Thank God for the "But Nots" (by Pastor Mark Parsons)

Hardships, trials, persecutions and more will definitely take place in the lives of all true believers in Jesus Christ. Do not be surprised.

Jesus said, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." John 15:20. He also declared that, "In the world you shall have tribulation but take courage, I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

In Paul's letter to the Corinthian believers, he also speaks of difficult times and accosting - but not without hope. "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:8-10.

The next time (which could be any moment) you feel overwhelmed with no way out, think about those "but nots" and allow Jesus to deliver you. Allow Him to be a very present help in time of your need. After all, nothing is too difficult for Him, for He will always make a way of escape.

NOW GO LIVE IT!

Are You Tsunami Proof? (by Pastor Mark Parsons)

The recent 8.9 earthquake and tsunami in Japan were an ominous reminder of the power and force of nature. Similarly, there are spiritual tsunamis that can and do take place in our lives today. The key to surviving these storms is preparation through faith in Jesus Christ.

In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus spoke of the parable of the two foundations. He said, "Everyone who comes to Me, and hears My words, and acts upon them, I will show you whom he is like." Jesus goes on to explain that one man dug a foundation deep to the rock, and when the flood came and burst against his house, the storm did not destroy it because it had been well built.

There was another man who also heard His words but did not act on them. This man was like a man who built a house on ground without any foundation, and this man's house collapsed with great ruin when the storm burst against it.

The only way to tsunami-proof your life today is to ACT on God's Word and build your life on the solid rock of Jesus Christ who will never be destroyed.

NOW GO LIVE IT!

New Additions To His Healing Word (by Carolyn Marshall)

In 2005, my husband, Ted, and I had just moved back to Tampa, Florida, and we were looking for a new church home. We visited several, but they just didn't feel right for us. As some of you know, my husband is involved with a Vietnam Veterans group called The Last Patrol. At one of their performances, we met a woman who had been a nurse in Vietnam, Lt. Linda Pugsley (now Lt. Col. Pugsley). She invited us to visit her church, Great Hope Christian Fellowship, where she was Associate Pastor, if we were ever in Tampa. We did visit, and I can remember the first visit as if it just happened yesterday.

When Ted and I walked in the door that first Wednesday night, we were greeted with not only the friendliest people you could ever meet, but we were greeted with The Holy Spirit. We knew instantly that we had found our "home". It's a very small Christian fellowship, but it is huge in the love of God. Over the years, we have been continually fed rich food from heaven, and the nourishment has encouraged our growth and our walk with the Lord.

Each Sunday, we are given "Take It Home!" handouts that summarize the message for that day from Pastor Mark Parsons; Associate Pastor, Dr. Linda Pugsley; and our pastor's wife, Dr. Shirley Parsons. With permission from my church Board of Directors, His Healing Word blog now has a new addition to offer its readers called "Now Go Live It!" I will be posting these bits of Christian inspiration for your daily living. Please let us know how these messages bless or encourage you and forward them to others.

Check out the "About" section to read more about the contributors for "Now Go Live It!"

Happy Valentine's Day!

On this Valentine's Day, I wanted to share with you a different kind of love and the richest anyone could ever know. Happy Valentine's Day - with God's love!



© Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

Jesus Revealed

Today I received an email with a GodTube video in it. An 11 year-old boy from Salem Lutheran Church explains how Jesus is revealed throughout the Bible. Isn't it amazing how God works through His Word the Bible? Jesus... the living Word of God. There isn't much more I could add to this post to say it more clearly. After you watch the video, you will see why. May your day be blessed with just how powerful, how loving, how awesome the God we serve is!

The Reason For The Season (by Carolyn Marshall)

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD almighty will accomplish this.”

Isaiah 9:6-7



There are many scriptures throughout the Bible, in both the old and new testaments, that tell of the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. No matter what the scripture, the message is always one of hope, joy, peace, love … salvation. But the message isn’t just about the birth of a baby in a manger. It begins there, but is hardly the whole story. For without the birth of the baby Jesus and His life here on earth, there would be no crucifixion and death on the cross. Without the crucifixion and death on the cross, there would be no burial and resurrection. Without the resurrection, there would be no redemption for us and no salvation. And without redemption and salvation, there would be no life everlasting with God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, this December 25 (the day we have chosen to celebrate Christmas), remember the whole story of why this birth was (is) so special. And after that day has passed and all the trees, ornaments, and gifts have been put away, remember that the most important gift of all, the one from heaven above, can be enjoyed and celebrated 365 days a year. Don’t tuck it away in a box somewhere not to be pulled out again until next December comes around. Keep it open in view of all. It was meant to be shared with everyone.

God bless each and every one of you as you celebrate Jesus!

The Reason For The Season

Christmas is a season filled with laughter and good cheer,

A time to visit family and friends that we hold dear.

Trinkets dress our tree and pretty tinsel makes it bright.

An angel placed on top will keep us safe throughout the night.

The children are so happy that the day is almost here

To see what Santa brings them dressed in red and long white beard.

Excitement fills the air, and almost everywhere you go,

You’ll see the celebration with the houses all aglow.

But let us not forget on Christmas day so long ago

A child was born in Bethlehem and wrapped in swaddling clothes.

His bed was in a stable, just a manger made with hay.

And one bright star up in the East would help to lead the way.

Three wise men and some shepherds heard the news and left that night.

With gifts in hand they traveled far to see the Holy Light.

This baby boy was Jesus, sent to us from God above.

His only child, from virgin birth, would live with perfect love.

The reason for the season is the best gift God could give.

He loved the world so much He gave His son so we could live.

A gift of life eternal with the Father and the Son.

The reason for the season is the gift of God’s pure love.

Carolyn Marshall

© 12/16/04

Cuddle Up With Jesus (by Carolyn Marshall)

“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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30)



(Circulated via email - Photographer Unknown)

Have you ever wanted to just run away, to leave the world behind, to crawl up in the lap of Jesus and cuddle with Him? This picture is a beautiful reminder of how simple it is to do.  How wonderful it would be to sit there and lay our head on His shoulder. We wouldn’t need to say a word as Jesus wrapped His arms around us. We would feel His love in those intimate moments with Him. Without speaking, He would let us know just how much He loves us and that every tiny detail of our lives is under His control. How awesome is that!

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites all of us who are weary or burdened to come to Him and He will give us rest - body, mind and soul. We should all follow the example of this trusting dog and seek comfort in the lap of Jesus. Oh, and by the way … the breed of the dog is a German “Shepherd”!