Author Archives: Matthew, Karen, and God

Building up a friend

A couple of years back God had impressed me to start a life group through the Oakdale Rescue Mission. The group started with a cooking class that lasted about 2 months, but as it got colder outside we cancelled till after the first of the year. These groups were supposed to help our homeless friends to stay off the streets during the day by learning about the Bible and basic life skills. One example of a class would be on being good stewards with our money by holding a budgeting class. As the new year started we were so wrapped up in our up and coming fund raisers that the classes were postponed. That was two years ago. About a month ago God impressed me to open these classes again but without me leading them. I was impressed with the thought of God’s temple and how we need to take care of ourselves. A thought came into my head of someone who hasn’t been to church in a bit and who was once a board member with me. She is a registered nurse and would be a perfect fit for what God wants. When I asked her to be a part of this special event she jumped at the chance. Starting next Friday she will be in charge of teaching basic first aid to our homeless friends! I am so happy that I took a backseat on this project to let a friend take charge. Our homeless friends will get a better education and gives my friend a new outlook on life. If you have a friend that can use some love today then help them through God. Show and encourage them to be the person that God created them to be.

Scrub me, Lord

When King David was confronted by Nathan about his affair with Bathsheba, He cried out to the Lord to scrub away his guilt. He confessed that he had been out of step with God for a long time. Sometimes, we choose sin which separates us from God. It leaves us depressed, fearful, full of shame and guilt. However, nothing can separate us from the LOVE of God. He is waiting for us to ask for forgiveness to let him clean us whiter than snow. Nothing is too big, or too devastating that God won’t forgive.

God is Love, and is full of mercy.

Becoming a new creation

What does it mean to become a new creation? Do we keep on going the way our life has been? Will we continue to lie, cheat and steal? Do we continue to judge or be full of anger and jealousy? That answer is NO! Just because we say that we believe in God doesn’t mean that everything will be ok. Every day is a new battle with Satan! If we aren’t praying and studying ,and actually trying to do better by learning from our mistakes, then we are idle and not improving. It’s time for a change for the better today. Break free from normality and dive into something awesome. Talk to the person kindly that you have been feuding with. Give to the person that you would ignore. Think of someone in need of a friend today and be their listening ear. Ask God what you can do to improve your walk with Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Heavenly Father thank you for forgiving our sins and trespasses. Help us to learn from these mistakes to become a better Christian than we were the day before. Guide and lead us toward a total change of heart, mind and soul. Thank you for always loving us and teaching us through the examples that you have given us in the Bible. In Jesus precious name, AMEN! THE NEW YEAR IS COMING, LETS PREPARE OURSELVES NOW FOR VICTORY!

Holy spirit

I have no doubt in my mind that what Karen had planned yesterday for her sermon would have been great. We were having technical issues however and Karen was going to use her computer for different parts of her sermon. Karen improvised awesomely as we sang simple songs that we all knew and then she gave her testimonial. After this was done we had a moment where all was quiet and my hand suddenly flew up! I hadn’t had the best morning. My wife and child were out of town and I was missing them a lot. Plus I was having other issues and was feeling very downcast, so it surprise me a bit that my hand was raised. Karen called on me and I was moved to speak a little about the church and the people in it. As I was speaking I kept crying, I couldn’t seem to hold it all in. It felt like the Holy Spirit had my mouth and was moving it himself. I have suffered from depression for as long as I could remember but I don’t usually speak of it. That day however I spoke of how my church family has helped me through so much and stuck to me through everything. I wasn’t thinking of who it would impact, I just kept speaking and crying. Two ladies caught up to me as I made my way to my car. These two ladies don’t come to church much anymore because of depression issues. They both held me so tightly and thanked me for having the courage to stand up and tell everyone. I believe that God raised my hand to speak to them that morning. I have been moved spiritually and mentally by testimonials and praises that have changed people’s lives. God blessed us with a whole morning of people willing to stand up and speak of our wonderful God. The testimonials that were heard that morning from our congregation was awesome! I wish we could have one full sermon session on just testimonials. It moves and helps mold us to be better Christians. The experiences that we have been through can encourage and inspire others, but not with our mouths closed. Open up and speak of our God today and what he has done for you.