Author: margiwintermute

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

Lately, I have heard from several people who are excited about what they are hearing in their churches. Many have shared that services are filled with entertainment for the whole family. They speak of groups coming in to speak, to do dramas and have “give aways”. But, are pastors these days preaching on Holiness?

It seems to me that throughout churches “one bell is ringing” – a feel good message. God loves you, God wants to give you the best, God will heal and deliver you and has a much better life for you just around the corner. And yes, He does love us deeply, He does heal and deliver and this life with Him will always bring us the very best. But, in this world so full of hate and confusion, where is the holiness message? Who out there is telling the people that “just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do”.

Holiness is not being perfect, but being a child who wants to be like his Savior – one who follows His examples of goodness, of love, joy, peace, patience and self-control. He knows our weaknesses, but He also has given us the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us in this life. He has given us His Word to know and follow. And He has given us each other to support and encourage. And when we fall, we are to get on our knees ask for forgiveness and yes, He forgives!

So today my friends, let us remind each other to follow the road to holiness!

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25

Many of us know that Job suffered greatly – he lost his family first of all. I cannot imagine losing my family, my children. He also lost his health and even his wealth. By this time, I would want to just dig a hole and crawl in it never to show my face to light again. So, I understand his grief and heartache!

But Job in his heart knew one thing – one thing that meant more than anything else. He declared, I know that my Redeemer lives! His declaration gives hope to the many, to the thousands out there who are suffering. Our Redeemer lives and is here for us always!

Life in itself is hard – days are sometimes filled with disappointments and heartaches. And even though we may have moments of joy and refreshing, this world gives us little hope and answers. But God, in His great mercy has given us a Redeemer, Jesus Christ. And Jesus Himself, fills us with the power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us through those difficult days.

Yes, I know that my Redeemer lives! I know He loves and encourages us on. His Holy Spirit is there each step of the way. And He will reign on this earth once again and take control of this world so out of control!

So, I thank God for those men and women who have displayed hope and courage in the midst of suffering. And I thank and praise my Redeemer, for I know He will again reign and rule in this complex and sinful world!

Now faith is the assurance of things hope for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

The word hope is a word that defines, sets free, and motivates every part of life. It is a firm assurance of things we embrace with God. It is knowing in our knower, even if still not seen with the eyes or felt anywhere else but the heart.

Someone recently asked me how I can be so sure that God even exists. Well, besides the many times He has spoken to me or given to me, it is this confident assurance, the Hope He has placed in my heart! Yes, God is alive, God is real and God is with us!

The future hope we have of the resurrection is a confident guarantee He offers. The presence of the Holy Spirit Himself gives us this confidence and guidance through this gift of hope.

Matthew 12:21 tells us that all the world will find hope in His name. So, my friends, start there – start with the name of Jesus where every knee will bow and every tongue will confess.

For Jesus is our Hope – the hope of the world – our blessed hope for things that are and things to come!

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6

This word, like so many others, is so precious to me. It was given to me by the Lord on October 21 1986 while I was listening to John Wimber of Vineyard Church. I knew this was a word for me immediately but was a little hesitant. I could not have children and so we had adopted two beautiful children, just days old. Now, after all these years, 15 to be exact, I would have a child?? I was excited but hesitant at the same time. Two months later, I was pregnant and on September 22,1987 we had a little girl, Samantha Sue.

My three children are now grown. Josh is married and a campus pastor in Flower Mound, Texas and they have three boys. Melissa is married and they have two boys and a girl and Samantha is married and they have a little girl and a new born baby boy.

I write this brief history to just give glory to God! You see this girl, who could have no children now has 8 grandchildren. This miracle only can come from one source and that is God Almighty Himself!

Even back when we wanted to adopt, there were no babies to be had due to the abortion craze! In fact, we were told to try and possibly find someone ourselves who wanted to give their baby up for adoption. But God was so loving and gave us the desires of our hearts – a girl, then a year later, a little baby boy. All three of my children are miracles and we rejoice and give Him glory for our family!

So today, I sing for joy at the birth of baby number 8 in this family! And my other two children and their families were here to rejoice with us!

We all have a story – and God has in so many ways, has added something special to each of our stories! Please share yours with us, will you? And give Him even more praise for His love and merciful hand!

The Lord is shall my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

My father died when I was fairly young and he was only 44 years old. My mother went into depression and life for all of us became difficult. I had no one to look to for my future plans and felt like I was wondering around in the wilderness and fear crept in from all sides. During that time, I was always looking for someone to direct my steps in life.

What I did not realize then and, looking back, realize now, is a guide and overseer was there. The Lord Himself never left my side. Even in my blind spots when I didn’t recognize him, He was there. He was my encourager, my guide and kept pointing the way. For years, I did not see His direction and protection, His hand over me. Today, I smile when I look back and see how much He did for me in those times. He gave me so much – ever so much more than I deserved. He even, then called me daughter. I see His gift of life, His gifts of grace and much mercy He poured over me. I see His love and His forgiveness, His arms open wide.

Yes, the Lord is my shepherd! He gave me peace, a family, direction and allowed me to see His face and I came running to Him! I was not alone, I was never alone and neither was anyone in my family. A big, big Father, supplied everything and more for us!

Today, I shout He is here for me and yes for you! Embrace His presence in your life – recognize His love, His guidance, His protection and His forgiveness. And Enjoy life with the Lord, your shepherd! Yes, life is worth living because of Him!

Children today love the comic book heroes. They love seeing a hero, a villain and a story of redemption. In fact, the movie industry has contributed billions to box office sales!
Today, we have such a story. The villain is Satan himself, the hero is Jesus Christ and we are the people in need of redemption. We need to be rescued from the grips of Satan and Jesus is the one and Only one who can rescue us! Satan is not going to let go easily and Jesus Himself knows this. Satan wants to steal God’s Grace, mercy and gifts from us, he wants to kill our bodies and destroy our souls! But Jesus says I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Who do we know that needs to be rescued from the grips of the enemy? Tell them about your real-life super hero, the One who gives life and gives it to the full, Jesus Christ! Without Him, we are left in the hands of the worst villain imaginable, Satan himself. Today and together, let us spread the good news. He is not a comic book hero, but our forever helper, Savior,redeemer! This is our story and our life and joy AND He can be theirs!

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even the youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fail; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

Tuesday morning, we were in the office talking about how weary and weak we have become. It seems the older we get, the harder it is to do sometimes the simplest chores. Our bodies do not seem to respond the way they used to – our hearing and even our eyes grow weaker. It takes a bit longer to bring up a simple name or event – yes, we get slower and tasks appear to take longer!

I then remember these words in Isaiah. He, my God, my Savior, my Source, gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. He will keep me from stumbling and will renew my strength, even as the years go by. God is the creator of all things – He knows their ins and outs. All we have to do is look at the world around us – trees in the forest, flowers in the fields, stars in the sky. There before us creation speaks of His creation and greatness! Every moment of the day we hear them speak of the goodness of God!

Yes, He has all strength, all power – And, He has an inexhaustible supply for each one of us! I only need remember who is my source of strength – I have to remember where my strength comes from. And it’s ours for the asking! So today, I look up to the heavens and rejoice! The God of the Universe will be my source of strength always! He says I can run and not grow weary and I will walk and never grow faint – if – and only if I rely on His strength, and not my own!

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