"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOd unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16
Dear Praying Friends and Family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers as i began writing. Many of you have been through very cold and icy weather this week, and are continuing to be out in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area where you've had ice and freezing temps and yet another snow last night. Some of you are in Oklahoma where i spoke with a lady this morning from "Teaching Textbooks," who had 14 inches of snow in her yard! Shelia Heil, www.thegospelgreats.com, up in Pennsylvania, said, " we got only a foot or so at a time, and then came the ice!" Wow... We're having historic blizzards here in the US. In Australia, where we originally wanted to be missionaries, before GOD redirected our paths back home, has been having flooding of biblical proportions as the news even describes it. After all the flooding, a huge cyclone hit there earlier this week. In the Middle East, we watch and read in astonishment what is happening in Egypt and the other Arab countries with the protests and revolts against the governments. These revolutions may be laying the groundwork for the the Bible prophecies of Obadiah and Psalm 83 to be fulfilled according to Bill Salus, http://prophecydepot.com/,
Preach the word, preach the cross
Preach redemption to a lost and dying world
The Word of GOD makes me know that the "birth pains" are increasing that JESUS speaks of in Matthew and the time for CHRIST's coming for HIS bride is getting nearer and nearer with the 7 year tribulation to follow. All that we see happening in the world has been written about in Scripture hundreds and hundreds of years ago... the food shortages, global government, crazy weather, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the whole world coming against Israel...all are signs of HIS soon coming for HIS church, and a terrible, terrible time of tribulation after that for those left behind. If we think the protests and violence in the Middle East are bad now...it's going to be terrible when the the Bride of CHRIST is gone from earth and there is no restraining power of evil. You don't want to be left behind to experience that terrible time of suffering here on earth and the punishment following. GOD loves us so much and is not willing that any should perish. That is why HE continues to invite to come to HIM through faith and repentance in HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. II Peter 3 is very timely for our day and the times we live in:
"...you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' HE promised? Ever since our father's died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by GOD's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. by these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgement and destruction of ungodly men.
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends. With the LORD a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are lie a day. The LORD is not slow in keeping HIS promise, as some understand slowness. HE is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
GOD desires our fellowship so much and desires to rescue us from the dominion of darkness and the everlasting flames of hell that HE sent HIS SON to pay the price for our sins. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." Romans 3:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." Romans 6:23, "That if you confess with your mouth JESUS is LORD and believe in your heart GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 Apart from CHRIST we are separated and lost in our sins. But through the death and resurrection of CHRIST HE made the way for us to come to know HIM in a personal and intimate relationship. HE loves us that much.
" For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believeth in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life."
Lift your voice unashamed of the gospel of His name
Until all have heard, preach the word
GOD gave HIS SON for us, because HE loves each and every one of us so much HE doesn't want anyone to perish for their sins that we are all guilty of...have you ever cheated, lusted, lied, took the LORD's name in vain, hated someone, rebelled against your parents, envious of others, coveted things that belonged to others? We all have...i confessed to my son this week and some of you that i cheated on Geometry and Algebra II in high school and I sure am ashamed of that. We're all sinners...the only difference is those who have come to believe in CHRIST JESUS and repented of their sins are sinners saved by the grace of the LORD JESUS, we have been forgiven, cleansed, born again. JESUS told Nicodemus the Pharisee who came at night, "Marvel not that I said unto ye, "Ye must be born again," John 3:7 to enter the kingdom of heaven. GOD has given those who are born again a new nature, and we are new creatures in CHRIST JESUS. HIS HOLY SPIRIT comes to dwell inside us, never to leave and empowers us, leads and guides us, gives us wisdom, strength, and is always with us to help us live the CHRIST life...bearing HIS fruit through us. The closer we get to JESUS, the less we look like the sinners we were before HE saved us and the more we look like CHRIST bearing HIS fruit, the fruits of the SPIRIT: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control..it's the process of growing in CHRIST called sanctification.
This past Sunday, the LORD really spoke to my heart about sharing the good news of JESUS CHRIST through our Sunday School lesson, through the choir singing, "Preach the Word," and through the guest speaker exhorting us to CHRIST with our neighbors, and all that GOD brings into our path. The speaker told about a man in his neighborhood that he went to see and invite him to church. Our speaker's wife had already gone earlier to meet the man and his family and had taken them some brownies. When the new neighbor found out who our speaker's wife was, he welcomed him...the brownies and friendliness of his wife had been used by GOD to soften his heart. Though the new neighbor's heart was softened, when our speaker invited him to church he said, "I don't think so..." Later, our speaker and his son went to cut the man's grass, enabling him to come to church on Sunday instead of cutting his grass. GOD used serving this new neighbor to soften his heart. "Mr. I Don't Think So," came to know CHRIST shortly after that when he visited church. Then, this new believer led his friend to CHRIST at a ballgame shortly after that! Our guest speaker's story from his everyday life was really inspiring and encouraging to me.
Last week, I shared in this email about a friend i was having a hard time dying to self to minister to. In fact, that's the second email i have mentioned my struggles. I appreciate your prayers for me, and I felt them this past week. Thursday after struggling with dying to self to help her move on John Mac's birthday after she had been ordered out of her house, she and i went for a long walk along the creek Saturday and got to know one another better. It was a refreshing time for both of us...the weather was warm and sunny and the LORD's grace was with us as we walked and talked. Sunday, she met us at church and we went out to eat together afterwards with my husband and had another good visit. Tuesday morning, she was in court and Johnny and I went to support her. It didn't go exactly the way we had hoped or prayed and we tried to encourage her afterwards. After the hearing, Johnny had to get to work but left money for me to take her and her Mom and daughter to Cracker Barrel. It was a cold day, so the warmth and fire of Cracker Barrel sounded cozy to me after a tough morning in court. Just as we sat down to eat, my friend remember she had to check out of her motel, leaving her Mom and me at lunch together (her daughter was unable to join us). Her Mom is precious and has been through so much with her daughter. She and her daughter have both been so gracious to Johnny and me. As we talked, GOD opened the door for me to share with her the gospel of JESUS CHRIST. This dear lady in her early seventies, went to the Methodist church when she was younger, as i did, and she told me she did know what it meant to be saved or how to be saved. The LORD led me through a round about way, i can't remember now how we got to talking about Moses, and the Israelites, and how GOD used Moses to deliver the Israelites, and the Passover. Through that, i was able to share with her about JESUS being our Passover lamb, and HIS blood covers our sin, as the blood on the doorpost of the house of the Israelites let the angel of death know to passover them. The Israelites believed in faith what Moses told them to do and they were saved. We are told to believe in faith that JESUS died for our sins and rose again on the third day. I'm not sure what all i told her, we talked about Joseph before Moses, and she was not familiar with these stories in the Bible but she said they were interesting to her. I sure hope i didn't loose her, i just have to trust the LORD was leading me what to share with her. We talked at least an hour, and the LORD orchestrated our circumstances where i had time alone just with her. She didn't pray to receive CHRIST, but the WORD of GOD was planted in her heart, and i trust HE will bring forth fruit for HIS glory in time and bring her to a saving knowledge of JESUS CHRIST. She is planning to go back to Indiana any day...as soon as the snow clears, and she told me even before i shared with her that she was going back to church when she went home....even fact while she was waiting to testify in court, she read my little testament of GOD's promises i carry with me, and asked if she could carry it in the court room with her...she said it gave her peace just holding it. Please pray for this dear lady and my friend as they are continuing to go through a very difficult time...pray that CHRIST will use these storms, and they are very difficult storms, to draw them to a saving knowledge of HIM. It is worth it to be shipwrecked when the storms cast us into the MASTER's arms. Thank you for praying for me, and pray that i will continue to be obedient and die to self to minister to this friend. It really takes that for others to see JESUS in us..."If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." Luke 9:23
This week, in "My Utmost for HIS Highest," several of Oswald Chambers exhortations have been about preaching the gospel. It was difficult to pick out just one, because they all have spoken to my heart further reinforcing the message the LORD spoke to my heart Sunday at church, to "Preach the WORD." Last night the LORD brought to my remembrance that Oswald Chambers "Preached the WORD," in Egypt to young men at the YMCA from October 1915-November 1917 when he went to be with JESUS. These words that have encouraged countless millions around the world were first spoken in the country where the eyes of the world are centered upon right now...and they continue to bear fruit in the lives of those who live there.
We have been made as the filth of the world . . . —1 Corinthians 4:13
These words are not an exaggeration. The only reason they may not be true of us who call ourselves ministers of the gospel is not that Paul forgot or misunderstood the exact truth of them, but that we are too cautious and concerned about our own desires to allow ourselves to become the refuse or “filth of the world.” “Fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ . . .” (Colossians 1:24) is not the result of the holiness of sanctification, but the evidence of consecration-being “separated to the gospel of God . . .” (Romans 1:1).
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you . . .” (1 Peter 4:12). If we do think the things we encounter are strange, it is because we are fearful and cowardly. We pay such close attention to our own interests and desires that we stay out of the mire and say, “I won’t submit; I won’t bow or bend.” And you don’t have to— you can be saved by the “skin of your teeth” if you like. You can refuse to let God count you as one who is “separated to the gospel . . . .” Or you can say, “I don’t care if I am treated like ’the filth of the world’ as long as the gospel is proclaimed.” A true servant of Jesus Christ is one who is willing to experience martyrdom for the reality of the gospel of God. When a moral person is confronted with contempt, immorality, disloyalty, or dishonesty, he is so repulsed by the offense that he turns away and in despair closes his heart to the offender. But the miracle of the redemptive reality of God is that the worst and the vilest offender can never exhaust the depths of His love. Paul did not say that God separated him to show what a wonderful man He could make of him, but “to reveal His Son in me. . .” (Galatians 1:16).
What am i willing to become that others might hear the good news of JESUS CHRIST? I have to admit, sometimes it seems not much. But i want to be willing to submit, to bow and bend the knee and become the filth if that is what it takes to share CHRIST with others. LORD JESUS make my heart willing to be WHO you want me to be that YOU may be glorified and draw others to you through my yielded life.
This morning i receive the following prayer alert from Franklin Graham and Samaritan's purse and in it he speaks of the danger to CHRISTians who may face increased persecution in the Middle East because of these uprisings. Please join with me in praying for our brothers and sister in CHRIST, and pray that the LORD will open the hearts of those living there to receive CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOR.
Turmoil in the Arab World
Dear Friend,
The media is full of reports of turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa. Uprisings have rocked the governments of Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan. Angry crowds are protesting in Lebanon, Syria, Algeria, and Yemen. South Sudan has voted to secede from Sudan, and demonstrations have broken out in the capital city of Khartoum.
This is a critical time of unrest and uncertainty, and Christians need to join together in prayer for this volatile region.
I've probably spent more time working in this part of the world than any other. Over the years, Samaritan's Purse has helped hundreds of thousands of suffering people with medical care, food, and other aid. We have helped train and equip hundreds of pastors, distributed thousands of Bibles, and even built over 400 churches in Sudan. More than 2.5 million children in the Middle East and North Africa have received shoe box gifts from Operation Christmas Child.
Please join with us in praying for the Christian minorities who could face increasing persecution in the days ahead. Pray that God will use these current crises to open doors and hearts to the Gospel and that many will find "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Ultimately, we know, true peace will come to this region only when Christ returns in power and glory.
One of our most faithful ministry partners sent a note saying, "Throughout the Middle East, there is a new generation of evangelists ready to continue the work of our Lord until that blessed day when He returns to us. I ask you to pray that they will be fearless in their work in any circumstance."
We are committed to lifting up Christ in the region in any way that we can. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan's Purse
I am so thankful for the faithfulness of men and women in my life to "Preach the WORD," the Truth of GOD unashamedly. I grew up in a home where when Billy Graham was on TV, our family was tuned in listening. We heard the WORD of GOD preached and the gospel proclaimed. I am so blessed to have heard the Gospel of CHRIST from so many different places, and for that one preacher GOD used the night i got saved at Central Baptist Church to "Preach the WORD." My life was transformed at 19 by the power and grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST when HE led me down an church aisle to surrender my life to HIM and confess my sins.
This past Sunday our choir sang, "Preach the Word," sung by the southern gospel group, Gold City...what a powerful song and exhortation to each of us to "Preach the WORD" of the transforming gospel of JESUS CHRIST. Br. Ryan and the choir did a great job singing it and my heart has been encouraged to "Preach the Word," not from the pulpit but through my life and proclaiming the gospel to those GOD brings in my path. http://www.youtube.com/watch?
--
Preach the Word
Paul was weary on his journey
His body frail and weak
The apostle knew the end was near
As he dipped his pen in ink
He wrote Timothy, my son
I have fought the fight of faith
Carry on what I’ve begun
But most of all I say
Chorus
Preach the word, preach the cross
Preach redemption to a lost and dying world
Lift your voice unashamed of the gospel of His name
Until all have heard, preach the word
Paul and Timothy are gone
But the letter still remains
And the mission that was written down
Calls out to us today
Lift the name of Jesus higher
Until the whole world knows
The story of amazing grace
We are messengers of hope
-- We "Preach the WORD," by the way we lay down our lives for others, and then sharing the gospel boldly when the HOLY SPIRIT opens the door. Pray for me, that I will share boldy the gospel of JESUS CHRIST, and I will pray that for you, my dear brothers and sisters in CHRIST. I am so thankful for those who have gone before us to faithfully to preach the Word, and for those who are preaching it faithfully today...even in places of great danger. Just last night, i saw the interview of the missionary whose wife was killed in Mexico last week, after they went there to encourage the church they had planted there. They have been missionaries in Mexico for 38 years and helped start many churches. They knew the dangers to their lives as they went back into Mexico to minister to those GOD had called them to. Last week, the drug cartel shot and killed the wife as she and her husband were fleeing in their car at 120 mph to get back across the border to the U.S. Let us pray for this man and his family and for others who are "Preaching the WORD" in dangerous places. Let us pray for our own pastors and godly men here as it becomes harder to stand against persecution here, that they won't comprise the gospel of JESUS CHRIST, and preach the Word through their actions and words. May that be our prayer for each one of us too...that we would "lift our voices unashamed," and share CHRIST "with a lost and dying world.... "below is a video of Gold City singing "Preach the Word," with many well known preachers who have been so faithful to "Preach the WORD." This video is different from the one above...
You have been so kind to encourage me about returning to school and i appreciate you prayers so much as i continue to seek GOD's will in this matter. Br. Ryan shared a verse in choir practice Weds. night that really encouraged me, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go," Psalm 32:8. As I mentioned above, i did cheat in Geometry and Algebra 2 in high school. I sat behind the smartest boy in class and used his work, and didn't learn a thing. That is just one sin among many in my life. I am so thankful the LORD has forgiven me for that because all my sins are covered by the blood of CHRIST JESUS. Though we are forgiven, there are still consequences and one of those has been regret for cheating many times through the years and especially when i was unable to help my kids in their geometry and Algebra II in high school. I think it's interesting that the "path" for me continuing my nursing education goes through "PreCalculus" the only class i have to take before i can began my senior year of nursing, and it's filled with guess what, geometry and Algebra II concepts:) Perhaps GOD wants to show me that "HIS grace is sufficient for me and HIS power is made perfect in my weakness."
As I close please pray for my friend Shirley and her family. Shirley is my friend who has cancer, and her daughter Mishel, is caring for her her, while her husband is flying back and forth to Nebraska to visit her when he is able to. This is a very difficult time for them and I sure appreciate you remembering them in your prayers. GOD bless you, and thank you so much for your prayers for us. Hannah Beth is studying hard at Mobile...and told me this morning she had made a team that dances at the ballgames but decided she didn't have time for it...i'm proud of her for keeping her priorities where they should be. Maybe it was the warmth of her bed calling at 6:00 a.m. when the team practices:). John Mac is making his Mama a cook. He's eating most of his meals here at home now, and i'm well, i'm cooking a lot more than i have in a while....cooking and studying Math:)...thanks for your prayers, i'm counting on them! I love you and thanks for taking time to spend with me...you are a dear blessing to me, and i love hearing from you.
With all HIS love,
mitzi
"An intercessor means one who is in such vital contact with GOD and with his fellow men that he is like a live wire closing the gap between the saving power of GOD and the sinful men who have been cut off from that power." Hannah Hurnard
"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." Daniel 12:3
"Lead Me, LORD"
"Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God." ~ Martin Luther
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