Tommy, I Miss You

Dear Tom,

You passed from this life on October 22, 2011. I can’t help but remember that today would have been your 51st birthday. It’s been almost 6 months since you left this earth, but I still think of you a lot and miss you. I am thankful that you were a part of my life. You were not only a great brother, but you became a wonderful friend to me during the last year and half of your life. I sure am thankful too that I was on that 14 page prayer list of yours that we found out about after your death. There is probably no telling how many times I was uplifted, encouraged or kept from danger because of your prayers.

I am sad on one hand, because I miss being able to talk to you and share times together, but I rejoice also, because I know you were ready to meet the Lord, and you are now in His loving hands! One day, we will be reunited with you in the presence of the Lord, and what a glorious time that will be!!! Looking forward to seeing you again in God’s time.

Your loving sister,

‘lynnie

 

I’m Expecting!

I’m expecting…………….

but probably not as you supposed.

I’m expecting that the 9 year old girl who received the Holy Ghost last night will be baptized in Jesus’ name on Sunday!

I’m expecting her parents to come and feel the touch of God in the service!

I’m expecting to have a good crowd in church on Sunday, some of them also being filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues!

I’m expecting that we will see even more baptized in Jesus’ name very soon!

I’m expecting God to work things out concerning our housing situation and my husband’s employment. I don’t know how He will do it, but I know that He will!

Doesn’t a woman in the natural have expectations for the child she is carrying before it is delivered? Nobody faults her for decorating the nursery, buying those cute little outfits and making arrangements for that new arrival.

So in the spiritual realm, I will prepare……………………

through praying

through fasting

through witnessing

through faithfulness

and through speaking my faith.

Yes, I’m expecting,

and I’m looking forward to seeing the birth of His promises!

 

Happy New You!

This new year has started with a bang for our church. God answered a long standing prayer request for one of our sisters . It was so exciting! I’m not going to tell you the story myself, but you can read it here.

I am looking forward to seeing more people born of the water and the spirit in 2012!!

 

Simeon’s Secret

Psalm 25:14

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Simeon had a secret. It was something that God had revealed to him. We don’t know exactly how God told him. Maybe it was a dream. Perhaps he heard and audible voice. The Bible does not say, but the Bible does tell us what God revealed to him.

 

Luk 2:25,26

 

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

 

 

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Simeon had a wonderful promise that before he died, he was going to see the Messiah. How thrilled he must have been on that day, when that which he was promised came to pass! Sometimes, oftentimes, we are called to wait on God to see our prayer requests and petitions brought to fruition. God has a time and purpose for everything, and He definitely had a time in mind when He planned to manifest Himself in the flesh.

 

Galatians 4:4

 

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

I love the lyrics to the following Christmas song. It almost sounds like it could be a prayer of Simeon put to song and then his marveling at having that prayer answered.

 

The Hand of Sweet Release

 

Come thou long expected Jesus,
Come illuminate the mysteries of life.
Come redeem us from the refuse,
Bring an end to endless suffering and strife.
Be the star that shines so brightly
That it draws our weary eyes to the sky,
to Heaven’s sky.
Dearest child of new beginnings,
Be the start of something beautiful, I cry.

 

There’s an end to all the waiting,
There’s an answer to the “who?” and “where?” and “why?” . . . tonight.
All the years anticipating,
Are surrendered to a tiny baby’s cry.
There’s a dawn to follow darkness,
There’s a face to fill the title, “Prince of Peace.”
What he promised, he delivered
I am saved by the hand of sweet release.

 

In this war I’ve been a captive,
Just a sinner seeking life and liberty.
But these hands that hold me tightly
Are the hands that set my shackled spirit free.
Blessed Jesus, meek and lowly,
You have come into my life and made it new,
Now I’m new.
Out of bondage into everlasting light,
I owe everything to you.

 

Words by Suzanne Jennings

 

Although it’s been many years since the time that God first came to earth in the form of a baby, we do have the promise that He is coming back again. 

 

Hebrews 9:28

 

 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

 

Titus 2:13

 

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 

1Jn 3:2,3

 

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 

 

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

 

I believe many missed the first coming of Jesus, because, unlike Simeon, they weren’t looking for it. I’m sure many in his day studied the law and knew a lot about the Messianic prophecies, but I wonder how many were really looking for the Messiah and living their lives in a way(through prayer, devotion, dedication, obeying God’s Word)that said that they were longing and waiting for His coming?We many not know the day and the hour when Jesus is coming back, but just as He assured Simeon that He was coming the first times, so we have that confirmation through His Word that He is coming back.  May we have that spirit of Simeon where we live our lives in such a way that God knows that we are His and that we are waiting for His coming!

 

 

 

 

 

 

God Honors Faithful Praying!

 

This is a repost of something I had written a few years ago. I pray it will be a blessing to you.

 

Have you ever prayed for something for a long time and have just grown weary of praying?  Have you ever prayed and asked the question, “God, when are you going to bring it to pass?”   I wonder if Cornelius ever felt this way.  The Bible describes the character of Cornelius in Acts chapter 10 and verse 2.

 

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

  I looked up the word “prayed” in this verse in Strong’s Concordance and the meaning was to beg, beseech or petition.  It appears there was something that Cornelius was desperately seeking God for, and he did it on a continual basis.  The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what Cornelius was praying for, but it does tell us there came a day when an angel of God appeared to him and told him that God remembered all the times that he had prayed. 

Acts 10:3  He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. Acts 10:4  And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 

 

 Although we may not know exactly what Cornelius prayed for, we do have the record of how God chose to answer his prayers.

 

 Act 10:5  And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: Act 10:6  He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 

 

 Cornelius was told to send for Peter and that Peter would tell him what he needed to do.  Cornelius was about to have his Memorial Day!  In the meantime, God was preparing Peter to be the answer to Cornelius’ prayer as he showed him a vision and then sent 3 men to Peter who would escort Peter to the house of Cornelius.  (See Acts 10:7-24) 

 

After a brief discourse between Peter and Cornelius, Peter  begins to preach Jesus unto him.  While Peter was preaching to Cornelius and his household, the Bible records something wonderful that happened. Acts 10:44  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Acts 10:45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  God’s spirit was poured out on Cornelius and those in his household that had heard the word of God preached.  They of the circumcision(in other words, the Jews)which were there with Peter were astonished because this was the first time that a non-Jew(Gentile)received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  How did these other Jewish men that were with Peter know that Cornelius and the others who were with them had received the Holy Ghost?  Verse 46 gives us the answer.

 

 Act 10:46  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,  

 

Notice though, that this is not the end, for this verse concludes with “Then answered Peter,”.    God still had more for Cornelius. Acts 10:47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 10:48  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

 

  What a glorious Memorial Day for Cornelius and his family!  If it was anything like the day that I was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost, I know it was an awesome, unforgettable day.  I believe Cornelius’ prayers were answered in a far greater way than he ever expected.  God certainly honored the faithfulness of this man. 

 

 Is there something that you have been praying about for a long time?  Perhaps there is a loved one that you long to see come to God.  Maybe you are in need of a physical or emotional healing.  You may already have a relationship with God, but you are just desirous and so hungry for  more of Him.  May you be encouraged to keep asking, seeking and knocking.  God still answers prayer and He would love for there to be a  Memorial Day for you too! 

Memorial Day 

 

It’s coming – Memorial Day

 Cornelius, do not cease to pray

 Prayers sent up to God have been heard

  Every cry of your heart, each word. 

 

 Though answers may seem far away

   It’s coming – Memorial Day

   In faith keep on lifting your voice

   And soon you’ll have cause to rejoice. 

 

In our flesh we may groan, grow tired

   Let this grand thought keep you inspired

    It’s coming – Memorial Day

   In spite of the seeming delay. 

 

 Now brought to life, to fruition

    You have received your petition

   No longer do you have to say

   It’s coming – Memorial Day!

 

Blown Away – Part 1

It was Saturday, October 22, 2011 and we had just been dismissed from an anniversary service we were attending for a pastor and his family with whom we are friends. We would head over to a nice dinner and fellowship in another room, but before we did that, I decided to check my cell phone for any calls or messages. I saw I had missed calls from both of my sisters, a voicemail and a text from my sister-in-law. I clicked on the text from my sister-in-law and was alarmed to read that my older brother Tom had been rushed to the hospital. I stepped outside and tried calling my older sister. I was only able to get her voicemail, so I called my younger sister. I got through to my sister Ann who tearfully informed me that our brother had passed away. It was so sudden, so unexpected. I felt like my mind was reeling, whirling and trying to grasp what I had just heard. I was blown away.

The next day was Sunday, and I was praying that morning. We had already been in revival for a couple of weeks with an evangelist. I remembered when my dad passed away in 1994, my pastor at the time told me and my sisters who attended the same church that God would make it up to us. I remembered telling God how I wanted Him to make it up to me. I had a friend at the time who was coming to church with me, and I was also teaching her a home Bible study. I told the Lord I wanted Him to make it up to me by filling her with the Holy Ghost. She did receive the Holy Ghost in a church service just a short time later. I remembered this as I was praying, and I asked God to do it again. I asked God to fill someone with the Holy Ghost that Sunday morning, October 23, 2011. Do you know what? God answered my prayer that morning as 14 year old Emily received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues during the altar call. I was blown away!

To be continued………………

 

Trail Of Tears

Great things happen when Zion travails

with weeping and moaning and wails

when our spirits are humble

those walls start to crumble

the Spirit of God, it prevails!

 

I am so excited about how God is beginning to use our young people to intercede for lost souls! Sunday night was an awesome service in church, and I believe, the start of something really great. A heavy spirit of prayer and intercession came upon the church. There was weeping and groaning and travailing. Our evangelist, Bro. Trevino, spoke briefly about intercession, and then there was more praying. Bro. Trevino gave a challenge to the young people to take up the burden of intercessory prayer, and they took it to heart. Those young people were weeping, talking in tongues, groaning and some even had snot running down their face, but they didn’t care. They were getting a hold of God. After service the young people talked and decided that they wanted to fast and get together Monday evening and pray. I was there for the prayer meeting, and it was just as powerful as Sunday night. They prayed for an hour and a half, which is especially long when you haven’t eaten all day. I am believing that we are going to see

new souls receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues

physical healings

financial miracles

revival and renewal among the saints of God

 

Great things happen when we earnestly, fervently pray!

When was the last time you wept for a soul

As tears from your eyes did freely flow

With agony over one’s lost condition

Of eternity without God, perdition?

 

If to win one to God is your noble goal

When was the last time you wept for a soul?

Before this great gospel we can share

We must take some time to wrestle in prayer.

 

Have you witnessed, it seems, to no avail?

Perhaps you’re lacking this thing called travail.

When was the last time you wept for a soul

With heart wrenching sobs you could scarcely control?

 

Ever take time to wonder why

Your spirit just seems so lifeless and dry?

Over this question, you may want to mull.

“When was the last time you wept for a soul?”

written

 

 

4-9-09

 

 

Psalm 126:5  Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

126:6  He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

 

 

James 4:9  Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

4:10  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

 

2Chronicles 7:14  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.

 

Romans 8:26  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

 

“Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”

Bob Pierce

 

 

 

Almond Festival 2011

Each year during the 2nd weekend of September, our city hosts an Almond Festival, which takes place on the grounds of a local elementary school. The couple that heads up our outreach department approached my husband about having a booth this year, and he was all for the idea. While we did sell bottled water, our real aim was to talk to people about the Lord, have Bible tracts available for anyone to take and offer people home Bible studies. We held a drawing on both days for a $50 gift card. Saturday’s gift card was for Black Bear Diner, and Sunday’s was for Bed, Bath and Beyond. In order for people to be eligible for the drawing, we had them fill out a brief survey and give us their name and contact information. These are the questions that were asked on the survey.

1. In your opinion, what would be one of the greatest problems in today’s society?

2. 60% of Americans today do not attend church. Why do you think most Americans do not attend church?

3. If you were looking for a church to attend, what would you look for in a church?

4. Do you have a desire to learn more about the Bible?

5. Have you ever asked yourself this question, “Why did God create us?”

6. Have you ever asked yourself, “Why did God put the tree in the garden and then say don’t eat of it?”

7. Would you be interested in a 40 minute Bible study lesson that would answer the previous 2 questions?

We had a lot of people that came by and took the survey and quite a few said yes to question #7.  I am thankful and excited for these people that are wanting Bible studies! We also had clear cellophane bags we gave out that included a great Bible study on what it means to be born again, along with some other tracts. There is so much power in the Word of God. God’s Word when applied, will change lives, so I’m thrilled that we were able to share some of the Word of God with people. This was really a great outreach opportunity, and I am thankful for all of our church folk that sacrificed both time and money to make our invovlement in the Almond Festival possible. I’m looking forward to seeing what God will do!

 

Following In My Daughter’s Footsteps

I had to run to Target earlier to buy some dog food, and I purposed that while I was there, I would give an invitation to the cashier who would ring up my purchase. I used to do this on a more regular basis and got out of the habit, but God is dealing with me about this, and I know I need to reach out and invite more people to the house of God. The pretty young cashier was handing me back my change, and at the same time, I handed her a church flyer and told her it was an invitation to come and visit us. She looked at the flyer a second, and then asked, “Is this in Oakley?”  “Yes, it is.” I replied. Then she told me that someone had been in the store earlier and had also given her an invitation to our church. She looked at me and said, “This must be a sign.” I agreed that yes it was and that she really should come and visit us. I wanted to talk to her more, but there were other people in line, so I left.  I remember that my daughter had been in Target earlier to get a bridal shower gift, and even before I asked her, I knew she was the one that first invited this girl. I texted her to confirm it, and sure enough, she had invited her. God moves in mysterious ways. Maybe He allowed me to invite her too in order to cause her to think more seriously about coming.

I am praying that she will come, and that God will bring others who have been invited or offered a home Bible study. There’s no business like soul business!

 

Pacific Coast Camp 2011

Pacific Coast Camp 2011 is still in progress at the time I am making this post. It has been absolutely wonderful, and I just wanted to share a few things about the camp for which I am thankful.

 

I am thankful……………………

-to be able to come to this camp(Things are really tight for us financially, but God made a way for us to come!)

-that we have 4 other young people from our church with us in addition to our 2 kids this year

-that Sonia received the Holy Ghost Tuesday night! (Years ago when I was a kid, and we had a television, I remember a commercial for Hershey’s chocolate bars. The slogan was, “There’s nothing like the face of a kid eating a Hershey bar.” The commercial went on to show the faces of various children happily eating this sweet confection. I would like to say, “There’s nothing like the face of a kid getting the Holy Ghost!” I hope to post a picture of Sonia up at the altar receiving this glorious gift when I return home. It was awesome!

-for the preaching of the Word of God! It has been tremendous, and it is beautiful to see many young people responding to the preaching and pouring themselves out to God in praise, worship and deeper consecrations at the altar. This will be a life changing camp for many. Thank you Brother Frazier and Brother Lambeth for being sensitive to God and preaching the Word to us!

-that Sis. Joslyn received a healing touch on Wednesday morning! She took off her back brace and told me she had no more pain. To God be the glory!

 

More later………………………………………..