I've Always Been Rich: Mother's Day Memories

I've Always Been Rich: Mother's Day Memories: Remembering our Mothers today leads to many memories.  My parents, pictured above, were godly parents as I described in my book, I've...

Mother's Day Memories

Remembering our Mothers today leads to many memories.  My parents, pictured above, were godly parents as I described in my book, I've Always Been Rich.  What a rich heritage my mother and mother-in-law left for me and my husband.  I pray I expressed my love and adoration for them while they were still living.  Sometimes those memories grow fonder as years go by and the positive aspects of their lives become the more prominent memories.  And that is okay.  But as imperfect as our lives as mothers are we still appreciate hearing "I love you" on special days. God has blessed us with 6 children and we do appreciate the thoughts sent to us on this special day.

A gift my husband gave me this Mother's Day was a plaque with the first verse of Psalm 27 written on it.  He knows that Psalm has special meaning for me as I read that to my dad, it was his special Psalm, on the day he died.  What memories that Psalm brings  to mind every time I see it.  The first verse reads like this, "The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?" 

I may not get a blog out every week as we will be traveling to visit family and seeing some wonders of this great creation.  I am still active with my book, the latest way is going to different church groups and Christian Women Connections speaking about it.  I am really enjoying the interaction with people throughout the area as we identify with my lifestyle of long ago  and with the salvation story.

mjrevmo6@aol.com   Marilyn Rensink

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I've Always Been Rich: Road to Emmaus

I've Always Been Rich: Road to Emmaus: The story of two men on their way to Emmaus is always an interesting one. The men were followers of Jesus.  Now they had heard that their ...

Road to Emmaus

The story of two men on their way to Emmaus is always an interesting one. The men were followers of Jesus.  Now they had heard that their Jesus, who they believed was their long expected Messiah,   had been crucified but also was supposed to have risen from the grave. Several of the disciples had gone to the tomb to verify what the women said and found, yes, the tomb was empty.  They were discussing this whole scenario not knowing what  to believe.  That is when Jesus came up to them and walked along with  them but they didn't recognize Him.  They found it strange that this man who joined them did not seem to know about all the events that had transpired in Jerusalem the past few days.  The men then, in great detail, told all about the way the prophets had foretold his coming, his persecution, his  crucifixion  and even the empty tomb.  Jesus admonished them for not believing  the prophetic scripture.  Still, they did recognize Him.  When they neared the house they were to stay for the night they invited Jesus to stay with them.  Jesus accepted the invitation. It was  only when Jesus took the bread. blessed it and began to give it to  them did they recognize who this "stranger" was.  When they recognized Him he disappeared from their sight.  This story brings up some very interesting and strong points.  Notice that the two men did not recognize Jesus until he took the bread, blessed it and gave it to them to eat.  Jesus didn't wait to be served, he immediately took residence, so to speak, and served them,  He took charge.  He gave them the physical bread to nourish their bodies after the 7 mile walk from Jerusalem.  That is the way it is when we are told about Jesus, accept him into our heart and take our nourishment from him. Jesus does for us sinners what he did for those two men.  They invited him into their home when they still did not recognize him for who he was.  He accepted their invitation to stay.   But then Jesus took over and fed them.  He took control and did what he does so well.  He gave them nourishment.  When we accept Jesus to come into our heart he gives the Holy Spirit to empower us and He truly reveals who he is and immediately begins to nourish us with his spiritual food.  Remember, the two men supplied the bread but when Jesus blessed it and broke it he gave it to them.  You  and I have our talents and gifts but we have been using them in our way and for ourselves mainly. When Jesus comes in as our Lord and Savior he enables us  to use our gifts for others.  In other words, he blesses and enriches what we already have so it can be a blessing to others. However, that is not the end of the process.  Our growth spiritually comes as we feed on his Word, as we commune with him in prayer and as we serve him with our whole heart.  A formula I have found to be helpful in my spiritual life is this:  we are blessed, we are called, we are enabled and then we are blessed to be a blessing.  This was made so clear to me yesterday when I spoke about the book, "I've Always Been Rich".  I explained how I had been blessed with food, clothing, home, Christian parents and then a wonderfully spiritual husband throughout my life so I consider that as being rich. I was called into ministry and accepted the call. God enabled me by providing  the training I needed.  Then yesterday I had the privilege of sharing that journey with 80 women at a local church.  What a tremendous privilege of sharing God's  grace with those women and being drawn together in Christian love.  It just doesn't get more blessed than that.  Emmaus story found in Luke 24:13........Blessed..... in Genesis 12: 1-3.
Marilyn Rensink   Email mjrevmom6@aol.com   Books available as is speaking.

I've Always Been Rich: The Empty Tomb

I've Always Been Rich: The Empty Tomb: Several years ago we spent time in the Holy Lands and in Egypt.  As many people will tell you who have been there, the pyramids in Eg...

The Empty Tomb

Several years ago we spent time in the Holy Lands and in Egypt.  As many people will tell you who have been there, the pyramids in Egypt are  massive and a construction miracle for that age.  The size betrays their customary intent.  They were to be burial sites for the rich and famous, mostly the powerful leader of their County.  These people were buried with all sorts of material items they might need in the after life as well as other paraphernalia for the comfort of the deceased.  The body remained in that tomb unless someone decided to bury it some other place, than that place would be specified.  The body or its remains would always be buried.  This was and is true in any cemetery whether the deceased is a pauper, millionaire, famous, man, women, child, historical figure or any other definition of mankind you can think of.  The remains will decay but will always remain buried. 
Today is Easter.  Last week I wrote about Palm Sunday when Jesus rode into the city on a donkey amidst the praises of the people.  He was looked on and considered their Messiah who would reign as their King and free them from the bondage of Rome.  In just a weeks time  the religious leaders of the Holy City turned that triumphant entry into a crucifixion and hung Jesus on the cross.  Yes,  that crucifixion was to pay the penalty for our sins so  that we do not have to go through the condemnation for our sins, that was a hefty price for Him to pay but He did it in love for those who chose to accept Him as Lord and Savior.  Jesus conquered  sin for you and me. Joyfully, that was not the end of what He would do for us.  Just 2 days after his death on the cross  the tomb where He had been laid was found to be empty.  Yes, EMPTY.  The grave clothes were neatly left in the tomb but Jesus body was gone.  As he had promised His disciples he was going to rise from the grave to prove to us that he had also overcome death.  The disciples were skeptical as I might have been at that time as well.  But He did it FOR US.  As I alluded to above, no other race, religion, or people group who claim to have a messiah or god can claim to have an empty tomb. No other dignitary   can claim to have conquered death. No other human can claim to have paid the condemnation for the sins  of their followers.  Christianity is  the only faith that has a risen Lord.  The grave was empty when the women came to the tomb to further the traditional ceremony of tending to the body.  Yes dear people, we serve a risen Lord, one who lives in us and who loves us so much that he conquered sin and death for you and me.  We sang praises today in our worship services for the freedom we have because  he was willing to pay.  His Grace always exceeds our expectations.  We rejoice in His love and return our love in gratitude to Him.
Again, my book, "I've Always Been Rich" which has a subtitle of "Experiencing The Richness of God's Grace", continues to be offered in bookstores. 
Marilyn Rensink    Email   mjrevmom6@aol.com
 

I've Always Been Rich: Palm Sunday

I've Always Been Rich: Palm Sunday: In Luke 19 we read a detailed description of the events that took place on Palm Sunday, which was just a week before Jesus was crucified....

Palm Sunday

In Luke 19 we read a detailed description of the events that took place on Palm Sunday, which was just a week before Jesus was crucified.  Palm Sunday is a joyful event but less than a week after it came the event that displayed  the most despicable death know to mankind.  Then the miraculous event,  the resurrection of Jesus from the grave.  But today we concentrate on Palm Sunday. 

Jesus and his disciples  were making the trek to Jerusalem.  They were traveling on the road seen in the picture above.  Wilmer and I traveled that same road when we were in the Holy Lands some years ago.  We were mesmerized by the thought that we were on the same road that Jesus took knowing He was on His way to be crucified.  Before Jesus and the crowd approached this place called the Mount of Olives the disciples had acquired a colt for Jesus to ride on  but the disciples were on foot.  As the crowd continued to grow and excitement rose they became more convinced  that  Jesus was the one who they hailed as their long expected King.  There praises went like this, Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord,  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest".  The crowds were jubilant because they still expected Jesus  to be a king in their worldly domain and it was expected that He would free them from the bondage of the earthly king that was oppressing them.  But in the midst of the joyous and jubilant celebration of the people we read that Jesus wept.  As the whole procession moved down the Mount of Olives the city of Jerusalem was in view, even as it is in the picture above.  Jesus tears show us how little Jesus was affected by all the applause and acclamation of the people.  He knew their thoughts and He knew what was to happen shortly.  This gives us an interesting insight into the heart of Jesus.  He wept in the midst of his triumphs.  That gives us pause as we rejoice in the triumphs and frivolity  in this world.  Nothing wrong with laughter and praise but there are still signs of evil around us and that makes us  weep even as Jesus wept for the coming destruction of the city dear to his heart, Jerusalem.

 Also, He knew he was going to Jerusalem to be killed by the very people that were now  acclaiming his greatness.  An interesting insight is when some leaders of the crowd thought the people should not raise their voices in praise, Jesus told them that if they were quiet the stones would cry out in praise.  Sounds like a strange response but its literal fulfilling would come a little later in the week.  When Jesus was on the cross people reviled Him and even the disciples sunk into a profound silence.   However, that is the time when the earth did quake and rocks were rent apart.  The people of that day wanted to silence Jesus but the Christ cannot be silenced. 

This event in scripture reminds me of when we, even as Christ's believers, tend to want to put our hope and security in an earthly power whether it be a pastor, political leader or other symbol of significance. That is exactly what the people in Jesus day were doing, they looked for an earthly king who could make their lives more productive, less restrictive and be free..  They expected a Messiah and had looked forward for many years to his coming so when Jesus came they expected all their hopes and dreams to be fulfilled in Him.  They totally missed the message of Jesus and why God sent Him into the world.  Jesus came for one purpose, to die on the cross in our stead to satisfy the wrath of God for the sins we commit.  Jesus gave himself voluntarily on our behalf so we can be declared righteous.  The penalty for our sins was paid for on the cross. Do you and I still think an earthly power is the answer to our problems?  Do we think that God needs a human entity to fulfill His hope for the world?  Do I, and you, sometimes think God probably needs a little help to make His Almighty plan come to fruition?  I make the point that all of us are to do our humanitarian things, our evangelizing efforts, our support for those who are on the battle lines in  leadership positions but we do them with the confidence that God does rule and He does direct us in what we are to do.  The Jewish people in Jesus day made an about face from Palm Sunday to Good Friday.  They had their eye on the wrong goal.  They wanted what was good for their everyday living and totally missed that Jesus wanted their heart.  Only  He can  fill the vacuum of our hearts and give us a life that is filled with the Holy Spirit who will direct us to do and say what brings honor and glory to God.

Still selling the book, I've Always Been Rich, which talks about experiencing the richness of God's   grace.  Books can be purchased Barnes and Noble and Amazon and Christian booksores. 

Marilyn Rensink      email  mjrevmo6@aol.com

I've Always Been Rich: Relationships

I've Always Been Rich: Relationships: One of my all time favorite pictures is this one taken in Mexico of 2 of our granddaughters and two children that lived in the same villag...

Relationships

One of my all time favorite pictures is this one taken in Mexico of 2 of our granddaughters and two children that lived in the same village in Mexico.  Our daughter and her husband are missionaries and some years back  they and their children lived in this village for some time.  Our granddaughters spoke English, of course, and knew a smattering of Spanish and a few words in the vernacular of the little village.  The 2 Mexican children knew there language but probably did not have a grasp of any other language.  However, that didn't keep those 4 from being friends.  They played together without a common language.  There facial expressions and motions made up for what they lacked in talking in the same language.  And sometimes our 2 granddaughters would try to communicate and they used words from several different languages in one sentence.  They tried desperately to communicate and had fun doing it. 
Wilmer and I have done a lot of traveling and some has been in countries who spoke a different language than we did.  It is not easy but usually some kind of communication happens.  I will admit it is a little tricky when trying to purchase goods and doing some bartering and not totally understanding what the selling price actually is.  Good they usually all understand basic American money.
It seems to me that we are forgetting the basics of relationships.  The children pictured above started from the premise that they were going to "communicate".  Probably because they had few options to play with others but nonetheless they started thinking from the point that they had more similarities than differences.  Yes they had different skin and different languages but "we are going to make this work."  I believe they had a mutual respect for one another and that made the whole difference.  This lack of understanding or respect is evident in society.  I talk to many people who are patients in the hospital where I work as a Chaplain, the stories I hear of families that are reeling from family issues or other relational issues that are devastating them are heart breaking.  Relationships are difficult.    I sometimes wish we could go back as little children and learn the simple way they have of relating to others.  But, as adults, we do have a solid basis of instruction to guide us and that is the Bible.  In Galatians 3: 26-28 we read   "You are all sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ".  I think that pretty well includes all of us.  The ground at the foot of the cross is level. As a female ordained pastor I sometimes feel something less than a cordial welcome  when approaching a  certain circle of people.  And that is perfectly okay with me.  We all have our differences and interpret scripture differently.  This is not a matter that causes any less respect for those who think differently. God  looks on each one of us as being equal!  Now if only we could get that idea to permeate our hearts so that we could live like that what a difference it would make in the world.  Our lives would reflect God's love and radiate it to all the world.  The difference would be so great that others would ask what our secret to happiness is. 
In my book "I've Always Been Rich" I did not portray a family that was perfect but I did try to make it clear that to be in a relationship with Christ does make our earthly walk much more joyful.  And it will assure us of  an eternal fellowship with our Lord.
Marilyn Rensink   email  mjrevmom6@aol.com   Find the book at any local bookstore. 

I've Always Been Rich: The Beauty of God's Creation

I've Always Been Rich: The Beauty of God's Creation: Throughout our married life, which covers 63 years, my husband and I have taken many vacations. When the children were home we enjoyed sh...

The Beauty of God's Creation

Throughout our married life, which covers 63 years, my husband and I have taken many vacations. When the children were home we enjoyed showing them the beauty of God's great creation . What a privilege we had of traveling to so many different regions.  Sometimes we saw nature in the beauty of flowers, sometimes in the fields of corn as they were waving in the breeze, we marveled at the array of stars and saw sunsets that were spectacular, hills ablaze with the tree leaves that changed their color from green to an array of fall colors, It says in Psalm: 11-12 "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad, let the sea resound, and all that is in it.  Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let the trees of the forest sing for joy."  And in Psalm 8:3-4 "Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens...When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,  the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?"  Yes, when I consider the whole of creation I certainly feel humbled to know that God still cares for me, and He cares for you, and that he knows and directs every step of our lives.  After having said all that the Bible goes on to state in Romans 1:19,20 that God created all things so that all humankind can know God just by looking at his creation.  "Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world  God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen being understood from which has been made, so that people are without excuse." Such is the power of God's creation. 

On the other hand although the Bible mentions Heaven between 200 and 300 times (different versions use different ways to measure this)  we do not have a comprehensive glimpse of what heaven will be like.  Jesus does tell us in John 14:2-3 that His Father's house has many rooms.  Also that He goes to prepare  a place for us.  That He will come back and take us to be with Him so that we may be where He is.  More descriptions are given about the beauty of Heaven, Then also the Bible tells us about the  atmosphere of perfect peace, the reality of no night there, the promise  we all  cling to that there will be no illness, no death, no sorrow, no pain, no conflicts, they are all descriptive of what Heaven will be like.  We as Christians rejoice and wait in eager anticipation to spend eternity in such a place.  A friend of ours passed into glory 2 days ago,  His testimony was sure.  His hope was steadfast.  His heavenly reward is now a reality.  Still while these facts about heaven are all sure and positive I believe the greatest joy will be that we will be in the presence of our Lord and Savior and that experience will be so magnificent that we will not even be concerned if the streets are gold or if there is no night. We discussed this idea in a class in church this morning and pontificated/discussed what heaven will be like.   Jesus didn't give us a clear picture in scripture but gave enough so we can be aware it is His heavenly creation.  That is good enough for me.  In my book, "I've Always Been Rich"  I alluded to the fact that when we enter into a relationship with  Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and live a life that brings honor and glory to Him then we will enter  that glorious reward when we pass from this life. 

 Beauty in creation is beyond description but we can see, taste, smell, interact with it.  The new heaven and earth will be, well, heavenly.
Marilyn Rensink   mjrevmom6@aol.com
Purchase my book at Amazon,com. Barnes and Noble.com and your Christian Bookstores. 

I've Always Been Rich: Loving Discipline

I've Always Been Rich: Loving Discipline: The atmosphere in our country at this point in history is getting more and more tragic each day.  One need to only watch a few minutes of...

Loving Discipline

The atmosphere in our country at this point in history is getting more and more tragic each day.  One need to only watch a few minutes of TV or view one or two posts on Facebook to catch a glimpse of the horrifying events happening all over the world but in our country especially.  Our country was founded on the principles of freedom with responsibility and faith in God, family and country.  Such principles are hard to find in the news today.  Yes, they do still exist but they do not make the news.  We, as a people, seem to have given the media the idea we only can find interest in the bizarre and corrupt.  And the media responds with what will bring more revenue.

I picked the picture above, I guess for my benefit, to show that I was not raised that way and neither were most of you who are reading this blog.  My parents were farmers who  made an honest albeit meager living, worshipped every Sunday and raised us to understand that honesty, diligence, love and a good work ethic was what they lived by and taught us kids.  The Bible was always available on a shelf just beneath the table top in our kitchen.  I still have my Dad's Bible and see his greasy fingerprints on the pages of the Bible.  They were not perfect parents but they did what they thought was right.  And I know there are still many parents today that have  and teach those same virtues, We see those same characteristics in our children as they raise their children.  A good heritage.

However, I intentionally missed listing another necessary component of my up bringing. It is the way I was held accountable for what I did and how I was reminded when I didn't live by the principles I were taught.  That is discipline.  I remember how I was spanked, given less benefits, or even given more duties in order to teach me.  My parents knew nothing about psychology so used what nowdays would seem like a harsher discipline.  The one thing they knew was that they loved us kids and they wanted us to grow up respecting order, people, life and a relationship to God.  We were not entitled kids because the means were not there to make us such but I doubt if they would have raised us that way anyway.  They used the Bible as their guide and the Bible uses discipline many times to teach individuals or even nations to obey.  Certainly discipline isn't going to solve all the world's problems, but, living respectfully and lovingly certainly would be a plus in the lives of all of us today.  The simple Bible based lessons are not obsolete.  My husband and I often talk about what we can do as two 80+  year old people  to make a difference.  We haven't quite solved that yet but we are aware that we are not exempt from making a difference in the arena we live in.  It is up  to each one of us to address the problem and seek to find our role.  Our freedoms are precious and I love the country I live in.  God has a plan for each one of us and for the land we live in as well.  That is our hope and assurance each day.  When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was he answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself' There is no commandment greater than these ".  Mark 12:30,31.

God has a plan and He often directs us to help make His plan develop.  What is your calling going to be?

Marilyn Rensink   email  mjrevmom6@aol.com  By ordering and reading my book, I've Always Been  Rich", you will discover more of the passion I have written about today.  Order from Amazon, Barnes or Noble or your local public bookstore 

I've Always Been Rich: Kinship Understanding

I've Always Been Rich: Kinship Understanding: The picture above, taken several years ago,  has long been a favorite of mine.  The girl is my daughter and the boy is my nephew.  They sa...

Kinship Understanding

The picture above, taken several years ago,  has long been a favorite of mine.  The girl is my daughter and the boy is my nephew.  They saw each other often and found each other's company to be enjoyable. It would seem  to many people  now that they are extravagantly or even unnecessarily overdoing the sharing.  However, it was just kids who  didn't need instruction or direction or reprimand to share their drink. It was a mutual momentary wordless agreement.
There are other  characteristics that we display without much planning for them either.  Some are positive but they can also be very negative.   When we have a relationship with our Heavenly Father we  develop, with the help of God, more positive reactions.  His love for us, by His death, instills gratitude for the price He paid for our sins. That is ultimate GRACE. His constant walking with us and guiding us in times of joy and in sorrow also make us realize how much He loves us.    Some one has written that grace is a five-letter-word that is often spelled J-E-S-U-S....He was the once-and-for-all-perfect human image of grace, of love, and of truth.  This is displayed in the scripture that says, "no matter what we have done, no matter the depth of our transgression, the darkness of our hearts-grace overrules them all".
Today I would like to retell the story written by Dr. Jeremiah  in the book entitled GRACE GIVERS:  On the morning of Sunday, Nov. 8, 1987, Irishman Gordon Wilson and his twenty-eight-year-old daughter, Marie, went to watch a parade in the town of Ennisskillen in Northern Ireland.  As they stood beside a brick wall waiting for units of British soldiers and police to come marching by, an IRA terrorist bomb exploded behind them.  A half dozen people were killed instantly by the blast, and Gordon and his  daughter were buried several feet deep beneath a pile of bricks.  Gordon could feel injuries to his shoulder and arm, but was unable to move.  Then he felt someone touch his  fingers.  "Is that you Dad?" Marie whispered, "Yes, Marie," her father answered.  He heard the muffled sounds of people screaming from pain, and then the much clearer sound of Marie's screams.  He squeezed her hand tightly, repeatedly asking her if she was all right.  Between screams of pain, she repeatedly assured her father that she was okay.   "Daddy, I love you very much." were the last words Gordon Wilson heard his daughter say.  Four hours later, after they were finally rescued, she died in a hospital from massive brain and spinal injuries.  Later that evening, a BBC reporter asked to speak with Gordon.  After he described what had happened, the reporter asked him, "How do you feel about the guys who planted the bomb?"  His words were stunning, "I bear them no ill will,"  Gordon replied.  "I bear them no grudge.  Bitter talk is not going to bring Marie Wilson back to life.  I shall pray tonight and every night that God will forgive them."  Gordon was asked many more times about his feelings.  "I was hurt," Gordon said.  "I had just lost my daughter.  but I wasn't angry.  Marie's last words to me-words of love-had put me on a plane of love.  I received God's grace, through the strength of His love for me, to forgive."   Gordon Wilson had experienced God's grace, His all-pervading love and forgiveness.  When that  grace touches our lives, we feel forgiven and free at the core of our being and  we find grace to forgive others.  And that kind of grace and forgiveness can bring peace where there is strife, healing where there is despair.  That kind of grace can change our lives and the lives of those around us-even those who hurt us-forever.   That is the epitome of love that I will continue to strive for..  My book, I've Always Been Rich is still on the market at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian bookstores.    Marilyn Rensink  mjrevmom6@aol.com 

I've Always Been Rich: ACTIVATING THE GIFT

I've Always Been Rich: ACTIVATING THE GIFT: We all like to receive gifts.  At Christmas time we give and receive many gifts.  Some are keepsakes, we like to look at them.  They are f...

ACTIVATING THE GIFT

We all like to receive gifts.  At Christmas time we give and receive many gifts.  Some are keepsakes, we like to look at them.  They are for display only.  Others we wear, some with pride and others with a sense of obligation.  Some we eat, they taste good.  But in  most every instance we appreciate the effort  the giver has gone through  to try to give us the  gift that is appreciated.  Still, occasionally, we pay little attention to the gift and put it away in a  drawer and forget about it.  When we happen to get a glance at the gift it may get put further back in the drawer so we don't accidently see it again. We are still aware of the gift but don't want to see it or make use of it.  It makes us uneasy.The picture above is my husband on his 70th birthday.  He was presented a gift of a special watch, a gift from our children.  It made him humbly grateful that they thought of him as being worthy of being honored with such a gift.  When he received it, it was wrapped in fancy wrap, it was contained in a special box and was tied in so it would be safe.  He had to open each layer of wrap in order to receive the gift.  Then, however, he still had to put it on his wrist, set the time and fully accept and utilize the watch. 
The above story reminds me of how we chose to accept and use the gift  that God extends to each and every one of us. Or how we reject the most important gift that has ever been offered to each and every one of us.  The gift that I am talking about is the gift offered by God to accept His Son as our Lord and Savior.  We can hear the story by reading the Bible, by hearing a message from a pastor in person or by way of TV or many other ways.  As a Chaplain I have the opportunity to offer the gift/person of Jesus to many patients.  I usually begin the conversation by expressing love to the patient but explain that God's love for them is so much purer than mine.  Then I like to share John 3:16  "For God so loved the world that He gave  His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him may have eternal life.  Now  that is LOVE.  God loves us so much that He gave His only son.  Would I do that?  The story does not end there.  Then He took upon Himself the condemnation of the whole world by dying a shameful death on the cross.  He did that so that whosoever believes does not  have to suffer the punishment  for sin.  After all my years of knowing that, I still can't comprehend the immensity of  that love. But it must be said that many of us hear that story of redemption many times and  the gift of salvation is offered to us but we don't accept it.  The gift is before us but if we don't "open" that gift in our heart it will not do us any good.  The watch my husband received was offered and he received it.  In addition, he set it on time and the watch kept him cognizant of the time for years.  We too, after accepting and believing in Christ have the awareness of how we are to live.  God directs us each and every day and helps us walk in an upright manner.  Do we mess up some times?  Of course, just like the watch can stop and fail to do it's job.  We fail often but when we confess and ask God for direction he is quick to forgive and help us find our way again. 
God offers His gift of His Son.  Accept Him and let your relationship with Him fill your heart with gratitude and joy.  A gift must be utilized in order to do  what it was meant to do.  What LOVE.
Feel free to email me if you want to discuss this further with me.  It is given in more detail in my  book,  "I've Always Been Rich."  You can purchase a book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or your Christian Bookstore. Marilyn Rensink    email mjrevmom6@aol.com

I've Always Been Rich: The Pathway of Blessings

I've Always Been Rich: The Pathway of Blessings: On a trip to the Holy Lands a few years ago my husband and I watched these women make bread.  It was about noon and  we were hungry.  The ...

The Pathway of Blessings

On a trip to the Holy Lands a few years ago my husband and I watched these women make bread.  It was about noon and  we were hungry.  The smell of the bread baking in this open oven was interesting but we were more concerned in getting a slice of bread so we could eat it and satisfy our hunger.  All the time we knew  where our bread was coming from. There was an abundance of bread and our hosts were sure to fill our needs, that we didn't doubt, there would be plenty of bread to eat.
This morning I heard a story that had a totally different message in it.  It told about a poor women who lived alone in poverty and didn't know where her next bite of bread would come from.  She had a little peanut butter and jam in her cupboard but no bread to put it on.  She was a women of faith so she started praying for bread.  She was so intense in her prayer that she cried out to God for just a little bread.  She opened the window, probably thinking God could hear her better that way.  Well, an atheist man lived next door to her and he heard her lifting her voice in anxiety still praying for God to  give her some bread. He thought he would prove to her that God did not answer her prayer so he took a loaf of bread, climbed up on her roof and dropped the loaf of bread down her chimney.  Instantly the women started thanking God for the bread.  The man came to her home and told her that her God did not give her the bread, he had slid it down the chimney.  God had nothing to do with the bread.  God did not answer her prayer for bread, he had . At this the women started shouting praises to God and the man could not figure out why and he asked her why she was thanking God.  The women answered that God had given her the bread and even had a devil deliver it to her.
While the story is humorous it does point out a valid lesson for us all.  During the course of a day or week or month we live our lives in such a way that we anticipate God will lead us.  How wonderful to rest in the assurance that God has a plan all laid out for each one of us.  In my early years I don't remember making a lot of future plans for myself or setting lofty goals but focused mainly on what the duties of the days required.  As I related in my book, I've Always Been Rich, I grew up on a farm where chores had to be done 24/7.  The luxury of having more education or a different occupation was read about but didn't make much of a connection to life as we were living it.  However. I have learned that just because we don't dream of becoming much more than  we are God often has a much different plan for us.  And how do we know when God is speaking to us or is he speaking through someone else to give you His message?  It may even be a calamity or unexpected person. Again, the book details  this much further in depth.  The story above was explained in conjunction with the story of Joseph in the Bible. It makes for an interesting read and is found in the book of Genesis.  Joseph had many difficult, bad, sorry as well as unexpected good events in his life.  But still in the end he could say God had used all the horrible events to bring about His great plan.  Joseph could only know that in hind site but he still remained faithful to God enduring a difficult life.  Be open, discerning, attentive to how God may be calling you.  Step out in faith and know God will enable you for the calling.  He will supply the bread but  we don't always know what or who He will use to make it happen.
Marilyn Rensink    mjrevmom6@aol.com   Praying you all are experiencing His grace each day.

I've Always Been Rich: Giving And Receiving

I've Always Been Rich: Giving And Receiving: This past week I spent a day in the Mayo Hospital in Rochester, MN.  The reason for the surgery was not life threatening but it still nee...

Giving And Receiving

This past week I spent a day in the Mayo Hospital in Rochester, MN.  The reason for the surgery was not life threatening but it still needed to be done.  I was not worrying about it but I did appreciate all the prayers that were offered up for me.  I need some after-care yet but that should not be a big deal either.  What I had done was remove several kidney stones that could become problematic if not removed.  While being examined I met many different doctors, nurses and other  health personal.  What I want to share with you is one of life's basic interactions and how we miss that particular point.

The picture above is a weak example of giving and receiving. 

As a chaplain I visit with many people who are in the hospital with various illness and diseases.  Some are life-threatening and some not.  Patients are scared, tense or just wondering how and when this illness is going  to end.  When can I eat?  When can I go home?  Will my family understand my illness?  Will they help me or make it more difficult for me to do the necessary things for me to get better.  These are all valid questions.  Our health is important and the patient needs more than just the doctors medical expertise to give them answers to their questions.  Remember, I am in no way belittling the doctors or nurses role, they ae vital. Still most patients need encouragement, prayers, love and hope.  This the Chaplains can do and it is privilege to be a part of the whole illness.  I understand that part and see that often in the hospital. It is also portrayed the picture at the top of this page.  Given in love and received in love is an ideal situation.

And that is the part I learned this week.  I find it is easier to give than to receive.  Receiving graciously means I need someone elses help.  I have always been able to do for myself, why not now.  But learned quickly Friday morning that I would need help, a lot of help, to make this whole surgery deal complete.  How was I going to respond to their help?  Graciously or rudely  At this point Friday morning I would be gracious and put myself into the hands of  those that treated me.  It has been said that when you leave your house to go to the hospital you should  pound a nail into the garage wall and hang your modesty on the nail.  And I find  that to be true. How else could they do their job? With the kindness of everyone of the staff I felt love and well taken care of .

Going back to the picture above I believe it is possible most of the time for both to show love and respect.  That is what I see in that picture. 

So, how does that relate to our everyday live and not just in the patient-chaplain role.  I can't help but think of the tremendous sacrifice God made in sending his son into the world so that thru his death we as Christians can spent eternity in heaven with. him.  How can I expect to pay him back for such a huge price he paid  for me?  No we don't compare prices, all God wants from us is to accept his son and live for him in gratitude.  No matter age, color, background, sinful past, God forgives that all.  And the riches of God's grace don't just start when we die, no, they start immediately.  It is a glorious life to experience the richness of God's grace and enjoy the fellowship with those who are also joint heirs with Jesus.I talk much more about this in my book, I've Always Been Rich, which was published in June last year.  It is glorious life when we know that God is guiding us thru every step of the way.  The book is all about life lived in fellowship with him. 

Marilyn Rensink  email  mjrevmon6@aol.com   But the book in any good bookstore near you.  

I would love to hear from you. 

I've Always Been Rich: IT'S LOVE

I've Always Been Rich: IT'S LOVE: Valentine's' Day is just two days from now.  Florist around the country are gearing up for one of their best weeks of the year to ...

IT'S LOVE

Valentine's' Day is just two days from now.  Florist around the country are gearing up for one of their best weeks of the year to sell beautiful bouquets of flowers as the one seen above.  In addition, chocolates, jewelry, and other fine gifts are bought for loved ones.  And this is all in the name of love for the recipient.  Such love is defined as an intense feeling of deep affection.  Wikipedia describes it as a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes that range from interpersonal affection to pleasure.  It can also be described as a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection. The red roses in the picture were given to me by my husband.  I know they came because of his love for me, certainly a marriage that lasts for 63 years has to be based on love that is mentioned in one or all of the definitions above. 
While the love that humans give and get from one another ,wonderful as that is, there is a love that passes all that in kind and dimension.  I want to quote a few verses about God's love, God's love  is available to all and  He never takes it away from us no matter what we do.
"The steadfast love of God endures all the day."  Lamentations 3:22.  "I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever;" Psalm 52:8. "Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God forever and ever".  Romans 8:39. "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him." 1 John 4:9.  The  love expressed in those few verses surpasses anything we can even imagine and is greater than we can achieve.  But the best verse to describe God's love for each and every one of us is from John 3:16.  "For God so loved the world (your name) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (your name) believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.   (KJV)
That is love. So as we remember and celebrate the love that we have for one another this week let us be mindful of the even greater love that God has for each of us. Jesus gave His life for us in a shameful death on the cross to show how much He loved us. Let us reflect  that love to others in this often divisive and angry world that we live in today.  Only God's love will change hearts  and change people's actions. My prayer is that we will unite our hearts in love to God, then He will multiply our efforts  and we all WILL bring glory to Him.
I speak of this much in my book, I've Always Been Rich. In the book I go into detail of how I have experienced God's grace as shown in His love for me.   I've experienced it and I pray you have too.  Marilyn Rensink    email mjrevmom6@aol.com   Books available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com and your local bookstore.

I've Always Been Rich: Washing Feet

I've Always Been Rich: Washing Feet: Weekly my husband and I attend Bible Study Fellowship on  Monday night.  It is a powerful way to study the Bible without the use of a com...

Washing Feet

Weekly my husband and I attend Bible Study Fellowship on  Monday night.  It is a powerful way to study the Bible without the use of a commentary or other reference books.  For sermon preparations I like to read and use other written information to understand the text better or see it in a new light. This Bible Study method is just to intently read the scripture and then study it for meaning.  We find it refreshing even though it takes deep concentration, but that is good.  Then as we gather within our small groups we share what the scripture means to us and how we can apply it to our lives. 

Last week we studied  the 13th chapter of the book of John.  In the scripture the disciples of Jesus are  celebrating the Passover or as it in called in the other gospels, the last supper.  Everything has been prepared for the meal.  The disciples expected the same "script" as always but Jesus had a few new ideas He wanted to share with them.  I have often said that when you follow the Lord and are open to His calling that you must expect the unexpected.  That certainly was true for the disciples as He had already turned their whole world around  in profession and lifestyle.
Before the disciples began the meal Jesus got up, took a towel and wrapped it around himself, took a

basin of water and started washing the disciples feet.  Remember in that day the roads and sidewalks were not very clean or paved so feet got very dirty.  The lowest of lowly servants normally were tasked with washing the feet of people.  Jesus was their leader and their teacher (rabbi). He had too much of a standing to wash feet.  Nevertheless, Jesus humbled himself and took the form and demeanor of a servant.  All the disciples were amazed but Peter simply rebelled and said "not my feet Lord".  After Jesus' explanation Peter said "well then wash my hands and face also." While this conversation seems innocuous it portrayed a vital lesson for Peter and for each one of us. Jesus said if you have had a bath you are clean but you need to have your feet washed. Those two words are important for each of us.  Metaphorically it means that if we have taken a bath, we have been washed in the blood of Jesus and our sins were paid for when Jesus paid the price on the cross. But we still walk in this polluted and sinful world and are tainted with sin that needs to be confessed each day, thus the need to wash the feet. The disciples did not catch the meaning of this symbolic activity as Jesus had not yet given His life on the cross.  That was going to take place in a few days and they had not grasped  that concept either.  Jesus goes on to tell them the spiritual significance of his actions which were mostly lost on them too - until later.  Another aspect of this story is that Judas, one of the disciples, had not been washed in the blood and he betrayed Jesus by selling Him out for 30 pieces of silver. Yet, even tho Jesus knew Judas would betray Him he still washed his feet.
That is an interesting story but what do we learn from it?  The example Jesus gave us in  the story is really a lesson in humility. No matter our status, position, rank or unique talent we are to humble ourselves and serve others even as Jesus did.  We are to lay ourselves down for the sake of others, love them, and wash their feet, so to speak.  Jesus had a unique relationship with His Father, God, but he did not count that something He wanted to  use to His own advantage.  He had the very nature of God but still humbled himself for others.  He took on a servant role.
Besides humility we are also admonished by his act to forgive one another, encourage one another, pray for one another and show genuine concern for their well-being and walk humbly with the Lord.  The bar looks very high, right?  It looks impossible, right?  I can't attain that level of love for one person let alone all people!  We think we can't do it so we don't even try.  And you are right.  You and I can't do it.  It is an impossible way to live.  However, we don't have to do it on our own strength.  We need the help of God each and every day.  An  old hymn is entitled, "I Need You Every Hour".  What about changing that to every minute.  When we have accepted the Lord and have been washed in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) he gives us the help we need to live a victorious life, a life that will help us do the things listed above.  In my book, I've Always Been Rich, I relate how I was called to various duties in ministry throughout my life.  I was an extremely shy person growing up, not much better as a young adult and  did not have the skills needed to follow God's calls.  I also relate that I did not do an exemplary job.  I know He gave me a desire and passion to follow Him and do the task which was before me to the best of my ability.  I found that what I thought was impossible was doable.  My greatest hesitation was thinking that I would not do a good job and would make myself look foolish.  Pride. When I looked to Him and forgot about how I looked it was a totally  different experience.   I have a new speaking challenge coming up.  He will be with me.  
Find my book at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com and your local bookstore.  Marilyn Rensink   email  mjrevmom6@aol.com 
Appreciate comments and questions.

Perception

I hope not many of you recognize who this old woman really is but I can't make my point unless I tell you.  Okay, it is a picture of me, Marilyn, the author of the book I've Always Been Rich.  One course I took in Seminary was on how we could better relate to and understand the older people we would be working with in our ministry.   The assignment given was to make ourselves look older (me, I was 60 so not much had to be changed) and see how people reacted when they saw me crossing a street, buying items in a store and other ordinary activities.  The picture shows how I choose to do this.  My husband went with me and we did the ordinary things we normally did but with a much disguised look.  I must admit I did not feel comfortable in with the "normal" people as they would stare, laugh, and deliberately talk about us.  I was glad when I could become a younger person again.  Their perception of me was not what I really was.

And that is an important lesson I learned the night we did this assignment.  Things are not always how they look.  I tried to develop that concept in my book by being very honest with myself and with the reader.  I do not want to portray something that I am not.  But just as importantly I do not want to  make judgment on others who I only know by what I see.  My appearance in the picture appears to be  that of someone who is physically compromised, has no dressing savvy and shouldn't be out at night anyway.   And that may be what I portrayed but was it true?  Did anyone attempt to assist me, did any one have a sincere smile for me, did anyone try to make a conversation with me?  NO!  I'm making a point with the picture above that this happens  only to those who have seen many years of living but again that is only a perception.  As I work as a Chaplain I see beauty, kindness, loneliness, sorrow, scruffy individual, all races and diverse ethnic background people,  people who smell and those who are too sick to care how they look.  I see wealthy and poor, , single and family people. incarcerated and free, Christian and pagan, yes, a microcosm of what the world looks like.  My perspective of some of them may be very skewed.  Their perception of me may be equally skewed.  They suspect I am there to lay a sermon on them for what they have done wrong.  However, I cannot come into the room worrying about what they perceive.  Because really I am not representing myself when I come in the door of their room but I am representing the Lord who has called me to this ministry and wants me to emanate the character of Jesus. Now I have to rely on prayer for every call because I do not feel worthy of representing Christ in that way but He has called me and I must, somehow, show that to the people I see. How is that done? I am humbled that Jesus has given me a love for all the diverse people I visit.  And if I don't portray love when I step in the door I might as well not even go further into the room.  They all understand love and, conversely, they understand disgust or callousness toward them.

The Bible is very definite about that, we ALL are created in God's image.  The term may be a little ambiguous to us but basically it means that we are to resemble God and be reflections of His glory.  Humankind are made in "God's image" and that characteristic makes the distinction between mankind and all  animals,   In Galatians 3:28 we read "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slaves or free, there is no male or female, for all are one in Christ Jesus. No matter what our perception of those we meet  they were all made by our Creator and are all in need of a Savior.  And just as importantly, no matter what  vocation , what education, what our backgrounds we are all to be imitators of Christ if we have truly accepted Him as our Lord and Savior.  Perception-a power o see what is not evident to the average mind.  By dressing like I did in the picture above I proved my perception of what I thought an older person was like. It was basically wrong.  I proved my own point, Now I hope you and I will take more time to not only perceive but to truly understand the people we meet every day, those behind a mask or those who reach out in need.

Marilyn Rensink   mjrevmo6@aol.com     Look for my name on google and read more about the book.  It is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com  God Bless you all.

I've Always Been Rich: Almighty Power

I've Always Been Rich: Almighty Power: The power of nature is awesome, frightful, unpleasant, beautiful, awful, shocking and much more.  This week we have been going th...

Almighty Power

The power of nature is awesome, frightful, unpleasant, beautiful, awful, shocking and much more.  This week we have been going through  pictures Wilmer and I took on our various trips.  The scenery is beyond beautiful on many of the pictures we looked at as well as the memories we have from actually seeing the sites in person.  The picture above is familiar to most of us as it is a picture of Niagara Falls.  While beautiful I cannot image the tremendous power  that water has.  The same is true when viewing pictures of an earthquake,  a tsunami, raging waters from too much rain, tornadoes, etc.  The power comes forcing all things in its path to be destroyed or removed from its previous location.   Houses topple, cars float away, people climb to safety in trees or roof tops, trees uproot and topple, all because the force of nature is so strong.  Like the Niagara Falls some forces are beautiful from our perspective.  Some forces are life threatening, some forces disrupt peoples lives for years, some forces take the lives of many people.  Is there really something  that can equal  the forces and power of nature? I believe the answer to that question is, yes.

As you read my book, "I've Always Been Rich" you will realize that I believe God has a power which each one of us as Christian's can latch onto and use.  Often we underestimate God's power.  I have done that many times as I struggle to fulfill life's challenges  and then think I have to do it all on my own strength. We have 6 children.  That is a daunting task in any era but I believe it is even more of a challenge in this present time when evil is so blatant and seems to be condoned by the world at large. Job security is an ongoing risk for many people and rightly so.  Family needs to be fed, clothed, educated and housed and that takes money.  So how do we "handle" such  meaningful and huge obligations and maintain our confidence and faith.

My book certainly doesn't have all the answers although I contend that there is really only one answer that applies to all situations and that is the power of God.  Sometimes I think that we as Christian aren't really aware of how much power God has bestowed on his followers.  I know I wasn't aware of that in my early Christian journey.  We pray, we sweat it out, we pray, we plan, we pray, we worry, we pray, we get ulcers.  What a cycle we put ourselves in.  Yes, I have been there many times.  We know about God's power but is that meant for me in the midst of the mundane issues of life? 

I have to start with an understanding of  the tremendous power that God truly has.  Do I acknowledge and accept that or do I think I have to "tweet" his answers with answers I think are just as good or better?  Can I truly give up my will and surrender to His will?  I believe the problem we often fall into is do I really think God is that powerful that He can really help me and even show me a better way than mine?  I want to share a few Bible verses that have helped me understand the power of God. Remember it will be more meaningful to you if you look up the verses previous to the one I will put down.  Mark 10:27  Looking to them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."  Genesis 18:14  "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?"  Luke 1:37  "For nothing will be impossible with God."  Job 11:7  "Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty?"  Genesis 1:1  In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  Psalm 147:4-5  He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of the their names, Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. God is powerful and he gives us His power as we walk with Him.  Acts1:8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you........Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  And finally 2 Timothy 1:7  For God gave us a sprit not of fear but of power and love and self control.

My life has been one of many changes.  I often feel like a rebel of sorts but a rebel for the Lord.  These verses have been a help in making unusual and mundane decisions about life's journey.  God gives the power and enabled me with Power to accomplish the task he called  me to.  The world may criticize  and scoff but they cannot overcome the power which God instills in each one of us.  And, the result will be as beautiful as the power of nature at  Niagara Falls. God bless you on your journey.

Hope you check this out in my book.  Marilyn Rensink   mjrevmom6@aol.com  Amazon, Barnes and Nobel and Christian bookstores make the books available to you.

Corn Field Comparison

Little did I know growing up on a small family farm that some day I would be sitting in the drivers seat of a machine like that one pictured above.  My husband and I farmed for 46 years and many changes were made in the machinery we used.  The equipment above shows the last combine that we used.  Quite a change from the machinery my Dad used on the farm that I grew up on.  In the last years of farming before retirement Wilmer, my husband, asked me if I would help with the harvesting. The request really was to haul the wagons from the field .  I thought it looked easier to run  the combine and he agreed I could try.  So I combined corn with the rig pictured above. 

Now I seldom was out in the corn field when it was dark.  But one night I had that opportunity and since I was a pastor by that time I was always looking for meaningful analogies.  The corn field was a perfect field for that.  As I combined the tall corn I could only see a short distance with the (head) light of the combine.  It only shone on the path I was to combine.  When I came to the end of  the row it was difficult to see where I had to turn to get to the right rows. It took some trust to turn correctly but, again, the light guided me.  Sometimes the field had a patch of weeds growing in with the corn.  It took concentration to stay on row so that when reaching the end of  the patch I was still on the right rows.  If there was a small dip or washout in the area I was combining care had to be taken so no damage was done to  the machine I was maneuvering.   I saw that corn  field as an analogy to how a Christian lives life.  Care must be  taken to stay on row and that is done by the light that shines on our pathway.  Without the light of Christ to guide us we quickly get off row.  When we must or want to make a change in our life we must be careful to let the light guide us and make decisions based on the light that is shining and directing us.  The patches of weeds - often in life we encounter temptations which can throw us off (row) the course we  committed to when we decided to follow Jesus.  It may not seem like such a big deal or serious problem at the time but it can totally make us wander from  our walk with the Lord.  The weed patch may not hinder the yield of the corn so much but it needs to be taken out so the corn can grow unhindered.  At night in the field out in the country I saw markers, lights of  the neighboring  farms. That reminded me of how we need markers to know where we are in our Christian walk.  We need to know where we are in relationship to  Christ. They act as mirrors or boundaries if you will.  I call them spiritual check points.  We need constant Bible reading, we need prayer, we need Christian friends or mentors to help us with accountability.  The lights in the field reminded me of those necessary structures and teaching elements.   If we get in a time of sickness or  hardship of some kind we need to stay close to the Lord so we focus on Him and let Him help us thru our difficult time. As we say in our church, "we don't fly alone".  God is always there to help us if we keep our focus on Him. 
My book, I've Always Been Rich, which I hope you read, fills our how these principles learned from the combine were a help in various circumstances I encountered in my life. I hope they will help you as you follow the path  God lays out for you.  It is challenging but so eternally rewarding.
Marilyn Rensink   email- mjrevmom6@aol.com  Books are available to Amazon.com BarnesandNoble.com or Christian bookstores.  Google my name or book name for more information about  the book. 

I've Always Been Rich: Party Time

I've Always Been Rich: Party Time: Whether they are big parties or small parties it is  always fun to have a party.  In the picture above taken many years ago it was custom ...

Party Time

Whether they are big parties or small parties it is  always fun to have a party.  In the picture above taken many years ago it was custom in my, Marilyn's, family to celebrate every child and adult relative's birthday with a party.  It included many presents and a lot of good food.  And it was a good way for the cousins to get to know each other better and the adults to share in the lives of the other adults.  It was a way of keeping connected and sharing the parenting and farming activities which all the relatives were engaged in.  It brought the families together physically and emotionally.  I talk a little about such events in my book, I've Always Been Rich.   Such activities were necessary when life offered few other outlets to celebrate.  These were simple parties that satisfied  our basic needs at the time.  However, the kind of party I want to develop in this blog goes deeper and fills a much more significant  role in our life.
Recently I heard a speaker talk about how we as Christian have reason to celebrate, to have a party.  We are all made in God's image, we, who have received Christ as our Lord and Savior, have the joy of celebrating a continuing relationship with Him, we have the knowledge that He will be with us no matter our situation, we have the privilege of receiving GRACE from God, and we have the assurance of spending eternity in heaven.  Wow, that really gives us reason to celebrate. And these all are developed in the concept of Grace.
In order to fully develop  the concept of grace, which I promised in last week's blog, I will quote what Dr. David Jeremiah wrote in his book, Grace Givers.  Dr. Jeremiah assumes the reader will know the story of the prodigal son but for those who aren't acquainted with it, it is found in the gospel of Luke, the 11th chapter.  I quote, " Even the selfish calculating Prodigal cannot withstand the sight of his running, weeping father surrendering his high position to meet him at the edge of disgrace.  In that moment grace takes him captive, and he sees what his rebellious soul has not until now allowed him to see: the beauty of his father's love, the absolute value of his acceptance, the sweet joys of loyalty and obedience. As far as his conscience goes, no one need tell him the depth of the pain he has brought to his home.  He knows it now not simply with his mind but in the furthest depths of his heart.  The heart is broken, yet his soul is mended.  Such is the supernatural event of grace" unquote.  Key words which relate to God's love fully as much as  to the father of the prodigal: beauty of our father's (God) love, absolute value of His acceptance, sweet joys of loyalty and obedience.  God is waiting for us to come home and accept his unfathomable love - His Grace.
We have cause to party, we have cause to celebrate, we have cause to share this joy with others, when we accept His love and obey His will for our life. God's love was so massive that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to pay  the penalty for our sins. When the prodigal came home and the father received him, the immediate reaction was to throw a party for his lost but found son.  They celebrated.  A ring was put on his son's finger, a robe was given to replace his soiled and tattered garments, the fatted calf was butchered to feed those who came to celebrate with them and they had a party.  The ultimate party will be when Jesus comes again and we go with Him to celebrate the great wedding feast with Him in glory.  GRACE!
Marilyn Rensink    email  mjrevmo6@aol.com  Books available at Amazon.com  BarnesandNoble.com and your local Christian bookstore.

I've Always Been Rich: Looking back-reaching forward

I've Always Been Rich: Looking back-reaching forward: A New Year causes us to reminisce about the past. The church in the picture brings back many memories.  I, Marilyn, was baptized there, le...

Looking back-reaching forward

A New Year causes us to reminisce about the past. The church in the picture brings back many memories.  I, Marilyn, was baptized there, learned the catechism (Bible) lessons there, was married there.  It holds memories dear to me. As you recall what lies behind you, you will find joyous memories, difficult memories, decisions which you wish you could do over, blessings which linger in your mind, relationships which could have been nurtured better, etc. Good and not so good memories make up who we are today and shape the way we see ourselves and others.  It is not wrong to learn from the past  and relive the good.  In my book, I've Always Been Rich, I reflect on the ways my past shaped my future.  Godly parents, healthy children, loving husband, God's blessings, always having enough of this world's goods to give me a satisfied disposition.  In the Old Testament, the first part of the Bible, God often recalls for the children of Israel how they goofed up (mistake, blunder, got into trouble) and how they were suffering now because of it.  The whole issue of GRACE had not been instituted yet because Jesus Christ had not yet come to live on this earth and to die for us to bring  about the whole covenant of Grace. I will explain that in more detail next week.  Since Christ came into the world we can confidentially say as the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:13, "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us"  New Living Translation.  Paul took courage in that.  God does not hold us to the past, in fact, he forgets the past and encourages us to look to what lies ahead and strive for the prize He has set before us.  That is freeing.  We don't have to carry the weight of the past but can start anew always striving to win the prize which God has called us to.  Sometimes that is not a comfortable feeling because we wander into the unknown. It is easier to look into the rear view mirror and see where we have been. I challenge you that it may be out of your comfort zone, out of where you think your abilities and talents are but it is totally worth it.  Forget the butterflies which suddenly invade your stomach, God's grace and power are far superior to those butterflies and He will give you what your need.  This year, 2017, will have it's trying moments but with the hope and the help of God it can be one of the best ones you have ever experienced. God's blessing to you  and yours in the New Year.
As always, if you want to email me, please do.  Address is mjrevmom6@aol.com.  Books to buy are at Amazon.com, Barnes andNoble.com or your local Christian bookstore.