A mouse looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife
opening a package; what food might it contain? He was aghast to discover
that it was a mouse trap!Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed
the warning, "There is a mouse trap in the house, there is a mouse trap in
the house."
Chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can
tell you this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me;
I cannot be bothered by it."
The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mouse trap in the
house."
"I am so very sorry Mr. Mouse," sympathized the pig, "but there is nothing I
can do about it but pray; be assured that you are in my prayers."
The mouse turned to the cow, who replied, "Like wow, Mr. Mouse, a mouse
trap; am I in grave danger, Duh?"
So the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected to face the
farmer's mouse trap alone.
That very night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a
mouse trap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was
caught. In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous snake whose
tail the trap had caught.
The snake bit the farmer's wife.
The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever. Now
everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer
took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.
His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit with
her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.
The farmer's wife did not get well, in fact, she died, and so many people
came for her funeral the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide meat for
all of them to eat.
So the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think that it
does not concern you, remember that when the least of us is threatened, we
are all at risk.
Larry and Jan Martin
International Ministries, American Baptist Churches
Ban Luang, THAILAND
Dear Partners in Ministry
Someone is watching and it is not Big Brother. Last night as we were setting dinner out at a neighbor’s place we heard low voices saying “ceremony, ceremony” I wasn’t sure what that was about until we were all sitting on the floor, poised and ready to eat and our neighbor Lon said “do your ceremony” I realized she wanted us to pray. I prayed thanking God for both the food and our neighbors and asked Him to bless them. They then all made the appropriate “blessing received” gesture. We generally eat in what would be considered the carport and the neighbors had seen us praying and have been wondering.
This week has been our last week of teaching in the schools we go to. The children will be doing exams, and school will be out for the hot season, we are taking our annual holidays and this year visiting Jan’s parents in Australia. As we left the grade 6 classrooms for the last time we asked a blessing for them and the children raised their hands in the prayer position to receive the blessing.
We decided to take our holidays in March instead of April this year as we wanted to be here for Songkran, the worlds biggest water fight. Songkran is a lot of fun and an awful lot of water is thrown around. It is also, and more importantly, a time when families get together and blessings are given. We want to be here so we can ask The Most High God to bless our neighbors.
The last couple of months have been full We have been blest by many visitors who, have shared with us in ministry here. They have taught English, and shared with students. They have encouraged us and blessed us by their presence, prayers and gifts. We are grateful for them and the churches they represent.
Larry has been putting Bible verses in the ancient local language on a white board for people to read. His hope has been that it will stimulate some interest in the Scriptures. One man, Gold has been helping him with the more difficult words and pronunciation. As we are leaving this weekend, Gold has requested a copy of the gospel of Luke so he can read on his own.
The fellowship at Payameng Rai continues to be a blessing to us and when we were there recently we noted new people worshipping there as we were leaving the pastor invited us back in April for a baptismal service. He hopes that 5 people will be baptized at that time!!!
Even disasters provide opportunities for blessing. American Baptists have had the opportunity to be the channel of blessing as some missionaries have been down to the tsunami disaster area and have been able to be involved in helping affected families that had fallen through the cracks in the system.
In International Ministries we have been through a trying time financially and we have been under the shadow of missionary recalls for the last year. Praise God that we have just received word that no recalls are necessary this year.
We continue to thank God for you and your involvement in the ministry here, may you too feel blessed by the Most High God as you live out your lives for Him.
Love in Christ’s name,
Jan and Larry
Prayer Points.
Praise God for new Life in Him at Payameng Rai and pray that people here in Ban Luang will soon know the blessing of knowing Jesus.
Please pray that as Gold reads Luke, he will do so with an open heart and he will turn to God. What a blessing that would be!
Pray for our neighbors, asking that their interest would turn to a yearning for God in their own lives.
Pray for the folk who have the added responsibility of administering Aid funds in the tsunami area. Pray too that the people receiving the funds will realize that it is an expression of God’s love and care for them.
Praise God no missionary recalls are necessary but continue to pray for International Ministries’ financial situation.
Please pray for us as we travel, rest and spend time with Jan 's family in March and that we will be refreshed and ready to go when we return
Valerie Rae Hanneman
Exodus 33:17 “So the LORD told him, " I will do what you have asked, because I am your friend and I am pleased with you." (CEV)
There was a man who was walking down the beaches of Mexico when he tripped over an ornate bottle half hidden in the sand. He dug it out and - just for a lark - rubbed it. To his great surprise a genie popped out. “I have been in that bottle for 2,000 years,” the genie exclaimed, “I am in a hurry to see how things have changed - so you only get one wish.” The man thought for a moment and said, “I have always wanted to see Hawaii - but I am terrified of flying. I wish that you would build a road to Hawaii so I can drive to it.” “Are you crazy!” The genie shouted, “That is almost impossible! Do you have any idea of what I would have to do to accomplish that? Wish for something else!” “Okay,” the man agreed, “My wife says that I don’t understand her - so my wish is that I would understand my wife.” With a sigh, the genie responded, “Do you want two lanes or four lanes on that road?”
If you were suddenly given a wish by a genie what would you wish for? Riches? Health? True love? Power? Three more wishes?
Moses was in a situation very similar to this only he wasn’t with a make-believe genie, he was in the Presence of God, the God who had visited the plagues on Egypt and had parted the Red Sea.
Moses was talking to God in the Meeting tent just after the incident with the golden calf. God was so angry at the people that He told them to go to the Promised Land, but He wasn’t going with them. He said, “You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you!” Moses (that same guy who was to afraid to talk to Pharaoh) was arguing with God about it, telling God that if He didn’t go with them - there was no use of them going. When God agreed that He would go with Israel to the Promised Land, Exodus 33:13 records Moses’ two requests (or wishes?). It says, “If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so that I may know You and continue to find favor with You. Remember this nation is Your people.” This was when God agreed to do what Moses asked and said to Moses “Because I am your friend.”
Moses was then confident enough in his position with God that he made one more request - the most audacious request of all. What do you think Moses asked for? Did he ask for a chariot pulled by 4 horses because all this walking in the desert was killing his back & feet? Did he ask that his feet & back be restored? Did he ask to be made King of Israel? If I was Moses I think I would have said, “Listen God, these people are driving me crazy - all the time whining that we should have stayed in Egypt, complaining about the food, nagging about the water. I just don’t understand them! I spent 40 years with sheep - them I understand! Would You please turn these people into sheep so I can get them to the Promised Land without all this fuss and bother, then when I get them there - turn them back again.” No - Moses didn’t ask for any of that. Instead he made the most unbelievable request possible - something that nobody on this side of heaven had ever done. In verse 18 Moses said, “Now show me Your glory.” And God showed him as much of His glory as He could without His glory killing Moses.
The requests that Moses made of God reveals the desires of his heart. He wanted to know God more intimately and continue in God’s favor, he wanted God to remember His people, and he wanted to see God’s glory. His requests were all centered in his relationship with God. And God was so pleased with Moses’ requests that, not only did He grant them, but He said to Moses, “I am your friend.” He did not say, “You are my friend” which would indicate that the friendship was more from Moses to God, nor did He say, “We are friends” which would indicate that the friendship was equal. He said, “I am your friend” indicating that the friendship was more from Him to Moses.
When I asked you what you would wish for if a genie were to grant you a wish - what was your answer? And what did your wish revel about the desires of your heart? Was your wish centered on you - or centered on God. I asked a friend this question as I was preparing to write this devotional and they told me what they would ask the genie. After the first joking response, I got a second - more serious - response. When I told them about the theme of this devotional they said, “Well, I would have chosen something different if I had known it was God!” It made me wonder if that meant that had they known it was God they would have made a more “religiously correct” choice? But because it was a genie...........................
What do you wish for? And would your wish cause God to say, “I am your friend and I am pleased with you”?
LORD God, I want to be closer to You, I want to find favor in Your eyes. I want Your glory to shine in me and through me. I want You to call me Your friend and to be pleased with me. Show me Your ways.
Subscribe to the e-Ministry of Fresno First Baptist or contact Valerie at valerie@fresnofirst.org.
This will certainly make you stop and think. You never know what a kind word, a phone call, or an impromptu visit will do for someone else.
It was a cold winter's day that Sunday. The parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car that fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked to the church.
As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He was almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face. He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet with holes all over them, his toes stuck out. I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church.
We all gathered for fellowship for a few minutes, and someone brought up the man laying outside. People snickered and gossiped but no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me.
A few moments later church began..
We all waited for the Preacher to take his place and to give us the Word, when the doors to the church opened. In came the homeless man walking down the aisle with his head down.
People gasped and whispered and made faces. He made his way down the aisle and up onto the pulpit he took off his hat and coat. My heart sank. There stood our preacher...he was the "homeless man." No one said a word.. .
The preacher took his Bible and laid it on the stand. "Folks, I don't think I have to tell you what I am preaching about today." Then he started singing the words to this song: "If I can help somebody as I pass along. If I can cheer somebody with word or song. If I can show somebody that he's traveling wrong. Then my living shall not be in vain."
The soul who prays, who listens and gives heed to the Spirit’s prompting concerning prayer
will experience what a joy prayer is when he prays in harmony with the Spirit of Prayer
O. Hallesby
Bev Willis is praising God for the Beth Moore studies that she is involved in. She says - and I agree - that these are life-changing studies. We urge anybody who has not yet taken one of these studies to get involved in one.
Robert Kammer played his trumpet this past Sonday during first service - and weren’t we blessed by it?!? His sleep apnea is better and he is able to be more involved with the music in church.
We have a great praise! Kris Baiz was back at work today! She is looking & feeling great!
Kirt Hunt is also continuing to recover well. He is on a restricted diet.
For some time we prayed for Rick Owens, his lack of relationship with Jesus, and his cancer. During that time, Rick accepted Christ as his savior, and the cancer appeared to be in remission. I am sad to report to you that the cancer is back, and is growing in new areas. Please pray for this new believer.
Yesterday on the way to her school bus stop, Vanessa Garcia, one of our Care Fresno leadership team, was hit by a car. When her mom, Angie, called me to tell me about it Vanessa was in the hospital and they were running tests on her. Today I received an update on her - Vanessa suffered a 10" by 6" gash in her arm that required surgery and they were re-checking her pelvis area because her pain. The woman who hit Vanessa did not see her because her car windows were fogged up.
Lorraine Esparza is requesting prayer for her daughter & son-in-law, that they can find a church home and really give their lives over to Christ. Additionally they are having marital & financial problems, and Lorraine’s daughter is have health problems - but won’t go to the doctor.
Laura went into the hospital this week for her bone marrow transplant. The actual operation is around March 1st - but they have admitted her now so they can do tests and other doctor-type stuff to get her ready for her operation. Please pray for a successful operation for Laura.
We continue to pray for the following: Paula and her recovery from surgery & cancer, Connie & her double pneumonia and Valley fever, Chuck Johnson & chemo treatments, Ruth Howell & recovery from surgery, Stan Reed & continued recovery from bladder cancer, Judi Wright & her mom, Karl Noyes son, Briggs, with the hole in his heart, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, George & Margie Martin, 2 year old Patrick & the brain tumor, Yolanda & her back problems, 2 year old Brandon & his leukemia, Dan Hansen & his future job, John Rogers and cancer, Gabriel, Ruth Delgado’s nephew, recovering from wounds received in Iraq, Carola Poythress’s recovery from a stroke, Ray Rahn & kidney dialysis, Johnnie Sowell & her chemo. Please send me any updates you might have on these situations.
We have some great news out of India & The Reaching Hand Society. Remo Paul and Susan will be getting married this next December 18th! Please pray that Father blesses this soon-to-be formed family. Pray for our missionaries - The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer. Flipside’s next preview service is March 13th - check out their website at http://www.acts176.com/about.htm. Please pray for Karl & Shellie Roth with Flipside. Please pray for Horacio & Cheryl Aleman at the LIFE House in Reedley.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that Holy Spirit gives us plenty of opportunities to engage our world in His name.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Our LORD God Who provides for our needs,
In this ever-changing world we thank You and praise You because You are the unchanging One. The same yesterday, today and tomorrow - You are the firm foundation of our lives.
Abba, we thank You for the great news on Robert, Kris and Kirt. Thank-You for bringing them this far down the road of recovery - please continue to heal and restore them.
Great Healer, we lift before You Rick Owens and the reoccurrence of his cancer. We thank You, LORD Jesus, that Rick is in relationship with You and that regardless of what happens to him physically - his eternity is safe within Your glory.
LORD of All, We call out for Vanessa, that You will heal her completely. We ask that You comfort her and remove her pain. Let her feel Your presence.
Lorraine’s children need a church home, Holy Spirit. They need to become connected and surrendered to You. Spirit, work in their lives to resolve the marital, financial and health problems they are facing. Father, urge this young woman to seek the medical help she needs.
LORD God, Your power and healing has already been shown in Laura’s life and we ask that You continue to work in her as she undergoes this bone marrow transplant. Guide the hands of her doctors and bring peace to her.
We love You so much, Jesus. You are the Light that shines in the darkness - You are our LORD and Savior and we will follow anywhere that You lead.
Comforter, we lift before You all of the people who are on our list and ask that You continue to work in them.
LORD Jesus, we thank You for Remo and Susan and their commitment first to You and then to each other. Guide and protect them and all of our brothers and sisters at the Reaching Hand Society. We lift up our missionaries and ask, Jesus, that You guard them - put a stronghold of protection around them.
Continue to pour Yourself into the two new churches, Flipside and LIFEhouse. Bless those who lead and serve in these churches.
Father, we pray for our pastors - that You will keep discouragement and tiredness far from them. Let them see clearly how very much we love and support them. We pray for the lay-leaders of our churches, that You will grant them a fresh vision of what You will accomplish thorough their service. We pray for the ministries and the volunteers who staff them. Help to keep the focus of each ministry solely on You. Provide for the spiritual needs of Your Church.
We lift the USA before Your throne, Everlasting Father, and ask that You bless her. Guide the decisions of our elected representatives - that their decisions will bring glory to You. We pray for our military as they serve us and our country.
Father, help us be aware of the many opportunities we have to engage our world in Your name. Help us to reflect You in all that we do and help us to approach and be approachable to those who do not know You. Remind us that the fields are ready for harvest.
We love You, LORD. We long to be so lost in You that all else ceases to be important when compared to You. Light our lives with Your glory. We praise You today - we will praise You forever. Amen
Last week I sent out the update from Reaching Hand Society's Mr. Laban Soren.
Below please find the praise's and prayers that went with that update. Please pray for the people and situations listed. I was really excited to read praise point #2 under the Malkangiri field. My friend, Remo, is getting engaged! Congratulations Remo & Susan!
Valerie
Malkangiri field
Praise Points: -
1. Praise God for Sports materials could be purchased for Physically challenged school at Naikguda.
2. Praise God as Ragland Remo Paul has met his match. She is Susan and the engagement is scheduled for the 10th April 2004.
3. Praise God for Appa Rao's mouth ulcer healing.
Prayer Points: -
1. Pray for the Naxal lady prisoner's to accept Christ
2. Pray for Romesh Khosla to survey new village
3. Pray for FCRA application
4. Pray for Doctors and medical personal to join.
5. Pray for Johan Soren finger to heal soon.
6. Pray for David and Mary to accept Christ
7. Pray for Mr. Rajan Khora husband of Satya Jyoti Dongri case to be solved soon.
8. Pray for medical Van to be repaired soon
Rabaguda Center.
Praise Points: -
1. Praise God Rabaguda Raba Dule and Raba Mangi are able to read the bible
2. Praise God staff Niranjan Kuldip marriage on 2nd of February 2005 with Prabhati.
Prayer Points: -
1. Pray for the Dental work to start soon at Rabaguda.
2. Pray for Raba Ura of Rabaguda having sever back pain and has no relief after taking medicines for 15days
3. Pray for Madkami Bhima having wound in the leg
Mundiguda center
Praise Points.
1. Praise God for Sandhya wife of Somesh Rao safe delivery
2. Praise God for Immanuel son of Sopon Hembrom healing who gets sick often.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for Bondguda Kalia Kirsani to be cured from Tuberculosis
2. Pray for Mangran of Nuaguda having sever stomach pain
3. Pray for Kunmun son Dhorbo Khilo of Nuaguda suffering from anemia since long
4. Pray for Saita Hial sister of Evangelist Sukhdevo Hial suffering from Diabetes
Vizag center:
Prayer points:
1. Pray for Mr. Sunil Kumar, as he is our first donor at Visakhapatnam but who is addicted to smoking and drinking.
2. Pray for Mr. R. Vinod Kumar as he is still on the bed suffering with lever cirrhosis. Pray for financial help needed for his check ups at CMC Vellore.
3. Pray for Kiran's mother suffering from diabetes.
4. Pray for Kiran who is planning to start a cottage prayer this month. Pray that God must send his people to this cottage prayer this month at Vizag.
5. Pray that the financial support for RHS' ministry will come from Vizag.
Praise points: -
1. Praise God for Mr. Vinodh kumar who is recovering from his problem of lever cirrhosis.
2. Praise God who has guided us this month and kept us safe under his wings.
Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.
Valerie Rae Hanneman
Luke 5:4-5 “And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." (ESV)
In the same year that Fawn was finally finished being a teenager my son, Steven, started being a teenager. This experience has taught me two valuable things. First - I should have spaced my children differently. Instead of having them 5 years apart I should have had them closer together so I could get the whole “teenager” thing finished at once or I should have had them further apart so I could have some time to recuperate between the “teenager” thing. The other thing I learned is well known - parents of teenagers understand why some animals eat their young.
Fawn, Steven and all teenagers go through that “I am hip - I am cool - I know everything there is to know - but you, dear parent, are hopelessly out of date and you know nothing about the real world.” stage. And nothing shows that more clearly than when they roll their eyes at you. Man, I hate that! And when you have two teenagers and together they are rolling those eyes at you - you envy those animals! And doesn’t it seem like they roll their eyes the most when you are trying to tell them to do something? They get that glazed look on their faces while you are talking, then, when you are finished, they roll those eyes and say “wha-a-t-ever, mom.” It is enough to make me repeat, “I am not an animal, I am not an animal” To be honest though - I shouldn’t get all that upset at them - I did the same thing to my mom!
When we look into this scene from the Bible we see that Jesus has attracted such a crowd that they have literally crowded Him off of the shore of the lake and into Peter’s fishing boat. He has been teaching the people from the boat that had pulled a little away from the shore when He turns and tells Peter, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." Peter must have had a surprised look on his face- can’t you just imagine the thoughts going through his head? “Who is this guy to tell me to go and fish? - Not only is He from Nazareth - He is a carpenter, for heaven’s sake! What does He know about fishing? He doesn’t even know that you have to fish at night! I am the professional fisherman here - and He is trying to tell me how to fish? What’s up with that?” Obviously Jesus doesn’t understand fishing or He would know better than to make such a request, so Peter tries to explain. “Listen, Master, we’ve been fishing all night and haven’t caught anything.” When Jesus doesn’t say anything, can’t you just see Peter roll those eyes and with “whatever!” in his voice, said, “But at your word I will let down the nets.”
Peter took his boat to the deep water in what he thought was a fools errand - not seeing the twinkle of hidden laughter in God’s eyes as He sat across from him. They let the nets out and when they tried to pull them back in the catch of fish was so great that the boat started to sink. They called their partner’s boat over - and it also threatened to sink under the weight of the fish. Then Peter of the rolling eyes hit his knees before God and confessed that he was unworthy to be in Jesus’ presence.
Have you ever rolled your eyes at God when He tries to tell you something? Maybe not literally - but within yourself you do? You feel God’s urging for you to do something - only He wants you to do it His way - not yours? Or maybe He wants you to do something that is outside of your comfort zone and because it is “not really you” you roll your spiritual eyes and wonder if God knows for sure what He is asking of you?
I have - and unfortunately - it has been more than once. The biggest eye roll was when Father called me to the Care Fresno Kids Klub ministry. When Gary Molander was explaining Care Fresno from the pulpit and I heard Father’s voice urging me into it I was astounded. “Are You talking to me?” I asked, “You can’t be talking to me - I don’t even like kids - I barely tolerate my own!” So I tested Father. “Okay, I am going to do this and if that happens, I will know that You are talking to me.” Well, before I got half-way through the this - the that had happened and so I knew He was talking to me. Rather ungraciously, I rolled my eyes and agreed to do it. And in the nine years I have done this ministry God has given me miracle after miracle after miracle. First to change my heart and then to bless me. And you know what I have found out? I LOVE kids and I love this ministry. I can’t imagine what my life would be without it.
This is not the only time I rolled my eyes at God. When He called me to the e-Ministry I rolled my eyes. When He called me to the choir - I rolled my eyes so much I looked like a google-eye doll. But every time He has given me so much more than I could have imagined.
God does not always call the equipped, but He always equips the called. If God calls you to something that is outside of the normal for you, or He asks you to do something His way - rather than your way remember that His way is true and His call is right for you. And remember this as well - there is a boatload of fish waiting for you. Your boatload of fish may be the tears of joy you cry as a child that has been in Kids Klub is baptized, or it may be the e-mail you receive that says, “what you wrote was exactly what I needed today.” or it may be something else. Boatloads of fish come in every size and color so I don’t know what your boatload of fish is going to look like - I just know that it is waiting for you.
Trust Him. Answer His call. Take your boat into the deep water - and try not to roll your eyes while you’re doing it.
LORD God, I don’t want to roll my eyes at You. I want to trust You and Your guidance more than that. Help me when I doubt You and show me - once again - that Your way is the right way for me.
Contact Valerie or sign up for the Fresno First e-Ministry at valerie@fresnofirst.org
When prayer fails, the world prevails. E.M. Bounds
Care Fresno Kids Klub concluded their raffle this past Sonday. Not only was this a very successful event - it was a lot of fun for all involved! I loved watching the faces of those who won something! I got a particular kick out of Lydia Nolte who won the giant teddy bear collection! She was telling me that her mom wanted her to take a couple of the bears then donate the rest of them to Lydia’s Closet (our thrift store.) With a twinkle in her eye, Lydia told me that all the bears were going into Lydia’s closet - the one in HER ROOM! The other good news is that with the proceeds of the raffle we have another 20 Care Fresno kids funded for Marine World! I praise You Father for the generosity of Your people!
It has been a quiet week for receiving prayer requests - isn’t that great news!?! We do have the following updates:
Paula went to see her doctor this past Wednesday and he is very pleased with her progress. She continues to be housebound except for Wednesdays when her son can take her out to run errands. Her spirits remain high.
Connie was released from the hospital - but is unable to return to work. She was originally diagnoses with pneumonia - but that turned into double pneumonia and now she has been diagnosed with valley fever as well.
Lorna was at small group last night with her kids. She is doing great and recovering quickly!
We continue to pray for the following: Chuck Johnson & chemo treatments, Ruth Howell & recovery from surgery, Stan Reed & continued recovery from bladder cancer, Kris Baiz & her recovery from surgery, Judi Wright & her mom, Danett & her roommate, Karl Noyes baby boy with the hole in his heart, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, George & Margie Martin, Kirt Hunt and his continued recovery, 2 year old Patrick & the brain tumor, John Berg’s recovery from a heart attack, Laura and her bone marrow transplant next week, Robert & his recovery from sleep apnea, Yolanda & her back problems, Ramona McDonald’s anemia, 2 year old Brandon & his leukemia, Dan Hansen & his future job, John Rogers and cancer, Dan & Sandy Austin & their struggle with finances, Gabriel, Ruth Delgado’s nephew, recovering from wounds received in Iraq, Carola Poythress’s recovery from a stroke, Ray Rahn & kidney dialysis, Johnnie Sowell & her chemo, Lois Winters & her cancer. Please send me any updates you might have on these situations.
Pray for our missionaries - Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer. I received the GREATEST e-mail from my friend and sister-in Christ, Lynette. She told me that she had been talking to a friend who was just going on and on about this great new church in North Fresno - and the church she was talking about was Flipside! Isn’t that awesome to hear that the news of this new church is spreading!
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that Holy Spirit gives us plenty of opportunities to engage our world in His name.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Pray for the situations in Iran and North Korea with their possible nuclear bomb capabilities.
Light of the World,
We are jubilant to once again be in Your Presence. Our greatest joy is to be in these times of quiet communion with You. We rejoice in knowing that You are as eager to be with us as we are to be with You. We love You so much, LORD God. You are the reason we live.
LORD Jesus, we thank You for the good news on Paula & Lorna. We ask, Holy God, that You continue to bless them and heal them. Comfort them and strengthen them.
Great Healer, we cry out for Connie and ask, LORD, that You heal her body of the pneumonia and of the valley fever. Hold her close in the warmth of Your hand and in Your heart.
Father of Lights, we lift up the following names knowing that You know each and every situation and that Your perfect will is being done in each: Chuck Johnson, Ruth Howell, Stan Reed, Kris Baiz, Judi Wright, Danett & her roommate, Karl Noyes’ baby boy, Bobbie Ronsley, George & Margie Martin, Kirt Hunt, 2 year old Patrick, John Berg, Laura, Robert, Yolanda, Ramona McDonald, 2 year old Brandon, Dan Hansen, John Rogers, Dan & Sandy Austin, Gabriel, Carola Poythress, Ray Rahn, Johnnie Sowell, and Lois Winters. We cry Holy! Holy! Holy! is Your name.
Holy Spirit, we lift up Your missionaries and thank You for them and for their commitment to serve You even in the furthermost parts of the earth. Great Shepherd, care for them as they serve You. Provide for their needs, keep their vision refreshed and protect them where they are.
LORD God, Thank You for the honor of being used by You to help plant two new churches. Every time we hear of the progress they are making in building Your kingdom we rejoice anew. We lift before You Karl, Shellie and their family as they build Flipside. We hold up before You Horacio, Cheryl and their family as they build LIFEhouse. Grant them spiritual strength, perseverance in the face of trouble and a fresh vision of what You see for their churches.
Jesus, our Savior, our King and our God, we love to say Your name because within Your name every dream, every hope and every promise is fulfilled. With my last breath on earth I will say Your precious name - not in goodbye - but in hello to You.
We pray for the pastors and leaders of our churches, Lion of Judah, and ask that You bless them with Your wisdom as they lead us, bless them with Your courage as they lead us, and grant them patience - as they lead us. Help us to support them. Make our love evident to them. Father, provide for the ministries of the church as we reach out to our world. Holy Spirit - help us to live lives of holiness before You so that when we tell others about You and try to lead them to You - our actions will speak as loudly as our words. Help us to engage our world in Your name on a daily basis. Help us to be your witnesses.
Father, we pray for our country and ask that You bring us back to You. We pray for our leadership that they will be influenced by You in their decisions and that the decisions they make will be based on what is right for our country and not on what is right to get votes. Father, we lift our President up before You and ask that You bless him, protect him and guide him.
Protector, we ask Your grace be poured out on this world. Holy Triune God, there are those who are influenced by false gods and false beliefs who dislike our country and seek her destruction. That is bad enough, but what is truly frightening, LORD, is their claims that they have nuclear bomb capabilities. Father, do not let their hatred overshadow their common sense. Protect the innocent, Father.
LORD God, we wish that we could stay in this quiet solitude with You but You have called us to make a difference in our world in Your name. Thank-You that even as we go out into the world - into the fields of harvest - You are with us. Give us the desire to build Your kingdom.
You gave us everything You had when You gave us Your life, with joy we give You everything we have. We love You, LORD.
Flipside’s second preview service was wonderful! Thanks for your prayers and support! God blessed the use of art as a way to worship Him. There were two first time decisions to accept Jesus! The car we gave away to a young couple was a HUGE blessing. We are doing a mission trip to the Povarello House this coming Sunday and there is already a real excitement for our upcoming preview service on March 13th!
You are all invited on the Sunday nights between now and then to our Bible study at 6pm at our home in the Ranchos (35151 Marciel Ave) as we study the freedom we have in Jesus and build friendships with each other. Amy (our children’s ministry leader) is soon beginning a Bible study at her apartment in the Riverpark area of N. Fresno. You are welcome to attend either one.
Here is a look at some upcoming Flipside happenings:
Weekly Sundays @ 6pm: Bible study at 35151 Marciel Ave. Call 790-0061 or 645-1095 for info.
March 6th: Flipside is leading 3 worship services at Clovis First Baptist church.
March 13th: Flipside Preview Service @ Valley Oak Elementary. We are doing a baptism service at the end of worship. If you or someone you know are interested in being baptized please email Karl at karl@acts176.com or call 790-0061.
March 26th: HUGE Easter Egg hunt and inflatable fun in the Ranchos. This event is geared for children and their families. We will have inflatables appropriate for little kids through high school students.
Please continue praying for the growth and ministry of Flipside. Please join us for any activity you desire. Pass on the word about Flipside to anyone you can.
Again, we would love to see you Sunday nights at Bible study. Blessings, Karl
When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God, "u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life. This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything for you in your life, please share this message with someone else, for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so let's continue to pray for one another. And I Hope You Dance!!!!!!!! Unknown Author
Valerie Rae Hanneman
Genesis 3:9 "But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"" (NIV)
One year my sister invited the family to go to the Caruthers Fair with her. Fawn was 11 and Steven was 5 at the time. Because the fair was a smaller event than the Fresno Fair, Fawn had my permission to go off with her cousins. Steven, however, had to stay with me. Before we got to the gate, Fawn, Steven and I had a "Recitation of the Rules." The "Recitation of the Rules" is when I say the rules of conduct and they repeat them back to me. For Fawn the rules were to stay with her group of cousins and I wanted to see her at least every hour. For Steven the rules were to stay with me, do not move from my side, do not wander off, do not go look at something without me, and if we got separated he was to stand in one spot until I found him - he was not to move from that spot no matter what until I found him. My sisters teased me about my kids reciting the rules back to me and called me "overprotective." I just laughed at them (while thinking that it was better to be overprotective than sorry.) The fair was a lot of fun. Because it was small Fawn and her cousins were crossing our path about every half hour so I didn’t worry about her. . The food was great! We were walking down the midway eating ice creams when my sister saw a friend and we stopped to talk to her. After a couple of minutes we started out again and I looked down for Steven and to my absolute horror - he was not there. Although on the outside I was fairly calm as I sent my mother and two sisters in different directions to look for him - inside of my head I was screaming in panic. All I could think of was finding my child - restoring him back to me. I searched and I finally found him standing with a police officer next to him. Steven was crying, and when I saw him I started running for him. I scooped him up into my arms and held him as he cried against my neck. I am not sure which one of us was more relieved! As I was comforting my son, the Police Officer told me that he had tried to get Steven to come with him to the lost & found booth but that Steven had absolutely refused to move from the spot he was standing in. Apparently he had told the Police officer that I was going to be mad because I had lost him and if he moved from that spot it would just make me madder. After my son calmed down he told me that he had been walking and watching the bottom of my legs as he ate his ice cream and when he looked up he saw a woman with dark hair and "her rear end was bigger than yours, mom!" (Hum-m-m-m). He immediately looked around - and when he couldn’t see me he remembered the rules and stood in that spot and waited for me to find him.
Steven didn’t intend to get lost, he thought he was following the right pair of blue-jeaned legs - but he wasn’t.. He just took his eyes off my legs for a moment - but that moment was all it took to get him on the wrong path.
There is another parent frantically seeking His lost children. Father God is unrelenting in His desire to bring His children back to Him. But we have gotten on the wrong path - we are following the wrong pair of legs. We started going down the wrong path in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the tree of good and evil. They tried to hide from God, but Father, (Whose mighty heart broke the instant Eve touched the fruit,) came looking for them. He came calling, “Where are you?” Even as He sent them from the Garden, He made a way for them to be able to come back to Him.
Steven thought he was on the right path, his intentions were good - he thought he was following the right legs. But all his good intentions didn’t change the fact that he was on the wrong path and following the wrong legs and even though he didn’t realize it - he was lost.
There seem to be a lot of paths back to Father. And they look like they are the right paths. Maybe you have heard some of them. “If I am good enough I will get into heaven.” “It doesn’t really matter what you believe in - God, Allah, Buddha - as long as you truly believe” These paths sound right - but they are the wrong pair of legs. If these are the legs you are following - then you are on the wrong path. I wish that I could be good enough to get to heaven - but how good would I have to be to measure up to an absolutely perfect God? Father’s answer is clear, “There is none righteous, no not one.” (Romans 3:10) And as I think back on my life I know that Father is right. I can never be good enough to earn heaven. That is the wrong path back to Father. But maybe if I just choose something - anything - to believe in and I truly believe in it as hard as I can. Again, God’s own words answer that path. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no person comes to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) There is only one path back to Father and no matter how hard you believe that you are on the right path if it is not the one path - then it is the wrong path.
Stop and stand in one place. Take a good look at the legs you are following and the path you are on and make sure that you are on the right one. Father does not hide the path back to Him, more than anything else, He wants you back. For those who are on the “If I am good enough” path He says,”It is by grace that you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:7-9). He says that we can’t earn the path to Him by being good - but He is going to give us the path as a gift. To those who believe that believing in anything is okay, He says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”(Acts 4:12) There is only one name by which Father gives us salvation, and it is not Buddha, Allah, Dali Lama or Steve McQueen. It is Jesus.
Adam & Eve brought sin into the world and they brought the penalty of sin - death. And that penalty applies to everybody who has ever sinned. But God gave us a path, some legs to follow, so that we would not have to pay that penalty. He sent Jesus to die in our place. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not die but have everlasting life.” The right path back to Father is believing in Jesus.
Are you on the right path? If you are not - it is not too late to get on the right path - Father is searching for you to bring you back to Him. If you are on the wrong path, please stop and look for Father. Call Fresno First Baptist ((559) bap-tist) and ask to speak to one of the pastors, call (888) Need-Him and speak to someone from the Billy Graham Organization, or contact me at valerie@fresnofirst.org and let us help you get on the right path to Father.
Father God, my greatest joy is that I am on the right path to You and that Yours are the legs I am following. I pray for those who read this that are not on the right path. Father, open their eyes and their hearts to You. Show them Your path and bring them home to You.
Subscribe to the e-Ministry of Fresno First Baptist by contacting Valerie at valerie@fresnofirst.org .
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Please find below the newsletter for Jan 2005. This is written by Mr. Laban Soren. He is my colleague and comes from the Santhal tribe. He was selected to represent India in the archery team. While at training he was not too happy with the treatment by his coach and came back to Malkangiri. While he waiting to see what to do next he came and joined RHS as a missionary and since then there has been no turning back.
He is married to Sobita (she also works with RHS) and they are blessed with a very beautiful daughter names Suman.
Laban works among the male prisoners in the morning and takes care of general administration and accounts of RHS during the rest of the day.
Closing with prayers
Remo
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Dear Beloved in Christ,
Greetings in Jesus' Name.
On the morning of 18th January 2005, Ragland Remo Paul, Sopon Hembrom and I left for Chennai by road to see if we can help out in the Tsunami relief work. We reached on the 19th.
On 21st Jan 2005, Ragland Remo Paul, Sopon Hembrom, Raja Raj Sekhar, Anand and I went to Tsunami hit fishery colony called New Kalpakam. And we saw 230 families living in the Kalpakam relief camp waiting and expecting for the restoration of their normal life.
Ragland Remo Paul and Sopon Hembrom are still at Chennai to partner with other NGOs to work for the Tsunami rehabilitation work.
I am to relate that Niranjan Kuldip our staff who joined in the year 1999 and based at an interior village called Rabaguda center was married on 2nd of February 2005 and Somesh and Sandhya who were expecting their third child had a safe normal delivery. They are blessed with a baby girl. This is indeed a great joy for us.
Closing with prayers
Laban
“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” Tennyson
Lorna, the young mother we have been praying for was back in services this past Sonday. When I talked with her she said that she is doing much better - but is still having problems when she has to lift things (like her children!).
Stan Reed is recovering well from his bladder surgery. Pastor Willie was by to visit with him and says that Stan is planning to go golfing just as soon as he can.
Ruth Howell’s heart valve replacement surgery went well - but she is having a difficult time with her recovery. Please continue to keep this long-time member in prayer.
Chuck Johnson, Kelli Hasting’s father, has been readmitted into the hospital in LA with seizures brought on by the chemo treatments.
Paula is out of the hospital and at home. There is a visiting nurse who checks in on her periodically. She sends the thanks for the many prayers and asks that we continue to pray for her full recovery.
Barbara Fortier’s daughter, Connie, has been hospitalized with pneumonia. Connie lives in Lindsay and hospitalized in Porterville. Barbara will be with her this upcoming weekend - so please pray for Connie’s health and for traveling mercies for Barbara.
I had lunch with Kris Baiz on Tuesday (she was paying off a debt incurred by the fact that the Raiders has an even worse season than the Cowboys). She is healing well - both physically and spiritually. She has gotten great news from her doctor - she will be able to return to work at the end of this month if she continues to do so well.
We continue to pray for the following: Judi Wright & her mom, Danett & her roommate, Karl Noyes baby boy with the hole in his heart, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, George & Margie Martin, Dennis Hunt’s father - Kirt - and his continued recovery, 2 year old Patrick & the brain tumor, the victims of the tsunami & the relief effort, John Berg’s recovery from a heart attack, Laura and her bone marrow transplant, Robert & his recovery from sleep apnea, Yolanda & her back problems, Ramona McDonald’s anemia, 2 year old Brandon & his leukemia, Dan Hansen & his future job, John Rogers and cancer, Dan & Sandy Austin & their struggle with finances, Gabriel, Ruth Delgado’s nephew, recovering from wounds received in Iraq, Carola Poythress’s recovery from a stroke, Ray Rahn & kidney dialysis, Johnnie Sowell & her chemo, Lois Winters & her cancer. Please send me any updates you might have on these situations.
Pray for our missionaries - Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Laurie Bethall in Prague, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer - Two more names were added to the Book of Life this past Sonday at the Flipside preview service. Although there were fewer people from FFBC and CFB there was an increase in attendance - which means that more of the community was there! Four people have requested a Bible - and there was a baptism. All-in-all - sounds like a wonderful day! Please continue to pray for the LIFEhouse Church in Reedley as they continue to build and grow. I have heard that at their first “official” service - there was standing room only!
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military. Pray for peace and democracy in Iraq.
Father,
I saw Your sunrise this morning. It was spectacular with all those colors! Now I really understand the words of the praise song, “The whole earth is filled with Your glory.” Thank You for the way that Your glory is shown throughout all the creation.
LORD, we thank You and praise You for Lorna’s continued recovery and for Your provision and care for her. Continue to heal her.
Father God Above, we ask that You continue to heal Stan and that he will be able to go golfing.
We lift Ruth Howell up before Your throne and ask that You speed her recovery.
Place Your hand of comfort on Chuck and his family as they go through this difficult time. Grant him peace, LORD.
Precious Jesus, we thank You for Your care of Paula and that she is finally able to be home. Continue to heal and protect her..
Great Physician, we call out Connie’s name and ask that You touch her with healing of her pneumonia. We ask Your care and protection for Barbara as she travels to stay with her daughter.
Father, You were on Your throne before time began and long after the heavens and earth have passed away You will still be on Your throne. When I dance for joy within the circle of Your love - You are on Your throne. When the storms of life attack me and all I have to hold on to is You - You are on Your throne. And when my fragile time on earth is over - I will behold You on Your throne in all Your glory. Then I get to take my place around Your throne - and I will worship You forever. That is awesome.
Holy Spirit, We lift before You all of those we continue to pray for. We thank You for Your guidance for each of them. We praise You for what You have already accomplished and have yet to accomplish in each of these lives.
LORD of All, give us a passion to engage our world in Your name. Holy Spirit, shake us and fill us with boldness. Remind us not to just preach You to the world - but to live You before the world. Let Your light shine though us into the darkness around us. More of You, LORD God, and less of us - may we disappear within You.
Holy One, we pray in agreement for our missionaries around the world. Grant them peace in their spirits and courage to proclaim You to those who would harm them. Give them a fresh vision of You. Show them how much of a difference they make in the lives that they touch in Your name.
Father, we lift up Flipside Church and LIFEhouse church and ask that You continue to bless Karl, Shellie, Horacio and Cheryl as they work so hard to establish and build these two new churches.
God of our Salvation, from the bottom of our hearts, receive our songs of praise and gratitude for our pastors. Bless them as abundantly as they bless us. We pray for the leadership of our churches and ask that You fill them with Your wisdom as they guide us. We pray for our ministries that their focus will always be on engaging our world in Your name. Provide for the needs of our ministries and for the needs of the Church.
God of Justice and Mercy, pour Your mercy on our country and bring her back to You. Heal our land. Bless and guide the leadership of our country. Help them to make decisions that will prosper us and not tear our country further away from You. We thank You for the courage of those who serve our country in the military stationed around the world. Keep them safe.
Triune God, again we ask that You fill us with Your boldness to live our lives as such a strong reflection of You that all those around us will know that we have been with Jesus.
We pour out our lives out before You, Father, as an offering of love. Amen
Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns. For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends!
This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one. This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints they have become one. This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints. You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends. Now you pray: "Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You." "That is correct." "And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely." "Very good.. You have understood everything so far." When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way." "Precisely." "So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first." There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice. "You didn't know? It was then that we danced!"
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for GOD to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut n flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. "GOD, how could you do this to me?" he cried. Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island.
It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" Asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain, and suffering.
Remember that, the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of GOD.
Valerie Rae Hanneman
Luke 19:7 “Everyone who saw this started grumbling, “This man Zacchaeus is a sinner! And Jesus is going home to eat with him.”(CEV)
Luke 19:9-10 “Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham. The Son of Man came to seek and to save people who are lost.” (CEV)
I once worked in the finance department of a computer company. It was my first job that involved computers and my first job in a multi-person office. I really enjoyed the job but it wasn’t a “golden” time for me. My partner and I were both using drugs and his drug abuse was causing him to take out his anger on me - physically. I was a functioning addict so nobody at my job had a clue about what was really going on. Although I did not let anybody get too close to me there was one woman who I considered a friend. We would take breaks together, have lunch together and I even went over to her home on occasion. One day she came up behind me and playfully poked me in the ribs. I almost collapsed in pain because she happened to poke me in the same spot that my partner had punched me two nights before. And he hadn’t punched me playfully. When I was able to breathe and straighten up I saw the shocked look on her face. Unexpectedly she lifted my blouse and saw the bruise that covered my ribs. “Who did this to you?” she asked. And I did what I had always done when somebody got too close to my “real” life. “Nobody “did” this to me,” I lied through my teeth, “I slipped in the bathroom and hit the edge of the sink.” She didn’t believed me because there was a cooling down in our friendship. She started skipping breaks and bringing her lunch, the invitations to come over and go swimming ceased. I guess that she just couldn’t handle the situation. But it got worse. She told others in the finance department, who told others in the company. I knew that there was a change towards me but I didn’t really understand it until one person told me what was being said. The truth was bad enough, but in the telling and retelling - like the childhood game of “telephone” - the story had taken on a life of it’s own. For a person as intensely private as myself, to say that I was humiliated is an extreme understatement. I started looking for another job and was out of the computer company just a few weeks later.
You remember Zacchaeus’ story - don’t you? We all know the song - “Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in the sycamore tree for the LORD he wanted to see. And as the Savior passed that way He looked up in the tree. And He said, “Zacchaeus you come down - for I’m going to your house today - for I’m going to your house today.” (You’re singing it right now - aren’t you?)
Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector - the scum of the scum in those days. Everybody despised him because he a tool of the hated Romans and his riches were at their expense. And yet, it was this bottom feeder who Jesus singled out - this chiefest among sinners and Jesus was going to his house for supper. Boy - wasn’t that causing some unpleasant talk around Jericho! Sometime during that meal Zacchaeus realized for himself Who he was eating with. In repentance he confessed his sins and promised to turn his life around. And as He always does - Jesus saved Zacchaeus. After supper, Jesus went on to the next town. I love this story because - like so many of the stories in the Word - it is a picture of my story. The story of a sinner beyond redemption by the world’s standards who has a personal encounter with a God Who doesn’t give a hoot about the world’s standards.
But do you ever wonder what happened to Zacchaeus next? What was his life like after Jesus left? Here is what I think - I think that Zacchaeus’ life changed on that day and I think the grace and mercy that was extended to him by God was reflected in him as he kept his word to Jesus and dealt honestly with those around him. And I think the everyday people - the ones who loved Jesus - welcomed a changed Zacchaeus (particularly when he started giving their money back!) But I wonder about those religious folks. I wonder if they were so trapped in their ironclad laws of righteous and unrighteous that they were unable to accept a changed Zacchaeus. I personally don’t think they could accept him. I think that they continued to hold him guilty of his sins, shunned him, and called him a sinner - regardless of the changes Jesus made in Zacchaeus’ life. And I think that Zacchaeus was not the only one they continued to shun after Jesus changed them. Did they welcome back into the fold the adulterous woman? The woman of ill-repute? The sinners? The tax collectors? The broken and wounded who lived so far below their standards of rightousness?
We look back at the religious folks of that day and wonder why they could not rejoice and accept the lives that Jesus changed through His grace and mercy - but the sad truth is that there are some in the Church today who are holding the same attitudes as the religious people of Zacchaeus’ day. I have heard too many stories of people who have been hurt by church members who hold past sins against them. I have a friend who will not discuss her past life in the church she currently attends out of fear that they will gossip her out of the church - like they did in the last church she attended. This type of behavior in the Church is not good.
By the world’s standards I don’t think you can find two more different friends than Joy Nolte and myself. Joy was practically born a Christian. Her parents were in full-time ministry, she was raised in the Church, she went to a Christian college, married a man in full time ministry and settled into her own life of ministry. When I try to imagine the worst thing that Joy could have done in her life what I come up with is pretty weak. (Maybe she Tee–pee’d a couple of houses when she was a girl - but if she did - she felt bad afterwards!) Joy’s whole life has been influenced by Christ and when she surrendered her life to Him there were not many changes He needed to make in her. I, on the other hand, lived a completely different life. I was raised by an abusive step-father, I was in several abusive adult relationships, I was a substance abuser, I was immoral - and worse. The truth is that I have done some things that I am so ashamed of that I will not speak of them on this side of the grave. When I surrendered my life to Jesus, He had to do a real overhaul of me. If Jesus had an “Extreme Makeover” TV series - I would be the featured project. Joy has lived a Christian lifestyle for her whole life. Jesus had to reach pretty far into the sewer to fish me out. Considering our backgrounds - do you know the what the difference is that Jesus sees between Joy and I? NOTHING! He sees no difference because His blood that is sufficient to cover Joy’s sins is also sufficient to cover mine.
And when the religious folks look at Joy and I and think more of her because of her history and think less of me because of my history then they deny that Jesus’ blood is sufficient to cover the most grievous of sinners.
We need to be careful that when the Zacchaeus’, those of ill-repute, the abusers, the spiritual lepers, the broken, the prostitutes and the tax collectors come to start a new life in Jesus that we do not deny the power of Jesus’ blood to cover their sins by holding their sins against them.
Jesus said, “Behold, I make all things new.” - and if He has made someone new - we had best not be smearing them with old mud.
My LORD Jesus, I have never done anything to make me worthy of Your blood that covers my sins. Your grace and mercy to me is a gift that I can never earn. And neither can anybody else. Help me to remember that You made me a new creation and You make others a new creation as well. Help me to never - through my own self-righteousness - deny the power of Your blood to cover sins of everybody.
The illustrations of prayer our LORD uses are on the line of importunity,
a steady, persistent, uninterrupted habit of prayer. O Chambers
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
We have a praise on Vanessa Garcia, the young person who dislocated her knee. Vanessa is doing much better - she is walking without a limp now.
Bobbi Ronsley, the young woman with lupus, is doing much better. Her headaches are less frequent and not nearly as severe. They will be running tests at the end of this week to see if the lupus in her brain is still spreading.
Lorna, the young mother we have been praying for is not doing well after her operation and has had to go back to the hospital. She is home again but still in considerable pain.
Chuck Johnson, Kelli Hasting’s father, is now in stage four cancer. The doctors have told him that he has between 2 months and 2 years in this stage. Please pray for Chuck and the family - in particular Kelli who is having a very difficult time with this news.
Please pray for Judi Wright that Father will give her strength and guidance. Judi’s mother’s health continues to decline and Judi and her family will need to make some tough decisions about their mother’s continued care. The stress of trying to take care of her mom is draining on Judi and taking a tremendous toll on her physically and emotionally.
I have a friend, Danett, who is attending seminary in Chicago. Danett’s roommate tried to commit suicide this past weekend. Danett rushed her to the hospital and the roommate is recovering - but the stress on Danett has brought on a major asthma attack. Please keep Danett and her roommate in prayer for physical healing and spiritual healing.
I am requesting prayer for the son of Karl Noyes, the CCLS auditor. Karl’s 6 month old son has a hole in his heart that may cause this baby to need surgery. The doctor’s are hoping that it will close on it’s own - but that has not yet started to occur.
We continue to pray for the following: Paula and her cancer, Kris Baiz and her health problems, Ruth Howell and her continued recovery from heart replacement surgery, George & Margie Martin, Dennis Hunt’s father - Kirt - and his continued recovery, 2 year old Patrick & the brain tumor, the victims of the tsunami & the relief effort, John Berg’s recovery from a heart attack, Laura and her bone marrow transplant, Robert & his recovery from sleep apnea, Yolanda & her back problems, Ramona McDonald’s anemia, Stan Reed & his bladder cancer, 2 year old Brandon & his leukemia, Dan Hansen & his future job, John Rogers and cancer, Dan & Sandy Austin & their struggle with finances, Gabriel, Ruth Delgado’s nephew, recovering from wounds received in Iraq, Carola Poythress’s recovery from a stroke, Ray Rahn & kidney dialysis, Johnnie Sowell & her chemo, Lois Winters & her cancer. Please send me any updates you might have on these situations.
Pray for our missionaries - Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer - My understanding is that the kick-off service for the LIFEHouse church, with Horacio & Cheryl Aleman in Reedley was fantastic! A number of our families went to help celebrate this exciting occasion. . The Flipside church with Karl & Shellie Roth has their next preview service this Sonday, February 6th. The preview service will begin at 10:00am at Valley Oak Elementary school (corner of Friant and Champlain just 1.5 miles East of Hwy 41).
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Holy Father,
When we are in Your presence like this our spirits dance with joy. We will sing of Your love forever!
We thank You for Your healing hand on Vanessa and ask You to continue to be with her and guide her.
Abba, we lift Bobbi before You and ask that You stop the lupus from spreading any further and send it into remission.
LORD Jesus, we ask Your mercy on Lorna and ask that You ease her pain and restore her completely.
Holy Spirit, we pray for Chuck Johnson and we ask that You give him peace in his heart as he enters this phase of his life. Comfort his family and in particular we ask that Your comfort fill and calm Kelli as they go though this with Chuck.
Father God, life is difficult for those we lift up in prayer and just in everyday living for all of us. Thank You for the vision that sustains us through life. The vision of our future when we surround Your throne, dressed in purest white, our hearts full of joy and our faces reflecting Your glory. We will finally be home.
Immanuel, Judi needs to feel You close beside her. We pray in agreement for Judi that You will guide her, strengthen her and grant her You wisdom as she makes decisions regarding her mother. Father, give her rest for her spirit.
LORD of All, we lift up Danett and her roommate. Restore the joy of Your life and our life within You to Danett’s roommate and help her to seek the help that she needs. Father, we praise You that Danett was there to protect her roommate and we ask that Your healing hand be upon her as well.
Jehovah, we continue to pray for all those on our prayer sheet and ask, God of Eternity, that You continue to bless and move in each situation.
Jesu Mapru, we hold up before You our beloved missionaries, Laurie, Judy, Faye, Miisaw, Jan, Larry, Dr Iris, Remo and all the Reaching Hand Society staff, Dr. Myat, Bounkham & Khamla and we ask that You rain blessings upon them. Meet their needs, protect them from harm and give them renewed strength so that they can do all things through You.
Carpenter, we ask Your blessings on Horacio & Cheryl as they surrender to be used by You to build a new church in Reedley. Continue to bless the kingdom work that they are accomplishing in Your name. We pray for Karl & Shellie Roth and their next preview service this upcoming Sonday. We ask, LORD God, that this new church will continue to grow and prosper. Father, let those who do not know You come to this preview service out of curiosity but leave in a new relationship with You.
Father God, we ask that You bless our pastors as they lead us. We praise You for Pastor Willie and his courage and strength in leading us on a path that is right rather than just easy. We thank You, LORD, for Pastor Terrie and her boundless energy and enthusiasm for building and equipping the church. We praise You for Pastor Bryan and the many gifts he brings to us (but most of all for his incredible music). We lift up Pastor Chris and thank You for his strength and for his leadership of the youth of our church. We thank You for Pastor Dale and his work with our family members who are ill. We praise You for Pastor Dan and his work with our seniors. Pastor Dan is the living proof that getting older doesn’t mean getting old. We thank You for the men & women that You have placed in the leadership of our churches. Help us to be supportive of them. Father, we ask that You bless our ministries and keep us focused on engaging our community and our world in Your name. Holy One use us as You see fit in Your service - our only desire is to be Your doulos - Your bond-servants.
Giver of all good things, we thank You that we can turn to You regardless of where we are in our lives, regardless of how sinful and fallen we are, regardless of how broken we are, and find Your arms open wide and hear You say, “I’ll take you back!”
God of Heavens & Earth, we ask that You bless our country and bring her back to You. Help us to continue to be the home of the brave and the land of the free. Guide our leadership in all the decisions that they must make.
LORD of Life, we surrender our lives to Your control - knowing that You will take care of us both on this earth and throughout eternity. Your are our God and we are Your children. We love You so much and rejoice in Your love for us.