This is a Test

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

A faith test is one of those tests I really want to pass but don’t so much like to prepare for. I far prefer floating quietly on my back in the pool on sunny days; to long sleepless nights when recovering from surgery. But on those painful nights when I am crying out to God  and  desperately need His help I find a faith that sees  in darkness the joy of restoration and trust. I hate those storms while they are rocking my boat but I love the assurance I have found. Jesus is my anchor and He will keep me safe to me to the end!

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Singing is a Step of Faith

Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!                      Psalm 149:1-2 ESV

Singing is more than music it is a step of faith. When we open our mouth to sing we both connect back to our first childlike step of faith and strain forward towards our heavenly goal.

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We cannot see what heaven will be like, but the accompaniment of heaven’s songs can draw us towards home. I am reminded of one dear elderly saint who was found passed out on the floor by her sister. The ambulance was called and Florence was taken to the hospital where after several days she regained her strength and returned home. Florence told us that while she was unconscious she began to hear the angels singing and felt them coming closer. She said that the song grew louder and louder but then suddenly it faded and then she opened her eyes and woke up. Since she had grown up in the Polish church I was interested to know if God would have His angels singing in her childhood language or in English. But Florence said it was in neither language rather in some heavenly tongue which was completely different from anything she knew! I have never forgotten Florence’s angels and their heavenly song. God has given us songs as wings to our faith. Just as faith without works is dead, faith without words is unborn. What mightier wings of faith can there be than the words of our worship in song?

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A Special Thank You

This is my small way of saying thank you for those who work all through the year helping to care for some of the most vulnerable in our community. God Bless you!!

pastorpete51's avatarWalking With Lambs

This is national Nursing Home Week and I wanted to take this day to remember the many staff members who have sacrificially helped out and have given so much to make our outreach possible. If you are one of these people I want to say a big heart felt THANK YOU and God Bless!!!

Thank you for bringing residents to our meetings every week, year after year.

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Thank you for taking time to bring us to the rooms of people needing an extra prayer

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Thank you for encouraging the residents to sing and by singing along

Thank you for special cards and gifts that made us feel appreciated and loved

Thank you for your gentle and sometimes funny way of dealing with unlovely situations

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Thank you for (almost) never complaining

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Thank you for the flexibility of allowing us to meet out in the garden when the dining room was being…

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