Hi!
The news this past week has been filled with the death of famous people. Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mays... People from around the world loved them and felt a connection with them in their personal lives. People say they were good or even great people, but what made them great? Their money, Their fame...
This past week a friend of ours went to be with the Lord. Tim Bushman was found in one of his fields near his farm in Perryton, TX by his son and the cause of death was electrocution. His dear wife Tina posted about his death of Face Book and said that they didn't question the Lord's goodness in Tim's death. Tim loved Jesus. Tim's life was centered on telling others about Christ. Although he wasn't famous and I doubt if he had many earthly riches, his spiritual bank account was filled with people he had led to the Lord. His family said they prayed that Tim's death would bring about many converts for Christ's Kingdom. So on Saturday 600 plus people gathered to celebrate Tim's life. What a testimony of how the Lord can use one man for his purposes when he is surrendered to do His father's will.
In my quiet time on Thursday I read the following from Andrey Murray's "Devotions on Prayer"
The Salvation of Souls
Christ's power to save depends on unceasing intercession. "The we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the word... God's message was preached in ever-widening circles.
The numbers of believers greatly increased" (Acts 6:4,7) After the apostles spent time away in continual prayer, the number of the disciples multiplied greatly.
As we spend time in intercession, we will see more conversions. Christ is exalted as sinners repent. The church exists with the divine purpose and promise of conversions. Don't be ashamed to confess your sin and weakness and pray to God for more conversions both here an in other countries. Plead for the salvation of sinners.
Pray in deep humility. "Yes, Lord... but even dogs are permitted to eat crumbs...Woman... your faith is great. Your request is granted." (Matt 15: 27-28)
True humility proves its integrity by not seeking anything but simply trusting His grace. And so it is the strength of a great faith. Don't let your littleness hinder you for a moment.
Andrew Murray
So my friend today I am praying for converts. I am praying that the life of our dear friend Tim will bring people to Christ. Tim was the real deal. He didn't have money or fame but he had a great faith! How will you and I be remembered when it is our time to go be with the Lord. I pray that I will be known as a woman of prayer and of great faith!
Blessings,
Deb
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day
Hi!
Today was once again a day of celebration in the lives of two men in my life. First of all my dad and then my husband.
When I think about what these two men mean to me I want to weep knowing the influence they have had in my life over the past 46 years. It was my heavenly father Jesus who chose these two men to be part of my life.
First about my dad. My dad has been one of the most influential people in my life. He taught me how to work hard during the work week and then rest on the Lord's Day. From him I get my drive that powers my earthly life. From my heavenly Father I get the drive that powers my future! I am thankful that my dad made sure our family was in church every Sunday and that I didn't have a choice if I wanted to be there or not. Because of his commitment I heard about the Love of my heavenly father and gave my life to him when I was only 7 years of age. He sacrificed a lot and always encouraged me to be involved within our local church. I am thankful for this now that I am married to a pastor and involved as a team mate in the ministry the Lord has called us to. This past spring my dad struggled with a heart problem. Many times I thought that this may be the last time I see him or talk to him. I wanted him to know that I Love Him and that I am thankful that the Lord chose for me to have him as my dad.
Now about my husband. Many of the traits that I admire most in my dad, I find in my husband, Jon. And others are traits I love just about Jon. He loves the Lord. He loves people. He is passionate about the word of God. He is determined and empowered to communicate God's word to the people the Lord has chosen to hear it. He knows how to have fun and looks at life through a different set of glasses than I do. He has been the father who Hannah needed in her life and he has fathered her well. And because of him and his influence on her she came to know the Lord at age three. She has many of his traits which are a blessing from the Lord.
He has been the spiritual father that Esther, DeeDy and Steven have needed in their lives. I love to watch him talk to them. He always takes the time to communicate with each of them. His desire is to see them walking passionately with Christ. His love just spills out when he is with our kids. I love and respect this man of God that the Lord gave to me 20 years ago this August. What a gift!
Scripture tells us in James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Today I am thanking my Lord for the perfect gifts he gave to me: my dad, my husband, a my four children.
Praying you find time to thank those gifts the Lord has placed in your life. Maybe one of them will be your dad or husband.
Blessings to you!
Deb
Today was once again a day of celebration in the lives of two men in my life. First of all my dad and then my husband.
When I think about what these two men mean to me I want to weep knowing the influence they have had in my life over the past 46 years. It was my heavenly father Jesus who chose these two men to be part of my life.
First about my dad. My dad has been one of the most influential people in my life. He taught me how to work hard during the work week and then rest on the Lord's Day. From him I get my drive that powers my earthly life. From my heavenly Father I get the drive that powers my future! I am thankful that my dad made sure our family was in church every Sunday and that I didn't have a choice if I wanted to be there or not. Because of his commitment I heard about the Love of my heavenly father and gave my life to him when I was only 7 years of age. He sacrificed a lot and always encouraged me to be involved within our local church. I am thankful for this now that I am married to a pastor and involved as a team mate in the ministry the Lord has called us to. This past spring my dad struggled with a heart problem. Many times I thought that this may be the last time I see him or talk to him. I wanted him to know that I Love Him and that I am thankful that the Lord chose for me to have him as my dad.
Now about my husband. Many of the traits that I admire most in my dad, I find in my husband, Jon. And others are traits I love just about Jon. He loves the Lord. He loves people. He is passionate about the word of God. He is determined and empowered to communicate God's word to the people the Lord has chosen to hear it. He knows how to have fun and looks at life through a different set of glasses than I do. He has been the father who Hannah needed in her life and he has fathered her well. And because of him and his influence on her she came to know the Lord at age three. She has many of his traits which are a blessing from the Lord.
He has been the spiritual father that Esther, DeeDy and Steven have needed in their lives. I love to watch him talk to them. He always takes the time to communicate with each of them. His desire is to see them walking passionately with Christ. His love just spills out when he is with our kids. I love and respect this man of God that the Lord gave to me 20 years ago this August. What a gift!
Scripture tells us in James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Today I am thanking my Lord for the perfect gifts he gave to me: my dad, my husband, a my four children.
Praying you find time to thank those gifts the Lord has placed in your life. Maybe one of them will be your dad or husband.
Blessings to you!
Deb
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Ministry and Family-My calling.
Hi!
I pray you all had a great week. My week was filled with so many things that today I find myself worn out but very happy to be able to be part of God's plan for my life.
Sometimes ministry becomes so overwhelming that I tend to develop a cold heart towards the very people the Lord has called us to serve. Their problems overwhelm me and when they seek help from us they often don't want to listen to the Bible that has all the answers to their problems. God's word that has all the answers doesn't seem relavant to their current needs.
They can't get along with one another or are just too busy to be involved in the church.
For the past six years Jon and I have poured our lives into a minstry that has required constant attention. The church here didn't have a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. We have seen this church flutuate from 12 committed people who were here to keep the church doors open to 60 people a couple of years ago when the church was growing and maturing, now averaging around 35. The more Jon has preached the Word the more active Satan has been out to destroy what God has done here in Red Cloud. Divorce, Marriages falling apart, apathy, unbelief sums up what has gone on here the past two years. There are days that I am just ready to quit, because it all overwhelmes me and then the Lord allows me to see what is going on here through someone elses eyes.
Today those eyes were through Steven's our spiritual son whom the Lord put into lives by no accident. Through a series of events only the Lord could orchestrate Steven came into our lives and has served alongside of us for the past two summers. Steven preached for his first time for the summer this morning. His topic was on the Church body and what it means to be a part of a church body. The word that he used that caught my direct attention was devoted. Often we in full time ministry feel like we are the only ones devoted to the church. The congregation goes home to their own families and lives and for the most part you don't have much contact with them until the next Sunday unless they have a problem. Our lives revolve around this church body. My prayers go out each and every week for those within our congregation that they would see the truth and would take hold of all Christ has to offer them, not only for their salvation but for eveything they need to live godly lives. We give of ourselves 24/7 to be available for their needs. Sometimes we have had to forsake our own extended families in order to minister to someone. The other day Jon and I got away for a few hours on a date. We vowed that we weren't going to talk about minsitry, but as our time together went by we found ourselves talking about our lives and it was very hard to try to seperate that from ministry. Those of you that are involved in full time ministry I think will understand and maybe those of you who aren't will get a view from behind the pulpit of your pastor and wives hearts. You see this ministry that we are called to isn't a job. You can't just leave the work behind, you can't just not answer the phone or the door bell when it rings. This ministry is our calling. It's our life. So when we see the body of Christ hurting, or drifting away, or just apathetic we feel it deeply. I often feel disappointed in people and hurt because they just don't get it.
I see myself devoted to Jon as we have traveled this road for the past 20 years together. I know at times he probably justs wants to give up on me, but he doesn't because he is so grounded in his relationship to Jesus that he see's me through Jesus eyes and not his own. I am also devoted to the four precious young adults that the Lord has placed in my life. My heart hurt this week for Esther because she is far away from her homeland and living away from the life she has known the past three years. She needs to be with family. So because I am devoted to Esther we are praying for a way to bring her home for a week this summer. I know the Lord will provide if he wants this to happen. My heart wept today thinking about DeeDy being all those miles away from us over the big pond as we refer to it. She is graduating this month, spending a month in Spain and then getting married on September 5th. Talking to her on the phone today brought back so many good memories of her time with us and saying goodbye to her two years ago not knowing if I would ever see her again this side of heaven. Watching Steven preach today and seeing the passion he has for God's Word and the people brought me to tears as I searched my own heart for the passion for people that has gone cold in my own life. He sees people through a different lense than I do most times. And then watching Hannah grow and take root to the call of ministry that she feels the Lord is leading her into caused me to weep because when you give your heart out to people and their problems and love like she does I know their will be pain and disappointment ahead but I also know that she will run to the source of her life Jesus to find the comfort and will continue on in faith to that calling on her life.
Today I saw myself as I really am. Sometimes I am blind to what the Lord wants to teach me. Am I devoted to the minstry or am I devoted to Jesus. Being devoted to a ministry will be a roller coaster ride, but being devoted to Jesus will bring joy, peace, love for others and fellowship with them but most of all it will bring back the passion and love that only my savior can provide in my life.
You see this calling on my life is something much more that I ever dreamed or imagined it to be.
I want the long-term results of my life to be more than just events. I want to leave behind people that I have influenced for the Lord. I want them to have a deep, lasting love for God, strong relationships with family and friends, great character, and the knowledge of knowing they are loved by God.
1 Corithians 13 it says, "Love never fails." Love suffers long and is kind, it bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I want this kind of love to be my driving force in my life.
If I do this, it will be exciting for all the amazing things that will happen.
So I close with a prayer from Elizabeth George's book "A Woman after God's Own Heart"
"Lord it all comes back to priorities in my life. Some of them are good and I think you are pleased with them, but a lot of them could be better. Help me to choose the best over the good and see the amazing things You want to do through me." Amen
Blessings,
Deb
I pray you all had a great week. My week was filled with so many things that today I find myself worn out but very happy to be able to be part of God's plan for my life.
Sometimes ministry becomes so overwhelming that I tend to develop a cold heart towards the very people the Lord has called us to serve. Their problems overwhelm me and when they seek help from us they often don't want to listen to the Bible that has all the answers to their problems. God's word that has all the answers doesn't seem relavant to their current needs.
They can't get along with one another or are just too busy to be involved in the church.
For the past six years Jon and I have poured our lives into a minstry that has required constant attention. The church here didn't have a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. We have seen this church flutuate from 12 committed people who were here to keep the church doors open to 60 people a couple of years ago when the church was growing and maturing, now averaging around 35. The more Jon has preached the Word the more active Satan has been out to destroy what God has done here in Red Cloud. Divorce, Marriages falling apart, apathy, unbelief sums up what has gone on here the past two years. There are days that I am just ready to quit, because it all overwhelmes me and then the Lord allows me to see what is going on here through someone elses eyes.
Today those eyes were through Steven's our spiritual son whom the Lord put into lives by no accident. Through a series of events only the Lord could orchestrate Steven came into our lives and has served alongside of us for the past two summers. Steven preached for his first time for the summer this morning. His topic was on the Church body and what it means to be a part of a church body. The word that he used that caught my direct attention was devoted. Often we in full time ministry feel like we are the only ones devoted to the church. The congregation goes home to their own families and lives and for the most part you don't have much contact with them until the next Sunday unless they have a problem. Our lives revolve around this church body. My prayers go out each and every week for those within our congregation that they would see the truth and would take hold of all Christ has to offer them, not only for their salvation but for eveything they need to live godly lives. We give of ourselves 24/7 to be available for their needs. Sometimes we have had to forsake our own extended families in order to minister to someone. The other day Jon and I got away for a few hours on a date. We vowed that we weren't going to talk about minsitry, but as our time together went by we found ourselves talking about our lives and it was very hard to try to seperate that from ministry. Those of you that are involved in full time ministry I think will understand and maybe those of you who aren't will get a view from behind the pulpit of your pastor and wives hearts. You see this ministry that we are called to isn't a job. You can't just leave the work behind, you can't just not answer the phone or the door bell when it rings. This ministry is our calling. It's our life. So when we see the body of Christ hurting, or drifting away, or just apathetic we feel it deeply. I often feel disappointed in people and hurt because they just don't get it.
I see myself devoted to Jon as we have traveled this road for the past 20 years together. I know at times he probably justs wants to give up on me, but he doesn't because he is so grounded in his relationship to Jesus that he see's me through Jesus eyes and not his own. I am also devoted to the four precious young adults that the Lord has placed in my life. My heart hurt this week for Esther because she is far away from her homeland and living away from the life she has known the past three years. She needs to be with family. So because I am devoted to Esther we are praying for a way to bring her home for a week this summer. I know the Lord will provide if he wants this to happen. My heart wept today thinking about DeeDy being all those miles away from us over the big pond as we refer to it. She is graduating this month, spending a month in Spain and then getting married on September 5th. Talking to her on the phone today brought back so many good memories of her time with us and saying goodbye to her two years ago not knowing if I would ever see her again this side of heaven. Watching Steven preach today and seeing the passion he has for God's Word and the people brought me to tears as I searched my own heart for the passion for people that has gone cold in my own life. He sees people through a different lense than I do most times. And then watching Hannah grow and take root to the call of ministry that she feels the Lord is leading her into caused me to weep because when you give your heart out to people and their problems and love like she does I know their will be pain and disappointment ahead but I also know that she will run to the source of her life Jesus to find the comfort and will continue on in faith to that calling on her life.
Today I saw myself as I really am. Sometimes I am blind to what the Lord wants to teach me. Am I devoted to the minstry or am I devoted to Jesus. Being devoted to a ministry will be a roller coaster ride, but being devoted to Jesus will bring joy, peace, love for others and fellowship with them but most of all it will bring back the passion and love that only my savior can provide in my life.
You see this calling on my life is something much more that I ever dreamed or imagined it to be.
I want the long-term results of my life to be more than just events. I want to leave behind people that I have influenced for the Lord. I want them to have a deep, lasting love for God, strong relationships with family and friends, great character, and the knowledge of knowing they are loved by God.
1 Corithians 13 it says, "Love never fails." Love suffers long and is kind, it bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I want this kind of love to be my driving force in my life.
If I do this, it will be exciting for all the amazing things that will happen.
So I close with a prayer from Elizabeth George's book "A Woman after God's Own Heart"
"Lord it all comes back to priorities in my life. Some of them are good and I think you are pleased with them, but a lot of them could be better. Help me to choose the best over the good and see the amazing things You want to do through me." Amen
Blessings,
Deb
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Hi,
Well I survived camp and really had a great time. One of the highlights of my week was being able to share my story with the teens and young adults that were at camp. By sharing the story that the Lord has written for me it enabled me to be able to relate to them better I hope. It was also good for me to look back on all the Lord has done. If it weren't for Jesus my life would be a real mess. I am so thankful that I have to learn to rely on Him alone. When I try to do things my way I make a real mess of them.
Coming home I am spent out, tired and even on the cranky side. Often when I feel this way I just want to crawl in a hole and stay there, but that isn't what the Lord wants in my life. He promises to give me just what I need, when I need it, so that I can be better used by Him. So it is important that I keep my focus on Jesus and not myself!
Yesterday as Hannah and I were driving home from camp together we talked about personalities. The staff training last weekend for the counselors included a DISC personality test. As we talked about her results it was great to see how God created her to be who she is and that her personality is made up of some very wonderful characteristics. As she analyzed my personality she said something that really made me question how the Lord made me. She said she thought maybe I had a lot of C in my personality and that I like to speak the truth or give advice. At first I thought this sounded pretty negative but as I began to pray I asked that the Lord would show me if this was from Him or if it was an area of pride in my life that I needed to give over to Him.
Today in my quiet time he showed me an answer that I think I can live with.In Elizabeth George's devotional a Woman after God's own Heart I read:
Speak the Truth.
One of the richest blessings of a solid friendship is honesty. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, says Proverbs 27:6 and verse 9 adds, "The sweetness of a friend gives delight by hearty counsel." A lot of people would be critical of you, but very few will take the time and risk the effort of being honest. The hallmark of a great friendship is genuine truthfulness. I hope you have a friend or two who fit into this category! You also have the responsibility. Giving honest input is often easier than receiving it. Sometimes constructive feed back is hard on the ego! But if you don't listen, your growth will be limited and your friendship will remain shallow. Friendship is a two way street. So speak the truth in love. Let your friend know how much you love and appreciate them. She closes with this prayer. Lord, open my heart to the truth my friends speak to me. I'm not always eager to hear it, but I know I will grow if I receive it in the spirit in which it is given. Amen
Many times I find myself frustrated when I speak the truth and the Lord has specifically given me the green light to speak and someone misunderstands me or is too hard hearted and wants to do it their own way. I have to be so careful to listen to the Holy Spirits leading and not just give out counsel that no one wants to listen to. I told the teens this past week that so many times in my life the Lord has had to have someone who loves me as a friend and have them say the hard things that I need to hear. I am so thankful the Lord has put them into my life for this very purpose. Sometimes I get to the point of not wanting to put myself out there for family, friends, church members ...because I don't want to feel rejection that speaking the truth can bring along with it, but then I hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit saying I want you to speak Deb.
So today I am wondering how the Lord uses the personality characteristics He has given to you, to help him further His kingdom. Do you use them when it may be unpopular to do so or do you stay silent? Do you seek Godly counsel from other godly people? The Bible talks over and over how we can't be Lone Ranger Christians. We all need one another to help us grow in our journey with Christ. Praying you will be used greatly by our Lord this week.
Blessings,
Deb
Well I survived camp and really had a great time. One of the highlights of my week was being able to share my story with the teens and young adults that were at camp. By sharing the story that the Lord has written for me it enabled me to be able to relate to them better I hope. It was also good for me to look back on all the Lord has done. If it weren't for Jesus my life would be a real mess. I am so thankful that I have to learn to rely on Him alone. When I try to do things my way I make a real mess of them.
Coming home I am spent out, tired and even on the cranky side. Often when I feel this way I just want to crawl in a hole and stay there, but that isn't what the Lord wants in my life. He promises to give me just what I need, when I need it, so that I can be better used by Him. So it is important that I keep my focus on Jesus and not myself!
Yesterday as Hannah and I were driving home from camp together we talked about personalities. The staff training last weekend for the counselors included a DISC personality test. As we talked about her results it was great to see how God created her to be who she is and that her personality is made up of some very wonderful characteristics. As she analyzed my personality she said something that really made me question how the Lord made me. She said she thought maybe I had a lot of C in my personality and that I like to speak the truth or give advice. At first I thought this sounded pretty negative but as I began to pray I asked that the Lord would show me if this was from Him or if it was an area of pride in my life that I needed to give over to Him.
Today in my quiet time he showed me an answer that I think I can live with.In Elizabeth George's devotional a Woman after God's own Heart I read:
Speak the Truth.
One of the richest blessings of a solid friendship is honesty. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, says Proverbs 27:6 and verse 9 adds, "The sweetness of a friend gives delight by hearty counsel." A lot of people would be critical of you, but very few will take the time and risk the effort of being honest. The hallmark of a great friendship is genuine truthfulness. I hope you have a friend or two who fit into this category! You also have the responsibility. Giving honest input is often easier than receiving it. Sometimes constructive feed back is hard on the ego! But if you don't listen, your growth will be limited and your friendship will remain shallow. Friendship is a two way street. So speak the truth in love. Let your friend know how much you love and appreciate them. She closes with this prayer. Lord, open my heart to the truth my friends speak to me. I'm not always eager to hear it, but I know I will grow if I receive it in the spirit in which it is given. Amen
Many times I find myself frustrated when I speak the truth and the Lord has specifically given me the green light to speak and someone misunderstands me or is too hard hearted and wants to do it their own way. I have to be so careful to listen to the Holy Spirits leading and not just give out counsel that no one wants to listen to. I told the teens this past week that so many times in my life the Lord has had to have someone who loves me as a friend and have them say the hard things that I need to hear. I am so thankful the Lord has put them into my life for this very purpose. Sometimes I get to the point of not wanting to put myself out there for family, friends, church members ...because I don't want to feel rejection that speaking the truth can bring along with it, but then I hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit saying I want you to speak Deb.
So today I am wondering how the Lord uses the personality characteristics He has given to you, to help him further His kingdom. Do you use them when it may be unpopular to do so or do you stay silent? Do you seek Godly counsel from other godly people? The Bible talks over and over how we can't be Lone Ranger Christians. We all need one another to help us grow in our journey with Christ. Praying you will be used greatly by our Lord this week.
Blessings,
Deb
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