Archive by Author

How to Prepare for the End Times

4 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged
Friday, April 12, 2024 by Janet Perez Eckles

Was the recent eclipse of the sun overrated? Some say it was. Others identified it as another sign that the end times are closer than ever. Either way, if we focus on each sign, we lose sight of what truly matters. We miss the preparation of our soul for the return of Jesus.

Here’s a list of eight questions to see if you’re ready for the end times.

Who do you think Jesus is? If you believe in a religion, in myths, in the world’s ways, in New Age notions or in yourself as a good person, or believe Jesus is merely a good teacher, you won’t be part of the victorious ending. However, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved…” (Romans 10:9-10).

Each day that passes draws us closer to His return, the decision you make today will determine the place in which you’ll spend for eternity.

Are you alert? As a saved Christian, you possess the wisdom to know how to rebuke Satan’s attacks which are increasing with fury. As you prepare, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

He won’t devour you because in Christ Jesus, you have the power to rebuke, reject and defeat all his attacks.

Are you carrying the burdens of your personal life and that of the world? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

A soul that rests in Him has no room for anxiety, fear or worry.

When persecution becomes more intense, can you find new strength in the Lord? “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29).

That new strength isn’t just for one moment, that power isn’t for one season, but you’ll soared on wings like eagles until that day when Jesus returns.

As days get darker, do you rely in God’s provision as Paul declared?  “…this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

His riches are indeed glorious because they have nothing to do with your bank account, or the economy or financial security.

Do you know that His love is unshakeable even in the midst of wars, earthquakes, floods, inflation, fires or violence? “And nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).

Because of Christ’s love, you’re truly invincible.

When the signs of His return become more frequent, do you receive what Jesus offers? “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).

Signs will appear, conflict will intensify, evil will attack, but God’s peace within you will remain.

Do you listen to the media or to the main voice of the Savior? “All who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm” (Proverbs 1:33).

God has a plan. He has a purpose. And He executes each detail in precise and perfect timing. And while riding on the train of trust, we obey, expect, believe and wait in beautiful expectation. With Christ Jesus living in us, we anticipate that day when tears will dry, pain will cease, worry will end, joy will explode, peace will permeate, and victorious glory will be ours.

Let’s pray.

Father, thank You for the freedom we have to look beyond the circumstances of this world and fix our eyes on Your return with hearts filled with expectation and beautiful hope.

How are you getting ready for Jesus’ return?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

 Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you here:

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Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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Hope in Why

3 May

Guest Post

Rebekah Lyn

Reblogged 5/3/24

Hope in Why

I’ve battled with the flu for the past week. It finally took me down Wednesday night and kept me in a daze of fever, coughing, sore throat, and exhaustion. During one of those restless nights, I found myself asking “Why?”. It was a general why, not relating to any specific topic. As I lay in bed half asleep, half awake I began to think about how many times God must hear that question every day. It must be screamed, whispered, cried thousands, millions of times a day.

The magnificent thing about God is that He can bear to be questioned. He can hear every cry, and recognize every voice in the constant cacophony lifted up to Him. He understands what we are asking even when we don’t comprehend it ourselves.

The challenge we face as humans comes when we expect a response right away, and we usually expect a specific response. How many times have we missed God’s answer because it didn’t fit the parameters we set? Have you quit crying out to God because you didn’t feel heard, or didn’t receive a response? Do you feel like your cries are hopeless? Some prayers may go unanswered for years. Some questions may not have answers this side of heaven. That doesn’t mean we should give up crying out? Sometimes a simple “why” can lead to so much more than you dreamed.

It’s Sunday night as I finish this off and I’m still running a fever. I don’t know why I’ve been sick this long when I rarely get more than a sniffle, but I do know that God has given me time to rest, to set aside work, volunteering, writing, studying, and everything else that fills my days. I know that God has a bigger plan that I cannot see and I’m trusting in Him to answer that subconscious why from my restless night when the timing is right.

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I Love Spring

2 May

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

We enjoyed our winter in Florida. There were many “if only days,” as in if only Florida was always like this I would never want to leave. Mild days and brisk nights, and lots of sunshine. Those winters don’t come too often. But as spring approached, we felt a case of Spring fever coming on.

We planned to head for the North Carolina mountains the first of April, then our daughter had the opportunity of a mini-vacation with a college friend. We extended our time to pet sit our granddog, Ollie.

We had a few blips in our travel plans, but the day came when everything fell into place and we were on our way.

We had checked the weather forecasts for our route and it appeared we would be able to scoot between the rain showers of an approaching cold front. And if we hadn’t been held up by a traffic issue, we would have succeeded. Instead we ended up at the Buc-ees in St Augustine with screeching tornado warnings on our phones. I suggested we go into the store and wait out the warnings before getting gas, but oh no.. my man decided we should pump the gas first.

Photo Credit: Wil C. Fry Flickr

Once we were north of Jacksonville, Florida the rains cleared and we were treated to this beautiful and unusual looking rainbow.

I’m sure spring is beautiful everywhere but to this Florida raised woman, spring in the mountains is glorious. The color of the budding trees is so fresh and clean and when the sun shines just right the leaves seem to glow.

We spent the next two weeks settling back into our mountain house. I still had Christmas decoration to put away! Then we had some pesky doctor appointments to keep.

My tablet curates photos each day and one morning it curated pictures taken in the Great Smoky Mountain National park during the spring two years ago. We decided to make haste and drive up to the park asap.

The weather at our house was chilly with clear skies. Since the temperature in the national park can be 10-15 degrees cooler we tossed a couple of jackets in the truck. A light one and a heavier one, because you never know.

When we entered the park via route 441, the skies were clear and the trees as beautiful and we hoped.

We hadn’t gone very far before this happened.

A few years ago elk were reintroduced into the park. We always look forward to seeing them but didn’t expect to see them early in the day. To our surprise quite a few were lounging in the woods near the road. We were glad they were lounging and not crossing the road. In the fog, that could have been an unpleasant experience.

US route 441 connects Cherokee, North Carolina with Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I think the drive is about 35 miles. At the line between the two states is Newfound Gap, a beautiful overlook. We always stop even though we have been there numerous times, it is still beautiful to us. Plus, it has restrooms. It was damp and cold so I didn’t snap a picture of the overlook. I did take a couple of pictures of the woods next to the restrooms. The world famous Appalachian trail passes through here. I am thinking the hikers appreciate the restrooms!.

One of the oddities of the park is that the weather can be completely different on each side. Once we crossed into Tennessee, the fog rolled off. The car in front of us was driving rather slow. As I looked closer, I saw a sign atop the vehicle proclaiming it to be a student driver car.I can not imagine learning to drive on a winding and steep mountain road.

There wan’t much traffic and we had nothing but time so I suggested my husband drop back so as to not make the student nervous. We followed the student the rest of the way into Pigeon Forge where the driver became more confident on a flat road and we parted ways.

We stopped in Pigeon Forge for lunch, then did some shopping. My husband browsed in Bud’s sporting goods store, then we drove into Sevierville to get gas at the newest and largest (so far) Buc-ees.

After that, my sweet husband was tiring and we retraced our drive back towards GSMNP. ( side note-my phone glitched and wouldn’t work. No access to the map app!)Before leaving Pigeon Forge we stopped at my husband’s oh so favorite place, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. He felt sure that sugar and caffeine would energize him. (I finally figured out the phone problem.)

The glazed ones were Hot and Ready.

Of course, the coffee necessitated a stop once again at Newfound Gap. While waiting on husband, I took a few pictures.

Late afternoon.

Nothing special about the picture below. I liked the contrast of the yellow flowers with the still brown trees.

Tired but happy.

As we drew near to the southern exit of the park, we were on the lookout for elk. Late afternoons they can be seen grazing in a field or even next to the road. We had just said that we didn’t think we would see them today when around a curve, we saw this one, munching away.

It was a good day.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I’m a general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2024 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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Hope in Truth

26 Apr

Guest Post

Rebekah Lyn

Reblogged 4/26/24

This week, Jews around the world are celebrating Passover. This is a celebration in remembrance of the final plague God poured out on the Egyptians when Pharaoh refused to set the Israelites free from captivity. The Israelites were told to take a lamb into their household and care for it for four days. On that fourth day, at twilight, the lambs were to be killed and their blood used to paint the sides and tops of their door frames. God then detailed the meal they were to eat that night, including the meat of the sacrificed lamb. During the night, while the Israelites slept, protected by the blood on their doorways, all the firstborns in Egypt were killed.

This is a story that many use to question God’s loving nature. It’s hard to understand how God can not only allow, but bring, death to a nation when all we focus on is His loving nature. God is also a God of justice, and those who do not follow His way will face judgment. During their years in Egypt, the Israelites went from a welcomed family, to an expanding population, to slaves, and even a threat to the Egyptian way of life. Forty years before this first Passover, Pharaoh had commanded that all Israelite baby boys be killed in order to squash the growing population. It’s no coincidence that Moses, the man sent to seek freedom from Pharaoh, was one of those babies that should have been killed, but God had a plan for him and made a way for Moses to be protected.

There is so much false information, misinformation, and disinformation, floating around in the world. Depending on what side of politics you fall on, which religion you follow, what country you live in, and what celebrity you follow, that is how many people decide what they believe is the truth. That becomes confusing, though, if you follow a particular celebrity who says one thing but acts out another. Or if you believe in the campaign speeches of your party, but when they are in office, they do the exact opposite of what they said.

How, then, can we find truth? “Jesus answered, “‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” ~ John 14:6

After the first sin in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve hid from God because they were ashamed of their nakedness. The very first blood sacrifice came through God killing animals to make clothes for His children. From that time on, blood sacrifices were required to cleanse our souls from sin. The more this was done, though, I have to believe it had less meaning to the people. As with religious traditions today, many do them because it is habit or obligation more than from a deep sense of understanding, reverence, and repentance.

God chose to send His Son, Jesus, to Earth, specifically for the purpose of becoming our sacrificial lamb. He bore the humiliation and pain of death on a cross so that those who believe in Him and call Him Savior can be set free from the curse of sin.

“‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’” ~John 18:37

It may have become customary to buy a lamb for sacrifice, but for a man to lay down his life saying, “God lay all the blame on me. Take away their punishment and place it on me.” That isn’t something that can be taken for granted. Jesus was fully human, even as He was fully God. He struggled in the Garden of Gethsemane with what He knew lay ahead of Him. He prayed for another way, but He accepted and submitted to the will of God, His Father.

Not only did Jesus accept that death, He followed through on the promises He had spoken on several times, both in private with His disciples and in public. He promised the temple would be torn down but then rebuilt in three days. He told them He would die, but would rise again in three days. He did this and now, those who follow Him are the temple. We carry His Spirit inside our hearts. He is no longer contained to the Holy of Holy of the old Jewish Temple.

That is the example of truth I choose to live my life by.

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Hope in Friendship

19 Apr

Guest Post

Rebekah Lyn

Reblogged

Earlier this month, I took a trip to visit my best friend. We spent a couple of days in Nashville, exploring the Cheekwood Estate and the Frist Museum, probably not the first places that come to mind when you hear Nashville. That’s the great thing about our relationship. We both enjoy off-the-beaten-path, unsung gems in the places we visit. Yes, we wandered down South Broadway past all the popular bars and restaurants. I even convinced her to tour the Ryman Auditorium (which she loved despite her hesitancy).

We’ve known each other for over 30 years, but for most of that time, we’ve had anywhere from 200 to 3,000 miles between us. Despite the distance, we always pick up where we left off when we get together. She is my polar opposite – outgoing, quirky, a magnet for meeting people. The thing I love about her most, though, is we can share things with each other without judgment. We support each other through the tough times and meltdowns. Even though we don’t talk every day, I would be lost without her.

There isn’t much in the Bible specifically about friendship. Two of the most well-known stories are about David and Jonathan (King Saul’s son), and Job’s three friends. These stories are complete opposites. Despite King Saul wanting to kill David, Jonathan stands by his friend (1 Samuel 20). Meanwhile, Job’s friends came to his side following all the calamities that befell him and sat in silence for seven days. When they did speak, they became increasingly accusatory.

No friendship is without pitfalls. We are all flawed and will let each other down at some point. In the book of Acts, we learn about a young man named John Mark, who Barnabas and Paul took with them on one of their missionary journeys. Unfortunately, Mark was young and didn’t complete the trip, which Paul took great offense with. When Barnabas wanted to take Mark on a second journey, Paul was against this because of Mark’s previous breach of trust. This caused a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas to the point that they went on separate journeys (Acts 12-15).

This seems like a rift that cannot be repaired, yet in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we learn Mark is with him once again, and later in 2 Timothy, Paul is asking for Mark to be sent to him “because he is helpful to me in ministry”. Mark had matured and become a good friend to Paul. We can learn from this relationship that even in the face of shattered relationships, there is always a glimmer of hope for reconciliation and healing.

So, to anyone out there struggling with a broken friendship, hold on to the hope that reconciliation is possible. With time, effort, and a genuine commitment to growth, you too can mend the fractures and restore what was once lost.

Don’t forget to check out the resources page I’m developing with content I have found encouraging, has taken me deeper in my walk with God, and generally builds my hope.

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To Thrift or Not to Thrift

18 Apr

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I have mixed feelings about thrifting. I would go so far as to say that I am very conflicted. In case you aren’t familiar with the term, I found this definition online.

“Thrifting refers to the act of purchasing secondhand goods, such as clothing, from thrift shops or other sources. It’s a fantastic way to save money while also promoting sustainable fashion.”

What is Thrifting? What’s the Purpose of it?

Thrift stores have long been a valuable tool in managing living expenses, but over the last few years, it has become a popular pastime. Thrifters tend to proudly wear their “finds.” There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. I have enjoyed discovering some finds myself. My favorite find is pieces of vintage Princess House dishes at a Goodwill Store. I was shocked they were priced at only $1.00 per piece. Princess House was very popular in Florida and was sold at home parties like Pampered Chef and Tupperware. I found this example of the plates below on Etsy.

Photo Credit: Etsy MichelesAttic

Thrifting is fun especially when sharing the experience with a friend. The conflict for me comes in thinking that if I am buying out of want, am I depriving someone in need?

Yet, thrift stores have expenses similar to any business: rent, payroll, utilities, etc. By thrifting, one is contributing to the cost of providing inexpensive clothing as well as household goods.

I have recently read comments condemning thrift stores for selling clothing etc that were given to the thrift store. I can’t follow that thinking because as I wrote above, thrift stores have expenses.

A church in my community has a heart for serving our homeless. They accept donations of clothing and provide them free to those in need. To raise money to help fund their ministry, they began selling the excess clothing and household items at a local indoor flea market. At the moment they have so many donations they have had to limit the type of clothing they accept. There is always a need for men’s pants size 28-34. I was shocked to read a scathing comment about the selling of the excess items.

My church has a wonderful clothes closet that is open twice per month. I love watching families come in with young children. The children are so excited to be able to choose whatever they want.

So, regarding the controversy over selling donated clothes versus giving them away, I think one should choose where they donate based on their preference.

There are thrift shops that fund many worthwhile helping organizations. My favorite shop uses the money to run a food bank.

From my experience, these are frequently needed clothing and items.

  • Men’s clothing-small sizes if donations to homeless
  • Children and infant clothing
  • Clean underwear especially for homeless
  • Personal care products
  • In winter, coats
  • Items specific to the organization, ie..pet needs

To thrift or not to thrift, that is the question…that only you can decide. I am still feeling conflicted.

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Hope in Humility

29 Mar

Guest Post

Rebekah Lyn

Reblogged from Rebekah Lyn’s Kitchen

Yesterday we celebrated Palm Sunday, and today is the start of Holy Week. Only a few days passed before the same people who sang “Hosanna in the highest!” changed their cries to “Crucify Him!” What a difference! Yet, if we look at Jesus himself, He didn’t stop loving those around Him. He didn’t stop teaching and healing. With His disciples, He spoke plainly of His impending death and resurrection, yet even then they didn’t understand.

One notable difference, though, came in His response to the vendors and money changers in the Temple. They’d been there every other time Jesus had visited, but this time he turned over their tables and called them out for the conniving robbers they were. This wasn’t the first time Jesus had seen these vendors in the Temple courts, yet this time He rebuked them. Mark 11:18 says, “The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at His teaching.”

As I thought about this post, pondering why this visit to the Temple was different, I realized this act of condemning those profiting off the tradition of blood sacrifice, the same tradition God Himself first began by slaying animals to provide coverings for Adam and Eve after they first sinned, foreshadowed the events to come.

The religious leaders, up to this point, have been skeptical. They’ve attempted to trip Jesus up in His teaching, and I’m sure there were some looking for ways to get rid of Him long before this event in the Temple. Despite the parables Jesus spoke in, I have a feeling they recognized when Jesus was referring to them negatively. Some may have felt shame and conviction, but most felt their power threatened.

Finally, on the first day of Passover, Jesus dined alone with His disciples. The meal had already started and yet Jesus stood up, wrapped a towel around His waist, and began to wash the feet of the disciples. This was an act performed whenever someone entered a home. If the owner was wealthy, a servant would perform this task. As you can imagine, feet got pretty dirty walking along dusty roads, dodging piles of animal droppings.

Jesus doing this for His disciples is a beautiful picture of love. One that particularly resonates with me because, as a child, I loved washing my grandmother’s feet, cutting her toenails, and bandaging her corns. I didn’t recognize the symbolism of it then, but as I’ve grown deeper in my relationship with Christ, I can imagine the compassion He felt for those men who had followed Him for three years. He had forged deep relationships with them and loved them deeply. He had created them, yet He humbled himself to serve them in a personal way. He even washed the feet of Judas, knowing this man would betray Him within hours.

Jesus chose to be born of humble parents, in the lowest circumstances, the polar opposite of what He deserved as the Almighty King. Through his three years of ministry, those closest to Him were of the working class and looked down upon by many. He walked from place to place rather than riding in an expensive carriage or on the shoulders of slaves. Despite all this, thousands flocked to listen to Him, to understand His message, and to receive His healing.

It was this humbleness, though, that kept many from believing, including the religious leaders who should have known the prophecies about the coming Messiah. With their knowledge of the Torah, they either failed to see or failed to accept that Jesus fulfilled every one of those prophecies.

If you aren’t a follower of Christ, spend time this week considering your life. Are you willing to accept this is the best you will have? When you die, you will not cease to exist, but spend an eternity in darkness and fire. All it takes to change that outcome is a change of heart, a shift in perspective that allows you to see Jesus for the conqueror He was. He entered the Earth humbly, but He lived blameless, the only perfect life. Yet He gave up His life willingly as a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. Not only did He die for us, He rose again in victory. Come back next week for more of that story.

Don’t forget to check out the resources page I am developing with content I have found encouraging, has taken me deeper in my walk with God, and generally builds my hope.

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Late to the Party

28 Mar

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Sometimes I feel I am the only person I know who reads books on a device. Of course, I know that isn’t true.

When the Kindle and Nook readers first came out, almost everyone around me were buying them. I didn’t join the party.

As time moved on, my friends, first excited about the devices, put them on the shelf and went back to reading hard copy books.

So of course, me being me, I decided it was now time for me to join the e-inreader party. However, in my defense, I claim extenuating circumstances.

The first circumstance was my poor eye sight. The second, wholding a hard copy book was at times, too much of an effort. So, I downloaded the Kindle app to my iPad and instantly fell in love. Once I put the app on my phone as well I was delighted to always have access to a book to read.

I confess to having some instant gratification issues. When I finish a book, I want to start a new one almost instantly. With the library Libby app I can do that! When I borrow a library book through Libby, I get the option to read the book on my Kindle. I always say, “yes please”

Photo Credit:technofaq.org

There is a downside to getting books through the library Libby app. Just like checking out a hard copy book there is a due date. Then one has two choices, return the book unfinished or renew. The big difference is that an overdue digital copy is magically zapped from my app. The first time this happened to me I was aghast. How could they steal the book from me? Of course it wasn’t stealing and I did have an opportunity to renew the loan if no one was waiting for it. Now I don’t ignore the warning texts that a book is due soon.

For the most part, I also read the Bible digitally, either in an app or from a website. Several months ago, a popular Bible site changed the wording in some scriptures. It wasn’t a faith shattering change but it disturbed me. I remembered how my library book had been zapped from my device. With all the anti-christian animosity on social media I can’t help but wonder if it will become socially acceptable to change or even remove Bibles from our devices.

I have a fascination with vintage Bibles. The writing is so small in some of them. I wonder if it was to keep the printing cost down. I collect the vintage ones, finding them in thrift stores and yard sales. Most have been inscribed with a message to the owner. Sometimes it is a gift for a birthday or Christmas.

I wanted to include pictures of my collection but as I am writing this we aren’t home yet.

Photo Credit:foto.wuestenigel.com

When I was a small child growing up in Florida of the 50s and 60s, the children were encouraged to memorize scripture with the admonition that one day it might not be possible to own a Bible. I couldn’t imagine such a thing.

I would encourage everyone to have a physical copy of the Bible as well as any book you cherish. And, if you come across a Bible while thrifting consider buying it for yourself or to share.

I also collect old hymnals, but that is a story for another time.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I’m a general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2023 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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How Do I Know I’ll Go to Heaven

23 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles
Reblogged Saturday, March 23, 2024


High school reunions can be so much fun. A friend hugged me. “Wow, you haven’t changed a bit,” she said.

I smiled, not knowing whether to believe her or not. How can one not change during decades?

Of course we changed. But we say the politically correct thing. After all, we’re reuniting with friends from our teens. Those friends that joined us in the silly antics. The ones who shared the insecurities we tried so hard to hide. They’re the ones who made us envious of how they looked, what they accomplished, and the confidence we wished we had.

Although high school reunions highlight how silly we were in our thinking, our values and worries, there’s another reunion that defines our purpose. It’s the reunion that holds the glorious life after we take our last breath. The reunion that opens the door to the place where no more tears are shed. No more pain is felt. No more sorrow or fear are experienced.

Expecting that reunion with Jesus is what makes life on earth bearable, doable, and even enjoyable.

Will you miss the reunion?

But recently I met a friend who might miss that reunion. She said, “There are many ways to heaven. I’m a good person, I never hurt anyone intentionally and I do my best to live right.”

We’re living in perilous days, with ugly events that point to the end times. Can we afford the luxury of trying our own way to heaven? If my friend believes that being good will give her entrance to heaven, then how good is good enough?

Did you ever ask that question? What is the level of goodness in a person that opens the door to heaven for eternity?

Here’s the answer.

God longs to reunite with us. That’s a fact. But one day, He shook His head as He observed our feeble attempts to get it “right.” (My personal paraphrase.)

As you can guess, He saw that, on our own, we never could obtain that good enough level to gain entry to heaven. So, He did the most amazing thing. He said again that He loves us so much that He sent a Savior to save us from eternal death. He said His name would be Jesus (John 3:16).

So, there you have Him. Jesus, the Savior, the one in whom we put out hope for life eternal. For a future secure after we close our eyes for the last time. The one who resurrected and is alive.

And the One, the only One who promised that when we open our eyes again, we’ll be by His side, walking on the streets of gold. Forever whole and complete, overflowing with joy.

What do you think?

Is it time to celebrate? Resurrection Sunday holds that promise: death has no power over us. Gloom has no significance. And fear has no grip.

Let’s hold on to this truth because the expectation of that reunion with Jesus should keep us dancing in celebration.

That’s precisely God’s will. And when we do His will, we find comfort in this admonishment: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-22).

I pray that you, friend, haven’t gotten lost in the busy life. And that distracted, you’ve been lured by other stuff that you forgot about that day.

And instead, you chose to open your heart to Jesus, invite Him in. And then you can be certain that as you go through life on earth, you’ll be secure that in the next life, the sweet reunion with Jesus happens.

Until that day, store this promise in your heart: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3).

The guest list to enter that House has many names …is yours included?

Let’s pray.

Father, I don’t know the number of my days, but You do. Thank You for granting the entrance to heaven through Your Son Jesus. The comfort of that reunion with You filles me with hope, with expectation and deep joy. Amen!

Have you invited Jesus as your personal Savior and your passport to heaven?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT  FORMto leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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Hope in the Steadfast

22 Mar

Guest Post

Rebekah Lyn

Reblogged from Rebekah Lyn’s Kitchen

The word anchor has many definitions, most obviously an item used in boating to secure the vessel, but also, according to Webster’s online dictionary: “a reliable or principal support; something that serves to hold an object firmly; a broadcaster (as on a news program) who introduces reports by other broadcasters and usually reads the news; the member of a team (such as a relay team) that competes last; a large business that attracts customers to a shopping center or mall.”

Most of these definitions are positive. When you go out on a snorkeling excursion, you want your boat to be anchored, so it doesn’t float away and leave you behind. In planning a shopping center, you want to secure big-name stores to anchor the property and generate business. During a hurricane, homeowners may use heavy weights to prevent outdoor furniture from blowing away. Vendors at craft fairs often use anchors to prevent their tents from flying away.

However, there can be negative sides to anchors. If a storm comes up and drags the anchor while you’re snorkeling, you can get tangled in the rope, trapped underwater until you drown. Or an anchor can be something invisible: guilt over past mistakes, unforgiveness, career, worry. These can weigh you down, taint the way you look at the world, and enslave you until you feel just as overwhelmed as the swimmer tangled in the anchor rope.

There is another anchor, though, one that a storm can’t dislodge, one that only has positive outcomes. That is the hope that believers have in Jesus Christ. He is steadfast, unchanging, unshakeable. His character is the same from the beginning of time to the end. Throughout the Bible, we are told we can call on God in any circumstances. Before Jesus returned to Heaven, He promised His disciples that He would send them a helper, the Holy Spirit, to live inside them. He followed through on that promise on the day of Pentecost and he continues to follow through as new believers join the faith each day.

We experience the Holy Spirit’s presence in different ways during our walk of faith. When we first believe and accept the gift of grace God offers us, we are excited and feel completely alive in the Spirit. But as time wears on, if we don’t nurture that relationship and seek time in God’s presence, we feel more distant from the Spirit. However, we are the ones who moved away, not the Spirit, not God, not Jesus. They are right where we left them, steadfastly waiting for us.

In this week leading up to Palm Sunday, consider where you’re at in your walk. Are you communicating with God, reading His word, listening for His direction? Or are you distracted by colorful adventures and sights that have led you astray? Are you ready to sincerely proclaim: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”?
Jesus is our living hope. As I’ve mentioned before, the world’s hope is uncertain, built upon sand, but the living hope of Christ is solid and steadfast, able to overcome all difficulties. Isn’t that something to shout about?

Don’t forget to check out the resources page I am developing with content I have found encouraging, has taken me deeper in my walk with God, and generally builds my hope.

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