Garbage
Last week I went on a mission trip with my daughter’s high school class. We went to a small town in Arkansas and ministered in many ways. We performed puppet shows to preschool children, dramas to K-life students, served a church dinner to indigent people, and we carried out a few work projects. One of these work projects consisted of picking up trash along the entrance of a highway. It was amazing to me how much garbage we found in just a short strip of road. I, myself, picked up so many used needles, cigeratte packages, beer bottles, baby diapers, and bottles filled with urine. You can get a lot of insight into people by looking at their trash. Therefore, this trash was a good indicator of the lifestyles of those who had traveled down this path. Needless to say, this task required me to get a little dirty. It is never an easy job to clean up other people’s garbage; sometimes, if I wasn’t particularly careful, the contents of a bottle would leak on me. When that occurred, it took all I had not to gag with repulsion. Of course, the stench from the trash was not a joy ride either. The smells were repugnant and had the ability to make one sick.
While I was cleaning the road, I made an observation; it seemed as though the closer I came to the on-ramp of the highway, the more garbage I had gathered. I began to spiritualize the situation. I thought of how Christ cleansed me from all my garbage. I came to the Lord at the age of twenty-five; by that time, I had been down many roads with my bags full. I had been hurt and rejected by many who had promised to love me. Yet, there was Jesus, who was sinless and pure, willing to reach down and touch a filthy person as me. He never hesitated a moment nor was he grossed out as He began to love me and clean me up. The Lord gladly came along to dispose of my vices, my pain, and brokenness. He placed the debris of my life in those spiritual garbage bags and threw it all away. My garbage is forever gone into that spirtual abyss—never to be retreive again. Christ picks our garbage up willingly and cleanses us from the pain of this world.
Psalm 113:7 (NLT)
7 He lifts the poor from the dust
and the needy from the garbage dump.
Are you still carrying around garbage that needs to be dumped into the spiritual abyss? If so, ask Jesus to do a head-to-toe cleansing of your soul today.
He Listens
Sometimes when I am speaking to my husband, he will get this certain look on his face, and I know that Randy hasn’t heard a word I have said. He is millions of miles away. Moments later, when he has arrived back to earth, he will find me staring at him waiting for a response. He gazes back with perplexity written all over his face. It is that second that he realizes that he has been caught daydreaming. His first reaction is to smile. I will smile back. Then and only then do I know I have his full attention. He is ready to hear me. In this day of distractions, it seems as if everyone is talking, but rarely does anyone listen. I am thankful that we worship a God that not only hears but also listens. The moment the words begin to flow from my mouth, He bends down to hear. God never tires of my voice; in fact, He longs to hear from me. Have you spoken with the Lord today? How would your prayer-life change if you knew God listened? Beloved, He listens.
Psalm 66:19 (NLT)
19 But God did listen!
He paid attention to my prayer.
Psalm 116:2 (NLT)
2 Because he bends down to listen,
I will pray as long as I have breath!
It’s all my Fault…
Having just watched Tiger Woods give his first press conference after his adulterous behavior became public, I was made aware of the disgrace he must be experiencing. He stood there with a room full of media, who were looking for their next story to report, not understanding the price this sin would cost him. It seems as though the world has been waiting to hear from Tiger, so they could assess whether to forgive him or not. As he spoke, all eyes were on him. He admitted that he had no one to blame, and that his actions were “all my fault”. With his apology, shame was apparent. I felt such empathy as I considered what if I was in his place and I had to confess my sins to the world.
Then I pondered on how terrifying the Day of Judgment will be for all who are not walking with the Lord. As I contemplated the severity of this day, my heart skipped a beat. It became very sobering to me to imagine the disgrace each person will experience, standing in the presence of the Lord. Judgment Day will truly be a day of sorrows, and every humiliation one has faced in this life will pale in comparison. For there will be no one to plead their case before the Judge of all humanity. As each person rejects the Lord’s forgiveness, he or she also discards the right to an attorney. Fear and trembling will consumes each person as he or she stands before the Judge and watches the Book open to their name. The Judge will read every wrong committed, and without an advocate, the verdict will culminate in a guilty charge. The realization of each decision ever made will be too much to bear, for there will be neither excuses nor any blame games. The only words that will be echoed throughout the land are “It’s all my fault.”
Revelation 20:11–15 (NLT)
The Final Judgment
11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Am I ready to face the Judge on Judgment Day?
If not, please ask Jesus to forgive you, and live a life that is worthy to have Jesus as your advocate.
Like it, Love it, and Gotta to have it!
My husband and I were shopping in one of those outdoor malls the other day. Our children were busy with an activity, and we were passing time until they finished. We wandered aimlessly from store to store. After about an hour of walking, we came out of a store and looked up to a sign in the sky. Without saying a word, we both gravitated toward this store as though we were magnets in a magnetic force. We walked in the store, and our taste buds danced with delight, as we anticipated the creamy decedance that we were about to partake. When we approached the counter and glanced up at the menu. There were so many options, it tooks us a few moments to decide if we were to have a shake, a cone, or a cup of scrumptous pleasure. When we finally made a decision and about to order, then there came another question from behind the counter. “What size would you perfer?” As we looked at our choices, the cashier pointed and rattled off...like it, love it, and gotta have it. Randy and I laughed with elation as we considered our preference.
When we sat down to gobble our yummy treat, I started thinking about the different choices offered to us with a smile. I began to reflect on the Bible and how we consume God’s Word. Some of us Christians like the Bible, and we taste the word with a verse here and there, just enough to enjoy on ocassion--to satisfy a craving. Then there are others who love the Word of God. They devour the Word and make it a part of their lifestyle. These people usually participate in a weekly study. Lastly, the next kind of Christians are the ones I desire to be and be with. These Christians always opt for the gotta have it. These Christians convinced that they must be fed daily. They know that they couldn’t make it in this world without the Word of God guiding their lives. They never worry about getting fat on the Word, for they know it is impossible. They feast on a large portion of God’s Word to gain wisdom and understanding on how to live. Their lives are transformed by God's written word. These Christians approach the table (the Bible) as a banquet, and they want to sample everything—not missing one tasty morsel.
Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJV)
“Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
For I am called by Your name,
O LORD God of hosts. “
What type of Bible reader are you?
Like it?
Love it?
Or gotta have it?
The Desire of My Heart…
My husband walked through the door with a smile on his face. He was giddy, and I asked him, “How was your day?” He answered me. Then he kept smiling at me, as he asked if I would like to have my Valentine’s Day present early. Now, I just received flowers the day before, and I love my red petite roses, but secretly, I was hoping for something else. “Of course,” I said. Still smiling, he went out to his car and came back into the house with a beautiful heart-shaped crystal bowl adorned with a bright red bow. Inside this beautiful bowl were six chocolate covered strawberries. These strawberries were dipped in milk chocolate with swirls of white chocolate. Chocolate covered strawberries are my absolute favorite, and I was so thankful that Randy knew me well enough to give me something I love. By his actions, I could tell he was pleased with himself as he handed me this bowl of delicious decedance. To tell you the truth, I would rather have these six covered strawberries over my beautiful red roses any day. His sweet gestures made me aware of his love for me, and how he enjoys giving me gifts or better yet, a desire of my heart.
I know my husband is not the Lord, but I believed God reveals His love for us through others. Now, I didn’t say anything to my husband about wanting those scrumptious strawberries, but God knew the desire of my heart. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that the Lord spoke to my husband about getting those yummy delights to please me. Who knows? However, I do know the Lord loves us. He sends people our way to remind us that He does know the desires of our hearts! Happy Valentine’s Day!
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
Getting to the Mountaintop!
While on a family vacation in Italy, the Lord spoke to me about trials. In Naples, we decided to visit Pompeii. Pompeii is another story for another day. However, at Pompeii, we wrestled with going to Mt. Vesuvius. We couldn’t decide if we wanted to spend the money to visit a crater in the sky. It was hot, and we were tried from spending three days in Rome. Anyway, we decided to climb this mountain/volcano. Mt. Vesuvius is a volcano that erupted in 79 A.D. and destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum. We all agreed, since we are here, why not? As we drove up the windy rode, I sit in the large bus and couldn’t believe how difficult it was to get to the base of the mountain, a journey in itself. We went around curve after curve with a honk of the horn each time to give a warning that we are on the road. Only one vehicle could pass along this narrow road up to the mountain. (It is amazing how our struggles parallel the ride up the mountain. In a trial, we feel alone, and we try to avoid the traffic that may be around each curve, as we reach the destination the Lord has carved out for us). When we arrived to the base of mountain, we got out and looked up to our objective. I thought to myself, “This is going to be expedition.” Then I thought to myself, “Surely, I can make it, I walk two to three miles a day.” As I started up the mountain, I went full force, but before I knew it, I was stopping and panting for breath. I really questioned if why we decided to do this. However, I continued to walk the path. About half way up the mountain, I had to stop for a moment and take a breather. Then I started to question, “what’s the big deal, I don’t think I will miss anything if I don’t make it all the way. I cannot believe I am paying for this.” There was something in me that made me persevere. I came across a store about ¾ the way up the mountain. I stopped and brought a water to drink. I sent my family onward, and I sat there looking over the city of Naples, and I began to pray. Then I pulled out my Bible, and I began to read. I was strengthened by the words on the page. I sit there about 15 minutes resting in the Lord. I was refreshed. I decided that I could go further. I began to walk with a skip in my step. I reached the top to find my family there to greet me. I was on the mountaintop, and I didn’t want to leave. The view was even more spectacular from the top than from midway. I looked upon the Tyrrhenian Sea and watched the large ships come and go. Then I could see the wild flowers that I had smelled on the way were growing up the side of the volcano. What a sweet fragrance to behold, and a wonderful reminder that the sweetness of the Lord is ever present, even on the way up. On the top of the mountain, the air was cool and refreshing. I was renewed, and it was there I realized, I was meant to be on this mountaintop. Yes, it was a struggle to reach the crest, and if I hadn’t had gone the whole way, I would have missed out of the beauty, grandeur, and satisfation that I made it to the summit. However, I knew my time was limited, for I had to go down soon to meet our bus. This told me that our adventures on this earth are not to last forever. They are only temporary as we walk this life through. However, the way down the mountain was so much easier. I knew I had overcome my struggle through Christ. My family, who vacillated with wanting to go, said to me later that day, “This was one of my favorite sites we have been to so far.” We also would have missed a wonderful site because we were weary and didn’t sense that God had so much more for us to experience.
The moral of the story is that I know I someday I will go to the mountaintop for good, and I pray that many of my family members will meet be there to greet me as well. Our struggles in this lifetime will seem like a wisp of a vapor when we reach eternity. In the meantime, the same God who helped me walk up Mt. Vesuvius will walk me up the next mountain I face. I told you all this to remind you that when we are between our mountaintops God presence can be found even on our way up, and yes, that euphoric feeling ones receives on the mountaintop is always worth the struggle getting there.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 1 Peter 1:6 (NASB95)
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
He Knows!
As I sat in the comfort of my livingroom watching the news of the devastation caused by Haiti’s earthquake roll across my screen, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I sit there glued to the television with a brokenheart. Then when I thought I had seen it all, I watched a bulldozer push hundreds of bodies into a huge hole at the city dump. I was mortified to the absolute disregard for the dead. The tears rolled down my face as I began to pray. I wondered whose brother, sister, uncle, aunt, dad, mother, grandmother, or grandfather was among the dead. I tried to understand the authorities’ decision to dispose of the dead in hopes to protect the living from the outbreak of various diseases. I couldn’t imagine the pain the Haitian people must be experiencing. I wondered what I would do if I were faced with the same circumstances. There would be no funeral or grave site for these people to grieve their loved ones. At least with a funeral, there is some closure; unfortunately, with the vast death toll, the comfort a funeral brings, would not be possible. The only solace I could muster that day was to run to Psalm 139. As I open the Bible and poured my heart over these precious words, I was calmed by each word the psalmist wrote. He understood the omniscience of God. Then I began to understand that humanity will probably never know all who were disregarded that day at the dump, but God knows every precious person that took their last breath by the earthquake. The Lord knows their names, their relatives, where they lived, and their last word spoken. Yes, sadness surrounded me as I pondered on Haiti, but I rested in the assurance that nothing escapes the eyes of the Lord. He knows.
Psalm 139:1–8 (NKJV)
1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
5 You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
Do you really mean it?
How many times have we told people that we would pray about a need or a particular issue and didn’t? Could it be that we were sincere at the time, but we forgot to pray? Maybe we don’t realize how effective our prayers actually are. We get so use to saying ―I’ll pray, that it become only words, instead of an action we take to the Lord. Or we don’t realize that when we pray we enter the throne room of God. Our prayers are the aroma of sweet incenses before the Lord.
I am sure there have been more times than I would like to admit of why I didn't pray when asked. Nonetheless, it never occurred to me that my refusal to pray is sin before the eyes of my Lord. However, it didn’t take the Lord long to teach me the importance of praying for others’ needs. Lately, I have been bombarded with severe trials, and my prayer life has changed immensely. It is amazing how fast God gave me understanding of prayer; especially, as I have sought people to pray for me and my family as we travel through the storms of life. We are in great need of people who will pray for others. We need intercessors. In R. A. Torrey’ s book How to Pray states, "Those men whom God set forth as a pattern of what He expected Christians to be—the apostles—regarded prayer as the most important business of their lives. I pray that God will help us get the vision of the privilege He has given with prayer. Also, I pray that we understand that when we say, ―I’ll pray, we actually do pray; for so many people are hurting and need to know that others are petitioning heaven on their behalf. Now, by all means, if you say that you will pray, mean it, and begin to pray immediately!
1 Samuel 12:23 ―Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ― Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.‖
How to resolve praying for others when asked.
1. When asked to pray...pray immediately.
2. Write the request down and lay it by your bed. Train yourself to look at your list before you go to bed or first thing in the morning.
3. Always think about what you would do if you would find yourself in the same situation...empathy always works.
4. Be satisfied in knowing that you called on God to help a fellow person in their time of need.
I feel so alive!
The other day my neighbor and I were on our weekly walk together. We were praying for our neighborhood and some friends. Then we began to thank God for the beautiful fall day He had so graciously given us. This led into praising God for people and many things He has done in our lives. As we continued to walk and praise God, we both bubbled up with joy and started to giggle. Then my friend said, “I feel so alive!” My spirit agreed with hers and I too felt alive…really alive. I walked from her house to mine with a skip in my step.
When I arrived home, I ruminated on the experiences of the morning. Then I realized that when one has the living God in their heart, and the praises of Him flowing from their mouth, they are truly alive! In fact, I would boldly say that unless one has had a similar experience, then one is not living! They are dead...a dead man or woman walking. The Bible makes it clear that unless we know Christ, we are dead in our sin. However, once we accept Christ, we are alive, and not only alive, but alive forever more! I hope you have pondered on these words and feel more alive than ever, because you know that God lives inside of you. Whenever I think of God and how alive we are in Him, I remember the quote by D.L. Moody: “Soon you will read in the newspaper that I am dead. Don’t believe it for a moment. I will be more alive than ever before.” D.L. Moody knew what it meant to be alive! Do you feel alive today?
Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
Preparation…
As I was driving the other day, I came across a marquee in front of a church that stated "Prepare your hearts, for Christ is coming." I wasn't sure if the marquee was communicating a message of Christmas or the second coming of Christ. I had to ask myself, "Was I preparing for the coming of Christ?" I thought of the all preparation that goes into Christmas alone. Most of us will shop, bake, and decorate until the last moments of the season. We will spend long nights wrapping; we get up early to clean, and rush packages off to who knows where, and then we take many trips to the store to pick up that one item for the Christmas meal. The time that has been spent in preparing for the "big" day is immeasurable, yet the question still remains, how much time have we taken to prepare our hearts? Yes, many of us read our devotionals and pray, but have we prepared our hearts? If Christ were to come today, would our hearts be ready?
James 5:8 (NKJV)
8 "... Establish "prepare" your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."
*Emphasis added by the author
Coming this year an in depth Bible study on Peter!
Read what others have said about No More Bondage.
Pam,
I just wanted to take a minute and send a huge thank you for this book. It was a pleasure to hear you speak at our Titus II Banquet. You are truly an inspiration. It so good to listen to someone who is just like the rest of us, trying to figure out our path.
Your book is an easy read!!! It is so understandable to those who are a baby Christian and also a great inspiration and help to seasoned Christians. I hope and pray that your books get into the hands of those who are not Christians, and those who are not saved.
Personally there is so much in your book that I could relate to and struggles that I still to this day struggle with.
I was raised in an abusive home and very familiar with thoughts, attitudes, and feelings in this book. It has really helped me to want to work on those areas and finally close the door on some of those feelings and betrayals.
Thank you so much for wanting to be a better person and to help others want the same thing for ourselves and families.
Sincerely,
Lisa Kelly
LIVE SIMPLE, CARE DEEPLY, AND LOVE FOREVER.
It was the time for me to take another walked down my past for the last time and peel those layers off and leave them for good. I think this book is for any age and sex, it helps you to open you eyes to a lot of things you are dealing with and not wanting to remember anymore. This book will guide you though the healing process from your past and work on what GOD has for your further. I believe this is the best book, it is easy reading, and I feel GOD talks to you though it and leads you to FREEDOM. People have been in bondage for a long time and they think that's the way life is and it's not. I believe this book is the key for many people who need help from Bondage. This book answered a lot of questions. Help us get the word out and help those people in BONDAGE be FREE.
Thank you
Jennifer Steele
NO MORE BONDAGE
I sit and wonder: "Why am I here?"
Please make this mess disappear.
Arguing and alcohol, couriers of despair,
Deposit their burdens, more than I can bear.
Anguished mother hurts me,
Father runs and flees,
Bitterness consumes the heart,
Alone and scared, I want to part.
Drugs ease the pain away,
Isn't that what some say?
I find that this cannot be so.
My heart is still so full of woe.
Dark prison surrounded by disdain,
No release from these chains,
Anger internalized, bust rebel,
No escape from this hell.
Will anyone hear the plea?
What is the key?
Will I make it through?
What am I to do?
Jesus, rescue me!
And the scattered debris,
Hut and pain is all I know,
Let the healing powers flow.
Jesus, please come near,
And wash away the tears.
Despair must depart,
Once hope fills the heart!
I felt His presence right way--
He began the work that very day
Healing came slowly, over time,
Nevertheless, healing was mine.
Generational sins came to an end,
Now my heart is on the mend!
Chains off, indeed I'm free--
No more bondage for me!
Pamela Sauer 4/4/06
The House of the Lord
To dwell in the House of the Lord,
Grace and peace galore!
Goodness and mercy are the rule,
But wait, there is so much more!
There are Pastures of green,
And waters serene,
Beautiful mansions to hold,
Everything new and pristine.
There are streets paved in gold,
Gates of pearl unfold,
Walls of precious jewels,
What wonders to behold!
Glory and majesty at hand!
And rejoicing throughout the land,
As Christ appears,
In awe we will stand.
Casting crowns at His feet,
Worshipping Him in replete,
Holy and Worthy is the lamb,
Will be recited in the streets!
Now, so much awaits you and me,
It is there we will see,
Christ crowned King of kings,
And declare His Holy decree!
And then the promised award,
Will be granted, not ignored!
To rule and reign with Him,
What a glorious reward!
To dwell in the house of the Lord,
To live forever with the one we adore,
To give Christ honor and glory,
Isn’t this what we long for?
Pamela Sauer, September 2007
