Episodes of Life

By Doris Jean Foy and Bernard A. Horn

The word eternity conscientiously keeps troubling my mind and challenges me to explore every biblical avenue to find a more profound way to express the true meaning and description of this word in both perceptions. It is defined as a place of eternal rest for the righteous and a place of eternal punishment for the unrighteous.

It is a choice that is given to each of us by God, and we have this glorious opportunity to select our eternal destination. With heaven being the best of the two choices and hell being the worst, it would be extremely wise to understand the nature of each destination and its provisions for those who choose to spend their life there forever.

Jesus loves you so much until he is destined to make sure that you have heard the gospel. He has sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for your sins and has authorized preachers, missionaries, evangelists, and numerous servants to spread the good news of salvation, making it possible for all who believe to be saved.

I wish I could describe exactly what heaven looks like and the joy, comfort, and peace that it brings, but God knows that I cannot comprehend, visualize, or envision all the beauty that it entails for those who truly love him.

Hell is a place where there is no preparation required, and it welcomes all who choose to sell their soul to the devil for a few moments of worldly pleasure. Just follow those who are intoxicated, addicted, and laden with sin. The wages of sin is eternal death, but the gift of God is eternal life. Hell is described as a bottomless pit where fire burns continually, and all who reject Jesus Christ will be tormented both day and night throughout eternity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781984540294

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Copyright © 2020 by Doris Jean Foy.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 07/30/2018

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CONTENTS

THE FOUNDATION FACTOR

CHRISTIAN LIVES ARE HIDDEN WITH CHRIST

WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPLE THING

LOOKING INTO GOD’S MIRROR

THE MIGHTY WORKING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

SALVATION THROUGH REPENTANCE

JOSEPH’ RISE TO POWER

LET THE CHURCH BE THE CHURCH

FAITH KEEPS ON FIGHTING

SATAN OUR ADVERSARY

PRAYER AND FASTING

A HAPPY HEART IS A HEALTHY HEART

RICH MAN AND THE BEGGAR

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

THE CONTEST ON MOUNT CARMEL

YOUR SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUIT

HEAR NOW OR HEAR LATER

WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS

WHY RUSH THROUGH LIFE, WHY NOT SLOW DOWN AND EXPERIENCE IT?

IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME

SERVICING THE LORD WILL PAY OFF AFTER WHILE

JESUS IS THE WORLD’S GREATEST ICE BREAKER

THE HARVEST IS PASSED THE SUMMER IS ENDED AND WE ARE NOT SAVED

THE PORTRAITS OF JESUS CHRIST

PRAISE OF A VIRITOUS WOMAN

A FAITHFUL SERVANT

FALLING IN LOVE WITH JESUS

MEMORIES, MEMORIES, MEMORIES

PRAYER IS PROFITABLE

IDOLIZING IDOLS

ADHERRING TO GOD’ WORD

WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE

MY SPECIAL AND DEAREST FRIEND

ARE YOU A WITNESS FOR THE LORD

REMEMBER THY CREATER IN THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH

WISDOM COMES FROM GOD

MAN WAS MADE TO GLORIFY GOD

THE SHADOW OF SEXUAL SIN

FALSE PROPHETS

GOD’ DIVINE GUIDANCE

UNSUNG HEROES

LIFE IS A RHYMATIC MOVEMENT THAT IS SET TO TIME

HEAVEN IS LIKE NON-OTHER

PHILLIP THE APOSTLE

SEASONAL CHANGES IN THE WEATHER AND MANKIND

A HAPPY HEART IS A HEALTHY HEART

WHEN WILL CHRIST RETURN?

WHEN WILL CHRIST RETURN?

THE FOUNDATION FACTOR

Apostle Paul informs us that; no other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. The solid foundation contains the most precious stones; which are symbolic of the purity, love and peace that is within Jesus Christ. In my infancy as a Christian, I did not understand that Christ was the foundation of my new life, nor did I commit myself to His commandments.

I believed that once you were saved, everything else came naturally without effort or sacrifice. I considered myself a good Christian, because I did not smoke, drink, party, curse, nor was I a busybody. We often assess our lives as being conformable and acceptable to God when we fail to hear His words and understand the things that are required of us. Needless to say that I wondered around in the wilderness for a long time before I truly understood the necessity of implementing the scriptures into everyday living, which are entrenched in the solid foundation. I did not realize that God and His commandments are one in the same, and to accept His Son is to accept His doctrine. I desired to know God close up and personal, but I was totally oblivious to the ways and means of accomplishing this great task. Without knowledge of the Foundation Factor I made many wrong turns, went down several dead end streets, traveled on roads that were still under construction, including numerous detours. Eventually fatigue and frustration tends to bring you to the point of wise thinking. I can remember my grandparents saying that a hard head makes a soft rear-end. Throughout the previous years this proverb did not influence my behavior until I realized that I was running into life instead of walking with Christ in the newness of life.

I believed that Christ died for the remission of man’s sin, resurrected on the third day, ascended into Heaven and is now making intercessions for His saints. However this sharp spasm of pain in my stomach and the constant sadness that I felt in my spirit continued because I had not begun to grow in the Lord. As I read the Bible, scripture by scripture, day by day, I began to learn how to use my building materials, which enlighten me spiritually and gave me a stronger "incentive to develop a closer relationship with Christ. The most exhilarating moment in a Christian’s life is when he can see himself; changing, becoming and growing into the likeness of our Savior.

I UNDERSTAND THAT

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WE MUST BUILD ON THE SOLID FOUNDATION

JESUS CHRIST

WE MUST SELECT THE HIGHEST

QUALITY OF BUILDING MATERIAL

GOD’S HOLY WORD

WE MUST HEAR THE ONE WHO

TEACHES US ALL THINGS

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Thank God for enlightening me to understand the necessity of reading the Bible daily and I began to quickly learn that reading was only half of my assignment; doing what it says makes the difference. My initial desire was based upon the fact that I wanted my family to know Christ. In my eagerness to teach my children, I had to study, pray and ask God to help me understand the meaning of scriptures and how to apply them to life.

THE RAIN, REMEDY AND REJOICING

Most testimonies are very difficult to repeat, because they cause us to go back in time and reflect upon many hurtful experiences. It is also useless to dwell on the days of yesteryears, unless we intend to utilize them in the things of tomorrow. Many have left their pass behind; while others are still behind because of their pass. Chronologically most of our lives fall into three categories; The Rain, the Remedy and finally the Rejoicing. Life is a sequence of events that repeats itself over and over again, because there is nothing new under the sun.

THE RAIN

Obviously I did not think it was a rainy day in my life when I married after graduating from high school to a non-believer. I loved my husband dearly and thought that he would become a; Christian. Oops that was an optimistic thought with a twist of credulous imagination; it did not happen. To this marriage eight children were born and we lived a normal lifestyle, if one could consider not going to church ordinary. The truth is that we did not have sufficient clothes or transportation. The Sabbath day was most challenging to me because my conscious would remind me of the things that I was taught as a child. I was determined to introduce the children to Christ and get them involved in the work of the Church. I prayed to God and asked Him for our needs.

THE REMEDY

One Sunday morning my oldest daughter had gone to Church with my sister-in-law and as they drove into the driveway, the power of conviction was more than I could bear and I began crying uncontrollably. I felt the presence of God and a compelling force encouraging me to call upon the name of Jesus. My prayer came out of desperation and humiliation, because I knew the time was far spent and God was compassionately extending himself to us. I looked back at the Cross in shame, not because of salvation but because of disobedience. I prayed to God, asking Him for forgiveness and clothing for the children and myself. I believed in the power of God and was strongly anticipating an answer to my prayer.

Approximately two months later my husband came home and told us that we were moving from Houston, Texas to Dickinson, Texas; a small town approximately thirty miles south of Houston. He had been offered a second job which would raise our standard of living and we were in dire need of additional income. We made the move and I continued to pray because I wanted my family to know Christ for themselves. God generously provided clothing for the entire family and we began attending Church immediately. The transportation was not as easy to acquire, because every Sunday morning my husband would need the car to go somewhere. I understand that when our hearts are determined to serve and obey God, there will always be an obstacle in our pathway. We only had to make two minor adjustments; getting up earlier and walking to Church. Thank God the Church was only about five blocks from our house. Approximately a month later, after lots of prayer the car miraculously appeared in the driveway, washed and filled with gas. I never stopped praying because I was destined to see my husband repent of his sins, serve God and become a positive role model for the children. However he refused to accept Christ as his Savior until after we were divorced and he developed lung cancer. We were all very happy that he had repented of his sins, but were sorrowful that he did not experience the joy of his salvation nor did he have the opportunity to work in behalf of God’s Kingdom.

The children and I attended the Church where I was baptized and they all confessed Christ as their savior; but none of them were saved until later in life. I pray day and night for their souls and I have been assured, (based on God’s promises) that all will come to know Christ as Lord and Savior. My eyes may not see this transformation; but it shall come.

THE REJOICING

The children began working in the Church, serving wherever they were needed. The older women taught the younger women how to live according to scripture and we listened and learned. With only a small membership, God enabled the Church to purchase Sunday School supplies, Bibles, hymnals, vacation Bible materials, maintain the grounds and building. The Church grew and we and grounds purchased new pews, choir chairs, robes, and gave the Pastor a love offering. We had a mind to work and each one contributed according to his ability; we labored together harmoniously.

God blessed the congregation to fill many offices within the Church. We only had two deacons and their health prevented them from attending Church regularly. We understood that God was just filling the gap and in time He would send more laborers. God not only sent more laborers, but he blessed a member of our Church financially and she donated a beautiful building that has the capacity to seat seven-hundred and fifty people. At this time our membership had grown to approximately two hundred and fifty members. Needless to say, we had room to spare, and we were truly grateful. The late Reverend Charlie Foy announced to the Church that this edifice was erected to serve the entire community of Dickinson. It is currently the designated Church for most funerals, weddings, local and state events.

I attended San Jacinto college and enrolled in biblical study classes. I taught Sunday School for forty years and taught Teachers how to teacher which I considered an honor and a joy. I would often share with the learners that if you do not enjoy making the sacrifices and intense studying that is required to serve in the teaching ministry; stop. Teaching is a gift from God and it requires your best at all times; including love and humility.

God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises has given me everlasting happiness, peace and the assurance of knowing for myself that He is all that I will ever need. Never give up on God and He will never give up on you. Keep on praying, trusting and faithfully wait on His promises. I am a living witness that He is true and righteous in all His ways.

I look back and wonder how did I make it through so many hardships and disappointments with eight children, only having the minimum of everything? I realize that it was God’s mercy and love that was extended to us every morning. I shall always honor, praise and exalt His name, because the pinnacle of this experience is that the pain has gone, but the joy still remains.

Prov.3: 5-7; 1st. Cor.3:11; Matt. 21:21-22

CHRISTIAN LIVES ARE HIDDEN WITH CHRIST

The believer is identified with Christ in His crucifixion on Calvary and not only was He crucified but we were