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.

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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!

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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.

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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...

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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?

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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?

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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!