AN OPEN BOOK TEST
Valerie Rae Hanneman
July 30, 2004
2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (KJV)
When I was in college, I took a class in Tax Accounting & Auditing. I was living on my own at that time, working full time and carrying a full time schedule at school. When the professor told us that all of the tests, including the final, would be open book tests I was ecstatic! There was no need to study if the tests were open-book. Now maybe I could get some sleep! Only something went terribly wrong. I failed the first test in a spectacular manner because the first time I opened the book was for the test. The book may have been open but I still didn’t know where to find the answers. For the next test I skimmed the book prior to taking the test, so I passed, but just barely. I had a general idea of where the answers were at - but I didn’t have any real knowledge of the book. For the rest of the tests, I aced them. And I received an “A” in the class. I aced the rest of the tests because I read the book prior to the test. I didn’t skim it to get a general idea of where the information was, I studied it because I needed to know the information, not just where it was, if I was going to excel in the class.
Our life is like a college class. It is a constant opportunity to learn and to grow. But life has its tests too. These tests maybe as mild as that jerk who cut us off on the freeway, but it may be as serious as losing a loved one. How do we pass these tests?
Just as we are given books to help us excel in our classes, we have been given a book to help us excel in life. It is the Bible. I love the acronym that somebody came up with for Bible because it is so true. Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The Bible was intended by God to be our instruction book for life here on earth and to prepare us for our real life with Him.
I know that there are those who say that the Bible is outdated and old-fashioned, that it is not relevant for today. But that is simply not true. We, as human beings, haven’t really changed that much since Adam and Eve first invited sin into us. Oh, we are faster, and stronger. We live longer and we have more knowledge. We have our cars, our planes and our computers, but have we really changed the core of who we, as a species, are? We are still capable of great love, and deep hate. We are capable of acts of unbelievable heroism and acts of darkest perversions. Murder, lies, sexual immorality, dishonor, covetousness - the sins of the first humans are still the sins of humans today. We have just gotten better at them, and we have made them acceptable. Because nothing has really changed in us, the Bible is as relevant to our lives as it was when God first wrote it.
But we have to open the Book.
A mother with a suddenly rebellious son goes to her bookshelf and pulls down that dusty Bible. Her mom told her that the Bible had answers to life’s problems and she has heard that if you open the Bible and point to a verse, it might be just what you need. So she opens the Bible in the middle, points, and reads, “How can a young man deep his way pure? By living according to Your Word.” (Psalm 119:9) “Huh?” she thinks, “Maybe further down.” She skips down a couple of verses to read, “I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Ps 119:11) “That’s no help! Maybe in the New Testament” She flips further back, points and reads, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” With a sigh, she shuts the Bible & puts it back on the shelf, “I guess the Bible just isn’t relevant anymore.” Then she turns on the TV and lets Oprah tell her how to raise her family. She chooses the world’s solutions because she opened the Book for the first time during the test and couldn’t find the answer.
A man is worried because his company is downsizing. How is he going to take care of his family if he is on the down side of the size? “Wait!” he says, “Didn’t Pastor Willie just preach about not worrying about anything because Solomon dressed the lilies?” Once he finally finds his Bible (it was on the floorboard of the back seat of his car where he tossed it after services on Sonday.) he looks up Solomon in his concordance and finds more than 200 references. After a half an hour, he gives up because none of them seem to be what he is looking for. He shrugs and decides that because Willie is a “professional” Christian he must know what he is talking about. He turns on his computer and goes to www.horoscopesfordummys.org hoping that the stars can tell his job future. He seeks answers from the stars because he doesn’t know what the Creator of the stars has to say. He chooses the world’s solutions because although he knew enough to know that the Book contained the answers, he didn’t know enough to be able to find them.
She stands at the mortuary making the final arrangements for her husband of forty years. Even as she grieves the loss of her life partner, words of comfort and hope fill her heart. “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain”(Phillipians 1:21) “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is they victory?”(I Corinthians 15:55) “To be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD.”(2 Corinthians 5:8) “He shall wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”(Revelation 21:4) She attends to the rituals of death, still heartbroken, still grieving, and yet with the comfort of knowing that her separation from her beloved husband is only temporary. She chose the Word’s solution because she knew what the Word had to say so well that she could recall the answers even apart from the book.
Of these three - who aced their open book test? The woman with the rebellious son failed completely - she opened the book for the first time during the test - and could not find the answers. The downsized man had skimmed the book just enough to know that the Bible contained the answer he was seeking, and he even had a very good idea where to find it - but not enough knowledge to pass the test. The grieving woman had been in the book long before her test came. She had studied and made the knowledge part of her life. And when her test came this woman aced the test.
When your next open book test comes (and you know it’s coming) how prepared are you going to be to find the answers?
LORD God, we ask that You reveal Yourself to us as we study Your Word. When the tests of life come, we want to have the right answers.
Contact Valerie at valerie@centralcallegal.org
Visit our e-Ministry “blog” at www.fresnofirst.org
GRACE!
2004 June has gone faster than the wink of an eye! I am travelling sooooooooo extensively that I am finding it difficult to keep track. It was a JOY to be with Millie and Dave at Atlanta, Alma at Athens, Dr. Job and Jasmine at Toronto and now with my brother Bobby and his wife Nava, son Pradeep and their newly wed daughter Priya and Aaron at Newfoundland.
Truly His Grace has been with me this month as I travelled and as I shared at various places. As I meditated on the word "Grace", it struck me that I have it in my name too! My full name being "Iris Grace Rajakumari Paul". The verse that keeps coming again and again since my eye surgery is "My Grace is Sufficient for You. Many of you are praying for my eyes to heal, but so far there is NO change in the floating bodies or the haziness and now a days I get flashes mild in both the eyes on and off. So the verse from God about "His Grace" is very very meaningful for me.
As I hear the word "Grace" now my mind flips back - is it my name? Or God's Grace? To me now it stands for both. Praise Him! Thank you for praying for me regularly, I need them.
Yours in Christ
Iris Grace Rajakumari Paul
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, Praise God.
Difficult moments, Seek God.
Quiet moments, Worship God.
Painful moments, Trust God.
Every moment, Thank God.
e-Praise & Prayers - July 27, 2004
We must get back to the place where we are concerned only aboutfacing our own inner souls with Jesus Christ,Who searches right down to the innermost recesses.
O. Chambers
Anybody who knows me knows that I am not too thrilled when Willie is out of the pulpit. Although I am chief among his naggers telling him to take his time off - get his rest - don’t get bogged down - that doesn’t mean I like it when he is actually gone. But today I am praising God that Willie and his family have gotten some well-deserved time off together and that we were privileged to hear Lisa Watson preach this past Sonday. To use our favorite religious word - WOW! Willie’s asking Lisa to fill in was definitely a “God-thing.” If you missed services last Sonday - be sure and set your VCR/DVD to record them on Sonday morning, 8:00, KMPH. You will not be disappointed!
We were also honored to watch as two young women from our youth group made an outward declaration of their inward faith in Jesus by following Him in believer’s baptism And then to see the right hand of fellowship extended to our new members was equally joyous. How richly Father has blessed our congregation!
Many of us know Ray Callahan, and if you don’t know him by name you most certainly know him from his work with the children’s music program and his wonderful baritone voice. Karen, Ray’s daughter, has been down visiting him for the summer from Bend, Oregon. This past Thursday tragedy struck this family when Karen’s mother, Kathy, passed away suddenly. Please keep this family in prayer as Ray, his mother, Jean, and Karen grieve this loss. Please pray for Karen as she faces this sudden upheaval of her life. Please pray for traveling mercies as Ray & Karen travel to Bend, Oregon.
Kerry Johnson, Kelli Hasting’s brother, is in the hospital in Corcoran with pulmonary fibrosis. Fluid is building up in his lungs making it difficult for him to breathe.
Kelli’s father, Chuck Johnson, is home in Corcoran but has to travel to LA once a week for his chemo. Chuck is also suffering from depression. Please pray for physical, mental and spiritual healing for Chuck.
Please continue to pray for Kyle Speer (8 years old) and his family. Kyle is terminal with leukemia and the doctors have exhausted all treatment plans.
Please pray for the family of Geri Kinnish as they mourn the loss of Geri’s grandson, Don.
Please continue to pray for Walt Hemphill & his continued recovery, Ruth Rush’s recovery from knee replacement surgery, Emmy Lou Graves as she recovers from pink eye, Lillian Seward’s recovery from gall stone surgery, Ray Rahn Jr, who is undergoing dialyses treatments, Judi Wright and he mother (We miss you, Judi!), Lois & Dan Hansen with his job situation, John Roger’s and his cancer and most important - for his need to be in relationship with Jesus, Cheryl Baldera and her cancer, Mandy & her cancer, Khamla and her chemo treatments, Rick, Leslie and Kayla as Rick undergoes chemo, Chantel & her surgery (Charles - please send us an update on Chantel), and Robert Kammer & his sleep apnea.
Dr. Iris Paul is now in the Santa Cruz area and will be back in Porterville in August. To learn more about Dr. Iris Paul and the ministry of Reaching Hand Society visit www.indiapartners.org
Please continue to uphold our beloved missionaries in prayer. Please pray for Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Dr. Dr. George Pe Myat and his hospital in the Congo and for the Reaching Hand Society in India.
Please pray for our pastors, leadership, ministries and finances of our church. I called the church office early this past Monday and was told that I could not speak to Mitzi because she and the staff were in prayer together. You know - I just flat out like knowing that our staff prays together. Every other Sonday in our weekly bulletin is a wonderful prayer sheet. This prayer sheet details the praises and prayer requests of our membership and those who attend- or watch - our services. Karen Musselman, Karla Baker, Faye Lowes and Charles Betts take care of this vital ministry. Let’s hold them up in prayer and thanksgiving this week.
Please pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Great and Glorious Father,
There are not words adequate to express the joy we feel to be in Your loving presence. To be in Your presence is to dance in streams of love. We praise You, Father, and we love You.
Bread of Life, we thank You for Your mercy and love for us. We thank You for Your abundant blessings on our congregation that You have not only put into place a wonderful pastoral staff but also lay people who fill the pulpit so wonderfully. Bless Willie, Joy and the family as they continue their vacation. Bless Lisa as she continues to serve You wholeheartedly..
Water of Life, we thank You for the testimony of these two young people who were baptized this past Sonday and we ask that You fill and guide their lives. We ask Your blessings on all those who have joined our church family.
LORD God Who heals us, we lift high before You Ray, Karen, and Jean Callahan as they grieve the loss of Kathy. Comfort them and strengthen them. Abba, we call out for a special touch to be given to Karen as she faces the loss of her mother and a sudden change in her lifestyle. Father, help us to love and support her during this time. Father, be with this family as they travel to Bend Oregon, grant them traveling mercies and comfort. Be their guide.
God Almighty, we hold up Chuck and Kerry Johnson. Clear the fluid from Kerry’s lung and restore his health. Father, we ask Your mercy on Chuck as he travels back & forth to LA for his treatments. We ask that You heal him physically, mentally and spiritually. Bring peace to him.
God Who fills Eternity, we admit that this situation with Kyle is difficult for us. The impending death of a child is hard and knowing that nothing can be done to stop it grieves us. We hold on at this time to Your promise that no life is in vain - if it has been lived for You. Comfort the family - remind them that time is just a vapor in Your eternity and then they will see Kyle again.
Holy Father, we lift up Geri and her family as they recover from the loss of Don. Bring them the peace that passes all understanding.
Our God Who provides, we lift up the following names, knowing that You are in control of each situation. Walt Hemphill, Ruth Rush, Emmy Lou Graves, Lillian Seward, Ray Rahn Jr, Judi Wright and he mother, Lois & Dan Hansen, John Rogers, Cheryl Baldera, Mandy, Khamla, Rick, Leslie and Kayla, Chantel & her surgery, and Robert Kammer. Please continue to bless each of these situations.
LORD Jesus, we ask Your blessings on all of the missionaries who serve You around the world. We thank You and praise You for their strength and courage. We ask that You provide for their needs and build a stronghold of protection around them We cry out the names of Jan & Larry Martin, The Reaching Hand Society, Dr. George Pe Myat, and Bounkham & Khamla.
Holy Spirit, You have promised that whenever two or three of us are gathered together, You are in our midst. We thank You for Your presence among us as we lift before You our pastors. Spirit we ask You to pour Your wisdom on them as they guide the direction of our congregation. We ask Your blessings on the leadership of our congregation and ask that You guide their decisions. We thank You for the many ministries that our congregation is involved in, we thank You for the opportunity to serve You through them. We ask that You provide for the needs of the church as we serve You.
Father God, we thank You for the faithfulness of Karen, Karla, Faye, and Charles as they prepare the prayer sheets that are in the bulletins. Bless them Father in all that they do. Help us to support this vital ministry.
Father God, our country has turned away from You. We have asked You to leave our schools, leave our town squares and leave our government. Our country is wrong to do this and we have taken the wrong path. Father God, use the hearts and minds of your people, in whom You reign supreme, as a powerful force to turn this nation back to where we should be - on our knees before You. LORD, we ask that You bless and guide the leaders of this country, to give them a heart for justice and a desire to follow You. Bless and protect our military as they serve our country.
God of Wonders, because of You, we know what abiding peace, constant joy, and endless love is. Thank You for being the center of our lives. We love You forever. In Your name we pray, Amen.
SHADOW BOXING
Valerie Rae Hanneman
July 23, 2004
Psalm 23:4 “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.” (KJV)
One of the most exciting and daring things I have ever done was when I took my son, Steven, and drove across the country to South Carolina to get my daughter, Fawn, and bring her home. We had a blast and I learned some important life lessons like: NEVER let the excitement of being on Bourbon Street in New Orleans convince you that it is okay to eat a Louisiana Hot Link sausage po’ boy with hot pepper jack cheese and extra grilled onions on the day before you drive to Dallas, Texas. It is a long - long drive.
I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to see all of the natural diversity this great country has. I drove through the emptiness of the high mountain deserts and the lush green of the New Orleans bayous. There is one stretch of road I remember well. I don’t know who planned the landscaping of this road - but they failed to take into account the comfort of southbound drivers in the early morning. They planted these tall skinny trees just far enough apart to make you feel like you were driving through a picket fence of sunlight and shadows. It was irritating as I drove through them. After the third time of mentioning to Steven how irritating the light-shadow-light-shadow pattern was to drive through - and questioning the basic foresight of the landscaper, Steven said to me, “Mom, put your sun-visor over there and block it out.” Bless my son for his common sense - I was so busy focusing on the irritation that I was ignoring the solution.
I have been through a lot of shadows in my life. I have stood in the shadow of the Sears tower in Chicago. That building casts a long shadow! I have stood in the shadows of clouds as they passed overhead. Once I had a shadow of an airplane go over where I was standing - and I remember looking up and seeing it so high in the sky. I have even had shadows frighten me. I remember freaking out as a child seeing the shadow of a man standing outside my window - but when I got my courage up to peek out the window - it was just a tree than my overly active imagination had turned into something more menacing. The one thing that a shadow has never done is harm me. I have never been hurt by passing through a shadow.
That is what I love about the promise of this verse. It promises that for me and for all believers we will simply pass through the valley of the shadow of death. We will never pass through death itself - we will simply pass though it’s shadow. Oh, I know that in human terms we will experience what is called death - but that is because most of humanity does not understand the true picture of death. They think that when the physical body ceases to live - that that is death. But it isn’t. True death is when the soul ceases to live. Should the LORD tarry (even so, come LORD Jesus!) and I come to the end of my earthly life - I will pass through the valley of the shadow of death - but death itself will not touch me. The Word of God promises in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD. When my physical body ceases to live I will instantly be in the presence of Jesus and passing through the valley of the shadow of death will be nothing more than a minor irritation.
Sometimes - even as believers - we get focused on the irritation (or worry) about the shadow of death - and we forget that it doesn’t have to effect us unless we let it. The time that I was driving in the picket fence of light and shadow I was so focused on the irritation of it that I ignored the solution to the problem. And the solution was simple - and yet - I could not see it because I was so mis-focused. We have a solution - a visor - to block out the irritation of passing through the shadow of death. His name is Jesus and He is eternal life. The key is to keep our focus on Him and not on the irritation caused by a mere shadow. And there is an added bonus of focusing on Jesus and the eternal life we have in Him. When we are focused on our eternal life - not only is the shadow of death an irritation to be ignored - but the big problems of this life suddenly shrink - when considered from the perspective of eternity.
The sad news is that although a shadow is harmless - an irritation at best - there is something very real that is casting that shadow. When I was driving my car through the shadows of the trees at 70 miles per hour - I was irritated - but not harmed. However - had I decided to drive through the real trees at 70 miles per hour - irritation would have been the last of my troubles. I could have jumped off the shadow of the Sears building into the sunlight and been just fine. But had I chose to jump off the real Sears building I would not have been so fine.
The valley of the shadow of death exists because death is real. Although believers will pass harmlessly through the shadow of death and into eternal life - nonbelievers will face death’s reality. And the reality of death is that once it takes a nonbeliever - it will never let them go. Eternal life is found only in a personal relationship with Jesus. Eternal death is for those who reject that relationship.
If your future includes passing through the valley of the shadow of death - don’t worry about it - it is just an irritation. Focus instead on the Giver of Eternal Life. Jesus will take us though the valley and we will fear no evil from the shadows.
If your future includes the reality of eternal death - it’s not to late! Death was never intended for you. You were created to be in a personal relationship with Jesus - you were created for eternal life. If you are not in that personal relationship I urge you to call either Fresno First Baptist Church at (559) BAP-TIST (ask to speak to one of the pastors) or the Billy Graham Evangelical phone line of 1 (800) need-Him or contact me at valerie@fresnofirst.org. Don’t put this important call off until tomorrow. Tomorrow may never come - and death is not only real - it is forever.
Father God, I lift before You all those who will read this devotional. I pray that You will stir the souls of any who are not in a personal relationship with You. Speak to them of their need for You, urge them to not put off this eternal decision until tomorrow. Father, put someone in their path who will be able to guide them to You. For those of us who have a secure relationship with You, help us to keep our focus on You - and not on an irritating shadow that cannot harm us.
Contact Valerie at valerie@fresnofirst.org
E-Praise & Prayers - July 20, 2004
Prayer is a condition of the mind, an attitude of the heart, which God recognizes as prayer,
whether it manifests itself in quiet thinking, in sighing, or in audible words.
O. Hallesby
Have you ever been in a situation where all you can do is shrug your shoulders and wonder how Father is going to turn this one to good? I am in that situation right now. Last Friday (7/16) my computer had a meltdown and I had to have the hard disk reformatted. Although I still have all my devotionals - I did lose the 80 + e-mail addresses for the e-Ministry that came from my home. I was really upset at first - but now I am in the shrugging the shoulders and saying to Father, “It is going to be interesting to see how THIS is used to good!” stage. Luckily I have a long history with Him doing exactly that - turning what I see as a disaster into good - and so although I do not see the good right now - the day is coming when I will see it. I praise Father tonight that He has the big picture of my life and that regardless of my little disasters - my eternity is secure within Him. (If someone mentions to you that they are no longer receiving the e-Ministry - have them e-mail me with their e-ddress.)
What a joy it was to be in services on Sonday and hear that Rev Glen & May Knight are celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary. They have been married longer than I have been alive! In this day of throw-away marriages - praise God for the testimony of strength, commitment and faithfulness of this couple.
At our quarterly business meeting this past Sonday we were more than triple blessed! The first blessing was sharing a meal of Mitzi’s enchiladas together. The second was getting to hear of the new additions to our church family and all the kingdom activities we are involved in. The third blessing was getting to honor Char Cole for her service to us. Char works as a nurse up at Camp Sugarpine. In lieu of wages, Char works so that children can receive a scholarships to attend Camp Sugarpine. I was watching Char as the award was given and she was so surprised! But isn’t that the way it usually is? Those who deserve recognition the most are often the most surprised when it is given to them. Thank-you, Char, for your warm, loving, generous heart.
It is with sadness that I report to you that Don Kramer (Geri Kinnish’s grandson) was taken off of life support this past weekend - and has passed into eternity. Please keep the family in prayer as they grieve the loss of this young life.
I am also saddened to pass on this update about Kyle Speer from Robert Kammer: “Friends and Family,
I have bad news. The doctor told us on Friday(7-9-04) that there is nothing more they can do for Kyle and we brought him home that evening. On the good side, he felt well enough to enjoy a SD Padres' game and a visit to Disneyland this weekend. We are planning a trip to Northern California later this week. It is an extremely difficult time and we sure appreciate your prayers.” Please pray for this child and his family.
Walt Hemphill continues to improve - please continue to pray for him.
Please continue to pray for Ruth Rush as she recovers from knee replacement surgery, Emmy Lou Graves as she recovers from pink eye, Lillian Seward as she recovers from her gallstone surgery, and Ray Rahn Jr, who is undergoing dialyses treatments.
Judi Wright’s mother continues to decline with her Alzheimer’s disease. Judi has had to step back from her choir involvement as she cares for her mother. Judi has a heart so big that it makes Texas look like Rhode Island and so I know that this is a difficult time for her. Please lift Judi and her mom high before our Father.
Please continue to pray for the Lois and Dan Hansen and his job situation; Joanne as she makes life decisions; Kelli Hasting’s father, Chuck Johnson, and his cancer, Annie Dennis’ father, John Rogers, with his cancer and need for a personal relationship with Jesus, Cheryl Baldera and her cancer, Mandy and her cancer, Khamla as she undergoes chemo for her cancer, Rick, Leslie & Kayla as Rick continues his chemo treatments, Chantel & her surgery, Robert Kammer and his sleep apnea and Brent with his film. Please let me know if you have an updates on any of these situations.
Please continue to hold up those who serve Jesus in lands far from home - our beloved missionaries. Dr. Iris Paul, from Reaching Hand Society in India leaves Canada today for Boston on her speaking tour. Please pray for her safety and continued health. Pray for the Reaching Hand Society as they continue to minister in India. Pray for Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos and Dr. George Pe Myat in the Congo.
Please pray for our church fellowship, our pastors and leaders in the Church. One of the joys of my life is singing in our choir. I don’t sing in it because I have a talented voice - far from it. I sing because the music that our choir director chooses gives me an outlet to express my love for God. Joy Nolte, our choir director, leads the choir with enthusiasm and commitment and her example ensures that when the choir sings - we worship - not perform. Let’s lift Joy up in prayer this week, that Father continues to bless her as she blesses us with her talent..
Please pray for our country, our leaders and our military.
LORD God,
You are our Rock and sure Foundation. The trials and tribulations that this world slings at us may cause us to be shaken but You are never shaken - You are never moved. Because of Your faithfulness to us we are secure in eternity.
Abba, we praise You and thank You for the testimony of You that is given by your people in so many different ways. We thank You for Glen & May Knight and the commitment they made and have honored for 67 years. We thank You for the loving generosity of Char Cole as she works to make sure that children can go camping at Sugarpine. We ask that You bless these wonderful people.
Comforter, we grieve with Geri and her family at this time of loss. We ask that You comfort the family as they mourn the loss of this young man.
King of kings & LORD of Lords, we pray for your mercy on Kyle Speer and his family. We acknowledge and praise You for Your sovereignty in Kyle’s situation. Pour Your blessings on them at this time, reassure them so that they know that You are still with them.
We continue to lift up Walt Hemphill, Ruth Rush, Emmy Lou Graves, Lillian Seward and Ray Rahn Jr as they recover from their health problems and we ask Father, that You continue to hold them close in Your loving hands.
Great Shepherd, You lead us to green pastures and still waters - You give us rest - we ask that Your guidance be with Judi as she cares for her mom. Help her to find rest for her spirit and for her body. Help us to support and love Judi during this time.
Abba, we lift up Dan & Lois Hansen, Joanne, Chuck Johnson, John Rogers, Cheryl Baldera, Mandy, Khamla, Rick, Leslie, Kayla, Chantel, Robert Kammer and Brent. Bless each of these situations and bring comfort to those who are involved.
God Almighty, Ruler of Heaven and Earth, we pray for our missionaries that take Your good news to all the corners of the earth. We ask Your protection on Dr. Iris as she continues her speaking tour. We pray for The Reaching Hand Society, Jan & Larry Martin, Bounkham & Khamla and Dr. George Pe Myat and ask that You provide all of their physical and spiritual needs.
Holy Spirit, we ask that You fill our pastors and leaders with Your wisdom as they seek to do Your will. Guide them and protect them in all that they do. Give them a renewed spirit and a fresh vision of the Kingdom. We thank You for them. Jehovah Jireh, we ask that You provide for the needs of the Church - bless her financially as we seek to bring Your message to the world. With grateful hearts we lift up Joy and her ministry of music. LORD God, touch her life in a new way, fill her with the joy of worshiping You through music. Help all of us to support and love her.
God of the angel armies, we ask Your blessing be poured out on our country. Use us as witnesses of Your love and mercy and as tools to bring America back to You. Holy Spirit guide our leaders from the President to the school boards in the way that You would have this nation go. Pour Your wisdom upon them. LORD Jesus, protect those who serve our country in the military, grant them mercy and grace. Bring them home to their families.
LORD of All, we willingly bow before You and acknowledge that You are our all in all. You are our Joy, our Peace, our Life. When we breathe Your name, we smile. When we think of You, we smile. We dance within the waves of Your love for us. We rejoice knowing that as tightly as we are holding on to You - You are holding even more tightly to us. We love You, LORD. Amen
GFA Missions Update, July 14, 2004
http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.173.24117.1.1582885
The Book He Could Not Burn
He kicked them out and planned to burn their belongings. But a book caught his eye. What he read changed his life. This is K.P. Yohannan with Breaking News from Asia.
Two native missionaries were working in Orissa, India. This is a difficult area for the Gospel. Radical anti-Christians have been known to kill missionaries like Graham Staines and his children. The two Gospel for Asia missionaries were forced to leave town. When their
landlord found tracts and Bibles in their room, he planned to burn them. But an amazing thing happened. He heard a voice say, "These are no ordinary books." Being a superstitious man, he decided to sit down and read!
He started with a New Testament. He couldn't put it down. The words pierced his soul, and he gave his life to Jesus. Gathering up everything left behind by the missionaries, he began to distribute them himself! After awhile, the landlord met another missionary. This time he was excited to welcome him to his village. He even helped the missionary visit door-to-door and pass out Gospel tracts. And today there is a group believers in that village. They joyfully study the Book
he could not burn.
HE IS WITH US
Valerie Rae Hanneman
July 16, 2004
Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, "God with us."” (NIV)
Early in his political campaign a certain candidate that I admired and supported made a stop here in Fresno. When I heard about it I was just about as excited as excited could be. I called the local political headquarters to confirm when and where he would be and I made plans to be there. I even asked for time off at work because I wanted to be there early enough to get a good seat. Finally the day came when he was going to be there. Early that afternoon it started a light rain -but that was not enough to deter me! I went home - made sure that my clothes were clean, my hair was done, and my make-up in place. As I drove to the private hanger over at the Fresno Airport where this candidate was making his appearance it really started to rain. And I mean it REALLY started to rain. Because this private hanger was meant to house airplanes and not crowds of people - the parking was atrocious - even though I was well over an hour early. I ended up slogging quite a distance through the rain & mud to get there. When I got to the hanger not only was it already half full - there wasn’t any seating! Knowing that I was going to be standing in a crowd for over an hour before he even arrived did not deter me. I wanted to be there with him that night. I wanted to know what he was like past the sound bites on TV. I wanted to see for myself if he was what he seemed to be in the newspaper articles. So I stood there in an ever growing, shoulder-to-shoulder crowd. About 15 minutes after he was supposed to be there the announcement came. The rainy weather had delayed his plane - it would be at least another ½ hour. We all waited - I did not see anybody leave because if the delay. The rain continued to pound outside and little streams of water started coming across the cement floor of the hanger. One of those streams came right between my feet - and as it got wider I stood with my feet further and further apart. An hour and a half later when the candidate finally arrived, I was standing with my feet almost two feet apart. When he walked into the hanger, excitement - like an electric current - flashed through the room. The band played, confetti, flags and balloons filled the air as we screamed, cheered, and jumped up and down. (Well - I didn’t jump up and down - I had that river of water thing going on - but I was on my tippee-toes!) He was accorded all the honor and respect due to the political royalty he is.
And isn’t that the way that we treat our royalty? Regardless if they are political royalty, sports royalty, movie screen royalty or rich guy royalty? When we are going to be with them we dress our best, we go to great lengths to reach them, we undergo all manner of hardships just to see them. To just - for one shining space of time - be with them.
There was another time when Royalty was among us. And He is the super-nova of royalty. Things were different though when He came. When He came there wasn’t a flash of excitement through out the earth. There were no bands, confetti, flags or balloons. All of mankind did not cheer or jump up and down as He arrived. That is because He did not come for us to be with Him. Jesus came to be with us. The focus was not on Him - His focus was on us.
When I wanted to be with the political candidate I took off work early, I slogged through the rain and stood for hours, while straddling a small river. I put up with a lot to be there with him that night. After he left I made a commitment that I had not made since McGovern was campaigning. I committed my time - part of my life - to a political campaign. I made this unusual commitment because I believe in this candidate and wanted him to be elected to the position he was campaigning for.
When Jesus was born in that dirtwater stable, He sacrificed an existence we cannot even begin to imagine - just so He could be Immanuel - God with us. He willingly traded the perfection of being the Holy One for a frail, imperfect human body. He willingly left behind the glory and adoration of all of Heaven for the obscurity of being a carpenter’s step-son in a little tiny village. He suffered through the temptations and trials that we go through so that He could know first hand what it was like to be human. He put up with a lot - just to be with us. Then He made a commitment so extraordinary that it can never be matched. He committed His life to us by dying for our sin and in our place. He made this astounding and unusual commitment because He believes in us, He loves us beyond all reason, and He wants us to be with Him forever.
That is not what is expected out of our “royalty” is it? Our royalty demands the best - Jesus chose the least. Our royalty wants the spotlight - Jesus chose obscurity. Our royalty demands that we come to them. Jesus came to us. Our royalty expects us to serve their needs. Jesus came to serve our needs. And our greatest need is for Him.
Jesus is not what we expect out of royalty - but that is what makes Him so unique. He deserved all the accolades accorded to royalty - but He chose to be with us. He chose that because that is how very much He loves us. He chose us over the glory of heaven - He chose us over the glory of earth - He chose us over His very own life.
Now He invites us to come to Him - to be with Him.
There is a day when Jesus will return to earth and He will be treated like the absolute royalty He is. Those of us who - throughout earth’s history - chose to be with Him will be with Him on that day. Best of all - we will be with Him forever. There is no greater joy.
Contact Valerie at valerie@fresnofirst.org
e-Praise & Prayers - July 13, 2004
God shapes the world by prayer. Prayers are deathless.
The lips that uttered them may be closed in death, the heart that felt them may have ceased to beat
but the prayers live before God, and God’s heart is set on them.
Prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them;
outlive a generation, outlive an age, outlive a world.
E.M. Bounds
I praise Father tonight for the extraordinary people that He allows me to meet and to influence my life. This weekend I had the honor of meeting a young seventh-grade girl and her family. This precious child has a rare disease that - barring a miracle from God - is terminal. My heart broke and I could barely hold back my tears as the mother told of what her daughter had already gone through and what was still waiting for her. And yet, the mother also spoke of their faith in God and His mercy. They praised Him for things we take for granted. I am awed and humbled by the faith and strength of this family. Because I was busy falling in love with this girl & her family, I didn’t think to tell them about the e-prayer ministry - so I don’t have this family’s permission to give you their names - or any other details. But God knows the details much better than any of us could anyway. Please pray for this little girl. She is so sweet and loving. Pray for the family as they walk this difficult path. And as you pray - praise God for the strength and courage of His children.
I spoke to both Donna and Ray Hemphill this past Sonday and they are both just glowing at how well Walter is responding to his changed medications. Praise God for His loving-kindness!
I have a friend from work who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. She is preferring to keep it confidential for now - but I would appreciate prayer for her.
Ruth Rush, our beloved prayer warrior, underwent knee replacement surgery on June 29th. I spoke to her husband on Sonday and she is recovering well.
Emmy Lou Graves, one of the brightest and happiest people I know, is in isolation over at San Joaquin Gardens because of pink eye. I talked to her last Saturday - she is getting better- and is anxious to get back to church. We’re anxious to see you too, Emmy.
Please pray for Don Kramer, Geri Kinnish’s 17 yr old grandson. He broke his neck in a diving accident at Kings River - and may be paralyzed.
Lillian Seward recently underwent a “no-incision” operation to remove a gallstone. (I wonder how they do that?) Please pray for quick recovery for Lillian.
Ray Rahn, Jr is undergoing dialysis treatments. Ray is Doris’s son and Ilene Luna’s brother. Please pray that Father will have His way in Ray’s life.
Please continue to pray for Dan and Lois Hansen. After 32 years -Dan’s job will close at Vendo - probably next spring. When I started at FFBC Lois Hansen was one of my first teachers in day-by-day faith. Dan was very ill - it seemed like it was a touch & go situation with him as to whether he would ever get well. I was really new to the church - I didn’t know Lois from Adam. But every week in our Sonday class she would give an update on Dan. Although you could see and hear her worry, you could also see and hear a quiet confidence and solid faith in the goodness of God. I watched her every week - waiting for her to fall apart - but she never did. Her actions taught me the reality of faith..
Please continue to pray for 8 year old Kyle Speer. I have not gotten an update from Bobby on Kyle - but when I do I will pass it on.
Please continue to pray that God will guide and influence Joanne as she is making decisions that will effect her whole life.
Please continue to keep Connie & her baby, Kris Baiz, Judi Wright and her mother in prayer. Please continue to pray for Chuck Johnson and his ongoing battle with cancer. Kelli Hastings was in services on Sonday - but I didn’t get a chance to ask her how Chuck (her father) was doing. I still haven’t heard from Crystal Snow - please pray that she will contact me. Pray for the staff up at Sugarpine that they will continue to represent Jesus to these young children. Remember Annie Dennis’ father, John Rogers and his battle with cancer and his need of a personal relationship with Jesus, Cheryl Baledra and her cancer, Mandy and her cancer, Chantel and her upcoming surgery. I saw Khamla at the Friday night movie - but I didn’t get a chance to talk to her. Despite the obvious effects that the chemo has had on her, she looked great! Please continue to pray for her full recovery. Please pray for Biana’s nephew Brent and the film he is working on, Robert Kammer & his sleep apnea, Rick, Leslie & Kayla, as Rick continues his chemo treatments. If you know of any updates on these situations - please let me know about them.
I sent out an update from the Martin’s in Thailand earlier this week. For those of us who didn’t have a clue as to what a weir is - I went to www.askjeeves.com and found out that it is a low dam built across a stream. I got a quick note from Remo at Reaching Hand Society. I am sure he is really busy while his mom, Dr. Iris, is here in the USA. Continue to pray for Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos and the volunteers who have taken up the work as Khamla recovers from her cancer. Continue to pray for Dr. George Pe Myat Win in the Congo.
Please continue to pray for our pastors. How blessed we are of God that He has put them into place at all of our churches. Pray for the leadership and the finances of our church. We have a crew of men who come to our campus every Tuesday and take a list of all the things that need to be repaired or replaced - and then spend the day repairing and replacing. I am sure that their ministry has an official name - but I just call them our “Fix-er-up-er Guys”. They are absolutely extraordinary! Let’s spend a little extra time in prayer and thanksgiving for them.
Please pray for our country, our leaders and our military.
Holy One,
You are the LORD our God. You teach us what is best for us, You direct us in the way we should go. With awed hearts we thank You for Your provision and care of us.
Great Healer, we praise You and thank You for the courage and strength of Your children - particularly for this young girl and her family. LORD, hold her close to Your mighty heart, bring her and her family comfort and peace during this time.
Great is Your name, LORD God, and greatly to be praised! Thank You for all that You are doing for Walter Hemphill! Please continue to restore his health.
LORD, I lift up my friend and ask that You grant her peace as she struggles to come to grips with this bad news on her health.
God of Comfort, we thank You for the life-testimony of these great women, Ruth, Emmy and Lillian. We ask that You continue to heal their bodies and bring them back to services quickly.
We pray for Don Kramer that You will bless this situation and that Don will recover both mentally & physically.
We ask Your blessings on Ray Rahn, Jr. as he undergoes these treatments, and we ask that his spiritual needs be met.
Provider, we ask that You rain down Your love on Dan & Lois as they face the ending of Dan’s job. We thank You for the example of faith that they are. We know that You will provide for them.
Everlasting Father, we ask Your mercy on Kyle and his family as Kyle fights the leukemia.
Holy Guide, we call out for Joanne, that You show her the way that You would have her go as she makes these decisions.
Father God, we lift up all of the names that we are continuing to pray for and ask that You continue to bless and guide each situation.
Good Shepard, we ask Your continued blessings on our missionaries wherever they may be in this world. We pray that Your protection surround Reaching Hand Society, Jan & Larry Martin, Bounkham, Khamla and all of their volunteers, and Dr. George Pe Myat Win.
Redeemer and LORD of all mankind, we pray for a special blessing on the pastors of Your churches. Give them the strength to fly like eagles. We pray for the lay-leadership that You will bless them and provide for their needs. Father, we ask that You take the resources of our churches and multiply them like the loaves and fishes so that Your work may be accomplished. We pray for the fix-er-up-er guys and praise You for their servant hearts that are so like Yours. Their service is truly a service of love for You and for the Church.
God of Wonders, the USA has changed so much in these years - and too much of it has been change away from You. Use us - Your children - to bring our country back on her knees to You. Bless our leaders both great and small for their service to our country. Guide them in the decisions that You would have made. Bless and protect our military all over the earth as they protect us.
You are the Alpha and Omega of time - You are eternity. We worship You with wide open hearts of love. Amen.
A man went to a barber shop to have his hair cut as always. He started to have a good conversation with the barber who was cutting his hair. They talked about so many things and various subjects. Suddenly, they touched the subject of God.
The barber said, "Look man, I don't believe that God exists!"
"Why do you say that?" asked the man. "Well, it's so easy, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God does not exist. Tell me, if God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children. If God existed, there would be no suffering nor pain. I can't think of loving a God who permits all of these things."
The man thought for the moment, but he didn't want to respond so as to cause an argument.
The barber finished his job and the man went out of the shop. Just after he left the barber shop he saw a man in the street with long hair and beard and (it seemed that it had been a long time since he had his hair cut and he looked so untidy).
Then the first man again entered the barber shop and he said to the barber:
"You know what? Barbers do not exist!"
"How can you say they don't exist?" asked the barber. I am here and I am a barber."
"No!" the man exclaimed. "You don't exist because if you did there would be no people with long hair and beard like that man who walks the streets."
"But, I do exist, and that is what happens when people do not come to me."
"Exactly!" - affirmed the man. "That's the point. God does exist, and see what happens when so many people don't go to Him and do not look for Him? That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."
CHERISH IS THE WORD I USE TO DESCRIBE....
Valerie Rae Hanneman
July 9, 2004
Psalm 66:18 “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;” (NIV)
My mom and I share a house. I don’t live with her and she doesn’t live with me - we live together. I know - it seems like splitting hairs - but it is an important distinction to us. The distinction recognizes that neither of us is dependent on the other, but by combining resources we are both able to live better. We have shared the house for 11 years this month. 99% of the time - everything is great between us - but there is that 1% time. Recently we went through a 1% time. It wasn’t pretty. There was already a tension in the house when my mother made a comment to me that was not well thought out on her part. The comment insulted me, hurt my feelings and really made me angry. So angry that I threw a temper tantrum (adult version - no rolling on the floor holding my breath till I was blue in the face!) In a self-righteous huff I retreated to my bedroom and refused to speak to my mother. That night I encountered a big problem. I could not connect to my center - I could not connect to Father. Every time I tried to focus on Father - my anger would overwhelm me again. I tried and I tried. But I knew He wasn’t listening to me. Finally I mumbled an empty prayer that even I knew only made it as far as the ceiling because the ceiling fan pushed it up there. I didn’t sleep much that night.
On Sonday morning I sought out Samee Myers. I am the Christian woman that I am largely due to Samee. She has taught me - often by not saying a word - about being a woman after Christ’s own heart. I am absolutely confident of Samee’s love and support of me so I turned to her for advice on how to re-connect with God. I knew that she had the right answer. Only she let me down! Can you believe it? She wanted me to talk the situation out with my mother. She told me that my mom had not meant to hurt my feelings or make me angry. And worst of all - she insinuated that my problem connecting with Father was directly connected to my unresolved anger! I wanted her sympathy and for her to tell me that I was right! I didn’t hear from her what I wanted to hear - so I chose to hear nothing at all. I nurtured my anger for that whole day - and once again failed to connect with Father. And once again failed to sleep.
It was a good thing that I didn’t have to work the next day. Otherwise I would have had to call in sick. Oh, I wasn’t sick sick. I was just feeling yucky. Finally that afternoon I heard what Samee had told me and I talked with my mother about the situation we were in. And (of course) Samee had been right. The relationship between my mother and myself was restored to normal. Physically, I immediately started to feel better.
I lost my connection with Father during that period because I chose my anger over Him. I cherished my sin in my heart instead of cherishing Father. I can be such an idiot! What did I get in return for cherishing my sin? I got two days of sulking in my bedroom, I got two days of making everybody in our house miserable, I got two days of making my mother “pay” for what she didn’t do. Worst of all, I got two days of knowing that I was outside of Father’s will and that He was not listening to me. And believe me - I knew that the breakdown in communication was my choice - not Father’s.
Why did I do that? Why do we all do that? We cherish a sin in our heart even as we are aware that it is the cause for the broken communication between us and Father. Some of our cherished sin is long-term, oft repeated sin like gossip. It is habitual sin that bring us to our knees time after time asking forgiveness. Some of our cherished sin short-term, occasional sin - like my anger - that goes contrary to our normal nature - but still lands us on our knees. Whether it is long-term, oft repeated or short-term and occasional it is still sin. And because we hold it close to our hearts and are unwilling to acknowledge that it is wrong - it is cherished sin.
Imagine that you are out to dinner with the person you love most in this world and you want to talk about the joy of your relationship. But all they can talk about is the person they would rather be with than be with you. Whew - talk about killing a conversation!
God wanted to be with me but I wanted to cherish my sin. I wanted to make my sin more important than my relationship with Father. I can’t blame Him for stepping back from me. I would have done the same thing.
There came a time when I had to make a decision about my cherished sin. I had to decide if the price I was paying in my soul, in my spirit, and in my body was worth it. Do I think that God made me sick? No, I don’t. The stress of maintaining my anger at my mom, the stress of knowing I was wrong - and most of all - the stress at the distance between Father and I was wearing my body down. I chose to make myself sick.
I decided that the price I was paying wasn’t worth the cherished sin. I wanted my relationship back with Father, and I wanted my relationship with my mother back. Finally, I listened to the words of wisdom that Samee had for me. And I broke the hold that the cherished sin held on me. I went to Father first - and then my mother. That night I once again reveled in the strong connection to my center - to God. I truly do cherish Him above all else - despite my lapses into the stupidity of cherished sin. That night I slept in peace.
Cherished sin comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and excuses. But all of it has the same effect. It puts distance in our relationship with Father - and it is not worth it.
Father, search our hearts. Show us the cherished sin that stands between You and us. Help us to destroy it out of our lives. You are our Lifesource - You are what we cherish above all else.
Contact Valerie at valerie@fresnofirst.org
Larry and Jan Martin, International Ministries Ban Luang, Thailand July 2004
Dear Partners in the Gospel:
It looks like we may have missed a month in our prayer letters. Thank you for the expressions of encouragement and sympathy that many of you sent after my Father’s death. It was a good time remembering my dad and his life and Christian commitment during our short time in California. Thank you for praying for us.
We say that our primary work is in Evangelism and church Planting but occasionally other opportunities present themselves. Recently we have been into development work. A team of young people that came on a mission trip brought some money with them and asked to do a physical project in the area. The government has local committees that oversee the spending of government money for development in rural areas. We talked to the head of this committee and from several projects that he suggested we chose building weirs. With the money the group was bringing he thought there was enough for 2 weirs.
We helped in the planning and when the team came they also helped in the mixing and pouring of cement as it was all done by hand. We actually worked on 3 weirs while they were here. When they were done we looked at the funds and discovered that there was enough money for another 3 weirs to be built. Why? Because, unlike the government funded projects, the local people provided all of the labor free as the projects were helping them directly. Also there was no main contractor who needed to make a profit and no skimming off of money by any officials.
We were happy at the way that God multiplied this money beyond the expectations of us, the locals or the church that provided it. We are excited about the number of families that have been helped to provide for their families through these projects. We have also been excited about the new segment of the community that we have starting relating to as a result of these projects.
Right now our neighbors are involved in planting both rice and corn. Rice to eat and corn as a cash crop. We have been able to help in both and this makes the weirs especially meaningful as we experience where the water will be going. God has provided for us with his bounty and we are happy about the way that God’s family helps in that.
We also had a chance to worship with the church in Payamengrai, where we were last term, and were happy with the reports of new families committing to a relationship with Jesus Christ and new baptism classes.
Prayer Points
· Pray for the families here that they will continue to work together for their communities.
· Please pray for the church in Payamengrai as they continue to reach out to their community.
· Pray for us as we look to these new relationships for new ways to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
e-Praise & Prayers - July 6, 2004
“Prayer is not an exercise, it is the life.” O. Chambers
“In Him we live, and move, and have our being. Acts 17:28
Tonight I am praising Father God for a NEW & IMPROVED e-Ministry! For the past several weeks Brad Roltgen has worked very hard to develop a “blog” for the e-Ministry that would be tied into the FFBC web page. A blog is a web-diary. It holds all of the stuff that is sent out on the e-Ministry. After getting it initially set up, Brad took on the sizable challenge of training me on it over the e-mail! The e-Ministry blog is now connected to the FFBC web page - and I invite you all to go and check it out. It is not completed yet - Brad is going to do some more work on it - but the basics are there. Check it out at www.fresnofirst.org.
I have a great praise report! Walt Hemphill is making steady improvement and may not need the heart operation at all! Apparently part of his problem was caused by having too many meds - the doctors have adjusted his meds and Walt is doing better than he has for a long time. Father God - hear the grateful praise of Your children. Thank You for Your mercy on Walt!
Connie and her baby are doing great! The pregnancy is progressing normally now and there hasn’t been a reoccurrence of bleeding. Connie’s biggest problem now is that she can’t get her shoes on. Connie is not a believer, yet, but she is curious. Please pray that she will find Jesus.
Kris Baiz has returned to work on a limited schedule. Kris is an amazing, wonderful story. When she first started at CCLS she became friends with Yolanda Morales (remember Yolanda?) But she always brushed off any discussion of “that religious stuff” She wasn’t rude or anything - she simply wasn’t interested. Yolanda continued to live a Christian lifestyle in front of Kris, and now Kris and Yolanda attend the same church and Kris is involved in ministry, reading her Bible, etc. I praise Father for Kris’ recovery and I praise Him for His children - like Yolanda - who live Christ-centered lives.
I received an e-mail from Lois Hansen requesting prayer for their family. Dan has been working for Vendo for 32 years - and now Vendo’s new owners have decided to move to Texas. Dan may be in his position for awhile longer - but his job will be ending before March of 2005. It is a stressful time for the family as they face this upheaval. In her e-mail Lois ended with an absolute declaration of faith in God and His provision. That is just so awesome! Please keep Dan, Lois and the family in prayer.
Robert Kammer is requesting prayer for Kyle Speer. Kyle is the 8 year old son of Robert’s friend, Ron. Ron is a pastor. The following is the information on Kyle from the family: “Kyle came home this afternoon (6-28-04). We spoke with his doctor. He said there is no way Kyle got
into remission. They will test his bone marrow on July 8. There is very little chance that he will be
in remission. If the cancer is decreasing we may continue to use the experimental chemotherapy. If he is in remission they will go ahead with the bone marrow transplant. If his bone marrow is still packed with leukemic cells we'll give up probably.” Please pray for Kyle and his family.
Dennis & Marian Wajckus are requesting prayer for the daughter of their heart Joann. She is 21 and facing some difficult decisions. Please pray the Father guides her steps.
I am requesting prayer for my brother Scott. He recently lost his job and is out looking for another one. Unfortunately his age (50) and today’s job market is making it difficult for him. I would also request prayer that he enters into a personal relationship with God.
Please continue to keep Judi Wright and her mother in prayer. Judi’s mom’s Alzheimer is getting worse. Please continue to pray for Chuck Johnson and his ongoing battle with cancer, Crystal Snow and her drug addiction, the staff up at Sugarpine that they will continue to represent Jesus to these young children, Annie Dennis’ father, John Rogers and his battle with cancer and his need of a personal relationship with Jesus, Cheryl Baledra and her cancer, Mandy and her cancer, Chantel and her upcoming surgery, Khamala & her continued recovery, Brent and the film he is working on, Robert Kammer & his sleep apnea, Rick, Leslie & Kayla, as Rick continues his chemo treatments. If you know of any updates on these situations - please let me know about them.
Continue to pray for our missionaries, Reaching Hand Society in India, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, Bounkham & Khamla to Laos, and Dr. George Pe Myat Win in the Congo and all those who labor in the fields of harvest
Pray for our church family, our pastors, church leadership and finances. I received my “Life” magazine this week and spent an enjoyable time reading about all that is happening around our campus. Eileen Betts is in charge of getting “Life” out to us every month and I know that she and Faye Lowes put a great deal of effort into making it the excellent product that it is. Let’s spend a little extra time in prayer this week praising Father for these two wonderful women.
Today is President Bush’s birthday. Regardless of your political leanings - let’s hold up our President, or elected officials, and our military.
God Almighty,
“Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11) The is none like You, Father God. You and You Alone are worthy of our praise and our adoration. Gratefully & humbly we do praise and adore You.
LORD of All, we thank You for Your children like Brad who use their skills and talents unselfishly in Your service. We ask that You bless the blog and use it and all of the e-Ministry to bring the unbelievers to You and to build up Your children.
We praise You for the great news on Walt, Connie, and Kris. We ask that You continue to strengthen them. Father, we lift up Connie before You and ask that You touch her heart and bring her home to You.
Mighty God, we thank You for the testimony and strength of the Hansen’s as they face this upheaval in their lives. We ask that You bless them and strengthen them during this time. Lead Dan to a job where his Christian witness will be a blessing to those he will work with.
Refuge in the Times of Troubles, we lift up before You Kyle and his family. Abba, our hearts break to read of this little boy and the leukemia within him. We plead for him, Abba, that the cancer can be brought under control. Be the Strong Fortress for this family as they deal with Kyle’s disease. Give them peace in their hearts.
Wise Father, we ask that You guide Joann in the decisions she will be making. Father, at 21 she is still a child in many ways. Show her how You would have her go.
Father, we pray for Scott and his job situation. Father, You know all of the details of this situation and we ask that You first of all bring Scott into a personal relationship with You. Father, that is the answer that he really needs. Bring Scott to a job that will provide for him.
LORD God, we continue to lift up Judi Wright and her mother, Chuck Johnson, Crystal Snow, Camp Sugarpine, John Rogers, Cheryl Baledra, Mandy, Chantel, Khamla, Brent, Robert, Rick, Leslie and Kayla. We know that You know each of these situations and that Your relentless love is extended in each of them. We thank You for all that You will accomplish in and through these situations.
Father, Bless and provide for our beloved missionaries as they serve You faithfully around the world. We pray your abundance on Reaching Hand Society, Jan & Larry Martin, Bounkham & Khamla, and Dr. George Pe Myat Win.
You have blessed us so abundantly in the pastors and leadership that You have set in place in Your Church. Help us to bless them as they have blessed us. We pray for Your provision to be poured on Your Church and that her needs will be met. We praise You for Eileen and Faye and their creativity and hard work to produce “Life” each month. Father bless their lives as they so richly deserve. Help us to remember to thank them personally.
God of Wonders, we ask that You bless our President on his birthday and continue to bless him. Guide him and all of our country’s leaders in the decisions that they make. Father God, help them to make decisions that will bring our country back to you. We ask Your hand of protection surround all of those who serve in the military - who through their sacrifice - protect our freedom.
Guide us and strengthen us. Help us to be fully in the center of Your will.
We love You so much, Triune God. Our hope and our joy is knowing that we will be with You forever. Amen.
120 MPH OF POWER
Valerie Rae Hanneman
July 2, 2004
Judges 14:6 “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him (Samson) in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.” (NIV)
Luke 10:19 “I have given you the power to trample on snakes and scorpions and to defeat the power of your enemy Satan. Nothing can harm you.” (CEV)
When I was 23 I bought a bright yellow Pontiac Firebird. It’s rear end was raised and it had fat, oversized back tires. Even when it was sitting parked at the curb you could tell that this baby was fast, that it was built for speed. In my 30 plus years of driving I have gotten three speeding tickets - all three of them were in that car - and I deserved each one of them. One night, way after midnight, I took my Firebird out to the country - where there was a lot of empty road and not many houses. I floored the accelerator - just to see what my baby could do. 70-80-90-100 mph - that car easily leapt to the challenge! Finally at 120 mph on the speedometer I couldn’t tell anymore how fast I was going. (The car may have been going faster - but 120 was as far as the speedometer went.) I loved it! I loved it so much that after we turned around to go back home - I did it again. 120 plus miles per hour. The world outside my window at we sped by at 120 mph was so different from the 40 mph world.
That was the only time I drove my car that fast. As I look back on that time - I wonder - why didn’t I do it again? Don’t get me wrong - I am older now and I have a much better understanding of how foolish and dangerous it was to do that. As a mother, I would freak if my children did what I did. But at the time - I was still young enough to not realize how fragile the thread of life really is and how easily it is cut. Why didn’t I do it again? It wasn’t because I didn’t like going that fast - I loved it! I loved seeing the white dashes in the road as a solid white line - I loved the trees flashing by my window and I loved the feeling of power under my control. It wasn’t because my car wasn’t capable of doing it again - it was very capable of it. Maybe it was because the safest time to go that fast was after midnight - early enough in the morning to ensure the roads were empty - and I preferred to be in my bed asleep. Maybe it was because I had to go way past the city - into the rural roads - and I didn’t want to drive that far. Maybe I intended to do it again - but my life got filled up by other things and I just never got around to it. For whatever reasons I had I just never did it again. Although I did drive my little car fast enough to earn three speeding tickets - none of them were because I was going 120 mph.
My bright yellow Firebird was a source of power for me back in those days - even if I chose not to fully utilize the power it made available to me. These days I have another source of power in my life. This source of power makes that Firebird look like an ameba. My source of power is Father God. He has promised to bring His power into my life. In Acts 1:8 He says, “And you will receive power...” That power is Holy Spirit Who came to live within me when I accepted a personal relationship with God. It is amazing to think that the same power that created the universe is within me. Just as I did with my car - there are times that I really access the power that is available to me through Holy Spirit. Let me tell you - 120 mph in my car was nothing compared to 120 mph on Holy Spirit’s power. Solid white lines and flashing trees can not compete with being on the field at Bulldog stadium during the Billy Graham Crusade and feeling the power of Holy Spirit move as hundred’s of souls come to Him in repentance. I still get goose bumps when I think of that!
Samson knew about accessing God’s power. He was walking along the road when he was unexpectedly confronted by a lion. Suddenly the Spirit of the LORD came upon him and when Holy Spirit filled Samson he tore that lion to shreds. Now personally I am okay with it if I never have to confront a lion and tear it up with my bare hands - but that same power that Holy Spirit filled Samson with is available to me. That same power - and even more. In Luke 10:19 we are told that we have the power available to defeat our enemy satan’s power. Oh, yeah, baby! I like that!
There is nothing that I have ever experienced in my life that compares to going 120 mph on Holy Spirit’s power. I absolutely love it! I love the closeness I experience with God, I love the joy that is mine as I fully surrender to His power. I just flat out love it. In spite of how much I love it - I don’t access it very often. I wonder why that is? It certainly isn’t because Holy Spirit is not capable of filling me with that much power - He is absolutely capable of it.. Maybe it is because in order to access His power - I have to be available to Him. When you think of it - it really isn’t a matter of when I choose to access His power but it is really a matter of being available to Him to be used by Him. So maybe I don’t often feel 120 mph of Holy Spirit’s power because I choose not to be available to Him. Maybe it is because I might have to go out of my way in order to access that amazing power - Holy Spirit might ask me to do something that isn’t convenient for me - and I choose not to go out of my way. But the most likely reason is that I simply let my life get filled up with things that just get in the way of Holy Spirit flexing His power in me. My family, my job - and yes - my church activities all keep me pretty busy and although I intend to fully receive Holy Spirit’s power - I simply never get around to it.
Just as the world was different when I was flying through it at 120 mph rather than at 40 mph, my life is different when I am on 120 mph of Holy Spirit’s power than when I am at 40 mph. The closeness I feel with God when I am fully surrendered and fully filled with Him is something that is beyond what I can describe. My life when it is filled with Holy Spirt’s 40 mph power is okay - and the occasional bursts of additional power is okay. It is okay - if that is what I want to settle for. But what if I don’t want to settle for a safe, mundane 40 mph of power? What if I want to live the excitement of 120 mph of Holy Spirit power in my life? What do I have to do?
First of all - I have to be available to Holy Spirit - not just when it is convenient for me. Then I have to be willing to be used and filled by Holy Spirit - even if it means going out of my way. But most important of all - I have to reduce the clutter of my life that keeps me too busy and too weighted down to be able to be filled with 120 mph power. If my desire is to have a life filled with Holy Spirit’s power, if I make myself available to Him, if I am willing to do what needs to be done and if I make the time for Him, then Holy Spirit is going to fill me with His 120 mph power.
Holy Spirit, clearing the clutter of our lives is probably the hardest thing to do. I don’t want to be so busy that I miss the opportunity to be filled with Your power. Show me how to reduce the clutter, to be more available, and be more willing to sacrifice my comfort for Your power in my life. I want for my life to be all about You.
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GFA Missions Update, June 30, 2004
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A Holy Man Finds the Truth
This is K.P. Yohannan with Breaking News from Asia
The man in the saffron colored robe was a holy man, in search of spiritual truth. And his search led him somewhere he never expected.
Sewak Ram left his home and family, hoping to find peace for his soul. But after two years, he felt no closer to God. Then one day a lady passed by and asked him to follow her to a meeting with our God's people. He agreed. And as they walked, she shared her testimony of salvation through Jesus Christ. She once searched for truth herself. But none of their gods had the answers. He was very interested in her story. In fact, he had a Gospel tract someone gave him the day before. When asked what he thought of the tract, he acted like someone who just found his lost son. He bowed his head and lifted both hands to the sky. Then he touched the booklet to his forehead in devotion. "I am grateful for all the words in this booklet!" he cried. Then they walked into the church, and that very day, the holy man surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. And his search came to an end.
Note from Valerie: I love to get these little reports from Gospel for Asia in my e-mail. I get one every day. I particulary liked this one because there is something that Seawak Ram in Asia and Valerie Rae Hanneman in California have in common. We were both searching for something - him for peace for his soul - me for something that made sense in my life. For both of us - when we surrendered our lives to Jesus - our search came to an end. Thank You, Jesus, for always being what we are really searching for!