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Slow Train Coming

3/22/2017

Bob Dylan 1980 - Slow Train Coming

Sometimes I feel so low-down and disgusted...Can't help but wonder what's happenin' to my companions...Are they LOST or are they found?...Have they counted the COST it'll take to bring down...All their EARTHLY PRINCIPLES they're gonna have to abandon?.... There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend....

(2)...I had a woman down in Alabama...She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic...She said, "Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out...You could die down here, be just another accident statistic".... There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend....

(3)..All that foreign oil CONTROLLING AMERICAN SOIL...Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed...Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings...Deciding AMERICA'S FUTURE! from Amsterdam and to Paris.... And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend....

(4)..Man's EGO is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more...You can't rely no more to be standin' around waitin'...In the home of the brave, Jefferson turnin' over in his grave...FOOLS GLORIFYING THEMSELVES, trying to MANIPULATE Satan.... And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend....

(5)..Big-time NEGOTIATORS, negotiators, FALSE healers and WOMAN HATERS!...'Masters' of the BLUFF and masters of the proposition...But the ENEMY I SEE WEARS A CLOAK OF DECENCY!...All NON BELIEVERS and MEN STEALERS, TALKIN' IN THE 'NAME OF RELIGION'..... And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend....

(6)..People STARVING and THIRSTING, grain elevators are BURSTING...Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to GIVE it...They say LOSE YOUR INHIBITIONS, follow your OWN AMBITIONS...They 'TALK' about a life of brotherly love...Show me someone who knows how to LIVE IT.... There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend....

(7)..Well, my baby went to Illinois with some bad-talkin' boy she could destroy...A real suicide case, but there was nothin' I could do to stop it...I don't care about ecology, I don't care about astrology,...But it sure do bother me to see my loved ones turning into PUPPETS....

There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend ARE YOU READY? The Lord is coming soon, His return is imminent, so get ready.

Commentary:

When I and those who I fellowshiped with first heard this song, we all looked at ourselves and the world, and felt in our hearts it couldn't be long before we would Jesus coming back, and making everything that was wrong with this world right again. We couldn't wait, and it was our focus every day. Since that time many of my friends and loved ones who knew the Lord have passed away, gone home to heaven. A few of us of that are left; and watching things unfold in the world now, never thought we'd be here to see the chaos that's unfolding today.

I grew up listening to and watching the events of our day unfold on the television, as my father sat and watched the evening news. Political corruption, the same then as it is now, the Viet Nam war; every day the death toll would be reported of those killed in action. Drugs and crime in the streets here in America climbing, riots in the cities over race discrimination. It looked like the country was falling apart. I saw the tired sense of resignation in my parents, uncles and aunts. They had lived through their own era's turmoils, and wars; WWI, WWII, the Korean war. This and many other factors helped in the wrong decisions and life choices we made, hopelessness is one of the devil's greatest weapons. It eats at the person's soul, and makes the temptations for drugs and alcohol and living for the pleasures of the day very appealing. It's an escape from the reality you have to live in, and seem to have no power to change. I know there's a lot of other reasons people fall into addictions as well, giving in to the influence of bad company, and other's who just plain like their sin. Oh yes, there is pleasure in sin...for a season, but it always catches up with you. The wages of sin is death, and many find this out too late. Today I thank God every day for the truth of the word of God, and what it has brought me out of, and what faith in Christ has done to bring me up out of that hopelessness, and set my feet on a solid rock, and establish my ways. It convicts me when I'm headed in the worng direction, when I fail, when I need correction. God loves me, and wants the best for me, and you; that's why He corrects us.

Almost 40 years later, the world scene has not improved. The same turmoils, corruption, descruction of societies, moral degradation, hostilities, and hatred has only increased. You don't see a lot of it honestly reported on national news media; they are experts of propoganda, lies, and camophlaging the truth. If you really want to know what the condition of this nation is, and the rest of the world, you have to spend time researching for yourself, and when you do, be prepared to have your heart wrenched.

The civil rights movement gained ground for their cause, equality for the black race, but it has not stopped the hatred. Hatred does not have a color or race, it is an individual choice. No matter what color your face is, you always have the choice to hate, or forgive. The choices people are making today, of every color is evident by the wholesale slaughter going on in our cities, communities, and the world over. Anti Semitism is once again raising it's ugly head everywhere, the world did not learn anything from WWII. Islamic terrorism has wreaked havoc everywhere, and the countries in Europe are losing their cultures. Their women are being ravaged and raped by those who follow this barbaric idealogy; and the majority of the world continues to cover this with lies, propoganda, and misguided sympathy. Those who want to see some footage that will help you learn about the Islamic religion for what it really is; Google the images of beheadings, women tortured, rape, and slaughter of children. Read the Koran and study it for yourself, and realize that those who follow this religion intend to fulfil everything it says, and they see nothing wrong with killing you to achieve what they believe; which is to take over the entire world for Allah. If you believe Islam is a religion of peace it is because you choose to close your eyes, and remain ignorant of the facts.

The elites are running their own agenda's within the world governments, and the world as it is portrayed on television and radio is in league with them in covering the truth. Where power lies, who is pulling the strings, and gaining the most from their corrupt schemes, is a mind boggling game of chess. It is not people like you and I, I can assure you. The build up of arms around the world by the saber rattling nations gives us clear warning to keep vigilant watch, because one wrong move, and WWIII could start any moment. These are the perilous days Jesus spoke of in Matthew ch. 24.

However, there is peace in knowing the One who holds all the governments of the world in His hands, and ultimately, it will be Him; Christ, who raises up and casts down those in power. He allows those he chooses for His own purposes, all of them find this out eventually as Nebuchanezzer did.

But the saddest evidence of the lateness of the hour is the destruction of a moral society. This is the description of what we are living in today:

Ti 3:1　 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.　
2Ti 3:2　 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,　
2Ti 3:3　 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,　
2Ti 3:4　 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;　
2Ti 3:5　 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.　
2Ti 3:6　 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,　
2Ti 3:7　 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.　
America was founded by Christians, whether anyone likes this or not, or wants to admit it. The school systems today are trying to change the history books, and eliminate this truth, but it doesn't change this fact. The foundations of this country are built on the ten commandments. Every leader who had a hand in writting the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution gave full declaration of the importance of moral law in order to establish a country with any hope of living in integrity, peace, and justice.

Today society reveals it's contempt, and outright hatred for God, and anyone who openly believes in Him. What was once considered perversion is now flaunted and paraded as good and acceptable. Anyone who disagrees is bullied and persecuted into silence, now there are riots, rampages and many have been arrested for standing up for what used to be considered precious family values.

From the beginning of time God established the order of marraige as being between one man and one woman; this has been abolished, and now there is no limit to the immorality people want to force as "normal" into our culture and laws. The erosian of God's standards for marraige and family life will see no end to what they want to have legalized now. If two men, two women can marry, why not three or more. Pedophelia will be brought out and pushed as normal, and there are many who want this legalized. California has pushed for this already, and I am not sure but think they have had a form of it legalized already. Now anyone can choose to be whatever gender they decide when they get up in the morning; and change their minds before the day is over if they wish. This is complete insanity. The bible describes this clearly also:

Rom 1:24　 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:　
Rom 1:25　 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.　
Rom 1:26　 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:　
Rom 1:27　 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.　
Rom 1:28　 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;　
Rom 1:29　 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,　
Rom 1:30　 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,　
Rom 1:31　 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:　
Rom 1:32　 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.　

Earlier in this chapter Paul explains how and why someone gets to this place;

Rom 1:18　 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;　
Rom 1:19　 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.　
Rom 1:20　 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:　
Rom 1:21　 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.　
Rom 1:22　 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,　

Paul makes it clear that God has revealed himself and his attributes in the earth and the heavens, his own creation reveals his reality; therefore no excuse is left. They who choose to worship idols, and turn to fables and error do so willfully. He leaves them to themselves and their lusts. This is what we are seeing the evidence of today, worldwide.

People will not adhere to any form of honesty. If lieing achieves their goals, they see nothing wrong with it, there is no remorse or thought of reaping any consequences for the lie. They live in a web of deciet, and see nothing wrong with it at all, and raise their kids to be the same way. Respect for elders is gone, senior housing and nursing homes is the avenue many choose today, for many of these reasons. A few older people will be honest enough to admit this, but there are many who just fake it and smile, to keep up a false front, as much of society does in so many areas of life.

The cults, occult, satanic worship, pornography, abortion, has saturated the culture. Schools are allowing satanic after school meetings, but Christian activities are banned, and reading the bible in school has been denied in many cases. Transhumanism, cloning from more than two people to create "designer" babies, abortion if the baby is the "wrong" sex, creating part animal-part human hybrids....yeah; we've come a long way. A few days ago, I saw a spray painted graffiti on a brick wall that said in all capital letters "DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!" That describes the mindset of the world today.

Denominational churches are for the most part silent. There are exceptions, but they are not the majority. Repentance, and preaching sound doctrine against sin, is the exception, not the rule. We have the same pillow prophets today, that Jeremiah spoke of and contended with in his day.

If you read Revelation, and take it literally; all I've mentioned is just setting the world up for horrors described in it that are beyond imagination. Jesus said if the days were not shortened, no one would survive.

America, which was a beacon of light for God and His Son, has lost it's moral compass. Our government doesn't have the will to keep the foundations in place, and uphold and enforce the laws already established. They re-write them, and change them to suite their vain imaginations, and their lusts. More than one writer has paralleled America with the fate of the fall of Rome, for good reason. We seem to have followed them step by step down the same road of destruction; and sadly in far less time. Now we are in the days described in Judges, everyone does what is right in their own eyes.

The catastrophic weather in the last 20 years is also signs the Lord told us to look for; and we are seeing it on a grand scale. Earthquakes, pestilences, famines, volcano's, signs in the skies of things I've never seen before. Things are coming together at a quickening pace.

The slow train we saw coming around the bend in the late 70's-early 80's, has come into full view, the last car is on the straightaway, and it's picking up speed. Now, with even greater anticipation; I'm keeping my eyes on the skies;

Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.　
Maranatha
Lorna Couillard

Faith

3/15/2017

Text: Heb. 12:1,2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

In the world there is a great deal of misdirected faith. People place their trust and faith in many religions, false gods, people, traditions and so on. But when we look down the corridor of eternity, and really ask who can be trusted, who can we put our faith in that is real. Jesus Christ is the only one who can be given that place, and it is because of the resurrection. When He rose from the dead, it gave authority to all the words He spoke while he walked here on earth. The empty tomb is the power of our faith.

Heb 11:6　 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.　

This is where faith begins, believing that God does exist, that He is who He says He is, and will make good the promises he makes in His word; if we apply it to our lives. He is tells the truth, and does not lie.

I will be the first to admit I do not understand everything about faith, and it's operations. There are 117 verses concerning faith, many things could be gleaned from them, I'll share some realities, and truth's about faith, and ask if you have anything to ask or share along the way.

Read the testimony in the journal: then share some points about it;

1. I was only a 25 yr. old obscure woman of no importance, but God cared enough for me and my husband, and our problem to intervene and work thru the circumstances to bring about this financial miracle.

2. I learned thru this how God uses circumstances, and moves people to answer prayer, I looked back on this, and used it as a stepping stone for many other obstacles, and battles in my life. I have 29 yrs. of journal notes of similar answers to prayer, but this event started me on the journey of faith.

3. This event caused me to realize that God truly loved me as an individual, I really meant something to Him, and that I had been forgiven of my past.....answered prayer developes solid faith, and it continues to grow each time an answer comes.

Truth's about Faith

Faith, no matter how much we have, doesn't gaurantee a pain free life. Heartaches and troubles are going to come no matter how much I believe God. (ex. Joseph, Paul, David, Daniel)

Sometimes it takes years to see the results of faith in prayer. This is where perseverance and tenacity is important. If we are sure of the will of God in a matter, it will help give us the strength to keep believing and praying....no matter how long it takes.

There are many roadblocks, landminds, and obstacles that try to destroy our faith, and render us totally defeated. (ask what some of them are, discuss them) Ex. allowing sin in our lives, pride, stepping out of God's will.
People are used by the devil to divert, or kill faith. We need to be carefull who we listen to, and who we keep company with. Unbelief is contagious. 2Thess. 3:2 "And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith."

Faith, and understanding of the purpose of faith changes as we continue to walk with God. Our perspective changes, and so does our desires. (ex. what I thought was very important as a young woman, I see as very unimportant now. Ask the men if they see this in their own lives)

No matter how much faith I may have, I have finally learned what Paul says in Cor. ch. 13, if I have all the faith in the world, but no love, I am nothing. God is love...it is even more important to him than faith. 1Cor. 13:2 says "And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing".

Faith, seen from God's perspective; is to be exercised like a muscle. The more we exercise our faith to believe God for our needs, but even greater; for the kingdom of God, the stronger it becomes in us.

There are times when after we've prayed for something, we need to "get up and get moving.... and act on our prayer, even if we aren't sure whether we are going in the right direction. I've had to do this a number of times. God likes this and honors it. Even if we think we may be making a mistake, at least we aren't just sitting and doing nothing. We have to learn by doing, and trust God to direct us to get the job done, or see the manifestation of the thing we are praying for. Faith without works is dead" James 2:14-26 ( give an example)

Over the years I've learned to focus my eyes and my focus on the END, the prize, as Paul puts it in Phill., then the obstacles, and attacks along the way don't trip me up. As it is written "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."

My faith doesn't work for someone else. They have to develope their own.
When we have prayed with someone concerning something several times...we need to truly give it up to God, and accept a "yes or No" from the Lord. Don't allow someone to destroy your faith, if something you've prayed with them for doesn't come to pass, and they may come and tell you "See, our prayers didn't mean anything". Jesus tells us of two of us agree together in prayer, we and rest in faith that God has heard us, and will undertake for the situation, wait in faith and watch God move. But, if one of you is in unbelief, this blocks that prayer. The key is "two in agreement".

Don't expect other's to share your expectations, be exited over, or even care what God may have spoken to you to believe God for. You very well may have to stand alone in your faith in whatever your praying for. (example: family, pasor's telling me not to keep believing to be remarried to Lynn) Note: Abraham stood alone in believing God for a son, for 25 yrs., even his wife laughed in unbelief.

We are not to browbeat the younger, weaker believer's with our faith, we are to maintain our level of faith for our own benefit, not to lord it over other's. We can cause someone else to stumble by our over zealousness and we can become judgmental. We need to pray for wisdom in our conduct with other's. Rom. 14:22 "Have you faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he that condemns not himself in that thing which he alloweth." I've seen christians with great faith, but full of arrogance, and pride, and it shows. It repels other's and causes damage in the body of Christ. There must be a balance of humility along with faith in order to be an effective Godly witness.

We can have all our I's dotted, and our T's crossed when it come to doctrine and theology, but it amounts to nothing if we have no real desire to know the Lord. Our faith is developed over time from a hunger and desire to know Him, and from sincere love for Him. Cold head knowledge, and doctrine will not develope meaningfull faith, and is not what pleases Him, it is those who want Him for who He is. As he says in many scriptures, "those who seek ME will find me".

Judgment of other's who seem to have no faith is deadly....we don't know what they are going thru, or what has been done to them. We cannot always discern what is really happening in someone's life. There are times when it takes great faith to just put one foot in front of another and keep going. We should be silent and pray for those who seem weak. Only God knows their hearts.

No matter how long a person has lived for the Lord, or how strong their faith is, there will be times of great testing, and even despair. I've been there several times in my life. In 1Cor. 1:8 Paul spoke of being "pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life." When I've found myself in this place, I've cast my lot on God, and said with Job, "though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Our faith will be greatly tested to the point of saying whether I live or die I am the Lord's. Jesus set his face as a flint to go to Jerusalem, knowing what faced him. There are times God requires this of His people. The verse in Revelation sums up someone walking in faith, no matter what the cost. This is overcoming faith.

Rev 12:11　 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.　

Read Luke 18:1-8 Here Jesus teaches us the importance of prayer and faith, of not losing heart, no matter what the circumstances, to be fearless in our prayers, and persistant. Then the last verse of this teaching he says "Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, shall he find faith on the earth?" In light of what we see and hear every day in our time; this is a very important question. I truly believe we need to study, and ask God to help us apply the teachings here in these passages in Luke because we are living in the days the Lord is speaking of here; and ask the Lord that our faith will not fail....even to the end. Once I heard a Catholic monk make this statement "patient endurance in faith will obtain everything." As I observed him as he spoke, I knew he didn't mean the things we accumulate down here. I pondered that and prayed for God to reveal that mans meaning to me....and over the years this is what I've come to understand.

Psalm 37:37 says "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is Peace." Peace for the believer comes at the end of their life, when they can look behind them and see the hand of God who delivered them from many battles, enemies, stroms of life. Who has prooven God, seen answers to prayer and knows the character and love of God for them. They are grounded in faith, and the knowledge that this same God who saw them thru everything down here, will see him safely home to heaven. With David they can relay the 23rd Psalm with a heart full of faith, and without fear. "Yeah, though I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

If there is anyone here tonight who has not given their heart to the Lord, who isn't sure if they died tonight they would go to heaven, I'd be honored to pray with you. Please come forward if you have any prayer needs tonight you'd like me to agree with you for.
(2008 teaching for Teen Challenge)
Lorna Couillard

"What Do You Really Do?"

3/13/2017

Since I've started this site I've had this question asked of me several times, "What do you really do?", the implications of the question is clear. It convey's how unimportant, of how little value and what a waste of time it is, or how useless this ministry is in their eyes. I've often had the comments come my way that I'm not "contributing" to society as much as I should, and that the work doing this does not fit into that category. They are wrong, God thinks it does, and that's enough for me.

The mission of Two Sparrows Ministry, and an answer to the critics.

In 2009 the Lord began to speak to my heart about beginning this ministry, and for almost 3 years I delayed and argued with the Lord. I did not want to do it. I already knew the attacks that would be made on this kind of ministry; and that it wouldn't just come from the unbelieving world, it would come from churches, and other ministries. I was right, in even a greater way than I could ever imagine, that surpassed all my anticipations. But in 2011, I finally said yes, and began to make some steps to get this into motion.

The obstacles and attacks have been many, there are times I want to quit and am tempted to do so; but God shows up, and let's me know this is His work. That is what keeps me going.

The path, and the approach to this ministry is not set in concrete, I know full well that flexibility is very important, to allow for the Holy Spirit to let me know when something may have to be changed, stopped, or deleted. I just pray every day, and seek His will and do the best I am able, to carry out what I believe He is guiding me to do. That is what the first disciples had to learn in the book of Acts, rely on the Holy Spirit wherever they were sent, and whatever they were doing, right then in the moment.

As to the critics who feel this is a useless expense of time, I'll just point out these realities:

1. The Two Sparrows Ministry website was created by me in every way, I did not hire someone to design it, create the graphics, keep it updated regularly, monitor it, and get it back up and running again when I experience obstacles or cyber attacks; I handle all of this myself, from my own computer experience. I design the graphics that are put into it. Yes, it is a simple website compared to most, I'm not a computer expert, I do the best I am able to with the experiences I learned from working as a computer typesetter years ago, and ongoing learning capacity as I tackle each problem. When I attempt to publish certain topics that the computer tyrants such as Google, and facebook do not like; I experience an avalanche of obstacles, and troubles that would cause many to simply give up. I get angry, sputter, but do whatever I have to do to get it published. Then I take a day off, and get away from this, you have to if your going to keep doing this kind of work.

2. At 64 years old, my day starts between 4:00-5:00 a.m., every day. I have a home office, set up with the technology I need to get the tasks done, I work anywhere from 6 to 12 hours a day. I turn on this computer, and get coffee going, then monitor this site, and the facebook site. I do research every day on You tube, and websites that pertain to health issues, faith, teachings, health articles, videos, and blogs from other sites. I take the time to listen to them to evaluate whether it is something the Lord would have me post. I pray about everything that is posted here, I don't just put what I want here; He is the Authority behind this site. There have been times when I wanted to place something on it, and have had the Lord give a definite "no" to, and there have been times I've been shown to delete some things. Obedience is very important, no matter what the outcome.

3. I do not ask for money. I pay for the satellite time and other expenses of this ministry. I correspond with people around the world, without leaving my office. I minister to other's at times in my own area, and make private visits when asked to.

4. I don't pay attention to how small or insignificant this may look to anyone else. I'm simply doing what I know God had spoken to me to do in 2009. How far it ever goes, or how effective it may ever be, is in God's hands. I am doing what a simple woman, at 64 can do, and leaving the results to Him.

Now, I will just add this; during the years I took care of seniors, there were many in their 60's that I was caring for in nursing homes, and home health care. I also know of many of my age bracket now, who spend most of their entire day gossiping, playing useless video games on the computer and facebook, many other's who are sitting in depression and isolation, some hooked on drugs and alcohol, and aren't willing to make any changes to better their lives. They stubbornly stay in their long lived habits, and will until the day they die.

I'm taking care of myself, working about 10-12 hours a day, maintaining my own house, myself, asking nothing from anyone, and in debt to no one. I own my home, and spend many hours during summer month's gardening, kayaking, and other outdoor activities; my days are full of activity from early morning to night. I spend many hours reading, researching, studying, listening to audio books, and maintaining this site. There are people I interact with, and minister to that the world will never know, and don't need to know; God knows. This is what I really do, and I would say this is a contribution to society. In the end, I'll let God be the judge.
Lorna Couillard

Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

The Cost of Smoking

3/7/2017

There are prices to pay for smoking that are far more valuable than money. Once a person's health has suffered due to cancer, heart disease, stroke, emphysema, and other chronic illnesses, life can and many times does become unbearable, and shortened by many years. Sadly these warnings are many times met with apathy, and ignored. Some react with arrogance and rebellion, showing an ignorant childishness. These reactions do not change the outcome, and many live long enough to regret their foolishness and wish they had listened to the ones who loved them and tried to get them to stop.

I have never smoked a cigarette in my life, but I lived in a family of many who did. My father, mother, and older sisters and brother's . As a small child I hated being in the house filled with smoke and would leave the table when seated with those around me who were all smoking, leaving the air filled with the stench of second hand smoke. It stung my eyes, and my throat. I vowed I'd never let anyone persuade me to get into the habit; and have never regretted making that solid conviction in my life. I made other mistakes just as bad, and have no condemnation to those who are trapped in this, but am still glad I made one right choice early in my life by not taking up smoking.

My father started smoking as a young teenager. When he reached his early 50's, he developed a cough that continued to worsen, but he kept smoking. The coughing spells got to the point where blood began to come up. He finally gave in to going to the doctor, and the diagnosis was what was expected, lung cancer. He was now 55. During this time he also suffered a ruptured disk in his back, he stopped working, and mother helped him file for disability shortly before going into the hospital to have his left lung removed. For the next and final years of his life, it was a steady and constant series of long stays in the hospital for treatments and in recovery, and he never regained full health again. I watched what this did to my mother also, as she struggled to take on the burdens my father could not longer handle, and the changes made to help her by several of us kid's. None of our lives were ever the same again. For about 4 years, he regained enough health to live at home again, but there were set backs, returns to the hospital, and the cancer returned at the end of the 3rd year, and went through the rest of his body, finally causing his death on Christmas day, of 1978, one week before his 60th birthday. Smoking and drinking through his early years took it's full toll on his body during those last years, causing agonizing suffering for him, as well as for those who loved him. During the last 4 years of his life, he had stopped smoking and drinking, and openly spoke of his regret of his reckless choices. He spoke to my mother, and us, his children and let us all know he knew he had been wrong. He was given those years I believe to bring some restoration to the relationships between him and his family, and some honest repentance before he left this world. He spoke with a minister shortly before his death, and prayed with him, asking Christ to forgive him and receive him, I know I will see my father again one day. He openly spoke of his faith with me before his death, it was one of the things God used to draw me to him shortly afterwards. I received Christ as Savior three months later, on a cold day in March of 1978. God uses many ways to get our attention, and work on our hearts, my father's death certainly was one.

Smoking also took the health of my husband, in his case it was heart disease. On July 8 1982, late one evening, he began to feel nauseated, had a hard time breathing, and had to lay down. He told me he felt pain in his chest, and down his left arm. The local doctor was called, we were told to get to the office in the nearby town as soon as possible, she would be there to meet us. I drove him to the back door, and we were let in. She confirmed he was in the midst of a heart attack and she called an ambulance to have him transported to the nearest hospital. When he arrived they immediately placed him in ICU, and the fight for his life was on. There is so much to this story that is left out here, but I knew God had prepared me for this event a long time before it happened. I also knew he would not die, but it was prayer that kept him here from this point on. He was 36 years old when he had the first heart attack, and for the next 22 years, he lived with the consequences of smoking. A third of his heart function was lost, and he had to take medications for the rest of his life. He stopped smoking and recovered enough to be able to enjoy some of his life for most of them, but there were also times when he would have relapses and need to be taken to the hospital when heart trouble occurred. Lynn was always a positive fellow, and looked at the bright side of the issues; but the suffering took a toll also. The last two years of his life, it was very difficult for him, but many never knew how hard it really was. It was between the two of us, and we knew what the doctor's had tried to prepare us for. He spoke to me several times the same as my father had, letting me know he had many regrets of the wrong choices he'd made when I and other's in his life would try to warn him to stop smoking, and he would turn a deaf ear, and continue to do as he pleased. He let me know he knew he was living out the consequences of those bad choices, and now he knew how much pain it caused other's as well as himself. Sadly, as with my father, these regrets came too late to ever regain his health. But, he also came to Christ before his death, on October 2, 2003 nine months before he died. God had answered many prayers over the years for him, but the most important one was for his eternal salvation. These bodies we live in here are only temporary, when Jesus comes in our lives; it is to be with us and help us live in this life, and prepare us for the next. Lynn had opened the door, Christ came in, and he now had the assurance of heaven. Did I pray for his healing during all those years...YES. But, Lynn was not saved and a very stubborn individual. He would not open his heart to God, insisting on having his own way for most of those years. It took knocking on heavens door constantly just to keep him alive and get him to open his heart to receive salvation. Perhaps someone else could have done a better job than I did to get this much accomplished; but I doubt it... I knew Lynn almost as well as God did. But, one thing I know; when I leave this world, he will be there waiting for me, he made that promise before he died.

Along with this, my mother suffered from smoking by what it did to her circulation. She had to have several amputations of her toes, and diabetes caused many complications; her last years she was confined to a wheelchair, and also suffered many issues which caused her death. She never stopped smoking no matter how it affected her; this caused much anguish to me as I watched her body being ravaged by the affects of this terrible habit. My brother died of heart disease from smoking, as well as other' s in my family.

When I watch someone smoking and see an attitude of stubbornness, and "don't tell me what to do", I say nothing, but my heart sinks. I know the future they may very well face; but also know from their behavior that nothing anyone says will get through to them until they are on their backs in a bed, in the same situations as my father and husband and many other family members were in. I especially think of the suffering their families will face along with them.

It's my prayer that this story will cause you to consider your choices, if your smoking; and help you to change your mind. If you are healthy; you really need to think about how precious your good health is, while you still have it.

Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Lorna Couillard