BUT CONTINUE…..

Evil men and seducers do wax worse and worse
Many with actions to say the least, terse
With rioting, looting, as they scream and curse
BUT CONTINUE

Through lies, propaganda, the simple ,deceiving
And through self deception their own myths believing
Diabolical iniquity their minds are conceiving
BUT CONTINUE

It’s a spiritual battle, be this understood
Of those calling good, evil and evil, good
Wanting to bring crime to your neighborhood.
BUT CONTINUE

Continue in the Word of God you have learned.
Continue in righteousness. Let sin be spurned.

Continue in Scripture to sink your roots deep.
Continue in wakefulness. Don’t fall asleep.

Continue in doctrine and to it take heed.
Continue in witnessing, sowing good seed.

Continue when you feel at the end of your rope.
Continue, for you have a lively hope.

Continue though the course of this world takes its toll
till you reach the end of faith; the salvation of your soul.

7/18/2020

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:13-16

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3

“Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:9

The Showdown

 

He was no stranger to the attacks of the enemy and his minions. Although he could not see them, he sensed their presence, and he was sure that confrontation would come. Confrontation must come. There were hints from the congregation that the insidious infiltration had begun. He had prayed, and he was ready. It was time to lay the deceptive demon to rest. Thursday night would be the moment of truth. The pastor stepped to the pulpit and opened up his worn, brown, leather covered Bible. A tension filled the air that was reminiscent of the prelude to the showdown at the O.K. Corral.

Suddenly Scriptures fired off in rapid succession, quick and powerful, one after another, repeatedly pommeling their target. Unseen to the naked eye, but in the Spirit, false doctrine buckled and fell over. Stone cold dead.

8/15/19

Hebrews 4:12 ” For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Psalm 119:104,105  “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Psalm 119:89  “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”

Psalm 119:130  “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

Proverbs 9:6 ” Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.”

Proverbs 15:32  “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”

John 17:17 ” Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

 

Confession And Prayer Of One Derelict In Duty

 

Lord, I come before you with confession.

My prayers of late have been a little cold.

They ‘re sounding  like a jumbled mumbling session,

not pleas of interceding saints of old.

 

Often, do I ask for daily bread,

help to face the pressures of this life,

neglecting in strong wrestling to be lead

for those who still are lost in sin and strife.

 

So let my heart be broken once again

with the weighty things that break the heart of God

the perishing, precious souls of unredeemed men

who upon this earth do everywhere  trod.

 

Your loving burden, pour into my spirit

as Your blessed face I humbly seek.

Anoint me, that your word I’ll take and share it.

With boldness, may I go and stand and speak.

 

8/31/18

 

“Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5:20

Seven Failures of the Modern Church

I thought this was a worthy subject of a poem, and it is based on the incredible teaching we heard last year from my pastor/husband.

 

 

1. Preaching of a Crossless Christianity

 

A  Christianity without a cross

is preached across some pulpits of our day.

Sacrifice of Calvary is but dross.

From the blood of Jesus we have turned away.

 

A social gospel many do purport.

Your own good works, yes they can do the job.

But preaching of this self-sufficient sort,

the message of Golgotha, it does rob.

 

Some focus on the loaves and the fishes,

the miracles and feelie goodie things.

Heaven we’ll achieve through our good wishes,

but man can’t rise by his own apron strings.

 

Preaching that’s crossless, God will not anoint.

Powerless it is and misses the point.

 

2. Preaching A No Change Christianity

 

Powerless it is and misses the point,

such doctrine not requiring us to change.

The purpose of God, it does disappoint;

concept in Scripture unknown and quite strange.

 

Jesus came to save us from each dark sin

through His blood and the power of His name.

Soul that embraces this truth should begin

to see that he need not remain the same.

 

Old things passed away, all things are made new

when thru water, Spirit we’re born again.

This teaching is not conveyed to the pew.

Many go on as carnal, unchanged men.

 

Such discourse espousing no about face,

it leaves a man in a state of disgrace.

 

 

3. Preaching of a No Commitment Christianity

 

 

It leaves a man in a state of disgrace

when it’s not proclaimed, our need to commit.

‘Tis a fickle love, like smoke in God’s face,

spineless profession that has no true grit.

 

Like customers before a smorgasbord

that exercise their right to choose;

some have this disposition toward the Lord.

Take it, leave it attitude is bad news.

 

There’s a definite lack in preaching now

coming down from the pulpit to the pew

of importance in making holy vows,

but it is something we all need to do.

 

When committing to God there is a lack,

we don’t move forward. Our soul does draw back.

 

 

4. Preaching of a No Compliance Christianity

 

 

We don’t move forward. Our soul does draw back

when to Scripture’s tenets we don’t adhere.

We’re like a train that is on the wrong track.

The derailment of our lives is near.

 

If to worldly practices we’re conformed;

do like everyone and try to fit in.

In our minds renewing, we’re not transformed;

know that we are on the pathway of sin.

 

God’s Word calls people to separation

of the things that are grievous in His sight.

If in this we do come to reparation,

our willful compliance brings Him delight.

 

Preaching void of devotion is hollow.

It is not the course we want to follow.

 

5. Preaching of a No Cause Christianity

 

 

It is not the course we want to follow,

religion with no lofty, noble goal;

in self-indulgent luxury wallow,

our sinful appetites out of control.

 

We’re not our own, and with a price we’re bought.

However, seldom is it preached, this cause.

Surrender of ourselves, this truth not taught,

and many do not stop and give it pause.

 

A common goal, eat, drink and be merry

in our society does permeate.

Epicurean stance does not carry

Bible truth, nor does it hold any weight.

 

A limp and causeless Christianity,

it’s nothing short of hum drum vanity.

 

 

6. Preaching of a No Covenant Christianity

 

 

It’s nothing short of hum drum vanity.

A no agreement type relationship

though practiced much among humanity,

for bond ‘tween God and man, it is not hip.

 

Two can’t walk together unless agreed.

On God’s terms is the way we must advance.

To try and make our will to supersede

is nothing more than a song and a dance.

 

So blessed indeed the contract that does bind

the will of creature, Creator in one.

A good end result for sure we will find.

The purpose of God, thru man can be done.

 

If covenant agreement is not preached

God’s desire for man will not be reached.

 

 

7. Preaching of a No Consecration Christianity

 

God’s desire for man will not be reached

lest we give ourselves to consecration.

Our sacred affinity will be breached

without a whole hearted dedication.

 

Faithfully, daily laboring in prayer

if this Christian race we do want to win.

‘Tis a sign to God that we truly care,

paves the way for more lost sheep to come in.

 

Lackadaisical service will not do

in any form or on any level,

from those in the pulpit or those in the pew;

nothing short but a trick of the devil.

 

Hollowed, not hallowed, then we lose the toss

a Christianity without a cross.

 

10/1/17

What An Amazing Trip!

On January 21, my husband and I were privileged to be able to take our third trip to the country of Peru. This excursion was going to be a little different for us, because our primary purpose in going was to get some much needed dental work done for a lot less money.

This is hubby with our Peruvian dentist, Dr. Nelson Junes. I’m probably going to be dead meat for posting this picture, but this is the only one we had of the dentist. I had a dental exam, deep cleaning, 3 root canals and 3 crowns inserted. My husband had a lot more work done on his teeth than I did. I’m so thankful for the help from the Nix family in helping us communicate with the dentist. I know some Spanish, but I just haven’t reached that level……………….yet. Our dentist was very kind, and God opened a door of witness to him. He allowed his 12 year old son to come to the youth camp that was going on while we were there. His wife and sister-in-law(she also works in the dentist’s office)came and visited one of the evening services at the camp as well. If you think of it, please mention this dentist and family in your prayers. We would love to see God add them to His church!

We were privileged to be in Peru during the time of their National Conference. Rev. Rick Treece and Revered Kelly Patrick were the speakers this year, and they did an outstanding job. There was a wonderful move of the Holy Ghost in every service. The two men in the photos above are pastors from a Trinitarian organization that received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Gloria a Dios!

The evening before the conference started they had their Bible college graduation. I know I’m kind of biased, but the speaker that they had for the graduation was really tremendous. It was my husband! 🙂

The week after the National Conference was the youth camp for ages 12-35. Brother Carl Brown and his son Preston were the preachers/teachers, and they were greatly used of God. The young people’s response to the Word of God was beautiful. There were altar services that went on for an hour or longer. What a blessing it was to see new dedications and consecrations made to the Lord!

 

I have to take a break for now, but I hope to post more about our trip soon. There is some updated info on La Aventura de la Gringa page also.

 

The Most Important Words

 

 

I have loved words for as long as I can remember.  One of my vivid memories from childhood was of the great joy I felt over being able to sound out a word using phonics.

 

tr   +  uck   =  truck!

 

In eighth grade we learned about poetry in English class and were encouraged to write down words to create a poem of our own.  Irritated by girls in school that I perceived to be stuck up and haughty, I recall writing the following words.

 

I don’t care too much for conceited lasses

They coo and boo and cuss and fuss

Things of non-importance, they will discuss

At unmarried lads, they’ll make passes.

 

There was more to the poem, but I threw it out a long time ago, and I have forgotten the rest of it.

 

Interjections, to me, have always been fun because of the way that they sound.

 

Clunk!

Wham!

Plop!

Thud!

Kaboom!

And the list goes on.

 

Being a Scrabble enthusiast for many years, and with the advent of cell phones now a Words With Friends enthusiast, I like high scoring words, especially when I’m the one putting down the word! 🙂

 

 

 

Having studied Spanish for a little while, I have some favorite words in that language, basically because I like the way that they sound.  Here are a couple of them.

 

Indiscutiblemente (It means without controversy. I learned it from reading the Bible in Spanish.)

 

Sacapuntas=pencil sharpener

 

 

There are two words that are very important for those times we mess up.

“I’m sorry.”

 

And there are 3 words that should be spoken often within our families.

 

“I love you.”

 

The most important words however are the ones that can make a difference in determining where we will spend eternity. These are saving words.

 

1Corinthians 1:21  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

 

1Peter 1:25  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

 

God’s chosen method to bring salvation from sins to a lost humanity is to give a God called man His words to expound and explain to people what they need to do to be saved from eternal damnation.

 

In Acts 10, we can read the story of Cornelius. We read this description of Cornelius in verse 2 of Acts 10.

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

 

While Cornelius possessed all these wonderful qualities listed here, we know from another verse that he was not saved.  In Acts 11, Peter is recounting the story of Cornelius and how God brought their paths together.

 

“And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.” Acts 11:1-14

 

God had spoken to Cornelius through an angel which told him to send for a man named Peter who would tell him words whereby he and his household shall(future tense) be saved. We can read the words that Peter spoke to Cornelius in Acts 10:34-48 and see the response of Cornelius and his household. We see that while Peter was speaking, the Holy Ghost, evidenced by their speaking in other tongues, fell upon Cornelius and his household. Peter then commands that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” Acts 10:47,48

 

Our new birth experience begins with hearing and obeying God inspired words, but it doesn’t stop there.   We need to continue to hear and obey the Word of God.

 

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” John 8:31

” If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” Colossians 1:23

 

The apostle Paul gave the following exhortation to Timothy, a minister of the gospel.

 

1Ti 4:16 ” Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

In the English Standard Version, this verse reads:

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

 

This post is getting lengthier than I anticipated, so I will just recap by saying that the most important words we can hear are the God inspired words of the Bible, preached by a God sent preacher. May we hear them, do them and have them become engrafted in us, that one day, we will make heaven our eternal destination.

 

“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21(ESV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Antonio Trip(Part 2)

The speaker for the anniversary services at Alamo City Apostolic Church was Pastor Joel Booker of Rialto, Ca. He did an outstanding job of preaching the Word and walking in the Holy Ghost. If you’re interested in hearing his message that was preached on Sunday “And The Waters Prevailed”(I may have gotten the title wrong, but it was something like that.), you can click on the following link. If you want a greater understanding and appreciation of baptism in Jesus’ name, this is for you.

 

http://www.alamocityapostolic.org/listen      Click on the tracks icon and go to ACAC 8th anniversary day 3

 

 

Pastor Connell(my hubby)teaching at theological seminar on Saturday morning

 

This seminar started very early for a Saturday(8 a.m), but the early birds that attended received a whole lot more than worms through the in depth teaching of Pastor Kelly Nix and Pastor Pete Connell.

Someone told me afterwards that my husband was so smart. I got to thinking about this later. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that opposites attract? It seems to be true in a lot of cases. My husband is an extrovert, and I’m an introvert. So, if my husband is so smart, well, I guess I’m……………………………….!       🙂

Seriously though, my husband put so much time and effort into preparing for this. There were many nights beforehand when I would wake up at 2 or 3 in the morning, and he would still be in his study. I don’t know how he did it, but he did. If you would like to hear the theological seminar you can click on the same link above, go to the track icon and select ICAT seminar Pastor Kelly Nix, Pastor Pete Connell.

 

 

H.O.O.F. 2016

This past Saturday our church had the opportunity to participate in the Heart Of Oakley Festival, which was held in the downtown area of our city. We had a booth where we gave out free bottled water, made balloon animals for kids, passed out church invitations and literature and offered people a chance to win a $50 gift card to a local restaurant by filling out a brief survey. Here are a few pics from the event.

These are set up photos. The triangular thing at the end of the table is a lollipop tree. Kids could pick out a lollipop, and if they pulled one out with blue marker on the stick, they would win a $5 gift card to McDonalds.

Sis. Miranda getting ready to give away some ice cold waters.

People visiting our booth.

Some of our young people stood in a shady spot across the street from the booth and made balloon animals to give away along with invitations to children’s church.

It was a super hot day in the high 90’s. Our booth was just a few yards away from the city water fountain. I had chugged a bunch of cold water but was still roasting. I saw children running under the fountain and getting soaked. “Should I?” I privately asked myself. My inner child was screaming, “Do it!” Hmm, didn’t Jesus say, “Except ye become as little children…..”  Okay, I didn’t really think that, but I did make the decision to go ahead and get wet. It felt so good! 😅

Although it was a hot day, it was also fun, and I know God blesses our efforts. I was proud of everyone who came out and worked hard. What we do for the kingdom is not in vain.

An Elder Worthy Of Honor

We were blessed this past Sunday to have Elder Vaughn Morton in our evening service.  I am so thankful for the influence that he has had in my life and so many others, his commitment to preach truth and holiness and his example of evangelism. He was a blessing to our congregation as he talked about life and our response to it. I’m not going to try and explain his message here, but soon there will be a link to it on our church website where you can hear it for yourself. I hope to post the link here once it’s on our website.

 Update: September 2, 2016- Here is the link to Elder Morton’s sermon.

http://www.cornerstonepentecostal.org/page/life_just_let_it_unfold

 

  I’m truly grateful for all the elders that have helped to mold and shape my life. I am reprinting a poem I wrote a few years ago to honor this wonderful man of God.  Thank you, Elder Morton for your preaching, teaching, example and consistent Christian living we have seen over many years!

 

Path Of The Elders

 I still hear their voices, ringing so true

My mind sees their hands uplifted in praise

Precious, the memories of elders I knew

Influencing me in my younger days

Their hoary heads I can still clearly view

Slower in step, but their eyes still ablaze

So privileged to have their path cross with mine.

Their lives spoke to me of God’s love so divine.

Worshipping the Lord and loving the Word

Serving God in valley or mountain peak

Many dead now, but their voice is still heard

Beyond the grave I can still hear them speak

Oh, may their memory never be blurred

To walk as they walked is the thing I seek

They left a heritage godly and great

A lifestyle I want to emulate.

One day when we cross to Heaven’s fair shore

And meet again in that blessed, sweet land

Those elders, they will be tired no more

We’ll sing strong and clear with the glory band

Praising the One they taught me to adore

As in His glorious presence we stand

Taking part in eternity’s pages

Forever blessed with the Rock of Ages.

Written 3/10/08

PCC-Making An Eternal Difference

  

Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. NLT

 

There is an unseen battle that takes place everyday in the lives of those who are truly striving to live their lives in accordance with the Bible, God’s Word. We will either succumb to the pressures that this world hurls against us and conform to ungodliness or we will be transformed in our minds, that our behavior might be pleasing to God. This battle can be especially intense for young people who are in their formative years and are making choices and decisions that will determine who they are and ultimately, where they will spend eternity.

I am so thankful for Pacific Coast Camp, which I was privileged to be able to attend last week with my family and other members andoung people from our church. I can’t remember the exact number of campers (ages 7-25) that were there, but I know it was over 300. Most of the young people that attended have already received their initial salvation experience of repenting of sin, being baptized in the name of Jesus and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. However, there is a whole lot more to living for God than obeying Acts 2:38. We still have a sinful nature to contend with and a devil that does all he can to hinder our salvation experience from becoming a growing and wonderful relationship with Jesus Christ. At Pacific Coast Camp, young people were given an opportunity to disconnect from the hindrances of technology(cell phones, ipads, ipods, MP3 players, etc.) and connect with God through the preaching of the Word, prayer, praise and good fellowship.

The teaching of Bro. Lackey each morning and the preaching of the good elders in the evening services was outstanding. It was so uplifting to see the response to each message as young people would flood to the altars to rededicate themselves to God. How helpful it is for young people as well, to see other youth from different churches who are endeavoring to live for God too. It is encouraging to know that you are not alone in choosing to walk in a way that is contray to the practices of this world.

I am grateful to the men that had the burden and vision to bring this camp into existence. This was the camp’s 10 year anniversary, and I believe it was our 6th year of being in camp with a group of young people from our church. There is much time, work and sacrifice involved in putting together such a powerful meeting, and I know God does reward and will reward those who played a part in it.

I believe the greatest reward will be seeing those that make it to heaven, because something they received at camp got embedded deep in their spirits, and they remained faithful. Thank God for Pacific Coast Camp!