Something Is Terribly Wrong!

Quiet-Time Reflections by Pam Crawford

Despite which side of the fence you reside on, I believe it is safe to say that when you scan the horizon these days, it might be hard to concur that things are moving in a positive direction in America in 2023. With deep sadness in my own heart for all of mankind, and from my personal viewpoint, I see evil in the sight of the Creator of the Heavens and the earth being called good, and good being exploited as hatred of mankind. I see deceptive messages and false symbols of pride swaying in the wind. I see divisiveness with the word “Choice," and "Rights" being used as a pawn to advance that division. I see compromise and the condoning of sinful behavior, both within, and outside of the American church. I see the word “intolerance” being used as a weapon of destruction against anyone who dares to align with the Word of God.

It's hard to imagine how disappointed the founding fathers, along with their families would be to see the evolution of the society that we now reside within. Unfortunately, those of us who are alive today don't need to wonder what is happening in our world. Depravity, moral corruption and wickedness is definitely on the rise and out in the public square. It is being endorsed and celebrated in ways that I personally could have never imagined either. Religious persecution is also on the rise. America was once a nation considered to be respectful of Christian values even if one didn't necessarily agree with them. Ironically, you don't have to be a person of faith to understand right from wrong. And, you don't have to believe in God who is represented in the Holy Bible to determine that harming anyone intentionally is injustice at its core.

You may, or may not agree with me, but my eyes see depravity, immorality, and injustice being celebrated as something that is good from the top on down. Without apology, I concur that something is terribly wrong when murdering babies in the womb is considered “healthcare” and argued to be a woman’s right.  Something is terribly wrong when body parts are being removed from children, and they are being taught that they can decide their own gender. Something is terribly wrong when parents are being left out of critical life decisions which relate to their own children. Parents have been given responsibility over their children until they reach the age of maturity, not government.

So much insanity encircles the public education system today. Something is terribly wrong when school curriculum's indoctrinate false narratives and pushes the racism card as a default. Something is terribly wrong when school board members argue that Critical Race Theory and components of the Social and Emotional Learning agenda are not designed to further divide and confuse children. Something is terribly wrong when a society would rather eliminate historical atrocities instead of continuing to work at not repeating them. Something is terribly wrong when books in the juvenile section of your local library depict pornographic images and provide content to our children to further confuse them.

This country was once a strong defender of its women. Today something is terribly wrong when women no longer have private spaces in a public dressing room or a restroom to feel safe in. Something is terribly wrong when posers of the opposite sex are able to compete in sports with an opportunity to win over the weaker gender, within that sport.

America has become a pseudo society. Something is terribly wrong when a culture has so many self-made gods that promise much, and deliver very little. Something is terribly wrong when free speech is only a one-way street. Something is terribly wrong when speaking out against any of it is viewed as hatred, intolerance, or a malicious act of bias toward a particular group in society.

Today, so many people fear calling out sinful behaviors or dealing with false narratives. There is even a fear of speaking truth, even if it is in the spirit of love. Why is that? Because we have become a people who fear offending man over honoring the God of Creation who requires our allegiance to His Holy Word. It also appears that we have become a people who rightfully fear the powers within government and the bias of media influence that works overtime to demonize anyone who would dare to call evil what it is, wrong. It is time to wake up! It is time to pay closer attention to the deception.

Watch out for twisted language. Frankly, I knew something was terribly wrong when a slogan "Make America Great Again," was turned into an acronym "MAGA." It is really hard to fathom how those four words became a weapon of destruction in America, but it happened. I have to admit, the strategy at hand to not actually say the words, well that was quite brilliant. Call me an optimist, but I would have thought that "Make America Great Again" would have been embraced as a good thing, by a majority of people. However, to agree with that statement these days puts a target on your back.

Then we have the battle within religion in our culture. Something is terribly wrong within the body of believers when a soft gospel is presented and where sin is tolerated under the false pretense that you are unloving if you call sin, sin. Something is terribly wrong when you are considered to be unloving and void of grace, if you turn the tables upside down in the Father’s house to require your brothers and sisters to repent of their sins against God. To be clear here, this is exactly what you find Jesus Christ doing within His Fathers house [Temple] in the historical account of His life when the people were turning God's house of prayer into a marketplace [John 2:13-16, Matthew 12:12-13, Mark 11:15-18]. Tragically, today we see churches all over America turning their buildings into a place of interior design and entertainment space, rather than a true house of worship, prayer and instruction. A place where God is at the center without compromise. Unfortunately church traditions of old are no longer valued so anything goes.

Make no mistake, there are people within this society who desire to silence the voice of every Christ-follower, and they are working to pass laws to do just that. The language they use within the proposed legislation often sounds reasonable, but be careful and take time to do your own research. Not everything that sounds good, is actually good for all people. One particular piece of legislation that you may want to familiarize yourself with is the so called Equality Act. At first glance, you may think who doesn't embrace the concept of equality for all? Unfortunately, this legislation goes far beyond just protecting sexual preferences and the equal rights of one particular group in society. If signed into law as it is proposed at this point, it appears to ensure that no one of faith will be able to exercise their religious convictions. Make time to understand for yourself what is before you. Don't just listen to every good sounding tune.

https://www.heritage.org/gender/commentary/the-dangers-the-equality-act

https://billygraham.org/story/cissie-graham-lynch-on-the-dangerous-implications-of-the-equality-act/

For those of us who are parents, do we not desire for our children to listen to our guidance? Do we not desire that they respect us? Do we not want them to do things in life that will bring about a blessing over a harsh consequence? If your heart is for your children, then you should be able to relate to what the heart of God wants for you also. Instead of obedience to His Word, we argue it. Some reject it completely. Others simply twist it in order to make it say something that it does not say in order to continue in the lifestyle that they prefer. I often ask myself, and I will leave it here for now; "how is that working for you?" Is it bringing more peace into your life? Does it remove the anxiety, worry, fear and hopelessness that abounds? Are you able to rest well in the decisions that you have made? Is it well with your soul?

Revelation 21:6-8

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." [NIV]

In the end, will it be man that sustains your soul? Oh how I encourage you to choose well.

In Christ by faith,

Pam

©2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by Permission.                                                                                                                            Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com

Quiet-Time Reflections

Week of March 6, 2023                                                                                                                                  By Pam Crawford

"And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me."                                - Jeremiah 32:40

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. - John 10:10                                                                                

GOD'S PROMISE AND THE ENEMY'S PLAN TO DESTROY                                                                  

    One might be asking what is going on in this world in 2023? It's only March however it certainly feels as if the heat has been turned up on America. It is my personal opinion that the plans of our enemy to destroy are coming into full view. From the Covid 19 Pandemic, to the ongoing disasters, the increased violence, relational division, sexual depravity, along with the daily challenges which seem to be occurring one after the other these days. You cannot help but to feel the shaking. 

    Lately, when I hear of new disasters or when I hear people lamenting over how hard it's getting I tend to think to myself, "what do we expect?" For me the answer is simple. You cannot remove GOD from the public square and then expect Him to be there when life gets challenging.  In America, as far back as the early 1960's, there has been a portion of the population insisting that God get out of their business and off their land. Unfortunately the end goal of some in opposition to Christianity is to remove it from America all together. The beginning of persecution towards Christians has now reached our shores and the consequences of inaction is upon us. 

    What happened to bring about this change? Well, it appears that many professed Christians preferred blending the GOD of the Holy Bible with other foreign gods; sometimes gods of their own making. For the sake of time, and a better understanding of the dangers within this statement, I will encourage you to make time to listen to the attached video teaching by Israel Wayne. I found it very informative as I considered this syncing of different religions and doctrines within our country and the consequences for it. 

Syncretism                                                                                                                                              https://youtu.be/fMzPh7O5FyM. 

    Forgive me, but I am going to be very blunt here. China and Russia are not the real enemy of America. Our enemy has a name and it is Satan, sometimes known as the devil or Lucifer.  Because he is a fallen angel of the LORD, he knows that his time is getting shorter and that is evident within the war on GOD'S elect. That war appears to be escalating to new levels. Satan's plans are now on full display for those with ears willing to hear, and eyes willing to see. You really can't miss his deceptive nature as it's being exposed daily if you're awake. 

    Make no mistake. We the people, like the people in the days of ancient Israel are reaping the consequences of many years of disobedience and defiance of GOD. 

"My people have turned their backs on me and have refused to return. Even though I diligently taught them, they would not receive instruction or obey." -Jeremiah 32:33

    America is definitely on a slippery slope, but my greatest concern is within the people who profess a belief in Jesus Christ, yet are choosing to tolerate sin against Him. Today many believe that they can keep a foot in the world and still survive eternal destruction. The Word clearly teaches that we cannot serve two masters [Matthew 6:24]. 

    Sisters/brothers, it's high time we lay down the excuses for disobedience. It's time we lay down those  "I'm so busy" badges of honor which we wear so proudly. Instead, how about we fight back against the enemy of our families, our friends, our workplaces, our churches and our souls? May I remind you that we are not called to conform to the patterns of this world. No, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds daily [Romans 12:1]. This will not happen without repentance [turning from] "our way" in order to align to the instructions of God's Holy Word and His way. This can lead to the healing of our land!  

    I don't know about you, but I want that so much for future generations. However, if I am to be honest, I am a bit fearful that there may be no turning back from here. But God!!! I personally plan to hold onto the hope of GOD intervening again. I plan to pray daily for a rebirth of Christianity on this land. I will be asking God to once again open the hearts of the blind and the hearts of His children. To draw us in ways that influence others to love others and welcome Him back to America. 

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."    - 2 Chronicles 7:14

"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"    - Mark 1:1

    For a time such as ours it is imperative that we also take back the responsibility to teach future generations the ways of GOD, our Creator and Heavenly Father.  Children will need this if they are to remain on a firm foundation in a world that is constantly and rapidly shifting. Not to mention that the responsibility of educating the children is a direct command from the LORD. 

"These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear [respect, reverence, honor] the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors promised you. Hear O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give today are to be on your hearts. Impress [teach] them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door-frames of your houses and your gates." - Deuteronomy 6:6-9

    So, what can we do moving forward to honor GOD instead of disrespecting His authority as Creator of all things. First, we confess personal and corporate sin against GOD and we acknowledge our wicked ways against Him. Let's not minimize sin because according to the Word, all sin is sin! Then, we determine in our hearts not to repeat sin. We humble ourselves. We acknowledge our wicked ways and we pray for the darkness to be defeated in our lifetime. 

"You shall have no other gods before me."                                                                                                   - Exodus 20        

In Christ by faith,                                                                                                                                        Pam                                                                                                                                                            

God Turn It Around                                                                                                                                          https://youtu.be/Ndb7kein1Es

©2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by Permission.                                                                                                                            Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com

 

QUIET-TIME REFLECTIONS                                                                                                                Week of: February 12, 2023                                                                                                                        By: Pam Crawford

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." - 1 John 4:8-12

LOVE

Friends, may I share today that I have spent the last few months away from social media for a purpose that has ended in amazing blessing. It has led to a deeper understanding of that which I can see out there in the public square in 2023. Along with other prayer warriors, we decided to start the new year off with intentional prayer and personal reflection concerning the current state of our nation. A nation that appears to be turning further and further away from GOD's beautiful Word of instruction and subsequent warnings at a rapid pace. I am not referring to any god. I am not talking about the gods that promise that which they cannot give. I am not talking about the gods we conjure up in our minds to fit the narrative that we desire. No, I am speaking about GOD the Creator of Heaven and earth.  The GOD who inspired the writings of His Holy Word [2 Timothy 3:16-17]. Both were once the guiding forces on American soil. It might be wisdom to ponder this on this day of LOVE. 

Studying early American history with fresh eyes, one can discover that there was a time in history when the GOD I am speaking about was welcome within the family unit. This GOD was in our schools, the workplace and our churches. Much of what drove the original American forefathers and their families was a love and respect of this GOD and His Holy Word. The people back then wanted something better for their loved ones and their world. Thus, why they set out to establish those very freedoms that we are unfortunately seeing under attack today. Make no mistake, the end goal is to extinguish Christianity on American soil. Many are participating in the plot. Unfortunately for some, it is sheer ignorance or apathy that they have become caught up in it. 

This brings me to the Hallmark occasion of LOVE represented in America known as Valentines Day. Forgive me in my choice not to jump on the bandwagon of chocolates, flowers and romance. Why are these things no longer important to me? Because I understand how far we have come to distort this concept of LOVE as nothing more than a "feeling" or a "right of the people." It is at this point that I ask myself "what does my Bible say about LOVE?" I encourage you to read all of 1 John chapter 4 where you can see that GOD is LOVE not Love is God [1 John 4:8]. If we only understood or embraced that this LOVE is sacrificial and genuine in nature we might not be waking up again to news of killings on another American campus. I continue to pray that GOD would be merciful to His children as we are forced to watch such atrocities on our soil.

In addition to prayer and reflection time, some of us decided to read the book by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn titled The Return of the Gods. I highly recommend to each of you who may still be reading at this point to check it out. In his book he does a phenomenal job at answering the question "What would happen to a nation that turns its back on GOD?" Make no mistake, America has done this and you only need to go back to the 1960's to see the transition to insanity. Or simply look at 2023. We see an increase in violence that sometimes is even supported. You only need to turn on your TV screen, phone or laptop to view sexual depravity. Within our schools we are teaching Critical Race Theories and pitting one race against another. There is pressure everyday to tolerate sin instead of correcting it. We have institutions, leaders and hospitals on board with gender reassignment surgeries for children. If you stand upon marriage as being between one man and one woman you run the risk of being stoned. You are called a hater or a bigot if you believe that people were created male or female. I honestly cannot believe what I see out there today. We have conformed our bodies to art canvases. Men dress as women and women dress as men and we are all expected to celebrate the individualistic mentality.  Don't you dare speak truth in LOVE, because then you have to answer whose LOVE? And, let us not forget how we are now expected to celebrate the deaths of over 60 million unborn babies under the guise of "My Body, My Choice" instead of including their lives in this "All Lives Matter" propaganda.  I don't know, but we might want to ask ourselves "who gave us our body?" If you believe you just happened on this planet then I imagine you will argue your point to the death. But if you consider that you had a Creator, and His name is GOD, you might understand that we have taken a wrong turn to which I can only weep and pray that many will choose to repent [turn from] that which is against GOD and beg for His mercy upon this earth. I pray that many will see the importance of being the change by speaking out for what is right. It has been the silent voice that has allowed these atrocities to slip in. We don't have to be brazen, but we do need to be bold in the truth of what we see. We don't have to argue with a fool, but we can ask for courage to stand up against the foolishness.

Many are praying for revival and that is wonderful. I however am praying for an awakening of GOD's beautiful and powerful Spirit in the hearts of His church. I am praying that those who do not yet know this GOD will desire to explore His nature, His promises and His warnings. I am praying that GOD's Spirit would come to rest upon America again. That we can be salt and light in the darkness. That we can stand upon a firm foundation of hope and assurance. That one day soon we can experience an about face from the things that are likely to destroy this nation without another Great Awakening upon our land. Will you join me in these prayers?

GOD BLESS you! And, may today be the day when LOVE is seen through new eyes.

Blessings,

Pam

©2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by Permission.                                                                                                                            Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com

   

Quiet-Time Reflections:

Week of September 12, 2022  by Pam Crawford                                                                                                                     

YET TO COME                                                                                                                                          

As a young girl I had heard the story of the Rapture of the church, but as time went on it kind of faded in my memory. I believe because I wasn't witnessing many signs that the world was on a collision course to disaster, it remained as a forethought. 

In my forties I read the book "Left Behind." Although this book got a lot of criticism, it was a publication that got me thinking "does this mimic anything in the Holy Scriptures that I was introduced to as a kid?" I set out to settle that which left me unsettled back then.

Fast forward. The year is 2022 and I am now 62. The world all around me has just come through a global shaking as a result of a virus. The economy is a mess and I have never witnessed so much division and depravity in the public square in my lifetime.

In their book "Revealing Revelation" which I highly recommend; Amir Tsarfati and Dr. Rick Yohn write a principle we would do well to follow: "The choices we make today have consequences for the future." I am going to join them in their warnings. They write:

"As we watch the various signs that the Bible gives concerning the second coming of Christ, we also are aware that the Rapture of the church proceeds the time of God's wrath.

We live in a day when the Rapture could happen at any time. The nations of Iran, Russia, and Turkey have become aligned more and more as a coalition, and this coalition will include Libya and Sudan. This alignment was spoken of by the prophet Ezekiel for the Battle of Gog and Magog [Ezekiel 38-39].

When you see brightly lit trees going up decorated with ornaments and candy canes and the television is filled with ads for toys and treats, it is all the evidence you need to know that Thanksgiving comes before Christmas. Likewise, when you see the signs for the second coming of Christ, believers can know that the Rapture is close at hand, because the Rapture comes before the second coming. That means that it is very possible that the day is near when believers will be taken up to heaven by our Lord 😊. But, it also means that the time is approaching for many of your friends and possible family members to be left behind without a faith in Jesus 😢."

Jesus answered: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

Today like these two authors, I will risk my reputation to speak the truth of Scripture. Because much of what I see out there today concerns me, I feel an urgency to encourage personal reflection. If I end up being wrong about everything that I have taken time to discover for myself; you have nothing to lose. But, what if I am right?

Reading "Revealing Revelation" motivated me to remember that Prophecy has a place in history especially as it points us to the end of this world into the world originally created by GOD. A world that knows no sin, hurt, pain, sorrow, depression, despair... Won't you take a moment to ask God to show you what you really believe about Him and His Word? Your eternal future may depend on this one question. Please don't take a chance of having to figure this out on your own during the period of Tribulation. What I have discovered about that time period I would not wish on my greatest enemy. 

Another reminder. Until the day of Rapture, I am available to guide anyone wrestling through that which you may not yet believe. I am so grateful for those that did that very thing for me over twenty years ago.

"The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne saying  "It is done!"                        - Revelation 16:17

Blessings,                                                                

Pam

©2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by Permission.                                                                                                                            Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com

   

Quiet-Time Reflections

Week of: 1/4/21                                                                                                Sharing by: Pam Crawford 

HOPE IS IN THE AIR                                                                                      "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." - John 14:19

Like so many of you, my mind and my physical body are exhausted by the events of 2020 and it’s time to be reminded that HOPE still has a name, and that name is JESUS CHRIST: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end – Isaiah 9:6-7. 

As I am packing away all the Christmas and New Year’s celebratory materials, it came to my mind that I am never to pack away what these two days actually represent. They are not just American holidays; they are truths that point us to a renewed HOPE, even in that which we cannot understand. Dealing with COVID-19 myself in 2020, personal loss of my younger sister and parents, along with a current set of circumstances that are completely out of my control; well let’s just say I am hanging on tightly to my desire for fresh hope. Without it I can guarantee you that there would be little chance of rising above hard days.  Hopelessness is floundering in your own strength in a world that has no lasting means to calm the anxious heart. There is a better way.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. – John 14:27-29

Instead of being without hope we can determine there is a better use of our valuable energy. Today I simply choose to praise with a heart of gratitude as I look ahead to better days. Below are some inspiring resources for those of us tempted to despair. I know I am not alone in this so I encourage you, in your own quiet time, read and listen to the links and begin this New Year on a positive and hope-filled note.

A blessed New Year to you and yours. 

In Christ by grace,                                                                                                                                                                                         Pam 

Staying devoted when our souls are depleted. https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2021/01/06/staying-devoted-when-our-souls-are-depleted

Messy pages make the most beautiful masterpieces. https://girlfriendsingod.com/messy-pages-make-the-most-beautiful-masterpieces/

Music: Peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW6xcmqfiY4

Praise you in the storm – Natalie Grant   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fo0A7jpLsk

 ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by Permission.                                                                                                                            Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com

Election Day 2020

Quiet-Time Reflections.                                        Week of: November 2, 2020.                                    By: Pam Crawford

A reminder to myself and all who profess Christianity in America 🇺🇲.

Today, we have the privilege to partake in America’s election. But let us not forget that we also have a responsibility to reflect the character of Jesus Christ despite the outcome. Let the Word of God be your guide and your peace in this day and onward.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self- control. Against such things there is no law.
- Galatians 5:22-23

Stand with confidence that despite the outcome of the vote; God's plans will not change because as professed Christians, God is the ultimate authority for life and He is still in control of all that He created.

"He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
- Daniel 2:21

We need not fear the future.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

While we wait for the Kingdom of promise we have a purpose and a responsibility.

"Then Jesus said to them: "So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News." - Mark 16:15

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: you should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
- 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was this is how He responded. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. And, love your neighbor as yourself.
- Luke 10:27

May we remember that it will not be the troublemakers that win in the end. Do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
- Matthew 5:9

Children of God:
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

We can be the difference that we desire to see in this world, because in Christ, we have the greatest freedom of all.

In Christ by grace,
Pam

@2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by permission.
Permission: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. (C)2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com

QUIET TIME REFLECTIONS                                                                                                              

Week of August 5, 2019                                                                                         

by Pam Crawford                                               pmcrawford1@gmail.com

Dressed for Stress

Lately the conversations all around me are consistent with one common thread – STRESS! With so much to do and so little time to do it, the result is often a lack of peace. Instead, there are sleepless nights and ineffective days. Whining replaces intelligent dialogue. Hyperactivity overrides quiet and panicking rules over calm. Before you know it, calamity [disaster] is knocking at your door. Is this really how we should be utilizing our most precious commodity, the time given to us on this earth?

As someone who has lived way too many days under the pressure of stress, I believe it’s time to sit with the example of peace. To have peace, you would do well to understand peace.  I think if we’re honest everyone wants the gift of peace [the absence of unrest] but very few experience it because there is a missing component. For lasting peace it is necessary to discover the Prince of Peace. Peace actually begins at the point of connection to the author of peace.

These days I often sit with the words that Jesus spoke to His disciples before His departure of this world. At the time they didn’t realize what a gift He was sharing with them. Although His physical presence would be gone, His peace would remain. When you understand that peace is not merely a result of something, but rather it is Something, the picture becomes much clearer.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

Each day we live we are given the gift of choice [free-will]. We will either accept stress as a way of life, or we can decide to kick it to the curb and replace it with a lasting peace.  In order to kick it to the curb we will have to remove some obstacles that get in the way daily. Learning to say no in order to say yes is a great starting point. Too many of us are involved in things that just do not need to be in our lives. We often complain that we don’t have time for doing the things that we want to do, or that which we know would be pleasing to God and sadly that is often true. But I have to ask. Why is that? What is in the way? What might you be able to set aside or adjust in your life that would enable you to spend more time in the presence of God? From experience I have found that true peace comes no other way.

“The Prince of Peace is a gift to people who lack peace.” – Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Life’s Application Commentary: The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is the confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace. Jesus says he will give us that peace if we’re willing to accept it from Him.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:6-7

“I want to remind us that Jesus had peace not because He didn’t have any problems. His peace was not the result of medicating His pain. His peace was because of His relationship with His Heavenly Father. He trusted the sovereign plan and will of God. He knew that everything was all under God’s control, the waves, the winds, the hungry people, the food, the Pharisees, the crowds. He knew that God was in charge. He was on His throne. He knew that no one could do anything to Him apart from the Father’s permission and divine will. That’s why He could stay calm because He knew that Someone was in control, and that Someone was His Heavenly Father. The first and greatest need in our lives is to have peace with God. We were created to have fellowship with God. But you know how sin broke that fellowship, and we were born estranged from a holy God, at enmity with Him. Ultimately, at the heart of all our lack of peace, is that God had to withdraw His presence from us, due to our sin and the fact that a holy God cannot look on sin. It’s our guilt, ultimately, in this human world that causes this lack of peace. But wonder of wonders, through his death on the cross in our place, Jesus reconciled us to God. He opened the way for us to enter the presence of God, to be friends with God.

How do you have peace of God? You get it through your relationship with Jesus. Right? And remember that peace is not the absence of problems. You think, Oh, if this problem would go away…If this person would go away…You know I could just be a really peaceful person if I could go live in the uninhabited regions of the world. No people, I’d have a lot of peace.

You know, you can have peace right where you live, in your home, in your workplace, in your neighborhood, with that neighbor, with that problem person, with that child that is so far from the Lord. You can have peace. 

Peace is not the absence of problems, peace is the presence of Christ in the midst of the problems – Prince of Peace.  

But here is the point. You can’t have the peace of God in your heart, if the Prince of Peace isn’t ruling in your life. We live in a fallen broken world. You know that’s the case. There will always be trials and disappointments and pain and sorrows. Until we see Jesus face to face, we’re going to have to deal with those things. But in the midst of all of that, there is no circumstance where our hearts cannot be at peace and at rest if we are rightly related to the Prince of Peace.  That peace is not based on emotions; it’s not based on feelings; it’s not determined by external circumstances. It’s a gift that He gives as we trust Him in the midst of turmoil going on around us.”                                   

– Excerpt from The Wonder of His Name [Prince of Peace] by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

As you seek peace over stress, consider letting God’s peace guard your heart in every area of your life. This will mean making some necessary adjustments in your world in order to open up time to sit with Jesus. He has much to teach. He can empower you to hear and obey.  What I can tell you for sure is that when you surrender to this, it’s the beginning of some amazing days!  Choose peace.

In Christ by grace,

Pam

For more on the Prince of Peace:                                                          

https://www.reviveourhearts.com/podcast/revive-our-hearts/prince-peace-1/

©2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by Permission.

 Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com

Quiet-Time Reflections

Week of: April 9, 2017                             pmcrawford1@gmail.com
Sharing by: Pam Crawford

This Easter season I was reminded that tomorrow is promised to no one. In lieu of this reality, what can we do to make the best of every day that we are given? How can we love God, ourselves, and others better? Where can true peace be found in this life as we await the next?                                                           

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:33-34

Worry is the enemy's tool to keep us from trusting the God of the Bible.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

We don't have to understand everything before we choose to surrender our will to God's will. 

Although we have been given "free-will" it is critical that we exercise it wisely. 

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 

“If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that. As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” – James 4:13-17

“Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

What do you prefer? Peace or chaos? The choice is yours.

Life’s Application Commentary: 

"Imagine never worrying about anything! It seems like an impossibility; we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school. The Apostle Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Pray more. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good things. It comes from knowing God is in control. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace."

Whatever you focus on becomes the ruling factor of your life. 

Blessings in the days ahead.

In Christ by grace,

Pam

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

©2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by Permission.

Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com

Quiet-Time Reflections

Week of: December 26, 2017                                                                                                         Sharing by: Pam Crawford

“For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he had done has been done through God.” - John 3:16-21

A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING                                                                                            During the Christmas season 2017, several questions and a few challenges got my attention from the Scriptures and several church sermons that I heard relating to the birth of Jesus Christ. In the quiet of my spirit I could hear the challenge to view Christmas this year outside the box of tradition and religion in order to answer a simple question “what does it all mean?”

When time permits I encourage you to re-read the story found in Luke 2:1-20. If we’re not careful we can allow this familiar Scripture of the birth of Jesus Christ  to become mundane.  As you read it pay close attention to the details of the following questions. [1] Why the shepherds? [2] Why share the good news of great joy? [3] Why a baby?  Let’s take a look at the shepherds first.

Why Shepherds? “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people [Luke 2:9-10]. Now look at their response. “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them1 [Luke 2:15-18].

The Shepherds were a group of ordinary men. People of that society that were considered lowly [less than]. They were out earning their living by keeping watch over their flock until the angel of the Lord appeared. I could not help but wonder why God would choose them to be His witnesses and what prompted their response? It says after they came and saw, “they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” 

Why did they share good news of great joy? I imagine it was because they knew what they discovered was too important to keep to themselves. They understood they had a responsibility to share it with the flock they were responsible for.  As ordinary people we too have a responsibility to share what we discover with those in our circle of influence. 

What I have discovered over the years is this. Contrary to what the world would have you believe; the focus of the Christmas season should not be about Santa Clause, Elf On The Shelf, Black Friday, decorated trees, reindeer, snowmen, cookies and even the family gathering. It’s not that these things cannot be a part of the way you choose to celebrate; but when these things are the primary focus, it is in a sense a display of disrespect to the guest of honor. The focus of Christmas should be about a baby that was born over 2,000 years ago in a stable for a great purpose. In our gatherings He should be welcome and we should not be afraid to talked about what He has done for us. Imagine your birthday with little to no mention of you?  

Why a baby? A baby enters into the world innocent. They have the opportunity to grow and develop physically, intellectually and morally. They have ability and emotion. They can cry and they can laugh. They feel pain – and they can be comforted. They can experience hurt and have days of great joy. They can make decisions and their decisions determine their fate. Good decisions bring joy – wrong decisions bring consequences. When they grow up they have a responsibility and the ability to remember where they came from. They have desires and they have free will to bring about either good or evil from their lives. At some point in every baby’s life they had to separate from the comfortable and step out into the great big world to find the way.

Could it be that God choose to come to this earth in the form of an innocent baby so that everyone would have the ability to relate to Him in the way of relational identification since we all entered that way? Could it be that God wanted us to come to a greater understanding of who He was as God who took on flesh [John 1:14] for the purpose of rescuing that which He created from the results of a fallen world destined for eternal separation?  Could it be He wanted a personal relationship with us over traditional religion?

Had Jesus come as the Jewish people of His day were expecting, the story would be void of redemption.  It seems they wanted grace [undeserved favor] without doing the work of repentance and surrender. This was the familiar way of the religious elite of that day. When God showed up on the scene as an innocent baby boy to eventually give His life for their souls, they rejected that idea and some still do today. Some teach their children a very different story than we can experience through the celebration of Jesus as the focus at Christmas. Thus why it is so important that Jesus be a part of His celebration on Christmas and every other day in the lives of those who profess to be His followers.

As people of faith what does this all mean? What did the Jewish people of Jesus' day miss? I believe it’s quite simple; they missed the truth of God’s Holy Word despite the fact that they had the Old Testament Scripture [Torah, (in Judaism) the law of God as revealed to Moses and recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Pentateuch)]. In the Old Testament we learn that after Moses gave the 10 commandments, he told the people what they were to do with what they knew and he also gave them a few warnings we should not overlook. In Deuteronomy chapter 6, 7, and 8 we learn that Moses told the people that they were to love God with all their heart, with all their soul and with all their mind. He told them they were to keep all the commands, decrees and laws that the Lord directed him to give. They were to do what was right in the sight of God. They were to fear [respect, reverence] God. They were to be careful not to forget how God brought them through life. And they were to teach their children what they had discovered. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

Moses also gave a warning to the people should they forget to do what God had instructed him to tell them. “If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.”

How awful for us if God had stopped there! Thankfully the baby the Shepherds laid eyes on in Bethlehem grew up and in the end, He was faithful to sacrifice His life for us so that God’s purpose was fulfilled. The miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ was that He was born to die, so that you and I could live with God in Heaven forever. That is wonderful news for those who have and will choose to receive the gift! We cannot earn our way there, we only need to receive it. And from what we receive we are to obey.  For those who continue to reject "The Word" [John 1:1] we are told that there will be eternal separation. May it not be!

Let us make Jesus a priority in the days and years ahead. What you don't understand, seek answers. What you discover, share. Be the teachers of the next generation. They need what Jesus died for them to have. It will either be the world or wisdom that will change the environment around us. Let's choose well.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” [John 1:12]. Within that right is a responsibility. Handle it with care.

In Christ by grace,

Pam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWFzMvCfLE                                                                          What a beautiful name - Hillsong

For further study – Glory                                                                             https://www.fellowshipcleveland.com/glory

©2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by Permission.

Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com

Quiet-Time Reflections

Week of: April 24, 2017
Sharing by Pam Crawford
pmcrawford1@gmail.com

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21

RISEN INDEED. Now what?

With the Easter remembrance celebrations now in the rear-view mirror, one might ask what now? According to the American calendar we look ahead to Memorial Day. Another opportunity for a day off and a gathering of family and friends. But can we stick with Easter, the resurrection of the Savior, just a bit longer? I truly believe the picture of the empty tomb is relevant to how we live going forward.

The tomb was empty but the One who had been laid in it was very much alive. All throughout Scripture we uncover the mission of Christ; He came to serve [Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45]. I love how Dr. Charles Stanley explains this. In his devotion titled Sent to Serve he writes: “When we look at the life of Christ, we can clearly see that His coming was no accident and His time was not wasted. He lived His life on target. Scripture shows without a doubt that Jesus came to accomplish a goal. Many times in the Gospels, Jesus refers to having been sent by the Father. That word implies focus and intent. Our Savior didn’t stumble upon the earthly scene. His coming was not an accident or a happy coincidence. The idea is not that Jesus just appeared, He was sent into the world for a clear purpose. And what was that purpose. Matthew 20:28 reveals that Jesus came not to conquer, but to serve. His life reveals a clear mission, and everything He does in the Gospels points back to His purpose: to reveal the Father, die for sin, save the lost, and provide abundant life. No matter where He was, who He was with, or what He was doing, the Lord was always mindful of the reason for His coming. What’s more, just as Jesus was sent by the Father, so we are sent by Christ – to carry His message of hope throughout the world.”

As believers in Jesus Christ? How do we carry His message of hope? Personally, I had the answer affirmed to me through the book It’s Not About Me by Max Lucado. He writes: “What would change if we finally found our place – and lived it? For our entire lives we’ve been urged to look out for number one. To find our place in the sun and soak it for all its worth. To make a name for ourselves as if we are the headlines in life’s drama. But what happens when the sweet life we imagined proves to be sour? When our expensive toys break and our work is no longer needed and our bodies grow soft? What’s next when all our efforts to take care of number one leave us feeling unsatisfied and the thrills we were promised turn empty? What would happen if we all took our place and played our parts? If we started living like "Son” reflectors rather than individual stars and suns? If every person’s priority became a divine pursuit, not a performance?” Please refrain from reading on until you let this soak in a moment. What if belief in the Easter message actually became the motivating factor in your life going forward?

When Jesus was giving up His life, beaten and bruised for the transgressions of all mankind; He did two things that stand out to me. One, He instructed John to care for His mother [John 19:26-27]. And two, Jesus interceded for people by asking God to “forgive them because they know not what they are doing" [Luke 23:34 paraphrased]. What an amazing picture of moving beyond one’s own interests to the interests of others.

We have a common bond as sinful people. We all played a role in putting Jesus to death. Because there had to be a sacrifice for the hope of eternal life, God made the way [John 3:16]. Jesus instructed and Jesus prayed, don’t miss that! What I love about the Gospel message is that Jesus saw beyond His own circumstances. He looked ahead to the coming glory that is promised to anyone who places their faith in Him. Jesus lived out the message of forgiveness and service; a central theme of His life, death and resurrection.

“…and forgive us our sin, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.”                         - Matthew 6:12

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” By faith I choose to move forward in forgiving and serving others however God directs. I don’t have to have all the answers or an abundance of time or ability. Today I am simply stepping away from some of my “busy” to write in order to serve others while my granddaughter is sleeping. When she wakes up we will take a walk out in the sunshine. I cannot do this every day, but when I can it blesses me. Tonight I get to serve at an assisted living home, something I never thought would be inside of me. I cannot do it every day, but when I can it blesses me.

Realizing that this life is really not “all about me” has been life-changing. As God works in my heart, He also provides the time and the means to accomplish His tasks. I love watching Him work. He is so gracious to redeem any bit of lost time in my day. I can’t help but smile at His faithfulness. Now it is true; we cannot answer “yes” to every need out there, that would not be healthy.  But, we can say “yes” to be the example of Jesus in the life of another.  Ask God to help you discern His plans and purpose for each remaining day that He gifts you to live. You won’t be alone in this, I will be doing the very same thing. As you go forward from the Easter message, find what blesses you and use it to bless others. The world is in need of you. 

He is RISEN Indeed! Now what?

 In Christ by grace,

Pam

What Is Your True Purpose?

http://links.intouchministries.mkt4193.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MTcwNzYwODkS1&r=ODcwMjQ1ODYwOAS2&j=MTAwMjAyNTY1NQS2&mt=1&rt=0

Ask Me Why?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhEkZeCTwCU


©2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by Permission.

Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com