LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER!

Posted on November 7, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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I am beginning to lose my hearing.  I guess it goes along with growing older, but my doctor said that many times, especially if we work with children, our hearing can be injured by listening to so many little voices at once.   Sometimes our hearing becomes selective and we chose what we want to hear.

Praise God that His ears are always open to our requests.  He doesn’t have selective hearing, even in the cacophony of the millions of voices calling out to Him.  He can decipher every prayer – every groan – every need.  Because of His almighty omniscience, we can be confident when we pray.

Take a moment today to thank Him for His amazing power to hear all of us at once – to decipher each word from the tiniest voice to the largest – to categorize each one of those prayers and answer them all in His own way and time, for our benefit.

Thank you, Holy God, for always being available to me and the countless other voices seeking your help.  Your love endures forever.  Your power is eternal.  Your presence in my life is everlasting.  My heart overflows with thanksgiving to think that you consider me as part of your family – an heir to your kingdom.  Amen!

Posted in aging, Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER!

LET’S MAKE A DEAL

Posted on November 6, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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Burt Reynolds isn’t one of my favorite actors, but I do remember him in a movie called, “The End.”  When things started spinning out of control for his character, he began a negotiation with God – promising to give a certain percentage of his income to the church if He would be relieved of his problems.  It was a funny bit, but held a grain of truth.  How often do we bargain with God?

Maybe your life is on a downward spiral – you may have been unemployed for a long time – you may be in a difficult relationship – your checkbook has a negative balance – your body is showing definite signs of aging – you may even be facing a terminal disease.

The devil likes to work on those times when we struggle to make us think that God doesn’t like us anymore.  He tries to fill us with so much guilt or pain that we don’t think we’re worthy of God’s love.

The truth is that none of us is worthy to face the Almighty.  When the Bible says Jesus came to save the sick, He wasn’t referring to a specific group of people.  He was talking about all of humanity.  We are all sick – sin sick – and have fallen short of the glory of God.  Anything we say or do will never be sufficient to pay the price for what lies behind the door.  We can’t make deals with God, because He has already taken care of it for us.

That’s a hard concept for our human minds to grasp.  We naturally feel we have to do something to earn our way and Satan uses that idea to make us lose faith.  We want to be in control and God tells us clearly that He is.  He is, was and always will be.  It’s so simple and yet so hard for us to let go and let God do what He does so well.

Posted in Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, Family, goals, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, parenting, Religion | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on LET’S MAKE A DEAL

THE END OR JUST THE BEGINNING?

Posted on November 5, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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OK, it’s over – all the hullabaloo and hip-hip hooray – all the millions of dollars wasted on political advertising – all the hidden agendas, the special interest groups, the futile attempts by those who would change the course of America.  Halleluiah!

Election Day has come and gone.  Some changes have been made, but life goes on as usual.  At least for another year – until we’re caught in the throes of name calling, scandal, lies. deceit, and the spending of ridiculous amounts of money on publicity only on a much larger scale.

What has happened to our country?  We think nothing of the dollars spent to promote men into government – money that could allay some of our national debt.  We tolerate mudslinging and character assassination.  We are OK with letting only those with the most dollars win elections.  We become lackadaisical when it comes to going to vote in mid-term elections.  We succumb to politics as usual and give up.

Praise God He didn’t give up on us.

When we let men of questionable character and moral value enter the political arena, we are opening the door to all kinds of problems.  Somehow we have forgotten that God is the One who instituted government for our benefit.  We have placed Him somewhere in the background as a nation and, as in ancient times, let the idols of greed – immorality – and all kinds of sinful behavior wheedle their way into our society.

The devil doesn’t take out ads to announce his lascivious plans.  He lays in the bushes like a lion waiting to devour us.  He is slowly creeping into the core of our original philosophy as a nation.  It’s apparent to anyone who has lived for more than 3 decades. Life in America is changing and it’s up to us as Christians to see to it that it doesn’t.

So, as we prepare for the next round of political rhetoric, let’s look at what God has to say about government.

Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people he chose for his inheritance.“

Posted in America, Christian devotion, christianity, Elections, Encouragement, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, patriotism, politics, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Guilt

Posted on November 4, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

I’m met by guilt on every day. It sweeps my peace of mind away.
It starts with little things at dawn – why did I go and sleep so long?
My socks don’t match – my hair’s a mess. Did I forget our morning kiss?
The laundry grows to mountainous heights. My to-do list gives me a fright?
Our meal tonight will be a breeze, if frozen meat will please unfreeze.

I’m guilty over silly things like dirty toilets and tub rings.
A gallon jug with just one drop – a delinquent bill that I forgot.
I never can do one thing right. I’m late for work – I’ll stay tonight.
I’m guilty over big things too. Like doing things I ought to do
A smile for one who feels down cast – a prayer, a hug, a forgotten past.

Lord, you know my frailties. You’ve given everything for me,
You’ve paid for every single sin, that haunts and makes me sick within.
Help me to see your perfect grace. May I soon see you face to face.
Redeemed and perfect bought by you. Give me the power to follow you.
I pray you wash my guilt away, with every other sin today.

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, God, Inspiration, jpoetry/prose, Life, Religion | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

NO MORE SIN – NO MORE GUILT

Posted on November 4, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

feeling-guilty

Why do we continue to feel guilt, knowing that we have been set free from all sin by the blood of Jesus?  Why do we do things that are hurtful to others, even when we don’t realize we are?  If we are followers of God, why do we continue to say things – do things – think things that are against everything that He tells us to do?

Once you become a Christian and you realize that there is nothing you can do by your own merit to obtain a place in heaven, you don’t automatically stop sinning.  Our forgiveness is assured, but the devil still seeks our souls and will do anything to retrieve us from God’s hands.

We are all sinners.  We were born into sin when we were conceived.  We are all deserving of an eternity in hell, but we also have a compassionate God who wants us to be with Him forever.

It took me a long time to see that side of Him.  I grew up thinking of  God as a supreme judge – looking down at me from His royal throne – knowing all my sins – determining my future because of them.  Even with years of Christian education under my belt, I couldn’t overcome the sin of guilt.

God loves us.  We are His children.  He would lay down His life to protect and save us.  He did!  Now He wants us to follow Him and live according to His will.  He wants us to be set free from all sin – including guilt.

“No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.”
           Natalie Grant

Posted in Christian devotion, christianity, Elections, Encouragement, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on NO MORE SIN – NO MORE GUILT

MY PRIVILEDGE – MY VOICE

Posted on November 3, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

voting

My country has been changing, but her spirit never dies,

Her people are the core of her, not all the evil lies.

So many lives have gone before to hold her flag with pride.

So many tears have long been shed for all of them that died.

Though basic truths are altered and many try new ways,

to fix what isn’t broken, they’ll never dim the blaze.

We’re faced with an election and no one knows for sure,

If we will be led forward or bathed in things impure.

We ‘ll trust in the almighty to guide and lead the way,

As we raise our voice and vote our choice on this election day.

Kathy Boecher

Posted in America, christianity, Elections, Encouragement, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, patriotism, Poetry, politics | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on MY PRIVILEDGE – MY VOICE

FALL BACK

Posted on November 2, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

What time will it be when I wake up today?

I look at the clock and what does it say?

The sky looks no different than yesterday.

Confusion reigns in this old brain in me.

I wake up at four and think it is three.

Is someone playing a trick on me?

Who was the wise guy who came up with the thought

To set the clocks forward and than maybe not.

I’m  very confused – did I turn back the clock?

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COMMUNION OF SAINTS

Posted on November 2, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

 

What is a team without a leader?  How does a corporation thrive without someone to guide it?  What happens when everyone thinks they know better than the boss or there are too many cooks in the kitchen? Usually the result is chaos.

When Paul spoke to young Christians, he referred to being part of a body – each one having some talent or specific use to assist in the operation of that body – and this can be applied not only to the church itself, but to our lives.

When we lose the use of part of our body it is not only difficult, but we have to compensate for that loss somehow.   God always provides a way for the body to go on.  In the Communion of Saints – the body of Christ – we are all united to serve each other with Christ at the head of all of us.

That shouldn’t make us feel useless, but reassure us that we have the Creator of the universe in control of everything we do.  Not only that, we have each others’ backs when we need help in life.  God doesn’t need our help, but isn’t it cool to know that He gives us jobs to do in and for His kingdom?

We are all important in the operation of the body.  Without us the body of the church will go on, but it will suffer some.  We must be on guard to keep it intact – to nurture each other in faith and love – to serve the head or the brains of the outfit, Jesus, Christ, putting Him first in all that we do.

What a privilege and honor to be part of the body of Christ.

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on COMMUNION OF SAINTS

THE WORLD IS A DARK PLACE

Posted on October 31, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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It’s Halloween and soon the streets will be filled with all sorts of little ghosts and goblins begging for candy.  Chances are they have no great need for the treats, but they love this tradition of dressing up and having their neighbors guess who they are.

This holiday has turned into a multi-million dollar industry for purveyors of sweets and scary masks, along with costumes for all ages.  It has become another opportunity to spend money and party until the cows come home.

We are inundated with stories of zombies, ghoulish characters, death, blood and the ugly side of life.  People decorate their homes with skeletons, pumpkins and witches flying on broomsticks.  Leave it to us to commercialize evil.

All Hallows Eve – was the origin of this celebration.  This was the evening of All Saints
Day – a day to honor those who had died and gone to heaven.  That honorable day is dedicated to rejoicing over the second life in Christ.

Our world has become a very dark place.  There is evil all around us and many have become numbed to the tight grip it has.  We need to be constantly aware of the devil and his deceptive ways.  He coaxes our free will to do what he wants us to do.  He does it little by little – day by day – until he eventually makes just about anything acceptable.

We, as believers in the Triune God, know that we have the ammunition to defend ourselves from Satan.   He doesn’t have a chance if we allow the light of Christ to shine in us.

“No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand.”

Happy All Hallows Eve!

Posted in aging, Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Jesus | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

DATELINE – OCTOBER 30, 1517

Posted on October 30, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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The man lay motionless in his bed, wondering if what he was about to do was even remotely logical.  His mind had been plagued for years on thoughts of obtaining a place in heaven.  He had pursued every possible way known to insure that possibility.  The greater part of his life so far was consumed with the church and studying its doctrine.

It was a different time – a different place – a similar world.  The church had become corrupt.  Satan had wormed his way into this rock of Christian teaching and manipulated it to his own advantage.  He seems to find great joy in getting into God’s house and messing things up.

Martin Luther had dedicated his life to the church, because he loved God and wanted to do His will.  He became a Catholic monk – gave up his worldly pursuits – felt motivated to work hard to obtain freedom from his sins.  It took a while for him to realize that it simply wasn’t in his power.  While studying the Latin Bible he found several verses proving that it was by the grace of God –  faith in what God had already done – and the truth found in the Word of God that salvation had already been won.

It was the perfect time in history.  The printing press was now making it possible to reach the masses with news as well as making the Bible available in their own language.

Martin Luther struggled for sleep.  He knew that his words were not only going to stir things up, but they would change the course of history.  Rest finally came when he realized that it wasn’t his doing that would change things.  It was God working through His instrument, Martin, to achieve His goals.

Ephesians 2:8-9  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Inspiration, Optimism, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on DATELINE – OCTOBER 30, 1517

Falling Short

Posted on October 29, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

The mom who expects her child rearing to be flawless – the dad who struggles to make a decent salary – the teen who tries to fit in – the grandma who has tried every wrinkle cream in the book – all have one thing in common. They are setting themselves up for failure.

The same thing can be said of our daily walk with Jesus. Our human nature tells us that we must be proactive in the process of our salvation, but God reminds us that there is nothing we can do to achieve it on our own. By trying to interfere in God’s good work in us, we are falling short of the mark.

He reminds us that our salvation is not dependent on our good works, but that it is a free gift to us – paid for by the death and resurrection of Jesus, Christ.

Our good works are simply a result of the work He has already done. We are so richly blessed by Him. His love is beyond our comprehension. He provides the answers to all of life’s problems and the means to overcome them.

Dear, Father, there are times when I think I can do it all by myself. It is times like that which require a wake-up call from you. Help me to depend on you in every aspect of my life. Teach me to be content in all circumstances and lead me in the way I should go. You are the Way, the Truth and the Light. Amen!

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, marriage, parenting, reflections, Religion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Falling Short

Alpha and Omega

Posted on October 28, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

You’re always there to pick me up when others pass me by.
You always open up your arms and hear my mournful cry.
You watch me as I sleep each night, you guard my very soul.
You guard my steps, you comfort me when troubles take their toll.

I know that you are with me. You promised you would be.
Your words hold perfect truthfulness for all eternity.
You are the first and last for me, beginning and the end.
You keep your word. I trust in you – my one eternal friend.

Kathy Boecher©

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, jpoetry/prose, Life, Optimism, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Alpha and Omega

THANK YOU, JESUS!

Posted on October 27, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

I come in deep humility in hopes that you will set me free.

I pray that you forgive my sin and save me from the hurt within.

I know that you have died for me.  You gave your life to set me free.

I ask your help to sin no more.  Remove the sting – I do implore.

I praise you for your love divine.  For washing clean this heart of mine.

Now help me serve you every day, and give me hope in my last day –

Restore my soul and give me life to lead me from this worldly strife.

KATHY BOECHER

Posted in aging, Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, jpoetry/prose, Life, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

I’M SORRY!

Posted on October 27, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

repent

We are all sinners. We have proven that in our daily walk.  Even when our intentions are good, our inmost being is being tempted by the father of lies.  The devil is eager to eat us up.

Sounds pretty hopeless?  We all like to think if we do the right things and live a good life, we are doing all that is necessary to gain heavenly bliss.  We like to believe that we have a say in our future.  It’s hard to give up control no matter what.

God has the perfect solution and the only requirement is that we ask for forgiveness, but we must do so with a repentant heart and then remove ourselves from the sins that haunt us.  If we say we’re sorry only to turn around and do the same sin over and over, we are slapping our Jesus right in the face.  God requires perfection of us and we simply cannot deliver without the help of our Savior.

Jesus paid the ultimate price with His life.  He did so because of His great love for us.  He wants everyone to be saved – even those who think they can work their way to heaven, but  we are not in control of our salvation.  Our works cannot save us, but they should be a result of our newly obtained forgiveness from the King of Creation.  Just think of what He’s done to make eternity available to us.  Our deeds should be a reflection of our thanks to Him.

Our works don’t save us.  God’s work does.  Now let us ask humbly for His forgiveness and keep in His Word – everyday fighting the good fight of faith.

Psalm 38:18  “I confess my iniquity.  I am sorry for my sin.”

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, marriage, Optimism, parenting, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Reformed – Changed for the better

Posted on October 26, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He knew that many would be gathered there for the Passover celebration. When Esther became queen of Persia the Jews were held in captivity and needed an advocate to gain their freedom. When a group of thirteen new colonies got together to form their own independent nation, the time was just right. When the Renaissance was just getting underway and the Roman Catholic Church had a tight hold on the politics of Europe, a monk came forward to challenge that grip and started a whole new way of thinking.

The invention of the printing press made it possible for the Bible to be available to the masses in their own language and the truth of the Gospel spread across the country like wildfire. That truth was hidden for years under the guise of doing good works, buying your way to heaven, and listening to the church’s view rather than God’s perfect message of grace by faith.

Today God is setting the stage for another reformation of sorts. Our world has become consumed with greed, hatred, violence and selfishness. We have so much new technology available which keeps us instantly informed. The devil has gotten into our schools, our government, our everyday living and even in our churches.

The time is ripe. Is God going to change the course of history? Is He going to bring the masses back to His Gospel? Are we doomed to a time of suffering, disease and war? Something spectacular is on the horizon, because He is in control. He always works things together for the good of His people.

“All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired,” Martin Luther

Posted in christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, God, Inspiration, Religion | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Posted on October 25, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

god's timing

I am very impatient as I think most of us are – especially living in a world full of instant communication, fast food, and getting answers to our questions immediately.  We have become a society of people who want everything NOW!

God doesn’t work that way.  Even though He could, He chooses to take His time with us.  No matter how hard we try, we can’t control what happens to us.  Actually that should be reassuring to us, because He is in control.  He knows what dangers surround us.  He is aware of the temptations that haunt us.  He knows what we are going through.  He knows what to do to change the course of those events and mold them and us into what we need to be.

Imagine what His “to-do” list looks like.  He’s setting up the course of human history, the dynamics of creation, dealing with man’s inhumanity – laying the path to eternity.  His timeline may not match ours, but He knows so much more than we do about how and where life is going to take us.

He gives us the means to know which path to take.  He even provides us with the faith to trust that His will for us is always good, because He loves us.  We find the truth in the Bible – the true Word of God – the book which contains the road map for living.

The clock may be spinning out of control, but God is consistent.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint,” Isaiah 40:31

Posted in aging, Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, parenting, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

STICKS AND STONES

Posted on October 24, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Since this is anti-bullying month I thought it might be worth reposting this blog from my early days of blogging in April of 2014.

More Galleries

LIFE REFLECTIONS

Posted on October 23, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

autumn

The autumn trees display their final brilliance before they die

and leave only a skeletal remembrance of what was.

Our days are numbered too.

What shall we do in those final days to fulfill our final purpose on this planet?

God still has work even for the old.

As long as hands and minds still work we can create a legacy with art and words.

Our bodies may pass away, but our words and the things we’ve done remain.

These are our days of brilliance.

 Kathy Boecher

 

Posted in aging, Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, God, Inspiration, jpoetry/prose, Religion | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on LIFE REFLECTIONS

DO OUR PRAYERS MATTER?

Posted on October 23, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Philippians-46-7

I’ll pray for you.  We’ll keep you in our prayers.  I know God will answer prayer.  These are words we use to help others be uplifted, overcome suffering or loss and give them comfort, but do our words make a difference?  The sentiment may be there, but without the action the words have no meaning.

God encourages us to pray for each other throughout His Holy Word.  He does this, not because He needs our help , but so we communicate our supplications to Him.  The requests are insignificant – but the faith behind those words can cause Him to move mountains.  We must never forget that He is fulfilling the work – no us.

When there is a great outpouring of community prayer and the prayers are sincere and full of faith, I imagine that God is elated.  He is seeing our faith in action.  This is precisely what He wants from us.

So when we pray for each other, we can count on getting answers.  When we pray for ourselves and those we love, God will hear us.  When we come to Him in humility – knowing that He is the One who is doing the work necessary – when we trust that He knows what is best for all concerned – when we turn it over to His omnipotent wisdom, we are acting in faith.

Do not underestimate the power of prayer.  It is our personal connection to the One who created heaven and earth and when there are many praying for the same thing, it becomes a live network of kindred individuals.

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY

Posted on October 22, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

frozen-wood-frog

I have a tendency to think I know it all now that I’m in my seventies, but I learn something new every day.

Today I learned that a frog will remain alive if frozen over the winter months. Their tiny bodies lie in suspended animation until the frost retreats and they again come to life. During their time of isolation, their small hearts continue to beat one beat per minute.

How cool is our Creator God? He protects even the smallest of creatures during the difficult times of their lives. How much more will he look at us with favor? His hand provides for our every need – even when we face death – He surrounds us with His holy angels and cuddles us with His protecting wings.

I have trouble imagining that our earth just happened with some big bang and things evolved into what we have today.  Each animal, plant, bird, man and all living things are designed with perfection by the most intellectual engineer ever to exist.

Don’t ever underestimate the power of God. He does amazing things every single day – things we aren’t even aware of. Give praise and thanksgiving to Him for filling our lives with every good thing.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments