Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Let me start with a thank you to Pastor Larry Duncan and the people of the Coweta Church for allowing us to use the baptismal.
On Sunday evening October 11th I was privileged to baptize 8. What a thrill to see 8 individuals following in the footsteps of Christ and being baptized in water. It was of course a special privilege to have the opportunity to baptize 3 of my own children. Each one of these converts have their own unique story of conversion and last night they made a public profession of their faith by following the Lord in obedience to His word.
God is moving in mighty and mysterious ways among us and it is always exciting to see what He is going to do next. God is up to something at Porter Church.
Pastor Larry
Gods Promise from September 26th 2009
Church,
I have had a few ask that I share what God spoke to us Sunday. Below you will see the entire prophecy plus the scriptures that relate to it.
"On Saturday night September 26, 2009 there was a deep, deep crying in my spirit. The Lord spoke to me in His still small voice and this is what He said.
Someone, no everyone needs to hear and fully obey the word of God!!!
My spirit is bearing witness that we must walk deeper in the things of God.
God wants to open the heavens (Deuteronomy 28)and pour out His Glory but He awaits us to position ourselves for this great outpouring.
This new thing (Isaiah 43) God wants to do will come quickly once we have humbled ourselves and fully rested on Him.
The time is short and the time is now. We are going to be challenged to submit everything we are and everything we have to the will of the Father. Once we are fully submitted He is going to do a mighty work from the depths.
A work like we do not know a work that no one will be able to explain away with excuses or explain with carnal reasoning.
God has positioned us in a very special and fruitful place and those who completely listen to what He is saying will walk in the divine going forth and declaring His name with might and power.
Those who refuse to listen and obey will continue living in mediocrity until they are prepared to fully submit to the will of the Father.
He wants to open up the heavens (Deuteronomy 28) above us. No doubt, some here today feel as though the heavens over you are like brass (Deuteronomy 28) and your prayers are not being heard but the Lord declares today is the day of victory, the year of jubilee is before our eyes. This is a time of great gain, the time of taking spiritual territory for the name of the Lord.
Close of the prophecy: As I went to prayer about what He was saying He began to speak even further and to build my faith with the scripture passages I have shared with you below. The close of the prophecy is this!!!
• Those who will submit will need to step out in faith and declare (confess)the promise given here this morning in this Word.
• Many will see these promises accomplished by travailing before the Lord in prayer and fasting!!!
• These promises will be birthed from the Spirit of God and through the process of our travail they will be implanted into our Spirits (we will be impregnated) so that we come to believe they are, though there is no physical evidence of them. "
Scripture References:
Isaiah 61:1-3 a reminder of the power God is enabled us with
Isaiah 60:1-5 promises to Israel and for the church today
Deuteronomy 28: open heavens rather than brass
Isaiah 43:15-21 (we must forget the past good and bad and expect and accept the new thing God is about to do among us)
I am sure we haven't seen or heard the last of what God is doing and saying to us. Don't consider this thread closed because God is still speaking to me even now.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
I have had a few ask that I share what God spoke to us Sunday. Below you will see the entire prophecy plus the scriptures that relate to it.
"On Saturday night September 26, 2009 there was a deep, deep crying in my spirit. The Lord spoke to me in His still small voice and this is what He said.
Someone, no everyone needs to hear and fully obey the word of God!!!
My spirit is bearing witness that we must walk deeper in the things of God.
God wants to open the heavens (Deuteronomy 28)and pour out His Glory but He awaits us to position ourselves for this great outpouring.
This new thing (Isaiah 43) God wants to do will come quickly once we have humbled ourselves and fully rested on Him.
The time is short and the time is now. We are going to be challenged to submit everything we are and everything we have to the will of the Father. Once we are fully submitted He is going to do a mighty work from the depths.
A work like we do not know a work that no one will be able to explain away with excuses or explain with carnal reasoning.
God has positioned us in a very special and fruitful place and those who completely listen to what He is saying will walk in the divine going forth and declaring His name with might and power.
Those who refuse to listen and obey will continue living in mediocrity until they are prepared to fully submit to the will of the Father.
He wants to open up the heavens (Deuteronomy 28) above us. No doubt, some here today feel as though the heavens over you are like brass (Deuteronomy 28) and your prayers are not being heard but the Lord declares today is the day of victory, the year of jubilee is before our eyes. This is a time of great gain, the time of taking spiritual territory for the name of the Lord.
Close of the prophecy: As I went to prayer about what He was saying He began to speak even further and to build my faith with the scripture passages I have shared with you below. The close of the prophecy is this!!!
• Those who will submit will need to step out in faith and declare (confess)the promise given here this morning in this Word.
• Many will see these promises accomplished by travailing before the Lord in prayer and fasting!!!
• These promises will be birthed from the Spirit of God and through the process of our travail they will be implanted into our Spirits (we will be impregnated) so that we come to believe they are, though there is no physical evidence of them. "
Scripture References:
Isaiah 61:1-3 a reminder of the power God is enabled us with
Isaiah 60:1-5 promises to Israel and for the church today
Deuteronomy 28: open heavens rather than brass
Isaiah 43:15-21 (we must forget the past good and bad and expect and accept the new thing God is about to do among us)
I am sure we haven't seen or heard the last of what God is doing and saying to us. Don't consider this thread closed because God is still speaking to me even now.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Imagine That!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us
NIV
Imagination is a powerful thing. God has given us all the ability to imagine. The scripture above states that God will do more than we can imagine. This principle is just like sowing seed. When we sow seed we get more in return than we have planted. If you sow seed for corn the corn stalks produce more than one new ear of corn, this is a spiritual principle as well. While preparing for this week's sermon I was inspired with 3 thoughts that I thought powerful enough to share.
Before I share these principles let me explain my thought process. Jesus continually reached out to the poor, humble, and underprivileged because they were the crowd hungry enough to listen to His message. He took the same message to the religious leaders from the right blood lines but they were so comfortable that they didn't need Him or His new ways. The poor however were desperate, hungry, and willing to change in order to experience God. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 we find what it is God is looking for. The scripture states that He uses the weak, humble, broken, and even under educated to confound the strong, rich, and proud. This is not a complete separation between the haves and have nots it's the attitude of heart that He is concerned with. Jesus chose His disciples carefully. He wasn't looking for blood lines or talent He was looking for the hungry and obedient. It was in these individuals that He knew the Father would be glorified. They needed Him and his righteousness, strength, wisdom, and redemption.
Things have not changed. Jesus is our strength, in Him we are equipped and inspired. In Him we are empowered. In fact, the Word tells us that we can be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Power, not weakness but power from on high. We often see ourselves as weak and unworthy but Jesus said we would be powerful, righteous, and equipped. So if He provides the power and the grace what is our job? Simple, our job is to trust in Him and dream a bigger dream. I ask you now to imagine God filling your greatest need. Don't just think about it but picture it, envision it. Now imagine what life would be like without that need in your life. Abraham just wanted a son. He probably could envision himself and his son. I'm sure he had big plans for this son. A son to give his love to, to carry on his name, and to inherit everything he had amassed in life. God spoke to Abraham and Abraham began to dream with his mind of a son. While Abraham imagined a son an heir God was inspiring a far greater dream. God had in mind sons and daughters as many as the stars in the sky or sand on the sea shore. While this plan was bigger than Abraham's imagination God (exceedingly abundantly above) was there to inspire him to a bigger dream. Before long Abraham was dreaming a God sized dream. Jesus went to the cross so that we all (Romans 4:16-21) could be heirs of this promise. Aren't you glad that Abraham dreamed a bigger dream.
Now, why don't you dream a bigger dream. I asked you just a few moments ago to imagine God meeting your biggest need, now take that same thought and God size it. If you were believing for relief of pain why not believe for a complete and total healing. If you were believing for a financial issue why not believe God to prosper you in every area of your life. Take the dream from your head and get it down in your heart. Take the promises you have from the Word of God and begin to rehearse them until they are a part of you. The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Is His Word in you? Abraham moved from a head knowledge to a heart knowledge. The dream got down in his spirit. God communicates with us directly from Spirit to Spirit. God has supplied the dream and Abraham supplied the faith that would make it possible.
I pray that you are dreaming a bigger dream than when you began reading this post. I pray that the Word of God has begun to permeate your spirit and inspire you to believe God. Now use the power God has given you and trust in Him. Before I conclude allow me to share my thoughts on what it takes to truly broaden our imaginations and God size our dreams.
1. You’ll never exceed what your mind can imagine without an inspiration from God
2. You can never surpass what you can trust God for
3. The depth and breadth of your vision is God’s only limitation
To hear this message in audio form go to http://sermon.net/porterchurch and click on the title Imagine That!
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
NIV
Imagination is a powerful thing. God has given us all the ability to imagine. The scripture above states that God will do more than we can imagine. This principle is just like sowing seed. When we sow seed we get more in return than we have planted. If you sow seed for corn the corn stalks produce more than one new ear of corn, this is a spiritual principle as well. While preparing for this week's sermon I was inspired with 3 thoughts that I thought powerful enough to share.
Before I share these principles let me explain my thought process. Jesus continually reached out to the poor, humble, and underprivileged because they were the crowd hungry enough to listen to His message. He took the same message to the religious leaders from the right blood lines but they were so comfortable that they didn't need Him or His new ways. The poor however were desperate, hungry, and willing to change in order to experience God. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 we find what it is God is looking for. The scripture states that He uses the weak, humble, broken, and even under educated to confound the strong, rich, and proud. This is not a complete separation between the haves and have nots it's the attitude of heart that He is concerned with. Jesus chose His disciples carefully. He wasn't looking for blood lines or talent He was looking for the hungry and obedient. It was in these individuals that He knew the Father would be glorified. They needed Him and his righteousness, strength, wisdom, and redemption.
Things have not changed. Jesus is our strength, in Him we are equipped and inspired. In Him we are empowered. In fact, the Word tells us that we can be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Power, not weakness but power from on high. We often see ourselves as weak and unworthy but Jesus said we would be powerful, righteous, and equipped. So if He provides the power and the grace what is our job? Simple, our job is to trust in Him and dream a bigger dream. I ask you now to imagine God filling your greatest need. Don't just think about it but picture it, envision it. Now imagine what life would be like without that need in your life. Abraham just wanted a son. He probably could envision himself and his son. I'm sure he had big plans for this son. A son to give his love to, to carry on his name, and to inherit everything he had amassed in life. God spoke to Abraham and Abraham began to dream with his mind of a son. While Abraham imagined a son an heir God was inspiring a far greater dream. God had in mind sons and daughters as many as the stars in the sky or sand on the sea shore. While this plan was bigger than Abraham's imagination God (exceedingly abundantly above) was there to inspire him to a bigger dream. Before long Abraham was dreaming a God sized dream. Jesus went to the cross so that we all (Romans 4:16-21) could be heirs of this promise. Aren't you glad that Abraham dreamed a bigger dream.
Now, why don't you dream a bigger dream. I asked you just a few moments ago to imagine God meeting your biggest need, now take that same thought and God size it. If you were believing for relief of pain why not believe for a complete and total healing. If you were believing for a financial issue why not believe God to prosper you in every area of your life. Take the dream from your head and get it down in your heart. Take the promises you have from the Word of God and begin to rehearse them until they are a part of you. The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Is His Word in you? Abraham moved from a head knowledge to a heart knowledge. The dream got down in his spirit. God communicates with us directly from Spirit to Spirit. God has supplied the dream and Abraham supplied the faith that would make it possible.
I pray that you are dreaming a bigger dream than when you began reading this post. I pray that the Word of God has begun to permeate your spirit and inspire you to believe God. Now use the power God has given you and trust in Him. Before I conclude allow me to share my thoughts on what it takes to truly broaden our imaginations and God size our dreams.
1. You’ll never exceed what your mind can imagine without an inspiration from God
2. You can never surpass what you can trust God for
3. The depth and breadth of your vision is God’s only limitation
To hear this message in audio form go to http://sermon.net/porterchurch and click on the title Imagine That!
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Compassion Campaign
We have so much to be thankful for! Don't we? I know I do. This holiday season I have challenged my family and friends to approach the holidays with more than talk. I have provoked them to take action. Throughout God's Word we are told to take action. Our actions can bring blessing, they demonstrate our faith, and let the world know we are what we claim to be. This Thanksgiving and holiday season it would be easy to just sit back and talk about how good God has been, but what would that prove? My challenge is that we take action. Let's be a light this season. Let's show our Thanksgiving and Christmas spirit by making a difference. I'm not asking for anyone to take on new activities that keep you away from family, just be on the lookout for an opportunity to do good. Help someone at the store load their groceries. Give that stressed out Wal-Mart employee a tip or a God bless you. Give up your spot in line to a wearied shopper. Go to a neighbor or friend that you know will spend the holidays alone and invite them to eat Thanksgiving Dinner with your family.
If you do the research you will quickly find that more people take their own lives during the holidays than any other period of the year. Why? Because they are alone and don't know the Savior, Jesus Christ. How many lives can you impact this year? Why not find out. Be thankful by giving the grace and love God has given to you.Let others see the love of God by the example you live this season.
Matthew 25:34-40
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Fellowship Matters
Acts 2:42-47
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[i]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[j]—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Fellowship is a word derived from the original word which means communion or forming a community. A community is a group of people who share common interests. But a fellowship or Christian community isn't meant to be an ordinary gathering of people. We are meant to gather together with one mind and one accord. The passage of scripture above says a lot about what's wrong with the church today. The people of the first real church of the New Testament met together daily. They like each other! They even hung out on days other than the sabbath. The scripture says they shared everything they had, not in some communistic society but they freely shared due to genuine concern for one another. They worshipped together at the temple everyday! Can you imagine if we tried to have church everyday. How many services would you make? I'm not blaming you there are churches I've been involved in that I didn't want to attend every service. Some I have pastored were hard to go to. So what made this church different? Were they just super-spritiual? No. Clearly they weren't because we know that they had their issues just like we do. The one thing I can see is they had a common purpose. They knew why they had a church, they understood their purpose, and they had a clear plan to accomplish their goals.
This church wasn't built to serve those who would attend although it did just that when necessary. It wasn't built as an outreach location, though as we see in this scripture it also served that purpose. In fact, this church wasn't about a building at all. We can see from the passage they had just as much success and fellowship in their homes were they also frequently met. This church wasn't a dead dry formal or religious location is was vibrant. They stayed true to their purpose and they saw the power of God demonstrated regularly. The scripture finally says that the Lord added to the church daily those that were saved. Notice here that the Lord added to the church. They didn't all converge in a room to determine whom they wanted to add they let God lead and determine who these new members would be.
It doesn't sound like this church was filled with committees or those who controlled its doing but rather genuine believers with little concern for their status in the fellowship. You see fellowship isn't about me it's about us. Fellowship means I care about others welfare right along with my own. It's a place where you can come to find refuge. A place were you don't have to worry about your past rather you can find out about the brightness of your future. I know, this sounds like a Utopian society but is it?
Does this passage of scripture describe your church? I have to admit my church is far from this model. What is our purpose? What are our goals? One thing is certain we need to get back to the simplicity with which these people lived. I would guess that if our churches meet with the criteria above they would be equally vibrant, they would be growing. One mind, one accord, constantly in prayer and fellowship. Prayer for one another. God help us to return to the values of the church you established. Help us to remember why we are here. Help us to find our purpose and work hand in hand toward it's completion.
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[i]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[j]—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Fellowship is a word derived from the original word which means communion or forming a community. A community is a group of people who share common interests. But a fellowship or Christian community isn't meant to be an ordinary gathering of people. We are meant to gather together with one mind and one accord. The passage of scripture above says a lot about what's wrong with the church today. The people of the first real church of the New Testament met together daily. They like each other! They even hung out on days other than the sabbath. The scripture says they shared everything they had, not in some communistic society but they freely shared due to genuine concern for one another. They worshipped together at the temple everyday! Can you imagine if we tried to have church everyday. How many services would you make? I'm not blaming you there are churches I've been involved in that I didn't want to attend every service. Some I have pastored were hard to go to. So what made this church different? Were they just super-spritiual? No. Clearly they weren't because we know that they had their issues just like we do. The one thing I can see is they had a common purpose. They knew why they had a church, they understood their purpose, and they had a clear plan to accomplish their goals.
This church wasn't built to serve those who would attend although it did just that when necessary. It wasn't built as an outreach location, though as we see in this scripture it also served that purpose. In fact, this church wasn't about a building at all. We can see from the passage they had just as much success and fellowship in their homes were they also frequently met. This church wasn't a dead dry formal or religious location is was vibrant. They stayed true to their purpose and they saw the power of God demonstrated regularly. The scripture finally says that the Lord added to the church daily those that were saved. Notice here that the Lord added to the church. They didn't all converge in a room to determine whom they wanted to add they let God lead and determine who these new members would be.
It doesn't sound like this church was filled with committees or those who controlled its doing but rather genuine believers with little concern for their status in the fellowship. You see fellowship isn't about me it's about us. Fellowship means I care about others welfare right along with my own. It's a place where you can come to find refuge. A place were you don't have to worry about your past rather you can find out about the brightness of your future. I know, this sounds like a Utopian society but is it?
Does this passage of scripture describe your church? I have to admit my church is far from this model. What is our purpose? What are our goals? One thing is certain we need to get back to the simplicity with which these people lived. I would guess that if our churches meet with the criteria above they would be equally vibrant, they would be growing. One mind, one accord, constantly in prayer and fellowship. Prayer for one another. God help us to return to the values of the church you established. Help us to remember why we are here. Help us to find our purpose and work hand in hand toward it's completion.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Change is in the Air
Change seems to be the word of the day. We just finished a verrrry long presidential election centered around the word "change". Outside the leaves and grass are changing colors. My wife and I have a senior in high school our lives are changing. We are preparing our daughter, Samantha, for the change from dependent to independent. One thing I've learned is that old saying "the more things change the more they stay the same" still rings true. You see the trees and flowers will bloom again next year. Our government will continue to ...uh I guess do what government does. When it comes right down to it just how much does this "change" change our lives? One thing seems very clear ministry is changing. People are being reached around the world by ministries they have never heard of from cities they have never visited. Churches are broadcasting their services live to multiple locations and right into our living rooms. While technology is changing and forcing ministries to keep up, there is one thing that will never change. People still need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. People still need to know there is a church or a Christian neighbor down the street who is willing to pray, someone who cares for them.
We are getting ready to go into the holiday season. While these times may be celebratory for the believer what about those who are alone and don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ. The one change that everyone needs is the change that is made when we accept Christ as our personal Savior. This is the only change that is eternal. While the government will continue to frustrate us, the seasons will come and go, and yes our children will grow up and become less dependent upon us, the change we experience when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ will last forever. By the way, from what I'm told the kids never go away either :)
So, don't get too caught up in these changing times. Remember to continue to do what you know to do, continue to show the love of God to those around you and maybe just maybe we, by our actions, can affect some real change on some who don't yet know Him.
Isaiah 40:7-8
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our
God stands forever."
NIV
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
We are getting ready to go into the holiday season. While these times may be celebratory for the believer what about those who are alone and don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ. The one change that everyone needs is the change that is made when we accept Christ as our personal Savior. This is the only change that is eternal. While the government will continue to frustrate us, the seasons will come and go, and yes our children will grow up and become less dependent upon us, the change we experience when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ will last forever. By the way, from what I'm told the kids never go away either :)
So, don't get too caught up in these changing times. Remember to continue to do what you know to do, continue to show the love of God to those around you and maybe just maybe we, by our actions, can affect some real change on some who don't yet know Him.
Isaiah 40:7-8
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our
God stands forever."
NIV
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Opportunity Knocks
A few weeks back I was called to the hospital in Muskogee because one of my church members was taken there in an ambulance. I went through the usual steps as a minister went back and prayed for her, visited with the family, and waited for results from the tests they were running. Her son Don and I were sitting in the waiting room when a man walked in. It was obvious he had been drinking and furthermore had been living a hard life. While Don and I were conversing the man made a comment or two which I pretty much ignored due to his intoxication. Finally, as we continued to talk and wait the man asked are you a preacher? I answered yes I am. He said I can tell because you have such a peace about you. My attention is now much more focused on this man with an obvious need. Before I can say anything Don speaks up and asks the man if he would like to know that peace. The man insists that he is saved and knows he would make heaven if he were to die.
We continued the conversation and finally I asked the man if he would like prayer. He immediately responded yes! Don and I led the man in the sinners prayer but I didn't feel like we were through ministering. I looked to the man again and said we need to pray again and you need to call out to God. To my surprise he called out very loudly JESUS HELP ME, BE LORD OF MY LIFE! By now everyone in the waiting room is looking at us but we certainly didn't care. Just as is so often true you wonder did he really mean what he prayed or is this just another person in crisis needing prayer.
Yesterday, to my amazement I received a phone call asking me if I was that preacher. After just a moment on the phone I knew that this was Ronnie from the hospital. I have to admit I was still treating this call with great skepticism wondering what does he need. You see weeks had passed without contact and after all he was drunk that night. But again to my surprise he had just called to update me on his situation. It appears Ronnie left the woman he was living with, has quit doing drugs and drinking and is regularly attending church. I must admit I am a bit ashamed at my skepticism but I have learned it from the world I live in today.
Let me encourage you to look for opportunities when they can be found. You and I though often hardened and skeptical are the only hope some people have. God is still opening doors and the Holy Spirit can change the most hopeless of hearts with gentle conviction. Please join in praying for Ronnie as he still has a difficult road ahead of him. But also pray for me and yourself that when opportunity knocks we quickly walk through it's door and that our sensitivity to God's Spirit will outweigh our hardened human hearts!
Blessings,
Larry
We continued the conversation and finally I asked the man if he would like prayer. He immediately responded yes! Don and I led the man in the sinners prayer but I didn't feel like we were through ministering. I looked to the man again and said we need to pray again and you need to call out to God. To my surprise he called out very loudly JESUS HELP ME, BE LORD OF MY LIFE! By now everyone in the waiting room is looking at us but we certainly didn't care. Just as is so often true you wonder did he really mean what he prayed or is this just another person in crisis needing prayer.
Yesterday, to my amazement I received a phone call asking me if I was that preacher. After just a moment on the phone I knew that this was Ronnie from the hospital. I have to admit I was still treating this call with great skepticism wondering what does he need. You see weeks had passed without contact and after all he was drunk that night. But again to my surprise he had just called to update me on his situation. It appears Ronnie left the woman he was living with, has quit doing drugs and drinking and is regularly attending church. I must admit I am a bit ashamed at my skepticism but I have learned it from the world I live in today.
Let me encourage you to look for opportunities when they can be found. You and I though often hardened and skeptical are the only hope some people have. God is still opening doors and the Holy Spirit can change the most hopeless of hearts with gentle conviction. Please join in praying for Ronnie as he still has a difficult road ahead of him. But also pray for me and yourself that when opportunity knocks we quickly walk through it's door and that our sensitivity to God's Spirit will outweigh our hardened human hearts!
Blessings,
Larry
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
