Yet another great day from...

Yet another great day from my Father in heaven.  I have had a wonderful time with the words "Holy Bible" on the outside of the case for my tablet PC.  God has used those words to gain testimony again, although I missed the opportunity, or rather the way to proceed through the door which He opened for me.  I was also lacidasical in my aporoach to soul winning as God put a man in my path that I am sure He wanted me to witness to.  The man looked at me as if he knew I had something without price for him and wondered why I did not give it him.  The Gospel is committed unto me.  The ministry of reconcilliation is committed unto me.  Just as a pearl of great price is committed unto me, not for me to keep and to hoard, but rather for me to deliver unto some man to whom God has appointed it.  When that individual is before me, to keep that treasure to myself is to be a thief.

Aside from the conviction that God just put me under, He did point out several free books for me to obtain.  I like free, and I especially like books, and I especially like free books on doctrine. 

I also like God's chastisment.  I don't like it nearly as much as I like His favor, but His chastisement proves that I am His child.  After all, God causes it to rain on the just and the unjust alike, only His children receive His chastisement. 

All in all, this has been a day full of God's blessing!

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

This was a great day. My...

This was a great day.  My flights were both delayed coming home, but by now I'm used to it.  The stress related to this series of delays was directly related to the fact that I had a parent / teen youth activity scheduled at 6:00pm and my flight was scheduled to land at 4:09 leaving me just enough time to set up the church and welcome the guests.  Long story short, we landed an hour late, and by the time I got to the church it was 5:45.  I was still in my work clothes.  Thank God for a great wife!  Even though she was extremely sick, she got everything set up and ready.  I am blessed!

The evening was a lot of fun.  Everyone enjoyed the activities and games, and we got some good family pictures for those parents that came with their teens.   I had one of the teens lead a Christmas hymn before the message, and then God really blessed the preaching.  I was completely lost in His leading and, WOW!, what joy!  I saw many nod there heads in agreement with the key points, and most everyone laughed at the stories and jokes.  You know God is blessing the message when they laugh at my jokes.

That was the high point of the day.  There were several other blessings as well, invluding the delays in my flights.  I'm still trying to figure out what those were.  How about this?  I learned that God's will is best abd I am to trust Him in any situation.  Actually, its that fact that kept me ftom blowing up a couple of times.

Thank You, Lord God my Father for bringing me into Thy presence.  You are amazing and worthy of all praise, and glory, and honor.  Thank You for hearing and saving me from all temptation today the instant I prayed to You.  I love You, and I rejoice in the knowledge that it is because You chose to love me that I am able to enjoy You.  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Normally, I hate flying. ...

Normally, I hate flying.  my flights are almost always delayed and frought with inconveniences.  Today, however was one of the best flights I've ever had.  No delays, no difficulties (other than the normal cattle prodding inconvenience of boarding the plane, watching the luggage get brutalized by wanna be prize fighters working as baggage handlers, and waiting for ever for the bags to arrive), and a great conversation.

I took up my seat on the plane next to an older man who had boarded earlier.  He was reading a paper and making notes on it.  After I settled in, I looked at the paper he was reading and noticed the section was about baptism.  Not only was it about baptism, but it appeared to be defending the proper, Biblical method of baptism by immersion after salvation.  Assuming it was a college paper this man was grading, and he most likely was a professor, I was eager for an opportunity to speak with him.

God provided an interruption to his work and I asked him if he was grading a paper.  He looked at me, said nothing, and took s notepad and pen out of his pocket.  He wrote something on it and handed the notepad to me.  It read, "I am deaf.  I hope we have a good flight."  I wrote back, "I'm sure it will be a great flight.  Are you grading a paper?"  He wrote that he was a Christian and that he was proofreading a book on Bible doctrines intended for the deaf.  We had a great 30 minute flight during which he had me read a few sections of his book.  God even used me to inspire him to include a section on what worship is. 

His name is Carter Bearden and he is a retired missionary to the deaf with the Southern Baptist Convention, speaker, and published author.  We even had time for him to teach me a little sign language before departing.

What a blessing!  I don't hate flying so much anymore.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

I am still living on...

I am still living on yesterday's manifold blessings.  I am a little concerned that I am failing to leave that which is past and press on.  I am even more excited, though that God's mercies are new every morning.  What more will He do with me today?!  How much more might He use me today?!  How much closer may He draw me to Himself today?!  Not that He put any wild ideas in my head as I felliwshipped with Him in prayer this morning or anything.  Don't you just love that joy only He can give as we bask in His presence? 

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

This was an AWESOME day! ...

This was an AWESOME day!  All that God has done for me and with me was great, but He wasn't done.  Do you know how hard it is to find good independent, fundamental, KJB churches when you're traveling?  Its not easy.  Tonight, God put me in one.  What a message!  What fellowship!  What prayer!  What an incredible ending to an incredible day from an amazing God!  Thank you Lord for making Thy countenance shine upon your servant!

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

God opened a door for the...

God opened a door for the beginning of a witness to a Mormon this afternoon.  Carrying my Bible with me wherever I go is great!  The individual was amazed that I didn't have the Bible on my phone.  I told him I did and explained that it was pretty thorough.  He said he was sure he had more on his as it also had the book of Mormon.

Later the topic was brought back up again.  I confessed that I didn't know much about his beliefs and he assured me that he believed the Bible 100% and that Jesus is the Son of God: the Christ.  I asked him if he thought Satan was Jesus' brother and he affirmed it to be so.  Without even thinking about it, I reminded him that the Bible says that God gave His ONLY begotten Son.  I hadn't expected it, but that hit him square in the chest.  God brought the whole conversation about and guided every word.

Immediately afterward the store got busy and our conversation ended.  I will be working with him again tomorrow.  I am hoping God will open the door again.  I love being a Christian!!  I love serving God!!  I love seeing God work!! 

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

So, I have our family photo...

So, I have our family photo as the desktop background on my tablet pc and overtime I look at it (which is very frequently) my heart smiles.  Thank You Lord for my family and the wonderful love we can share with each other.

We went to eat after church...

We went to eat after church at our usual resteraunt and sat in our usual waitresses section.  We met her abut a year ago through our son and have sat in her section since then. 

Today I asked her how her Thanksgiving was to which she replied that they didn't have one.  I told her she could have one now, or anytime and she agreed. 

She came back later and talked about Kali working at the resteraunt.  I made a comment about her looking for her replacement, and she said she wouldn't quite because it is the only way she can get out of the house.  She's an older lady who moved in with her daughter and son in law to help care for her sick grandson.  The situation is not a happy one and that's due mainly to her relationship with her daughter and son in law.  As she explained it, she began to become visibly upset.  She has no friends. 

I invited her to church.  She accepted.  I gave her a tract, she said she's not a Baptist, but rather a Methodist.  I assured her she was welcome anyway.  She then sat down kind of excitedly an said. "What's the difference?"  I said, "Well, that's best answered by asking you two questions."  I then asked her whether she was certain she would go to heaven when she died, and what she thoughts was the reason she would go.  She wasn't sure, and had no concrete reason.  I gave her the Gospel.  Although she was very grateful, she did not pray.  I am convinced that she Will one day. 

God was working in that conversation and caused her to open up about her sadness so we could present her with the Solution.  I am looking forward to her salvation.

I'm so excited about the...

I'm so excited about the opportunities I have to spend time wholly apart from the cares, pressures, and snares of this world.  Bible study time is such sweet refreshment for my soul.  Even when I'm tired, God can restore my soul when I'm prepared to listen to Him with my whole heart.  As I read through the Psalms, I am becoming increasingly exited about a renewed zeal for my ministries.  Thank You Lord!

I am so very grateful that...

I am so very grateful that my Father not only allows me access to Him, but also encourages me to come before Him without ceasing!  What an unfathomable privilege and joy it is to be able to start my day in communion with the almighty Creator of the heaven and earth.  It is difficult to believe that as great as God is, He desires to spend endless time with one so very miserable, wicked, and unbelieving as I.  GOD IS AWESOME!!

PRAISE GOD FOR THIS BAD...

PRAISE GOD FOR THIS BAD ECONOMY!

More to come later as I put my thoughts together, but for now, may He decrease our prosperity even further!

Joy Came In the Morning

I am filled this morning with expectant joy.  I know my prayer was heard and received by the Almighty Himself, and that He has smiled on my request.  Oh, God, what an absolute blessing it is to know and to serve Thee!  Cause me to EXPERIENCE  Thy Holy Word, I beg Thee!Thy

Walkin' The Streets

Wow! I was out today on street evangelism not really having any success, when out of the blue two young girls pull up to the sop sign I was standing next to and while my back was to them, asked me how I was doing. The conversation flowed easily as I handed them a couple of tracts and suddenly asked the passenger if she thought she knew me. She said yes. The cars were beginning to increase on number behind them, so I invited them to church and the passenger said they would be there.

They showed up! I was thrilled! As the preaching was going on, I kept a pretty close eye on them. When Pastor had us turn to a passage in the Bible, the girl who had been driving (Nancy) looked for a Bible in the pew, but found only hymnals. Not wanting her to be dissapointed (or distracted), I let her use mine, which was already open to the correct passage. At the invitation, Nancy stood for salvation! The tears were beginning to flow as I spoke to her. God obviously had a hold of her heart. Mrs. Bloem spoke with both girls in their seats and while one was unmoved, Nancy was in tears. She said she had no idea what the problem was, but she couldn't stop crying. Mrs. Bloem swift she needed to receive Jesus to which Nancy answered, "Can I do that now?" PRAISE GOD!!! That is the first time someone approached me and said, "Invite me to church so I can get saved."

You'll notice that I didn't do anything more than hand them a tract. God could have used a telephone pole with a tract nailed to it to accomplish the same end. PRAISE GOD, HE ALLOWED ME THE JOY OF BEING USED! I her excited when God uses me to save pellets, but it is now obvious that the less of me that's I realize is in it, the greater my joy.

The End of Football!

Praise God for the end of High School football season! At least for those teams that aren't advancing in the play offs. It's hard to pray against them, but I have my boys back. It seems the teen boys attendance has doubled!

Col. 3:2. Set your affections...

Col. 3:2. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.

As soon as I read this and started meditating on it, I was filled with praise to God for the amazing day He gave us today. In the second week of our fall campaign and the goal was to have 175 in attendance. Go easily gave us 200! What's really cool about that is the fact that no one involved in the praying for the goal believed it would happen. What's even cooler is the fact that our Sunday School lesson was on how God uses the little things, the weak things, the simple things to confound the world. What an amazing and immediate illustration by God's own hand to the lesson. Just as amazing is the fact that one of our three buses pulled in 80 kids! That's 165 souls in attendance just from the buses. The question is, did we have at least 35 drive ins?

Praise Him! Praise Him!

God has given me a great start to the day. I got up early enough to catch my flight and no more. While sitting on the plane during taxi and take off I prayed. My prayer was born of meditation of being in the presence of God on Heaven. I began to think of the teaching that We would rule the nations, and have jurisdiction over the angels. Even as I right this the thought is overwhelming that God would set us above the angels who are now a little lower than them.

I began to think that when I am in heaven, my greatest delight, my greatest joy will be to bow down in the presence of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I would rather be in His presence, worshipping and praising Him; rejoicing before Him, than ruling. What will be directing the angels to do in eternity? If we will be greater than the angels, will we serve them?

At any rate, God allowed me to praise Him right here on the plane. What a day of rejoicing it has been! Thank You Lord, for causing me to rejoice in thy Son, Jesus Christ.

Another Door Opens

Just had another GM approach me and ask about how he could best teach his kids about God without going to church. Ignoring the obvious contradiction, I shared the Gospel with him between several lengthy interruptions. He didn't pray.... yet.

An Open Door

God blasted a door wide open for me to give the Gospel at work today. A GM announced to me that he had his son baptized this weekend. He further stated that he didn't know why, but he just woke up Sunday and wanted to go to church. Then he began to tell me how he was disapointed in the Catholic church doctrine; expressing certain doctrines he took issue with. It gave me a great an and effectual door to give him the Gospel. Unfortunately he does not believe that Jesus us without sin.

Thank You, Lord for a great day...

Thank You, Lord for a great day. Although I was very tired, you gave me focus and strength. Thank you for hearing my prayers and being manifestly present with me. I am grateful for the understanding, compassion, and wisdom you gave me while counselling associates today. The inner peace and joy You gave me even after arriving home late still is making me rejoice. Oh God, make Thy light shine through me. You are my hope, my joy, my peace. Teach me that You are my very sustenance that I would no longer act as a debtor to my flesh, but be completely free to serve Thee in any capacity and any place. It cannot be a sacrifice when I give it to Thee.

Home Away

While visiting my mom in VA we attended Broadway Baptist Church and were greatly blessed. It has been a long time since I was blessed like that while visiting a church.

We walked in and everyone was dressed up in as much of a western themed outfit as they could manage. The church had split, just like ours does during campaigns and were competing for points based on attendence, including visitors. Everyone was very friendly and genuinely glad to have us there. It was great!

Hymns were sung from an old time hymnal, and the preaching was from the English Bible, sometimes referred to as the KJB. The senior pastor was probably in his 70s and used a motorized cart to get around in. His legs worked just well enough for him to climb the stairs and get up in the pulpit. Once there, he sat on stool, opened his Bible, and preached. He was very soft spoken, I assume its because he lacked the physical capacity to get loud. I suspect that there was a time when he would cut lose with the best. I had to really listen to hear and understand.

That was a blessing! The more intently I listened, the greater I was ministered to. God does use a still, small voice. One that a man must hear on purpose. If lived there, I would be there.

Morning Mercies

I spoke with my brother this morning. I have been praying That he would come to faith in Jesus Christ and have had several discussions with him about the existance of God. He believes he is an atheist. This morning he told me that his business partner "suddenly became a Baptist," and has been after him o go to church with him, including this morning. My brother has committed to go this Wednesday. Praise God! I will be praying That God will bless my brother with much grace.

Its a great day!

Its a great day! It will continue to be a great day, and it will end a great day! I know that my redeemer livery, for as I seek Him, He is found of me. His Spirit testifies to my own that I am His, and if He is not, I can not be His. Oh what incredible joy He has filled me with already today, and for no reason that I can tell. There is no earthly reason that I should have this great joy within my soul right now. I have received no good news, no prayers answered, no unexpected blessings, nothing unusual, no outward circumstance whatsoever. If its not from outside, it mist be from upside, and cometh down from the Father of lights. OH, HOW I LOVE JESUS: BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED ME!!!!!!

I Stand Amazed in His Presence!

God is so good! I was filled with awe and thankfulness at the sight of twenty young ladies gathered around Mrs. Bloem Sunday morning. I remember when twenty total in the youth group was a great number, this Sunday we had over 30! Praise God for the increase! Please pray that those He has brought in will be firmly planted, grow, and bear much fruit in their season.

I also want to praise God for the abundant harvest He used our Pastor and Bro. Kim Lake to bring in. It was a wonderful lesson in perserverance and consistency in Pastor Bloem's soul winning and baptism commitments. I would like to invite everyone to join with our pastor in prayer that God would pour out His Spirit on all of us in like manner. (Num. 11:25-29)

Lastly, God again gave us three professions of faith in Children's Church. Only one week has passed without the reaping of the harvest that our bus captains faithfully sow every week. In the heat of summer, God gives us cool temperatures and attentive hearts in which to plant His seed. I am afraid of missing all that our Saviour will do this Sunday! Please pray that these professions of faith will result in lives wholly dedicated to Him, that God will use these young vessels to deliver His Gospel to their families, and that the families will be saved. Also pray that God will bless others with the call to serve in this ministry as preachers or helpers.

Whose mind is stayed on Thee.

I find for the second time today that God has stayed my mind from sin. Once I arrived in my hotel room I had lost my direction. I sat down and pondered the ease of watching TV. I knew in my heart that if I did, I would regret the path of sin I would set my feet on. But, what to do? I have a study I am working on saved to my phone, but it was almost dead, and I was charging it. I have some great books of our faith saved on it as well, but I would have to stand to read them. I must have thought through and reasoned away several good ideas when the one that had real purpose and results in it (rather than just being busy work) hit me; study my Sunday School lesson.

At first it seemed useless. I looked it over and saw very little. I wondered how to make a lesson that was written to apply to parents meaningful for teens. As I wondered, the idea to actually read the Scriptures hit me. Sometimes my own stupidity amazes me. How presumptuous it is to think I would be able to give anything to anyone of any lasting value without first laboring in the word of God.

As I did God blessed my soul with great peace and love, which culminated to incredible joy; all resulting in spontaneous praise to Him! The more I read, the greater my fellowship with Him, and of course, the greater my joy. Godliness with contentment is great gain. Now, if He'll just have the people next door shut up, I may get some sleep.

The Closer I Get

I'm working in Vermont and Nancy and the girls came with me. We had a great trip up yesterday, and they had a good time site seeing and swimming in a river today.

After I got off work, we went on a little hike taking us across a cable bridge that had the effect of a trampelene when you walk across it. I got it bouncing pretty good when the girls were crossing.

We tried crossing the river on rocks in a few places, and everyone got wet at one time or another, but no injuries in spite of some rather bold moves. Then it was off to a late dinner and fun fellowship. God is good and bringing us all together. Its been a therapeutic experience for Kayla and is helping her become more comfortable with us.

Interesting, the more time she spends with us really getting to know us, the more she trusts us. The more she trusts us, the greater her joy, comfort, confidence, peace, and security. That reminds me of our growth, or lack of it in our relationship with our Father in heaven.

What an incredible day!

What an incredible day! God has smiled on me today. I don't know if dedicating all my free time completely to studying God's word yesterday has anything to do with it, but the incredible depth of peace and faith in Him bringing forth fruit was a tremendous blessing! When we went out on our Sunday soul winning God allowed me to witness to five teenage and below girls who all prayed to receive Christ as their saviour. One of my teenage girls was amazing in her determination to witness and God gave her two professions of faith as well. I heard great reports from others as to my daughter's desire to give the Gospel as well. Jesse, one of my teen boys went out with Kayla, the girl Nancy and I have taken in and she was used by God to lead another person to Christ and Jesse lead five.

Tonight Kayla took notes during the sermon and did a pretty good job. We bought her a journal last week and she says that she has been writing in it daily. She also prayed with Kali and I for the first time tonight as well.

AWESOME! I know heaven will be better. Its a good thing God is giving us immortal bodies. To much more joy and my earthly body would probably explode!

Exceeding, Abundantly Above

WOW! We had twelve boys in the teen boy's Sunday School class this morning. Far better than it has been in several weeks! The girls class was similarly filled, and many of these were visitors! I just prayed yesterday that God would reverse the downward trend I have had in the youth group - especially in the boy's class and He did far above what I had imagined. Thank You, my Lord and Saviour!!

What's even better is the fact that He's using the teens to build the ministry. Two going men in particular, and a couple of young ladies. God is awesome! I have begun praying that God would raise up replacements for my solid soldiers. It won't be too long before they graduate out of the group.

Suffering and Sacrificing

I let Bobby handle Children's Church on his own today with just a couple of check ups from me. He did a great job. Since putting me in this ministry, God has given us salvations every week, and this week was no exception. Three salvations and three baptisms! My joy is throug the roof! Praise God, I could suffer and sacrifice like this every day!

Benefits Poured Out

God is pouring out blessings. I got to church this morning, realized that I forgot to crack my windows just after I shut my truck off, but decided to leave them up. During church it rained heavily. Awesome! Don't you just love the way God does things?

It was HOT this morning! I was standing in our downstairs fellowship hall at 8:30 this morning with sweat pouring off me. I got to thinking about how hard it would be in Children's Church later. I remembered how God kept it cool these past two Sundays and thought about how nice it was and how readily the kids paid attention. "Oh well," I resigned, "I can't expect God to do that all the time. Did you notice above that it had rained during church? That means it rained during Children's Church as well. As is usually the case, the cloud cover and rain caused a wonderful cooling effect. HOW AWESOME IS MY GOD!) I guess I can expect Him to keep things cool every week. Thank you, Father.

Love His Appearing

My wife has been on vacation without me for three miserably long weeks. She will return this Wednesday, and I will be reunited with her on Friday. I look forward to that day with a greater zeal than I have ever looked forward to the beginning of any of my vacations. As I dwelt on that thought, God told me that is how He desires I would love His Son's appearing. I began to weep, and do so now even as I am writing this.

Oh God, I am wicked and do not love thee with all my heart. I have been as an adulterer turning to the pleasures of this world as an unfaithful woman who commits adultry against her husband, and wipes her mouth claiming, "I have done no evil." Purge me, oh God, that I may love Thy Son's appearing with even more zeal than I do my wife's. That I may proclaim with excitement to all who will listen, "The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills." May this prayer never fail from my lips until Thou dost perform it.

Oasis

Sometimes God puts an oasis where you least expect it.
Sometimes it's even when you least realize you need it.
Sometimes it's not for our refreshment, but for another's.
Sometimes it's not about refreshing a brother, but witnessing to the lost.
Sometimes I can ramble on about nothing and leave everyone wandering what I'm trying to say. I'm pretty good at that.

Yesterday some of the folks I work with at Aaron's and myself were out collecting canned goods in an effort to help a local food ministry. The event itself turned out to be hugely successful and in just a little over 2 hours we collected over 500 cans of food to give to the ministry, but on the way to 500 I connected with a brother in Christ.

We knocked on his door and explained what we were doing. His response was that he was barely able to manage himself. He said it rather matter of factly with a touch of sorrow. He was sincere. He repeated himself rather quitely, then said, "It really doesn't matter much, because the Lord's coming back soon." He said that rather matter of factly with more than a touch of hopeful joy. I rejoiced in my heart with him and it came out in the form of a rather loud "Amen!" Just thinking about it now gets me pumped up all over again.

He said he is 92 and his wife went home to Heaven two years ago. He also shared a remarkable observation with me. "I never realized how much she buffered me from the world." There was a moment of silence as he reflected on what he had with his wife, and I thought of how true that is for me with my wife. WOW! What a remarkable realization. Thank God He pointed that out to me before it was too late.

He continued to speak and share his insight on several things. I did not agree with all he had to say, but kept the disagreements to myself, choosing rather to shake hands and encourage him in what we did agree on. I can't tell you how I was refreshed in that meeting. I know my brother was as well, for he asked if I could come back later and we could continue our conversation. How good it is for brothers to dwell in unity!

Unfortunately, the likelihood of my seeing him again on this side of heaven is slim. I sure would like to though. That was the most refreshing drink of water I've had in a long time.

What about the lost? Oh yes, I almost forgot! The young man who was with me heard a little bit of the Word of God, and saw the unbridle passion for Jesus Christ in a couple of Christians. He asked me no questions, niether did he make any negative comments. He was thoughtful. A few hours later, as we left the store and he and I shook hands and I looked him in the eye, I noticed a seed was planted. I won't get to water it, but I believe God will have someone do so.

I have had many great joys in my life; many great successes; many satisfying achievements, but I have never had any greater joy than being used of my Lord for His purpose.

Problems? Worries? Concerns?

Its amazing how the hand of God on your life can completely remove any of the things mentioned in the title. We went out for our regular Sunday afternoon evangelism / teen soul winning and I was feeling a little off. I didn't really want to do, and wasn't expecting God to do much. I don't know what had gotten to me, but I did know that if I gave into the feeling I would have a difficult time recovering.

Pastor called it "Holy Spirit Night" and I was glad about that. Normally we just go knocking on doors and recently I have had very few positive results. I have been wanting to go to the public parks and talk to people. Before leaving I prayed with my group for God's direction and fruit. I thought of some parks and when God gave the okay on one, we pulled out.

The park God led us to was being used for some soccer games that were well attended. The problem was that most of the attendants spoke very little English. We found a group of teenage boys playing basketball and spoke to them for a while. Realizing they had no interest, we moved on. I headed through the soccer spectators to the playground the younger kids were playing at.

I was looking for some adults and thought it would be easy to find some with the number of young kids playing. Not today. The best I could se was a few young teenage girls. I hate aproaching young girls with the all perverts running around, so I asked them were the adults were. I explained to the girls that I was the youth director at our church and we were trying to build the bus routes. God used that to open up a conversation during which two of the girls announced that they were Christians. I asked them if they knew whether they would go to heaven if they were to die today and they said no.

As I explained the Gospel to them, all five payed very close attention to what I was saying. They asked great questions and each one led right into the next point. I knew God was in control of this conversation. All five of the girls prayed to receive Christ as their Saviour. As we left they were singing about what they had just done, and excitedly proclaiming that they couldn't wait to tell their parents!

I noticed that all my problems had faded into nothingness.

Praise God, I love Him!

One Hit Wonder

I went to one of our local shopping malls yesterday with one of my brothers in Christ looking for folks to share the gospel with. As we walked I prayed for success.

We approached a man sitting on a chair who looked up to me. I immediately recognized him as someone who doesn't know me, because people who know me don't look up to me. Okay, that was lame, but I couldn't resist.

Anyway, we exchanged hellos and God struck up a conversation. Five minutes later I was sharing the gospel with him and he eventually prayed to receive Christ as his saviour. It was like getting up to bat and knocking one out of the park on the first pitch. Pretty cool since the mall closed early that day and we had to leave shortly afterwards.

Changed Lives

Last week one of the more rebellious boys in our Children's Church got saved. I was preaching the message, he started acting up, and I had one of our teens take him aside and explain the gospel to him. About ten minutes later they returned with the news that the boy had received Christ as his saviour.

This week, after the morning services our new convert got into a fight on the bus. New wine in old skins. He didn't say anything as I told him I still believed he had great potential and could be a hero for God. Last night he was back, got baptized, and had a completely new countenance. Previously a scowl typically adorned the boys face. I praised God as I noticed that hardness was softening up, and his communication was respectful, rather than challenging.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Actually it wasn't a prayer to the rain, but to God. I had a monthly youth activity scheduled for this last Saturday and the forecast was for scattered thunder storms. No problem if the activity had been an indoor one. It occurred to me that every time I had an outdoor youth event planned, the threat and likelihood of rain loomed over it. It is true, however, that God always answered my prayer to stay the rain until after the event.

God kept the rain off and gave us plenty of sunshine as we played volleyball and several other outdoor events. I grilled some meat and we enjoyed the beautiful weather as we ate outdoors as well. Then another volleyball game. We were having a great time when all of a sudden God opened the heavens and poured out the water.

Only a few of us stayed out and played. The worse the rain got, the more teens (and adults) dropped out. It got down to only four of us playing, but we had a great time. Those who retreated enjoyed watching us getting soaked.

Once the rain stopped it was time for the message. "Blossoming Lives" and the kids were locked in. I wish I had thought about using the rain as an illustration. God truly blessed us throughout the activity, including providing some young adults to drive the teens home after the event so Nancy and I could get things cleaned up and finish in a decent time.

Basking In His Grace

Jesus said He will build His church. I've been blessed to see Him do that. I've always taken that as a promise. He said it simply as a statement of fact. "I will build my church," like, "I will go to the store." There are no conditions, no dependancies, no "if - then" statements. He simply will build His church, no matter what.

He said there will be a location: "On this rock." This rock is the foundation, the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He allows His people to be the instruments through which He builds His church. One sows, one waters, another reeps. Is it better to sow or water? Is it more important to water or reap? Without the sowing, there is nothing to water or reap. No watering? The planting is in vain. Without reaping the sowing and watering are a waste of time.

This Sunday, like so many before it, God used a multitude of people in our church in several different capacities to save others. One man in particular I was introduced to over a year ago while I was out on Saturday visitiation. We spoke very briefly, but God kept having us cross paths. He was always very cordial and polite, but never would accept the Gospel. He accepted invitations to come to church, but never would make it. Most of us know what that's like.

Eventually his wife let the kids come. After some time he came for a visit, and we saw him once or twice after that. One Sunday in Children's Church the message got missinterpretted by their kids and their mom was upset, vowing never to let them come back. The next Sunday the kids AND the parents were back. There was yet another misunderstanding. This one was between the parents and another adult in the church. What a mess! Hey, sometimes farming is a dirty job.

That was two weeks ago. Thursday, last week the man got saved. He came forward this Sunday and was baptised. As an added bonus, God saved his wife and she was baptised. Only the power of God can take our messes and make a work of art.

Truck Trouble.

It was cold yesterday morning. I'm tired of the cold. Its May and there was frost on ground. There would have been frost on my truck if it wasn't for the fifty mile an hour winds howling through the night.

I decided I would let my truck warm up before I left for work. Fifteen minutes later (hey, I got into my Bible study) I went out to leave only to notice what looked like fresh oil (reminds me of a great message by Br. Jack Hyles) dripping onto the driveway from the front of my truck. I dipped my finger in it and discovered it was transmission oil. Coming from the front could only mean it was the tranny cooler leaking. Perfect! I have a full week scheduled and this going to really cramp my schedule. Not to mention the expense of repair. Did I mention its cold?

I checked the tranny fluid and it wasn't even registering on the dipstick. No telling how long that leak had been there. After calling my regular car shop and arranging for an emergency repair job, I nursed the truck the five miles to the shop, praying it wouldn't be the last five on that tranny.

I made contingency plans for my schedule and called my boss. Two hours later the truck was repaired and I was back on the road. Slightly behind schedule, but nothing that couldn't be compensated for. There's two ways to look at this. Through the event my thought process was:

"Man, I'm rewady for it to be warm."
"Is that oil? Yup. Thank You God, for the cold. I never would have seen that leak if You hadn't had warm up the truck."
"I wonder what God is going to do."
"I have a little time before I can make calls. Extra Bible study time."

The mechanic came and told me the undercarraige was dry. They could find no leak. I knew God didn't do that, so I went to the truck and found the evidence for them. The next time I saw the mechanic he gave me the diagnosis: Just a hose that is split on one end. Repairing it would mean simply cutting the end, reclamping it, and testing for leaks. That's all it took. While it was there, I had them change the engine oil as well.

For the price of an oil change, I was out of the shop and the leak fixed. Long term I don't know what God will do with that, but short term I sure did enjoy His display of power for the moment.

Isn't God awesome?!

Answers to Prayer

We have been praying for revival for a couple of years now and throughout our spring campaign we have seen God's blessings and answers to our prayers. There have previously been daily mercy drops, and it now appears as though the showers of blessing are upon us.

Attendence is up considerably and so are salvations, baptisms, and folks joining the church. It is exciting to see Jesus building His church! Today we had four more salvations, three baptisms, and three join the church. Praise God!

Timely Reminders

Praise God for His timely reminders. I've slipped into the bad habit of long range planning. By long range, I mean all the way into retirmement and beyond to the approximate time of my death. So, on average I would need sufficient resources to last me another 40 years or so. That's really not much time.

The problem is, it could be, and most likely will be less than that. GodMs time table is advancing and the signs of the times are being revealed more and more. My pastor called me to let me kn ow about a prophecy video he would be showing the high school kids in our Christian school, and since my daughter had expressed concerns about it being scarry, wanted to ensure I was ok with that.

Naturally the conversation drifted to God's timeline and I was reminded, convicted rather, of the probability that I actually have a short time left (as do we all) and should be about my Father's business. The night may be quickly upon us when no man may work.

Praise God for His timely reminders!

God Is Here!

We had a small missions conference this weekend with an evangelist who said he knew God was here when he got out of the car (when the evangelist got out of the car, not God). God proved him right, bringing seven salvations and eight baptisms in the morning services and three more salvations with one baptism in the evening service! Praise God! He's awesome!

The one salvation and baptism tonight was a young lady my daughter and I met as we walked around outside the church looking for people to witness to. God brought her into our path, and after having given her the gospel, she said she would pray, but just did two weeks ago with one of our teenage soul winners.

She took us up on our invitation to come to church, and I sat behind her. As our guest speaker was coming to the close of his message, I began to pray that God would save her for sure, and the proof of that salvation being her baptisme tonight. Of the others who were saved, she was the only one to be baptised. I love my God!! You can't see me right now, but I'm dancing. Unlike David, I am not in public. My wife does think I'm a little strange though. That's okay, God's looking for peculiar people, amen?!

Provisions

I love how God provides for us way before we ever have the need. A couple of weeks ago one of our church members was visited by her sister and a few other family members, and they were in our church for Sunday services. When I was introduced to Mary, we talked briefly about where she was from, and since I travel there frequently she invited me to attend her church. I don't typically spend the night when I'm in that town as it's only a couple hours from my home, and when I do it has never been on a Wednesday, but I kept the information because, like any good pack rat I figured, "You never know."

I have a two day meeting in that town. The meeting started yesterday, Wednesday which means I spent the night there and needed a good church to go to. Normally I'll spend about 30 minutes on the Internet trying to find what appears to be a good, fundamental, independent, Baptist church. Last night I didn't need to do that. One had been recommended to me just a few weeks prior. I'm glad I didn't toss out God's provision.

Services were fantastic. The church supports an organization called "Baptist Couriers for Christ" who simply put, distribute Bibles throughout cities and towns in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union in order to give a jump start to missionary church planting, and perhaps revitalize struggling missionary works. Brother Don Stertz of Wyldewood Baptist Church in Oshkosh WI is the founder / director of the ministry. Bro Don and his wife, Laura were present last night to show the things God has done through their ministry. It was fantastic to see the video of the work and hear of the grace God has given them in it. Bro. Don preached from 1Cor 9:16-19 and focused on three life changing words; "Necessity, Dispensation, Servant". It was a challenging message and helpful to me.

After the message we broke into groups for prayer, and Mark invited me to join with him, Chris, and Matt; which offer I accepted. Mark is greatly burdened for his mom and dad who are not answering the phone nor returning calls. His mom is in poor health both physically and mentally and unsaved. Chris heads up the basketball outreach and was praising God for the salvations given through the season and the two salvations at Tuesday nights season end message. Matt has a grandmother, Olga for whom he wept in prayer that she might be saved this weekend as he visits her.

God's provisions don't just satisfy, they cause my cup to run over.

Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
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Dragon's Lair

I took a team of soul winners and trainees to the street on which the diocees of Scranton is housed. We've been knocking on doors on this street for a few weeks, with several positive conversations, and a couple professions of faith. Today we encountered three teenage boys playing basketball on the sidewalk. After initial introductions, I asked them about their eternal destination and was able to give them the gospel. All three of them prayed to receive Jesus Christ. Two of them were catholics.

Snatched from the pit at the dragon's lair. How cool is that?

"I sing the mighty power of God..."

More Glory

I was driving to a birthday party and had one my teens with me when I suddenly noticed how green the trees were (finally) getting. Praise God!

The sight reminded me of Jesus' crucification. In Luke 23:30-31 Jesus was answering the weeping of some of the women who watched Him carrying the cross in His beaten condition. He told them not to weep for Him, but rather for themselves, saying, "If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" vs. 31

The green tree being Jesus, the dry being us. If a green tree is of such worth, what of a dry? It is good for nothing, as the fig tree that Jdesus cursed, but to be cast into the furnace and burned.

Another beautiful picture of Jesus, my Saviour. Another scene in creation that causes praise in Heaven!

Sleepless Nights

Sooooooo...

I can't sleep. I prayed for a while, but found focusing very difficult. I worked on an idea for a gospel tract targeting conservative political activists. I still couldn't focus. Probably should've prayed for focus. I checked a friends web page and found a late night posting about Abiding Radio and checked it out, and once I figured out how to get it to work on my Droid, found it to be an excellent source of CCM. That would be Conservative Christian Music.

That now means I can listen to a variety of uplifting, Christ honoring music anywhere I have a connection. Even cooler, my truck stereo is bluetooth enabled, so I can blast it when I'm traveling. Maybe I should upgrade my speaker system... :D

Sunday was an amazing day. We had set goals for church attendance and bus riders which were blown away! One of the two bus captains had consistently beat his goal, but never raised it. I challenged him to go past his goal of 50 and set this weeks at 70. He did - and surpassed it. God packed 81 on that bus. Don't tell me Noah couldn't fit two of every kind on the arc.

It's amazing how much better an auditorium looks when it's filled with people. Several came forward for salvation, baptism, and to make public a commitment God had called them to. All this had been previously prayed for over an extended period of time. God has given us several mercy drops, and now it appears that the showers have started.

During our Sunday evangelism, my trainee and I were given the blessing of leading two teenage girls to the Lord. The evening sermon was a continuation of the morning and both were a blessing. We had additional visitors and the spirit in the place was one of intense enthusiasm for our Lord and Saviour. What a great God we serve!

Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA

Click here for daily devotions.

Spoiled

Ever try typing while eating ice cream? Neither have I. I was going to try it last night, mostly as a favor to a friend. I just couldn't manage it. However, the praise is worth posting.

We were eating supper after church with a couple of friends, and as more and more of my plate was revealed, I made the comment that I would like some mint-chocolate-chip ice cream. The restaurant didn't have any, but my wife told me that we had some at home. That was completely unexpected. I had eaten the last of it before we moved. In the middle of moving, Nancy had noticed that my favorite ice cream was missing and was thoughtful enough to get some.

Have you ever felt like you're one of God's spoiled kids? Sure, it was Nancy who got the sweet treat, but it was God who gave me Nancy; even created her specifically for me.

I intended to get home, eat the ice cream, and post the blog. As it turned out I got home and while getting ready for bed, tripped and fell. No damage was done because my landing was cushioned by my bed. Somehow, I couldn't get out.

Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA

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On my way to work yesterday, I began thinking about one of the people I occasionally have the pleasure of working with. I prayed and asked God to give me an open door to witness to him. Then I called him to see where he was working, and wouldn't you know it, he was working at the same store I was going to.

I took him to lunch and made a comment about the direction of our country. His response was better than I had hoped for. God didn't open a door for me, He took down the walls. I was able to give him the Gospel, although he didn't pray to receive Christ at that time.

Isn't having prayers answered fantastic? Know to pray for productive follow up opportunities...

Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA

Click here for daily devotions.

Protests

Tea partys are a great place to witness. The judgment of God is upon America because, not unlike Israel in the days of the judges, every man is doing that which is right in his own eyes. As well intentioned as the tea party movement is, the heart of the problem is not being addressed and it will ultimately be fruitless.

Protests, movements, parties, and politics will not save America. As a nation we have turned wholly from God. We are either for God, or against Him. America is against Him. I think of Abraham negotiating with the Angel of the Lord for Sodom. "Peradventure there are ten righteous. Wilt Thou destry it for ten?" God would not.

There are some who are righteous. Some in America who's heart is with God. He has not rained down fire and brimstone, but if we don't stop preaching politics and start preaching the Gospel, it won't be long.

This was supposed to be a praise. I stopped by a tea party demonstration on the way home today. There were three young men who quietly held signs protesting the protest. I walked over to them and after a brief introduction, was able to give them the Gospel. One was a diest, another was a "Christian from birth", and the other was simply undecided in what he believed.

At the end of the presentation the diest was incredibly interested, the unsure man was distracted but had paid very close attention, and the "Christian from birth" was totally disinterested. None received Jesus as their saviour, but I believe some solid seeds were planted in two of them.

I also had an awesome debate with a man who denied the KJB is THE word of God for English speaking people. A friend of mine was there for that one, but I'm out of time for now.

Sometimes I'm Rude

I got a wonderful gift yesterday and forgot to include it on my praises.  Although, its so cool it deserves its own praise anyway.  A friend of mine who recently moved to Scranton was reading a book about D.L. Moody and said that while she was reading it she kept thinking of me.  Deciding that God wanted her to give it to me, she made sure to pack it and presented it to me last night (which is weird, because I'm rarely at my church on Wednesdays).

I haven't known Patty long, so it is remarkable that she would do such a thing.  What a blessing to have her and her husband join our church.  I get enthusiastic just thinking about it!

On a bigger scale, I'm really excited to find out why God wants me to read that book.  My God is awesome!  He knows what I need and supplies it before I'm aware I have a need.  I can't wait to find out what I need! 

Then there is that thing about to whom much is given... :)

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Ps. 16:11
Praise God!

I had a great day yesterday. Nancy's surgery went without incident and there seemed to be immediate improvements in her face. The doctor seemed pleased. I was able to get some things done that have been yelling for attention, and God opened a couple of doors for me to share with others of His blessings, love, grace, mercy, and judgment. It seemed that all around me the evidence of His handiwork and glory could not be missed. I'm looking forward to what He will do today. I hate to sound greedy, but God did give us the capacity to want more along with the promise to give us more. When I realize that I haven't received all He wants to give, well, isn't the sensible thing to go out and get it?

Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA

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Full of His Glory

(I Corinthians 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: - KJV)

I hope I never look at a farm in the same way again. Its beyond exciting to realize that ALL creation truly is full of the glory of God. The simple act of planting a seed, whether a flower, fruit, vegetable, or grain is a picture of our salvation. The seed was once a part of a whole plant which had all the glory God had created it with. The seed left that plant. A flower, a grain, a fruit, whatever it may be, no longer could partake in the riches of the whole. It comes to earth and dies, is buried, and at the appointed time, rises again a glorified body.

What a wonderful picture of what Jesus has done for me! The next time someone comments on the weather is an opportunity to explain how wonderful it is to see the plants sprout and grow, and how God created that cycle to continually remind us of His sacrifice. No wonder God proclaimed that as long as the earth stood, the seasons would not stop. I recon every change of seasons is cause for all the host of Heaven to shout for joy. Is it any wonder the rocks would cry out if we kept silent?

Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA

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The Cleaver

Eve must have been a sight to see.  Adam got so excited that he said for the joy of obtaining this one thing; woman, a man will leave that which is closest to him, that which is dearest to him, and foresaking everything, cleave to her.  Aren't you glad its the man's responsibility to do so?

For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus left the glory that He had with the Father, and though He was rich became poor, endured our shame, sought for, bought for, and now cleaves to His betrothed with His mighty hand.

If it was the bride's place, our Lord would still be a bachelor, and I would still be as a filthy, loveless prostitute.  for there is none that seeketh after God, no not one.  And even if there were, I simply would not be able to cleave unto Him when opposed by death, or life, or angels, or principalities, or powers or things present, or things to come, hieght, or depth, or any other creature.  In opposition, my love won't hold us together.

PRAISE GOD!  Jesus is the Cleaver and nothing shall seperate us from His love!

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Ps. 16:11
Praise God!

Missed Opportunities

*WARNING*  THIS IS NOT A PRAISE

Just over a year ago I had the opportunity to witness to a man while on a business trip with him.  I had greatly desired this opportunity because he was battling lung cancer for the second time, and continuing to smoke, getting increasingly worse.  He didn't receive salvation at that time, but sent me an email a few days later that he would like to talk to me about "the gift" at some point in the future.

Months later his health got worse and he could no longer work in any capacity.  I tried to contact him, but only left a message.  A few weeks ago I began to think about him again, and that I should call him, but took no action.  Today I found out that he died three days ago.

I believe God put him on my mind because he wanted me to call him.  Maybe God just wanted me to hear from his mouth that he had gotten saved.  Maybe I was to be one final opportunity.  God knows.  I've missed that opportunity. 

Enough said.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Ps. 16:11
Praise God!

Sold Out

I was told last night (by my number one non-family member fan) that I was really getting into leading the congregational singing.  To quote her, I was "sold out to the song leading."

Well, I guess that's progress.  My desire is to be sold out to the Lord, not just in song leading, but in all my life.  Rom 12:1 is one of my goals.  Thank God for freedom from stupid chains like, "People will laugh at me," and the occassional encourager He sends our way.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Ps. 16:11
Praise God!

Empty Nest

I got home today after being on the road all week only to discover that my wife had emptied the house.  The place echoed and except for a few empty boxes and a little furniture, everything was gone.  I called out for her, but there was no answer.  She and my daughter were no where near.  To say I was stunned would be an understatement.  I had even stopped on the way home and picked up a card for both of them just to let them know I appreciate them.

What a blessing!  I'll be able to finish the moving job in pretty short order tomorrow.  Then we'll have the joy of unpacking in the new place.  Nancy wasn't there when I got home like she said she would be, but thank God for a wife who's such a diligent worker.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Ps. 16:11
Praise God!

Born For First Class

I really don't enjoy anything about flying. The entire system is frought with obstacles to arriving at my destination and intrusions into my privacy. Normally, I enjoy challenges. In the case of flying, however I have very limited control or tools to overcome the challenges presented.

Take the weather, for example. Bad weather means delays and cancellations, and what's a traveler to do at the airport to overcome that challenge and make it to the destination? Nothing. Now, when I'm driving... Well, that's an entirely different story. When the weather turns bad, I put it in military mode, look to God, and say, "Here we go Lord, show me Your grace." I know, it sounds presumptious and maybe it is, but hardships were made for God's glory.

Anyway, I was scheduled to fly from Louisville, KY to Scranton, PA on Thursday this week. Due to a wonderful winter weather advisory that dumped sixteen inches of snow across PA and NY, all flights were cancelled. My travel agent, Pam Bolen with Carlson Wagonlit Travel who is absolutely one of the greatest, most helpful people I have the pleasure of knowing, checked my rebooking for the next day's flight AND bumped me up to first class at no additional charge. It didn't seem like much of a consolation, but I wasn't going to turn it down.

At the airport, I got in the "First Class" line to check my bags. I expected someone to tell me to go to the other line, as I am not a "First Class" passenger. No one did. At the gate they called for boarding. First class passengers always get to board first, so I got in line when they called for first class, again expecting to be turned away. Would you believe I wasn't? Me either.

Once I got on the plane and settled into my first class seat, I felt totally at home. Taking advantage if all the comfortable extras that first class seats offer, I laid my head back and waited for take off when I could turn on my electric gadgets and start being productive in flight. An hour later I woke myself up snoring and still at the gate. Man, those seats are comfortable!

Finally airborne, the flight attendant was extremely attendant. I was as comfortable on this flight as I have been in any travel, and felt completely at home. It was great. Come to find out, I was born for first class. Not that I deserve it or have earned it, but that I have a tremendous capacity to enjoy it.

What a picture of our Christian life. God has put us in first class. Amen? Most of us will never really get a hold of that fact until we're there. We go through this life expecting nothing more than the coach class travelers. There are certain privilages, benefits, and comforts that come with our first class ticket. Even though we're aware of these great and precious promise, we don't use them. There's the comfort that is available to us via the Holy Spirit of God, who comforts us in all our troubles. Then there's the amazing peace that passes all understanding. Have you experienced the fullness of joy that is ours in the presence of God? How about the everlasting pleasures that are at His right hand? Do you know the victory over all temptations and trials that we shall experience as we are more than conquerors in Christ? Freedom is available to all who walk in truth. Ah, yes! If you've been born again, you're born for first class.

Thank You, Father for such a wonderful illustration and reminder of my destination and Your promises, and for a travel agent who's focused on her clients.

Witnesses Everywhere

I was conducting a training session for a group of associates this past Wednesday.  After lunch there was a brief “free for all” session that had somehow turned to the topic of who each person works for.  One of the guys there made a comment to the effect that he was perfectly all right with not doing what his boss wanted him to do because he worked for “the Man upstairs”.  The group recognized his statement and for the most part, agreed with him.  What struck me as amazing is that not one of them was saved.  In the midst of an unsaved group, God planted a witness, or at least an opportunity to gain a witness.  I began to preach them, minus an open Bible, about the fact that there is no authority in this world over us except those which God has set up, and that He set them up not as a terror to good works, but to the evil, and disobedience to those in authority is disobedience to God.  I failed to convert that opening to a Gospel presentation, but it was great a joy to deliver that brief message any way.

 

After the training session was over and everyone was parting to return to their respective stores, on the men came up to me and said, “You’re an inspiration to me.”  I was stunned to the point that I literally didn’t say anything.  He went on to explain that my knowledge and ability of the material we covered in training inspired him, and my faith toward God inspired him.  I don’t know what else God did with that open door, but He certainly used it to encourage me to be faithful in the face of more of them.  God is awesome!

 

-Be ready always to give an answer.  1Pet 3:12

 

Pressing on,

 

Mark Hebert, Youth Director

the REVIVAL Baptist Church of Scranton, PA

 

Ps. 16:11 - Praise God!

R.U. in His presence?

mhebert@ScrantonRevivalBaptist.org

www.ScrantonRevivalBaptist.org

 

---- Personal Devotion and Praise Blogs ----

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www.2diedaily.blogspot.com

 

Windows of Blessing

Sunday last week one of the young(er) couples of the church asked if they could take us to dinner.  We gladly accepted, enjoying the opportunity to spend time with them as we have “adopted” them into our hearts.   Once we were seated at the restaurant, the waitress noticed my accent (PRAISE GOD, I still sound like a Texan!), and asked me where I was from.  When I told her, she asked why I had moved to Scranton.  At this point I had the opportunity to say, “It was a career change within the same company I work for,” which would have been about as true as Abraham stating that Sarah was his sister, or I could say the whole truth, “God brought me here to re-establish and strengthen His relationship to me.”   I was greatly tempted to say the former, but by the grace of God told her the truth.  With that, God opened the door to speak of spiritual topics.  As it turns out she’s a Christian and the conversation was one of great edification and rejoicing in some of the ways God has moved in our lives.  I can’t help but think of the blessings we all would have missed if I hadn’t told her what God wanted me to say.

 

Oh Lord, let me never hide the truth in unrighteousness, but boldly proclaim it at all times. 

 

Pressing on,

 

Mark Hebert, Youth Director

the REVIVAL Baptist Church of Scranton, PA

 

Ps. 16:11 - Praise God!

R.U. in His presence?

mhebert@ScrantonRevivalBaptist.org

www.ScrantonRevivalBaptist.org

 

---- Personal Devotion and Praise Blogs ----

www.praiseGoddaily.blogspot.com

www.2diedaily.blogspot.com

 

Adding to the Church

I have been meaning to post this praise for quite a while.  I found out a few weeks ago that God is transplanting a couple of fantastic Christians to add to our ministry.  I've met Patty a couple of times and have been greatly enriched and encouraged with each meeting.  She has a unique ability to infect everyone she encounters with joy.  I've met Steve once very briefly.  He's relatively quiet, but its easy to see his love for God, deep faith, and strength of character.  Both have addicted themselves to the work of the ministry.

We're greatly looking forward to their being added to our ministry in person and not just in prayer.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Ps. 16:11
Praise God!

Youth Night

The all nighter was fantastic!  We invited Gethsemane Baptist (Bro. Nemo - Pastor), and Pioneer Baptist (Bro Snyder) teens to come and had a total of 30 teens and 6 adults.  God was definitely present and working throughout the evening.  The first message resulted in a hand going up for salvation and several for decisions to go for God's blessings and leave the world behind.  Since this was an all night activity we only invited those teens who had been faithfully attending and participating in Youth Group activities.  A hand going up for salvation in that instance is remarkable.

The second message (Bro. Jose) was really good and challenged the kids to seek after and excercise wisdom in their decisions.   The next message, preached by Bro Ken M., Youth Director of Gethsemane Baptist resulted in a full alter and perfectly dove tailed withe Bro. Jose's.   Bro. Eric's message was fantastic.  God certainly used him to grab the kid's attention, and soon there were comments that the event was like Youth Conference.

The last message was the hardest to preach and for the kids to pay attention to.  We had been at it for 11 hours.  Each message was followed immediately with a fifteen minute prayer time and an activity.  Each activity was progressively more physically demanding than the previous by design and had the desired effect of exhausting the kids and keeping them awake and interested.  As I preached the message several of the kids were really struggling to keep their eyes open so I invited them to stand if they were having trouble.  Twenty six kids stood up.  Hands went up everywhere at the invitation and we finished the event with a half hour prayer session.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Ps. 16:11
Praise God!

Street Preaching

I realized this morning that I would have the opportunity to go to a catholic church and preach the Gospel for the first time since I received the burden to do so. My first attempts ended when the church I had selected, for some strange reason, did not have services at the times they normally did. My schedule was prohibitive from that point until today. As I prayed in my closet this morning, that realization hit me, and I prayed for boldness to do so. When gathered with the praying men from our church, in the midst of my praises to God, I again prayed for the same thing. Today He put me in front of the church I had attempted to preach at three times earlier but this time people were arriving for mass.

Was I scared? I can't say with certainty that when Paul told the Corinthians he was with them not in excellency of speech or wisdom, but in weakness, fear, and in much trembling that he was nervous, but I can say that I identify with that passage in my own weakness, fear, and trembling. Never-the-less, God gave me grace to open my mouth with boldness and preach to the small groups that were arriving. Praise God! What a moment!

It was well below freezing and the wind was blowing. During the brief moments that no one was approaching I was chilled to the bone and regretted not having anything to cover my ears, but when people showed up the heat was on! I was stunned that the Gospel of peace was not well received. I knew people would be in a hurry to get out of the cold, but mean and nasty?! Are you kidding? Not all of them were, but I think I now know why God had me do this on a bitterly cold day. It just may be the chill that kept those mean ones from staying outside and working to hold the truth in unrighteousness. At any rate, the message was always cut short in their ears as they entered the synagogue of satan.

"Synagogue of satan?" Sound harsh? I don't know what else to call an organization who will draw people into it promising heaven, and delivering them to hell. The Bible is very clear, if you don't know for certain you're going to heaven, you're not going. These folks are being made to believe that they can be good enough to get heaven on their own righteousness. I know that's a fact because that's what they tell me their counting on to get into heaven. It's satan's oldest trick. he started in the garden of Eden, "...ye shall be as gods, (Gen 3:5)," and he continues deceiving people with same lie wrapped in a slightly different package.

Tomorrow may be a new opportunity to do the same thing. I pray that next week will be. My message truly is the Gospel of peace and not one of condemnation or judgment. It is not my goal to be offensive to these people, but that they may see the love, grace, and mercy of God. I know the Gospel will offend and divide. I know Noah preached well over 100 years without a convert, and Jeremiah managed to double that number in less time. Will I have the patience, faith, and fortitude to do the same if it be God's will? If it is His will, I trust He will supply the grace.


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Prayers, Praises, and Powerful Joy

We had a fantastic time in our men's prayer group this morning. Another of the teen boys from our youth group joined us this morning and it was obvious by his prayer that he was in touch with God. What a blessing. God continues to raise up godly young men who can pick up the mantle of the older men before they pass from the scene, and I get to be one of the vessels used in that proccess. What an awesome God I serve!

I have discovered that my best prayers are the ones that are filled with God's praises. When I say my best ones, I mean the most fulfilling, most exhilarating, most rewarding. Just thinking about the fullness of joy I get during those prayers is pumping me up again! Praise God!!!!!

This blog started as a result of the conviction God gave me from Psalm 68:19 which says, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." I was convicted that I failed to see let alone thank God for even one of those benefits daily benefits yet here God said that He doesn't only give one, but a LOAD of them. Over the months, I have learned to thank Him for many things that I used to take for granted, and sometimes still do.

I guess He never gets tired of hearing me thank Him for the air He gives me to breath, the ability to breath, and the ability to turn the oxygen in that air into sustenance for my body. Simply, every day, common, stuff; yet when I sincerely thank Him for this and more, He always deepens my joy. Rather, it would be more accurate to say that He gives me fullness of joy just as Psalm 16:11 states. After all, are we not to come into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; being thankful to Him, and blessing His name (Ps 100:4)? If there is a secret to getting the fullness of joy which is only in our Saviour's presence, surely this is it!

It's during these praise sessions that a prayer request or two will come up, not because I intended it to, but more because it just fits into the praise. Truth be told, I'm often afraid that I will lose the great joy I get from praising God if I start asking Him for things. It's as if the requests come out because God sees them there and wants me to ask Him so He can answer them and I can praise Him some more. There is joy in answered prayer, but it is magnified 100 fold when I praise my God and my Saviour for the answer.


Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA

Click here for daily devotions.