What Would You Do?

The Vacation Bible School our church chose this year was Agency D3. We spent the week as Special Agents discovering truths about Jesus, deciding what we believe about Him, and learning how to defend our faith. The Bible verse for the week, in the simplified version for younger children, was “Always be ready to tell what you know about Jesus.”  I Peter 3:15

A couple weeks ago, my brother experienced a real life test of this verse. Here’s his account of the evening: 

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

 A couple Saturdays ago, we celebrated our daughter’s 22nd birthday by having a family dinner at a local restaurant. After we were seated and our orders were taken, I got up to go to the bathroom. After completing my bathroom “business,” I began washing my hands. As I rinsed the soap from my hands, an elderly man (I’m guessing @ 75 years old) burst into the bathroom. Before I could do anything, this man began sobbing. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

 I must confess, my first inclination was to leave the bathroom as quickly as possible. Men don’t acknowledge each other in the bathroom much less strike up a conversation. This man was obviously distressed and I couldn’t just leave. I placed my hand on his back, and said, “Sir, what’s wrong? Is there anything I can do to help?”

This well-groomed, nicely dressed man looked up, eyes swollen

and red and replied, “I’m here with my entire family to celebrate my retirement.” I immediately replied, “Well, this should be a happy occasion, why all the tears?” The man looked at me, took several deep breathes and replied, “I saw my doctor today and he told me I have a very aggressive form of cancer and have 3 months to live. I haven’t told anyone, and I don’t know how to break the news to my family when everyone is so happy.” WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

 I responded, “at least you’ve got your faith to fall back on.” This tortured man looked at me with a blank look and said, “What ‘faith’ are you talking about, I’ve never been to church.” (I had made some basic assumptions based on his outward appearance and on the fact that most everyone in the Bible Belt has at least some passing knowledge of God and “church.”) WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

 I quickly sent God an urgent prayer and asked Him to please give me the right words to say to this lost man. As my new friend began to wash his face, getting ready to return to his party, I blurted out, “I’m not trying to make light of your situation, but you were always going to die. I’m going to die, all those waiting for you at the table are going to die. It’s not that important that we’re all going to die, but what is important is what happens after you die.”

I continued, “I know one day I will die, but the grave doesn’t have a hold on me. Jesus promises that if I believe in Him and ask Him to come into my heart, I will spend my eternity in a place that doesn’t have cancer or pain, a place of constant joy and happiness.” My friend politely listened and then said, “Tell me more about this Jesus.” I gave him a short version of my testimony and spent the next few minutes taking a walk down the Roman Road (see below). 

When I finished, he fell to his knees and cried out, “I need this

Jesus you’ve been talking about!” I got down on my knees beside him right there in the bathroom of a busy restaurant. We prayed and my friend accepted Jesus.

 When we finished praying and stood up my friend looked like a different man. He smiled, and looked like he was ready to run a marathon. I offered to go back to his table with him to help explain what the Doctor said, and to explain what happened in the bathroom. He felt like he could handle it himself, so I told him to come get me if he needed help.

I invited him to church and he indicated his sister and a few of his co-workers in attendance were church members. He thought once they heard his good news they would want him to try their church first. We exchanged names and phone numbers and we agreed to stay in touch. He left the restroom and I prayed one more time, praising God for taking over the conversation. God is good and always faithful to provide, even in the men’s room at a local restaurant! 

 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15)

Tommy John 

What will you do when you are asked to tell what you know about Jesus? Plan now for when that time comes. All you are required to do is be ready to tell what you know. Take a few minutes and make a list of the things you know about Jesus. If you still feel unprepared, do some more Bible study on Jesus. Use the internet to look up a sharing technique that works for you, The ABC’s of Faith, the Roman Road and others. Use scripture when possible because the Bible tells us scripture won’t fail to accomplish what it is sent out to do. May God bless you as you prepare.

I’m going out with joy today to share the Good News-

Cathy


How to Use the Roman Road to Witness:

from "The Next Step" by J.T.C., (pages 55 to 59)


The Roman Road lays out the plan of salvation through a series of Bible verses from the book of Romans.I don't think witnessing is easy.  My idea here is that you just have to read the red text below.

******************************************************************************

To be a soul winner, you should get yourself a small New Testament.

Coming at people with a large Bible scares them.
You must first prepare your little New Testament with guide notes, for your own benefit.
Take a colored pen or pencil and turn to the book of Romans.


Your first verse is Romans 3:10 
Now that you've marked it like we have above, you move to the next verse.


The next verse is Romans 3:23
Always indicate in the margin the next verse you are to read.


Here is the list you will follow on the Roman Road . . .
1) Romans 3:10 
2) Romans 3:23 
3) Romans 5:12 
4) Romans 5:8 
5) Romans 6:23 
6) Romans 10:13 

7) Romans 10:9-10


Mark all of these down in your New Testament - so you won't make any mistakes.With this technique, you don't have to memorize the scriptures . . . that will come in time as you use the system.

Before witnessing, pray, asking God for power through the Holy Spirit.  Ask Him to use you to win someone for Christ.
Never hit them cold with a question like . . . "Have you been saved?"
Talk about the weather or their job for a few minutes.
Then ask . . .


May I ask you a question?
"Sure, go ahead!"


If you were to die tonight . . . are you sure you would go to heaven?
Any reply less than 100% certainty is a sign you must present the Roman Road.


If it were possible to know for sure that you could go to heaven - would you be interested?
"I'd be a nut if I didn't!"


If I could show you how you can know from the Bible, would you do what the Bible says?
"Sure!"


People aren't always interested.  Some get angry.  Be pleasant, leave a tract, and go talk to someone else.


Romans 3:10 points out that I'm not righteous and you're not either ... "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"  (Ro 3:10)


Romans 3:23 says we all fall short of God's standard! ... "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"  (Ro 3:23)


Point out that you are a sinner first, then that he is also.  Never put the sinner below you.


Romans 5:12 says in the beginning, God and Adam's hearts were knit together.  Through Adam's disobedience, their sweet togetherness was broken.
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"  (Ro 5:12)


Adam died both spiritually and physically.  We inherit spiritual and physical death from our parents, Adam and Eve.


In Romans 5:8, we find Christ died on the cross, He became our substitute by taking our place!
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  (Ro 5:8)


Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death ... "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  (Ro 6:23)


Most of us work for wages.  Our pay for being a sinner is death!


"Why did Adam listen to Eve, and sin?"
We'll come back to that later!
Warning:  Never get off the Roman Road by arguing doctrine or opinion.


". . . but the gift of God is eternal life . . ."  (Ro 6:23) ... If someone gives you a gift and you receive it, you know you have it - right?
"Right!"


Romans 10:13 is a promise, if we call on the name of the Lord, we shall be saved - not maybe!  but - shall!
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."  (Ro 10:13)


Revelation 3:20 is another promise.  This shows Christ outside our lives.
He wants to come into our hearts and be the center of our lives.  He says He will come in, if we ask Him!
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."  (Rev 3:20)


Romans 10:9-10 tells us how to call on the Lord.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."  (Ro 10:9-10)


Would you like to call on the name of the Lord right now, ask Him into your heart, and know that you are saved?
"Yes"


Let me pray for you - Lord, thank you for this opportunity to present my friend, Mr. Jones.


Now, Mr. Jones, will you please pray?
"I don't know what to pray!"
I'll help you!


If you mean business with the Lord - you tell Him these words:  Lord, I know I'm a lost sinner
(let Jones repeat these words)


I'm asking you to forgive me of my sins
(Mr. Jones repeats)


and come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior
(Jones repeats)


In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
(Jones repeats)


Amen
(Jones repeats)


Do you mean business?
"Yes!"
Then according to Romans 10:13 you called upon His name.


Do you believe He saved you like He said He would? If you died tonight, would you be sure you'd go to heaven?
"Yes!"


How do you know?
"God says so!"


Now go tell somebody what's happened to you - because the Word tells us to in Romans 10:9


Also, Matthew 10:32 says:  "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."  (Mt 10:32)


Why don't you come to church with me and make a public confession of your faith?
"I will, thank you."


You have just been born again spiritually and, like a newborn you need nourishment to help you grow.  The Bible is our spiritual food - you must read it daily!


The more you know about scripture - the easier it is to present the Roman Road.
 

A Position of Victory

  

Tommy with

        My brother, Tommy, has been battling with low platelet counts for just over a year. In the beginning, his primary care doctor wasn’t too concerned and decided the best course of action would be to watch it and repeat the tests in a few months. At the repeat of the tests, Tommy’s platelet count was even lower. His doctor made an appointment with an oncologist/hematologist as a precaution.

          The oncologist ordered a few more tests and we found out Tommy’s spleen is enlarged which could account for the low platelet count. She decided to watch his blood levels for a year and release him then if his counts didn’t get any lower. They fluctuated some over the course of the year but basically held level and Tommy went for his last appointment with her, expecting to be released that day.

          As you’ve probably surmised, his tests weren’t good. Not only was his platelet count lower than it had been all year, his hemoglobin and his white cell count jumped on the bandwagon. Again, as a precaution, the oncologist ordered a bone marrow biopsy. The test was done under anesthesia on May 7^th and the results would be explained at an appointment on May 21^st.

          The good news was huge. Many cancers were ruled out. Praising God began immediately, only briefly interrupted by a teeny, tiny, little cloud trying to diminish the good news as we learned there were some cells deemed abnormal that couldn’t be identified. My brother’s response was, “I now have medical proof that I am abnormal!”

          You might ask how Tommy can have such a light-hearted outlook given the mixed bag of news he received. The answer is easy. On Valentine’s Day, 1991, he accepted Jesus into his life as his personal Savior. Every since then, Tommy has fought his battles out of a position of victory. The victory over life, death and everything in between was won for him by Christ when He died on the cross. That makes me want to shout out loud!

          What about you? Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior or are you struggling along with an “I don't need God. I can do it myself” attitude? There’s good news for you:

          God loves you regardless of what you’ve done or been or the attitudes you have toward Him. He doesn’t have favorites among those He created so what He did for Tommy, He’ll do for you. I’ve heard God called The Hound of Heaven. He won’t give up on you. He desires for you to live forever with Him, just so He can love you longer. Salvation is free. Jesus paid your debt for you.

          I’d love to talk to you about accepting Christ as your Savior if you have never taken that step. E-mail me at: hiskid410@gmail.com and we’ll arrange a time to talk. The victory is yours for the claiming.

Going out with joy today-

Cathy

The A B C's of Salvation
 

Admit:

Admit to God that you are a sinner. Repent (turn away from) of your sin.

Romans 3 : 23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"

I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Believe:

Trust that Jesus is God's Son and that God sent Jesus to save people from their sins.

John 3 : 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever

believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
 

Commit:

Give your life to Jesus. Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior.

Romans 10 : 9-10 That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

     

Mother's Day Blessings

Cathy, Nanci, Caitie and McKenna
Four Generations

I hope your Mother's Day was as wonderful as mine was. All but one of my children, who lives away, attended church with me. Two granddaughters and my great-granddaughter made four generations of us in church together that morning. No gift can outdo the joy I receive from worshipping with my family.
 
Later that day my daughter, Nanci, invited my husband and I to go to a newly opened yogurt shop in our area. When we arrived at her house, I was met by an excited six-year old who had made "a surprise" for Grandma. When Emma joined our family, we felt blessed. I had no idea what joy she would bring to us. What follows is my version of a poem for Emma.

Emma with my "Surprise"

Emma

As precious as diamonds,

An unexpected blessing. 

She stood on the steps as she’d been taught,

But when the car stopped moving

She bounded through the grass,

One hand held captive behind her back.                

She danced in anticipation,

Satisfaction filled her smile.

She was confident I would love

What she was about to reveal. 

She had worked quickly, in silence,

Her secret to keep.

Then her voice oozed with pride,

“Grandma, these are for you!” 

She unleashed the lovely prisoner-

Twelve white clover blossoms and

One pink azalea, for accent,

All bound up in a clover stem. 

As precious as diamonds,

An unexpected blessing. 

By Cathy Biggerstaff 

05/13/2014


Going out with joy today-
Cathy

The Report of My Death was Exaggerated!

“The report of my death was exaggerated.”

Mark Twain



Some of the medications
and paperwork

            Several of my readers have asked if some horrendous catastrophe has befallen me since I haven’t blogged in 2014. The answer is yes, and no. The whole month of February was dedicated to fighting a huge kidney stone that managed to move itself out of my kidney just enough to keep my kidney from functioning. It all began on February 2^nd and, after two surgeries, two runs of antibiotics, weekly doctor visits, much pain and discomfort, I had my last procedure on February 28^th. It took me almost three weeks after that to regain my strength. I’m learning the body was made for activity, not lying around for an extended period. The human body creates energy by expending energy.

            I felt privileged when I was asked late last year to be part of the Leadership Team for the 2014 Write2Ignite! Conference for writers of Christian literature for children and young adults. I signed on to produce the Resource Manual which would be given to each

attendee. My deadline was February 25^th with most of the information not available until late January. I missed the deadline due to kidney month festivities. All transactions were handled electronically so, working as I was able, I did get everything submitted in March in time for the draft to be edited, returned to me for revisions, and sent to the printers so we could have them ready by conference time.        

Most of what I’ve described doesn’t seem to go with my blog/life theme, Joyful Journey, but as I consider it I can find joy to spare from this experience:

1)    It gives me joy bubbling up and brimming over to see all the tiny details God arranged so that I could get the care I needed. Last year I met Jane, a doctor, at the women’s Bible study I attend. This year I became part of the leadership team for Community Bible Study and she became my shepherd. When she made her shepherding call the day after I’d been to the ER, I told her about my stone. She used her influence to get me into a urologist’s office the next day. There’s no telling how much worse my condition would have gotten without her intervention. God started this process at least as far back as the birth of this little girl who became a compassionate doctor. Another quirky note in the story is that Jane’s husband and our new urologist grew up in the same town.

2)    For the previous four years since my forced retirement, I haven’t had any health insurance. In January, I was eligible for Medicare. The costs for my February care added up to tens of thousands of dollars. With Medicare, I only paid about $2,000 of that. I am so thankful for God’s provision, not just in this experience, but over the last four years as well.

3)    The urologist I had seen for years moved out of town to be closer to aging relatives. He had a partner who had seen my husband but I couldn’t imagine being his patient. I started dreading that as soon as I realized I had a kidney stone. God provided again when I found out we had a new urologist in town. The new doctor was everything I needed in this situation-compassionate, efficient and the appropriate amount of urgency and reassurance. His staff was wonderful, too.

The premise of this blog is that God drops gems of joy along our daily paths. It’s our job to recognize them, appropriate them and share them with others.

Going out with joy today. I hope you will, too!

Cathy

Advent 2013, Week Three - Be Discerning

            Week Three of this busy Advent season brings us to the week before Christmas. Are you feeling harried, unprepared, behind schedule, or afraid you’ve forgotten something important? The scripture for this week (printed below) indicates a need to be discerning.

            A large group of children was asked the question, “Who are you looking for at Christmas?” All of them answered, “Santa!” John the Baptist heard about the deeds of Jesus while he was imprisoned. His mind was reeling with questions, the main one being, “Is this the one I came to prepare the way for?  Unable to go himself, John sent some of his trusted followers to discern the answer for him.

            The evidence spoken by Jesus offered the truth John was seeking – “Go and tell John what you hear and see: ⁵ the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” John could finally stop looking. Jesus is the one who was spoken of by the prophets.

            Who are you looking for this Christmas – Santa or Jesus? Be as discerning as John the Baptist was. Meet with Jesus and seek His plan for this season in your life. Are you looking for a one-time-a-year visitor who comes at the end of the year or the One who is available to you every day of every year? Are you seeking the one who will fly over and drop a gift down your chimney or the One who comes to live in your heart and bring order out of chaos, counsel you, and love you forever?

            This Christmas examine the facts, discern the truth and spend your time and efforts accordingly. The important items on your list will get done and your focus will guide you into all truth.

Going out with joy today-

Cathy

 

Matthew 11:2-11

English Standard Version (ESV)

² Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples ³ and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” ⁴ And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: ⁵ the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

⁷ As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ⁸ What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. ⁹ What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

¹¹ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Advent, 2013 Week Two - Be Prepared

          In Week Two of the Advent season, we focus on being prepared for “the coming” as we look forward to celebrating Jesus’ birth and the celebration that will manifest itself at the Second Coming.

            In the scripture passage for this week, Matthew 3:1-12, we see that God sent Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming by informing the people in advance. Many folks followed John the Baptist in his ministry so there is a body of people who know about Jesus before He actually starts His earthly ministry. This body has been prepared by John’s preaching, by Isaiah’s long-ago prophecy, and the effects of repentance and baptism.

Biblical Oil Lamps

            This preparation reminds me of the story of the ten brides who were waiting for the bridegroom to come. They were to have plenty of oil on hand for their lamps in case he came at night. Half of them had the requisite oil, half ran out before the bridegroom arrived. I am a list maker so this “Be Prepared” which involved items they could physically attain and mark off a list speaks to me.

            Then as I further pondered how to be prepared to meet the

Esther is taken
before the King

King, I was reminded of the story of Esther. She was a candidate to become the new queen but she knew nothing about being a queen. For a year before her first appearance before the King, she was bathed, lotioned, perfumed, taught how to dress for the King and how to act when she met him. Our King is coming soon. During this waiting season, let us bathe in His Holy Presence, allow His essence to perfume us, and permit  the Holy Spirit to instruct us and guide us.

            This week as you look forward to His birthday, think about how you will “Be Prepared.” Are you more like one of the ten virgins or Queen Esther?

Going out with joy today-

Cathy

John the Baptist Prepares the Way – Matthew 3:1-12 (ESV)

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ² “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ³ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”

⁴ Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. ⁵ Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, ⁶ and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

⁷ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? ⁸ Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. ⁹ And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. ¹⁰ Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

¹¹ “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹² His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Learn more about Esther by reading the book of Esther in the Old Testament.

The story of the Ten Virgins can be found in Matthew 25 in the New Testament.

If you missed Advent 2013, Week One- Be Alert, read it here.

Advent 2013, Week One - Be Alert

         The four-week season of Advent is upon us. Advent means “the coming” and it is the time before Christmas when we focus our thoughts on the coming of Christ as a baby and the future coming of Christ, the victorious King, who will bring His children home to reign with Him.

          Each week has four scriptures (Old Testament, New Testament, Gospel and Psalm) aimed at bringing a message of love, joy, peace and hope. This year I have chosen to give my attention to the four scriptures from Matthew.

Week One - Matthew 24: 36-44 - Be Alert

For centuries people had been looking for the Messiah to come to their rescue. Finally, He came, but not in the form they expected. They were looking for a warrior King riding on a white stallion. He came as a baby in a manger. Wonders happened on and around His birth-angels appeared to His mother, earthly father, to shepherds tending their flocks, and a new star appeared in the heavens. Some people were alert and recognized the signs. Others weren’t. Many could have seen, but only a few did.

Jesus grew up and started His ministry at age thirty. People began believing He was indeed the Messiah they had expected. But, the faith of the believers was shaken as they watched Jesus dying on a cross. After the resurrection, their faith was restored and the looking for His coming began again.

How will you look for Jesus in your celebrations this Christmas? Will you be alert to the ways He shows Himself to you? Or will you miss Him altogether?

Be alert, He’s coming again, and even He doesn’t know the day or the hour.

Going out with joy today, looking for Jesus-

Cathy

No One Knows That Day and Hour

³⁶ “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. ³⁷ For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ³⁸ For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, ³⁹ and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ⁴⁰ Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. ⁴² Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. ⁴³ But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁴ Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.