When God... Called Me...

This passage came strongly into my spiritual thoughts this week... 

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Assurance Song

This morning a friend sent me this song clip. I can only think of two words as I listen to it: “Assurance Song!“

https://youtu.be/8OlMGnPUAdw

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful

The Promise of His Presence

This verse spoke deeply to me today:

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

“A Band of Angels”

I once heard Harmon Schmelzenbach, missionary to the great continent of Africa, tell about God’s mighty working to bring the Good News of Jesus to the precious souls there. Harmon told passionately how God answered one prayer of faith after another and doors flew open giving him favor for his calling as a ministry partner with Jesus. 

The miracle-experiencing missionary put all of his testimony in one powerful phrase that I have never forgotten: “It’s hard to keep up with a band of angels!!!”

The past few weeks God has brought this phrase to my own personal calling. As I am beginning to partner with Jesus on the Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene, the faith-inspired excitement of those leading alongside me has been truly amazing. 

One example, last evening I had my first district advisory board meeting. The room was full of people of faith, fully expecting God to begin a new work among us. And their strong and obvious belief in the vision God is showing us both started my heart and even startled my heart — in a wonder-filled kind of way. 

The meeting did not end until after 10 PM as we shared holy communion together and prayed the Lord’s prayer while holding hands.

As I left the office, that powerful phrase came into my spirit fresh and anew: “Yes!!! It’s hard to keep up with a band of angels!!!” (But it sure is fun trying to!)

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Transition Nearly Reality

Well, I have been overlapping two responsibilities for several weeks now. It has been challenging at times, however, it has always been a blessed privilege.

Pastoring the people who call themselves Nazarenes in Harrisonburg, Virginia, has been a tender calling for me these past 24 years. It is coming to an end this Sunday as we finally and formally say goodbye to one another. I will cease to be the local shepherd but I will always carry this flock in my heart.

Today, I am journeying up towards Philadelphia for meetings as the district superintendent of Nazarenes in this region. Tonight, will be my first meeting with the district advisory board, those who hold me accountable and partner alongside me in leading the district.

My heart is fully trusting God, because I know this new call is in His heart for me. Surely, He will lead me in this new responsibility and His people here will become my people and their God is already my God.

People have asked me if I will continue this blog?Certainly, I will. This blog is the best place for me to share my heart and to share good news. I pray that my feet will become more beautiful as I continue on towards the preferred future God desires most and onto my heavenly home.

Romans 10:15.

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

People Need the Lord

We, the people, need the Lord. Apart from God’s good gifts and amazing grace we really cannot take a step or breathe a breath. Whether we admit it or not, we are in need of God’s Goodness, y’all. 

And here’s some Good News: We need God and God wants us! 

This older song is ringing in my mind. It’s all true. 

https://youtu.be/1uZcGaixMhg

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Daddy’s Grave

Very few Father’s Days, do I get to have an early Sunday morning visit to the cemetery, but today I did. Standing in Virgie Mae Cemetery on Harkers Island at Daddy’s Grave is emotional, nevertheless, hope-filled, too. 

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful