Getting Closer

The teenage girl marveled at the testimonies of the elders in her church. Several times she had heard different ones stand up and thank the Lord that He had saved them and kept them for 40+ years. Life hadn’t always been easy, but God had been with them every step of the way. “Wow, what a testimony to be able to serve God all those years! I hope that will be my testimony some day,” thought the teenage girl. At the age of 16, she had repented of her sins, been baptized in the name of Jesus and gloriously filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. Although she enjoyed her new found faith in God, she often found herself fighting against the voice of discouragement that roared in her head. It seemed she was bombarded with negative thoughts of not being able to live for the Lord and really please Him. However there were a couple of things that really helped her. The first was her pastor who taught her the importance of casting down those negative voices of doubt and despair and replacing them with the good Word of God. The second was a quote that she read in a book.

“The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground.”

A short time after reading the quote, the young lady found a little acorn and decided to keep it as a reminder of the quote that had encouraged her. For a while, she kept the acorn where she could see it. After moving a few times, the acorn wasn’t in plain sight anymore and was largely forgotten. Through the grace of God that teenage girl grew older, married a godly man and eventually became a mother. Every so often, she would think about the acorn and the elder saints from her first church that had encouraged her so with their testimonies. Time was going on, and she was still living for God! It seemed like before she knew it, she had been living for God for 30 years. It dawned on her that she was getting closer to the testimony that she wanted to have. In a couple of days it will be 31 years that the Lord has kept her.

Actually, I should say that it will be 31 years that the Lord has kept me, for the teenage girl that I mentioned was/is yours truly. On June 16, 1979, I came to God in repentance, was baptized in the lovely name of Jesus and received the Holy Ghost. I am so thankful that God is not only a Saviour, but He is a Keeper as well, and has kept me all these years. Back in my younger years, the devil really tried to convince me that I could not live for God and that I should go back to my old way of life. 31 years later, I would just like to say, IN YOUR FACE, DEVIL!

I’m getting closer to being able to have the testimony I always wanted to have, and if the Lord tarries long enough, and I don’t go by way of the grave, I look forward to the day when I can say…………………………………………….

“God’s been so good to me! 40 years ago He saved me and He has kept me. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been worth it. He can save you and keep you too!”

 

Can You Survive The Delay?

This was the title of one of the messages that was preached at OnCourse Conference, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot.  After this message was preached and the altar call was ended, my husband and I took a walk all across the front of the altar area. The floor was concrete, and every few feet there were puddles of tears where young people had come crying tears of repentance and rededication to God. Many of us have heard it preached for years that Jesus will return again and His coming is very near. He certainly has delayed His coming longer than I thought He would, but God’s Word is true, and He does not lie. He is coming back again for His people. It’s hard to imagine the coming of the Lord being more than 10 years away from now, but if it is, I intend to still be living for Him and looking for His coming. I pray that be your desire too.

Can you survive the delay

Should the Lord not return today?

Will you continue anticipating

Or become over weary with waiting?

If the Rapture seems so far away;

Can you survive the delay?

Will you who were once cleansed within

Return to the bondage of sin?

Some choose to turn about face;

Drop out of the called Christian race.

Can you survive the delay

No matter what some do or say?

The world, the flesh exert force

To knock God’s true servants off course.

Others might be lead astray.

Can you survive the delay?

3/23/10

 

Mat 24:42  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

43  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

44  Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

45  Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

46  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

47  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

48  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

49  And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

50  The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

51  And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mat 10:22  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Luk 12:37  Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Luk 12:38  And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

Tit 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Jud 1:21  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

 

My How Time Flies!

This picture was taken on Sunday with my cell phone. 7 years ago when we moved to Oakley with the purpose of starting a church, Paul was 7, and Jen was 11. (A popular saying in our house at that time was “Oh thank heaven for 7-11!”)What a journey it has been! Things have not always been easy, but I know that God has led us every step of the way, and I’m thankful for His guidance. I can look back on our years here and see many ways in which God has blessed us. When we first started having services, we had no music, and we sang acapella for 6 months with yours truly leading the singing. We were blessed to be able to graduate to an Ensoniq keyboard that had disks with programmed songs on them that you could pop in and play. That was a definite improvement. Then our daughter who was taking piano lessons began to play for the offering time. Finally, the day came when her dad told her that he wanted her to play for the whole service. She was scared, but she did it and has been playing ever since. God is currently raising up other musicians too, which is really wonderful. I think about the many visitors that have come through our doors. Some only came one time, but I’m thankful that there were others that stuck around, saw the need to be baptized in Jesus’ name and were filled with the Holy Ghost. We’re praying for more of that kind in 2010 and beyond. I’m grateful too for our present church facility. We rented from another church for 5 years before we were able to lease a building in the downtown. We are in a great location and have had a lot more people come through our doors since we started having services there in October of 2008. Although we do not have Sunday school classrooms in our building, we do have children’s church on Sunday mornings, and we’ve seen God do some wonderful things through this ministry. I’m just thankful for what God has done, what He is currently doing and for the marvelous things He has in store for His people in the city of Oakley.

 

Something To Think About

When the frustration of my helplessness seemed greatest, I discovered God’s grace was more than sufficient. And after my imprisonment, I could look back and see how God used my powerlessness for His purpose. What He has chosen for my most significant witness was not my triumphs or victories, but my defeat.”

Charles Caleb Colton(1780-1832)

 

Storms

The past couple of weeks we’ve had quite a bit of rainy, stormy weather in our neck of the woods. While I like a little rain sometimes, I find that when it seems to go on and on, it is harder to motivate myself to do things, and I long to see the sun shine again. During this time of inclement weather, I was blessed to see 4 rainbows. I don’t know about you, but I don’t see rainbows very often, so when I do get to see one, I really enjoy it. It’s almost like a little reward for enduring what seems like non stop precipitation. I’m glad that storms do not go on forever, just as I’m glad that stormy trials that God sends our way are not unceasing. God has a purpose for our trials. Each one has a beginning and an ending, and if we will just hold on to God through the storm, we will come out victoriously. As I was musing on this, I wrote this poem.  Thank God that no matter what the storm in our lives, He does have control, and when the time is right, the storm will pass.

The storms arise, the storms pass by.

Sometimes we stop and wonder why,

and of their purpose, we surmise.

The storms pass by, the storms arise.

Our trials come just like the storms

into our lives in different forms.

Things may look dark and rather glum.

Just like the storms, our trials come.

Hold onto God. You’ll come out fine.

After the squall, the sun will shine.

On dry ground you’ll once again trod.

You’ll come out fine. Hold onto God.

Psalm 107:29  

 

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

 1Peter 4:12   

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

 2Corinthians 4:17   

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

    1Peter 5:10

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

 

He Won The War!

Hung on the cross, thief on each side

My Jesus suffered, bled and died

New life attained through His great loss

Thief on each side, hung on the cross.

Himself He gave, our sacrifice

For our redemption paid the price

Shed His life’s blood, our souls to save

Our sacrifice, Himself He gave.

He won the war against all sin

That reigned in Adam and his kin

There’s victory forevermore

Against all sin, He won the war!

1-18-10 This type of poem is called a swap quatrain. See how to write one here.

Matthew 27:38  Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

1Peter 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Hebrews 13:12  Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

Hebrews 12:2  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.

Galatians 1:4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

1Timothy 2:6  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Titus 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1Peter 1:18  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

1:19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Colossians 2:15  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Galatians 3:13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

1John 3:5  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Romans 6:9  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

6:10  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

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.

 

When God Remembers

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, Cornelius begins to preach Jesus unto him.  While Peter was preaching to Cornelius and his household, the Bible records something wonderful that happened. Act 10:44  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Act 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. Act 10:47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Act 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! 

  

   

Written 5-27-07

 

This Feels Like Church Now!

“You really look stupid up there. Don’t you feel dumb singing acapella? The only ones out their worshipping God are your family. You’re a pitiful worship leader.” These and a myriad of other negative thoughts went through the mind of the pastor’s wife who was trying to do the best she could leading others in worship without the aid of music. Then there was the almost immediate exodus of the small congregation upon the close of service. Nobody seemed to want to stay around very long to get to know each other. Oftentimes, the pastor’s wife would think to herself, “This doesn’t feel like church but just a group of people meeting together.” Secretly, she wondered if things would ever change. After 6 months went by ,the church was able to purchase a keyboard with prerecorded music on discs that you could pop into the keyboard. Singing in this style was definitely better than acapella and served the young church well for a while.

When this pastor and his family had come to start a church, the pastor’s daughter who loved music, began taking piano lessons. After a while, she got to a point where she could play a few songs that would work well when the offering was being taken. Then came the day when her dad told her, “We are not using canned music anymore. You will be playing for the song service.” The poor girl was petrified, but God greatly blessed her efforts, and having live music added a new dimension to the worship. God brought a few families to the church that already had a solid Biblical foundation and were able to be a great blessing to this pastor, his family and the church.

When this church was started, they were able to rent a church building from another group and have a Sunday service in the afternoon. This went on for a little over 5 years. God opened a door for them to be able to remodel and lease a storefront in the downtown area of their city. Although they do not own this building, it is theirs to use exclusively. They changed their schedule for Sundays to the morning, with children’s church first followed by a family worship service. Outreach began taking place on a regular basis each Saturday. God has blessed their efforts with a steady stream of visitors and many new people seeking God at the altar.

As I was driving toward home a couple of weeks ago, all these thoughts flooded my mind, and I thank God for what He has done for us since we moved to Oakley 6 years ago. We haven’t grown as quickly as we would like, but God is good, and the devil is a liar. This feels like church now!

 

The Son Peeks In

What an unusual day.

The sky is dark and a light rain

slowly drops down. Winds are blowing but

not to the point of being overbearing. As I walk

through the neighborhood, I notice that every once

in a while, the sun manages to break through

the darkness.  It may be just a sliver of light,

and it may last just for a few seconds, but the

darkness has definitely been

penetrated.

 

I think of my own life and know that

there have been some dark times. Problems and

not so great circumstances, like dark clouds

have hung over my head and I’ve felt the

chilling fingers of a troubled breeze. Yet I can

recall saint’s testifying of God’s provision, talking in

an unknown tongue as tears stream down my face and

having Scripture verses come to my mind

just when I needed them.  By these things I know

that although I can’t stop the tempest, I can find

strength in those times when

The Son peeks in.

 

3-2-09

 

Take Off

Stand,

when you’ve

 done all that

you know to do;

praying to the One

who is all sufficient,

 well able to meet the need,

having borne the world’s burdens.

Fear not to cast your every struggle

upon the capable shoulders of God.

Your deep cares will not overwhelm Him

 but as the great load is released

to His sustaining power,

your strength will be renewed,

and to your delight

you will soon find

on faith’s wings

 you can

fly!

 Written 2-25-09

 

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

 

 Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

 

Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

 

 1Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

 Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.