God's Protection

God’s Protection

Ester M. Korszyk

God’s protection has been working since the beginning of time.  His protection was present in your life and mine since we were born, and it will continue on through our death.  Let’s look at some examples through history in the Bible.  The first one which comes to mind is in Exodus 2 where Pharaoh wanted the newborn baby boys dead, but God had a way to protect them, where Miriam the sister of Moses made a special basket to put baby Moses in it and took him to the Nile River.  This river is where the Pharaoh’s daughter went down to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank, and she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it, opened it and saw the baby where he was crying, and she felt sorry for him. She noticed that it was a Hebrew baby, and his own sister Miriam who was her slave went to get the baby for the Pharaoh’s daughter, who could not have children of her own.  The nurse who really nursed him was his own mother.  Now you tell me if that wasn’t God’s leading, guidance, plan and protection.  Another good example from the Old Testament is found in Daniel chapter 3, where king Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and wanted everybody to worship, then he summoned the three Hebrew young men: Shadrach, if it was true that they worshipped the one true God. Their answer was that their God will deliver them from the fiery furnace without any doubt.  Now, they show us that they did have enough faith, mind you; they were three so the force was stronger.  And we can remember what happened by the reply of the king in Daniel 3:25

 “He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”  Then in verse 26: “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God come out! Come here!” “Everybody saw that they had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.”  “Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!” “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.” vs:25-30.   

So there we all can have an assurance that in these days that we are living, in a very uncertain times-economically, spiritually and relationally, it is now more than ever that we must hold on to His Holy Word. Even when this old world presses on tougher, you and I must be even stronger and tougher against the wiles of the old enemy.  To confront him and not be ashamed of what we as His children stand for, this is what God wants of every woman, man, and child. Let’s remember we represent Jesus Christ at all times, everywhere we go, in whatever social circle we may be found.  He waits for you and me to make a move that will tell and show the world His great message, just like the three Hebrew children. Remember that if they went through tough times back then, don’t you think we can come to those kinds of tough times in these days we are living?  And are you going to move forward equipped with the whole armor of God, giving the right answer to whoever asks such questions which King Nebuchadnezzar did?  I’ll leave you with that thought.  

 Now, there is yet another great example of God’s protection.  Found in Matthew 2 where the visit of the Magi in the city of Bethlehem in Judea, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We see his star in the east and have come to worship him.” “When King Herod heard this he was disturb, and all Jerusalem with him.”  “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared, He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child, as soon as you find him, report to me, so that I may go and worship him.”  You can see that king Herod was only trying to trick them, which the magi caught it very quickly, but what did they do? They really worshipped Jesus the real King to be. And they did not go back to the king. Verse 13: “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, “Get up” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.  So it goes on to say that Joseph and Mary took the baby during the night and left for Egypt, where they stayed until the death of Herod.  Now, this incident was a prophesy through Jeremiah, which was fulfilled.  

You may read it in verse 18. Was Jesus protected? No doubt.   Let me ask you this question: are there any children being born today from an illegitimate relationship, where the child is being forced to be taken away from the mother or to commit abortion? Then, the answer to many of these cases are good ones, where they save the baby, or even put them up for adoption into good homes.  These children are very special, and some become outstanding children giving great contribution to their adopted families and society.

You can be sure of having God’s protection in your life today, if you but let him.

PRACTICAL PRAYER

PRACTICAL PRAYER

Ester M. Korszyk

     I see that when I make time in reading my Bible and pray, I can see strongholds disappear, you see these are two most strong weapon the enemy hates, and that is our time and the Word of God. So what are we to do with our time as His daughters? Is simply, giving Him our time.  In 2 Corinthians 10:5 says:  “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. And take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  The only way strongholds can be taken away is for them to be demolished, and that is By the Spirit of God.  We have these two weapons to fight against every time, and I must say at all times.

      Now the enemy wants to divert us into another thought which does not belong to prayer or reading the Bible.  You see, if we are in tune with Him and know His heart and mind, then we can quickly escape the enemy by the authority of Christ, and get back into His Word, and being aware of His presence, you will be demolishing every strong hold.   So it is with our time, without putting vague words or thoughts of any other kind, but focusing only on His presence, along with His Word, we can bring every thought captive, before the enemy comes in to captivate our minds.  I also think that a good attitude and the right focus help us to handle it better.  Paul the Apostle encouraged the Corinthians in their trials: “Do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor.4:18).  So what’s unseen and eternal that we can look at? The character of God is an excellent place to focus.  He is good (Psalm 25:8), He is just (Isa. 30:18), He is forgiving (1John 1:9), He is Faithful (Deut. 7:9).  Pondering God’s character can give us joy in the middle of our struggles.  When Christ is the center of your focus, all else will come into proper perspective.

      Oh my dear friend what an advantage we have to beautify ourselves in our inner being.   That is the best way He wants us to represent Him.  I know that the God who created you and me is really a jealous God who wants our time, because He made time and space.  He wants to pour out on us His love, His mercy, His comfort, His peace.   No one person on earth will ever offer all of these to you and me.  People don’t have time to really listen to our problems or dilemmas.   Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petitions, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”   How awesome is to know we His children have full access to His throne, because He has all the time in the world for just you and me. 

       My dear friend, the beauty of prayer is talking with God – Hebrews 10:19 “Therefore brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is his body.”   We need to know His heart.  Psalm 10:14 “But you O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand.  The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.”  He gives us rest, peace, assurance that He will do what He says He will do.  Let’s remember it is all about Him, not us.  Psalm 68:5-6 “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God set the lonely in families…”    Take advantage of His love for you, by taking time with him.  Remember in scripture where Mary and Martha were at home with Jesus as their guest, who was the one busy doing things around the house, and who was the one just listening to Him?  And who was the one complaining about the other not getting busy?  Do you remember what Jesus told the complainer?  Jesus told Martha that Mary has chosen the best, and that is to listen to Him.  Now, what does that tell you? It takes time to listen, doesn’t it?  You better believe it.  I sometimes have to stop something just to listen to my husband, or for that matter,  my son.  Believe me, it does pay to listen, doesn’t it?“Matthew 6:8 “Your Father knows what things you have needs of, before you ask.”    It does mean to fully recognize Him as your Lord and savior, as your comforter, your counselor, your full time partner in life for all your needs, your wants, your trust.  He is all worthy to be praised. 

     Now to pray as a habit we need to have the right attitude. “The obedient one” Remember in the Old Testament God would always make sure His people- the Israelites were obedient to bring offerings and sacrifices? 1 Sam.15: 22 “Has the LORD as great delight in burn offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”   

     Another aspect of the attitude of prayer is that of being humble in His presence (2 Chron.7:14) “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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  So my dear one, we really need to be focused on our approach to the throne of God with much humbleness.  That’s his character, another one of a desire to pleased Him Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart by pleasing in your sight O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” 

      Another aspect is wants His will Mat.26:39 “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me nevertheless, not as I will, but as “Your will.”  God’s will is for you and me to have many conversations-talks with Him.  He wants us to know His heart, because He already knows your heart and mine, so that is the more reason why we should make time with our God.   What a privilege to do so, and especially if you haven’t done it, do is now, it is not late, if you haven’t done it.  Start now.  He is waiting.  Prayer is really not for you and me, but for Him.  A jealous God, He wants not just part of you and me, but all.  Now that is the real investment for Him. 

RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

People today worship a god who is mystical, elusive and impersonal, and they view it as an energy force.  Because we live in such an individualistic society, people want to keep it that way, far apart.  We know as Christians we cannot put God in a box, when we want to worship Him, then, put Him back when we don’t want to.  In reality many people, and may I add Christians have been influenced this way.   Then, to get back to reality of knowing how to have a true meaningful relationship with God, is worth it all.  Eastern religions take lots of discipline on the mind, to get to a mindset, lots of work for it.  For being a Christian, it also takes discipline, but on the inner-man, and on the physical side of it, is taking time alone with God, for example journaling, it’s really conversing with God on what you’ve learned, or what and who inspired or ministered to you, always giving God the glory, because after all, it’s all about Him

     Now, why do we need to have a relationship with God?  God is gracious- Isa. 30:18, “Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.  For the Lord is a God of justice, how blessed are all those who long for Him.”  God is merciful- Ps. 86:25 “But You, O Lord, are a God of merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.”  God is compassionate. (Deut.4:31) ”For the Lord your God is a compassionate God. He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.”  God is Kind; Luke 6:35 “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”  God is righteous- Ps. 145:17 “The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds.”  God is good- Ps. 86:27 “For You Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in loving-kindness to all who call on You.”   Another good scripture describing God is Psalm 139- How He searches and knows me inside and out-so I don’t have to wonder if He will still love me when I sin.  But that is where we should not abuse of His love for us, and keep on doing our own thing.  When we commit our way to Him, we must mean it, and be committed all the way. 

     As we can see God really wants to interact and have fellowship with His children all the time, and may I add, not because He so desperately needs it, but because we are His awesome creation made by His loving hands.  He is who had thoughts about each and everyone, of all the persons who will be reading this book.  You and I are being loved without end.  He is a jealous God who wants communication, and reminds us of His presence.  Won’t you give Him a try?  Now this is a very good reason to tell you to invest your time in, your relationship with Him through the reading of His Word and meditating on it with much prayer.  You will find many treasures you’ve never found before. 

GOD IS IN CONTROL

 GOD IS IN CONTROL

 By Ester M. Korszyk

In the present time we are living, we may think that everything and many people are so much out of control, perversion, low morale shown on TV, which young people are so much influenced by; crime is at its high, the economic down-turn, and the whole country being very affected by the way the government is leading it.  It really makes us all wonder.  But, there is another side to this whole situation. 

     The Bible tells us there will be wars and rumors of wars.  That seems to be happening.  Earthquakes, that seems to be happening, even as we speak.  A good example is that of the country of Haiti, where many, many people lost their lives, and children are left without half their parents.  So now, we see the U.S as well as other countries having to help Haiti.  Bringing back order for that country is not an easy task, and it will take months and years to get back on their feet again, while children are being gathered back with their families, or at least trying to, or being put in orphanages, also the aspect of the traumas the children have gone through.  The beauty of all this, is that prayer and action is going through that country from the U.S and the rest of the world.   Those who cannot go are putting prayer first, those who can go through means of their professions such as doctors, firefighters, builders, etc. because they are so much needed right now.

     Matthew 24 tells us- Jesus Himself exhorts us to stay firm in the faith to the end, will be saved, “nations against nations”, “because of the increase of wickedness, the love of  most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”  For Jesus to prophesy all these things, He surely does not for His children.  He admonishes us to “stay firm”, and not to believe the false prophets who say they are the Christ.  Do you see how sovereign God is by an all-knowing God who knows from the beginning – that since sin abounded then, there’s another side to the story-Grace?  “Where sin abounds, there much more grace abounds.”  In the midst of disaster there are so many people reaching out to the poor of the poorest, weak of the weakest, children.  We’ll be hearing of stories after stories of how God intervened in so many ways.  We will be awaiting good news, and even miracles, because of God’s grace.  You see His grace and mercy is still at work.  Believe it or not, He is at work.  He knows the beginning and the end of everything that happens.  He is all knowing.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”  Heb. 13:8.

     Remember when Joseph’s brothers threw him in a pit, back in Genesis37?   That happened all because of the jealousy of his brothers.  They thought they forever got rid of him, just that easy.  But God turned that situation all around for the good of Joseph’s life, and then his brothers’ lives too, along with their father Jacob.  “You meant it for harm, but God meant it for good.”  Do you see how God restored the relationships of the brothers, and even during the famine, his whole family had enough food and shelter in Egypt?  That is true sovereignty of God.  Do you think my beloved that history can repeat itself again, knowing that our God is always at work in all circumstances of life in our country?  No doubt. The true believers in Christ will believe His Word, and will expect that God’s sovereignty will work all around them and in them.  God’s sovereignty will be shown until His Son’s coming. 

     I can tell you that God’s sovereignty has been working in my life since I was born.  God knew how to take care of me, since my father left our little family of 3-my mother, brother and me.  He never left me, nor have I left Him or His ways.  For me it has been worth staying in His path, because I have been learning to grow and trust Him each step of the way, why?  Simply because I needed the Lord at all times, since I did not have my father close to me for advice.  I really believe He kept me and my family from all danger, provided all my needs, etc.  I can keep going on about God’s sovereignty, but I’ll let you keep reading through the Bible for much more examples of God’s control in many of the leader’s lives and Apostles and disciple’s life.  You will be amazed, and you will discover His sovereignty is at work even now.  All you have to do is be aware of His presence.

FORGIVENESS

FORGIVENESS

Ester M. Korszyk

Next to love, forgiveness is the greatest message of the Bible.  Jesus showed this great action on the cross, when He said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”   My friend, don’t we still do things not knowing we hurt someone else at the moment?  For that matter, we misbehave against our brother-sister and waste our time with anger against another person, instead of repairing our wrong doing, so we can go on in life, and really advance forward.    This is what makes our world go round.  But we humans can get stuck about this very issue, because of our cluttered hearts, which doesn’t let us move forward with clear minds and hearts in our relationships.  The precious Holy Spirit of God, who is the third person of the Trinity, is there at any moment for us to listen to, because He is ever so ready to convict our hearts, not to get us stuck, by any means, but to move forward and repair or renew the relationship.  You see, God is relational, and always ready to help us to be forgiving ourselves as well as others.  As we do this, we free ourselves, and at the same time others.  It is also freeing of self from the past; also you can face the future in a wise manner. 

     Remember the Lord’s Prayer? “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  It is our answer as to however many times we need to forgive others.  “Jesus answered, I tell you not seven times but seventy times seven.”  It’s a form of letting go, and releasing an action or situation we’ve gone through with another person.  That can bring healing and restoration.

     In my own life I have experienced forgiveness, of course in many ways, but this one example is worthy of mention.  As my parents were separated, my mother, my brother and I had to move to the back of my mother’s business to live, which was a baby clothes shop, which was made by her own hands.  I remember out of one room, she made it a bedroom, a kitchen, and there was the little bathroom (the laboratory and the stall).  Those were difficult times for us three then.

      Our little family of three moved to the U.S.  I have grown up with insecurity, and at the same time wanting to forgive my father.  Later years after I’ve gotten married, my husband and I traveled to my country and the appropriate time came  right after church as to letting  my father know “Christ in me loves you, father”.  If that isn’t forgiveness, then I don’t know what it is.   That had to come from God alone only, and the result, was having a good closure, which was the last time I saw him.  The beauty of all this is having a positive closure with the other person in this issue of forgiveness.  Now I pray for you my friend to really make it a point to go to the other person and admit your wrong doing and just straighten it out; and that’s it.  It only takes a little moment of recognition.  The answer to having closure is found in Matthew 5:  23-25.  There is no excuse for everyone, of us not to forgive, because time is running out, and Jesus is coming soon for His precious children, whom He loves so dearly.  So let’s represent Jesus Christ, as He forgave each and every one of us, so we are to do the same, Oh, what an example He gave.  You can become free right now to forgive and in turn, be forgiven.