that song now,I cry.

In closing,I want everyone reading this to know,God can forgive all your sins and make you whole.You'll feel so much better.

♫ Song of praise

God has answered our prayers, he has healed Jonathan. And now he is safe in the arms of Jesus. I can see him now, looking at Jesus with his big smile, and knowing he is with Jesus. He is now in the best most optimal health ever. Praise God that Jonathan is healed. Alleluia what a Savior. And remember this! there will be times of sorrow and grief, and times of pain. And times of joy. But there is always JESUS!!!

Jonathan--With Jesus

Somewhere around 4:25 this morning, my brother Jonathan, who was to have his first birthday on Wednesday, passed away. Today was the day that all our friends and family were coming over to celebrate his 1 year milestone. But for whatever reason, God chose to bring him home. I am going to make a tribute to him on my personal blog soon. Please pray for our family, as this was completely unexpected.

In Christ,
Kevin

Center Of Focus?

When you wake up in the morning, what's the first thing on your mind? School? That video game you stayed up late to play last night maybe? As the day progresses, what do your thoughts consist of? Are they, for the most part, centered on spiritual things, or are you still thinking about that new movie you want to see? These thoughts entered my head last night as I lay in bed thinking. I kind of talked to my brother about them and we both thought of something else too. How much time do you spend in God's Word a day? Ok, fine how about a week? You say, "Oh, I didn't have time," but you know in your heart that you chose not to make it your time. That is an excuse I say to myself way to often. When I'm getting ready for work in the morning, I always find time to update my Facebook and Twitter, but no, I don't have time to read a chapter or two in the Bible. Baloney!!!!!! I had plenty of time, I just didn't use it for that. It...wasn't important enough...I guess. That HAS GOT to change! How on earth do we expect to grow closer in our walk with Christ? Let me ask you something. You're best friend...why is he/she your best friend? You know a lot about that person don't you? You feel close to them too. The same goes with Christ. The Bible says "...If you draw nigh unto Him, He will draw nigh unto you...". So I encourage you...spend time in God's Word! These things have really convicted me and I'm determined to do them. God Bless!

In Christ,
Kevin

Change Comes

Recently we have had some more people ask to join The Believer's Gathering. Thank-you. We appreciate your addition to the blog.

While I was on today, I thought that the blog needed a more lighthearted look to it. Bang! I hope you all like it!

In Christ,
Kevin

Praying for the Lost

In the Bible study that I am in on Thursday nights, we are learning about how to pray for the lost and even prodigals (believers who have turned away from the Lord). Our heavenly Father has given us the power and authority from the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name, to take authority over every thought the enemy trys to send to them; every reason, every excuse and every strategy and plan the enemy has to keep them blinded from the truth.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 it says the following, "For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."

God has given us, as His children, the authority to defeat those strongholds and lies the enemy places in their minds to not believe. And one of the big ones is pride. People think that they could just do it on their own; they do not need any help from God.

A few times, the Holy Spirit has revealed to me what people are experiencing in hell. I have heard the cries of the people asking for help. And at one time, I was literally crying, more specifically, sobbing over it, and so much so, could not even hear my crying out. That time was quite emotional.

Overall, God has given me a real heart for the lost and He showed that to me before I even started this Bible study and interceding for them. In the study, we watch a short DVD before discussing, and one of the sessions, the leader on the DVD called these people "pre-saved". So these people we are praying for are pre-saved. They are being called home!

So, if you know someone who is not a believer, and even one who has fallen away from the Lord, continue to be on your knees in prayer for them. Pray for the lies, pride, and strongholds to be removed from their lives, in the name of Jesus! Pray, dear brothers and sisters; pray.

In Him,
Rachel M.

(photo can only be used with direct permission)

Honor Thy Father and Mother

As everyone knows tomorrow is Mother's Day, we need to remember what a great blessing our mothers AND fathers are to us. In God's Word it says to honor our parents for this is the first commandment with a promise that it may be well with us and may live long on this earth. We need to remember the sacrifices they make for us each day, and we may not even know it. God tells us to respect our parents and obey them, and continue to tell them how much they are to us and how we love them.

So, as tomorrow comes and goes, just don't say "I love you mom" and "I love you dad" for tomorrow only; say it for the coming days, weeks, months, and years as well. I know personally that they love it when you do something special for them like writing a letter to them, talking about what a blessing they are from the Lord and thankful for parents like them who bring you up in the admonition of the Lord.

Thank you mom and dad for being that example. I love you!

In Him Alone,
Rachel M.

Another Update On Jonathan

Well, the most recent news about Jonathan is.........That the doctor does not understand what he is seeing. It is all pretty complicated but I guess they put a lot of extra protein in his blood and the doctor is surprised about the amount of protein that remained in his bloodstream. If Jonathan had the problem with his kidneys that they thought he had had, then he would have had a lot more protein in his urine. But! He didn't! The doctor does not know what to think. He said that maybe the kidneys will heal themselves. I don't think so! Only God could perform such a task! Praise the Lord for what we have seen so far, and thank you all SO MUCH for your prayers. You don't know how much it means to our family!

In Christ,
Kevin

Update On Jonathan

Hello!

I have just received more information regarding Jonathan. The doctor says that he is 80% sure that he has Congenital Narphotic Syndrome, which is a defect in the kidneys. Right now, his kidneys are filtering some of the protein from his blood. He has less than 50% of the amount of protein as he should. The lack of protein is causing an imbalance in the fluids of his bloodstream, which is seeping through the veins and causing him to swell. They said that they can give him something to slow the blood flow to the kidneys, but that is only temporary. The end result of him having this syndrome is that he will have to have a kidney transplant. My parents said that Jonathan will be at the hospital for at least ten days. Please pray for him as well as our family. This is going to be a long road, since he will probably have to see a kidney specialist his whole life. I know the Lord will be with us through it all. Thank you all for your prayers!

In Christ,

Kevin

Prayer Request For Jonathan

Hello!
As some of you may know, my parents took Jonathan (8 months) to the doctor yesterday because his feet, legs and face have been swollen, he hasn't been eating like he should, and he was really weak. We weren't that concerned about it at first, because we've had whooping cough, thought that this was just aftereffects from that. But it kept dragging on. The Pediatrician was really concerned, and recommended they take him right away to the Children's Hospital in Detroit. They took him in at about 5:00 p.m.. Both my mom and dad spent the night there with him, and not surprisingly, it was a rough night. My dad told me this morning that the doctor thought that it was his kidneys almost for sure. But......the Doctor ran some urine tests on him and they didn't find what they expected to find, thankfully. They then ran some x-rays on him and everything looks fine there as well. We appreciate all of you who are praying for him and would like to ask for the prayers of my other friends. I will try to keep you updated on what is happening. Thank you all, and God Bless You!

In Christ,
Kevin