The Bible: Simply Stories or Indisputable Truth?
by Adele M. Gill

http://theinspirationcafeblog.net/blog

“Therefore, put on the armor of God…So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one

…and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Ephesians 6:13-17

New American Bible (NABRE)

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I have a friend who mistakenly believes that the Bible is nothing more than a collection of stories, a series of parables not to be taken literally. However, I believe it is a grave mistake in being dismissive of the Bible; as it provides indisputable truth, Light in darkness, and divine guidance. Moreover, the Bible is our primary source of encouragement, and unlocks our direct power source, the Holy Spirit. It is one of our greatest, blessed gifts from God, not to be minimized. 

The Bible: Our Best Help

The Bible is our best how-to help in dealing with everything from mind-body infirmity to enemies to temptation. The New Testament, in particular, is chock-full of God’s promises, Jesus’ timeless directives, designed to help us to follow Him. It provides practical help for every day, as well as, in times of need. Far beyond being simply a book of stories, it is a God-inspired treasure that we should read daily to access the blessed life, healing, and love God has for us in, and through, Jesus Christ. There is good reason why scripture calls the Bible ‘the Word of God' and ‘the Sword of the Holy Spirit.’ The above scripture about the armor of God  tells us it is our sword of protection.

Holy Scripture: Central to Christianity

In a way, being dismissive of the Bible as irrelevant, believing that it is just a series of stories from long ago, sorely misses the Message of Jesus Christ. In fact, it discourages one from reading the Bible, and enables them to entirely miss seeing the value of the knowledge and wisdom it imparts. Of course Jesus’ parables provide insight, and He often used them to explain divine truths. However, disavowing holy scripture gives one reason—actually, permission--to avoid reading the Bible, which is so central to Christianity. In minimalizing scripture, one can find the perfect excuse to avoid reading it, and sadly, discourage others from reading it as well, particularly if they are in a position of leadership.

Definitive Truth

One of the first things a Christian must do is determine if the Bible contains authority through indisputable truth, or not. Yes, the Old Testament has many stories, but the Psalms and the New Testament are highly instructional, and vitally important, for Christians in the here and now. I rarely, if ever, open my Bible without coming away stronger, refreshed, and more prepared to face life on its terms with new fervor. Reading holy scripture helps give our lives new meaning and direction. It provides life-giving discernment, enabling us to look past the present circumstances and mayhem of this world, to see God working on our behalf and in and through others.

Reading the Bible enables us to focus directly, and squarely, on our personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Other books we may read about Jesus often go off on tangents and are riddled with opinions of the authors who write them, This further dilutes Jesus' divine message. Instead, the Bible itself provides much needed insight, wisdom and knowledge that cannot be gotten from any other source.

Bar none, there is no other book that can replace the wisdom and knowledge, peace and joy, that comes with reading the Bible, the Word of God, the Word of Truth. We need to treat the Bible with the reverence it deserves and embrace it for the God-given gift that it is.

According to scripture, here is some of what The Bible, says about ‘the Word of God:’

• Hebrews 4:12 New American Bible (NABRE) 

Indeed, the Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

• 2 Corinthians 4:2 New American Bible (NABRE)

“We do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly, we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.

• Luke 11:28 New American Bible (NABRE)

²⁸ He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it.”

• 2 Timothy 2:15 New American Bible (NABRE)

¹⁵ Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the Word of Truth without deviation.

Copyright 2019    |   Adele M. Gill

Adele M. Gill, BSN, RN, CPC is the author of 3 inspirational books including ‘From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon, and at Barnes at Noble, in print, Nook, and Kindle versions.

PART II: The New York Travesty: The Reproductive Health Act

Life and Motherhood Begin at Conception

One can only wonder if proponents of The Reproductive Health Act abortion bill that was passed by the New York legislature on January 22^nd, 2019 understand the dire physical, emotional, mental, and most importantly, spiritual ramifications of their actions. Have they actually witnessed first-hand, personally, or experientially through others, what they just voted in? It is doubtful, as some find it is easy to stand tall for what they ideologically believe, avoiding the harsh realities of what they consider to be truth. In this case, it is a common strategy many legislators are using to circumvent this simple scientific truth: Life and motherhood begin at conception rather than what some mistakenly believe, at birth.

Birth: The First Civil Right

At this juncture, it would be folly to underestimate the everyday workings of the lucrative abortion industry at-large, and the resulting fallout from their ending lives before they even get started. It is critically important not to confuse ignorance with evil in all of this. There is a huge difference, and it seems that the latter prevails in this calculated legislative decision made by New York law makers, that denies the unborn their first and most basic civil right: The right to be born. The right to be born is a universal, God-given right, and life and motherhood begin at conception.

Abortion, PTSD and Depression

I have met too many women who have aborted their babies, then went on to suffer with unrelenting, untreated PTSD, depression and unresolved, vague medical issues for the rest of their lives as a result of having made the traumatic life-ending decision to abort their babies. Mind-body illnesses can be the direct or indirect result of experiencing traumatic events such as a late-term abortion. Many mothers need to be encouraged to seek help to heal after an abortion.

My heart is broken for the pregnant mothers who feel they have no other option but to abort when they unexpectedly become pregnant. However, I am heartened by the use of ultrasound machines at Pro-life Women’s Center’s to introduce pregnant women to their pre-babies, thereby helping them decide against abortion. Fortunately, there is a program called Rachel’s Vineyard that can help women heal after having a abortion.

I grieve and pray for those swept up in the wake of this tragic legislation, thinking that the merciless killing of their baby is the only way out of motherhood. My heart aches for the pain the infants suffer as they are violently killed and painfully dismembered in the womb, never to have the privilege of experiencing the life God intended for them.

Judeo-Christian Perspective

Who will tell the proponents and followers of this legislation that they are setting a national, even international, trend that is in direct opposition to Judeo-Christian teaching? Would they care? The Bible tells us we will reap what we sow, and that judgement belongs to God alone. It is not our job to judge anyone. That job is already taken. But discernment says that it is time to revisit Row vs Wade, as we step up the ladder of depravity on this slippery slope fueled by the lucrative abortion industry that preys on vulnerable pregnant women and preborn babies.

Certainly there will be contagion with this unfortunate, devastating legislation, as this policy and practice catches on and is adopted by other states and countries. Who will tell these New York legislators, and their like-minded 'progressive' compadres, that they have the blood of holy innocents on their hands? We serve an all-powerful, omnipotent, and forgiving God. Our nation must turn to Him now, and seek Him while He can be found.

“If my people… will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, CPC

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Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, CPC is the author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. ‘From Broken to Blest’ is now available on Amazon and at Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.                                    For more info:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

PART I: The New York Travesty

Life and Motherhood Begin at Conception

The Reproductive Health Act abortion bill was just passed by New York legislators. To the dismay of many, this ‘progressive’ state legislation went through on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, on the 46^th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, which, in 1973, legalized abortion in the U.S. Tragically, it sets a precedent that will be hard to reverse as time goes on and it catches on in other states and countries. When will we finally come to understand what science and DNA have already proven: Human life and motherhood both begin at conception?

The Reproductive Health Act, the bill passed in New York this past week is a travesty, one which endangers the lives of both vulnerable pregnant women, and pre-born babies, alike. However, according to its name, it is a misnomer. Abortion is, in actuality, an all-out assault on human life that is not about healthcare at all, as it is not health ‘care,’ For decades medical practitioners have taken the Hippocratic Oath, ‘do no harm.’ Nor is abortion ‘just politics’ as many suggest with conventional wisdom, like religion, both topics that ‘should not be discussed.’ Rather, abortion is a life and death moral and legal issue, one relating to end of life decisions, worthy of civil discourse.

What Makes This Legislation Different

The Reproductive Health Act is being proudly hailed by some people who think it is ok to take the life of a pre-born baby up until birth. It also allows for anyone to perform an abortion rather than a skilled physicians. This new legislation allows non-physicians to perform abortions in New York—people with little or no training or experience or any connection to medical facilities in the event that emergent care is needed for botched abortions, once again, endangering vulnerable women.

A direct assault on women and unborn babies, this bill was passed by NY legislators with great celebration and revelry. Even prominent building structures across New York City were lit up in pink to celebrate the passage of this bill. Historically, if someone were to kill a newborn, they would go to jail for murder. Apparently that has all changed in New York through this legislation. So where is the line? Where is the difference between that and aborting an innocent preborn baby?  

With 63 million pre-born babies aborted in the U.S. via the abortion industry since Roe vs Wade legalized abortion in 1973, abortion is big business—and involves a lot of money. The tenets of Judeo-Christian beliefs support human life from conception to natural death. Biblically, morally, and legally, no one has the right to end a human life, especially including the abortion of preborn babies. No one has the right to take the life of another, much less based on race, gender, birth defects, like Down Syndrome,  or even inconvenience, all things that Margaret Sanger taught when she started Planned Parenthood. One can only ask this question: Is this the gateway to assisted suicide of those who are unwanted or imperfect? What will the consequences of such depravity?

Ideological Contagion

The Reproductive Health Act is beyond immoral, preying on vulnerable women and destroying unborn babies lives in the name of women’s rights is reprehensible. Vermont, California, and New Mexico recently announced that they are already on a similar path. We have just opened the proverbial floodgates and it makes one wonder. If humanity has lost its moral compass, what will happen next?

© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, CPC 

[PART II coming soon]

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and at Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions. For more info:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

Part II: Joy Abounds

Greetings from Adele's Inspiration Cafe!

Today's blog post:

Part II: Joy Abounds

By Adele M. Gill

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net

‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’ Nehemiah 8:10

Joy abounds. I recently wrote about joy in a blog called ‘Unshakable Joy.’ However, feeling inspired enough to continue on the topic, hence Part II.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?’

 For Christians, love and peace and joy are central concepts. God-based joy especially has the ability to help us live hope-filled lives in peace. There is no need for despair and/or hatred when you are confident that God is in control and fighting your battles for you. ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ When you believe God is at the helm and in control, you are more able to hop hurdles and challenges that would bog anyone down in their humanness. In fact, joy is a manifestation of God working in one’s life, and is accompanied by a deep, abiding peace.

Happiness vs Joy

Joy is one of the first fruits of the Holy Spirit. To experience joy in our lives is a blessed gift from God, an enduring treasure. Happiness is similar to joy. However, it leaves us feeling good for a time, then the feeling soon passes, as life presses on with its ongoing issues, challenges, frustrations, and disappointments. In essence, happiness is often a fleeting feeling, but joy is lasting as it stays with us even and especially as we enter into times of adversity. Happiness is dependent on one’s mood, environment, short comings, successes and accomplishments, where joy is more of an enduring internal state found when one experiences the peace that the Holy Spirit of Jesus brings.

Joy Is Easy to Spot

Joy is particularly easy to spot. When one gets into times of adversity; that is because it is paradoxical. For joy is best witnessed in someone who is going through times of tumult, yet they are seemingly at peace. With that kind of joy comes a quiet knowing that all is well, despite how things appear. Scripturally, that is called ‘walking by faith, not by sight.’ You are able to put aside daily strife and walk in the sublime confidence that God is leading the way.

7 Bible Passages for a Joy-filled Life

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

John 16:24

“Until now you have not asked anything in My name [Jesus]; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” 

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!”

3 John 1:4

“Nothing gives Me greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

Proverbs 12:20

“Those who promote peace have joy.”

Luke 15:7

“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”

Nehemiah 8:10

‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’

My prayer for you today is that your joy will outweigh whatever you endure this day. May God himself be with you and yours showering you with enduring joy especially in times of adversity. May you walk in the confidence that God is with you through it all, in control, and fighting your battles with you and for you. Amen!

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and at Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.            For more info:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

Great Things

Greetings from The Inspiration Cafe!

Today's blog post: Great Things

“The Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is his name.”

Luke 1:49

by Chaplain Adele M. Gill

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net 

Today’s Holy Scripture is an answer to the question posed by a popular song called ‘Mary Did You Know?’ that came out just a few years ago. The angel appeared to Mary, and was very clear about what was ahead for her, and she said “Yes!’ all the same. In this Bible passage, Jesus’ mother, Mary, spontaneously expounds on her awe-inspiring feelings of gratitude that she has for God’s unsurpassed gift to her and humanity. She is grateful to God for allowing her the privilege to be Jesus’ mother. Yet Mary had a choice. She did not have to say “Yes,” but did so willingly, with some trepidation, and with complete abandon, then went on to become Jesus’ mother and His first disciple.

Here is the contextual Bible passage for when Mary was approached by God to become Jesus’ loving mother:

The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

³⁴ “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^[b] the Son of God… ³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.”

³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fullfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Sometimes God asks us to do things that are out of our comfort zone. Such was the case with Mary. She was just a young girl, unmarried, and a virgin. Though she was betrothed to Joseph, as you can imagine, in those times, her pregnancy presented serious complications in her life. But she still said “Yes!” to God’s request.

How many times have we tried to avoid what God is asking us to do? How often do we opt to stay in our comfort zone rather than follow God’s leading in our life? Unlike Mary, it is likely that we have never been approached by an angel with a message from God, yet all of us have had times where we feel compelled to ‘do the right thing’ through blessings of conscience. Though I don’t believe in  coincidence, there have been times where I felt I got a God-wink that led me out of my comfort zone, to act on something, or to look at something—or someone—in a new way.

I believe that God tries to communicate with all of us in a way we can understand and embrace. Perhaps not to the extent of Mary through an angel, but we need to pray to God in the name of Jesus, listen and try to be open to whatever He has in store for us and our lives. We need to be open to His Holy Love, his peace, His kindness, and His mercy, and share them with others as we have received them from God. Putting aside any negative imagery of God the Father, we need to bask in His benevolence and Light, and listen a little closer to what He is trying to tell us and show us. His presence is real. Maybe we need to seek Him with greater fervor and a grateful heart and see what miracles He has in store for each of us!

© Copyright 2018   |  Adele M. Gill

What Will Jesus Do for You?

What Will Jesus Do for You?

^‘And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”’

Luke 1:46-47

Today is a very special day. It marks 18 months of remission from needing acute care for myasthenic syndrome, a debilitating condition I have lived with for 35+ years. In and out of the hospital, in all of those years, I have never had a remission like this—and there have been no recent medication or treatment changes. The only explanation I have is that it is God working in my life. So what does it mean to have such a medical healing? Well, I’d say it is about trust, hope, and faith in Jesus Christ, our Great Healer, Lord and Savior.

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

Sometimes we all have small and not so small miracles happen in our lives. And we barely notice, or avoid calling it just that—a miracle. Too often we try to explain away miracles without giving God the credit, when in fact we fully know that what has happened defies human logic. Accidents averted, miracles of timing, financial blessings, experiencing capabilities far beyond our abilities. I believe miracles happen every day, but we often fail to recognize them and give credit where credit is due.

A Miracle in Progress: The Healing Installment Plan

With this healing I know my prayers are being heard and being answered. I still have a long way to go, as I remain mobility impaired, have occasional garbled speech when fatigued, and am on a respirator 12 hours per 24 hour day. But I am trusting God more than ever that He is in control, and He has purpose and plans for my life. I am also believing that more healing is on the way. To say I am encouraged is an understatement. In essence, I have been on the Healing Installment Plan, looking for any sign of improvement through prayer for most of my adult life. Yes, setbacks are always a possibility, but I am no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop, figuratively speaking. In the past, I have not been able to plan ahead with any real certainty due to ongoing medical complications. Now, it is possible to make plans with the probability that I will be able to be there when I say I will, rather than requiring acute medical care.

What Will Jesus Do for You?

Having been frequently in and out of the hospital for 3-1/2 decades, I now have new found freedom to grow in hope for myself and others. If God would answer my prayers in such a major way, imagine the healing He has in store for you! For I believe that, in His own time and way, Jesus provides healing for His flock in every way possible during times of infirmity, disability, addictions, mental illness, poverty, aging, loneliness, and grief. He sends His Holy Spirit upon all who call upon His Holy Name. Jesus helps us all in unimaginable ways beyond our comprehension—and saves us in times of adversity. This is not to say that believers will have perfect lives. Rather, when God allows adversity, He always equips us, prepares the way, and gives us whatever we need to accomplish the work he starts in each of us.

Today, like Mary in this Bible passage, my heart is full of gratitude to God, and I can hardly wait to see what He does next!

^‘And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,                                                                my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”’  Luke 1:46-47  /// NABRE

(C) Copyright 2018   |   Adele M. Gill

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and at Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions. Please click on this link:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

Unshakable Joy

^4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4

Joy vs happiness. Happiness and joy appear to be similar, but they are very different. There are subtle nuances that help us discern which is which. Happiness is a feeling, as one would experience when enjoying job success, the birth of a child, or buying a new home. It is often dependent on what we do, or experience, and is accompanied by temporary positive feelings. The problem with focusing on your happiness rather than joy, is that happiness can be fleeting, while joy is enduring and unshakable. Truth is, happiness, and human feelings, come and go especially in times of adversity, but joy is lasting, and is accompanied by a deep, abiding peace that surpasses understanding.

“Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding 

will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7

Joy Does Not Change With Circumstances

Joy does not change with circumstances, but rather over rides times of struggle, helping you to see the silver linings in every situation, even when life gets difficult and/or complicated. It helps you rejoice in the Lord at all times, putting aside negative, destructive feelings such as fear, sadness, anger and angst, replacing them with the gentle knowing that all is well as you place your trust in Jesus. Unlike happiness, instead of being a feeling, joy is more of a trusting state of mind and a peaceful heart in concert. It is a manifestation of the fruit of having the Holy Spirit with you, one that is stirred into being through gratitude to God for blessings received.

Joy Is the Result of Knowing You Are Loved

Joy is a blessed gift from God, received through His grace. It is the result of knowing you are loved by God and lovable in His sight; thereby enabling you to be comfortable in your own skin. A joyful heart does not solely depend on things always going well, or others perceptions of you. It is more about walking in gratitude and trusting in Jesus.



Certainly it is not easy to rejoice always in times of adversity. Yet through prayer, and God’s grace, we are able to hop over great emotional and situational hurdles. In essence, happiness is more about how we feel, but joy reflects a much greater reality that stabilizes us through the storms of life.

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,

but with God all things are possible.” 

Matthew 19:26

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© Copyright 2018   |   Adele M. Gill

Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions. Please click on this link:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk