Recently, I have been reminded of a very basic aspect of “walking with the Lord” in this earth. Years ago, I was working at a health food store, and this particular store contained over 2500 vitamins! Having been hired directly from my cash register at Fool Lion I was thrilled to be working as a full-time employee. It was yet another stepping stone whereby the Holy Spirit was (trying) to teach me the ways of the Lord for my life.
The store had to be kept clean and the shelves had to continually be wiped. As I was doing my job that day (and of course, believing I had a call of God upon my life this was a menial task to me, at that time), the Holy Spirit (and who else could it have been?) spoke to my heart and said, “If Jesus were sitting back in the office actually managing this store would you be wiping around those bottles stacked on those shelves?” I thought, ‘Of course, I wouldn’t!’ Then, it occurred to my heart (and mind) that if Jesus really were sitting in the back office, and I had to answer to him for the job I had done, I would be taking ALL of the vitamin bottles off the shelf, wiping them down (so they sparkled) and then replacing them in neat little rows so straight that they would appear as if a ruler had been used to do it (and that is what I did). “The quarter turn shift” is what I call the process that the Holy Spirit has used (on me) for years to accomplish the character changes HE wants to see through me. My thinking had to be adjusted in order that I would appreciate the job I had just been given and the mere fact that He really is watching me.
If we profess Christ as Lord, then we really do owe Him not only our allegiance, but we owe Him our best. When we walk into a store, a room, a church building, we need to let others experience the fact that Jesus has been there and is working on the inside of us. Do something: straighten the books, the chairs, fluff the pillows, or wash the dishes without being asked. Enter and leave a room in better shape than when you first arrived. Let others KNOW that Jesus has been there. It is one massive way we show Him to the world and our sphere of influence. It isn’t just about preaching or teaching it is the most basic of attributes of Him: Servant hood.
Do everything “as unto the LORD” and see if others do not start noticing you differently. Don’t just SPEAK about Jesus DO Jesus. And if you do not think Jesus would stoop to do anything so menial, and then remember Him washing the disciples’ feet. Humble yourself before His mighty hand and see if others do not start to notice you differently. And don’t worry about what everyone else is doing; you do what you are being told. We don’t get to heaven “two by two.” If you really want success in your earthly life, then you do everything as unto the Lord and see if changes do not start to begin.
Recently, I have been reminded of a very basic aspect of “walking with the Lord” in this earth. Years ago, I was working at a health food store, and this particular store contained over 2500 vitamins! Having been hired directly from my cash register at Fool Lion I was thrilled to be working as a full-time employee. It was yet another stepping stone whereby the Holy Spirit was (trying) to teach me the ways of the Lord for my life.
The store had to be kept clean and the shelves had to continually be wiped. As I was doing my job that day (and of course, believing I had a call of God upon my life this was a menial task to me, at that time), the Holy Spirit (and who else could it have been?) spoke to my heart and said, “If Jesus were sitting back in the office actually managing this store would you be wiping around those bottles stacked on those shelves?” I thought, ‘Of course, I wouldn’t!’ Then, it occurred to my heart (and mind) that if Jesus really were sitting in the back office, and I had to answer to him for the job I had done, I would be taking ALL of the vitamin bottles off the shelf, wiping them down (so they sparkled) and then replacing them in neat little rows so straight that they would appear as if a ruler had been used to do it (and that is what I did). “The quarter turn shift” is what I call the process that the Holy Spirit has used (on me) for years to accomplish the character changes HE wants to see through me. My thinking had to be adjusted in order that I would appreciate the job I had just been given and the mere fact that He really is watching me.
If we profess Christ as Lord, then we really do owe Him not only our allegiance, but we owe Him our best. When we walk into a store, a room, a church building, we need to let others experience the fact that Jesus has been there and is working on the inside of us. Do something: straighten the books, the chairs, fluff the pillows, or wash the dishes without being asked. Enter and leave a room in better shape than when you first arrived. Let others KNOW that Jesus has been there. It is one massive way we show Him to the world and our sphere of influence. It isn’t just about preaching or teaching it is the most basic of attributes of Him: Servant hood.
Do everything “as unto the LORD” and see if others do not start noticing you differently. Don’t just SPEAK about Jesus DO Jesus. And if you do not think Jesus would stoop to do anything so menial, and then remember Him washing the disciples’ feet. Humble yourself before His mighty hand and see if others do not start to notice you differently. And don’t worry about what everyone else is doing; you do what you are being told. We don’t get to heaven “two by two.” If you really want success in your earthly life, then you do everything as unto the Lord and see if changes do not start to begin.
Today my daughter (Dara) called me on the phone and stated, “Mom, Joey (her husband) and I are at Walmart and they have men’s shoes for five-dollars a pair and we are buying them for those who need them. “ My first thought was, ‘Christmas was just over and why are you buying anything right now?’ Then, just as that thought had so quickly popped into my mind the very next moment I thought, ‘this is none of your business!’ She continued, “We are putting out a challenge on our Facebook page for anyone who wants to step up and help. Will you share this on your page?”
I sat back and pondered (for a while) what they had just done. Then, I began to think about legacy. I have always wanted to leave something good (on earth) that spoke to others what God has done, and I mean truly done, through my life. When I was finally at my eternal work I wanted something tangible (left behind) so that others might look and say, “Wow, God really turned Molly’s life upside down and inside out. She really turned her mess into a living testimony that God was real.” Then, I knew almost immediately, as if the truth had been stirring down inside of me for a long while, that my legacy is my daughter, her actions, her ability to love, to give, to help, and to be so generous in her heart and wallet and that God shines forth brightly.
On the other side of the coin, I read tonight that a man drove across a bridge, stopped and threw his five-year old daughter over the edge. He is in jail without bond. His statement to the judge was that he did not want an attorney. He would let God judge him. I hung my head and shook it back and forth and thought, ‘There can be so much good in this world and so much evil all at once. Why? Oh, why, are these heinous acts of crime allowed?’
I am forgiven for my sins because I have repented for them (over and over with much weeping) and have had my heart cut almost in two because of the blindness and darkness that reigned in my soul. Thank God I turned to Jesus Christ. And my prayer, this evening as I write this, is that that little innocent girl is in the arms of a loving Father. Secondly, that this man repents and turns to the LORD for his soul. Whether or not he will is in the Father’s hands. I thank God I am not the judge and I thank God that I fell into the hands of a merciful Savior.
Much love to you and your families this weekend,
Molly
John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
It is time for putting 2014 to rest in our lives. Wow! What a year it has been. In the past two weeks, I have pondered over the life lessons learned (through walking with the Holy Spirit) this whole year diligently. I have thought about the vows made (to God) and kept, some almost kept, and some never made, but the thread that continues to run through my heart is that, above all, what the world needs now is the love of a holy and just Father.
All of the fighting, name calling and bickering back and forth, does nothing to show others the nature of our Father in heaven (people will run from that) and we must, if we have accepted Christ as Savior, reach out with His heart. Love does indeed come down in many ways, with truth being the biggest of all, but if we truly don’t reach out with a loving, kind and generous heart then what have we done?
I recently spoke at a community-wide gathering of individuals whose lives had been turned upside down by fire devastation which resulted in the loss of two lives and four animals. After the service several people came up to me and asked, “Where do you have a church?” The message that night was about love, embracing others in love and showing them tangible love not preaching the best or claiming to know it all (in the gospel) or even having the biggest and best programs or most popular church. I go back to the scriptures for the lesson I have so concretely learned throughout this year, especially.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my good s to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corn. 13: 1-3).
I have walked around many different types, classes, genders and ages of human beings this year and I have just been still to listen and what I have heard is the silence of a lack of pure love. I challenge you to just wrap your arms around someone and give them a hug, give someone a friendly smile, hand them a dollar bill and tell them that you really love them. There are many who need our God-given love and my friends, if we do not do it then who do you think should? Let others see Jesus in you this year.
As we enter into this brand New Year, 2015, full of possibilities, hopes, dreams, and aspirations let us not forget to just love one another for this is the will of the Father in heaven (John 13:34).
Several days ago, I received an email from a middle school social worker. He stated that he was given my name by someone and was wondering if I could help. I listened, as he began to speak, and he proceeded to tell me a heartbreaking story of a family whose bedding had been completely infested (bedbugs) which, in turn, left four children ages: 12, 7, 6 and 3 sleeping on the floor. They had no means of securing proper bedding. He had done some light researching, as he continued to speak, and discovered that the Salvation Army would sell bedding, at a very low price per set, and charge a minimal fee for delivery.
The ministry had already stepped up to help another mission outreach for this Christmas, and in addition, had another family waiting for help. I knew that this would have to be agreed upon by every board member before making any concrete commitment and knew this had to thoroughly be prayed through for Gods tangible intervention. After our conversation, though (for some reason), I immediately picked up the phone to call my daughter. I knew I could reach her more readily than our other two ministry board members and I wanted to get her thoughts. She said, “Mom, let me check on something first.” When anyone asks me for help, I am usually (and very quickly) on board with some type of opinion, but over time I have learned (and it has been shown to me) that what I think is not always the way to go. While she was “checking” (and I had no idea what she was checking on) I went before the Lord in prayer. I have learned “not to jump,” be patient, listen and wait upon the Holy Spirit.
Twenty-four hours is usually not a long time to wait for any answer, eventhough it may seem like a lifetime, if and unless, the situation placed before you is an emergency such as: performing the Heimlich maneuver on someone who is choking to death! I waited (patiently almost!) until the next day, but I phoned the social worker just to let him know that I was on the case! I told him I might not have an answer until the following day or possibly two, but I would get back in touch with him one way or another, in order that he could make any other provisions. I am a “follow through” type of individual and do not like to leave others hanging. I did not speak again to my daughter about “her checking” until the following morning. Her answer was swift and to the point: “Call ______@ _________ (names withheld for confidentiality), ask for _______, and tell them that Mr. _____said, “Provide the mattresses!” I was estactict to say the least. I was not certain if they would be new or used or in what kind of condition, but I walked through the steps that I was given.
Four (4) new mattresses, for children ages: 12, 7, 6 and 3, were coming and would be delivered and set up within a week (or two at the most). All of this took place at no charge! BAM! God moved. I looked back, once again, and saw how mighty God is if we would only take everything to Him in prayer and petition, without questioning, or without our always trying to reason situations out so much.
Prayer does not mean that God is going to rain down material wealth every time, but what it does mean is that the ONE who can change the outcome of the circumstance, financial or otherwise, has heard your plight. He is the only one who can supernaturally help you when you feel you are at your darkest moment or greatest unimaginable “can’t do this alone” need. He is on the throne. He is risen, for us, for us all.
On the other side of prayer, two weeks ago, I went before the LORD and talked to Him about several things I thought I needed (wanted). I got up, shut up and began to listen. Over the ensuing days, I realized I really didn’t need those things, well maybe one or two of them, but little by little, each one began to be knocked down, by the Holy Spirit, and I knew that prayer also helps me adjust my thinking, as well, so I don’t have the issue of coveting other things so much. Yes, I am human, and yes, that does still happen from time to time, but gradually my heart was changed to see clearly what I had asked for and how unimportant they were.
This year has been difficult. It has been hard not to want to just take some money(plastic money), go out to the Mall, mull around, and buy this or that for someone. What prayer has done, for me though, is help me to see clearly what Christmas is really all about. As usual, the Holy Spirit reminds me that there are many single mothers with children who don’t have anything. I walk around my apartment and see that God’s hand has provided me most everything I have needed (and asked for) and I regain, once again, my focus on why I have a ministry and why He can trust me to help others. I have always told God if you can get it to me, you can get it through me.
Prayer. Many times, I hear others say they do not have the time for it or it is last on their list when trying to figure out a situation that comes their way. Perhaps, they think they do not need prayer to handle life’s problems or perhaps pride keeps them from humbling themselves before a sovereign God to seek His will, even when it is something small. For whatever the reason, the force alone of this supernatural connection to a holy, living God is more than I deserve to have, but nevertheless, it is mine as His daughter. How rich I am this Christmas to realize it.
So, this year instead of me buying a lot of material things, there will be a lot of baking! With school debt, just having been ordained, and a lot of personal lack, that is about all there will be, but I have realized that I do know the truest meaning of Christmas this year, in my heart, and I do realize how very rich, indeed, I am. At this very moment, if God stood before me and gave me a choice of one or two million dollars or His hand resting firmly upon my soul, there would be no choice to make. And, no, it would not be the money!
Let this story of the swift ACT of the Holy Spirit, with bedding for four little children, and the opportunity for us to come to a loving God in prayer, warm your hearts this week and know that there is nothing God won’t hear (or act upon in some fashion), if you will just pray with a sincere heart and motive.
It’s the day before Thanksgiving and all throughout the house the aroma of pies and cakes are intoxicating to say the least!
The food is prepared with the utmost of care, for relatives and friends are coming, it’s time to put on Thanksgiving airs!
The doorbell rings and I hear knocking at the door. Big ones, small ones, older ones, and furry ones cross the threshold in groups or in pairs, what excitement they bring!
Eventually, everyone gathers together, beside the fireplace, for it has been snowing for the past few days. We sip on our eggnog savoring each sip slowly, laughing out loud as our stories of past holidays are exchanged. Our hearts are warmed in many, many ways.
The moment arrives to encircle the tables, which have been laden with the best china and silverware, to partake in the feast that has been so carefully prepared. We stop to gaze at one another with a knowing inside that tells us to give thanks, first, to God Almighty, for what He has so abundantly provided. Truly, it is a banquet fit for a king!
“Thank you Father, thank you Lord, for all that you have done to make this day together with family and friends a time of joy, and hope, and caring; a time of love. Thank you, Lord, for this abundance. Thank you, Lord, for each morning having a chance for a new beginning. We love you and give you all the thanks, in Jesus’ holy name.” Amen.
The prayer ends as we all reach for our linen napkins placing them on our laps just so. The food is temptation to say the least! The dishes are filled with savory food, which begin to be passed, when a little voice interrupts our concentration to say, “Wait, please, I have one more prayer to make.” The adults look from one to another puzzled, but, and with a little apprehension, give JC the floor. He begins very softly to say, “God, we thank you that you came to die for our souls. We pray for all of the people who do not have anyone this day and for those who have no food to eat. We ask that you please send someone to help them in their time of need. And God, please give us peace in Jesus’ name.” Amen. Then, he adds, “Let’s eat!”
We all sit for a moment to take in what has been said. Our eyes look from one to another, in amazement, not wanting to break the silence. How did a five-year old pray such a prayer? Then, with a realization inside the very quiet room, the understanding settled upon us all. It does make a difference to teach our children about their Father who is in heaven and we must begin at home.
God, we thank you for having mercy upon our souls this Thanksgiving Day and pray peace, love, and hope to all of those who are crying out for a better way of life. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
I was always ( for most of my life) ready and willing to give an excuse for why or why not I could or could not do something. After turning to God for help, when I really believed in my heart that I had no option left, my life gradually began to turn. I was thirty-nine when I asked God to show me He was really real. From that very moment everything began to change, but I thought (believed) I had no options left that were available and that is the only reason I fully turned to God. In my mind's eye I could almost imagine a life of such defeat, if I did not choose Christ, that I would not be able to get out of bed each day.
You see, I wanted a do over in life and from all accounts I have received one. History always shows the truth of any matter and my life is no exception. I can clearly see that God has literally (with my participation mind you) taken my life and moved so mightily that it would be mighty darn hard to refute that the God of the Bible is really real. I have had to swallow so many hard pills, of truth, that I did not want to face. The journey I have had to live through has been anything but easy. Only heaven will ever know the true extent of how hard this has truly been. But, most of the time, I have kept my head up, placed a smile on my face, when I was dying on the inside, and brushed myself off, picked myself up and have kept on going. I never quit! For any of you who have read my testimony via the Website, Jesus Without the Junk.com, you understand by what I have written that my walk has been a very unusual occurrence. This Sunday, November 9th 2014, I will ordained at First Baptist Church of Carolina Beach into Gospel Ministry. I did not go back to school until very late in life and many will view me as being a “Johnny come lately.” But according to God's clock I am right on time.
I finally came to realize that I had only ONE person to please in this life and it was not any man. So, with all of that being said, never discount what God has placed deep inside of your heart for it very well may be the one thing He would like to use (through you) for His glory. But, know this: you will have to be the one to step out in faith to discover what He has for you. Stop making excuses. Excuse is from the enemy that is very calculatedly designed to keep you where you are instead of attaining the very best that God has waiting. My thought process always was ‘if it isn’t going to harm someone do it. If it doesn’t work at least I tried.’
If you are interested, I have posted below the write up that appeared in the First Baptist monthly letter —
Much love this weekend,
Molly
Lighthouse Monthly Newsletter
On Wednesday, Oct. 15, the church voted by majority vote to ordain Ms. Molly Painter to the work of Gospel Ministry. The vote came after Molly’s Ordination Council made the following recommendation: “Dear First Baptist Church of Carolina Beach, after thoroughly examining Ms. Molly Painter in regards to her Christian conversion, ongoing Christian experience, spiritual giftedness, sense of calling to Gospel Ministry, understanding of and commitment to the Word of God, theological and doctrinal convictions, philosophy of ministry, and practical applications of ministry, this Ordaining Council recommends that First Baptist Church of Carolina Beach proceed in ordaining Ms. Molly Painter to the work of Gospel Ministry. In Christian Service, Dr. Jimmy Brown, Dr. Gordon Wright, Jr., Rev. Alicia Porterfield, Rev. Mike Womble, Mr. Fred Underwood, Mr. Tom Campbell, Mr. Ben Yarborough, Ms. Jeannie Arnold, Mrs. Jennie Gaskell, Ms. Shirley James, Mrs. Julie Pinkston.” By ordaining Molly, our church affirms her in her ministry endeavors. Everyone plan on coming to Molly’s Ordination Service on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 7 pm to express your support and encouragement.
Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
Pleading the Blood of Christ….what a funny thing this is to some people. But oh, what a powerful weapon. This is one of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. It is a part of your inheritance as His child.
Most of us in the 21st century have been raised on religion. We have become so intelligent and so self-righteous that we think that “Pleading the Blood” is something funky and Hoodoo Voodoo. The above scripture clearly states that they overcamehim. Well, who are they? They are you and me. Who did they overcome? Satan. Whose blood overcame Satan? The blood of the Lamb of the Cross. And the word of their testimony? Those are the words that you speak out into the unseen that will overcome Satan. Whether you admit it or not, we are in a spiritual battle against the devil. From what I have witnessed, he is winning.
Every day in prayer time, I "Plead the Blood of Christ" over my home, family and others the Lord places on my heart to protect. I speak it out loud into the atmosphere to let Satan know I mean business and that he has no authority, no legal right to anything that is covered by the Blood of Christ. We have to believe the tools He has given us are sometimes invisible. You cannot reason it out. I know people who won't believe if they cannot touch or see it….well then, you will not embrace this. It is by faith.
I read an extensive article in a local paper a few years ago about someone who would go to houses and actually “smudge” the inside of them with some substance that supposedly protected the people living there from evil spirits. The only thing that can protect you from evil and wicked spirits, from Satan himself, is the Blood of the Lamb of the Cross. Satan and his workers are deceiving you if you think otherwise.
We, as God’s children, are living, on the whole, in fear, doubt and worry. I know, for I have been raised on this battlefield so I could turn around and tell you that you do not have to settle for what is coming at you. We are being destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6) and we don’t even know it.
If any area in your life is defeated begin anew and start to help yourself by “Pleading the Blood.” Circumstances will change, you will change, and the devil’s reign in your life will be overcome.
This week’s blog is a little different. I have tried to faithfully walk with the Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, for over eighteen years dutifully and obediently. To be honest, I never did anything (prior to my true conversion) steadfastly for over thrity days at a time. I was not a consistent individual. This particular walk (with a living Savior) is the only thing I have ever done that has held up. It has proven itself to be the best thing that ever happened to me. When I began to seek the Lord for answers (to everything), he never once failed me.
Jesus is alive and anyone who tells you any differently is being deceived. There is no amount of money or fame that can replace what he fills your heart with. Do we stumble? Yes. But, at those times it is critical to pick yourself up and ‘keep on truckin.’ Grit your teeth when you feel life is unfair, has been unfair, and never seems to stop being difficult. Stay on your knees in prayer and he will see you through. I promise. If he did it for me, he will most certainly do it for you.
Lastly, I am attaching a post that I found on my Facebook page. The truths uttered are sound and lasting (because truth always remains). It certainly was worth passing along to you.
Much love,
Molly
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, and you who labor (to grow weary, tired, exhausted with toil or burdens or grief-NKJV) and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
As I was growing up one of the sure signs that summer had come to a close was the Jerry Lewis Telethon. But the word “labor” means many different things to individuals. There is the labor that comes with the birth of a child, there is to labor for the Lord (doing his bidding upon this earth), there is to labor with worry when the first of the month rolls around and rent is due.
There seems to be a new challenge that has been posed to many who subscribe to Facebook, the Grateful challenge. I thought I would use this blog to share three things that I was truly thankful for.
First, and foremost, that Jesus Christ died to redeem me from my sins. Then, I stopped to ponder the second item. Without a shadow of a doubt, it is that he has given me new life, a second chance if you will (a complete makeover). Thirdly, that I have lived to be a benefit to mankind in some small way through Jesus Without the Junk. I took the gift he gave me and used it for something to benefit someone else for a change. That makes me smile inside. And prayerfully, when I kneel before the Lord it will make him smile.
Each morning we all have the opportunity to make a choice. Are we going to let what is coming at us (from many directions) take us under or are we going to give our burdens to the Lord (our labor) and allow him to help us? We can “get on top” of our situations each day by turning it over to the Lord but, ultimately, it has to be our choice. What about you this Labor Day? Are you wearisome? Are you heavy laden? Exhausted with much toil or grief? Then, come to the one who will give you rest. It is not a gimmick or magic it is a part of our inheritance as his child.
