'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came
Written by Dianne Frances Donenfeld in 1988.
'Twas the night before Jesus came
And all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care,
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap,
Was watching The Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray,
I knew in a moment that this must be The Day.
The light of His face made me cover my head;
It was Jesus! Returning just like he said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name,
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call,
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!
taken from:
http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/poems.htm#'Twas%20The%20Night%20Before%20Jesus%20Came
Learned about this poem as my pastor read it in his church sermon this last Sunday. I thought it was a neat poem and wanted to share it.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
I received this story in an e-mail today and just felt compelled to share it. I don't know if this really happened or not--but it is truly a beautiful story that could potentially happen...
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
One day a man saw a old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.
Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.
He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.
He said, 'I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.'
Well, all she had was a flat tire,but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.
As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.
Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.
He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, 'And think of me.'
He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.
A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on herfeet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan.
After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.
There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: 'You don't owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.'
Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.
Well, there were tables toclear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she w as thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....
She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, 'Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.'
There is an old saying 'What goes around comes around.' Today I sent you this story, and I'm asking you to pass it on. Let this light shine.
Don't delete it, don't return it. Simply, pass this on to a friend
Good friends are like stars....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
~GOD BLESS!~
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
One day a man saw a old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.
Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.
He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.
He said, 'I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.'
Well, all she had was a flat tire,but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.
As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.
Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.
He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, 'And think of me.'
He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.
A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on herfeet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan.
After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.
There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: 'You don't owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.'
Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.
Well, there were tables toclear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she w as thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....
She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, 'Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.'
There is an old saying 'What goes around comes around.' Today I sent you this story, and I'm asking you to pass it on. Let this light shine.
Don't delete it, don't return it. Simply, pass this on to a friend
Good friends are like stars....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
~GOD BLESS!~
Friday, April 24, 2009
God's Will
Since I couldn't get back to sleep this morning I decided it must be God's will to read a book that I borrowed from a friend about a year ago and have been impressed to read and get it back to her as soon as I can.
The only conflict I had in reading it is that I quickly came upon somethings that I wanted to remember--so I took my notes and then I thought I should blog this because maybe it could help somebody else too! Needless to say, I didn't read very much this morning. So, to my friend out there, who let me borrow this book, please be assured that I am reading your book and I fully intend to give it back--someday!! :)
The Book is called The Classic Works of Phillip Keller. It has 4 of his writings in it titled:
1. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Very good--He does a great job of showing God's love for us as a shepherd does for his sheep. He also shows extremely well how much we as humans are silly like sheep and very much need our shepherd!)
2. A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer (currently reading and very impressed--this is the part I'll be quoting in this blog...)
3. A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd and His Sheep (Looking forward to reading!)
4. A Gardner Looks at the Fruits of the Spirit (Can't wait to read!)
So now with all that background information here is the passage that I particulary found helpful on pages 197-198 and hope you will too!
Here are seven sure guidelines to assist one in finding and doing God's will.
1. Is it definately in agreement with God's will expressed and written in His Word? If so, fine. If not, don't do it.
2. Have you faced a similar situation before? If so what did God show you as His will then? If you made a mistake, don't repeat it.
3. If the decision is difficult and far beyond you, seek the wise and prayerful counsel of mature and godly persons who have the mind of Christ and know how to ascertain God's will.
4. Make the matter one of quiet but earnest prayer. Ask God, your Father, by His Spirit, to impress upon you distinctly by a deep inner conviction what the proper course of action is.
5. Our Father has endowed us with a fund of wholesome and practical knowledge which He expects us to use. We ignore it with risk.
6.Expect and wait to see events and circumstances surrounding this situation alter in such a manner as to influence your mind and will in determining God's will. Time takes care of many decisions. We are prone to be too impatient and hasty. God is seldom in a great rush about things.
7. Anticipate that as time goes on, the way will either open or the way will close for you to proceed along any given course. This should be accompanied by a sense of acceptance, gladness that you are being made aware of God's will, happiness in doing it, and peace about it.
When these points are followed precisely, and there is no great conflict between them, one can be assured of knowing and doing God's will.
Here's Rana's paraphrase of what Keller says:
1. Is it biblical and inline with what God has already said to do or not do?
2. Have I had a similar experience? Don't repeat previous mistakes.
3. Seek godly counsel from mature and godly persons in Christ.
4. Pray! Ask God to impress upon my heart the clear path to follow.
5. What wisdom or knowledge do I already have that can be applied to this situation?
6.Wait! Don't rush into a decision without thinking it through.
7. Is it an open or a closed door?
There is yet a little more I would like to quote from Keller but am not able to do so now. Hopefully the door of opportunity will open again sometime soon. We'll just have to see what the Lord wills and impresses!! :)
The only conflict I had in reading it is that I quickly came upon somethings that I wanted to remember--so I took my notes and then I thought I should blog this because maybe it could help somebody else too! Needless to say, I didn't read very much this morning. So, to my friend out there, who let me borrow this book, please be assured that I am reading your book and I fully intend to give it back--someday!! :)
The Book is called The Classic Works of Phillip Keller. It has 4 of his writings in it titled:
1. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Very good--He does a great job of showing God's love for us as a shepherd does for his sheep. He also shows extremely well how much we as humans are silly like sheep and very much need our shepherd!)
2. A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer (currently reading and very impressed--this is the part I'll be quoting in this blog...)
3. A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd and His Sheep (Looking forward to reading!)
4. A Gardner Looks at the Fruits of the Spirit (Can't wait to read!)
So now with all that background information here is the passage that I particulary found helpful on pages 197-198 and hope you will too!
Here are seven sure guidelines to assist one in finding and doing God's will.
1. Is it definately in agreement with God's will expressed and written in His Word? If so, fine. If not, don't do it.
2. Have you faced a similar situation before? If so what did God show you as His will then? If you made a mistake, don't repeat it.
3. If the decision is difficult and far beyond you, seek the wise and prayerful counsel of mature and godly persons who have the mind of Christ and know how to ascertain God's will.
4. Make the matter one of quiet but earnest prayer. Ask God, your Father, by His Spirit, to impress upon you distinctly by a deep inner conviction what the proper course of action is.
5. Our Father has endowed us with a fund of wholesome and practical knowledge which He expects us to use. We ignore it with risk.
6.Expect and wait to see events and circumstances surrounding this situation alter in such a manner as to influence your mind and will in determining God's will. Time takes care of many decisions. We are prone to be too impatient and hasty. God is seldom in a great rush about things.
7. Anticipate that as time goes on, the way will either open or the way will close for you to proceed along any given course. This should be accompanied by a sense of acceptance, gladness that you are being made aware of God's will, happiness in doing it, and peace about it.
When these points are followed precisely, and there is no great conflict between them, one can be assured of knowing and doing God's will.
Here's Rana's paraphrase of what Keller says:
1. Is it biblical and inline with what God has already said to do or not do?
2. Have I had a similar experience? Don't repeat previous mistakes.
3. Seek godly counsel from mature and godly persons in Christ.
4. Pray! Ask God to impress upon my heart the clear path to follow.
5. What wisdom or knowledge do I already have that can be applied to this situation?
6.Wait! Don't rush into a decision without thinking it through.
7. Is it an open or a closed door?
There is yet a little more I would like to quote from Keller but am not able to do so now. Hopefully the door of opportunity will open again sometime soon. We'll just have to see what the Lord wills and impresses!! :)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Love Dare Note
I'm still working my way ever so slowly on the Love Dare book. I'm only at Day 12 but still working very hard on the ones I've learned about so far... :) I would love to share more of "my" notes on this wonderful book but I'm convicted that I should check with the proper sources to make sure it is okay to reference quotes or phrases on this blog. I don't want to get involved with any copyright infringement issues as I fear this would not be glorifying to the Lord. So until I get the proper authorization I'm not sure how much more I'll be writing on this book...
As I was just doing some research I found that there is a place you can journal and connect with other folks who are also taking the Love Dare challenge. Since this is the case, I'm not sure they'll let me do what I have in mind... Oh well, never hurts to ask right?
For those of you who might be taking the challenge or interested in finding out more about the book the address is: www.LoveDareBook.com
As I was just doing some research I found that there is a place you can journal and connect with other folks who are also taking the Love Dare challenge. Since this is the case, I'm not sure they'll let me do what I have in mind... Oh well, never hurts to ask right?
For those of you who might be taking the challenge or interested in finding out more about the book the address is: www.LoveDareBook.com
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Love Dare Challenge
I decided it would be fun to go through the The Love Dare book by Stephen & Alex Kendrick. Not because my marriage is having problems or anything but because I desire to be a better wife to my husband and what marriage is so perfect that it couldn't use a little improvement? Is there anyone else going through this book too? Please let me know--maybe we can encourage each other. :) By the way, if you know my husband, don't ask him about my progress as I'm trying to keep it a secret that I'm going through this book. Thanks! :)
I am so glad that my church is doing the FIREPROOF smallgroup studies for couples. I think this helps me in my endeavor to strengthen my marriage. It is so neat to see how God has turned some really terrible situations around for His glory. If any of you out there are from my church and would love to share please do!! Last week was our first week and I'm looking forward to getting to know the other people in my particular small group for the next five weeks...
I'm trying to do the Love Dare book daily--but am not keeping up with it as well as I'd like... I purchased this book Feb. 3 and should be on Day 12 but am only at Day 5!!! :(
I justify this by saying I'm working really hard on the first five days. :)
DAY 1-- Love is Patient
DAY 2--Love is Kind
DAY 3--Love is not selfish
DAY 4--Love is thoughtful
DAY 5--Love is not rude
I'm going to try to keep up with my progress through this book on this entry. We'll see what happens...
Today's assignment: Ask my spouse to tell me three things that cause him to be uncomfortable or irritated with me. I'm supposed to do this without attacking him or justifying my behavior.
Then according to the book I'm to journal how I handled hearing it. And what I plan to do to improve these areas?
I think that's enough for now. After all, today is Valentine's Day and I need to go practice what I've learned so far about love... :)
I am so glad that my church is doing the FIREPROOF smallgroup studies for couples. I think this helps me in my endeavor to strengthen my marriage. It is so neat to see how God has turned some really terrible situations around for His glory. If any of you out there are from my church and would love to share please do!! Last week was our first week and I'm looking forward to getting to know the other people in my particular small group for the next five weeks...
I'm trying to do the Love Dare book daily--but am not keeping up with it as well as I'd like... I purchased this book Feb. 3 and should be on Day 12 but am only at Day 5!!! :(
I justify this by saying I'm working really hard on the first five days. :)
DAY 1-- Love is Patient
DAY 2--Love is Kind
DAY 3--Love is not selfish
DAY 4--Love is thoughtful
DAY 5--Love is not rude
I'm going to try to keep up with my progress through this book on this entry. We'll see what happens...
Today's assignment: Ask my spouse to tell me three things that cause him to be uncomfortable or irritated with me. I'm supposed to do this without attacking him or justifying my behavior.
Then according to the book I'm to journal how I handled hearing it. And what I plan to do to improve these areas?
I think that's enough for now. After all, today is Valentine's Day and I need to go practice what I've learned so far about love... :)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Matters of Salvation
I thought it would be a good idea to lay a foundation of my understanding of what the Bible teaches so that all future readers would know where I'm coming from biblically. I think this is the most important topic of all and is one I pray every reader would consider as their eternal destiny is at stake.
I will let the Word of God speak mostly for itself. The following verses are taken from BibleGateway.com. I used primarily the New King James Version. This is by no means a complete list but it is a good start. For any readers who may be new to the Bible I invite you to read the book of John as a good starting point for finding out more about this Jesus person.
I will let the Word of God speak mostly for itself. The following verses are taken from BibleGateway.com. I used primarily the New King James Version. This is by no means a complete list but it is a good start. For any readers who may be new to the Bible I invite you to read the book of John as a good starting point for finding out more about this Jesus person.
- The Bible was inspired by God and is his very words to man. It is what He wants us to know about how we are saved.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16)
THE BAD NEWS
- We are all sinners and deserve to die.
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2)
8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
THE GOOD NEWS
Because God loved us He sent His Son to die for us.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (John 6:37)
40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. ( John 6: 40)
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
- JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE AS A RESPONSE TO THE BAD AND GOOD NEWS
- I cannot do enough good things to earn my way to heaven it is only through believing in God's grace that I am saved through faith.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13)
- I must ask God to forgive me for my sins.
19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, (Acts 3:19)
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
My Hearts Desire Regarding This Blog
First I would like to borrow a line from Rick Warren and say that "It's not about me." The thoughts I write, I hope and pray, will glorify and reveal the True One that life is about and my relationship with Him. I pray that this blog will be a public testimony to the rest of the world of what being a true Christian is all about. I pray that this blog will encourage, challenge, and strengthen other believers of like-minded faith to a greater relationship with their Lord and Savior-- the Jesus, the Christ, of the Bible.
This blog may be labeled Thoughts by Rana but I desire that any future readers will feel free to submit their thoughts. I realize that I don't have all the answers and never will until I reach heaven someday. I also realize that I am human and can make mistakes; so, I would like to provide an opportunity for those of you with more wisdom than I, to share it. For those who disagree with any of the blogs I invite you to share as well. Say your peace-- but I ask you to do it respectfully. Please no profanity, name-calling, or put-downs, of any sort.
Finally, I am new to the blogging world so I ask all of you to be patient as I am learning how to "blog". Who knows, maybe some of us can all learn together? :)
This blog may be labeled Thoughts by Rana but I desire that any future readers will feel free to submit their thoughts. I realize that I don't have all the answers and never will until I reach heaven someday. I also realize that I am human and can make mistakes; so, I would like to provide an opportunity for those of you with more wisdom than I, to share it. For those who disagree with any of the blogs I invite you to share as well. Say your peace-- but I ask you to do it respectfully. Please no profanity, name-calling, or put-downs, of any sort.
Finally, I am new to the blogging world so I ask all of you to be patient as I am learning how to "blog". Who knows, maybe some of us can all learn together? :)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Thanks Bryce for Getting me Started
I would like to dedicate my first blog to my cousin Bryce. If it were not for him I don't think I would have come up with this idea to blog at all. Nor would I have known how to go about doing one--if the idea would have somehow occurred to me.
I really admire my cousin Bryce. He has a good head on his shoulders and we have had some pretty interesting conversations on a wide range of topics (some of which might make their way into this blog at one point or another). Even if I don't agree with him on all things I respect and admire where his heart is and I enjoy dialoguing with him as it is a good way to ponder what I think about various issues, to pray over them, and consider why I think what I think and what I should do as a result of what I think. As I think of Bryce I consider Proverbs 27:17. I like how it is stated in God's Word Translation (C.1995) which I found at Biblos.com "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens the wits of another." Thank you Bryce for being one of those people who have "sharpened my wits". :)
I really admire my cousin Bryce. He has a good head on his shoulders and we have had some pretty interesting conversations on a wide range of topics (some of which might make their way into this blog at one point or another). Even if I don't agree with him on all things I respect and admire where his heart is and I enjoy dialoguing with him as it is a good way to ponder what I think about various issues, to pray over them, and consider why I think what I think and what I should do as a result of what I think. As I think of Bryce I consider Proverbs 27:17. I like how it is stated in God's Word Translation (C.1995) which I found at Biblos.com "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens the wits of another." Thank you Bryce for being one of those people who have "sharpened my wits". :)
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