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December 20, 2014
Christmas Prophecies, Part 4: His Story Written in Advance
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By Answers2Prayer
Today we come to the concluding part of our 4-parts series on fulfillment of Christmas-related prophecies...

Saviour

"As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. 'Joseph, son of David,' the angel said, 'do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.'"

What's in a name? Well everything...if the Almighty is the person who is naming you even before your birth! In fact, we do not have to go beyond the name of Jesus (meaning Saviour) to get the crux of the Christmas message. He was born to save sinners from their sin. Well, who is a Sinner? Let the Scripture answer...

"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." (Romans 3:23) ...does the word "we" include even respectable people of the society...the Presidents, Prime-minters, the Kings and the Queens? Yes! For all of us inherit the fallen Adamic nature at birth (Romans 5:12). Does anyone at home or school teach us how to lie or steal in childhood? We do not pick-up those traits, rather the innate sinfulness manifests itself naturally in due time, once we are conceived in our mother's womb. The propensity to sin is in our DNA, so to speak. Consider this humorous story...

A concerned father (a nominal Christian with no born again experience) whose full name was James John Peter Paul -- they called him JJPP -- admonished his crying son once who was at the receiving end of his teacher's punishment in school for stealing the eraser of his benchmate, "Son, you have spoiled your family's and your Papa's image." He reflected and went on: "What would they say, in Church, if they know of this? Where was the need for you to steal an eraser of your friend? You should have told me about your need and straightaway I would have brought a handful of them free...from my office." So much for living up to your name! Instead of JJPP, his nickname ought to have been SFA (Son of Fallen Adam).

That is why the Saviour made the clarion call: "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God." (John 3:3). How can we be born again? Let the following Scripture portions give a conclusive answer:

"...to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn--not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God." (John 1:12-13)

"For salvation that comes from trusting Christ--which is what we preach--is already within easy reach of each of us; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord and believe in your own heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation." (Romans 10:8-10)

He is the Saviour, not only because He saves us at the point of regeneration, but for sustaining our spiritual life by placing His joyous, empowering indwelling Holy Spirit within us (John 14:16-19 TLB) at all times (except at the time of our silly disobedience), so much so a Christian starts "enjoying Heaven right here on Earth." That is why the Saviour at the beginning of His public ministry proclaimed, "Repent for the Kingdom of God is near." (Matt 4:17). What is that Kingdom of God being alluded to here...Heaven...no for it would mean, we would have to die first to go there, since it cannot be "inherited in perishable bodies" (1 Cor 15:50) nor is it the Millennial rule which would be established only after Christ's second advent (Rev 20), for in terms of time and space, it (Millennial rule) was anything but near when the Saviour uttered these words 2000 years ago. So what exactly is this Kingdom of God? Let the Scripture take over...

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). It is foremost righteousness (read right standing with God), which is imputed to us, once we repent of our sins and accept Christ, followed naturally by a foretaste of Heaven, which is: "peace and joy in the Holy Spirit". We can have peace of God and His joy only we are at peace with God (Romans 5:1). After having tasted it, no Christian will settle for anything less, even as love for God and his fellowmen is overflowing in his/her heart now (Romans 5:5). A Christian (one with a born-again experience) would be willing to stake anything (not only the exciting enjoyment which sin affords but even his/her legitimate rights also) to have at all times "love, joy, peace...of the Holy Spirit" (Gal 5:22-23/Romans 8:9). That is why at the Almighty's call, some Christians quit their lucrative jobs to minister for His Glory even at an obscure place and some are even willing to pay the final price...die as martyrs, for they are convinced (it is true) that they have "better place awaiting them" (Philippians 3:20-21). If the foretaste of Heaven itself is so fulfilling, how would real heaven be. I am not referring to "Pearly gates" or "Streets of Gold" (Rev 21:21) or other incidental benefits as an incentive here. But to the very presence of our triune God, whom we love dearly because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Let the Saviour Himself have the last word on the subject of "Kingdom of God" which He has made accessible to mankind by virtue of His holy birth on the First Christmas, atoning death on the Cross of Calvary 33 years later and triumphant resurrection three days hence:

"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!" (Matt 13:45-46)


Well it took my breath away, as the enormity of the simple truth in that simple parable sank in some 31 years ago when Yours truly wallowing in a carnal, worldly life first heard it (Oct 16th, 1983 to be more precise). Say Reader, have you "bought" the Christmas story? Then, merry, merry, divine joy-filled Christmas to you! Rest assured at all times, the strings of all events related to your life is in the hands of promise keeping, Sovereign, Adonai, concerned, loving God (Joshua 21:45/1 Peter 5:7) who demonstrated His love for you by not even sparing His Son for your salvation sake (Romans 8:31-32).

Prayer: Father, We worship Thee for bringing Heaven itself to the proximity of human heart all because of the First Christmas. We glorify You once again in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Suresh Manoharan
An Unprofitable Servant
J and SM Ministries
Announcement:

Feeling the stress of the holiday season? Join us on Tuesday and Thursday for Christmas Rest, a mini-series dedicated to finding God's rest amidst the holiday rush.
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

December 18, 2014
Christmas Prophecies, Part 3: His Story Written in Advance

By Answers2Prayer 
  In the third part of the Series on Christmas-related prophecies, today we focus on two more aspects of the same...

Semitic

Let's go from macro to micro...if the Almighty had given a special promise to Abraham (Abram at that time-Genesis 12:7/13:15/Gal 3:16-24) that through his "Child," He would impute righteousness (read Salvation-as an inspired Apostle Paul reasoned) to all who receive Him (2000 years before the birth of Jesus), then Balaam, Son of Beor whilst prophesying (Numbers 24:17) on the Semitic roots of Jesus, proclaimed (1500 years before the birth of Christ) that out of several descendants of Abraham, "a star would rise of Jacob" (Abrahams grandson). Then again, from twelve sons of Jacob, who are founding fathers of 12 tribes of Israel, the exact tribe from which the Messiah would come was pointed out (some 1800 years before the First advent of Jesus) by this death-bed Prophecy of Patriarch Jacob (talk of dying declarations laden with truth and nothing but the truth...): "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from his descendants..." (Genesis 49:10); and from the numerous families of Judah's tribe only to the family of David was given an everlasting Divine covenant in 1000 BC... "Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever." (2 Sam 7:16). No wonder the other name of Messiah is "Son of David" (Matt 15:22/Mark 10:47).

"Through the Jews would come Salvation..." words of Jesus recorded in John 4:22. Period. In the last two thousand years this Semitic Salvation (the only salvation available to Mankind -- See John 14:6) has been doing more than "an antiseptic work" in a sinner's soul, eliminating all the "inherent poison" therein.

Saved to Save

Now Moses had prophesied about the coming Messiah in approximately 1500 BC... "I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him." (Deuteronomy 18:18).

This Prophecy was referred to by the Early Apostles whilst proclaiming the Gospel to the Jews that Jesus is indeed the Messiah they had been long looking for for so long (Acts 3:22). Now, no denial of some similarities between Moses the redeemer of the people of Israel from the Egyptian bondage and Jesus the Saviour of people from the clutches of sin, though Jesus is far greater (Heb 3:3). Both were saved miraculously (Ex 1-2:1-10/Matt 2:13-14) in their infancy from cruel baby slaughter in order that their main Divine purpose in life be achieved. Both were rejected in their "First Coming" (Ex 2:14/John 1:11) by their own fraternity (Jews). Moses was accepted only in his 2nd coming (Exodus 4:29-31), so would be Jesus (Romans 11:26) . Coming to the brutal massacre of babies...it was foretold in 550 BC (approx) by Jeremiah the Prophet. Consider this Scripture:
 
"A cry was heard in Ramah--weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead." (Jeremiah 31:15).

Now why Rachel, specifically, should be weeping for Jewish children of Bethlehem, and not Leah (another mother of the Nation -- see Ruth 4:11)...most likely because Bethlehem and Rachel are inseparable. Her grave lies at the entrance of that Sacred city.

At this stage, even at the cost of sounding repetitive, I would like to reiterate that no man of God can die until the Divine goal in his life is achieved (John 7:30/8:20). That brings us to last but not the least sub-topic: the main purpose behind the First advent of the Messiah. We shall focus on it on the concluding part of this 4-part series.

Prayer: Father, we thank Thee making all prophecies come true. We worship You for Your Divine character of always keeping Your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Suresh Manoharan
An Unprofitable Servant
J and SM Ministries
 
Announcement:

Join us on Saturday for the final part of Christmas Prophecies: His Story Written in Advance.
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
December 16, 2014
Christmas Prophecies, Part 2: His Story Written in Advance
By Answers2Prayer

In the Second part of the Series on Christmas-related prophecies, today we focus on the Station of His birth...

Station

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past." (Micah 5:2 (Prophecy about 750 years before the First Christmas)

This prophecy has three dimensions (A 3-D prophecy fulfilled hypothetically on first AD). Firstly where else would the "Living Bread" (one of the many names given to Jesus, see John 6:51) be born other than in the place known as House of Bread...Bethlehem in Hebrew language means House of Bread. However secondly the description of Bethlehem as "only a small village" would have raised many an eyebrow during the time Micah ministered (250 years after the reign of King David ended), for was not King David, the greatest King (both in terms of military might and spirituality) of Israel born there? What does this prima facie "confusing" Prophecy mean? Welcome to the Laws of Spiritual relativity!!! The greatest King of Israel pales in comparison with the King of Kings, who has been in Heavenly throne from the "distant past." The stock of Bethlehem in the eyes of the Almighty would go up, only when His Son would be born there!  What is the primary purpose of lakhs of tourists who perennially throng Bethlehem? To see the birthplace of the Greatest King of Israel or the King of Kings from infinity? The answer is obvious, isn't it? 

Say Reader, have you been taking pride in your rich spiritual heritage (your parents/ancestors may have done yeoman's service in the Lord's vineyard)? Good as it is, we become "valuable treasured possession" of the Almighty (1 Peter 2:9), only if Jesus is born in us. Let's get our spiritual reasoning right...God selects a place/person, not because it/he/she is "great," rather they become "precious" because the Lord selects them. Ditto with a Christian...

Coming to the third dimension, which goes with tone and tenor of this message...the Sovereign Lord who can guide a King's heart like a stream of water (Pro 21:1/Ezra 1:1-3) stirred the heart of the Roman Emperor to pass a decree that all the people in his dominion should return to their native villages to register their names to facilitate the Roman Government in preparing accurate records on which the taxation system would be latter based.

Though Joseph belonged directly to the Davidic line, in the thousand years which had lapsed from the life and times of King David, apparently due to several intermittent changes in circumstances, this descendent of David came to settle in the Northern portion of Israel (a town of Nazareth) which is good 90 miles away from his native village (Bethlehem) in the south. Now even as there was a royal compulsion for him to go to Bethlehem, why did he take Mary, his fiancee (not even his wife, at that point of time) along with him in advanced stage of pregnancy? No maternity doctor would have approved of the travel from Nazareth via Jordan River (a good 90 miles) bypassing the hostile region of Samaria (to Jews) for obvious, historical reasons (reading of 2 Kings 17 would help along with Ezra 4:6-16, Nehemiah 4:1-9, Luke 9:52-56 to know the subject better...the origin of Samaritans and their hatred for the Jews). As per reputed Bible commentator Adam Clarke, the Roman Government, "Census form" required details only from the head of the family (husband) of the family details. Taxes would be imposed on a family basis and not separately on men and women of a family. Divine providence...Ladies and Gentlemen, had it that a Virgin conceived who was engaged to a righteous, God-fearing man Joseph (Matt 1:19). As there were notable bodily changes in her even before marriage no doubt in the small village of Nazareth news spread thick and fast that Mary had conceived even before marriage (negative reports spread fast in this sin-accursed world-Romans 8:21-23-not salutary reports of a person) making her a target for many an unkind, scathing, derogatory remark. Outside of her own family which may have been privy to her dialogue with Angel Gabriel, tongues in Nazareth waged, without knowing anything about the Divine Sovereign act behind it all. Was not Joseph himself on the verge of breaking his engagement with Mary but for the timely angelic intervention (Matt 1:19-21)? Once the angel had spoken to him revealing the Divine plan, Joseph doubtless, started acting virtually as a "shield" to his espoused one protecting her from public barbs at all times. No wonder he did not want leave her alone at the critical stage of child-birth and hence took her along with him to Bethlehem...along the way-figuratively speaking-the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem was fulfilled...Hallelujah!
 
Prayer: Father, we thank Thee for bringing so many of the prophecies to fruition, at once making us realize that You are in complete control of events in the lives of your precious ones. We have nothing to worry about. We praise Thee in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Suresh Manoharan
An unprofitable servant
J and SM Ministries
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©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget

December 13, 2014
Christmas Prophecies, Part 1: His Story Written in Advance

By Answers2Prayer 
  (Due to technical problems, we were unable to send out the Nugget this past Saturday. Saturday's newsletter will therefore be sent out today, and you will receive the Tuesday Nugget on your regular schedule. We hope this has not caused anyone difficulties. God bless you all.)

Some years ago during Christmas time, the womenfolk of our Church went to a reasonably distant Departmental store to buy gifts for the widows/orphans/Sunday school children of our Church. When they came back it dawned on one Sister (in faith) namely e had forgotten her purse containing many valuables in the parking lot of a huge, busy commercial complex. Praying profusely, the entire "Purchase committee" rushed back to that hustling, bustling area after full one hour (traffic snarls you see) where a unguarded purse has as much chance of remaining unpicked as an ice-cube would have of not melting in a fiery furnace. Hallelujah, they found it safe and secure!

Now, Dear Friends if I were to share this account with an atheist or a rationalist and state that the Christian's God is a prayer answering one then the atheist/rationalist may attribute her miraculous recovery of the purse to sheer "luck" or "coincidence." Now consider this...if all the events-in proper sequential order-relating to that dramatic experience in Sister Sunita's life were documented in a Sacred Book, say 30 years ago...would any rationalist worth his "logical" salt still attribute it to mere luck or coincidence. No way...

In this Series of four parts, aimed at glorifying our "Adonai" (meaning Sovereign) God (Isaiah 6:1-4), I want to highlight some Christmas-related prophecies and their fulfillment on the "First Christmas" which all brings to the fore a simple yet a profound truth that "God is in control of events" in the lives of His precious chosen ones . The Almighty, through His inspired Prophets, foretold the entire Christmas Story lest it be attributed to sheer "fortune" or mere "coincidence" by some rationalist.

Singular

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14) -- a prophecy roughly about 750 years before the birth of Christ-child.

This Prophecy came to pass on the First Christmas. Why the Virgin birth? No one before Jesus or after had been born to a Virgin. As Divinely foreordained spotless, sinless sacrifice for the sins of mankind (Rev 13:8/1 Peter 1:19), Jesus had to be sinless right from His conception onwards. Also as a perfect mediator (1 Tim 2:5-6), He would be a Son of Man (of Mary), representing human interests before the Almighty and as a Son of God (conceived by the Holy Spirit -- Luke 1:35), He would represent the interests of the Almighty before men.

Matthew and Luke Gospels carry the wondrous Christmas story. Then again, so as to maintain a "parental balance," we see the Christmas Story through the "eyes," so to say, of only Joseph in Matthew's Gospel (Joseph's genealogy is given besides we see that angelic visits are confined to him -- Matt 1:18-25/2:13-22) and only through the "eyes" of Mary in Luke's Gospel. The good Doctor Luke (Col 4:13) also narrates the angelic visit to Mary's humble abode and writes about her miraculous conception (Luke 1:26-38) and later on about her visit to "her relative" Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56). This leads us to a subject within a subject. Mary's relationship with Elizabeth (a direct descendent of the First Jewish High Priest Aaron-Luke 1:5) fulfils yet another prophecy that Jesus has to be both a King and a High Priest in His Ministry (Zech 6:12). If His royal lineage can be traced back to King David (Matt 1:1-17), his priestly roots to High Priest Aaron can be established by the fact that His earthly mother Mary was related to Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Mary's mother may have been own sisters, even while Mary's father was a Judean from the tribe of David. Is there not an incident of Levitical-Judean marriage in the Scriptures? Yes, the Judean princess Jehosheba was the wife of Jewish High Priest Jehoiada (2 Chro 22:10-12)! Together, they saved the life of young prince Joash, even as his wicked grandmother Athaliah (a type of anti-christ, in the same category of Pharoah of Moses times, Haman et al) was hell-bent on wiping out the Davidic line, from which the Messiah would come.

Ever wondered, why the good Lord got the Christmas narrative from Mary's perspective written down in Luke's Gospel only and not in any of the other Gospels? If at all, there could have been any person who could have logically objected to a virgin birth, it would have been a doctor and who was Mr. Luke? A Doctor (Col 4:13) ladies and gentlemen!  Any one still around, doubting the miraculous virgin conception and birth...
 
Prayer: Father, not only we thank Thee for Your Inspired Word, we thank Thee also for revealing some "mysteries" of it from time to time. We glorify you in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Suresh Manoharan
An unworthy servant
J and SM Ministries
 
Announcement:

Please join us on Saturday and on Tuesday and Thursday of next week for the rest of the "Christmas Prophecies" mini-series.
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget

December 11, 2014
Five Ways to Find Perfect Peace for the Holidays

By Answers2Prayer
With rushing from task to task, preparation and shopping, what happens to peace, perfect peace?

I found it recently when my dear friend stopped by, and as always, she came with armfuls of gifts.
She placed a big box in my hand. "It's hand-painted," she said as she pulled out a glass pitcher and four glasses to match.

I ran my fingertips across the painted flowers as she described the colors -- delicate, unique and so very special. I grinned with delight and profound gratitude stirred in me. And when she left, I lifted the pitcher, still admiring the artwork. I sat and pondered -- what to put in it? Lemonade, tea, juice? All have either sugar or caffeine. I chose refreshing, pure water.

Our heart is the same thing -- a container waiting to be filled. Our choice? To fill it with toxic pressures or with peace.

If it's peace that we long for, here are five ways to finding it in the midst of the stressful holiday season.

1. Recognize that no matter what happens around us, we have the power to select peaceful reassurance to fill our heart (Psalm 138:7).

2. Receive God's offer of wisdom to choose (James 1:5-6).

3. Remember that quiet, still moments in His presence clears the mind, calms the heart and brings back perfect peace (Psalm 46:10).

4. Remove the debris of the world's demands that cloud the water of peace (Proverbs 22:11).

5. Rest assured that God's peace in us will reflect upon others around us (Matthew 5:16).

What we store in the pitcher of our heart will pour out, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him" (Matthew 12:34).

Father, I confess that too often I fill my spiritual pitcher with burdens that don't belong to me, with worry that makes me weak, with self-imposed fear. I ask that you give me the wisdom to take quiet moments in your presence so your perfect peace can flow through me. In Jesus' name, amen.

* What fills your pitcher lately?
* What will you pour out this holiday season?
* How can you change what you store inside so perfect peace can rule your days?

Janet Perez Eckles
 
Announcement:

Good news!

"Aboard God's Train", the personal testimony of my walk with God through the valley of cancer in 2012, has been published and is now available for purchase in North America through Gospel Folio Press and for worldwide sales, through Sable Publishing House. 

May God bless each of you abundantly as you continue to draw closer to Him through the trials of your life!

Lyn Chaffart, Moderator, The Nugget
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
December 9, 2014
Sharing our Experiences

By Answers2Prayer 
All of my plans for Christmas Eve looked like they were being dashed. 

We were to have Christmas Eve dinner around 4:30. This would allow us to be able to leave at our leisure for the Christmas Eve service at 6:00. We would then come back to the house and have Christmas. 

A perfect plan.

But something went amiss. 

Our water heater wasn't working, thanks to the power outage and subsequent basement flooding of the previous weekend, and the repair man couldn't make it out until between 8 and midnight on Christmas Eve.

I didn't like it, but I grudgingly agreed. After all, he'd do his work in the basement. It shouldn't overly interfere with our Christmas Eve plans!

Then our invited guest got lost on her way to our house. She did eventually make it, and we had plenty of time to eat our dinner before we needed to leave for church. As a result of the delay, however, neither she nor my son had finished their Christmas shopping. They would need to stop at Walmart after the service. 

There went my plans to drive to church as a family. We needed to be home for the repairman, and they needed to stop at Walmart. We would have to take two cars. 

I don't know about you, but I don't like having my plans dashed, and to say I was feeling discouraged as I got into the car would be an understatement. In fact, I was nearing tears. Then to make it worse, our niece had a little emergency during the Christmas Eve service, and she had to leave the service early. Her daughter, however, was in the program and couldn't leave early... 

That's when I began to understand why "my" plans hadn't worked out. Because we had come in two cars, we had room in our car to drive my niece's daughter home after the service. We then arrived just in time for the repairman. Some unusual circumstances involving the water heater resulted in him taking up about 45 minutes of our time, and this gave my son and our guest time to finish their Christmas shopping. They were back with all the gifts wrapped just as the repairman left, and we were able to proceed with Christmas Eve. God worked it all out. 

Let's remember this the next time our plans are being blown apart, and let's start letting Him be in control. For when we do, everything falls into place! 

But why am I sharing this story with you? 

The answer comes to us from the book of Exodus 18. Moses was wondering in the wilderness when he received an unexpected visit from his father-in-law, Jethro. What did he do? He spent the next little while telling Jethro all about God's miracles since leaving for Egypt. 

Jethro's response? 

"Jethro rejoiced over all the good that the Lord had done for Israel by rescuing them from the Egyptians. Jethro said, 'Blessed be the Lord who has rescued you from the Egyptians and from Pharoah, who has rescued the people from the harsh hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods, because he rescued those who were treated so arrogantly?'"

When we share our experiences with one another, we strengthen one another in our faith. That's why I've shared this story, and that's why it is important to share our experiences with one another. If any of you have gone through something that you know would strengthen your brothers and sisters in Christ, please send it to The Nugget by clicking here, and The Nugget can serve as a vehicle to ensure that your experiences reach and strengthen your worldwide brothers and sisters in Christ!

 
In His love,
Lyn


Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, with Answers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.
 
Announcement:

Good news!

"Aboard God's Train", the personal testimony of my walk with God through the valley of cancer in 2012, has been published and is now available for purchase through Sable Publishing House in the UK, and through Gospel Folio Press in North America, and it will soon be available on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca. 

May God bless each of you abundantly as you continue to draw closer to Him through the trials of your life!

Lyn Chaffart, Moderator, The Nugget
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget

December 6, 2014
Lessons From an Ice Storm

By Answers2Prayer 
  It was nearly Christmas when our region was plummeted by a major ice storm. We awoke to a thick layer of ice on every exterior surface. Unfortunately that included the power lines, which were snapping under the weight. There would be no power in our neighborhood for the next 10 hours. 

Since our garage doors are automatic, our sump pump is electric, and our furnace and gas fireplace all require electricity to run, the lack of power meant we were confined to an incredibly cold house, where our only entertainment was to watch the basement fill up with water. It was tempting to complain, but instead I decided to go for a walk, and as I circled our large, country block, God began to speak to me through the ice... 

As the roads were slippery, I had to take care where I put my foot. Even so, I often slid. I had gone about half-way around the 3-kilometer block when a city truck spreading salt and sand passed by. As I stepped over onto the sanded part of the road, my traction improved significantly. 

1. Lesson #1: When the devil sends "ice" (troubles) to make our "road" slippery, God sends sand trucks! He always makes a way: "...but God is faithful...with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1Cor 10:12-13, NKJV) In the midst of life's trials, I urge you to watch for God's sand trucks! 

As soon as I stepped out of the house, I noticed the quietness of the icy morning. Only one sound broke through that peaceful serenity: Gasoline generators! With their source of power gone, many of my neighbors had another way. It made me think of the story of the 10 virgins (see Matt 25:1-13) in Jesus' wedding parable. They all experienced a "power outage." They all ran out of oil, but five of them had a "generator"--they had extra oil. 

2. Lesson #2: Although God is our source of "power," there will be times in our lives when it seems our "power" is running out. Do we have a "generator?" Do we have God's Holy Spirit, represented in the Bible by oil, to get us through the tough times? Just like I went out and purchased a generator as soon as I could, we must all ensure that we have that spiritual back-up plan: that we are filled with God's Holy Spirit, for only He can get us through the tough times. 

As I looked at the ice-covered branches all around me, I couldn't help but think that they were works of beauty, each and every one. 

3. Lesson #3: Only God could take something as devastating as an ice storm and work in His artistic touch to make the world a place of beauty: "He has made everything beautiful in its time." (Eccl 3:11, NKJV)

The icy beauty came at significant cost to the trees, however. Many of them were nearly bent over double from the weight of the ice. Some branches had snapped altogether. It was, in all, kind of depressing to think that the very thing that made the trees so beautiful was also so devastating to them. Then it occurred to me: the trees didn't mind the ice. They were simply objects of creation, designed to declare the glory of God: "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork..." (Ps 19:1-2, NKJV).

4. Lesson #4: Life's trials always seem to bring us down. Just like the devastating ice could be used by God as a thing of beauty, our trials can also bring out the beauty in us: "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich..." (Rev 3:18, NKJV)

Friends, let's stop wishing away the "ice storms" of life. Instead, let's let God use them to bring out the beauty in us!

 
In His love,
Lyn


Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, with Answers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.
 
Announcement:

Are you ready for Christmas?

That's the question on the lips of people around the world, meaning, of course, "Is the baking done?" "Is the tree set up and the house decorated?" or "Have you finished your Christmas shopping?" 

I challenge each of you with the same question, but from a slightly different point of view. My question, "Are you ready for Christmas," speaks to the condition of your heart. Are you ready to focus on the ultimate Gift? Are you ready to accept that Gift and all that It has to offer? Are you ready to give the Lord of the universe the greatest gift you could ever give Him, the gift of your heart? Are you ready to guide your families into a closer relationship with God this Christmas?

Join us this month for ideas on how to truly be ready for Christmas!
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
December 4, 2014
Preparing Yourself for Christmas
bible
By Answers2Prayer 
It is the first Thursday of December, exactly 3 weeks before Christmas, and all around you hear the same questions: Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? Have you done your Christmas baking? Is the house decorated? Are you ready for Christmas? 

I'm happy to report that the answer to each of these questions is a loud, enthusiastic "yes!" 

The baking is done and in the freezer and so is Christmas dinner, the house is decorated, presents are bought and under the Christmas tree, and the plans are all made. You see, my goal since last Christmas has been to be able to dedicate my entire attention on the birth of my precious Lord and Savior at Christmas this year, and when the opportunity came up for a surgical date for a rotator cuff repair on the 19th of December, I jumped on it. Not only would this be the extra motivation I would need to be prepared in advance, but the immobilization of my dominant arm would ensure that I am not even able to let preparations distract me from Jesus this Christmas!

But wait. Have I forgotten the most important preparation of all? Have I been so focused on the "things" of Christmas that I have not even given thought to preparing my heart for Jesus? Have I failed to even consider what I'm going to give Him for Christmas? 

Fortunately, I still have time. Christmas is still three weeks away. But what can I give to Jesus, anyway? After all, He holds the entire universe in His hands! What I need is Jesus' wishlist, and yes, He does have one with at least three items on it! Let's take a look: 

1. "My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my way." (Prov 23:26 NKJV). 

That's it, friends! Jesus wants our hearts! This means He wants to be the Lord of our lives. He wants us to give up the driver's seat, hand over the reins, and submit to His will.

2. Jesus' second wish is for us to receiving the fullness of the gift He died to offer us, not just in part, but in full. Consider this text: "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe..." (Eph 1:17-20 NKJV)

3. The third item on Jesus' "wishlist" is that we obey His commands. These are three-fold: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind..." (Luke 10:27a); "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27b); and "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matt 28:18-20) 

That's it, friends! Jesus wants us to love like He loves, and He wants us to share the good news of His unending grace!

So I ask you again: Are you ready for Christmas? Are you prepared to give Jesus the three things on His wishlist? If so, will you join me in submitting your all to the Lord and Savior of the Universe? Will you walk in the fullness of His grace? Will you obey His commands to love one another and to go forward and carry the gospel to the nations? 

If you will do just that, then it doesn't matter the state of your decorations, Christmas shopping or Christmas dinner. You are truly ready for Christmas.

In His love,
Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, with Answers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.

Announcement:

What kind of Biblical prophecies does the birth of Jesus fulfill? Join us beginning on December 11 for Christmas Prophecies, a mini-series by Suresh Manoharan.
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
December 2, 2014
Chocolate Meringue Pies

By Answers2Prayer
"Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalms 37:4)

Right before Christmas in the year that I turned 71 years of age, for some reason I started thinking about the chocolate meringue pies that Mama used to make every Christmas because she knew they were my favorite. She tried to make the dessert that was the favorite of each of her three children and other members of their family. I especially remembered the ones she made the Christmas we all went to Beaufort, South Carolina when Daddy moved her down there. Well, I got to thinking about that Christmas and said to the Lord, "It would be so good to have one of Mama's pies this year. I miss her so much." 

To make a long story short, our dessert maker in the family brought cookies, fruit stuff and chocolate pies--just like Mama used to make! I told her of my conversation with the Lord just the week before. She smiled broadly and said, "I used my Mama's recipe for this one!" 

God is good.....all the time and He proved to me that Christmas that there is NOTHING to hard for him to do!

Audrey Mullen
 
Announcement:

Winter is well upon us. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it means cooler temperatures, more precipitation, shorter days ... But for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, it means summer! In the midst of whatever life is throwing your way today, remember that, just like the seasons come to an end, your troubles will as well, and at the end of the long winter, there is always a summer awaiting you!
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
November 29, 2014
Hearing God's Voice of Wisdom, Part 2B: The Prius C

By Answers2Prayer 
  Last week, in Hearing God's Voice of Wisdom, Part 2A, I related the story of how God spoke to me through a perceptible voice in my mind that it was time to replace my old car. He then used circumstantial evidence to tell me what kind of a car to replace it with. 

Or was this just my over-active imagination playing games on me? 

I couldn't tell, but since God promises wisdom, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (Jas 1:5, NKJV), I decided to put it back in His hands. 

Circumstances were such when I got home from the dealership that I wasn't able to see my son before he left for his evening commitments, otherwise I would have told him to take his dad's car. He hadn't been gone 10 minutes when my cell phone rang: "Mom, I just put the Echo in the ditch!"

Though the road he had been driving on was posted 80 km/h, it was a road that was much more safely navigated at 50 km/h. Being a teen, my son was driving the real limit, and as he came up over the old rail-road crossing, he caught his first glimpse of the other car, also driving 80 km/hr--right down the middle of the road! My son took the more acceptable alternative to a head-on collision, swerved to the side, skidded out of control around the other car, and careened down the road for about 200 meters before sliding into the ditch on the side of the road. His speed was such that he continued to skid through the muddy ditch for another 200 meters, and the force on the front axle was so high that the tire popped off the wheel before he finally came to a halt with a front wheel straddling each side of the ditch. 

I called CAA, and my husband and I took the other car to the site of the accident. We knew that CAA would likely see the need to call the police, at which time my son, as the only driver on the scene (the other car left--very quickly!), would likely be charged with reckless driving. I decided to put it all in God's hands, and when the CAA driver didn't see the need to call the police, I thanked God. Meanwhile, I told my husband what the repairman had said about the Echo. After one look at the way the axle groaned over the open ditch, he was convinced: We had to replace the car: That same evening! 

We limped our way back to the dealership. The little red Prius C was still on the lot, but more importantly, so was another Prius C. It had just come in, and it was priced within our price range. I now drive a new Prius C, and I know it's the right car for me 

How did God reveal His wisdom? 

First through a voice in my mind. He knew I might not pay attention to just a voice in my mind, however, so He threw in a multitude of circumstantial evidence: The information from the shuttle driver, the necessary repairs, the accident, the fact that a Prius C had just come in, etc, to guide me to the perfect car at the perfect time. 

No problem is too small, friends. God is there, ever eager to pour His wisdom out upon us. Our job is to open our hearts to Him and listen for His voice, either through His Word, through His peace, through circumstantial evidence, through words spoken in our hearts, or as is most often the case, through a combination of the above. 

This is the last part of God's Voice of Wisdom. If you have missed any of the previous parts, you can find them published online by clicking here, or email me here and I will send them to you. May God bless you abundantly as you learn to let Him be your guide in all things! 


In His love,
Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, with Answers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.
 
Announcement:

Are you ready for Christmas?

That's the question on the lips of people around the world, meaning, of course, "Is the baking done?" "Is the tree set up and the house decorated?" or "Have you finished your Christmas shopping?" 

I challenge each of you with the same question, but from a slightly different point of view. My question, "Are you ready for Christmas," speaks to the condition of your heart. Are you ready to focus on the ultimate Gift? Are you ready to accept that Gift and all that It has to offer? Are you ready to give the Lord of the universe the greatest gift you could ever give Him, the gift of your heart? Are you ready to guide your families into a closer relationship with God this Christmas?

Join us in the month of December for ideas on how to truly be ready for Christmas!
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget

November 27, 2014
Security, Part 5

By Answers2Prayer 
  Conspiracy - Mordecai

In the concluding part of series on Security, today we shall focus on the benefactor in Queen Esther's life (Mordecai adopted her when she was an orphan) -Mordecai (a Benjaminite) - who was also a government official under that Mighty Persian King Xerxes. Now he had a bitter enemy in Haman, the Agagite, whom the King had promoted to the post of grand vizier (modern day Prime-minister, virtually second-in-command to the King); the enmity stemming from the fact that Mordecai refused to make obeisance to the higher placed Haman on religious grounds (Esther 3:3,4). 

Before Haman's vengeful mood reached its boiling point (Esther 5:9-14) culminating in his conspiracy to eliminate Mordecai, we should note that Mordecai had once exposed a plot to assassinate King Xerxes (husband of Queen Esther), which was duly recorded in the Royal chronicles (Esther 2:21-23). 

Haman's conspiracy on the inspiration of his wife and relatives to eliminate Mordecai (by hanging him on the specially built gallows measuring 75 feet high) was quite simple. Being such an important part of the state's affairs, he was merely going to use his power of influence he wielded on the King by simply recommending (the first thing on the next meeting with the King) Mordecai's death by the hanging mode. The King, would no doubt, oblige considering Haman's personal equation with him. All very simple, it seemed, so much so, Haman had the gallows built to carry out his nefarious designs. 

Everything planned to the last detail, what Haman however did not take into account was that God was overseeing the entire situation. He who protects His dear ones from dangers coming not only from the front, but from the rear too (of which we would not be even aware - See Isaiah 52:12) was not going to let the unsuspecting Mordecai (he never knew that he was next door to death) fall prey to the wicked scheming of Haman. 

So what did God do? Let us once again pick-up action from the Bible...Esther 6 verses 1 through 3. It says the King had trouble sleeping that night; hence, to give some exercise to his eyes (perhaps many of us in his place in modern times would switch on the TV) and to pass time he ordered that royal records be brought for his reading. There he comes across the incident where Mordecai saves his life from two royal conspirators and with sentiments of gratitude instantly aroused in him, wonders aloud whether Mordecai was adequately rewarded for this life-saving act. Hey presto! Who should walk into the King's presence at that time other than Haman with his request seemingly ready on his lips to hang Mordecai, but with King posing a question to him "What should be done for the man, the King delights to honor?" His chance to put forward his evil recommendation is thwarted, at least temporarily. 

Ever the egotist (it is joked that whenever an egotist goes to funeral, he is sorry that he is not the corpse; so deep is his craving to be the center of attraction at all times), Haman quite naturally surmises that King is planning to fete him, hence comes with a befitting recommendation to that effect stating, "Let him be robed in royal clothing, let him be carried in a royal horse in a stately parade through the streets with a very high noble prince leading and heralding the way." Haman would have frozen on his tracks when he heard the King retort: "Go at once and do all that you have recommended to Mordecai the Jew who sits at the King's gate." So, in utter frustration, the Bible says Haman (sic) did just that (verse 11). What a turning of the tables! How God frustrated the evil schemes of wicked Haman and saved the life of his precious Mordecai! But notice where it all began in verse 1: "That night the King had trouble sleeping..." This paved the way for rest of the events to occur, as they did. 

Dear friends, this restlessness of the king in the night, just before Haman was to carry out his evil plans; was that a case of mere coincidence? No! Not by any stretch of imagination. It was yet another providential act of God providing "security" to his precious ones, just when they needed it. 

Later, in the seventh chapter of book of Esther, we see God's judgment finally catching up with Haman; he is hanged in the very gallows he had built for hanging Mordecai, with Mordecai going on to replace him in the King's court. The very definition of poetic justice, if there was one! Also in a way that entire account is about completing "some unfinished business." Remember King Saul spared King Agag the Amalekite disobeying God (Deu 25: 17-19/I Samuel 15), now who were Mordecai and Haman...if not the direct descendents of King Saul and King Agag respectively (Esther 2:5/Esther 3:1)!!!

Dear friend, that's our God for you, the omnipotent, omniscient One. Nothing escapes His notice. He is always on the lookout to come to the aid of his precious ones. Ever willing to put His protective hedge around them. Shouldn't we trust Him for providing security to and in our lives? It would be foolhardy, not to! 

Prayer: Father, into Thy powerful hands, we re-commit our lives, knowing fully well that no danger can harm us, as long as we are in Your hands. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Suresh Manoharan
An unworthy servant
J and SM Ministries
 
Announcement:

Do you have a prayer request? Do you know someone who needs to be prayed for? Prayer works! The Bible confirms this in James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." NIV Send your prayer request to prayerrequest@answers2prayer.org and let us pray in agreement with you! Matt 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." NIV Hallelujah!
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
November 25, 2014
Bird in the Garage

By Answers2Prayer 
Once we had a bird get into our garage. We don't know how long it had been in there when we heard it flying around hitting the walls and ceiling. We tried to help it find the way out the big opening but it wouldn't go out. It would fly up to the ceiling toward the opening but always go above the garage door which was up on its track. Sometimes it would rest on the door itself. After a long time of chasing it, the bird finally flew towards the back wall into the corner behind a freezer and a refrigerator. We could hear it flopping around back there. We moved some junk and finally got the bird out with the broom. We carefully scooted it outside and shut the garage door so it wouldn't get back in. It was just lying there on the driveway. The next morning it was gone.

There are a lot of people like this bird. They are trapped but they don't know it. They try to get to heaven by doing good works. Like the rich young ruler they ask, "What must I do to be saved?" (Mark 10:17). They try to follow all of the commandments and do many other good works but they just work themselves to death by following legalism without getting anywhere.

Jesus told us the following:

"Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:19-20 NRSV)

Some try to keep all of the commandments. They, like the rich young ruler, think they have kept them all but have they? There is no one that ever lived except for Jesus Christ who did this. So how does one get to heaven? One must surrender his life to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can get to heaven except through Him. When one accepts Jesus as his Savior then he has the righteousness of God which is far better than the righteousness of the Pharisees. One must put himself totally into the hands of Jesus Christ. When one does this, he will be free just like the bird that was helped out of the garage into the open where it was free. 
The Christian will be free to know God's love fully and to freely give that love to others.

An odd thing is that some birds that have found their way outside of the garage or have been helped outside still want to come back inside for some reason. The same thing can happen to someone after he becomes a Christian.
 
He wants to live his best but gets caught up in legalism. This is like flying back into the garage. He is not free but is trapped into trying to keep the commandments to earn brownie points with God. We are to keep the commandments of Jesus Christ but we don't do it to earn our salvation or to earn extra merit but do this through His power within us. We will want to do His will because of His love for us and not because we are trying to earn His love.

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing 
firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1 NASB95)

Give your life to Jesus Christ and be led by his Holy Spirit. Don't fall into legalism. When you belong to Jesus Christ you are free to love. You will do what he wants because you want to and not because you feel like you have to.

Now if you are flying around in your own garage, get out of there and really soar!

Dean W. Masters

Announcement:

How can you know that you can put your worry in God's hands? Join us on Thursday for the conclusion of "Security!" a mini-series by Suresh Manoharan.
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget

November 22, 2014
Hearing God's Voice of Wisdom, Part 2A: My Old Car
bible
By Answers2Prayer
God promises His wisdom: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (Jas 1:5, NKJV). But how can we hear His voice of wisdom?

Last week, in Hearing God's Voice of Wisdom, Part 1B, we saw through the example of my son's co-ops how God revealed His Wisdom through His Word, circumstances, and by giving His peace. Are these His only ways of revealing His wisdom? 

Not to a heart that recognizes His voice! 

My Toyota Echo was 11 years old, and the Odometer read nearly 250,000 km (150,000 miles). Since the crash of the previous summer, it was beginning to show its age, but it was still a reliable little car, it got good mileage, and it got me to work and back. 

Our plan was to replace the car in the fall of that year, and when my older son's co-op almost caused us to replace it early, God's voice in my mind was firm: No! As the year progressed, every time I heard of a car sale going on, I was tempted to let go of the Echo early. Each time, I didn't have release in my spirit. God continued to say speak to my mind, "Not yet!"

It was early June, and the Echo was long overdue for an oil change. I dropped it off at the local Toyota dealer and took their shuttle to work. During the shuttle ride back to the dealership, the driver began telling me about the new Toyota hybrid, the Prius C. 

Having a heart for the environment, I had been wanting a hybrid. I hadn't seriously considered it, however, as they are too expensive for our budget. I now listened with interested as the shuttle driver said, "It's a compact hybrid that is affordable. We can't keep them on the lot, and people are waiting months to get them!" 

Was this the car for us? If so, maybe we needed to get our name on the waiting list! 

"We have one on the lot right now," continued the driver. 

My ears pricked up a bit, but I kept remembering how God had been telling me it wasn't the right time for a new car. 

"It's loaded with extras," she continued, "therefore it's a bit pricier than the base models." As she pulled into the dealership, she swung around and sure enough, there was a red Prius C. 

It was, indeed, more money then we could afford, however, and besides, God hadn't said it was time for a new car. I pushed it out of my mind. 

"Your car isn't safe to drive," stated the repairman as I went to pick up my keys. "It needs 2,500$ worth of work to make it pass a safety test!" 

Great! 

As I turned to leave, he asked, "Do you have CAA?" When I assured him that I did belong to the local auto club, he said, "Good, I would have advised you to get it if you didn't..."

I realized that he was giving me a warning: My car could break down at any time. Was this God's way of telling us it was time to replace my baby? "But it's not fall," I continued to argue. "Is this the time? Despite our desire to wait?" 

I was immediately overwhelmed with the answer in my mind: "Yes!"

God was giving me His wisdom through my mind, and maybe He was even telling me exactly what car to replace my Echo with. 

Or was it just my over-active imagination playing games on me? 

As it turned out, it was time for a new car, but God had some convincing to do before I understood it was His will. Please join us next week for the conclusion of Hearing God's Voice of Wisdom to find out how God convinced me it was time for a new car! 

In His love,
Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, with Answers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.
Announcement:

How can you know that you can put your worry in God's hands? Join us on Thursday for Part 3 of "Security", a mini-series by Suresh Manoharan
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget

November 20, 2014
Security, Part 4

By Answers2Prayer 
My dear friends would recall that in the previous parts of this series on Security, I had touched upon the subject of Social (Ruth) and Economic security (Shunemmite lady), bringing to the fore how God provided in the lives of two devout women in His own miraculous way, when these helpless ladies were up against what seemed like apparently insurmountable problems. 

You would recall dear friends that in both these cases, the Bible does not even explicitly state that God's hand was there in deliverance of these women from their respective problems, so much so, there may be a temptation to attribute them all to pure coincidence or a stroke of fortune. For the spiritually discerning, however, His role would have been a bit too obvious to miss. 

In this part, I would like to place a case of God's unique security pertaining to our Messiah's ancestor, David. Here again, God's deliverance of David from a life-threatening problem would seem coincidental, but His hand would be a bit too obvious to miss for the discerning. So what is that incident in the life of God-dependant David when God intervened miraculously?
 
We all know the troubles, this King-in-waiting (before his ascension to the throne) experienced from an enraged, jealous King Saul, the incumbent of the throne of Israel, who was hell-bent on liquidating his potential competitor (to his throne). For much of the time until the demise of King Saul, David was roaming the countryside as a fugitive fleeing from his murderous enemy (though David himself harbored no grudge against him, in fact two times he spared his life - 1 Samuel 24:7,8 and 1 Samuel 26:11). In a lighter vein, one is reminded of the Tom and Jerry cartoon show whenever the story of David versus Saul is recalled. Just as Jerry would always escape the clasp of Tom, David would always, albeit very narrowly at times, remain out of reach of Saul's grasp. However in the incident--yet another episode of Saul in David's pursuit, which I am projecting to you dear friends, David's time seems to be clearly up. 

We will pick-up the action from 1 Samuel 23:19 to verse 26 (TLB). Betrayed by men of Ziph, (who leaked to Saul, David's exact whereabouts) we see David is once again on the run for his life with King Saul snapping at his heels. This time all escape routes seem to have been cut-off, as verse 26 explicitly states: "Saul and David were now on opposite sides of a mountain. As Saul and his men began to close in, David tried his best to escape, but it was no use." Curtains, at last for David? Nay! Not by a long shot. Can the troubles of His dear ones escape God's notice? Never! Only that the timing of His intervention, which to our limited vision seems a trifle delayed, is always perfect. Verse 27 (TLB) states... "But just then, a news, a message reached Saul that the Philistines were raiding Israel again, so Saul quit the chase and returned to fight the Philistines"...as his Kingly duties required. 

Continuing to chase David, when a bigger problem loomed large before his nation, would mean his political popularity would nosedive, which populist Saul could ill-afford. In order that no one (especially his army which was with him at that point of time) would cast aspersions on his patriotism and his royal responsibilities, he was constrained to call off the "Eliminate David operation," albeit temporarily, and take up the "Fight Philistines" mission. "Whew! That was a close one," we can almost hear David sighing. No wonder David called the place where he experienced God's deliverance, "Sela Hammahlekoth" which means "Rock of Escape." 

Now, the arrival of news of Philistines raiding Israel that reached Saul just as he was closing in on David...was that a case of mere coincidence? No way! Rather, God's act of providential security to His dear one, David. 

Prayer: Father, You know everything about us. None of our difficulties is hidden from Thee. We experience marvelous deliverance at a perfect time from our problems. We glorify You in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Suresh Manoharan
An unworthy servent
J and SM Ministries
 
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©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget

November 18, 2014
Recognizing the Power of our Words

By Answers2Prayer 
  I was in my kitchen busy chopping onions for my favorite salmon dish the other day as I listened to a photographer being interviewed on the radio.

He had gone into an odd adventure. After asking permission of dozens of folks, he took photographs of the inside of their refrigerators.

Kind of weird? Just a tad. But I changed my mind when he related his findings. The contents of each refrigerator revealed insights about the person's eating habits, their work, their schedule, routine, health and even emotional state.

"One fridge was jammed with Styrofoam containers," he said on the interview. "The smell was so bad, we had to keep closing it before we finished shooting pictures."

Yuck! Would God find the same in the refrigerator of our heart? You know, stuff that had been there for years, moldy insecurities. Or pieces of rotten self-talk. Maybe containers of unfounded fear that have been there forever and now give off a bad smell?

That was my heart decades ago, and had God taken a snapshot, the image would have not been pretty. How about you, has anyone peeked in the storage of your heart lately?

What great news it is to know that a deep cleaning with the brush of God's love can make us new. The heart now can store fresh gratitude, healthy trust, and shelves jammed with wisdom--The wisdom to know that a cleansed heart must store good things, good thoughts and carefully chosen words--positive talk, edifying comments, words that honor the King, that encourage others and words that change gloom to gladness.

David allowed God to snap photos of his heart, too. Humbled by the outcome, and cleansed by God's grace, David repented and declared: "My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone." (Psalm 71:8, 15-16).

Father, make me more conscious of what I store in my heart so it might reflect in the words that I speak. The comments I make to others, the words I write and the encouragement that my words carry. In Jesus' name, amen.

* If God peeked in your heart what would He find stored there?
* What attitude do your words convey?
* What destructive self-talk needs to be silenced?

Janet P. Eckles

If this message resonated with you, please visit Janet's cyberspace home for more inspiration. 
 
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©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
November 15, 2014
Hearing God's Voice of Wisdom, Part 1B: The Co-op Plan Revealed

By Answers2Prayer
Last week, in Hearing God's Voice of Wisdom, Part 1A, I related the story of how God used circumstance, His Word and His Peace to give me hope that my son, would indeed receive an engineering co-op, but not in a conventional way. Just what did God mean? What was the present-day application of the story of Paul's shipwreck? 

A few days after the call from Donovan's co-op advisor, I went out to breakfast with a good friend who also happens to the wife of a plumber. As I finished telling her about the riding stable counting as a co-op, I said with a laugh, "Your husband doesn't need a co-op student by any chance?" 

Imagine my surprise when she said, "He'd LOVE to have a co-op student!" By the middle part of the next week, the arrangements were made. My son would start the following week, on the last possible "start-date" to still call his job a co-op. Though not an engineering job, per se, my son used many of his learned skills in the planning of such things as basement replumbing and well-digging. At the same time, he spent invaluable time learning practical skills in plumbing, heating and air conditioning. 

Unconventional? 

Yup. 

Practical?

Absolutely! 

There would be just one semester in school before the third co-op term. This time I put the co-op in God's hands, and waited to see what would happen. 

Unfortunately, my stand in faith only lasted until the first round of applications did not procure my son a job. "Lord," I said, "are You going to give me a hint, like You did last time, whether or not he will get a co-op?" 

I immediately began to chide myself for my lack of faith, and I said, "Lord, forget what I just said. I put the co-op back in Your hands!" 

The words, "Exodus 3:17," popped immediately in my head, and as I reached for my Bible, I could feel the overwhelming presence of God's Spirit: "And I have said that I will lead you up out of the misery of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites...to a land flowing with milk and honey."

Wow! What a promise!

Five more weeks went by. During this time my son applied for hundreds of jobs, interviewed for one, but was still without a co-op. I again approached God. "So, when is this miracle going to happen?"

I was immediately overwhelmed with the idea that his co-op arrangements would begin to manifest themselves sometime in the next two days. 

The very next day he received the invitation for an interview. He interviewed the following week, and by the day after the interview, he had procured a 2-semester engineering co-op. 

God's wisdom is free for the asking, friends. We have no need to worry about a thing. But when we fall into that worry-trap, He is there to pull us back out. He is ready to give us promise upon promise and to fill our hearts with peace. All we have to do is submit ourselves completely to His will, to open our hearts to hearing His voice, and He will guide. He will use His Word, circumstance, and peace of mind to help us access His wisdom. 

But are these the only ways for God to speak to us? 

Not to the heart that is tuned into His Spirit. Please join us next week for Hearing God's voice of Wisdom, Part 2, as I related the story of how God communicated His Wisdom to me that it was time to get a new car! 

In His love,
Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, with Answers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.   
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EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE ...
Curious about the strange temple described in intricate detail in the last 9 chapters of Ezekiel? Check out the "Lessons From Ezekiel's Temple" series, recently published in The Nugget by clicking here.
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
November 13, 2014
Security, Part 3
bible
By Answers2Prayer Subscribe Unsubscribe Devotionals Contact us
In the third part of our series, after reflecting on how the good Lord provides social security, we shall focus on how the Almighty guarantees economic security also. We pick up action from 2 Kings 4:8-10 where there is a mention of a devout, hospitable lady, a resident of the town of Shunem (this town which was originally allotted to the tribe of Issachar after the Canaan conquest -- See Joshua 19:18 -- lies in the plain of Esdraelon, 4 miles north of Jezreel). Well, she is not named in the Bible, nor is there an account of she personally 'accepting the Lord' in the manner of Ruth. However, from her God-honoring actions in line with the spirit of Jesus' teachings in Matt: 10:40 of welcoming men of God (in her case, it was prophet Elisha), one can gauge her devout nature. 

2 Kings 4:8-37 and 2 Kings 8:1-6 dwells on her life and the blessings God poured into her life on account of her hospitable disposition with His servant Prophet Elisha. Besides other blessings, what is so conspicuous in her life is the restoration of her property...miraculously by God. However to understand the nuances of this story, let us go step by step: 

Initially, we see her as a barren lady (being barren carried with it a social stigma - barren Jewish women despaired in not having played any role in the lineage of the Messiah), however, as per God's will, we see her being blessed with a baby boy (2 Kings 4:17), later when that boy succumbs to a sun-stroke, we see Prophet Elisha bringing him back to life (2 Kings 4:32-36). The blessing of having a son contributed to this erstwhile barren woman's social well being. 

Later in 2 Kings 8:1-2, we see her going away to live amongst the Philistines away from her native land, as she had been forewarned by Prophet Elisha about the impending famine in her native land. As the famine ended, knowing very well that somebody else would have been occupying her land and property, and that it would not be an easy task to recover the same, we see her going directly to the court of final appeal, which was King Joram, the ruler of Israel, in her case (2 Kings 8:3-4). Incidentally, she took her son along with her. 

Dear friends, those of us, who have had a tug-of-war with the tenants of our homes, who would not simply vacate, despite we having served them notice well in advance, can well sympathize with this lady. We can also wonder what anxious thoughts were going through her mind, as she went to petition the King. How would she represent her case? Would she find proper words in placing the problem before the King in proper light? Would the King be in a mood to lend a sympathetic ear to her problems, especially as she carried no recommendation letter with her? Doubtless, all these questions would have been playing in her troubled mind, as she entered the King's presence. But she was in for a major surprise. A very pleasant one at that! Let us pick-up the action as it were directly from the from the scriptures, as I cannot put it in a more apt manner than that...verses 4-5 of 2 Kings 8th chapter: "Just as she came in, the King was talking with Gehazi, Elisha's servant & saying 'Tell me some of the stories of the great things Elisha has done' and Gehazi was telling the King about the time when Elisha brought a little boy back to life at that very moment, the mother of the boy walked in. 'Oh, Sir!' Gehazi exclaimed. 'Here is the woman now, and this her son-the very one Elisha brought back to life!'" 

Realizing in an instant that she was a VIP (a person whom mighty prophet Elisha himself held in high regard - mind you, Elisha had a crucial role to play in the affairs of King Joram's Kingdom), we see the King taking personal initiative in restoring her property (along with accrued income if any on the same) to her (Verse 6). 

Now let's replay that scene of Gehazi, prophet Elisha's servant speaking about this very lady, 'just' as she entered the King's chambers with presumably worry lines creasing her forehead. Was that a coincidence? An accident? No! It all happened as per God's will because He wanted to ensure that his devout follower got back her property without any hitches. 

Well, does God take care of our property? Something materialistic, not concerning soul or spiritual life? Yes, he does, because what worries us, his precious ones, worries Him also? Can He be our economic security also? Yes! As this short, moving Scriptural account so clearly illustrates in ample measure. 

Dear friends, if Jesus is same yesterday, today  and forever (Hebrews 13:8), then His words uttered 2000 years ago, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be given to you," (Matt 6:33) was true yesterday, today & forever. 

Prayer: Father, whatever are our economic problems, we commit them into your hands, knowing fully well, You would deliver us from them. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Suresh Manoharan
An unworthy servent
J and SM Ministries
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Did you ever wish you had the wisdom of Solomon? God promises us unlimited wisdom, all for the asking. Join us on the next three Saturdays for "God's Voice of Wisdom", a mini-series designed to help you learn how to tap into God's wisdom!
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget

November 11, 2014
Speaking Their Language

By Answers2Prayer Subscribe Unsubscribe Devotionals Contact us  "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." (Psalm 19:1-4)

When it comes to text messaging, I was far from being among the first to get on board. It didn't take long to realize it was a wise decision. Many of my friends and all of my grandchildren with phones and/or computers were totally into texting. If I wanted to communicate with them, messaging was the answer. 

In the book of Psalms, David declares so beautifully that the heavenly handiwork of the Lord speaks to us all. It is awesome to think about going outside at night and seeing the Big Dipper, and knowing it is viewed the same all over the world.

God's primary way of communicating with us is ancient and yet is still the same today. The Bible is in lots of versions, and in hundreds of translations. The Lord is speaking today to us in our own language, and in a version we can easily understand. 

How wonderful God still communicates with us this way even now, and also that Holy Spirit brings revelation in each of our languages.

That is such good news.

Inspirational Messages, Sally I. Kennedy 2014 

Announcement:

How can you know that you can put your worry in God's hands? Join us on Thursday for Part 3 of "Security", a mini-series by Suresh Manoharan
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Illustrator
Today's Bible Verse:
"But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He 
chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there
are many parts, yet one body." 1 Corinthians 12:18-20

By Answers2Prayer

Just a Private Soldier

General Eisenhower once chewed out one of his generals for having referred 
to a soldier as "just a private."

In the course of that tongue-lashing, Eisenhower went on record as saying 
the Army could probably function better without its generals than it could 
without
its infantry. Eisenhower concluded, "If this war is won, it will be won by 
privates."

Eisenhower understood that little things are not always so little. For 
example, a family recently told me a story about their curious ten-year-old 
son.
Fascinated by his grandfather's pocket watch, the boy, in a moment of 
foolish eagerness, had taken the watch apart. The family informed me he also 
managed
to put it together again, with the exception of a very small and seemingly 
insignificant gear.

I don't have to tell you that without the gear the watch didn't run.

In some ways the same thing can be said about the church. Now before I go 
any further, it must be stated that God's grace, our forgiveness, redemption
and salvation are not dependent upon anything we do. These are all gracious 
gifts from God.

That being said, the church functions far better when all God's people are 
using the talents the Lord has bestowed upon them. Now you and I are fully 
aware
the Holy Spirit has given us great preachers, and mega-churches headed by 
powerful leaders, and wealthy sponsors who are able to finance great 
programs.

Some of these servants of the Savior do wonderful work.

Even so, if the Savior's story of salvation is to go everywhere God wants it 
to go, if it is to accomplish all He wants it to do, if it is to reach as
many lost souls as He wishes, it will happen when both the generals and the 
privates are working in harmony.

To paraphrase Eisenhower, if the individual battles against Satan are going 
to be won, it will be the power of the Holy Spirit working through God's 
privates
-- that is, the regular Joes and Janes -- the one-gift Christians, who are 
the backbone of His church.

This maybe, in part, explains why, when Jesus picked the men who were going 
to take the saving message of salvation to the world He selected some 
fishermen,
a tax-collector, a religious zealot, and a number of other seemingly 
unspectacular individuals.

But by God's grace, will and power look at what they accomplished. God used 
them to turn the world upside down. I believe He will do no less with us, 
His
present-day disciples.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, use me, a poor, miserable-but-forgiven sinner to 
advance Your kingdom. Let me give thanks for the gifts You have given and 
then,
inspired by the Holy Spirit, use those gifts to tell others about what Jesus 
has done for them. In His Name I ask it. Amen.

Pastor Ken Klaus

Lutheran Hour Ministries
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submit your story to us.
Thank you.

©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely

Welcome to the Nugget
November 8, 2014
Hearing God's Voice of Wisdom, Part 1A: The Co-Op Fiasco

By Answers2Prayer
God's guidance, His wisdom, His advice are free to the asking: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (Jas 1:5, NKJV). 

Just how can we access that wisdom? How can we clearly see where God is guiding us? This four-part series will explore, through two real-life experiences, some practical ways that we can access God's guidance. 

My oldest son's engineering program requires five internships, known in his program as "co-ops." Ever since he began this particular university program, the #1 stressor in our home has been for him to find these co-op placements. 

The first co-op was to be the summer of 2012. We prayed about this, begging God to give him a co-op, but nothing happened. Only after the last possible day to find a co-op had already passed, did he find a summer job at a local stable. 

Thanks, Lord, but why didn't You provide him with a job that would count towards his university credits? 

Two months later, when I was scheduled for emergency cancer surgery, I understood: If my son had found a co-op, he would have been living far from home. I needed him to be home through my surgery. 

Though that situation, God made His wisdom known to us through circumstance. My son didn't get a co-op! 

The second co-op term was scheduled for the winter of 2013, and the stress again mounted. I was reading through the book of Acts at the time, and as I prayed and pleaded with God, I was impressed to open to open my Bible to the story of Paul and the shipwreck. I was especially impressed to focus on the end of the story--how none of the people aboard the ship were killed. Some swam to shore while others floated to shore on pieces of wood from the wreckage of the ship. Through the story God was telling me my son would be one who floated to shore on wood, and I understood: he would, indeed, get a co-op, but it would not be a conventional one, and it wouldn't be until the very last minute. 

That should have been enough for me, but when the semester ended without a hint of a co-op in sight, I began to worry that I hadn't heard God right. As I was praying one day, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I was not taking a stand in faith. "Father," I said, "if he truly will get a co-op, give me peace of heart!" Instantly I was flooded with peace. 

After two more weeks without even the slightest possibility of a co-op, my son received a call from his co-op advisor. Imagine our surprise when we learned that he could have counted his summer job as a trail guide as an engineering co-op! Why? Because he had actually spent part of the summer assisting with deck and fence construction! Of course it was too late now, but the story of the shipwreck came back to my mind. Was this what God meant when He said my son would be saved at the last minute by floating on a piece of wood? That his co-op would be "unconventional?" 

I didn't know, but I decided to hold on in faith, for after all, hadn't God just spoken to me through His Word? Hadn't He given me reassurance with His peace? Though I didn't understand the clear application of His message, I knew He had something in the works, and I decided to leave it all in His hands. 

Please join us next week for Hearing God's Voice of Wisdom, Part 1B to discover God's response --And to see more examples of how we can access God's wisdom through His Word! 

 
In His love,
Lyn


Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, with Answers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.
 
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Has God given you a special message? Why not share it with The Nugget and its subscribers? The Nugget welcomes any and all Bible-based devotional submissions under 800 words. Please include at least ONE BIBLE TEXT in your submission, and send it here!
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
November 6, 2014
Security, Part 2

By Answers2Prayer 
  While my main topic is security, I would be failing in my duties if I miss out on one single truth that runs across the pages of the Bible, which is that God has not left any issue untouched in the vast panorama of human relationships. Oh yes, He has not left untouched even the most sensitive relationship between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law often dubbed as "the lull before the storm," and which has been a theme of many a TV Soap opera.
 
In fact in the short, delightful story of Ruth (I would exhort all my friends to read this book before reading my devo any further), we see the portrayal of an ideal mother-in-law (Naomi) and a selfless daughter-in-law (Ruth), who, instead of asserting their rights, gladly seem to sacrifice them for the benefit of the other. 

Nowhere in the Scriptures does the truth that God 'is the helper of the helpless' (Psalms 10:14) ring more true than in the lives of these two widows who begin their long, arduous task of re-building their lives after the shattering loss of losing their husbands to untimely deaths wrought by sicknesses. The news of good crops in her native land draws Naomi (an immigrant Jew) in the land of Moab back to the land of her fathers, along with a determined widowed daughter-in-law (of different nationality) who would not let her mother-in-law experience the travails of widowhood all alone (Ruth 1:6-17). The inspiring words of Ruth steeped in agape, self-sacrificing love recorded in verse17 would make any person taking his or her marital vows proud. Also by stating 'Your people shall be my people & your God shall be my God' (verse16), she was walking effectively into the loving, strong, supportive arms of her Creator, who true to His nature, would not let her down...once under His protective care. So much for the theory that God in Mosaic Law times loved only the Jews! 

Even as we all rejoice at the happy ending of this story, of Ruth not only being happily married to Boaz (her kinsman redeemer - a pointer towards the ultimate redeemer, the Messiah), but also of her giving her aged mother-in-law a precious grandson (Obed), who eventually was going to be an ancestor of that great king David and the Messiah himself, let us not forget how the first meeting of Ruth and Boaz transpired. It all begins when Ruth, with the permission of her mother-in-law to glean in some fields during the barley harvest (Leviticus 19:9), goes in search of a field and walks by Divine providence straight into the fields of Boaz (Ruth 2:3). The key operative words in the entire book of Ruth are enshrined as it were in verse 3: 'As it happened, she found herself in the field belonging to Boaz, this relative of Naomi's husband.' Is it a mere coincidence, an accident? Nay! At a time when she could have landed up in any other field without meeting Boaz all her life, it was the good Lord who led her straight into the fields of Boaz, and as it were, into his heart. The Lord God Almight, who Ruth accepted 'as my God' true to His nature of being her security of all her social and emotional well being from that very moment onwards, eventually brought 'all good things to pass' in her life. 

Prayer: Father, Thou art faithful...what's more...Thou art unchanging, if we simply trust ourselves into Thy hands, that's enough...we do not have to worry about our future. Enable us to trust Thee more and more. In Jesus Name.


Suresh Manoharan
An unworthy servent
J and SM Ministries
 
Announcement:

Wish you had an unending source of wisdom that you could tap into any time you wish? Join us on Saturdays in November for "Hearing God's Voice of Wisdom", a mini-series by Lyn Chaffart.
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
November 4, 2014
Success

By Answers2Prayer 
In the eyes of the world I am not seen as much of a success. I have a tiny house not a mansion. I don't wear fancy clothes. I don't own an expensive car, or a plane, or a yacht. My bank account is always empty at the end of the month. I am not a CEO of a corporation. I haven't made a movie, won a Grammy, or sold a million books. I am not famous. My picture has never been on a magazine cover. I have never had my own reality television show. Yet, in spite of all of this there are many times when I do feel like a success.

When my grown up son gives me a hug and says: "I love you Dad," I feel like a success. 

When my big dog walks over to me, puts his head on my lap, and looks up at me with his adoring brown eyes, I feel like a success. 

When I share a laugh with the cashier in the grocery store, I feel like a success. 

When I give my smile to a stranger I am walking by and find my gift returned, I feel like a success. 

When I send what few dollars I can to a charity and know that I am helping someone in need, I feel like a success. 

When I get a letter from someone who has been touched by the simple stories I write, I feel like a success. 

When I remember that God loves me in spite of all my faults and failings, I feel like a success.

Perhaps what this world needs is a redefining of what success really is. Perhaps this world needs to recognize that fame fades, money is soon spent, power never lasts, and material things always turn to dust. Perhaps this world needs to see that the most successful life of all is one where you love God, yourself, and others. Perhaps we all need to realize that a successful life the eyes of the world isn't always a successful life in the eyes of Heaven.

May you always see the success in your own life. May you always be a success in loving, giving, caring, and sharing. And may you always succeed in making God smile.

"Jesus answered, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'" (Matt 19:21 NKJV)

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

Announcement:

How can you know that you can put your worry in God's hands? Join us on Thursday for Part 2 of "Security", a mini-series by Suresh Manoharan
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
November 1, 2014
The Serpent in the Wilderness, Part 3

Last week, in The Serpent in the Wilderness, Part 2, we saw that though God doesn't always "remove" our problems, but He always provides a way out. That "way out" comes by looking to the cross, where Jesus was "lifted up." We have hope because Jesus laid down His life for us. We can be healed of the fatal bite of the "serpent," the devil, simply by putting our trust in the One who gave of Himself for all of mankind.

But why would God have chosen a serpent for Moses to put on the pole? I don't know about you, but I find it strange that when the people were bitten, they were instructed to look at an image of the very thing attacking them. Why wasn't it an image of--say--the Ark of the Covenant or the Mercy Seat? The place where God met with the people in those days? Or since we know that Jesus would later referred to this incident as being a forerunner of His sacrifice for us on the cross ("And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up..." John 3:14, NKJV), why wasn't the image in the shape of a cross? 

These "why" questions bothered me for quite awhile, and I realized God was trying to teach me two important lessons: 

1. The very things that we see as our most "negative circumstances" can become our greatest blessings, for when the people looked to an image of the very thing that was killing them, they lived: "...and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived." (Num 21:8-9, NKJV); and

2. When we are brought face to face with our negative circumstances, our job is to lift them up--To give them to God! "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up..." (John 3:14, NKJV). In other words, whatever it is that is our "fiery serpent," we need to surrender it 100% to God!

What is our attitude towards our negative circumstances? What is our attitude towards illness? Towards the side effects of medical treatment? Towards the fear of the future that always accompanies bad medical diagnoses? What is our attitude towards the job loss? Towards the fact that we don't have enough money to do ____? What is our attitude towards the fact that our spouse ran out on us, leaving us and the kids stranded? What is our attitude towards governmental issues and persecution? 

God is telling us in this story that instead of cursing our negative circumstances, we need to see them with an air of thanksgiving, an air of expectation. We need to lift them up and surrender them 100% to Him. When we do, something beautiful will happen. The "bites" of our "fiery serpents" will not overcome us: "...when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived." (Num 21:9, NKJV).

This is the last of the lessons from the Serpent in the Wilderness. If you have missed any of these lessons, you can access them by clicking here, or email me, and I will send them to you. May God bless you abundantly!

In His love,
Lyn


Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, with Answers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.
 
Announcement:

Did you ever wish you had the wisdom of Solomon? God promises us unlimited wisdom, all for the asking. Join us on the next three Saturdays for "God's Voice of Wisdom", a mini-series designed to help you learn how to tap into God's wisdom!
©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget

October 30, 2014
Security, Part 1

By Answers2Prayer 
  This time around, I would like to focus upon a subject which would interest us all irrespective of our religious affiliation for who would not like to have...Security at all times. Dear friends, this was the buzzword in my family circles, when I -- on receiving the Divine Call -- decided to quit my job (I was employed as an Inspector of Retail Filling Stations) and enter full-time spiritual ministry.  Many honest doubts were expressed about my future prospects with a very gloomy picture of it being drawn at least initially by many who had never experienced God's redemptive love, first-hand. 

Oxford dictionary may state the meaning of the word Security as 'condition or feeling that guards or guarantees our present & future.' In modern context, the moment we contemplate the word 'Security' a picture of a smiling & healthy family in a well-furnished house protected by a proverbial 'ring of fire' would emerge in our minds. There is absolutely nothing wrong in desiring to be well protected. Mind you, the good Lord in His wisdom has placed an instinct for 'self-preservation' in his entire creation, let alone mankind. This instinct is conspicuous in a tiny ant as well as in a mighty blue whale. In fact this trait brings along with it stability & order in our society, for in its absence absolute confusion would prevail. Imagine our mind reeling at the sight of people playing with fire everywhere or reaching out to the overhead live electric wires or driving recklessly in our roads or wild animals venturing into our habitat and vice-versa. 

Security (along with it the instinct for self-preservation), important as they are, was meant to bring man into closer relationship with his Creator. The one of joyous dependence on his Creator akin to that of a child on its parents. However, what saddens our Creator is our tendency to seek security in everything under the sun, except in Him, not even acknowledging in the process that He is the source behind the security all around us. How misplaced are our priorities when we say that our job or our business is the basis of our security, rather than the one who has given it to us in the first place. Our priorities are just as misplaced when we say that our Government or its laws, which ensure order in our society, are the sole providers of our security. Mind you, the Bible states emphatically that "there is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power..." (Romans 13:1). 

Take out the Truth, which is the cornerstone of any commercial deal in our world order and the economies world over would collapse like a pack of cards. The person who said "I am the Truth" (John 14:6) is the One who is holding together this world by putting in man some portion of His character, which oozes with "truth" and "fairness." When Bible says that God has created man "in His own image" (Genesis1:27), it means that not only do we bear physical resemblance to Him, but emotionally and spiritually also we are like Him. That is why the moment we lie or act unfairly the bell of conscience starts ringing like an "alarm bell" because God's holy nature in us has been violated. So, in every sphere of our life, if not for God, there would be no truth or fairness in dealings (Proverbs 16:11), which would lead to anarchy, breakdown of law and order, and total absence of security. 

Despite providing natural safeguards to protect mankind in general and placing in-built safety mechanisms to ensure our society safety as a whole moves in proper order like factory goods in a well-grooved assembly line, our God being a personal God rejoices in providing security to each one of his children, especially from the dangers brought about by circumstances or by people who have no respect for Him or His ordinances. The Bible abounds with cases of God providing extraordinary security to the lives/property/social and emotional well-being of his people. 

In this Series of five parts, I would like to bring to the forefront four such cases of God's unique protection. One common feature one would observe in all these cases is that in the Bible there is no mention of God's direct involvement. In fact, the Bible does not even explicitly state in all these cases that God's hand was there in deliverance of His people from their respective problems, so much so, there may be a temptation to attribute them all to pure coincidence or a stroke of fortune. For the spiritually discerning, however, His role would be a bit too obvious to miss. 

So what are those cases? Well, they involve the social/emotional well-being and economic security of 2 women of the Old Testament and the physical lives of two devout men of God. Fasten your seat belts (there would be no danger, full security assured), as we prepare to "take off" to explore this subject. 

Please join us next week for Security, Part 2

Prayer: Father, You are our refuge and fortress, wherever, we may be placed. Help us always to rely on you in all situations. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Suresh Manoharan
An unworthy servent
J and SM Ministries
 
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©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."

Welcome to the Nugget
October 28, 2014
My Dogs are Barking

By Answers2Prayer 
My mother, who was from the southern part of the United States, brought me up with many expressions that are completely unknown to my friends and neighbors in Canada. Take, for example, the expression: "My dogs are barking!"

To me this means, "My feet hurt." But my friends and colleagues all look at me blankly and say, "I thought you only had one dog, Lyn." 

The other day, something happened that brought a whole new meaning to the expression, "My dogs are barking."

I didn't feel good, and I hadn't been sleeping well. Add to that the problems of the past 24 hours, and especially the last 2, and, well, suffice is to say I wasn't at the highest peak of my life. 

As is my habit when I'm upset, I decided to go for a walk so that I could talk with God. Taking my one dog on a leash (and yes, I truly do have only one!), we headed out into the night. 

With my mind occupied with my conversation with God, my feet found their own way down the familiar route, and as I headed down the customary back road, I suddenly became aware of barking dogs. There were, in fact, about 8-10 different dog voices baying out from their respective homes. 

I wasn't in any danger. The domestic dogs of all sizes and shapes were either chained up or locked behind the gates of their respective houses. But those baying, yapping, barking voices entered into my head, driving out all the peace and calm that God had been trying to restore in me, to the point that all I could hear were those barking dogs.

Tears came to my eyes as my arch-enemy "self-pity" paid an unwelcome visit: "You already have so much going on. This walk with God was your only hope, and now, you can't even hear His voice because of these barking dogs!"

Was it all some nasty trick of the devil, designed to keep me from hearing God's voice? 

But wait. My dog and I take this same route 2-3 times a week. This certainly wasn't the first time we had been barked at. Why hadn't I noticed the dogs before? Besides, these dogs couldn't hurt me. They were nothing but a distraction, and the only reason they were bothering me tonight was that I was allowing myself to be distracted by them.

Suddenly it made sense. It was my choice to be bothered by the dogs. It was my choice to even hear their baying voices. And by choosing to allow them to bother me, I was allowing the enemy to interfere with my talk with God. 

And as I focused on these thoughts, I realized that although the dogs were still stirring up the neighborhood with their racket, I was no longer bothered by them. Focusing my attention back to God made it so I didn't even hear them anymore.

Then the full meaning of what God had revealed to me suddenly broadened. All of my "wonderful" reasons for being upset that night were nothing more than barking dogs. They were things being used to distract me from the peace I have in Christ. And just like it was my choice to be bothered by those dog voices, it was also my choice to have become upset. It was my choice to even notice those negative circumstances. I had allowed the enemy to interfere with my peace by choosing to focus on the circumstances instead of on the One would was really in control.

I tuned out those circumstantial "barking dogs" right then and there. I gave it all to God and turned my thoughts and mind to Him. I won't say the problems immediately went away, but somehow they didn't seem so ominous anymore. I began to physically feel better, and I slept well that night. I had found the peace I had allowed to drift away. 

The next time you feel like you've lost your peace, friends, ask yourself this question: "Are my dogs barking?" 

And no, I, not talking about your feet, nor the four-legged beasts you may or may not have in your homes. I am talking about the circumstances and problems, the distractions the devil is trying to use to pull you away from your peace in Christ. Focus back on Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb 12:2), and sit back and see how those "barking dogs" no longer bother you. 

"My dogs are barking!" 

No problem. Give them to Jesus and let your peace return to you. 
 
In His love,
Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author -- "Aboard God's Train -- A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer", Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, with Answers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.
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©Copyright 2011 Answers2Prayer | Matt 10:8 "Freely you have received, freely give."