All Things Possible Through Him

But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16

When we read this Scripture about how Jesus wanted the smallest most innocent humans to come to Him we tend to think He meant only the little ones. We think of toddlers, kindergarteners, and school aged kids. He was telling His disciples in this scene that He wasn’t bothered by the tiny, wiggly squirmy, noisy, busy children who may have likely wanted to hold His hand or crawl up onto His lap. He then told the disciples all people should be like these children in their faith and simply seek and accept His love. Today, I have a different understanding of this verse. It is not just the little ones He calls, but all of us. We are all His children.

There are many older squirmy, restless children. There are children who are seeking Him yet are unaware of Whom they are seeking. We see this in our culture and in our families of today.

Many families struggle. Families may be thrown into battle over what their children believe through popular media and cultural outlets. As our youth struggle, their parents, grandparents, and all who care about them, scratch their heads. Some of our youth are following false teachings. Some are listening to evil theology. Some try substances to alter their feelings and understanding. Some are buying into political propaganda that is squarely against the beliefs of our founding fathers who knew this nation was founded under God and with God.

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions 2 Timothy 4:3

And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. Matthew 24: 4-5

Indeed, the very ones, whether child or adult, who follow these culturally popular false teachings are hungry. They are starving for something to believe in that is greater and bigger than their own families, greater than the other adults or institutions in their lives. They look for membership into a group they believe knows “the truth.” They fall in behind others who are encouraging them to break from God, break from Scripture, and break from their families. In some cases, even some parents who want to understand their children begin to accept in these false teachings that say “You are not who God created, you can be anything you want. You can believe what you want. You can do whatever brings you excitement.”

These individuals are attracted to these false beliefs because they are looking for something. They are searching. They are grasping at anything they hear. They are lost.

To these individuals, God says, “Let the little children come to me…”

For youth who are fighting against their own families, God says, “Let the little children come to me…”

For the ones who ran away from home, God says, “Let the little children come to me…”

For the person sleeping on the sidewalk struggling to know where they are in the haze of drugs, God says, “Let the little children come to me…”

For the person who believes what outsiders are telling them about their own bodies, God says, “Let the little children come to me…”

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

We are to use our words to give grace to all who hear them. But if you are like me, you are finding it more and more difficult to pick the right words to say when someone voices an opinion vastly different than your own Christian beliefs. As Christians, we know God’s expectations for us: love God, love others, and strive to build relationships with all people both Christians and nonbelievers. Why should we be concerned about those who are nonbelievers? Because we were called to plant seeds and lead others to Christ. And what if nonbelievers around you use hateful speech and profess things you know are wrong or sinful? It happens. It is becoming almost impossible to have conversations with people who have beliefs completely different than your own.

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” Proverbs 10:19.

Restrain our lips? Should we simply not talk? When nonbelievers tell us their beliefs, which are outside what we know God wants for our world, what do we say? It does not serve us well to take a “I am more pious than you” attitude. That gets us nowhere. Individuals with erroneous beliefs have likely been misinformed or have had events in their histories which may have shaped or contributed to these misunderstandings. But are we simply to remain silent? How can we speak in the midst of nonbiblical beliefs?

As Christians, we know we should have no other God before us and that God alone created the universe and our purpose in it, including the creation of and purpose for men and women. Do we sit idly by as others tout things we know are simply not true? Do we not respond when others threaten our Christian values and way of life? Do we not act when our families are threatened by the actions of nonbelievers?

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12: 36-37

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12: 18

One example of non-biblical beliefs is when a person is deeply committed to the untrue belief that is acceptable to show young children behaviors which can bring them harm. In this case, is it okay to say, “What you find is acceptable for you or your own children is not acceptable for my children. My child will not participate in this activity.” Yes. This is what God expects of us. He expects us to make it known that we believe in His will and we intend to protect our own families.

During the time of Isaiah, similar sinful situations existed. Those around Isaiah who were not of the faith found all kinds of sin and evil and engaged in these with recklessness.

“Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice.” Isaiah 59:14-15.

Unlike those of little faith in the time of Isaiah, let us not turn our backs and allow such godless behaviors to go unnoticed. Let us not displease God by allowing such behaviors to continue with our own children. Let us stand strong and speak for our families and protect our children. Let us kindly make our own opinions heard. Let us chose our words carefully, welcome others, but not quarrel about behaviors. Rather stand firmly on the Rock and speak kind words that express your Christian beliefs.

“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” Romans 14:1

We know we are to be kind to others, even when we disagree with their intentions, behaviors, and beliefs. Our job is not to judge others for their behavior but to speak kindly, demonstrate Christianity by our actions, and protect our own families. Join the movement to pray often for our families and most especially our children. Speak kindly but stand strong in your faith. Stand with God.

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Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalm 85:6

Perhaps you have heard the recent news from Asbury University about the spontaneous ten day revival in the chapel. It is such an inspiring story to hear. One student came forward to the alter at the end of what was to be a two-hour chapel service. He approached the alter, confessed and prayed. His friends soon joined him. The praise and prayer continued. Days spread into weeks. Thousands made the pilgrimage to the small town of Wilmore in Kentucky. We listened and watched in amazement. Although we have prayed for revival in our country, this was unexpected. Led by teens, young college adults, and then people of all ages, the revival continued until, for safety reasons due to the size of the crowd, the university and the town requested to end the two-week long revival.

Something else happened. As the worshippers returned to their own towns and schools, additional revivals continued to spring up across the country. How long will this movement last? No one can say. Is this the revival we Christians have been praying for?

It seems clear in past years our country has been undergoing the apostasy predicted in the Bible, or the great falling away of faith. One only needs to turn on the news to see evidence of this. Not only does Christianity seem to be fading, but in many places and circumstances, the expression of Christianity is prohibited. And what we have read about happening in other countries, people being jailed or persecuted for their faith, also appears to be going on in some areas of the United States.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1

There is a more important revival needed to fuel the revival of our country: the revival of our own hearts. It has been easy to sit back and be complacent. Thoughts such as, “One person can’t make a difference,” or, “That won’t work here,” clog our minds. So we must turn to the Spirit and ask for help with our own hearts. We can no longer remain tired in our own faith. Speaking first with the Father, then examining our own hearts, will help the revival continue. While we may not all have a revival happening in a chapel, a church, or an auditorium, we can most certainly promote a revival or our own heart.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26

Reading Scripture, worship, and prayer, will provide us with the needed strength to revive our own hearts. And when our hearts are full, we can turn to others and, one person at a time, continue the revival. Speaking to one person at a time, having fellowship with other Christians, and teaching our own children and grandchildren about our faith, will keep the momentum going and spur the revival.

All books and devotionals by Terry Overton can be found on Amazon.

Books especially for promoting the Christian faith in children:

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

The year of 2022 has been a tough one. The year brought the death of both parents in March due to Covid, Mom on a Wednesday and Dad the next day, followed by the loss my younger sister in August. I know where they are now, rejoicing in Heaven, and I am joyful they are together.

Not long after my sister passed, my husband and I took a much needed trip. The trip was partially for researching a new series I am writing, but also to visit family and rejuvenate my own soul. I traveled with a slowly mending heavy heart, taking in the many glorious displays of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I researched caverns, countryside towns, and visited with family.

It was on the return trip that it happened. We stopped to eat and take a break from our long hours of driving. Traveling with our miniature schnauzer required us to find an outdoor eating venue. Fortunately we located one on our route.

That is where I saw her. A woman sat at an outdoor table with her young daughter. The woman was clearly troubled and did not interact much with her young daughter but was intensely focused looking down, troubled, and frantically shaking her crossed leg. The young daughter ate her meal in silence. The mother ate nothing and only had a cup of coffee before her on the table.

My heart cried for her. She was troubled by something very heavy on her heart. My own mourning heart wanted to reach out to her and tell her she was loved and that God had her back. I wanted to pray with her. I was momentarily interrupted by our waiter, and quickly studied the menu. After placing my order, I looked back to see another waiter collecting the money left on the table where the woman had been sitting with her daughter.

Maybe it was because my own heart was too wounded, I was not able to go to the troubled woman immediately. Yet seeing her reminded me how much God loves us all. It reminded me that by seeking God myself, my own heart would be strengthened. It was also the first time in many months I was able to look outside my mourning and know God needs me to move on and finish my work for Him. We are all needed to bring comfort to others who are suffering, lonely, anxious, or worried. That is part of what Christians do: comfort those in need. We can let others know they can take refuge in Him.

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” Nahum 1:7

With time, my heart has become stronger. And with this strength, I now pray for boldness and courage. I pray to move more quickly when I see someone in need. I know God will provide strength and boldness when I ask Him to do so.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

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“If my people who are called by my name 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,” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

The news, whether local, national, or world news, is disheartening. Violent crime, tragedies, economic crises, fuel and food shortages, are just a few of the headlines causing most of us stress.

The verse above from 2 Chronicles is quoted often during times when a people see their own country on a downward path. The verse was first stated by Solomon as the Temple was completed. Solomon knew his people had committed wrongdoings and, as in our own time, the people needed a course correction. In our own country and in this time, we need a course correction just as the people in the Old Testament. And, like the people of Solomon’s time, God has already chosen us. He loved us first.

Nevertheless, before our eyes we see the violence, theft, and burning of cities. We hear the angry vitriol between political parties. It seems our nation needs to be humbled. As a country we need to turn back to God, ask for forgiveness, and work very hard to heal our land. Can we do it? How do we do this? Where do we begin?

Let us turn first to young people. We see the pain, hurt, and suffering of so many in a generation raised without parents or with dysfunctional parents. We see children of poverty and violence within their own homes. We see children with material or technological substitutes for parents and happiness. We also see groups of teachers who are more concerned with one political stance or another, with one rights group or another, who attempt to influence vulnerable children who have no role models at home to advise them and teach them about God. Faith has not only left our schools, but faith has also left many homes. These children are easy prey for indoctrination.

How can a nation save itself? How can we save children who have no one to rely upon? How can we save the church in our country? And what is “church” in the modern world?

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” Acts 20:28.

The church is us. Those of us who have the Holy Spirit dwelling within, who have accepted our Lord and Savior, who lift one another up, who help each other and praise God together. We are the church. It is up to us to get busy. We are to share the Word of God with others. As the Apostle Paul told the Colossians:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16.

As the Christian church, we are to plant the seeds, invite others to church, lift each other up, and keep our Christian values. We are to provide role models not only for our children but for children and adults who may have lost their way. Today, talk with others, think of how to make a difference, even a small difference in the life of a child, a neighbor, an acquaintance, a friend.

We are coming upon the celebration of our nation’s independence. July 4th is just a few weeks away. During this time, remember the brave men and women who gave their lives defending our freedom and our values. Remember this country was founded under the one true God and Christian values are the ones our country held dear when it was established. Teach children about the true history of our country. Do not rely on others for the education of your children and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and children of friends. Establish the values early. As a nation, let us humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from wicked ways. Let us do our part to bring our country back.

Books of American values & Books for children and youth can be purchased on Amazon.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

God’s timing is always perfect according to His bigger plan. He knows when things will occur before they occur. He knows when we will receive blessings and how and when tragedies occur. He always knows how things work together for the good. No matter how hard we try to plan and schedule our lives, in the end, it is He who has control.

This is a hard lesson to learn. Sometimes the interruptions in our schedules are a mere inconvenience. Sometimes they are heart breaking. Last month was my own heartbreak. Last month my life and plans were upended.

It began last fall when I accompanied my dad to his local donut shop where he gathered frequently with his buddies for fellowship, laughter, stories, and of course, donuts. One of his buddies suggested I write a book about groups like Dad’s donut shop group. The purpose would be to teach young people about these friendships and God’s fellowship and purpose for our lives. I accepted the challenge and began right away on the book. Although I spoke often with my dad about the progress of the book, I wanted to surprise him with a copy once it was completed. I scheduled everything from the book cover design to the editing and the release date. As it turned out, God already had a plan for my dad in the month of March.

In late February, both of my parents contracted Covid. Mom went to Heaven on March 9th and Dad followed her the next day. They were blessed to be together to the very end. I never got to show Dad the book. Instead, I handed the books out at Mom and Dad’s funerals. It was a bittersweet and sad moment.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 16:9

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

My siblings and I talk often about God’s reasons and timing of our parents’ deaths. Our parents took every recommended precaution, such as taking vaccines, staying home. They seldom left their home and when they did, they were not around people. But this virus found them. We believe if it wasn’t for the virus, one might have passed away many years before the other and it would have been devastating. It was a blessing for our parents to be able to go to Heaven together. They were able to remain at home thanks to the work of dedicated Hospice workers. They were at peace with God and each other.

As for the book about my dad’s donut shop buddies, I read it often and feel like Dad is right there with me. Perhaps the reason for the timing for me was to provide me a source of comfort while grieving. I know the book will find its way to the right hands and pray it makes a difference for our youth. I pray those who read it will understand my dad’s faith and love of our great country. I also know, because I was inspired by God’s Word as I wrote the book, the purpose will be served.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6.

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Had enough winter?

For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:11-12

The verse and the picture depict spring. Ahh… Just the thought of it! We watch the weather reports and see many places are still covered with snow. Others face cold bitter winds, and, here where I live, rain and more rain. It was only weeks ago the Christmas season ended. We put away the decorations and lights. However, winter continues to overwhelm many with freezing weather, clouds, and darkness.

I am one of those people who thrive in sunshine and warm temperatures. I long to be by the sea, or here in the southern part of Texas, the gulf! Winter can throw me right into a seasonal funk where I remain until the sun begins to shine again every day.

Our Creator knew we needed seasons; He created them.

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years (Genesis 1:14)

Seasons are part of the passage of time and the passage of life. We know spring will soon follow winter. But for now, we can read Scriptures, enjoy our indoor time, and read books about traveling or the beach. We can bring more light into our homes and brighten things up. We can watch movies set in beautiful gardens of flowers, travel destinations, or movies set at the beach. And we can offer thanks for knowing, as we struggle through the winter seasons of our lives, spring will follow. He made it that way.

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My husband and I attend church on the island near our home. At last, we are attending church in person once again! It is such a gift to gather with other Christians for praise and worship. During the service, it is customary to offer prayers together for those who are sick or suffering as well as for those with thanks and praise reports. This is a time to listen to what is going on with our fellow Christians. It is also a time that causes me to think about our journey on this road we call life. As years go by, people we used to see in church, in our neighborhood, or even on the golf course, are now moving on further down the road of life. Prayers are said for neighbors recovering from surgeries or treatments and for those who remain in hospitals. Others have recently lost their siblings or best friends. And so we travel together on this road of life to the finish line.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it, 1 Corinthians 9:24

When I ran marathons, there was a time of hitting “the wall” when you feel as if you cannot continue to put one foot in front of the other. A common mantra at this time in the race is to “finish strong.” It was the mantra that motivated me, when I wanted to give up, to continue with the struggle and finally get my foot across the finish line.

Recently, I retired from working full time as a professor. Unexpectedly, I received a call from a publisher who informed me that a book I had written more than thirty years ago was going into a new edition. To update my publisher about my new Christian writing projects and interests, I sent him a link of my recent release, Both Sides of the Border. He emailed back with a short note, “You are finishing strong.” His remark gave me pause because I believe I have a long way to go. I am still in “training” so to speak, for my faith. There is more to learn, more to write, and there is always a need to strengthen my faith. But his comment caused me to smile. I’m not finished yet, but I am going to finish strong.

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, Philippians 3:14

Paul instructed the congregations in Philippi and Corinth, and also to Timothy whom he mentored, to stay strong. He reminded followers of Jesus to approach faith as athletes approach training for a race. Stay consistent, stay focused, and finish strong so that our faith endures until we reach the final prize. And in Hebrews, we are reminded once again to continue with our fight and to not become weary or fainthearted.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted, Hebrews 12:3

No matter where you might be on your life journey, whether you are just starting a marriage, a career, a family, strengthening faith can parallel your journey in this world. There is always more to learn about the Word of God. And at times, when we are weary from our journey on this road, when we strengthen our faith, it will strengthen us for the final leg of the race. At last, like Paul, may we be able to say we kept our faith, finished the race, and made it to our final prize.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, 2 Timothy 4:7

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart,” 1 Samuel 16:7.

These flowers are considered by some to be wild and by others to be weeds. Perhaps they interfere with the growth of our own plants. They may intrude on our carefully landscaped flower beds or gardens. They may sprout up into and between the blades of grass of our beautifully sodded yard. Our clean lines between grass and shrubs or flower beds may look ragged when these wild growing plants find their way into our yard.

To change our human perspective of these common plants, we should take a look with a different lens. These were created by God for a purpose. These plants provide nourishment for other creatures. They weave the ecosystem together in different climates. They are, in many cases, stronger against the harshest of weather than our carefully planted seeds and bulbs. These are to be appreciated as His creations.

This year, my parents’ yard surprisingly had a large row of bluebonnets show up for the first time. These wildflowers perfectly lined their circular driveway. My dad’s interpretation of this event was, “These had to be planted by God.” He was right.

Humans are the same way. We are created for a purpose. We must survive on our planet and live our lives as God desires. This means all humans, even those we don’t understand or those we feel don’t belong in certain situations, should be shown kindness. The verse above from 1 Samuel is one in which we find Samuel looking for the new king. Samuel looked at each of Jesse’s older sons, thinking surely it would be this one. To Samuel’s surprise, God selected the youngest son, David, not yet a man. God told Samuel that He saw David differently than Samuel did. God’s view was through His lens that looked inside the heart of David and knew his potential. We too must look at each other with a different lens.

“For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with the inscription ‘To an unknown God.’ So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship-and this is what I am going to proclaim to you now,” Acts 17:23.

This verse is another wonderful example of using a different lens. This comes from the story of Paul when he was in Athens. The people of Athens believed in false gods and had statues of false gods which they worshiped. Knowing the beliefs of the Athenians were extremely different than Paul’s belief in God, Paul did not begin talking with the Athenians by accusing them of being bad people because they did not understand God. He did not lecture or try to force his words upon them. Rather, Paul found a common ground and began to ask questions about their depiction of an unknown god. He used this as a starting point. Because he carefully began the conversation they were receptive to learn more about God.

When we are with others with whom we disagree, perhaps we are tempted to force our own beliefs upon them. People should believe the way we believe. If not, and we don’t find a common ground, we give up, shrug our shoulders, and maybe even walk away.

How can we find common ground with people who believe things we don’t? How do we look at others through a different lens? How can we appreciate all people, believers and nonbelievers, and have meaningful discussions to promote a better understanding of our world? How can we be examples of God’s love? The media is jammed packed with people who disagree, yell, and even commit violent acts toward those who are on the other side of a viewpoint, political belief, or faith. As people who believe the command given to us by Jesus to love others, don’t we need to follow Paul’s example and start a conversation?

Please click on the video below and take a look at the trailer for my new release. After viewing, please share the video with others. Let’s start a different conversation.