Volume 7, Issue 13 May 15-May 28, 2014

By Cindi McMenamin

Just because an opportunity presents itself, and it looks ap-pealing, doesn’t necessarily mean it is from God. And likewise, just because an open door looks a little uncertain, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t walk through it.

The key is knowing how to discern if an opportunity is re-ally an open door from God. I don’t want to miss those open doors because I was afraid to walk through them. But I also don’t want to take every opportu-nity that comes along, assuming it is from God’s hand and has his blessings attached.

In a recent conversation with a friend we talked about the faith and courage to walk through a door that God is holding open for us, even if we’re not exactly sure of what’s on the other side. But then the question came up: How can you tell if God is the one opening the door?

The Bible gives us some prin-ciples to help us discern if an “open door” or opportunity is re-ally from God:

1. The Door that God Opens Will Never Contradict His Word

Many Christians see oppor-tunities to make more money as an open door from God, even though the opportunity means a job that will keep them from reg-ular fellowship or service in their church. However, God’s Word tells us not to neglect meeting together for worship (Hebrews 10:25). Some women have told me that they believe God opened a door to a dating relationship for them, even though it meant be-

ing in a situation where they were “unequally yoked” with an unbe-liever, which Scripture also warns against (2 Corinthians 6:14). God will not lead you toward an op-portunity that contradicts what he clearly says in his Word. Nor will he open a door that would require personal compromise or disobedience in order for you to enter. As humans prone to sin, we have an excellent way of turning a clear mandate of God’s com-pletely around and justifying it by our circumstances, but that is not how God works. If there is a com-promise in any way, or we have to bend Scripture to justify our “open door” then it is likely not a door that God is opening for us. I would call anything that con-tradicts his Word a temptation, rather than an open door from God. And God’s Word clearly says that God does not tempt us (James 1:13-14).

2. The Door that God Opens Will be Accompanied by Confir-mation

In Matthew 18:15-16, Jesus laid out instructions for confronting sin among believers saying “But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witness-es’.” I believe the same applies when it comes to God confirming something in his Word. He will often confirm or establish a mat-ter by “two or three witnesses” whether they be verses from the Word of God, advice from a pas-tor or well-respected person who is grounded in Scripture, or a non-compromising circumstance that continues to present itself. Through prayer, discernment and seeking godly counsel, you should be able to tell if that “open door” and its confirmations are truly coming from God.

3. The Door God Opens Will Re-quire You to Depend on Him

God is not going to give us something that will alienate us from him or make us believe we no longer need him. He is a God of relationship, and a God who in-sists upon being first in our lives (Matthew 6:33). Therefore, if you find yourself saying “I can’t do this unless God goes before me,” or “I can do this, but only with God’s help and leading” I would say, in my personal experience, it’s likely something God is call-ing you to do. Hebrews 11:6 says: “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.” Many times an “open door” from God is one that al-lows our faith to be stretched and strengthened. That, after all, is God’s objective for us: to grow in faith and Christ-likeness.

Take your opportunity or “open door” to God and ask for his confirmation - through his Word and godly counsel from others - and his peace in the deci-sion, and you can have the assur-ance that you aren’t just choos-ing a door at random, but you’re carefully walking through the ones he wants you to enter.

Cindi McMenamin is a Bible teacher, national speaker and au-thor of several books, including When Women Walk Alone, When Couples Walk Together, and God’s Whispers to a Woman’s Heart. For more on her books, min-istry, or free resources to strengthen your soul or marriage, see her web-site: StrengthForTheSoul.com.

Originally posted on Crosswalk.com. Used by permission of Cross-walk.com.

3 Ways to Know If an “Open Door” is From God

MAY 15-MAY 28, 2014

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It’s been a while since there was space for my column. I’ve had some ask me what was wrong, and wanted to make sure I was still here! YES, I’m still here. There just hasn’t been space, with all the other edito-rial, so allowed space for the articles rather than omit some-thing – just for me to write here. Thanks to those of you who were concerned, and expressed missing me.

Since last we “met” here we’ve had Easter, and by the time this issue hits the streets we’ll just have had Mother’s Day. I hope that everyone had a very Blessed Easter, and that Mother’s Day was a Blessed day for all the moms as well; a day spent with kids, grandkids, family and/or friends. Not that there aren’t other days I re-flect throughout the year – but Mother’s Day always tends to draw my mind back over the years and reminisce about rais-ing my kids. I am amazed at how quickly the time has flown by. And now I reflect not just of my own kids growing up, but also of my grandkids. It is so wonderful to see my kids as par-ents, and watch them with their children. For those who know or remember reading here in the past the sad saga about my oldest grandson, now 14, living in Illinois and not allowed in our lives. That is still very hard and sad for all of us – but it is truly a blessing that my son now has a daughter, Madison – two and a half years old. It is won-derful for me to get to see him be the daddy he’s always wanted to be. And for me to actually get to be a grandma to a child of his as well as to my daughters children. I’ve said it before and I will say it many times more – I LOVE being a grandma, or Nana as I am called; and I love

being a mother as well.Speaking of Mother’s Day, I

also know there are those that this ‘holiday’ isn’t quite so joyful for. There are those who have lost children either through miscarriage, abortion, or death at some point after they were born, or even after growing up. I say to you – I am SO sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine your pain, and how you must grieve for your child(ren) each day. I pray that the Lord will bless you, comfort you, and bring you peace. I can say that He loves you, and He will help you through whatever the circum-stance if you just let Him. We can take all of our burdens and sorrows to Him any time day or night, He is always waiting to hear from us, to comfort us and love us.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

****

Precious Heavenly Father,Thank You Father that we

can bring all of life’s burdens to You, and know that You hear us in our time of need. We never get a busy signal, or get sent to voice mail! You have time for each of us, at every moment of the day! Thank You for Your love, mercy, grace, understand-ing and forgiveness.

Father I lift up all the moms who are hurting at this time because of the loss of a child. It may be recent – or many years ago. I can only imagine the loss of a child never leaves you. Lord I pray that You bless each of these moms and help them to feel Your presence each day as You help them walk through this valley without their child. I pray they will turn to You and

cast their sorrows on You and allow You to ease their pain.

I thank You Lord for my Mom and I pray that You bless her with good health, safety and continued happiness. I thank You for the blessing of my chil-dren, and their children. I pray that You bless my kids and grandkids with good health, fi-nancial stability, safety and hap-piness always. I pray

I lift up a friend with medical issues and recently dealing with identity theft. Father give her body and healing touch and re-lieve her of the pain she is deal-ing with. Lord I ask that You help them figure out how to deal with this issue of someone stealing their identity –help it to get resolved quickly and relieve her of this stress as well.

I lift up the Foix family (my daughter’s family) – Andrew will complete his three month train-ing in Dallas this week-end, and the family will be moving to the Houston area once school is out in June. Father I pray they are able to find a wonderful new home they can afford, in a good and safe neighborhood, and that the area will have wonder-ful schools. I pray that the move goes well, and that Andrew’s new job will be all he believes it will be. Jenna has an interview lined up in July – so I pray that goes well, and that she will be able to deal with no longer be-ing a stay at home mom and all that entails. And, I will lift up a selfish prayer for myself. Help me Lord to cope with losing my daughter and grandkids once again. Houston is much closer than when they were in North Carolina. But – this move is for good. At least each time they left for the Army – I knew they would be back. My heart breaks each time I think of them leav-ing me again – but I know they are so excited to go. I fear I will never see them again. Father, I pray You help turn things around financially for me and for The Messenger so that one day I can save up money to go visit them.

I lift up the upcoming run-off election in El Paso. Father prompt each registered voter to make their way to their polling place. Give us each wisdom to vote for the candidates that will be the best for our community.

I lift up our troops, all mili-

tary personnel Father and I ask that You bless each one, and their families for the sacrifices made for us daily. I pray for safety, and financial blessings. Help them to feel Your presence with them at all times.

I love You Lord, and thank You for the opportunity to serve You through this minis-try. I pray that each person who

reads each issue will be blessed by something they read. Please lead me to advertisers who will agree to support The Messen-ger so that it will continue to be a blessing to the communities it serves.

In Jesus’ Name,AMEN

The list of leadership quali-ties necessary for true success is a long one. Where would one start? According to some, it’s courage. Courage is the leadership virtue that strengthens all others.

We see that in the Bible, for the formidable journey of enter-ing into the promised land, the newly commissioned leader of Israel, Joshua, had to have cour-age. In the first place, he is taking the leadership position that Moses had held. Secondly, God prepared Joshua by giving him directions and encouragement- that He would never fail or forsake him. God added, “Only be strong and very courageous.”

Courage is described as the willingness to take action in the face of danger, uncertainty or pain. The opposite is cowardice, meaning the lack of courage or resolution.

The good news is that courage can be built. Many will testify that even though fear was a factor in their lives, that changed as they observed courage in others or as they took steps to push past the fear in their hearts.

Here are 3 building blocks to pursuing “courage”:

Know what you need to say or do. You know if something needs to be addressed or undertaken- if in doubt, check your facts to the best of your ability.

Consider the consequences. Ask yourself what would happen if you did or said nothing. What re-grets would you have living with-out courage?

Ready- set- go. Be strong and of a good courage. Lead by change.

In the marketplace, leader-ship, innovation and sales can only prosper with courage. Sara Blakely, the creator of SPANX

and the youngest member of the billionaires club, made an early decision- never let fear get in the way of moving forward. She says that in every new situation where she had to be courageous; on TV, presenting her product, or with potential new clients, fear was ever present, but that she just kept on moving forward with her fear.

Blakely, in her forward to the book “Courage Goes to Work” writes that her mantra is “If you weren’t afraid, would you do it?” If the answer was yes, “I would take a deep breath and do it.” “Cour-age,” she says, “has brought her great friends, kept her life fabu-lously interesting and earned her a healthy income.”

Finally, happy people live the life they want to live. Patients with only a short time to live said their most common regret was, “I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself.”

What would you like to do or say that you have never done be-fore? What courage do you need to live a life without regrets?

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

Be strong and of good courage. Our city and nation need men and women who are courageous.

Good for you. Good for our community.

Laurraine HuffmanSouthwest Character Council

Join us for character building in our marketplace ministry at Great American Land and Cattle Co., May 15 (Thursday) at 701 S. Mesa Hills. Reservations please at (915) 269-7719. Cost is $15 for training, lunch and networking.

From His Messenger...

Courage in May

Questions are sent to 42 Christian Leaders and all that respond by deadline are published. Those that come in late will be included with the others on The Messenger’s blog site at http://hismessenger.wordpress.com. If you are a Christian Leader and would like to be considered to join this panel – OR - if you have a question you would like answered by Christian Leaders, please email your contact information to media4him@yahoo.com.

Question:As Christ followers, what should be our response to the movie - Heaven is for Real, or the many other books about people going to Heaven and returning? I’m told that the Bible states that no one will see Heaven and return to life on Earth - so we are to see these movies and books as blasphemous. Is it possible that these experiences are real, and that the Lord has allowed them to happen to speak to an unbelieving world, to draw people to the kingdom? Or should we just see it as all falsehood?

Answers:Let me begin by saying I have

not seen the movie nor read the book upon which it is based. It was written by a protestant min-ister detailing the recollections of his son who had a near death experience on the operating table as a preschooler. Such accounts must never be our basis of faith in heaven, as many are directly contradictory. In Luke 16 Jesus told a parable about a rich man who died and went to hell and a poor beggar, Lazarus, who died and went to heaven, referred to by Jesus as “Abraham’s bosom.” The rich man, after being denied relief from his torment begged Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers living on earth so they would repent and not end up where he was. Jesus concluded: “But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No,

father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead’” (Luke 16:29-31). Human tendency is to place faith in popular belief more than Scrip-ture. Having just emphasized the resurrection of Jesus from the dead at Easter, we need to place our trust in Him and what Scrip-ture teaches, not the dreams or imaginations of individuals hav-ing experienced extreme physi-cal duress such as being restored from the brink of death. Can there be positive ideas from such a film? Perhaps, but we need to point others to the only source of absolute truth concerning both this life and the next – the Word of God. There is only one sure way to heaven. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Fa-ther except through me’” (John 14:6).

In the Baptist Press online newsletter was this opinion article reflecting on the movie Heaven is for Real, visit this link for an in depth discussion) http://www.bpnews.net/f irstperson/42465/firstperson-a-holy-god-in-heav-en-is-for-real It is written by Todd Brady who is vice president for university ministries at Union University in Jackson, Tenn. He goes into more discussion than what your column allows, but is well worth the read. He points out that in the movie there is no searching of Scripture for the truth about heaven among other important points.

Pastor Robert WarmathSkyline Baptist Church

(El Paso, TX)

A lot people are wondering about some of the movies being made with Biblical themes. Any-time a movie is made concern-ing the Bible, heaven, or hell, the movie has to be examined in the

light of Scripture. If it agrees with the Bible, then it should be ok to watch. There have been many books written on “out of the body experiences.” Is there a precedent for this? We have men in the Bible who had vi-sions; Paul, John, and Isaiah are examples of men who did. So yes, a person could get a vision of heaven. However, most of the books written and movies made are not Biblical and give man a false sense of security. Our the-ology and what we believe, can only be centered in God’s Word. If the movie exalts God and is viewed for entertainment only, it should be ok. But if you want to change your beliefs based on a movie, then don’t watch it. I have not watched this movie and can-not give an opinion on “Heaven is for Real”.

Pastor Brooke DavisFirst Baptist Church

(Greenup, IL)

This issue is one that I have come to accept as a personal acknowledgment to that per-son. It is very difficult to tell a person that claims to have ex-perienced such an event in their lives that what they experienced did not happen. Biblical speak-ing, the Bible does indicate that no one has seen God at any time (John 1:18). With that said, the individual/s that have claimed to have had “near death experi-ences” have never claimed, to the best of my knowledge, to have seen God, just heaven and its sur-roundings (people, surrounding, etc.) but not God. The Bible, in II Corinthians 12:2 Paul states that he knew a man in Christ that was caught up to the third heaven and this person heard words that were unspeakable and is not law-ful for a man to utter. Along with that verse, there are two scripture references that I would give heed too as far as accepting the testi-mony on this subject. 1. I Corin-thians 2:9 and II Thessalonians 2:11, both of these scriptures ad-

dress the present world in which we are living. Remember, walk-ing with God requires a walk of Faith (Hebrews 10:38;11:1, II Cor-inthians 5:7). On a final note, I will take the Apostle Paul’s over-all stand and say “What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Philippians 1:18). Be Blessed and Rejoice in the Lord.

Mark A. Rawlins, DirectorEl Paso International School of Faith

(El Paso, TX)

Since the book, “Life After Life” by Raymond Moody (1976) and the related work by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross came out in print, people have become even more curious about what to expect im-mediately after we die. This curi-osity has in turn created a book/movie market for other related experiences (“Ninety Minutes in Heaven,” by Don Piper, and the book that led to the movie you mentioned). I don’t think God is necessarily allowing those ex-perience to find their way into print or the silver screen in order to convince or convert people. I think the very best you can do with such books or movies is to say, a.) “Gee, that’s interesting!” And b.) Find a way to be content with the teachings of God’s Word (see 1 John 3:2, for instance). And what does God’s Word say on this subject? We just had Easter day, so I know you have heard already lots of great teaching about the resurrection of the dead. God says to us this does not just ap-ply to His Son, but to everyone who believes in His Son. I know it must be hard for some, but we must be content with what He has already said to us, and not al-low all the speculation from such movies to distract and divert us.

Pastoral Assistant Paul DuerksenSt. Paul’s United Methodist Church

(Las Cruces, NM)

Send info about your upcoming events to media4him@yahoo.com. Be sure to send them several weeks in advance of the event as The Messenger prints every other week. Check for other listings online at https://hismessenger.wordpress.com.

FREE After School Tutoring Program – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 2155 Wedgewood, El Paso, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Tutoring will be available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays ONLY. For more info call Sandy Hoffman (915) 598-7577 (leave message) or email jayneruiz@msn.com.

Thursday, May 15th (NEW DAY THIS MONTH ONLY)Character Legacy Luncheon – Great American, 701 S. Mesa Hills Drive, El Paso, 11:45 am to 1:00 pm. Date has been changed from Wednesday this month ONLY. Cost

is $15 per person for lunch, networking and training. RSVP to (915) 269-7719 to reserve your spot, and make sure enough meals are prepared. Cash or check only please.

Saturday, May 17thCommunity Yard Sale – Christ Community United Methodist Church, 4447 Loma Clara, El Paso, 7:00 a – 12:00 pm. Bring old items to sell, spaces are free. Shop for new to you items. To reserve a table call Tracey (915) 667-0842. First come first served, call for tables by May 12th.5K MEMORIAL RUN – Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive, El Paso, 8:00 am. Bethel Church of God is hosting the first CPL Jose Zamora 5K Memorial Run in celebration of Memorial Day and in remembrance of local fallen hero CPL Jose Zamora. Run 5K or walk a mile. Registration is $20 Adults, $15 Military, $10

Children under 12. Register online at www.elpasobethelcog.org/. Proceeds will benefit the Ministry to the Military. For more info email: CPLZamora.Run@gmail.com.

Wednesday, May 28th The Compassionate Friends – 1000 Montana, in basement of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, El Paso, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. This is a Non-denominational self-help support group for parents, grandparents & siblings who have lost children. Facilitator is Susan Crews. Bilingual. For more info call (915) 542-0908. Call ahead to be sure of meeting date.

Friday, May 30thMission Cake Auction – Healing Place Church, 5312 Rio Bravo, Santa Teresa, NM, 6:00 pm. HPC is hosting a cake auction to fund youth mission trips. First trip will be in June to Panama. Come for dinner and the chance to bid on

some great cakes. For more info call (575) 502-4079.

Saturday, June 7thProject Linus – University Presbyterian Church, 244 N. Resler, El Paso, 9:30 am – 11:00 am. Project Linus is a non-profit organization. Quilters, Crocheters, Knitters, Sewers, Non-sewers, EVERYONE can make a blanket! Donations WELCOMED – yarn, fabric, fleece, supplies, cash …. All needed. For more info call (915) 474-2845 or email twooters@elp.rr.com.

Thursday, June 12thEl Paso’s Northeast Quilters Guild – Grace Presbyterian Church, 8001 Magnetic, El Paso, 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm Social and Set up time; 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Meeting and Program. Program to be announced. Guests welcome. For more info call (915) 494-7977 or epnequilters@gmail.com.

MAY 15-MAY 28, 2014

Rose Cabrera, Area Directorelpaso.director@texas.cwfa.org

310 N. Mesa, Ste. 222 Cortez Bldg.El Paso (915) 731-9475

Join us for CWA Action LuncheonMay 30, 2014 • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Wingate Hotel6351 Gateway Blvd. West

El Paso, TX

At The Father’s

FeetTrusting in God

Obeying God’s Word Good Day Brothers and

Sisters in Christ, “When we walk with the

Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.”[1] As Christians we should all have a desire to walk with the Lord in His will, but we often attempt to do so in our own power, ignor-ing basic spiritual disciplines. One such spiritual discipline is reading, studying, and obey-ing God’s Word. He provided His Word not only to show us the path of salvation but also to guide us in our daily walk while trusting and obeying Him. Throughout our walk with Him, we can have the as-surance of knowing that He is right by our side, always abid-ing with us.

Are you spending time faithfully reading, studying, and obeying God’s Word?

“Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.” (Psalm 119:2)

May God Richly Bless You Today

[1] Trust and Obey, lyrics by John H. Sammis (1846-1919); music by Daniel B. Towner (1850-1919); first verse.

Trusting in GodBlessing in Suffering

“Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, But is blessed if we trust and obey.”[1] We as Christians are not exempt from tragedy, whether it is physical or emo-tional. Our burdens, sorrows, toils, grief, losses and other heartbreaks are known by God, and it is His presence with us that gives us the com-fort and support we need. In fact, when we place our trust in the Lord and obey His com-mands, we are able to experi-ence a blessing in the suffer-ing. Remember, any suffering we do pales in comparison to the suffering our Lord had to endure.

Do you praise the Lord even during those times when you are in the midst of bur-dens or sorrows?

“In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

(Psalm 56:4)

May God Richly Bless You Today

Scripture quotations are

from the King James Ver-sion, unless otherwise noted. (Bracket and capitalization of pronouns for God added.) Ar-chives of At the Father’s Feet can be found at atthefathers-feet.wordpress.com. Spanish translation of archives can be found at alospiesdelpadre.wordpress.com. To add some-one to our contact list contact me at bwoolleycpa@msn.com or bwoolleyjr@gmail.com.

[1] Trust and Obey, lyrics by John H. Sammis (1846-1919); music by Daniel B. Towner (1850-1919); third verse

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