A Change of Mind!

*

A blind girl hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, "If I could only see the world, I will marry you."

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend. He asked her: "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?"
The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.

Her boyfriend left her in tears and days later wrote a note to her Saying: "Take good care of your eyes, my dear, before they were yours, they were mine." This is how the human brain often works when our "status" changes.

Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life Is a Gift of God. Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to for a companion.

Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without error and we all answer to the God.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank the God Almighty you're alive and still around.

Author unknown.

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

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. Psalm 32:11

But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee. Psalm 5:11

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18


In the joy of the Lord,
Minister Dr. Trudy Veerman

POWER IN PRAISE!

*

Beloved in Christ,

What you'll be reading below comes right from the heart, line for line as God leads me. An "impromptu" expression of what lives within.

I'm sure, you have gone through tough times and some of us through nearly unbearable situations. Personally, some of my valleys were pretty deep, humanly speaking. At times we may have loathed these experiences, but I tell you a secret. When one stays committed to the Lord in the deepest of valleys, God is the closest. If you keep praising Him in any calamity, He WILL come down to rescue. He'll carry you through in a way unimaginable to the human mind.

God may lead us even into these valleys to come to know Him better, to learn to trust Him more, to have our faith build up, to receive revelation, to teach us to praise Him in ALL situations and at any time.

I am not per-se referring to valleys of our own making, but even those God will use.

Praising God in time of despair, in the darkest moments of your life or in the lowest valleys, with nothing to rejoice about, is called a SACRIFICE OF PRAISE unto God. This is when you touch the heart of God.

God dwells in the praises of His people. If you desire a closeness with God, or if you need His presence near, I am strongly advising you to start PRAISING His awesome name.

Don't confess the works of the devil, rather praise God for His mighty works. Don't mention how great your troubles are, but declair how great God is.

Hebrews 13:15 By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.

The Psalmist and many others will advise you to do the same thing.

Psalm 104:33 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Psalm 33:20,21 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.

Psalm 9:2,3 I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing praise to Thy name, O thou most High. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at Thy presence.

Years ago I was struck so hard that humanly speaking I was at the point of hitting rock bottom, pulling my hair out, climbing the walls. I was so devastated I couldn't even think of a scripture. The only thing I could do was groan and tremble, lifting up my hands towards heaven. This was one of the deepest spots I have ever experienced as a Christian.

And you know what? ... that was exactly where God, my Father did meet me... right there. Where the air became compressed, the rain changed to steam, where tears evaporated, and the day turned black as tar He came down and touched me.
This was when He rescued me and carried me in His bosom.
I then wrote down that which welled up from the depth of my soul:

For the Lord is my helper and my staff,
He is a relief in a time of stress;
He is like water in a time of drought;
He is a light in a night of darkness;
He is my joy in times of sorrow;
He is my fulfillment, when there is emptiness;
He is my strength in weakness;
He is my all, when I am nothing.

In committment unto God and living with praise unto Him we'll catch a glimpse of God's dynamic power. But who can comprehend that power in all its fullness?

God's richest blessing to you in any situation you may face.

Below are two related writings, which include personal experiences with God.

A Genuine Desperate Cry http://achristiancounselor.com/cry.html

Praise, the Gateway to Victory http://achristiancounselor.com/praise.html

May you experience the touch of the Master.

In the annointing of God and for His glory, I remain.

Minister Dr. Trudy Veerman

*

Joking about Serious Issues!

*

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Psalm 34:13

Stop joking around about serious issues.

by Phillip LaSpino

Following is another area of concern for me. Satan and his disciples of light have made a joke and mockery of the things of God. It has watered down the Christ and His finished work. This articles subject is another piece that fits in with Ferryman's article, "Lets get Christ back into Christianity.

Lets begin with a few jokes.

A lady was asked by a friend, "where do you think your recently deceased husband's has gone. The lady responded, "Well, I suppose the poor man is enjoying eternal bliss, but I wish you wouldn't talk about such unpleasant subjects."

This type of joke will make most of us smile. But does this joke have a deeper meaning?

Apparently the lady looked upon death as "eternal bliss, yet, an unpleasant subject of conversation. She summarizes in her comments the predicament of living in a house divided by a believer (her deceased husband) and her, she being a non-believer. This joke carries with it unconscious overtones and undertones, audible to the soul and spirit.

2 Cor.6:14, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion = (fellowship) hath light with darkness?" This is a serious issue with God.

In a way, the joke makes a mockery of 2 Cor.6:14.

A man in Europe returned from a journey. Upon entering his wives bedroom, he found her in the arms of the local bishop. After a moment's hesitation, the man walked calmly to a window facing the main street, leaned out, and began to bless those standing in the street.

"What are you doing?" cried his wife. The man said, "because the bishop is performing my duties, I am performing his."

Again, jokes like this will put a smile on our faces, but is it mocking an important Biblical issue?

Upon examination, the joke reveals that the bishop's behaviour is both unexpected and perfectly logical, but not a logic usually applied to this type of situation. It is the logic of the division of labor.

The bishops conduct would have been expected to be directed by a different set of rules, that being the code of sexual morality, a code as old a civilization itself.

Its the clash between these two mutually exclusive codes; one of labor, the other of morality. When they clash, it produces a comic effect. God said, Ex.20:14, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." The world jokes and we smile.

Jokes concerning Biblical issues result in the mocking of God and His word. To joke about these things, does not require a sharp mind, because the subject matter makes it very easy to do so. Religious jokes concerning serious issues, will leave you with no pleasure. Also, serious Christians will consider you to have bad taste.

Lets suppose some intelligent, rational thinking people who were not Christians, were to visit America, in order to examine American Christianity.

As they move about the country, visiting our public schools, listening to T.V. reading commentaries in newspapers, watch our movies, hear the teaching of evolution to our children and the trivializing of God. The Bible and its many important and serious issues are taken lightly, and for the most part, ignored.

They hear jokes about Peter meeting us at the golden gate, the pastors wife, and the priests daughter etc. What inference would these strangers be likely to draw about Americans?

They would no doubt conclude that no one took the Bible seriously. Many Americans' considering the whole subject of Scripture as being nothing but a string of fables, mythologies, and fairy tales. Therefore Bible characters and events, must have been invented for the amusement of men.

Now in time these foreigners learn that the things in Scripture are true and not myths. They begin to understand that America was settled by Christian's; most having lived by Biblical principles; the courts having been founded on God's dictates of law and justice; the constitution reflecting God's word, and public education having been founded by Christian men and women.

Question: What would they think of Christian America now? They now understood our past, and observe our actions and words today.

They would regard this as proof of the great power and influences that evil has over us. The devil has blinded the spiritual discernment of Americans'.

Satan has so deceived us concerning moral attitudes, judgements, and sentiments. He has so hardened our hearts, that we make jokes about, regarding these issues with careless apathy.

This spiritual enemy offers poison disguised as candy. The dangers he exposes us to and the end ruin of his victims are trivialized, laughed about and made to be entertainment and amusement.

My question, what so funny about sin, evil, death, hell, and Satan? These are not subjects to be mocked.

People finding a form of joke in the subject of horror: Satan having introduced these things as simply an allusion and we fell for it.

What does the Lord think when we joke about these things? Would you present your joke, or a distorted humor to Him as a gift of thanks for His finished work?

Generally speaking, God fearing people would never be accustomed to regard any wickedness, or eternal misery as a subject for a joke. Personally Personally I do not find amusement in the Slaughter of millions by butchers like Hitler, Stalin and Pol-Pot. Yet many do.

There is nothing funny about child molesters, rapist, pushers and users of drugs, porn, drunks, liars, thieves. These are the workers, and the work of Satan and the sin produced by indulging in them. Serious Christians do not find the suffering of others as something to be trivialized, or joked about.

But many others do find a form of amusement in these things. And that amusement and joking does have a way of making serious minded people begin to treat these matters less seriously.

First we may smile, then laugh, then join in laughing and joking about the pitiful situation that has befallen others.

Forty years ago those who had committed sodomy would have landed you in jail. Today it is promoted, joked about and taught in public schools to our children as an alternative life style.

The gay community flaunts their life style now, by producing it as entertainment on T.V. sit-coms. Theirs an old saying, once you let the camels nose in the tent, eventually you will share your tent with the whole camel.

When the world mocks God, His church, and things relevant to salvation, why are so many Christians' offended? We promote these things, by watching, and spending our money on those companies who finance them.

Our sacred issues are eternally connected with the issues of evil, we ourselves making light of the evil, yet offended when that which is holy is mocked.

When new movies come out that degrade our Lord, His people, and His word, it would be interesting to know how many Christians indulge in viewing them.

When the ridicules is confused with religious issues, it tends to disfigure the truth by blending elements of falsehood with it. The attack and infiltrating effect that doctrinal error or deviation have, come in the form of myths, superstitions and hearsay, they can become extremely dangerous to the body of believers.

A God driven church, with godly people, having a godly leadership will find it their duty to show that absurd things are absurd. Not absurd merely because people have a tendency to smile at things, but because of the absurdity of the thing itself.

Nothing will change or harm God's truths, even when taken lightly, or joked about. If Christians were to begin to strip and tear away the fabric of weakness in the churches, absurd things and the delusions of false reasonings would eventually disappear. God's truths would again begin to heal and bless us.

The young are mostly effected by these adult ludicrous and ridiculous representations. Mature Christians must show the young by example that no part of Scripture is to be joked about or treated lightly.

If not informed, a certain contempt for these particular matters may arise in them as they grow older. Simple jesting, spiraling downward to scoffing, contempt, and eventual atheism.

1 Cor.15:33, "Evil communications corrupt good manners."

Prov.4:14, "Go not in the way of evil men."

We are NOT to keep company with the devils disciples, or partake from their table. We are not to tempt or mock God. The things that are Holy, are to be kept Holy.

If Christ were hanging on a cross before you, would you present yourself and your family to Him as one who makes jokes concerning spiritual matters. Think about it.

Would you bring your children dressed in Halloween costumes, accompanied by others dressed as Santa or the Easter bunnies. If you believe He died for these ridiculous things, then bring them or and whatever else you hold dear to yourself; Lay your gifts at His feet.

If you would not, then why do you support them? Is it because you believe Jesus return to be far off? Many Christian's encourage, speak of, support, and partake of these worldly celebrations, especially between Halloween and New Years.

The things you offer Christ had better be the things of God. Satan is not a joke, neither will the results be for following him. Jesus died for what Satan has done to you and me. The devil caused man to fall, to sin, to die and we make light of it.

During the Halloween season, children dress as devils, angels, vampires, etc. Christmas is now about Santa, decorated Christmas trees, presents: Easter is about bunnies, candy, costumes, Easter eggs. Its all done for a good laugh, to have fun, besides the kids enjoy it.

The children are taught to watch for Santa, but never for Christ. In many pagan cultures, the coloring of eggs represents the new birth. So what do we do? We take these practices, water them down, dress them up, and entertain ourselves with them.

For thanksgiving we gorge ourselves, then thank the Lord for all we have by watching football or shopping all day. Most likely less then a minute is spent in real thanksgiving. These things are the works of the flesh.

Look, I myself like a good joke. I think its good for us to laugh, and enjoy the things God has given us. But we are not to mock God, or the things of God. God will not wink nor smile, when we joke about Scriptural issues.

He gave His life for us, he set the tone, and marked the way. So lets do the right things, forget the bull. Spent your time with God, in His word and support those who teach the word and love Jesus Christ.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matthew 12:37

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:16

I agree whole heartily with Phil's writing, and I sincerely hope you pay attention to it. If needed, please, make the changes in your life. Be holy for He is Holy!

For the sake of God's truth,
Minister Dr. Trudy Veerman

What happened to MODESTY?

*
Modesty seems to have gone down the drain. The world wants to keep up with the Jones, and people use the credit card to indulge in whatever they want, not what they need.

The modern attitude, behavior and lifestyle has become far from modest. The younger generation has a language of its own, which could be more respectful of others. Many don't know what the word "modesty" means.

But what about the "Christians"? Are they walking after the ways of this world? Are the church leaders teaching the word of God, concerning modesty? Are they and their families living examples to be followed? Many Christian women could have more material to their dresses, blouses or skirts. Is there anybody correcting them?

Indeed, no sinner can acquire God's requirements to live in modesty.

Modesty in the born-again Christian life is holiness, symplicity, humbleness, moderate, propriety in dress, speech and conduct.

Modesty is certainly attainable, through the working of the Holy Spirit, in the life of the follower of Christ. It all depends on one's relationship with God. If God's word teaches us how His children should conduct themselves and live, then we will be able to reach what is expected from us, by applying The Scripture to our heart and life.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

"Be Holy for I am Holy"

Modesty in character.

Matthew 6:17,18 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

1 Peter 1:15 But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Modesty in Apparel

Dressing to please God and to reflect His glory means wearing clothes which draws respect instead of attention from the opposite sex in such a way as to make them lust.

1 Thess 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Modesty in Life

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:

Philippians 2:6 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Remember the Brethren who have needs, suffering for Christ's sake, living in war zones or disaster areas, and those who are without income etc. Therefore, living in modesty means not indulging in excessive luxury, food and all that which the flesh desires.

Modesty in general is living a simple life, pleasing unto God which does not offend others (but may offend haters of God's Truth). Christians must walk well pleasing unto the Lord, which includes living modest in word and deed.

In the service of God and for His glory,

Minister Dr. Trudy Veerman

*

Enjoy meals together!

"The Prayer Before the Meal" 1660 by Jan Steen

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Proverbs 15:17

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. Eccl. 9:7

... it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour Eccl. 5:18

Amazing how the condition of one's heart plays a role at the dinner table. Even the Bible mentions how mealtime can be effected by situations. It suggests that eating and happiness should go together.

Mealtime is a great time to connect. It is good to have meals together as a family. When you don't have a family to enjoy dinner with, share mealtimes with friends from time to time. One can arrange turns in hosting the dinner. Invite a lonely soul for dinner, and you both will be blessed.

The best of meals loses its attraction if there is friction between the family members. People don't feel like eating when they are upset. Really it doesn't do them any good, since their stomach is all in knots. Stress and a bad mood destroys the appetite. So this should be avoided at all, if we want to get nutrition from a meal.

We have always considered mealtimes another opportunity to have the whole family together, although we had no heavy conversation going on at the dinner table. Mealtimes with friends can be enjoyable and is a good opportunity for fellowship.

It is also true that food gets better digested when consumed in a happy and peaceful environment.

I'm glad we had most of the meals together with our 4 children. It was a delight to cook for them because they loved everything I prepared.
With this we may learn that the one who prepares the meals gets extra blessed by having the family together at mealtimes while all enjoyed the food and fellowship.

God is good and He is even involved at the dinner table!

The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek Him: your heart shall live for ever. Psalm 22:26

Next time around, think of some ideas to make mealtime more enjoyable for all who take part at the dinner table, even more so since the Lord has provided.

In the service of the Kingdom of God.

Dr. Trudy Veerman

*

Why is change needed?

*

The story of the eagle is a great analogy. It is a myth and metaphor intended to encourage and strengthen people.

> > > > > > > * * * * * < < < < < < <

The eagle can have a long life-span, up to 70 years.

But to reach this age, the eagle must make a hard decision in its 40st year.

Its long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food.

Its long and sharp beak becomes bent.

Its old-aged and heavy wings, due to their thick feathers, become stuck to its chest and make it difficult to fly.

Then, the eagle is left with only two options: to die or go through a painful process of change. which lasts 150 days.

The process requires that the eagle flies to a mountain top and sit on its nest.

There the eagle knocks its beak against a rock until it plucks it out.
After plucking it out, the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow back and then it will pluck out its talons.

When its new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its old-aged feathers.

And after five months, the eagle takes its famous flight of rebirth and lives for... 30 more years.

Author unknown.

Comments:

Now you know why change is needed... physical survival!

Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings... Jeremiah 35:15

There is a spiritual significance to this story.

The severity of this needed change, makes me think of Christians who start out strong in faith and conviction.

Over the years they have accumulated burdens of old feathers. Their spiritual tools (beak and talons) have become useless in catching the "fresh food" of God's word and digest it. Also, these same inadequate tools have paralized the individual and made him incapable of fighting the enemy of the soul.

They have allowed themselves to become spiritually run down; taking in that which was not of God, but of the carnal mind and this world.

Come, and let us return unto the LORD Hosea 6:1

Now what?.... are the such willing to make a change or rather give up and die? Will they shake off their heavy burdens and give these to God, or will they crumble under its weight. They need to make a fast decision and call upon God before darkness will take over completely. A drastic change is needed, will they heed to the voice of the Lord?

But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. Ezekiel 33:5b

Now you know why change is needed... spiritual survival!

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Joel 2:13

In the service of the Master,

Dr. Trudy Veerman

*