We Each Have a Ministry

Our lives are a testimony to others of Christ’s love. We are His servants to minister to one another by His power that resides in us. Each of us should have a ministry, but quite often, and especially for the new believer, we don’t know what area of service we are gifted in. Keep praying about it and then simply step out in faith and serve. You will have joy, and there will be a supernatural flow, when you serve within your gift(s).

A good place to start can be in the area of pen pal ministry. Even though we live in a day and age of social media, there is still a large segment of society that does not use electronics, including seniors and prisoners. Yet, those two groups love receiving mail.

During my compiling of Stories of Faith and Courage from Prison, I was connected with Beth Michael, a founder of Christian Pen Pals. Literally thousands of lives have been touched by this outreach to inmates. An excerpt from her January 11^th story from the prisoner devotional book states: 

 

“God tells us we each have a ministry. ‘Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation’ (2 Cor. 5:18). With the Holy Spirit inside us to guide us, we each have the power to share Christ with others. Most prison ministries have huge needs. We need to be faithful to do our part and prayerfully consider getting involved in, and ministering to, the “least of these.”

Through Beth’s dedication to her ministry, many inmates have started ministries of their own on both sides of the razor wire. Many hurting men and women have found hope in Jesus and have dedicated their lives to serving Him.

 

If you’d like more information about Christian Pen Pals, please contact: CPP, PO Box 11296, Hickory, NC 28603, or www.christian-penpals.com.

True joy comes when you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and invest your time in serving others. 

The Birthday Party

Imagine there was to be a huge birthday party in your honor. Invitations were sent out, and for many months people prepared for it. They bought gifts, they baked cakes and cookies, and they spent tons of money and time decorating. They sang songs about the upcoming day, even gathering outside homes to sing in the cold night. Some of the songs specifically honored you, but some were simply about…the celebration.

As the years went by, more and more people forgot who they were celebrating and instead worshipped the day. The parties and gift-giving became the focus…and you, well…you were almost completely forgotten. Here it was your birth that started the grand celebration each year, but now…not only do many of the attendees not know who you even are, but they take your name in vain. It has become all about the party, all about the gifts, and sadly, all about making money from your birth.

Imagine how you would feel, if You were the Father of the One who was being celebrated. You had given up Your only Son to die a horrible death in order to save all these people. And, by simply calling on Your Son’s name (from the heart), and seeking forgiveness for your sins, you would be saved from spending eternity in hell. His amazing Spirit would immediately take up residence in your heart, too, giving you new life in the here and now. Imagine a God who would love His creation so much as to do that for them.

Yet, once a year, on the anniversary of His Son’s birth, His Son is all but forgotten. The emphasis is on the party and not the Person. The day is all about food, family, and materialism. The Son, Jesus, is barely recognized.

Soon, very soon, that Son will return. Our amazing Creator knows each of our hearts. It is He who knows when we are sleeping, who knows when we are awake. God knows His kids, those who know Him and those who don’t. God keeps His word and He will be sending His Son back again soon, very soon.

Why not make this Christmas about the true reason for the season. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and then celebrate the amazing Christ for who He is, who He was, and who He will be.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Interview with guest writer Carole Brown

Would you take this time to describe your debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, to us? 
 

Here’s a brief blurb:  How far would YOU go to avenge a daughter’s cruel death?

Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings. Can his prayers and love reach Cara and show her the way to redemption? Will Cara realize God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far?

 The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is a novel of hope shining through the darkness with strong elements of suspense and romance. This novel was a semifinalist in the Genesis contest and is receiving raving reviews! Release date was October 21, 2013 from the Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.
 

What is the genre you write in?  Would you explain what it is?

I write suspense. My debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, is considered women’s fiction but filled with suspense and romance. I do believe anything I write will have suspense and/or mystery in it. Some--most--of my novels will not deal with such a strong topic as abuse, or at least will not be written as intensely as TRofCH.
I have a novel releasing this month--Hog Insane--that is the first book in a fun mystery series. 

What is the spiritual message in your latest book?  What can readers expect to get from reading it?

 Hope Shining Through the Darkness. I hope readers will see that even in dark times, in heartbreaking or hard times, when there is no light, that God can and does shine a light for us to cling to and trust in.

 I want readers to understand a little better of the horribleness of abuse and to experience more sympathy for those suffering from it. 

 Do you ever feel like giving up?  Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer.  How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?  Who’s inspired you the most?

Of course! In 2011 and the beginning of 2012, I almost admitted I would never be a published author and that I might as well quit. Fortunately, one dear older lady made me realize that I needed to believe with all my heart. In April, 2012, I was invited to submit a full manuscript and that December I signed a contract. The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman released October 21, 2013. This year I was invited to submit another book to a different publisher and was accepted. That book will release this month.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or was chosen) a publisher?  Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

No, it was by invitation from the publishers, and no, I can’t relax totally. I may have a day to enjoy myself, but I have two books due next year, another one I need to finish editing soon, one I need to finish by the first of the year, and others I need to work on. There’s marketing, events to attend, normal tasks to perform, and life to be lived.

I never want to take what I have achieved for granted.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out?   Anything else you’d like to share?  Promotional information?

I’d love for everyone to connect with me on one or several of these spots. Ask questions or feel free to watch for my next book.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

I also am part of several other blogs:

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/

 

Thank you, Carole, for using your gifts to serve our Lord. God bless your future endeavors!

 

 

God’s Timing is Perfect

 

A family member from another state called me recently. Her heart was heavy for an elderly loved one who was suffering from physical ailments. She needed a listening ear and a comforting prayer. I gladly gave both.

Before we hung up, I found myself adding:  “I know it is painful to watch a loved one suffer. It can be easy to get angry with God for allowing it. But we need to remember that their suffering can be used for good. It can actually be for the benefit of others.”

In my cousin’s case, her loved one was a very strong Christian who gave his entire adult life to serving Christ. But if you have a loved one who you aren’t sure is a born again Christian, and who appears to be uncommunicative or comatose, don’t stop praying for them. God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond all we dare to hope or think (Ephesians 3:20-21). Nothing is too hard for God. He can, and does, speak to those who can’t speak to us; give visions to those who cannot see us, all in order to reveal Himself and His love for them.

Keep praying for those who love the ill one, too, who are standing vigil and are hurting. What looks like “lingering” or the “prolonging” of death, is actually precious time that can be used by God to nudge family members/loved ones to pause and think about death and the afterlife—to seek Him. It is all part of His divine plan. And sometimes, it can be the only way to get a lost person to stop long enough in their hurried life to think about the afterlife.

When a death seems delayed (in our opinion), we need to remember God is still in control. As Christians, we will leave this earth at our appointed time—when our mansion is ready. In the meantime, keep trusting the One in control.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3)

It’s Not Us…It’s Him

I was humbled this week. As a speaker with Set Free in Him Ministries, my two friends and I were invited to speak at a country church. After we were introduced, I spoke first. I was to share my “reluctant” heart to get involved in prison ministry. Then Nanette Friend would share her “repentant” heart and what led to her involvement in prison ministry. Finally, Connie Johnston, an assistant chaplain at our local jail, would share her “restored” heart over the decisions made by a wayward child that led to her involvement in prison ministry, too.

Prior to advancing to the podium, I glanced over my shoulder. Hmmm, a few dozen older ladies and a few middle-aged women. Yeah, I got this. I was instantly put at ease.

But something happened when I arrived at the podium and glanced out at the crowd. I’m not sure exactly what changed, but my confidence not only left me, my speech did, as well. Even with my notes before me, they looked like Greek, and I definitely don’t know how to read Greek.

 It was evening and I am a morning person. I knew I should have had a short nap or a little caffeine (or both) to stay on my toes, but… I’ve shared this message before. I’ve lived this message, for crying out loud –it’s about me and my past. This should be easy.

So, why couldn’t I recognize the relaxed facial expressions of the audience as possibly being tired (like I was)? Why couldn’t I simply tell myself that they were unwinding from a long day, or maybe trying to focus on my message?

Instead, the enemy whispered loud and clear, “They’re mad at you.”

It sounds ridiculous to type those words now, but at the time, believe me, they were convincing.

“They don’t like what you have to say.”

“They don’t believe you.”

“You are boring them.”

It went on and on, one after the other. And there were lots of interruptions that night, too. Somehow, parents of a Boy Scout troop thought this church was where their meeting was being held.

It was only a twenty minute talk, but it felt like two hours. I said several emergency prayers throughout and I know my two friends were praying for me, too. God was faithful; He helped me get through it and to even make sense. It’s been a long time, however, since I have struggled so much to get a message of hope in Christ relayed.

The Holy Spirit showed up that night, in spite of my blunders and in spite of the enemy's attempts to thwart me off course. After we three shared our testimonies of how amazing our God is, we were privileged to pray with many a hurting grandma who approached us at the altar, offering them hope, and reminding them that God loves their children and grandchildren more than they do.

Once again God showed me that when we are weak, He is strong. He still uses us in spite of our fears, and in spite of our over confidence in ourselves, too. You can be sure I will not make that same mistake of thinking, “Yeah, I got this,” again. Instead it will be, “Father, You got this. I am simply Your willing servant. Use me for Your glory.”

For it is God who gives the increase: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.”  (1 Cor. 3:7)