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My husband and I relocated from a Chicago suburb to Southaven, MS in November of 2016.
4 days after Christmas I was on my way home from the gym in my beloved 2015 slate gray Hyundai Sonato when a car came barreling towards me over a hill in my lane.
I didn't have time to react. My car spun around and I was facing the direction I had just come from. Several strangers stopped to help and stayed with me until police and my husband arrived. These witnesses told police the driver of the other car was going about 75 and trying to pass several cars at once on this 2 lane road.
I walked away from this accident without a scratch. Some neck and shouder pain. My car was a total loss.
I saw a orthopedist about shoulder and he ordered an MRI. The doctor said he wasn't concerned about my shoulder but rather a goiter on my neck. He advised me to see my primary doctor asap. I was diagnosed with stage 1 thyroid cancer. Had it not been for the accident only God knows when it would have been discovered.
I have since had a thyroidectomy. A full body scan that revealed no disease left in body.
Tell me we don't serve an awesome God? His way is not ours. Everything happens for a reason in line with God's will.
THIRTY years ago, I went to the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. At the far end of the garden is "Skull Hill" where the skull-face effect can still be seen, and the site of the crucifixion. After walking the full circle, I came upon a well-preserved rock-hewn tomb. The entrance would have been sealed with a "great stone" as described in the Gospel Matt 27:60.
I entered the Tomb through a small opening in the rock and found myself in a small chamber—the Weeping Chamber. Looking through a low threshold was another chamber of the same size which held 2 loculi (burial places), one finished with a rock pillow and one unfinished. There was nothing else in either chamber except a small sign in the Weeping Chamber on the rock wall which read, "He is risen; He is not here” from Mark 16:6.
As I read, a voice so mighty it seemed to be all AROUND me, OVER me, ON me, and IN me! “You are not alone; I am with you.” I stood frozen, as a young man quietly checking out the surroundings appeared to be oblivious to the voice and me. How could he not hear it? I cannot properly describe that feeling, but I'll never forget it. . . shock and awe, wonder, HUGE, and it filled every fiber of my being. I ducked out of the tomb, drying my tears. I HAD JUST MET JESUS! I KNEW that. I had done nothing to deserve a visit from Him, and pondered this for years and years while never speaking of it to anyone until a few years ago.
I went back to a life of full of fun and sin. Then, a few years ago, I met an Evangelist who “saw” something in me, took me under her wing preaching the Word of God, and Baptized me in The Holy Spirit. And that was just the beginning. Thinking back on my experience in the Garden Tomb, I understand what Jesus meant when He said: It is expedient for you that I go away. But when I go away (to heaven) I will send the promise of the Father, which is the Comforter (Holy Spirit; Holy Ghost), for not only will He be WITH you, but He will be IN you. (John 16:7; 14:7) I thank God that He never gave up on me, for where would I be without Him?!!?
When I was young and had my first summer job, I saved enough money to buy my first car. My brother Larry took me to a junkyard and showed me a 1956 Chevrolet Blaire. This car was dirty, had missing hubcaps, and did not have an engine. My brother saw at that time something I could not see, that was potential, something that could be restored and worth a lot of money. I, on the other hand, wanted something I could drive right away. Today, that car would be worth thousands of dollars.
.....That is how God sees our lives. He sees the dings and dents, the lost or missing parts in your life, but He knows your value, and He can restore and replace the missing pieces. To God, your life is not a piece of junk or a lost hubcap, and you do have potential. "Now to him who is able to do exceedingly more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21).
ReadI wanted to share my Breast Cancer testimony with others because people need to know that there is a way. It was be the grace of God that I was saved. I was afflicted for a moment. Hearing the word Cancer does not mean death. Post Surgery for me meant eating right, doing research, holistic living, and bringing awareness to others.
Psalm 119:71 NIV
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
God saw fit to create me with a genetic brain disorder. I was born in February 1973 missing a critical part of my personal computer, my brain. The part of the brain that separates it into 4 sections so that it can operate each part of your body, your left side, right side, lymphatic system, memory center, central nervous system and basic living functions. Cerebral spinal fluid builds up inside within ventricles of the brain that is pressurized. My optic nerve is too small as well. It is called Optic Nerve Hyperplasia. It is a spectral disorder like autism, in that, some people function better than others. It is extremely rare and only in the last 10 years has it been studied. Most cannot see, do not grow over 5 feet tall, are barren and suffer from being unable to fight off infections, ending up in wheelchairs. I am 43, the oldest known surviving female diagnosed, I had 20/20 vision most of my life, gave birth to 2 great children and grew to 5'4.5" tall. That in of itself is miraculous. My grandfather, the child of a minister in Western New York, collected Daily Bread devotionals since 1956 and was an avid listen to the radio broadcast since the beginning. He died in 2010 after raising us to know the Lord intimately. I was baptized as an adult in May of 2009 at my church in Louisville, Kentucky. That is when my life took a dramatic turn, as I was bestowed with gifts from God after baptism that unlocked my potential to have a purpose driven life beyond what I had known. As a direct result of domestic violence, I was forced to relocate to another state for my safety far from my church home and signed a lease in Illinois, June 1st, 2009. On June 13th, I was brutally raped in my home, the devil attacked me, basically, the entire year and I grew despondent, depressed and withdrawn. I had a new church home, however, my fears would not let me leave the house, because, the alleged rapist was never brought to justice and lived 4 blocks from me in this small town. I grew suicidal, questioning God's plan and prayed for him to take me home willingly, he did not agree, so, I silently planned to take my own life. On October 28, 2009, I drank 25 ounces of anti-freeze, climbed into bed at 10 pm and fell asleep, alone, welcoming the end to my turmoil. God had a plan, though, I knew not the outcome. I was rescued by a neighbor who found me the next morning at 9 am. I received 4 blood volume replacement transfusions and had dialysis 3 times, was in a hospital induced coma for 10 days, the doctors told my family after they arrived from across the country on the 3rd day, that I would not survive. A prayer page went out on Facebook, by my Aunt, receiving over 5,000 prayers, my parents stayed by my bedside and I awoke on the 11 day, without any damage at all, like nothing had happened. They're was photographs, pictures of Angels and Jesus, on every single wall of my room, a stranger had placed an expensive bracelet made of turquoise, copper and silver on my wrist with blessed cross bangles all over it. All I remember of that first night was the smell of burnt roses and Amazing Grace playing on a piano that was never there. My grandmother played the piano in church and died in 1993. One of my doctors a neurologist who had practiced for over 30 years was from Germany, originally, Grandma was born in Sweden, so I recognized his accent, stated that in all his years he had never seen a soul survive that type of poisoning. To survive without any physical damage is unheard of. Several doctors agreed in my room, that my recovery defied any scientific explanation. The translation of my christian given name literally means 'Fruit of Life' I believe in the Almighty, Omnipotent, All knowing Christ Jesus, after that brief time in my life, coming through potential death, my direction has been restored, my mission has been renewed and my focus on living life to it's fullest, has been preordained. I won't give up give in or deny the power of a miracles. If you believe that God is a silent God or that your on your own, just look to your neighbors, your fire department, your hospitals, your science, your planet or your dog. If you can create a life like that, maintain life and endure it, you should not deny it. Praise God for granting me just that. The power to know that I am small in his eyes, lets me live large. It has never been about my destination in Heaven, I know my place is next to his throne, today is all about the journey I take to get there, what I have left behind and who I have invited to join me in his Kingdom. We must encourage lost souls to seek God, any way we can. Come against Satan when he is trying to get a foothold and he will never get a strong hold. Matthew 26:41, Thank you for reading my story, for information on how i am giving back to the community, find me on Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/kompleteabandon
ReadMy name is Kimmi and I am a grateful recovering addict. October 2003 was my bottom. I walked by people who were smiling and laughing and looked nice while I was on my way to meet my dealer, yet again. I had lost my ability to say no and to walk away from heroin. I've discovered that there's only one thing stronger than a mother's love. That would be addiction. And yet, I also discovered there's only one thing stronger than addiction - God and His eternal love. As each year passes and I get to celebrate each year, I still find myself surprised. The milestone I have been really looking forward to is celebrating 14 years clean and sober. Why? Because the AA coin has XIV on it. I'm a former I.V. addict and having the AA 14 year coin shows not only me, but those in my life that sobriety IS possible, one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time. Through the good and bad, God has saved me, time and time again. My favorite statement is "Stay sober NO MATTER WHAT" Learn from every situation, be grateful for every single minute He gifts, remember we are not bad people trying to get good, we are sick people trying to get well. My name is Kimmi and by the grace of God, I am a grateful recovering addict.
ReadFor the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17
Usually when you say, “See you tomorrow” to someone it literally means see you tomorrow. Did you ever think that the same phrase might have another meaning?
My family and I used to go to church on Saturday night. After church, our favorite tradition was to get a Baskin Robbins milkshake. When people went there just as they were heading out the door, the workers would say,“ See you tomorrow.” I’m sure people thought they were nuts. “What do they mean see you tomorrow? I’m not coming back tomorrow. Those people are weird.”
Finally, one of us asked, “What do you guys mean by “See you tomorrow?”
The manager replied, “We’re Christians. We have the assurance that when we die we’ll see each other again in heaven.”
The phrase “See you tomorrow” was their clever way of sharing the Gospel. How about you? Is your eternal future secure?
Dear Lord,
Please give me a heart that always longs to see your face.
Amen
I’ll see you tomorrow.
Ronn Jones emerged from a childhood of pain into a heart beating with God’s love. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, Ronn had a distorted view of himself as a boy. However, a precious lady named Lena would say to him, "Ronnie Jones, God has a plan for your life. You are so special. You are going to make it!”
Attending Lena's little church Ronn found the joy he wanted in his life. That night in his bathroom, Ronn knelt to pray and was born again! He could hardly wait to get back to that little church to tell the folks what had happened!
God has gifted Ronn with a great vocal ministry. Ronn has ministered in song to millions around the world on the radio, in person and on television with guest appearances on TBN’s ‘Praise the Lord’, ‘The 700 Club’, ‘100 Huntley Street’, and “Geraldo.”
On January 7, 2013, Ronn was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, He was told by several surgeons that if he didn't have surgery, he would die!
On April 26, 2013, Ronn underwent a brutal, eleven hour, robotic surgery to remove his esophagus, 2/3 of his stomach and then stretch the remaining 1/3 of his stomach to above his right lung, behind his collar bone! Even after this death sentence, Ronn did not require chemotherapy or radiation treatments! None of the eight surgeons could guarantee that he would be able to talk again! If you can't talk, you can't sing! THEY WERE WRONG! Ronn gives ALL the praise to God!
ReadFrapping the Boat
Gerald Cornelius
Hebrews 4: 14-16
I must confess that I am a landlubber. I love the solid ground beneath my feet. Consequently, I know very few nautical terms. Port, starboard, stern, bow and amidships are foreign terms to me. I was intrigued to find several nautical terms used in Scripture. In the original Greek, the word is found in only two places - Acts 27:18-18 and Hebrews 4:16. The Acts passage describes Paul’s shipwreck and the sailors shoring up the boat’s hull. The Hebrews passage uses the word differently. Hebrews 4:16 ASV says, “Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.” This same seafaring word is translated “need or aid.” The actual term is “frapping the boat.”
Why use this nautical term? When a boat was in danger of sinking, the crew would strap ropes or chains around the hull to keep it from falling apart. With this added support the boat would have a good chance of surviving the stormy water. They frapped the boat. The writer of Hebrews was expressing an important truth. God can shore up our lives in order to withstand any storm.
In the tempests of life we may feel God has abandoned us to face these terrible trials alone. When we approach our High Priest with our seemingly impossible trials, He fraps the boat, that is, He shores us up like the boat in a storm. He doesn’t remove us from the storms but gives us the grace and mercy to withstand them.
Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. 1Corinthians 10:13 GNB
Father,
When we are buffeted about by various trials and difficulties, help us to rely solely on our High Priest who will wrap us with His powerful ropes of love and protect us from the storms which would harm us. Amen.
I have many reasons to give thanks to God because he has been, the source of my strength. Through the years, I've watched my life blossom in so many times in so many ways. And that is because of God being so good and faithful to me. I can't even believe just how far that my God has literally brought me from being verbally and emotionally abused, nearly raped, nearly shot at and worst of all nearly killed 3 times in my automobile being it my first time ever, owning a car(or at least leasing it at the time) oh yes! You can say that I've been blessed to have survived all of that for some reason. God has something in his mind for me to do in after sparing my life through all of those frightening challenges and I do believe that he's not done with me yet.
ReadMy daily regimen of an early long distance running workout was somewhat interrupted by a mother duck and her two little ducklings. It was rather puzzling to me how all three of them were able to cross the busy street without getting hurt or, even, get hit by on-coming cars. Fortunately, Mama-Duck was smart enough to safely guide her ducklings to my side of the street and onto the sidewalk. It was rather unfortunate that she hopped onto the other side of a cement wall, leaving her two ducklings behind quacking for help. With overwhelming compassion, I was able to lure the ducklings to their Mama’s side and were reunited.
Three things came to my mind as I witnessed obedience and dependence, as well as guidance that these ducklings had upon their Mama-Duck. During my temper-tantrum and “youthful-Christian” days of trouble and hardship, I found myself putting up a wall in-between God and me; refusing to obey His instructions, which lead me to claim my independence and sought guidance from other individuals rather than from God. However, as I matured over the years, my dependence upon God has been non-ceasing, His guidance is the only thing that I seek daily and obedience to God is my highest priority.
King David was a man of obedience and his dependence upon God was his greatest strength when he was fighting God’s armies and hiding from King Saul as told in 1 Samuel 24. In Daniel 6, Daniel knew that God was the more powerful over King Darius, and told him that, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” Daniel 6:21-22 (NASB) These are only two stories out of myriad of stories in the Bible about brave, courageous, and faithful servants of God who were obedient, dependent upon God, and sought God’s guidance at all times.
The Lord God is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on my high places. Habakkuk 3:19
Read hi my name is Alma. I became a drug addict at a late age. all my life I did things to make other people happy. use and abuse me.
I did so many things to get that drug I didn't like myself I didn't even like God. until I met the super lady named sister k she told me one day you will become the person you were meant to be. She had me start reading Daily Bread I thought okay what can go wrong with that. Your book was telling my story everyday I would use something out of it. I read out of it.. and as days months years went by I began to believe God did not give up on me. It has been 12 years since I touched a drug or alcohol and sister k I still keep in contact with her. God, I have become the person I was meant to be. on the daily basis I have seven people that I send devotions to. I read your book on a daily basis and take something out of it and send the devotions. I am so happy with my life I can never thank you enough for writing this book. keep up the good work
My mother had been in an assisted living center for several years and the cruel effects of Alzheimer’s disease were evident with each passing year when my wife and children would make the four hour drive to visit with her for a couple of hours before returning home the same day. The last several visits we brought a laptop computer with family pictures and an occasional home movie clip to show her. But this time I had not taken the time to put together any pictures and I wasn’t sure how well Mom could recognize or even see the pictures anyway. Instead, I decided to read a few Scripture passages to her.
When we arrived she was sleeping but we managed to wake her up and talk while she lay in bed. She seemed glad to see us, although I don’t think she knew who we were. I told her that I had brought my Bible and asked if I could read some to her. She said yes. I tried to pick some well-known passages containing words of encouragement and God’s love. She lay listening as I read. But as I began to read from Psalm 23, one of her favorite passages, Mom began to recite the words along with me as I read! Needless to say I was amazed and struggled to hold back the tears as she recited along with me “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul…” She couldn’t recite it all, but she knew quite a bit of it. The verse she knew best was “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” She recited that verse several other times as I read other verses. When I finished she thanked us for reading to her.
Isn’t it amazing that in her condition she could still recite God’s word that she had “hidden in her heart” (Psalm 119:11)? So we had come to visit and encourage Mom and what happens…she amazes and encourages us, God is good! Let her example be a challenge to us all to hide God’s word in our heart.
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