e-Bible Reading
The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts. -A.W. Tozer
My question for the professional Christian this week comes from I Samuel 28. It talks about the death of Samuel and I want to know - if Samuel is dead - who wrote 2 Samuel?
In our readings this week Saul tries to call Samuel up from the dead - and to the absoulte amazement of the witch who is doing it for him - succeeds. Samuel flat out tells Saul that he and his sons will be dead tomorrow - and at the end of the next day’s battle Saul, Jonathan and 2 other sons were dead. After Sauls death there is a war between Saul’s family & David - but finally in Chapter 5 of 2 Samuel David is made king of Israel.
I love reading the gospels - I think if I were stuck on a deserted island and could only have part of the Bible with me - I would take the gospels. I love to read about Jesus. In our chapters this week Jesus continues to heal and teach - including some of the best parables!. We see the increasing hatred of the Pharisees, John dies, Jesus feeds the 5,000 and Peter briefly walks on water. This is a true-life action story!
Sonday - April 30..........2 Sam 6, 1 Chr 13, Ps 68, Matt 17
Monday - May 1............1 Chr 14-15, Ps 132, Matt 18
Tuesday - May 2............1 Chr 16, Ps 106, Matt 19
Wednesday - May 3.......2 Sam 7, 1 Chr 17, Ps 2, Matt 20
Thursday - May 4...........2 Sam 8-9, 1 Chr 18-19, Matt 21
Friday - May 5................2 Sam 10; 1 Chr 20, Ps 20, Matt 22
Saturday - May 6.............2 Sam 11-12; Ps 51; Matt 23
Valerie Rae Hanneman
James 2:17 (NIV) “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”
Matthew 9:37 (NIV)”Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”“
When Father called me to Care Fresno Kids Klub I was not a happy camper. I didn’t like kids and I could not think of a more inappropriate ministry for me. But it was exceedingly clear that God called me to it and I didn’t want to risk getting swallowed by some big fish. The truth is that my body was in the ministry but my heart was not. Every week I went because God told me to, but I didn’t want to. I didn’t like the kids, they were dirty little cretins, always fighting, foul-mouthed, rude, my list of complaints could go on forever. One day, after talking to a couple of kids who had never been camping, I got this great idea. We would set up a bunch of tents in the back lawn of the church and camp out over night. I got a couple of people who suggested that I might want to move the tents between the buildings and asked about what was I doing about security. I pooh-poohed all that. It would be more fun on the back lawn and I don’t need any security to protect me from those kids! Finally the Friday night arrived. We set up the tents, played games, BBQ’ed, made S’mores - we were having a grand old time. Then night came. And as night descended - so did hell. This was eight years ago and the neighborhood was so different from what it is today. Back then people had told me that the apartments across the street (the ones that were torn down) was a haven for troubled lives, gangs and troublemakers. That night I got a clear understanding of what that meant. All night long there were screams, yelling, glass breaking, cursing, what sounded like gunshots, police sirens. It was soul-shocking to a woman who had lived her whole life in neighborhoods where the usual police call was when somebody’s dog was too loud. And the kids knew what was going on. “Oh, that is just so and so and his wife fighting again.” “ That is so-and-so breaking out windows cause he is drunk again.” “The cops are here because........” I got a taste of hell that night as I watched and listened to what was happening in the neighborhood. I was afraid to go to sleep. All I wanted was for it to be morning and for me to get out of there. My life changed that night when in fear I cried out to Father, “keep us safe, Father!” He answered, “You will leave in the morning. These children - My children that you won’t let near your heart - live in this every day. There is no escape for them - except through Me.” To say that my hard, unbending heart was broken that night is an understatement. I was shattered when I realized what I had been doing. In my stubborn pride - my determination to prove God wrong - I held myself aloof from the ministry I was called to. I harmed God’s purpose, I harmed those children, I harmed myself.
Rich Mullins, my favorite Christian artist, sings a song about faith without works being like a screen door on a submarine. When I first heard it I was a little confused about what that means exactly. After awhile, I figured it out. The purpose of the submarine is to travel underwater. If one of it’s hatches is a screen door then the submarine can never leave the dock. If it does it will sink. The purpose of the Church is to go into all the world and make disciples of all people. (Acts 1:8) If we are depending on our faith to bring the people to us - then the Church is going to sink. Faith without works is dead.
Jesus was talking to His disciples one day and said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” He was talking about the soul-harvest of the world, and He was talking about His followers who are out in the world making disciples of all people. Notice that He didn’t say that the believers are few and He didn’t say that those who had faith are few. He said the workers are few. You can be a believer and not be a worker in the fields of harvest. All you have to do is to be a Sonday-go-to-meeting Christian. You can be a person who has faith but not a worker in the fields of harvest. All you have to do is to have faith that somebody else is going to do it. We have plenty of believers, plenty of people of faith. We don’t have enough workers. And as long as our faith is lived out by sitting once a week in a pew - the harvest will go to waste. Actually, let’s not sugar coat it. The harvest - the people without Jesus - will go to hell.
Jesus is a God of action. Although I am sure that He had some down time, the Gospels show Jesus busy doing His Father’s work. He worked so hard that one time, during a storm that threatened the boat He was in, Jesus was asleep from exhaustion. Does Jesus expect us to work in the fields of harvest until we are exhausted? Sometimes He does, if that is what it takes to reach the lost. What He absolutely does not expect us to do is to sit around faithfully believing that somebody else will do it.. When He called us to salvation, He called us to a life of service. His final words to the Church were not “Sit down and have faith,” they were “Go into all the world”
Care Fresno is a hard ministry. The kids are loud, rude, foul mouthed. They fight, they argue, they give me trouble. They are my greatest joy in ministry. I am involved in a lot of different ministries and I love doing them, but there is no doubt in my mind that Jesus’ main purpose for me is to serve Him in Care Fresno. Every Friday my body is in this ministry. But this ministry holds my heart every minute of every day. In serving Him I have found the purpose of my life.
Serving is the purest form of worship from a heart that is true to the calling God has on it.
There is a day coming - I can’t hardly wait for it - when I am going to stand in front of Jesus and He is going to show me what my work in the fields of the Care Fresno harvest has done for His kingdom. My hope is that He will say to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” If He does, I am going to be able to say, “My serving You was the best way I had to show You how very much I love You.”
"I would never want to reach out someday with a soft, uncallused hand -- a hand never dirtied by serving and shake the nail-pierced hand of Jesus." - Bill Hybels
LORD Jesus, I serve You because I love You. Take joy in my act of worship.
Contact Valerie or sign up for the Fresno First Baptist e-Ministry at valerie@fresnofirst.org
e-Praise & Prayers - April 26, 2006
The Christian faith is meant to be lived moment by moment. It isn't some broad, general outline--it's a long walk with a real Person. Details count: passing thoughts, small sacrifices, a few encouraging words, little acts of kindness, brief victories over nagging sins. Joni Eareckson Tada
Judi Wright is recovering quickly from her fall - she no longer looks like she was on the losing end of a boxing match. She continues to have some problems with her hands. She sends a big “thank you!” for our continued prayers.
Please pray for Jim Saddler, and his wife Susan. He has a condition with his eyes and now there is a problem with the retina and he cannot see very well. His wife has rheumatoid arthritis and a problem with her stomach. She also has diabetes and maybe MS
.
Dorothy Wajckus was moved to Pacific Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation as she continues to heal from her broken hip & surgery.
I received an e-mail from Biana this morning - she has arrived in Nigeria. Please continue to pray for her daily.
Char Cole’s father passed away last Saturday - services were held today in Oakland. Please keep the family in prayer.
John & Carol Eland’s daughter, Nancy, has been diagnosed with MS.
Please keep Dennis, Janet & Doug Galloway in prayer - Janet’s sister passed last week.
Dianna Hansen is undergoing tests to determine the cause of her diverticulitis.
Ann Mead came through her hip replacement surgery last week but is experiencing some nausea.
Tammy Lewis is having problems with a tennis elbow.
Please uphold Jonathan Rumsey in prayer as he serves in Baghdad.
We continue to pray for the following: Pedro in rehab, Jim Purgason, Chris, Michael Ferris, Kay Bauer, Lois Chestnutt, Ellen Burton, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, Aunt Pat & cancer, Katie Arizon, Carol Robertshaw and a broken foot,, the young man that Dan & Edie are mentoring, Uncle Dale & chemo, Mike Abbott in Afghanistan, Walt Couch & prostrate cancer, Mike Joos & recovery from radiation treatment, George Martin & cancer, Tony & treatment for prostrate cancer, John Rodgers with cancer.
Pray for our missionaries - The Faith Alive Clinic in Jos, Nigeria, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, SeaFM in Laos, Dr. George Pe Myat in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Gospel For Asia, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that we recognize opportunities to share our faith with others
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
El Olam, God Everlasting,
With dancing we come to You, lifting our hands in joyous expectation of You. We come to You as children knowing that we are the beloved of our Father. Accept our joy in being with You..
We lift the names of those who need Your healing touch on them as they deal with their medical problems. We call out for Judi, Jim & Susan, Dorothy, Nancy, Dianna, Ann & Tammy.
Holy Spirit, be a comforting presence to Char & Hal Cole and their family as they mourn the loss of Char’s father. Surround Dennis, Janet and Doug with Your peace as they grieve the passing of Janet’s sister.
We pray for Jonathan Rumsey as he serves freedom’s cause. Keep him safe.
You are our Great & Glorious God, our Alpha & Omega, Who Is and Who Was and Who is to Come, You are the Almighty, Who reigns in justice over all eternity.
Holy Jesus, we ask that You intercede with those who continue to be on our prayer list. Meet their needs, be their all-in-all.
We pray for all of our missionaries, Jesu Mapru, and ask that You comfort their spirits and allow them to see the importance of their work. We pray for Biana as she starts her work in Nigeria. LORD, her heart is true to You and Your calling. We pray for the Faith Alive Clinic that it will recover quickly from the fire.
We praise You for the pastors and leadership that You have placed to lead our churches. Grant them Your wisdom as they make decisions that affect our church. We pray that our ministries will continue to be effective in spreading the Good News of Eternal Life in Jesus.
Word of Life, grant us opportunities to share our faith. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear and words to say.
God bless America and bring her back to You. Bless our military men and women as they serve.
Abba, I have been so blessed in my life to experience so much of the best life has to offers I have seen beauty so intense that my eyes can hardly hold it. I have heard a bird sing, and a child laugh. I have tasted life at it’s finest. But nothing compares to You. Nothing. You are our joy.
e-Bible Reading
In the start of this last weeks reading we read about Jonathan’s committed friendship to David. This is an amazing friendship. Later on Jonathan admits to David that David - not Jonathan - will be the next King of Israel. However, this is also the start of the trouble between David and Saul. David has just killed Goliath and has joined the royal court of Saul, they are headed back to the palace and women in all the villages are singing about how Saul killed a thousand - but David killed ten thousand. Saul’s jealousy starts at that point. He tries several ways to get rid of David, including using his daughter as bait. The rest of the Samuel readings are about Saul’s pursuit of David. There is such a contrast between Saul’s murderous jealousy of David, and Jonathan’s great love and support of David.
Last weeks readings in 1 Chronicles continued with the genealogy’s - a tough read, But this week we will get back to the story!
In Matthew we were treated to the Sermon on the Mount. I love the way that The Message paraphrases the ending of that sermon in Chapter 7 “When Jesus concluded His address, the crowds burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that He was living everything He was saying - quite a contrast to their religious teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard!” For me this just re-emphasizes that living your faith out loud speaks volumes more that saying it out loud.
Here is our reading for this week:
Sonday, April 23.............1 Sam 27; Ps 141; 1 Chr 9; Matt 10
Monday, April 24............1 Sam 28-29; Ps 109; Matt 11
Tuesday, April 25...........1 Sam 30-31; 1 Chr 10; Matt 12
Wednesday, April 26......2 Sam 1, Ps 140; Matt 13
Thursday, April 27..........2 Sam 2; I Chr 11; Ps 142; Matt 14
Friday, April 28...............2 Sam 3; 1 chr 12; Matt 15
Saturday, April 29...........2 Sam 4-5; Ps 139; Matt 10
Valerie Rae Hanneman
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
One of the things that I love about Easter and Christmas is all the hoopla around Jesus. Some of it is not good, like the secularists trying to remove Jesus from both holy-days. Most of it is great, like Jesus’ people coming closer to Him during these times. Of course, all the programs and theories about Jesus are trotted out again. There are all these attempts to “explain” Jesus. (I can “explain” Jesus - He is the Son of God Who died for my sins. He saved my soul and gave me eternal life. Further explanation unnecessary) Recently I read about two new “explanations” One of them was the newly discovered “Gospel of Judas.” In this Gospel, Jesus goes to Judas secretly and asks him to betray Jesus so that Jesus can be crucified, released from His physical body and return to the spiritual world. The “Gospel of Judas” makes Judas out to be a good guy not a betrayer. There are a couple of problems with this gospel though. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John rely on the eyewitness accounts of those who were witnesses to the life of Jesus. The “Gospel of Judas” was written about 200 years after Jesus. And the “Gospel of Judas” fails to answer some major questions. If Judas was doing what Jesus wanted him to do - then why the 30 pieces of silver, why did Judas state that he had betrayed an innocent man, and why did he hang himself? (I think I am going to stick with the eyewitness accounts.) The other new theory is about Jesus walking on the water. Just before Easter, this researcher came out with this “rational” explanation of how Jesus walked on the water. Two thousand years ago the Sea of Galilee was really cold, so cold that ice floes would form in it. So Jesus did not really walk on the water - He floated out to the ship on a chunk of ice. Here is one of my problems with that theory. The winds and the waves were severe - the ship was being buffeted by them (Matt 14). So how did Jesus get that chunk of ice to float out to the ship? Maybe the ice chunk was shaped like a surfboard and Jesus used the waves to surf out to the ship. (Close your eyes and imagine that one! I personally kinda like it) Do I think Jesus could have surfed an ice cube out to that ship? I do. I believe that if Jesus commanded the fish to form the Golden Gate Bridge for Him to walk across to that ship they would have thrown themselves out of the water, ecstatic to obey Him. But the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they did not see Him floating on an ice cube. Here is why I know that Jesus was not floating on a piece of ice. Peter said, “Lord, if that is You, bid me to come to You” and Jesus called Peter to come to Him. If Jesus called Peter to come to Him across the water, knowing that He had a chunk of ice He was floating on, and Peter didn’t, then He purposely intended for Peter to sink in that storm-tossed, bone-chillingly cold water. What a mean thing to do to His friend. And that is so not Jesus.
Here is the sad part - there are people who read these junky theories - and they believe them. Next month the movie “The DaVinci Code” is coming out. The faith community is all aflutter with worry that it is going to cause people to abandon their faith as the book did. There have been books written by prominent Christians debunking the theories presented in this work of fiction. Tracts have been developed for churches to pass out after each showing of the movie. There are many web sites that present the truth to the wild claims made in the book.
Why are believer’s faith shaken by “The Gospel of Judas” Or by the “Ice Cube Theory” or by “The DaVinci Code”? That is simple - if you don’t know what you stand for, they you will fall for anything. And Christian believers don’t know what they stand for.
Part of the problem is found in the Church. Too many of our churches are preaching the “feel good” gospel of acceptance of every faith, every lifestyle, every belief. This easy gospel fills the pews because it is what people want to hear. But it doesn’t bring anybody to their knees before Christ. The Church preaches the “Name it and claim it” gospel of material prosperity. People love this gospel - but it turns God into an ATM machine and prayer into an access code. If what you are hearing on Sonday is the gospel of “I’m Ok, You’re Ok, God wants to give you everything you want.” then you are not learning the doctrine that is the bedrock of our faith. If you do not know what to stand for then you are going to fall for any nutty theory that come by..
But the largest part of the problem is found in the individual believer. Too many believers show up for church on Sonday morning then leave - feeling that they have done their duty. If they are feeling really pious, they might even go to a Sonday class. If they brought their Bible with them, it is the only time all week that they will touch it. Too many of us spend three hours a day watching TV, and 15 minutes a day reading the Word. The cell phone is a permanent fixture on our ears as we talk endlessly to our friends, but the prayer line to Father has a sign hanging on it “For emergency use only” We recognize our friends voices immediately, but Father has to set a bush on fire for us to listen to Him.
In 1 Corinthians 3 Paul tells the Corinthians that he had had to feed them the milk of the gospel because they were still infants in Christ and were not ready for solid food. You can almost hear his impatience as he tells them that even now, they were still infants. If we are depending on a half-hour sermon every Sonday to be our God-lesson for the week - then we will always be infants. If we are not in the Word, if we are not in prayer, if we are not listening for the voice of our God, then we will always be infants. And like an infant whose attention span is short and who is easily pulled from one toy to another, every diaper-Christian will be pulled from the truth by every new theory that comes along.
When I stand before Jesus I don’t want to be wearing a diaper with a “feel-good gospel” pacifier hanging out of my mouth. I want to stand before Him as a mature Christian. I want to recognize Him immediately because I know Him through His Word, because I have had conversations in prayer with Him, and because my ears were attuned to His voice. And while I am on earth, I want to be able to answer each new theory that “explains” Jesus with the truth. When somebody tries to tell me that the Israelites didn’t cross the Red Sea - they crossed the Reed Sea that was only a couple of feet deep I want to be able to say “Hallelujah for God! He did an even greater miracle by drowning the entire Egyptian army in a couple of feet of water!”
LORD Jesus, I want to know You better. Reveal Yourself to me though Your Word, through prayer and through Your voice. You are my God and I long for You.
Subscribe to the e-Ministry of Fresno First Baptist or contact Valerie at valerie@fresnofirst.org
e-Praise & Prayers - April 19, 2006
God is not interested in our good works or our rules. There is nothing we can do, nothing we can offer Him as a Holy God that He can accept - except our faith in Jesus Christ... -Jack Winter
I have not heard anything from the Foster Care program for three weeks. My level of frustration has gone so far that I cannot even be frustrated anymore! I just have to shrug and say, “Whatever!” Please continue to keep this situation in prayer.
Please pray for Pedro. He was a visitor to our community of faith and he told me that he is going into rehab. I told him that we would be praying for him.
I have a friend at work, Janie, who in the course of one week lost both her brother-in-law and then her sister. The sister had three teenagers - the father is not in the picture - so the family on both sides is really dealing with complex issues.
As of my writing this Biana Grogg’s visa has not shown up. No visa - no Nigeria - not good.
There was a fire at the Faith Alive Clinic in Nigeria. (An electrical problem in the lab) It was severe with a building and all of their records being destroyed. Please pray that they can get up and running quickly so that they do not lose any of their funding.
We continue to pray for the following: Jim Purgason, Dorothy Wajckus, Chris, Char Cole’s father, Michael Ferris, Kay Bauer, Lois Chestnutt, Ellen Burton, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, Aunt Pat & cancer, Katie Arizon, Carol Robertshaw and a broken foot,, the young man that Dan & Edie are mentoring, Uncle Dale & chemo, Mike Abbott in Afghanistan, Walt Couch & prostrate cancer, Mike Joos & recovery from radiation treatment, George Martin & cancer, Tony & treatment for prostrate cancer, John Rodgers with cancer.
Pray for our missionaries - Gospel For Asia, The Faith Alive Clinic in Jos, Nigeria, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, SeaFM in Laos, Dr. George Pe Myat in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that we recognize opportunities to share our faith with others
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Jehovah-Jirah, Provider
There is nothing in our lives that You are not the answer to. When we face problems, You are the problem-solver. When we dance, it is because of the joy You have given us. When we mourn, You are the comfort that surrounds us. When we cannot speak You give us the words. When the world lies to us - You are our Truth. When we sing, it is because we cannot hold our praise of You within ourselves any longer. You are our All-in-All.
We lift up Pedro as he recovers from his addictions, LORD. You are the freedom he seeks.
Holy Spirit, we pray for Janie & her family as they mourn the loss of two family members in such a short time. Bring peace and comfort to their hearts.
Abba, You have promised to supply our needs, we claim that promise on behalf of our sister, Biana and the challenge of her missing visa.
We lift up Dr. Chris & Dr. Mercy and the Faith Alive clinic as we ask You, Holy God, to provide the funds, the materials and the people to bring the clinic back to full capacity.
Great I AM, provide for those who continue to be on our prayer list. In each situation be glorified.
Ruler of our hearts, we try so hard to do something worthy of You, or to be good enough to be worthy of You, but what can we possibly do that would make us worthy of an absolutely perfect God? Nothing - we can do nothing to earn Your love. You have said in Your Word that You are not interested in empty sacrifices or songs of praise - Your pleasure with us is found in our love and faith in You. When we serve You simply because we love You, when we try to be more like You because You are our heart’s desire then Your joy fills all of creation.
Holy, Holy, Holy, we pray for Your missionaries that serve You under circumstances that are often dangerous. Protect and provide for them.
We love our pastors so much, Father God, and we thank You for bringing them to our community of faith. Help us to support them, guard them, and love them. Build a stronghold of protection around them.
We pray for our leaders and our ministries. But our most fervent prayer, LORD God, is that You give us eyes to see opportunities to share You with others, the words to speak Your truth, and the courage to not turn away. Help us to engage our world.
Adonai, Master, bless our country and her leadership. Bless those who serve in the military.
For all of eternity Your Throne room will be filled with the jubilant sounds of our praise, worship and love for You.
e-Bible Reading - April 16-22
Well, in our Bible reading this week, Israel got what they wanted - they got an earthly king and rejected the Eternal King as ruler over them. Saul was head and shoulders above th rest of them - he looked like a king. But be careful what you ask for - cause you just might get it! Saul started out well. They had to find him hiding in the luggage and force him to be king. But just a few short chapters later - Chapter 13 - Saul, after ruling for many years, decides to take matters into his own hands and sacrifices the burnt offerings instead of waiting for the priest Samuel. Samuel told him that God was already looking for his replacement - somebody that God would choose. Then Saul got even worse in his disobeying of God’s Words given through Samuel. Samuel once again chastised Saul, then left him. Saul never saw Samuel again - God had removed Himself that far from Saul.
Did you see who was in the lineage of Jesus in Chapter One of Matthew? There was Abraham and David and Solomon - great men of faith. But there is also Rahab the harlot whose faith helped to bring the downfall of Jericho: Ruth, the Gentile, whose faith caused her to follow her mother-in-law into a strange land where she became the great-grandmother of Israel’s greatest earthly king, and Bathsheba (called Uriah’s wife) the adulteress, whose faith caused her son, Solomon, to be kind after David. As an additional note: 1st Chronicles also starts out with a genealogy lesson
This week we will stay in 1st Samuel, 1st Chronicles and Matthew.
Sonday, April 16..........1 Sam 18; 1 Chron 6, Ps 11, Matt 3
Monday, April 17.........1 Sam 19, 1 Chron 7, Ps 59; Matt 4
Tuesday, April 18..........1 Sam 20-21; Ps 34, Matt 5
Wed, April 19.................1 Sam 22, Ps 17 & 35; Matt 6
Thursday, April 20.........1 Sam 23;Ps 31 & 54; Matt 7
Friday, April 21..............1 Sam 24; Ps 57-58; 1 Chron 8; Matt 8
Saturday, April 22..........1 Sam 25-26; Ps 63;; Matt
THE EMPTY TOMB
by Ann Reed-Mead
The brightest star in God’s heaven plunged to earth one day.
It exploded in Jerusalem. On the streets the cinders lay.
While an ominous wind whistled on Calvary and dried blood stains
on a cross,
Men were left with ashes in hand while mourning for their loss.
Brightness was gone from their world. Broken were the dreams
they had dreamed.
Death had conquered. Hope was gone. Life was meaningless –
or so it seemed.
Then dawn broke forth with a problem. There was an empty tomb!
They couldn’t believe that He was alive, so their lives were
filled with gloom.
Then He appeared and allowed them to touch. Their doubts He did dispel.
“Christ the Lord is risen today.” Was the message they now could tell.
Today are we still grappling with unfulfilled hopes and dreams?
Have we not yet discovered that there’s more to life than our schemes?
The fact that Christ is risen is a message we cannot ignore,
And because He lives we, too, can live - now and forevermore!
THE EMPTY TOMB
by Ann Reed-Mead
The brightest star in God’s heaven plunged to earth one day.
It exploded in Jerusalem. On the streets the cinders lay.
While an ominous wind whistled on Calvary and dried blood stains
on a cross,
Men were left with ashes in hand while mourning for their loss.
Brightness was gone from their world. Broken were the dreams
they had dreamed.
Death had conquered. Hope was gone. Life was meaningless –
or so it seemed.
Then dawn broke forth with a problem. There was an empty tomb!
They couldn’t believe that He was alive, so their lives were
filled with gloom.
Then He appeared and allowed them to touch. Their doubts He did dispel.
“Christ the Lord is risen today.” Was the message they now could tell.
Today are we still grappling with unfulfilled hopes and dreams?
Have we not yet discovered that there’s more to life than our schemes?
The fact that Christ is risen is a message we cannot ignore,
And because He lives we, too, can live - now and forevermore!
Valerie Rae Hanneman
“Should’ve” Easter Series #4
Matthew 27:54 (NIV) “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"”
When I was young there was a church across the street from where I lived. When I was 12 years old, they started advertizing for a Vacation Bible School. It sounded like fun, so every morning my two brothers and I would hurry across the busy street. We had the crafts, the music and the food. The speaker for the week was the pastor of the church. He spoke daily for about 30 minutes, and to be honest, it sounded the same as when he preached on Sonday morning. He preached the same stuff every day - about how Jesus died for our sins because He loved us, and about hell. (He really liked to preach about hell). By Wednesday I was getting a little worried about crossing that busy street because I knew that if I got hit by a truck and I didn’t have Jesus in my heart, I was going to hell. Every day there was an altar call, and every day I resisted going up there out of fear and embarrassment. (I know that you are going to find this hard to believe, but I was terrifyingly shy back then). I could feel a call on my heart that told me to go up there, but I kept thinking that I would do it tomorrow. On Friday the pastor had added another wrinkle to his sermon. “You are not going to hear that little voice forever. God is going to get tired of you saying no, and He is going to quit talking to you.” Well, that was just one pressure to much. Now not only did I have to worry about that truck, I had to worry that God was going to give up on me. I quit resisting, and during the alter call, I asked Jesus into my heart.
The centurion was standing at his post that morning. Another day of death - at least two crucifixions, maybe more. Thank Zeus, he had advanced in rank enough to where he no longer had to actually pound the nails - he just had to supervise. But great Hercules, how he hated the smell of blood and death and it always seemed to be in his nose. With a start, he realizes that Pilate has motioned him forward. “Do what they say,” he orders the Centurion. “Flog Him and crucify Him.” In an undertone Pilate orders the Centurion. “Put a sign over His head. Write ‘King of the Jews’” Never had he seen a more unlikely king. This man was a pitiful figure - from the looks of it, He had already been beaten a couple of times. He motions two soldiers over and they take the king out to the inner courtyard. They bind the man - this Jesus - to the post. The whip snakes through the air, the glass and metal embedded in it catching the light. The man stiffens as the whip takes skin off of Him, and the Centurion turns away at the hoarse cry that comes from Him. ‘Great gods of Olympus,’ he prays, ‘I am so tired of the death business - get me out of this!’ Suddenly his eyes meet Jesus’ eyes. To his shock, this man’s eyes are filled with love and understanding - almost as if He had heard the Centurion’s unspoken prayer. As the flogging nears it’s end, the Centurion remembers Pilate’s sign and directs one of the others to prepare it. “Hey fellas!” the soldier laughs, “we got us the King of Jews here!” Like hyenas they circle Jesus. They mock Him, even to the making of a crown of thorns that they shove down on His head. As fresh blood flows down His face, again their eyes meet, and the Centurion feels shame at the actions of these men under his command. They drag Jesus into the streets, place His cross on His back, and start whipping Him up the street. For some reason he can not explain, the Centurion walks close to Jesus. Jesus stumbles, and stumbles, and stumbles again. Finally, even though the whips are tearing at Him, Jesus cannot get up. The Centurion grabs a man from the crowd and pushes him towards the cross. “Carry it!” he barks. For a moment, the man looks like he might protest, but the look in the Centurion’s eyes stops him. Once again, the Centurion’s eyes meet Jesus’ eyes. He sees eyes filled with pain and exhaustion, he was expecting that - but where is the hatred? Where is the rage? Why does it seem like this man’s eyes are filled with love? Suddenly the Centurion knows that what is happening to this Jesus just isn’t right. This man should not be dying like this. They reach the top of the hill. The two thieves are struggling, fighting, cursing. But not Jesus. In what looks like calm acceptance, Jesus lays there. The nail is placed, the mallet drops, and again, His hoarse cry fills the air. Two more times those cries tear at the Centurion’s heart. The Centurion shakes his head in confusion. He has done hundreds - maybe thousands - of these crucifixions - why is this one getting to him? Why is everything in him telling him that this man should not be dying. The day drags on. With disgust, the Centurion sees his men gamble for Jesus’s clothes. He hears the priests mock Jesus, telling Him that if He comes down from the cross they will believe that He is the Son of God.. Again, almost against his will, he looks up at the dying Jesus and sees love and forgiveness - even now - love and forgiveness. Suddenly, darkness covers the earth. The murmurs from his men show their jumpiness at this unexpected event. Then with a cry, “It is finished” Jesus dies. Suddenly, the earth shakes, knocking the Centurion off balance. He grabs at the cross for balance and as his hand comes away, he sees that it is covered with Jesus’ blood. As his men gather around him in fright, the Centurion looks up at the body of Jesus. What he has seen today comes quickly to mind. “Truly, this Man was the Son of God.”
This battle hardened, heart hardened soldier should have dealt with death as emotionlessly as I boil water. He should have been oblivious to the death of Jesus - it was just another day, just another cross. But there was something about Jesus’ death that was so compelling, so different, that this Centurion made one of the two strong statements of faith on this dark day. Was this a statement of conversion - did it mean that the Centurion was saved on this day? I don’t know - that is between the Centurion and God. But just as I was aware on Wednesday of VBS that I needed Jesus in my heart, maybe on this day the Centurion realized that he needed something more than the death business. I accepted Christ as my Saviors a short time after that Wednesday when I saw my need. I like to think that the Centurion was in the crowd that Peter preached to on Pentecost and saw his need. Or maybe it was a few weeks later when the Centurion continued to hear about a risen Jesus. I like to think that even now, that Centurion strides down the streets of gold. He doesn’t smell death or blood anymore, instead - he smells life.
Peter was Jesus’ disciple, he should have stood for Jesus. But he didn’t. Pilate was the law. He knew Jesus was innocent, he should have done what was just. But he didn’t. Barnabas was a murderer and an insurrectionist. He should have died on that day for his sins. But he didn’t. The Centurion should have ignored the death of Jesus. But he didn’t.
Sometimes the greatest faith comes from the most unexpected sources.
LORD Jesus, I think about the price You paid for me - to bring me back to You - and I am astounded by Your love for me. For all of eternity I will sing my praise and my love for You.
Contact Valerie or sign up for the e-Ministries of Fresno First Baptist at valerie@fresnofirst.org
e-Praise & Prayers - April 13, 2006
Our labor here is brief, but our reward is eternal. Be not troubled by the noise of the world that passes like shadow. -St. Clare of Assisi
Please pray for Jim Purgason, Pastor Terrie’s husband. He is facing some health issues.
Dorothy Wajckus, Dennis’ mother, took a fall and broke her hip. Broken bones among our beloved seniors are always a challenge. Please keep Dorothy in prayer.
Doris Rahn‘s sister-in-law, Kay Bauer, also took a fall and broke both of her legs.
Michael Farris, Jean Ferris’ son, was suffering from some unexplained bleeding. Please pray that the doctors can quickly solve this problem.
Char Cole’s father is back home at San Joaquin Gardens from the hospital - but he is not doing well at all.
Please pray for Chris, the nephew of Faye, a baker at Von’s bakery, that he can be released from the demon possession of drugs.
David & Ivy Huff, the new coordinators of our “Children of Promise” Ministry, are job hunting. Please pray that Father will place both of these dynamic Christians in jobs where they can shine for Him.
Please keep our mission team in Mexico in prayer - they should be heading home soon - I think tomorrow.
We continue to pray for the following: Ann Mead and her upcoming surgery, Lois Chestnutt, Judi Wright, the family of Evelyn Touchstone, Ellen Burton, Sarah, Wendy & Toma, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, Aunt Pat & cancer, Katie Arizon, Carol Robertshaw and a broken foot,, the young man that Dan & Edie are mentoring, Karen with a possible liver transplant, Uncle Dale & chemo, Jim Pombe & heart problems, Joe Barty & throat cancer, Mike Abbott in Afghanistan, Walt Couch & prostrate cancer, Mike Joos & recovery from radiation treatment, George Martin & cancer, Tony & treatment for prostrate cancer, John Rodgers with cancer.
Pray for our missionaries - Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Gospel For Asia, The Faith Alive Clinic in Jos, Nigeria, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, SeaFM in Laos, Dr. George Pe Myat in the Congo, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that we recognize opportunities to share our faith with others
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Jehovah Sabaoth, Our LORD of Powers,
We thank You and praise You for this week - a Holy week - when we can stop and remember that this was the week in which the world was forever changed. When mercy replaced justice, when the barrier between God and man was ripped from top to bottom, when our relationship with you was healed.
Jehovah-Rapha, LORD Who Heals, we lift up those who are facing health challenges from illnesses, broken bones and addictions. We pray for Jim Purgason, Michael Farris, and Char’s father, that You touch them and heal their bodies. We pray for Dorothy and Kay as their bones heal from their falls. We pray for Chris, that You will release him from his addictions.
We pray, El Shaddai, that You place Ivy & David Huff into jobs where their witness for You will shine brightly to their co-workers.
As our young people who are serving You in Mexico prepare to come home, we thank You, Gentle Spirit, for Your watchful eye over them. Continue to guard them as they travel home.
LORD Jesus, we pray for those who continue to be on our prayer list and thank You for the privilege of lifting them before You.
With our hearts overflowing with love, we lift up our pastors to You, Abba, and we ask that on this very busy week, that You bind that troublemaker, satan, away from the. We pray for our leaders and ministries - that they will continue to serve You to the best of our abilities. Father, every ministry in the Church needs more people to serve in them. Speak to the hearts of Your people and urge them to find the great joy that is found in turning our hearts in service to You.
Be with Your missionaries around the world, Holy Spirit. Move upon their lives with gentleness and peace. Let them see the fruits of their labors for You.
We pray, LORD God of the Angel Armies, that You bless our country. Bring her back to her knees before You. Guide our leaders in the decisions they make. Protect those who serve You and our country in the military.
As we watch the season change around us, Father, and we watch the world cloth herself in the brilliant colors and new life of Spring, we are reminded of the new life that You have birthed within our souls. Thank You for our salvation that comes only through You and Your mercy. Thank You for the life we life on this earth that is not our home, and for our eternal life that we will live within Your presence. You are our home. We Love You, LORD.
The UpWords Weekly Email Devotional
MaxLucado.com/newsletter/
3/22/06
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THE TALE OF THE CRUCIFIED CROOK - - -
If anyone was ever worthless, this one was. If any man ever deserved dying, this man probably did. If any fellow was ever a loser, this fellow was at the top of the list.
Perhaps that is why Jesus chose him to show us what he thinks of the human race.
Maybe this criminal had heard the Messiah speak. Maybe he had seen him love the lowly. Maybe he had watched him dine with the punks, pickpockets, and potmouths on the streets. Or maybe not. Maybe the only thing he knew about this Messiah was what he now saw: a beaten, slashed, nail-suspended preacher. His face crimson with blood, his bones peeking through torn flesh, his lungs gasping for air.
Something, though, told him he had never been in better company. And somehow he realized that even though all he had was prayer, he had finally met the One to whom he should pray.
“Any chance that you could put in a good word for me?” (Loose translation.)
“Consider it done.”
Now why did Jesus do that? What in the world did he have to gain by promising this desperado a place of honor at the banquet table? What in the world could this chiseling quisling ever offer in return? I mean, the Samaritan woman I can understand. She could go back and tell the tale. And Zacchaeus had some money that he could give. But this guy? What is he going to do? Nothing!
That’s the point. Listen closely. Jesus’ love does not depend upon what we do for him. Not at all. In the eyes of the King, you have value simply because you are. You don’t have to look nice or perform well. Your value is inborn.
Period.
Think about that for just a minute. You are valuable just because you exist. Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are. Remember that. The next time someone tries to pass you off as a cheap buy, just think about the way Jesus honors you…and smile.
I do. I smile because I know I don’t deserve love like that. None of us do. When you get right down to it, any contribution that any of us make is pretty puny. All of us—even the purest of us—deserve heaven about as much as that crook did. All of us are signing on Jesus’ credit card, not ours.
And it also makes me smile to think that there is a grinning ex-con walking the golden streets who knows more about grace than a thousand theologians. No one else would have given him a prayer. But in the end that is all that he had. And in the end, that is all it took.
No wonder they call him the Savior.
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From No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
Copyright 1986, Max Lucado
http://www.maxlucado.com/shop/detail2.php?pid=B102H
Dear Friends:
Thank you for your prayers for the folk here who have suffered from botulism poisoning. Over 150 of the 200 cases are back at home now but are still not back to full health.
Last night we were talking with the head of the Public Health Department, who studies English with us. He told us that the patients will have symptoms related to throat and liver problems for another 2 -3 months. The folk who are still in hospital are improving and expected to be released in a week or so. Thank you for your prayers.
As we were talking he said that it is good for them to take electrolyte replacements but the hospital has a limited supply We have been praying for a way to show Jesus' love and concern in this area and felt that this was an opening. Today we made contact with the hospital and they agreed that it would be good if we could help give some electrolytes and so we went to the city and bought some.
The hospital is having the patients come in every week for a check up so we will distribute the items then and find out what would be good to give the following week.
We are including a card with the items that has a quote from Jesus, "Love God and Love your Neighbor". We are hoping that these gifts will show Jesus' love to these people and that we can continue helping until they are fully recovered.
Thank you for your prayers that have helped so many and please continue to pray for continued improvement especially for those who are still in hospital.
In Christ,
Larry and Jan
Note from Valerie: This poem was written by Faye Lowes - a multitalented writer of stories and poems. God has truely blessed our community of faith when He placed Faye among us.
LAMB OF GOD
On a cross at Calvary
They nailed Him high – for all to see
His naked form and, on His head,
A crown of thorns – for a "king", they said:
"King of Kings", they mockingly cried!
And on that cross my Savior died.
But never was there a grave could hold
Him, of whom the Scripture foretold
Would rise again – by God’s own might,
Ending the dark and terrible night
Of Satan’s power, for all who believe
That He is LORD, and in faith receive
His gift of forgiveness, His gift of love,
His gift of eternity in heaven above.
Dear Lamb of God, may it never be
That I fail to remember --You did it for me.
Faye Lowes
Bible Reading - April 9 to April 15th
This week I read the book of Ruth from the Message. It is such a tender picture of Christ’s great redeeming love for us. For the first time, I realized that Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, was not a relative of Naomi, he was a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband - which gave him even less responsibility towards Naomi and particularly towards Ruth, who was not related to him at all - and even worse - a foreigner.
There is so much in our passages in 2 Corinthians that I scarce know where to start. Loved the passages in chapter 3 that dealt with factions in the church - and maybe even denominational differences. Bottom line - if it’s not about Jesus - then it’s not about nothin’. Chapter 5 is a hard chapter as it deals with sin in the Church. I agree with Paul that we cannot condone sin within the Body of Christ - but we have to be careful not to go overboard into judgmental behavior. Paul is clear that dealing with sin in the Body is a function of the Body - not of the individual.
I Samuel started us out with the birth & calling of Samuel, then went on to tell us about the corruption in the Tabernacle, the capture of the ark of God, and what happened to the Philistines who took it. This week we will read about the Israelites rejecting God as their King and their desire for an earthly king - and what a king they got! I think that this is where the saying “Be careful what you ask for” came from! We will also get started into 1 Chronicles. We will finish 2 Corinthians and move into Matthew.
Sonday - April 9......................1 Samuel 6-7.Psalm 72, 2 Cor 9
Monday, April 10....................1 Sam 8-10, 2 Cor 10
Tuesday, April 11....................1 Sam 11-12, 1 Chronicles 1, 2 Cor. 11
Wednesday, April 12...............1 Sam 13, I Chron 2-3, 2 Cor 12
Thursday, April 13....................1 Sam 14; 1 Chron 4; 2 Cor 13
Friday, April 14..........................1 Sam 17; 1 Chron 5; Matthew 1
Saturday, April 15......................1 Sam 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2
Note from Valerie: Here is a poem from our beloved Ann Mead. This Holy week is going to be very busy for our e-Ministry! I have a poem from Faye Lowes to share with you early in the week - a devotional from Max Lucado - sll sorts of exciting writings all leading up to the day when EVERYTHING changed. Thank you Ann for sharing your talent with us!
IF I HAD BEEN BARABBAS
by Ann Reed-Mead
If I had been Barabbas, a criminal and a castaway,
Sitting in a dank, dark prison awaiting my judgment day,
Hearing Passover crowds in the street and the noise of their celebration,
Feeling the weight of my sin and the despair of alienation,
Then hearing them call for Barabbas and the words, "crucify him,"
Would I think it was me they wanted to nail to a cross so grim?
As the guards came to loose me, would I calculate
That I deserved my punishment as they led me to my fate?
And as I entered the court and found that I was free,
What thoughts raced through my mind? Would I wonder, "why me?"
Then would I walk up to Calvary to view the one on MY cross,
Still wondering why I was forgiven while He had suffered loss?
Christ took Barabbas’ place and forgave him of his sin.
Barabbas was given another chance and a new life, that day, to begin.
I wonder sometimes what he did with the new start he got that day.
Did he become a new man, or did he just walk away -
Going back to his old ways never feeling the enormity
Of the price Christ had paid to set such a criminal free?
I am the same today as I stand before the cross
I can reject Christ’s forgiveness and then I, too, can gloss
Over the sins I’ve committed and go back to my old ways
Forgetting the cross and its meaning and all that it portrays,
Or, I can accept Christ’s forgiveness being willing to suffer loss,
For like the sinner, Barabbas, Christ died upon MY cross.
Valerie Rae Hanneman
“Should’ve” Easter Series #3
Luke 23: 18 - 25 (NIV) “With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" For the third time he spoke to them: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have Him punished and then release Him." But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that He be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.”
Some time after the death of my children’s father I was speaking to a friend. Like me, she is a survivor of spouse abuse. “I think it is amazing how you put aside your hatred for him these last few months - you even helped him with his finances,” she said to me, ‘I know you did it for your children. I don’t think I could have done it - I would’ve laughed at him and told him I was glad he was dying!” I was truly surprised - I had not hated Steve for many years before his death and my involvement with him during the last months of his life was my genuine desire - not a show for my kids. When I told her this, she didn’t believe me. “How could you not hate him? Look at what he did to you!” I answered, “Jesus did more for me - and I can’t follow Jesus completely if there is hatred in my heart. I had a choice to make, and I chose Jesus.” “I just don’t understand you - my hatred is all that keeps me strong.”
Barabbas sat in his cell that morning, flexing his hands, knowing that he would shortly be crucified for his crimes against Rome. His hatred for Rome was strong. Sometimes it seemed that this hatred was all he had in his life. It had lead him from one group of insurgents to another, plotting the overthrow of Rome, gathering others like him to the group, spreading the gospel of discontent throughout the land, then finally they took action to topple the Roman invaders. Only something had gone wrong - the people did not rise with them. And now, here he was in this filthy cell, the minutes of his life rapidly ticking away. He hears the mob from outside “Crucify him! Crucify him!” This was another blow to him. He had hoped that through his martyr’s death the people would rise up in protest and then throw off the yoke of the Romans. Perhaps in his death, there would be freedom, but from the sounds of it, that wasn’t going to happen. Then he hears them chant his name, “Barabbas, Barabbas” then again, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” No surprise when the guard opens the cell door and waves him out. “Pilate’s waiting for you” Outwardly defiant, inwardly trembling, Barabbas stumbles onto the platform that holds Pilate in his judgement seat. Barabbas looks up and sees the other prisoner standing there. Even though beaten & bloody, he recognizes Jesus. He had heard him speak once, and although Jesus words were a nice dream - face it - they had nothing to do with the reality of hatred that bounded his life. Their eyes meet and Barabbas almost falls to his knees with the shock of what is in this man’s eyes. Compassion? Love? How can this be? Then the truly unbelievable. For a moment, Barabbas doesn’t understand. He has been chosen to go free while this other man dies? Again their eyes meet, and as Barabbas looks into Jesus’ eyes he knows that Jesus has done nothing to deserve this death. His chains are removed and he is pushed down the stairs. As he looks back up at Jesus one last time his heart is again filled with the love that is in Jesus eyes. Brutally, Jesus is grabbed by a soldier and taken away to be crucified.
Barabbas - his name is often translated as bar Abbas. His last name means “son of the father” Can there be any more of a contrast between two sons? On one hand we have Jesus, the Son of God, and God Himself. On the other is Barabbas, the human son of the Father. Jesus has lived 33 years of sinlessness. He is absolutely perfect. He had gathered people around Him to teach them the gospel of God’s love and forgiveness. He has healed the sick, He has given people hope, His life has been motivated only because of His love. Now He stands before Pilate facing death because of His relentless love for us. Barabbas stands there before Pilate and he is facing death as well. Only Barabbas is not there because of his love - quite the opposite. Barabbas’ life has been motivated by hatred. He had also gathered people around him, but his was the gospel of hatred and rebellion. He stands before Pilate as a murderer and participant in a failed insurrection.
Jesus had done nothing wrong, Barabbas had done nothing right. Justice says that Jesus should go free and Barabbas should pay for his sins. But on this morning it is not about justice. On this day that will change the world, it’s about love. This day is about God and His perfect Son choosing to pay the sin debt of His rebellious human son. Barabbas should have died. Jesus did die.
My friend’s hatred of her abusive spouse is what she thinks makes her strong. She doesn’t understand that it destroys her life. She cannot be whole until the acid of her hatred is no longer eating away at her. I wonder if Barabbas followed Jesus that morning and witnessed the crucifixion. I wonder if being part of the clearest picture in the Word of Father’s substitutionary mercy finally allowed him to release his hatred for Rome and let him find mercy, grace and salvation at the foot of that cross. I hope so. I hope that Barabbas discovered - as millions of us have - that real life begins in the death of the Son of God.
LORD Jesus, I live today because You died in my place. You released me from all the hatred and rebellion that was destroying my life. I pledge my life to You.
Contact Valerie at or sign up for the e-Ministry of Fresno First Baptist at valerie@fresnofirst.org
Dear Prayer Partners,
Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thanks a ton for praying for all of us as we stand in the front line and work with Jesus in His vine yard.
Praise God :
1. All the missionaries and their children have kept well.
2. No one has spotted any vipers or cobras or any thing poisonous.
3. Praise God for the Bali conference in which Remo and I could take part. A report follows.
4. Praise God for the 3 day training that all RHS missionaries had at Nowrangapur on Church Growth principles. Led by Rev Vasantharaj - Direct of Church Growth - from Chennai.
5. Praise God for empowering RHS missionaries 4 of them to become computer literate and RHS missionaries have now taken leadership roles to run the society with very little guidance from me.
6. For the 9 Lady prisoners - Gangi, Rita, Munie, Susheela, Bemae, Indira, Urae, Shanti and Onima, who have accepted the Lord Jesus as savior and who now read the Bible and pray regularly.
7. Ruth daughter of Sopan and Shanti who was always failing, has in the last pre test, not only passed in all subjects BUT has secured 9th rank. This is definitely an answer to prayer.
Please pray for :
1. The men prisoners have been instigated not to attend our "in prison literacy class" and also the sunday worship. Please pray for a breakthrough.
2. Those of you who have read my previous mail will know of the naxalite and anti naxalite movement and in the Konta and other areas many Koyas are running away from home and gone into hiding leaving all in the house just as it is due to fear from these people group. Slowly a fear is griping the heart of every one here, including our missionaries.
3. Now all in the Rhabhaguda area who do want to take baptism, are being presurerized by various people group against accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.
4. For protection of not only RHS - BUT all missionaries working in interior areas risking their very life for the cause of Jesus Christ.
5. For Prabathi wife of Niranjan Kuldeep in the family way - 4th month now, pray for her health and safe delivery
6. For dermoid cyst removal for 2 month Reuben on the 3rd April from the left upper eye lid area. Reuben is my grandson and son of Mano and Sangeetha.
7. For all our missionaries children writing their exams.
8. For the repair of Quails window. Most advised me to take the train route when I travel _ BUT you would have heard of the Naxalite threatening by abducting a train engine in the Biladela Vizag line. MY way to reach my main railway line - SO SAFETY is in the Lord ONLY so do pray for protection in all the extensive travels that I do with RHS missionaries.
9. Please read the following report and start prayer groups in your church and other places and start praying that the unreached be reached for Jesus. Please adopt a people group to pray for one year every day of the year and see God move in a mysterious way His wonders to perform.
There is an urgent need of Rs 11,000 for a community leadership training for 11 missionaries at Raigada and Rs 9000 for the missionaries to attend the National Prison Ministry annual meeting at Cuttcuk. Kindly contribute so that our missionaries can be well empowered.
Clowing with prayers
Iris
e-Praise & Prayers - April 5, 2006
God to enfold me,
God to surround me,
God in my speaking,
God in my thinking,
God in my sleeping,
God in my waking,
God in my watching,
God in my hoping.
-Traditional Celtic Prayer
Max Lucado has the most amazing Easter video - check it out at: HeChoseTheNails.net
Ann & Larry Mead met with the surgeon’s assistant regarding her upcoming surgery. Hank is a Christian and promised that he would be praying for Ann during the operation. There is a tip on her bone shank that may cause a prolonged operation is it does not come out easily.
Lois Chestnutt came through her surgery and they are currently awaiting lab results.
Judi Wright took a fall earlier this week and it is my understanding that although nothing is broken - she is in considerable pain.
Evelyn Touchstone passed into the arms of her merciful Savior this past Sonday. Please keep the family in prayer. Her Celebration of Life will be held this Thursday at 11:30 at FFBC
Ellen Burton, my sister’s ex-sister-in-law, is in a lot of pain from her treatment, but the cancer is shrinking..
Please keep Biana Grogg in prayer. Right now Biana is traveling for a last visit with her grandchildren before she takes off to Nigeria. (Okay - she is going to see her kids too - but face it - it is all about the grandkids)
We continue to pray for the following: Sarah, Wendy & Toma, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, Aunt Pat & cancer, Katie Arizon, Carol Robertshaw and a broken foot, Ann Mead & surgery on April 17th, the young man that Dan & Edie are mentoring, Karen with a possible liver transplant, Uncle Dale & chemo, Jim Pombe & heart problems, Joe Barty & throat cancer, Mike Abbott in Afghanistan, Walt Couch & prostrate cancer, Mike Joos & recovery from radiation treatment, George Martin & cancer, Tony & treatment for prostrate cancer, John Rodgers with cancer.
Pray for our missionaries - Dr. George Pe Myat in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Gospel For Asia, The Faith Alive Clinic in Jos, Nigeria, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, SeaFM in Laos, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that we recognize opportunities to share our faith with others
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Elohim, All Powerful God,
We need Your power in our lives. Help us to depend on You more each day, to rely on Your power in and through us and not to depend on the illusion of our power.
We pray for Ann Mead as she prepares for surgery and we ask, Healer of body and soul, that this bone shank is easily removed.
Continue to be with Lois as she recovers from surgery. Let her results be favorable.
Gentle Shepherd, Care for Judi as she recovers from her fall and release her from the pain.
Be with Ollie Touchstone and all of his family as they grieve Evelyn’s passing. Now she knows You face to face.
Continue to be with Ellen as she fights this cancer in her body. Thank You that it is shrinking.
Keep Biana safe as she travels to see family before she follows Your call to Nigeria.
We are about to start Holy Week, LORD Jesus. As we take extra time this next week to reflect on how much You love us, reveal Yourself to us. Show us how to better follow You. Teach us the sound of Your voice so that we can listen to You better. Show us Your heart so that we can serve You better. You are all that is important to us.
Spirit of Light, continue to shine Your mercy into the lives of those who remain on our prayer chain.
Help us to support our pastors with our love. Surround them with Your joy. Bless them through us. Be with our leaders and our ministries as we serve You. Give us opportunities to share You with the world. Give us the words to say - but most of all, help us to live a life so tuned to You that we don’t need to say that we are Christians, people just know.
Jehovah-Shalom, grant Your soul-peace to Your missionaries who serve You around the world.
In this increasingly violent world, keep them safe.
Protect our country, guide our leaders and keep our soldiers safe.
Your Word says that You rejoice over us with singing. In the mornings our souls rise to You. During the day we feel Your presence with us. At night we sleep in peace, knowing that You are watching over us. To know that You are singing over us because we make You rejoice is a feeling of joy that is beyond description. We love You, LORD.
Bible Reading - April 2 to April 8
There is a phrase that just seems to repeat and repeat itself so far in Judges. “Again the people of Israel did what the LORD said was wrong” Every time we read that phrase the next verses show who the LORD allows to defeat and rule over Israel. Israel repents of her wickedness and then you read about the variety of judges that free Israel. There was Ehud, who killed Eglon, King of Moab by stabbing a sword so deep into him (Eglon was very fat) that he couldn’t get the sword back out. Shamgar, who killed 600 Philistines with a sharp stick used to guide oxen. Deborah, the female judge. Gideon, who put a fleece before the LORD - two times! - just to be sure that he was hearing God right, then defeated the Midianites with just 300 men. And then one of the most heartbreaking stories in the Bible, Jehpthah, who, in his overbearing pride, sacrificed his only child to God. After each of these judges defeats Israel’s enemies, there is peace in Israel. But when the judge dies - Israel goes right back to her idol-worshiping ways. Sometimes I wonder why Father didn’t just give up on them and just let them go. But I am glad He didn’t - because it means that He won’t give up on me and just let me go!
We read one of my favorite chapter’s in the Bible this past week. Corinthians 13 - the love chapter. I love the way it starts out “And now I will show you the best way of all.....” And that best way is to have every action and thought motivated by love of God and love of others. I call this chapter my life’s measuring stick because I use it to determine both the motives of what I do, and the quality of how I do it. It the motive is not love - if it is ego-driven- or self-interest driven - then I am nothing but a clanging bell. And if the love with which I do something is not pure, and unselfish - then again, I am wasting my time.
This week we finish Judges, read all of Ruth (I love Ruth!) And get into 1 Samuel. In the newer testament we stay in 2 Corinthians all this week - then into Matthew next week.
Sonday, April 2........Judges 13-16, 2 Cor 2
Monday, April 3........Judges 17-18, Psalm 89, e-Bible Reading2 Cor 3
Tuesday, April 4.......Judges 19-21, 2 Cor. 4
Wednesday, April 5.....Ruth 1-2, Psalm 53 & 61, 2 Cor 5
Thursday, April 6......Ruth 3-4; Psalm 64-65, 2 Cor 6
Friday, April 7........1 Samuel 1-2, Psalm 66; 2 Cor 7
Saturday, April 8......1 Samuel 3-5, Psalm 77, 2 Cor. 8
April 2006,
Dear Partners in Ministry,
Greetings from Ban Luang! Summer is here. School is finished.
Hannah and Fran left us with a rush, after being joined by two friends, we all worked together and did a day English program in 3 local schools. They were successful and both teachers and students raved about it.
To say thank you for all their hard work we took them all back to Chiang Mai via a camp out and a light-duty rafting trip. Much fun was had by all.
Disaster in Ban Luang. A local festival turned into a disaster as over 200 people have been hospitalized from eating bamboo shoots. Gratefully we were too busy to attend the festival and personally have escaped from a form of botulism that is used in germ warfare. Over a week later people affected have only gone into hospital – no-one has come out. Although there have been no deaths, there are certainly going to be a large number of families who will be affected in the long term as it is expected that a number of people are going to be permanently disabled as a result. We will be looking at ways that we can minister to families when they eventually are released from hospital.
We continue to be involved with the new believers at Ban Sra, Muana and Villy are having daily on going contact and our involvement is preparing lessons for the formal weekly meeting. The challenge is to be concise and have one main teaching point per week. The temptation is to tell them everything in one session.
With the end of the teaching season comes an opportunity to get out with neighbors in their fields.
Thank you, for your continued involvement with us here. May you all know the blessing of His presence with you.
Yours in His kingdom,
Larry and Jan
Prayer points
Wisdom in finding a way to minister to people affected by botulism poisoning.
For Fran, Hannah, Emma and Hannah B as they travel back to the UK April 4 and resettle to live there.
For Jan Trail as she is ministering Currently in Chiang Mai and as she moves here later in April. We hope to finish the summer break with a couple of English camps.
Pray for us as we make the trips to Chiang Mai for the TBMF revamping for both safety in travel and wisdom.
Pray for the new believers in Ban Sra as family and neighbors are looking closely at what following Jesus is “doing to them and their involvement in the community”. Pray that following Jesus will be seen as positive in the community and that many more would be drawn to Him.
Give thanks with us as we travel back to Payameng Rai on Easter Sunday for a number of Baptisms.