Ready! GACCS God Almighty Christian Community Services. With Encouragement From God s Word

Transcription

1 Ready! By Sandra Gool, RN With Encouragement From God s Word LINDA PRIDE, SENIOR MINISTRY DIRECTOR GACCS God Almighty Christian Community Services Also Featuring: GACCS Readers As They Share of Themselves... And More!

2 During a visit to the State Fair one year, my sister got lost. She was about 7 or 8 years old at the time and says she doesn t remember just how she got separated from us. When I looked around, she said, I didn t recognize anybody. The circle had closed, and I knew immediately I was lost. So, the first thing I did was look for a policeman. And there was one, just a few feet away from me. I went straight to him and said, I m lost. He put his arm around me and escorted me through the fair to the security area. Although my sister called it the pen, the security area was a very nice fenced-in play area fully equipped with swings, slides, sleeping cots and toys. There was food, and beverages. Everything had been provided to entertain and occupy the children in a safe space until their parents could be located. The staff took my sister s information, asked her if she wanted something to eat and encouraged her to go out and play. She refused to sit, to eat, or to play. I said to myself, I won t be here that long, my family will be here soon to get me. You can t distract me with food, playing or games. She just said no. Then turned her back on all the pleasures around her, and put her hands in the fence. And stood there, unmoving waiting, for our parents to come for her. I asked if she was afraid. She said I wasn t scared for a minute. I was just upset that you all didn t know where I was. I remember watching the other children laughing, playing, and having a good time. I thought, this is no time for fun and games, this is serious. You kids act like everything is great. You all should be here at the fence with me, watching for your parents to come. What if your 2

3 parents don t come for you? Where are you going to spend the night? My parents know I m here, and they re on their way. I ll be out of here soon. But it took a few hours before Mom and Dad came to the security area to get her, and it was nearly dark. But my sister never sat down, and never moved from the fence. She didn t eat, drink or play. She just stood there, watching and waiting. She said, I just wanted to be ready to leave when Mom and Dad came for me. I ll play and have fun when I got home. Home was more important than the things here at the shelter. Plus, if I started playing and having fun, I would be distracted and not be ready when they came to get me. When Mom and Dad finally got to the security station, my sister s first words were: You knew where I was! You knew I d go to the police. Mom said, We searched in the same area where you went missing first, then we spread out. But since it was getting dark we came to the security office so they could make an announcement over the loud speaker. My mother said, I m glad you went to the police, and didn t wander around. Mom asked her if she had eaten anything or played while she was there. My sister said, I didn t know when you would come, and I might have missed you if I was playing, so I needed to be ready when you came for me. There are several spiritual lessons we can get from this true story. Seek the Lord As soon as my sister realized she was lost, and possibly in trouble, she admitted she needed HELP and then looked for it. When we find ourselves lost, or in trouble, no matter the reason, we should seek the Lord first. Don t go to friends, co-workers, self help books or psychics. Go straight to the Lord. (Psalms 63:1, Deuteronomy 4:29, 3

4 Psalms 77:1-3. Proverbs 8:17, Hebrews 4:16) The Lord wants us to call on HIM in times of trouble, no one else. (Isaiah 55:6, Psalms 50:15, Psalms 86:7, Psalms 91:15, Proverbs 8:17, Isaiah 65:24). Pour out your heart to Him. If the issue involves wrong-doing or sin, we should seek the Lord, repent, turn and go the other way (Psalms 62:8, Psalms 51:10). And when we repent, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9, Romans 10:13). The Lord knows when and how we will mess up, and He is still quick and ready to forgive (Psalms 86:5). If the problem is someone doing wrong to us, again, we should cry out to the Lord. He said HE WILL fight our battles. (Exodus 14:14) The Lord is near. The policeman was nearby my sister when she looked for him. The Lord too is near to all who call on Him (Psalms 145:18, Isaiah 58:9, Isaiah 65:24). And if we seek Him, we will find Him (Proverbs 8:17, Isaiah 55:6, Psalms 4:1, Psalms 4:3, Jeremiah 29:13-14). The Lord will lead us. The police officer put his arm around her and led her to safety. He didn t tell her how to get to the security office. With his arm around her, he took her to safety. 4

5 Jesus is our Good Shepherd and He leads and guides us to safety (Psalms 23:1) He directs our path, and lights our way (Psalms 119:105, John 14:6, Psalms 16:11, 27:11). He is the good shepherd who laid down His life to give us eternal life (John 10:11, 14, Romans 3:25). Plus, He will never leave us or forsake us. He is Emmanuel God with us always (Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:20). Every good thing comes from God. The security office had been well equipped with everything good to eat, and entertain the children, in a safe space. The Lord too, blesses us with every good thing in this world. Every good thing we have or will ever have comes from HIM (Psalms 68:19, James 1:17). He allows us to have Pleasures and Treasures here on earth (Ecclesiastes 5:19). But He promises even greater treasures in the world to come (I Corinthians 2:9). But the ultimate gift from God is eternal life with Him, which was paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ. And he has gone to prepare a mansion for us in heaven (John 14:1-4) The LORD Has Prepared A Place For Us With HIMSELF In Eternity My sister turned her back on the niceties, the fun and games at the security station so she could be ready when Mom and Dad came for her. Nothing there was as important as going home. The Lord also has given us a wonderful world and wants us to live and enjoy our earthly lives (John 10:10, James 1:17). 5

6 But He wants us to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-4), because He knows our hearts will be with our treasures (Matthew 6:21). We should store our treasures with God in heaven where He can keep them safe. They can t be stolen, rust or deteriorate. (Matthew 6:19-20). The Lord gives us the ability to get wealth, but He warns us not to become so attached to the things of earth, that we forget Him (Matthew 6:24, 33). We should never love the gifts more than The Giver. MUST There should be nothing, not money, houses or land, cars, toys, clothes, people, or even shoes more important than gaining Christ (Philippians 3:7). So, we should keep a loose grip on the treasures and glory of this world, and be ready to lay them all down when the Lord calls us to His side. 6

7 The LORD will come for us! My sister stood at the fence with unshakeable confidence that Mom and Dad would come for her. Although it took a while, they did come for her. The Lord Jesus also promises to come for us, because He said, I go to prepare a place for you and to receive you unto myself that where I am there you shall be also (John 14:1-4, John 14:28-29). And, just as my sister didn t know just when Mom and Dad would come, we don t know the day or the hour when Jesus will come back for us. BUT HE IS ON HIS WAY! (I Thessalonians 4:16-18, Hebrews 9:27-28, Matthew 25:13, Acts 1:11, Philippians 3:20, II Timothy 4:8). 2 Timothy 4:8 The Voice (VOICE) I look forward to what s in store for me; a crown of righteousness that the Lord the always Right and Just Judge will give me that day (but is not to me only for me, but for all those who love and long for His appearing). Watch and Pray Although it has been thousands of years since Jesus went away, He promised that He would return for us, His Bride. He wants us to be ready, to pray and watch for his appearing. (Matthew 3:2, Mark 13:33-37). 7

8 Just as my sister stood at the fence eagerly watching the crowd waiting for my parents to return, we too should watch and be ready, for Christ s return, because HE Is Coming Back For Us! There is an evangelist who used to give out lapel pens which read Perhaps Today. They were used to start a conversation on Christ s return and evangelism. Even now, as we wait for the promised return of Christ, keep these thoughts in mind: Perhaps Today Pray, Watch the Skies, and Be Ready! Dear LORD: We thank You and praise You for loving us enough to give us such good gifts in this world. You have been our Provider and our Provision. Forgive us when we let the cares of this world take our eyes off You. Keep us mindful that nothing we possess is as important as a relationship with You, for You are the source of eternal life. You are the GIVER and THE GIFT. You said You were going to prepare a place for us in Your Kingdom and would return for us. With each generation we wait for Your return with unshakable hope and faith, because Your promises are yes and amen. Help us to live each day in preparation for Your return, sharing the good news of salvation. Even so, come LORD JESUS. Amen. 8

9 This magazine was written by seniors who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. They know they will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ. If you are not sure where you will spend eternity, after you die, we can help. The Bible tells us that everyone has sinned, and the payment for sin is death. But God loved us so much that He sent His only son Jesus from Heaven to die in our place. Jesus was born of a virgin and lived a totally sinless life. He chose to die for the sins of the whole world, and He was crucified. He died and was buried. But after 3 days, God brought Jesus back from the dead. Jesus paid for our sin with His life, and He is the only way to to heaven. So, if you believe this and want a new and better way to live; Confess that you have sinned and need a savior because you can t save yourself. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins, and come live in your heart. Prayer for Salvation: Lord, I know I am a sinner and I need a Savior. I believe Lord, that You sent Your Son Jesus who died on the cross and rose from the grave to pay for my sins. I ask You to forgive me of my sins come into my heart and give me eternal life. I ask this by faith. Amen. THE RIGHT TIME TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST IS RIGHT NOW. 9

10 Barbara says she has an ongoing love letter to God that includes three major thoughts: She knows that God loves her and she loves Him. Barbara is not ashamed to admit she is a Christian. Her daily desire is to follow in the footsteps of Christ, her Savior. Barbara Schlegelmilch as a GACCS reader has agreed to share a little of herself with you. Let GACCS know if you are willing to share a little of yourself. Barbara shares that she came to know about God s love thru family and friends, Bible study, listening to sermons and embracing church fellowship. Even facing the most difficult situation in her life, God brought her through. He walked with her through the injury of her daughter in a car accident in 2012 and the death of her 52 year old son in She describes the death of her husband in 2014 as the hardest. But the Lord made it so she is able to smile again. Barbara reminds us that God listens to all of us. He answers prayers when it is in His Plan. Learn how to be patient for God s answer to prayer. Realize that we are never too old to learn more about God s way. Proverbs 3:5-6 If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success. 10

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12 Gabriella David Life can be difficult because of circumstances because of others or those we bring on ourselves. In 2007, Gabriella shares that she was on parole for a felony of her past. She did not have a job and felt like she couldn t fit into society. But, after meeting some strangers at a church who agreed to get her on the right track, they helped her to find a stable job. It was through these people that she came to know about God and His love for her. Gabriella talks about the most difficult situation that God has brought her through: I lost my son. He died suddenly and the doctors couldn t tell me why he stopped breathing. Losing my first born was the most difficult thing that ever happened in my life. When she thinks about all she has been through, Gabriella has these words of encouragement: In our increasingly impersonal world, warm relationships among members of God s family takes on major importance. The Church should give the loving, personalized care that many people find nowhere else! MY LOVE LETTER TO GOD! Dear Lord, I thank You for Your mercy, kindness and grace. If You never do anything else for me, You ve done enough! Thank You for coming into my heart. I accept You as my Savior. 12

13 SHARING GOD S LOVE I love to share with the world about God s love. I was baptized on Easter Sunday Morning at 12 years old. I was a Sunday School student and I studied about the resurrection. Very touching. Now that was LOVE for the World! The most difficult experience of my life was the loss of my son. He was 52 years of age. I was at peace when I realized he repented of his sins. He prepared himself for God s Kingdom. I encourage young people today to believe in God. Years ago I worked at the hospital where my daughter was also employed. We both were nurses that worked the same shift. The supervisor told me that I would have to change my shift. I told him that I could not change because we only had one means of transportation. He replied, that s your problem. I walked out of his office, saw my daughter and carried her into a room and prayed. After I walked out of the room, the Chief Finance Officer of the hospital called me into his office and made me Staffing Coordinator of the hospital. Dear God: The Father of the Universe and all mankind, I say Thank You for looking beyond my faults and supplying my needs. Thank You for waking me up each morning. When I think of Your Grace and Mercy, I realize that You have carried me through many dangerous situations. I give You the honor & praise for everything. I thank You for bringing *Linda Pride and her family into my life. She has been a joy to me. Thank You for my children, my great parents, my grandchildren and great grandchildren, my church family, our Pastor and this great ministry (GACCS). I thank You that I have faith and realize that there is no one like You. I love You! I am so glad that I know You Jesus and love You. Thank You for forgiving me for my sins. I can t thank You enough! Much love with sincerity, Your Servant, Sylvia Robinson *Linda Pride is a retired teacher and GACCS Senior Ministry Director and long time friend to Sylvia Robinson 13

14 November 6 Posted by Jesus Calling on 11/05/2017 by Sarah Young Seek to please Me above all else. As you journey through today, there will be many choice-points along your way. Most of the day's decisions will be small ones you have to make quickly. You need some rule of thumb to help you make good choices. Many people's decisions are a combination of their habitual responses and their desire to please themselves or others. This is not My way for you. Strive to please Me in everything, not just in major decisions. This is possible only to the extent that you are living in close communion with Me. When My Presence is your deepest delight, you know almost instinctively what will please Me. A quick glance at Me is all you need to make the right choice. Delight yourself in Me more and more; seek My pleasure in all you do. John 8:29 And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him. Hebrews 11:5-6 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. 14

15 Yes, God Loves Us Always Has, Always Will! Excerpt From: GotQuestions.org Home (Does God Love Me?) There are many verses that demonstrate God s love. We can see His tenderness in Old and New Testament alike. David and other psalmists were particularly articulate regarding God s love. Just look at Psalm 139. God confined Himself to human skin in order to redeem us (see Philippians 2:5-11). He entered our world as a baby born to an unassuming family in a very humble way (He spent His first night in an animals feeding trough). Jesus grew up like any child would. During His public ministry, He often associated with society s outcasts. He stopped for the sick. He healed. He listened to people. He blessed the children. He also taught us about God s love. Luke 13:34 speaks God s heart desire that people would return to Him. He longs for us. Not to punish us, but to love us. Perhaps the greatest picture of God s love is Jesus passion and crucifixion. Paul reminds us, You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8). Jesus work on the cross was a clear, unmistakable declaration of love. And this love is unconditional. We were in our worst state when Christ died for us. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions it is by grace that you have been saved (Ephesians 2:1, 4-5). Yes, God loves you! Always Has, Always Will. 15 It s the Truth, Now Embrace It! And Impact Others...

16 ABOUT US... Our Philosophy GACCS is a 501(c)3 non-profit entity that uses volunteer professional and paraprofessional resources. We are small but effective! GACCS clearly understands the principle of taking little and making much. GACCS believes that the solution for all man s problems for total healing is grounded in the Word of God This belief leads to a commitment to provide a Christian framework for the resolution of emotional, psychological, spiritual and medical problems that will result in the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for edifying the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the statue of the fullness of Christ Ephesians 4: GACCS Services include: Individual & Group Counseling, Psycho-Education Groups. Men on A Mission Mentoring Services, Senior Outreach Services, Women s Support Group, and many others services for positive life style change. Consider GACCS when making contributions, as our primary funding source is those that chose to give as they benefit from information and services shared. Tax statements are provided for all contributions. Send your donation to GACCS Pontiac Trail, Ste.337 Wixom, MI that someone else can benefit from words of encouragement. Regardless of whether we have sown seeds into your life or you have prayed that such services would be available for someone you know, we now offer you the opportunity to sow into the lives of others. Beatrice Smith, LMSW, CEAP Clinical Director Andrea Mack, Chief Operating 16 Officer