The Purpose Given Life

[Written by our friend, Carol Kline, and received via email yesterday. It was just too good not to share.]

In the church service this morning at St. John UMC, our music director, Tim Cain, designed and arranged a very musical, Bible-based program without really presenting a sermon to us.  Our pastor, Rev. Ron DeGenaro, is having surgery this week and was off in preparation for that.  Keep him in your prayers, if you will.

Pastor Tim is an ordained minister from (I believe) the Church of God as well as a minister of music, and he built the entire service around certain Old-Testament verses from the Psalms along with verses from the first and third chapters of the Apostle, John.  Tim’s overall message in verse and song was shared in a most meaningful way, and I simply felt led to share it with you. 

Because of the fact that God has made everything around us (and us included!), we are all part of a very perfect plan designed and given to us by Him.  He knows our every thought, our words, decisions, disobedience, our choices (good or bad, they’re ours); our going out and out coming in.  He knows all of that and yet He allowed His Son to die for us in order that we may, at some point in our sinful lives, choose to recognize, revere, and return to God by seeking His forgiveness and dutifully keeping His Laws. 

One of the most eye-opening yet awesomely beautiful factors of the entire message this morning was: not one of us was an accident.  It got my attention! 

Think about it and, when you do, consider some of the things happening in our World today.  Now consider the depth and breadth of what is being said here:  We are in God’s plan, we are God’s plan, and all that we do is based on God’s plan for us from the outset and even before that.  Of course, it’s what we do with God’s plan and how we sometimes get it all wrong that sets us apartfrom Him.  But, if we just let it, His plan that He has given to us does draw us closer to Him.  That’s the beauty of it! 

Listening to the explanation from Pastor Tim as he led us to that rather climactic point, I knew I had heard these verses and their explanations many times before.  It was the clincher of what Pastor Tim said that hit home.  Not one of us was an accident, and each one of us is given a Divine purpose to fulfill from the very start. 

For some, their lives are dedicatedly driven to fulfill God’s purpose and plan from the outset.  The very Son of God, Jesus Christ Himself, was the exemplary purpose given life sent to us by God Himself.  It was His way to show us His forgiveness, and His gift of eternal life if we but believe in Him. 

Billy Graham comes to mind, too, as one who chose to follow God’s calling early on.  By so doing, he made a huge impact in the lives of hundreds of thousands during his many evangelistic crusades.  He shared the Gospel according to God’s plan and drew lost souls to the Lord.  There are many others who have so affected lives in a variety of ways, yet still furthering the Word and God’s purpose for them. 

But, for those of us who have stumbled, fell, tried again and again to do better, yet often “did it our way” and not listened to God, the truth hits home when we wake up at some point to God’s purpose and “given” plan.  His plan is for each and everyone us... no matter what our situation nor how bad our circumstance is right now. 

The words in Pastor Tim’s brief message this morning made me stop and think: Where are we going today in our so-called “purpose given life?”  That question alone could open up a whole discussion in any coffee shop, any Bible study, and group setting where people are just now beginning to question what is happening to us, to God’s people (those who accepted, trust and believe in Him personally), and to America in general.  For without the strength from the God we have chosen to serve, how can we completely and fully accept the premise that we were never an accident when we were born, but that we are God’s chosen child from the outset.  It is our own undoing that takes us away from Him and His plan for us.

But the beautiful part of His plan is: once we say yes to Him and seek His forgiveness, He will never forsake us.  He is always there for us.  In the darkest of times, He is our Light.  But those who mock Him, demean Him, tear down His church, or turn away from Him, will be lost to Him forever.

When you listen to the old hymn, “Jesus Loves Even Me,” you begin to understand the magnitude of God’s presence in our lives through His Son, Jesus Christ.  God’s “purpose” was “given” to us to live it for Him, and to tell others. 

His “purpose” is our everlasting security and life with Him, and we should continually praise Him and be grateful to Him for that eternal blessing alone.  And, clearly, when we can freely, deeply sing God’s praise with our whole hearts is when we have found the peace that passes all understanding – another promise from the Maker of all of heaven and earth.  And, based on the closing thought from today’s Our Daily Bread,”....

Praise is the song of a soul set free!

I hope you will accept the “purpose” God has “given” you for your life, and that you will count on Him to carry you through.

Blessings!

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We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - May 7

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Kris update!

Dearest friends and loved ones,                        

 

This is going to be a very different kind of an update.  First, the photo of Kris was taken just yesterday (Saturday, May 2), as she was leaving with her dear friend, Tas McGraw, to attend a Society of Air Force Nurses (SAFN) luncheon at the former Air Force Village I Retirement Community.  It was Kentucky Derby Day and all the ladies were asked to wear their Derby hat!  I decided Kris needed something special to wear.  She has on her new outfit complete with hat. 

 

I must tell you I wish with all my heart I could have been there to be with Kris.  The guest speaker for the luncheon was Col. Regina Aune, now retired, who has authored the book, “Operation Babylift.”  It details the horror and loss when the first of a number of C-5 Air Force cargo planes crashed soon after takeoff on April 4, 1975 from Saigon.  The planes were tasked with airlifting 2,000 South Vietnamese orphans to the United States, and to new homes.  Many of the children were age 2 and so small, they had to be carried onto the plane.  Col. Aune, then a 1st lieutenant and nurse in the Air Force, spoke yesterday about the cargo doors blowing out, the gaping hole, and the crash landing which tore the plane apart.  There were more than 300 people on board; killed were 78 children and 50 adults, including Air Force personnel.  It was forty years ago in April 2015.   

 

Kris’s long-time friend, Col. Joanne Kirschbaum, RN, Retired, who was in charge of the program yesterday, had given Regina Aune a copy of Kris’s book, “Home Of the Brave.”  Col. Aune presented a signed copy of “Operation Babylift” to Kris, and it had to be a very emotional moment for everyone. 

 

Once the introductions and presentation was made, another wonderful surprise for Kris: everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to her.  Kris will turn 50 on May 23rd.  With the help of so many wonderful friends and angels around Kris, a huge birthday party is being planned on the 23rd at the home of Manuel, her treasured friend for many years.  Between Manuel and Tas McGraw, Kris has been well stocked in special toddler food and anything that she needs.  And, since many people have asked for her address again, here it is... in case you would like to send a card:

 

Maj Kristine Ratliff, RN, Ret.

Heritage Creek Assisted Living

6538 Eckhert Road

San Antonio, TX 78240

 

There are so many joys and so many praises right now, I have to keep thanking God for His wonders.  Kris is eating by mouth and drinking from her special cup more on her own and feeding herself as well.  She rarely goes anywhere in her wheelchair, but uses her walker for everything now.  Walking straight and tall, Kris is so often on the go with her JOY group friends.  God has answered yet another prayer:  It will be my greatest joy to be with her the weekend of her birthday.  I am counting the days and the minutes until I get there!!!

 

Which sort of leads me into another subject.  In November 2014, I sent out an update to the Soft Sounds email list, and shared the hope that we might be able to make a tour during the summer of 2015, going up to Pennsylvania, then west to Indiana, Ohio, possibly Branson, ending in Texas for the remainder of the summer and fall.  Once the holidays rolled around, however, we began to truly take stock of just how difficult that was going to be.  Our motor home needs a great many repairs, which includes new hydraulic jacks on the front.  Our credit cards (all two of them) have been overloaded with gas and travel expenses that have been accumulating over the past five years, and we never seem to get ahead of it.  Since Kris did so very well in her competency evaluation in January this year, we decided she had turned the corner of continuing progress. 

 

We have therefore had to face the facts: This year is going to be working, working, working.  Since I have been working part time at the Palms of Sebring the past two years while we’re here, I was given the opportunity to apply for a full-time position as transportation and front desk coordinator.  I was hired in January and truly enjoy working again at The Palms full time.  Along with two new receptionists, I was even able to hire a wonderful driver to help on an “as needed” basis.  Many of you know him as Love Bucket!

 

But we haven’t stopped singing and I haven’t stopped writing, and look forward to doing both in the months and weeks ahead.   We have actually performed a number of times and have some shows and concerts coming up in the next winter season.  Should you see an opportunity to have us perform at your community, your church, or your resort, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  Unfortunately, it will have to be in Florida, now that I am working full time.  We do have weekends and can handle evenings during the week.

 

Beyond that, please continue to pray for Kris.  What she is accomplishing and the progress she is making is totally on her own, and based on her own courage.  The angels around her help (those wonderful ladies from the church and others), encourage, support, love and care about Kris, and they are truly an answer to our prayers.  We do our best to Skype with Kris every evening after work, and as often as possible in between.  It’s all I have for now, and it means everything. 

 

God will answer our prayers in His time, and in His way.  Kris will be her own person one day and make her own choices and decisions.  He never fails!  And I believe He has great things in store for her.  Thank you all for your continued prayers.

 

Blessings and much love,

Carol and George 

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - May 6

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - May 5

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - May 4

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - May 3

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Jesus Calling prayer - May 2

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Forgiveness....

Pastor Ed's devotional today was so good, I decided to share it here.

More Like Him      Colossians 3:13-14 New American Standard Version 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Pastor's Paraphrase          When circumstances arise that could cause you to harbor resentment toward a fellow believer, you must now be willing to release that to the Lord and no longer hold it against them. You must be forgiving all the while remembering the ultimate forgiveness that you have been freely given through Christ. Remembering your own forgiveness will enable you to forgive others. The spiritual virtue that is to become like a "spiritual overcoat", to cover and compliment all the others, is love.  Love will tie them all together in complete harmony.  "How does this help me become more like Him?"          Jesus said some amazing things during His earthly ministry.  He performed life-changing miracles by speaking words of healing.  He imparted eternally profound truths in times of teaching the crowds and in private times with the disciples.  But nothing our Lord said was quite as astonishing to me as what He said to His Father about those who crucified Him as He hung there bleeding and suffering.  Surely no one expected Him to say, "Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34 NLT).  How could He fail to harbor resentment against those who perpetrated the brutality against Him while He still was in the midst of His torturous sacrifice for our sins?  Only divine love could enable such an expression of forgiveness and redemption.          To remember these words of our Lord should make us all the more thankful for His love for us in our sin but we must also apply it to our daily lives if we are serious about being more like Him.  To live like Jesus means that we surrender any perceived right to hold a grudge against anyone who we believe has wronged us.  We cannot delude ourselves into thinking we are living in Christ's love while at the same time we are holding bitterness or unforgiveness against someone who, at least in our mind, has wronged us at some time in the past.  To think of ourselves as Christlike believers while harboring unforgiveness in our hearts is spiritual self-delusion.          Too often we confuse forgiveness with a feeling.  While certainly there is an emotional dimension of forgiveness, it is primarily an act of the will.  In other words, to forgive someone who has wronged you does not mean that you instantaneously feel toward them exactly as you did before the offense.  Nor does it mean that you can all at once put complete trust in them again if they, in fact, betrayed your trust as a part of the offense.  Trust must be earned but forgiveness is a grace gift to be given.           Forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a choice.  It means that you surrender to your Lord any intention of retaliating against them, even if it would be in the most subtle of ways such as avoiding them, not speaking to them, or simply being "cool" toward them.  To forgive them means that you treat them with sincere kindness and grace whether you feel they deserve it or not and you release any consequences you think they should suffer for their offense to the only One who has the right to judge.  Though they may never be your best or most trusted friend at any point in the future, you have relinquished any right to determine what they deserve.  You have given that up to the Lord who alone has that right.  You have forgiven them.          Not only will you find a new freedom in your own spirit and in your relationship with the Lord, you will in yet another way begin to live more like Him.  To live with such a spirit of love and forgiveness is not common, typical, or perhaps even humanly possible.  Yet, it is still another evidence of Who lives inside of us and to Whose image we are being conformed.  As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13, if we do not live demonstrating the love of Christ in our lives, all the other religious stuff is just a bunch of noise. "How should I pray for Him to change my life?" Ask the Lord to show you if there is someone that you have not forgiven.  Determine to treat that person with kindness and grace as God's Spirit gives you the power.  Dwell today on the forgiveness that Christ offered to those who nailed Him to the cross and to you.  Remember that you can forgive others because Christ has forgiven you.

Sincerely, Pastor Ed Seay First Baptist Church

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).