March 20, 2021We need a revival of Pentecostal power that will set a fire burning in the heart of every believer…a fire that will create a passion and a vision for lost and dying souls that are headed for hell.
Jesus said: The harvest is great but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth laborers into his harvest….
I want to be one of those laborers that step into the arena of this wicked world and pluck souls from the edge of eternity.
–Once I led a man to the Lord who had been dead 5 minutes before
-Once I gave the Gospel to Elvis Presley…
-For some people it is too late. Yesterday you could have reached them, but today, it is too late.
You know what would keep our young people in church and on fire for God… Let them get a vision for the Lost… and become fearless witnesses for Christ.
We need a Pentecostal revival that will shake up teenagers, young people… and turn them into fire-brands for Christ… I know young people who have sold out to the Lord, been filled with the Holy Ghost and become powerful witnesses for the Lord
What if you had 5 minutes to tell a dying friend how to get saved…? Would you know what to say?
We need a Pentecostal revival that will stir not only young people, but middle aged people… and older people and make them powerful, Holy Ghost anointed witnesses and soul winners…
You bear his name… do you carry his flame?
His passion was for souls…. He gave up everything to win souls… even his own life.
What would you give up to win a soul? What have you ever done to win a soul? How can any Christian feel right in their relationship with the Lord and have no interest in taking the Good News of the Gospel to some lost person?
On one ministry journey… we met a young Muslim man in a restaurant and had an amazing opportunity to give him the Gospel as he knelt at out table. The Spirit of God was opening his searching heart to the truth of God’s Word. Many more are ready to hear if we will tell.
BROTHERS AND SISTERS WE HAVE BEEN COMMISSIONED.
John 20:21 Jesus said: “As my father hath sent me, even so send me you.
Mark 16:15 Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.
No believer is exempt from the great commission.
(all the world??? How about one square mile? Would you do that?)
Have you heard his voice calling…. Like Isaiah: Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send and who will go for us. Then said I, here am I, send me.
He did not send us without necessary power.
Acts 1:8 “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
The power of Pentecost includes the power to witness and win the lost.
If you have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and you are not a witness for Christ you are missing something.
My heart longs to reach souls for the Lord. It all started when the Lord saved me at ten, and then baptized me with His Spirit.
God gave me a burden for souls, and I don’t think that should be so unusual. I think it should be an integral part of every Christian’s life….
THE CHURCH IS NOT A SOCIAL CLUB,BUT A SOUL-SAVING STATION
General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, declared:
“Go find the worst ones, bring them to church…bring the drunks…bring the prostitutes…Bring the addicts…and let them hear the Gospel and get saved.”
PENTECOSTAL POWER WILL GIVE YOU A VISION, A BURDEN, A CONCERN FOR THE UNSAVED. . Real revival has always resulted in souls being saved.
Genuine revival in our heart will make us soul winners.
YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER and YE SHALL BE WITNESSES!
In case you wondered about my witness to Elvis Presley, allow me to explain. It was in a unique restaurant where we were invited by a friend. It displayed abundant Elvis Presley memorabilia including a life-sized standup cardboard cutout of this man of worldly fame. I took advantage of the moment and stood in front of “him” holding out my open Bible and began to openly give “him” the gospel message. He never moved. He did not blink an eyelid. He gave no response, for he could not. Elvis Presley was dead. It was too late for him to hear the message of salvation.
Tomorrow it will also be too late for many others to receive the glorious gift of salvation. Let us take Christ the Living Hope to others around us while there is still time!
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March 20, 2021SUNDAY AFTERNOON FIRE
With Sunday afternoon dinner finished I usually collapsed onto the living room recliner for a well-deserved nap, and time to read, hoping the phone would not ring too often. How I enjoyed those times, after having my usual very-hectic week. Then came the fire that changed it all. It was a fire that exploded in my heart. My brother-in-law, a local hospital chaplain, challenged our FGBI students and me about hospital ministry. I was never the same again. Early this year I gave up my usual Sunday afternoon habits, and committed to visit hospital patients. I must say I have been absolutely astounded at the number of souls the Lord has saved, almost every Sunday, and sometimes three in one afternoon. Why did I wait so long to begin? What if I had started this years ago? What if you started it this week? Let me share some of these thrilling experiences with you.
100 YEAR-OLD AMELIA
When I discovered that a lady in the next room was 100 years old, my heart almost burst with excitement. “I’ve got to win her!” I thought. I prayed that the Lord would give me the key to her heart. Amelia was pretty and perky, all “fixed up” and ready for company. She invited me to sit down like we were going to have a tea party, and we started to talk. She told me about her health problems and I asked her about her church background. Her mother made her go to the Baptist church until age sixteen. She said she lived a good life and was close to her mother. I could tell she was not saved and I was desperate for a way to break through to her, a woman on the edge of eternity. Suddenly I felt directed by the Lord.
“Amelia, you and your mother were pretty close. Do you think God wants us to be close to Him, like you were close to your mother?”
Amelia thought for a moment and replied, “Yes, like a friendship.”
“That’s a good answer, Amelia! Isn’t it true that over the years a friendship and relationship with God can grow cold and almost non-existent? We seem to know Him in our head, but not in our heart.”
She quickly agreed and I could tell I hit the target. I asked her how that could happen, and she talked about how our attention could be diverted by other things, and simple neglect, until there is nothing left. She was following me intently with her eyes, absorbing every word.
I continued, sensing the Spirit of God working:
“Amelia, you have lived 100 years. Eternity could begin for you at any moment. The most important thing for you to do right now is to restore that relationship with God. Do you know how to do that?”
I can’t explain how delighted I was when she said with eyes wide and serious, “You tell me.”
I couldn’t wait! First I emphasized her present danger: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation” I explained that such neglect is sin that she should now confess to God with a repentant heart.
Amelia was ready to do it. She seemed to grasp the urgency of the moment. I reminded her of the familiar wall picture of Jesus knocking at a door and waiting for the door to be opened.
“Jesus is knocking at your heart’s door right now, Amelia. Are you ready to open that door and let Him in? I can pray with you right now, if you would like to restore that relationship with God. “
She said “Yes, that is what I need”, and we prayed together as Amelia came back into the family of God. This sure was a better way to spend Sunday afternoon, far better than just napping in the recliner.
BILL THE BACKSLIDER
Bill wasn’t about to be lying in bed in the presence of a lady! When I entered he abruptly sat up, put his feet down over the side of the bed, stared at me and waited to hear what I had to say.
“Hello, Bill! I’m Claire Beam from the Chaplain’s Department. I came to see if you still have a smile on your face”
That did bring a smile, and broke the ice. We chatted a few minutes about the joys of Jello, and getting poked by needles. When I talked about the need for God during troubling days, Bill responded positively revealing an understanding of the Gospel. I was still feeling my way, unsure of what direction this would take, praying for the Lord’s help. Then a doctor came in and I stepped out into the hall with Bill’s daughter-in-law who clued me in. Bill was very sick and troubled, and had refused to eat since coming to the hospital, but what she said next was really the turning point.
“Bill is a backslider, and has absolutely refused to come back to God.”
My fire was lit. He had to be won, and God could do it. My heart pounded with anticipation of what was about to happen. When would that doctor leave? I was ready.
Back in the room I asked Bill’s permission to talk to him privately. He agreed, and his family stepped outside. I closed the door. This was a battle about to happen, and I stepped forward with every spiritual weapon I could muster. There was no need to delay. Urgency was required, and I felt the Spirit of God as I began.
“Bill, what are you waiting for? You are in great need of God. God has sent me to urge you to return to Him.”
A holy wind from heaven was sweeping through that room, and this 80-year-old man was visibly shaken. I knew the victory was on the way, when I saw big tears flooding his eyes and he said:
“I can’t believe this is happening. You are the third person who has tried to tell me that.”
“See how much Jesus loves you, Bill?” I replied. “How privileged you are to have God care that much to send three people to you with the same message. And, what are you doing about it? Isn’t it time for you to come back and get things cleared up between you and the Lord?”
It is so awesome to see the Lord work this way. I loved every tear that fell down Bill’s face. I rejoiced each time his eyes squinted tightly, his jaw muscles tensed and his lips squeezed together. Something was happening inside. I knew his stubborn heart was melting in the presence of Jehovah! It was a fierce moment of reckoning, and he surrendered.
“Yes, I know it is time. God has been dealing with me.”
In a vital moment like that you move with God’s authority. You can’t just keep talking, or you might talk away that intense conviction.
I immediately replied, “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s pray now!”
All of Heaven was listening during that powerful time of prayer in which he followed my words, intensely and seriously, repenting of his backsliding, asking and receiving forgiveness. And then, sensing assurance that He was back in His Fathers arms, he wept openly, and thanked God with joy.
Such a beautiful thing happened next. Bill was so stirred, that he looked at me and said with the deepest of emotion, “You are an angel from heaven.”
Brothers and Sisters, that is how sinners will feel about you when you care enough to lead them from death to life. You become God’s messenger of deliverance and Salvation. Will you let Him use you?
QUIET, GENTLE FRANK
In another room I found Frank, sitting on a chair with a blanket over his legs. He had a very gentle and shy look, graced by the beginning of a smile.
“Hello, Frank! How are you doing today?” I began.
His reply was very quiet and kind. He was a church-goer, a religious man, but was blank about assurance of Salvation. He hoped he would go to heaven.
I gave Frank a short and simple presentation of the Gospel, using Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Acts 3:19; John 1:12; and Revelation 3:20. It seemed so new to him. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believeth.
Frank very easily responded, took my hand and prayed most sincerely for the Lord to save him. He was ready to receive the moment he heard. How many more are there who are “religious”, but have never heard a true presentation of the Gospel in a simple way? They are out there, waiting for you!
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February 8, 2021WE HAVE OFTEN GONE INTO MALLS IN SEARCH OF PEOPLE NEEDING CHRIST. We have seen masses of humanity, hurrying on their way to eternity with no hope of salvation. We armed ourselves with tracts, and other resources and started walking, looking, and praying, waiting for the Lord to open a witnessing opportunity.
During one such mall trip we were able to witness to people from the United States, Costa Rica, the Philippines, India, and Mexico…all in one day.
Have you felt such a stirring in your soul making you want to go out and find the unsaved? God is still looking and searching for someone to stand in the gap for the lost. Will he find you with your hand raised saying “Here am I, send me”?
What would He find if He looks your way? Have the cares of life and other interests distracted you from the vital call of the Lord’s Great Commission?”
What would happen if you and every Christian you know would pray through, catch a vision for the lost, and begin to do all you could to reach them?
Night cometh when no man can work. Now is the time to act. Rise up, O Christian, take up your cross, and the mantle of the Holy Ghost, and step out into the Lord’s whitened harvest field to plant and reap for Jesus. Go out and get them for Jesus who already paid the price of His blood to purchase them. That is how valuable even one soul is to Him.
One of John Wesley’s biographers said,“HE WAS OUT OF BREATH PURSUING SOULS.”
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February 4, 2021I am overwhelmed with joy at the blessing God gave me today. We stopped in a little thrift store just to browse and as I was paying for a purchase I noticed a man walk in the door. He was dressed shabbily and had the appearance of a homeless person. It didn’t take much to realize the man had little.
I felt like I wanted to help him in some way, so as I put my change away I grabbed a couple of dollars and then pulled out of my purse a very good, colorful and clearly presented gospel tract, as well as a million dollar tract. I asked my husband if he would watch my cart as I headed through the store in search of that man. I went all the way through and headed back unable to see him anywhere.
A worker at the store, probably in his sixties, was seated on the side and as I passed him he asked if I found everything I was looking for. “No,” I said. “Did you see that man who came in the store who appeared to be homeless? I am trying to find him.” I He said, “Oh, yes. He asked if he could use the restroom.”
So that’s where he disappeared to! Walking over to this gentleman I said, “When I saw him I just felt I wanted to help him. When he comes out would you tell him a lady wanted to give him these couple of dollars? And would you also give him these gospel tracts? They tell all about how we can be saved and ready to meet the Lord.”
“I sure will,” he replied as he looked more closely at me. “His stare was intense and suddenly he blurted out strongly, “You’re a holiness woman, aren’t you?”
“Yes, sir, I am, all because of Jesus.”
Such an earnest look came on his face as he replied, “Yes…because of Jesus. You’re Pentecostal aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am….” I hardly got the words out of my mouth until I noticed his eyes begin to squint and tears begin to slip out….
“I could tell,” he said, as his body began to tremble with emotion. His quivering lips spoke with a voice broken by tears: “It’s all over you. I can see it.” His big eyes just stared up at me.
This was amazing! I had never seen this man before and I couldn’t help being awed at what God seemed to be doing right before my eyes. I had an immediate awareness of the presence of God, and of a divine moment in process. It all happened so quickly. I could feel the Spirit of God moving me as I stepped closer and put my hand on the man’s shoulder.
“What you see and feel is the presence of God! What about you? Are you ready to meet Him? Is your heart right with God?”
A cloud of sadness hung over him as he shook his head from side to side and told me, “No. I drifted away.”
I knew I was facing an event prepared by heaven. God was in control! It was powerful!
“Then what are you waiting for?” I urged him, “You need to pray now and get back to God.” And I started to pray for him: “Lord, help this man to repent of his wandering and return to you right now.”
He was crying and praying with me: “Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord.”
I kept praying. “Ask the Lord to forgive you and cleanse you from all sin.” I felt His power and knew that He was at work in this man’s life. “God brought me here, just for you. What is your name?”
“James,” he replied.
“Now, James, you prayed with me. Did you repent? If Jesus came tonight would you be ready to go with Him? Are you ready to meet the Lord?”
He hung his head and said, “No.”
“Then, we need to pray again, James. Whatever stands in the way, whatever you are holding on to that will keep you out of heaven, whatever is still sin in your heart…has to go. Are you willing to turn away from all sin and let Jesus come in and give you a new beginning right now?”
As he positively responded, we prayed some more until he victoriously acknowledged that he had surrendered it all, and was ready to live for God again.
His background was in good churches, and I urged him to come to the church where we were presently holding a month long seminar on “Commissioned to Discipleship; Commissioned to Ministry; and Commissioned to Evangelism.”
What great thrill filled my heart as I left that store and realized what God had done! And the story isn’t over yet. What about that homeless man! Wouldn’t it be an ironic twist if James gave those tracts to that homeless man, and then gave him his newfound testimony, and won him to the Lord!!
How many more are out there, just like James, away from God and ready to come to the Lord at the urging of someone who cares, someone who has a burden to see the lost get saved. Will you let the Lord lead you and use you today?
Psalm 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
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February 4, 2021Today it was a Taco Bell in Illinois that became the mission field.
After eating a taco I headed for the counter and saw two workers getting ready to do some cleaning. “Hey, guys I want to give you some of my favorite things… “and I held out a handful of Chick tracts and told them they could pick. They did, and I asked how many more workers were back there. He counted out the names, and I let him pick one for each. He was heading back to give them each one.
Think of that…the Taco Bell clerk distributing gospel tracts to the rest of the staff! Wow, how easy that was, and what a simple opportunity to spread the good news. Try it sometime!
We did the same thing with some Million Dollar Gospel tracts at another fast food restaurant.
The girl who waited on us looked with amazement at the realistic looking tract and immediately held it up for one of her co-workers to see. I saw that he was really impressed with it also, so I said, “Well, you can have one too. Here. How many more workers are here tonight?” He told me and I dished out one for each. When I left they were all smiling and saying “Thank You!” It is exciting to let the Lord give you courage and boldness enough to step out and get those tracts into the hands of the lost. Let the Holy Ghost inspire and empower you to do it today!
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February 4, 2021Driving through Joplin, Missouri after the devastating EF5 multiple-vortex tornado of 2011 was a haunting experience. Entire blocks of houses and businesses were completely wiped out. The ground was flat with scattered twisted remains of what once was peoples’ possessions.
At least 159 people were suddenly flung into eternity.
The tomorrow they planned for never came for them. How horrifying for those who may not have been prepared.
The day we came through we saw that tremendous efforts had already been made to clean up and start to put things back together. There was hope in the air. Construction crews were everywhere. Still numbed by the sights we had seen, we moved onward to catch a bite to eat for lunch at one of our favorite places, Wendi’s. If you haven’t discovered it yet, you ought to try the Pick-Two menu. We were sitting enjoying our Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, and chocolate Frosty when we observed all the workmen in the place.
Directly across from us sat a contractor’s crew discussing their workload. Evidently the head man was frustrated and upset. There were problems with some workers. He was disturbed by price gouging by some companies.In the midst of his complaints he cursed and used the Lord’s name in vain several times. I looked over at him with a facial expression that drew his attention and I simply said, “That is really rough Mister.” He thought I meant his problems and began directing his conversation to me. I said, “No, what I mean is the way you talked about my God. He is my Savior. He died for me so I could have salvation.” Immediately he was apologetic, thanking me for stopping him, and calming him down. One by one his men left and he got up and came to our table and knelt down on one knee continuing to talk to us about insurance companies and banks and some contractors that were taking advantage of the crisis in Joplin, raising prices, and making financial decisions that were unfair to the tornado victims. He said some had tried to get him to raise his prices, but he refused, saying it was against his principle. All the while he kept apologizing for his language, saying he knew that was not right, and that he was so sorry. It was an ideal moment prepared by the Lord and we stepped into it by faith. Calling him by name we told him he should keep doing the right thing, regardless of what others do, because one day he would stand before God. The Bible says, So then, every one of us shall give account of himself to God. No one will escape. We asked him if we could pray for him, and he said “Yes.” He took his hat off and bowed his head And so, right there in Wendy’s, with a contractor kneeling at our table we laid our hand on his shoulder and prayed that the Lord would help him to do what is right, and that his heart would open up to receive Christ as his Savior. “Lord,” we earnestly prayed, “save him and let him live his life for you.” Only the Lord knows what happened in that man’s heart at that moment, but we gave him Gospel literature as he left still sincerely thanking us for talking and praying with him. Save him, Lord! Follow him wherever he goes, and remind him of his need of salvation.
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February 4, 2021This was the first time we used a laundromat washing machine that required two quarters on top of each other in each slot to pay for the wash. We had put the single coins in and couldn’t figure out why the machine wouldn’t start. As we fiddled around with it a man seated nearby came over, hearing our confusion, and explained the process. That solved it. We were amazed to learn that the man was blind. His eyes appeared normal. He had no dark glasses and seemed to make his way around the laundromat just fine. I immediately felt an inner urge to be able to speak to him about the Lord. I went out to our car and retrieved my computer and the two hour DVD story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, including a salvation altar call at the end. He had put clothes in a drier and sat down, so I grabbed my computer and went over where he was. “Hi! Thanks for helping us with that washer. Can I sit here with my computer?” He was glad to have company and we began to chat. “How long have you been blind?” I asked.“Well, I’m not totally blind yet, I have very limited sight, but it’s getting worse. It’s been at its worst for the last six months. It’s from diabetes.”I expressed sympathy and asked how it has affected his life.“My life is destroyed.” He said. “I’ve taught music all my life, and now I’ve lost my job. I’ve traveled the country playing my trumpet in night clubs and bars, churches and schools, but that’s pretty much over now. I can’t drive any more. I live with my 90 year old mother and do our laundry here each week.”I told him how Jesus could bring him peace in the time of difficulty; that he can forgive our sins and help us to forgive others, that He could make a way where there seems to be no way. I longed to reach him with the Gospel, but I could tell this was going to be a tough one. As the conversation continued he told me about a church that never paid him for his “show”. He spread the word and won’t go back there. That’s when I mentioned that every church isn’t a biblical church, just like everyone who calls himself a Christian may not be one. Jesus said, “Not everyone that sayeth unto me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven.”“Yeah, I used to go to church. I know all about that. “and then he wandered off in another direction. I tried to draw him back to being prepared for eternity. “When you stand before the Lord in eternity, why should he let you into his heaven?”It was easy to see that he was going to justify himself by his good deeds and living a decent life. “Well have you ever told a lie?” I asked.“Sure, but that was fifty years ago.” (I wondered if that was an up-to-date lie!)“Have you ever stolen anything.” I continued.“No! I have my own set of ethics and that’s one thing I don’t do.”“Well Jesus said that if a man even looks on a woman to lust after her he has already committed adultery in his heart. Have you ever looked on a woman that way?” I dared to ask.Laughing, he replied, “Of course, I worked in night clubs!”“So what are you going to do about those sins you just confessed? How will you get rid of them? No sin will enter heaven, and sin doesn’t just disappear with time.”He stumbled around with words….“The Bible tells us that the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross is the only acceptable sacrifice to remove the sins of those who receive Him as Savior….”I hardly got the sentence out of my mouth when he announced, “Oh, my laundry is done. I repent.” And he walked away, still blinded in his eyes, and still in spiritual blindness. You don’t win them all, but you pray that they will remember your words and that the Holy Spirit will continue to speak to their heart. He did seem thankful for the Jesus Story, and said he would listen to it at home. Lord, don’t let him forget our conversation. As he hears more about you, Lord, please bring him to true repentance and salvation!Never stop taking the opportunities that the Lord brings your way. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bring his sheaves with him! Psalm 126: 6
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February 4, 2021THERE HE STOOD WITH A DEFIANT POSE, OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE MALL’S MAIN ENTRANCE.
We had just arrived to do some walking and some witnessing when we saw him. It was those long dreadlocks and his angry facial expression that made me wonder if I should approach him. I reached into my purse’s tract supply and found what I wanted and headed towards him praying.
“Hi! How are you doing today?” I said with a smile.
He didn’t smile, but stared at me and just said. “O.K.”
“Has anyone ever lied to you?” I asked?
His interest seemed to perk up. Something about that question hit a target. Maybe he felt like a wrongfully oppressed person. Maybe life had been a bitter experience for him.
“Yeah!” he said with eyebrows raised.
“Well then you really need to read this,” I said as I handed him Mark Cahill’s soulwinning booklet, The Second Greatest Lie Ever Told.
He grabbed it, read the title and his face lit up with a big smile. “Yeah! Thanks a lot!” he said, already glancing through the pages.
I don’t know what he was expecting, but God has a way to reach every desperate soul, if only we claim His promise of boldness and go.
“Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” Acts 1:8That’s it! Just a simple act that got the gospel into the hands of “who knows what kind of a person” with “who know what kind of a life”- a soul for whom Jesus died.
That booklet asks if the reader has ever been lied to. The most dangerous lie of all is the one that says there are many ways to heaven. So in this booklet, Mark Cahill delves into the top nine religions in the world, to see what they teach about their god and what it takes to be right with that god, and what they teach about eternity. He examines Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, Sikhism, Jehovah’s Witness and Biblical Christianity.
The booklet makes it obvious that these religions contradict each other. So how can a person know which is lying and which is telling the truth? Pointing the way to the evidences that prove the Bible to be true it leads the reader to the only one who can save them and take them to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the father, but by me. John 14:6 Take courage today, Christian, and step out where the sinners are to bring the Gospel to them!
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February 4, 2021WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
If you are a genuine Christian, you can go with the Gospel NOW. Opportunities abound…next door, at Walmart, in the office, sitting at the mall, jogging in the park. Everywhere there are people who need the Lord. This blog is intended to inspire and motivate others to join the ranks of witnesses for Christ. May you answer HIS call today!
BE READY FOR YOUR OPPORTUNITY!
SOME INTERESTING THINGS HAPPENED THE DAY OF A WOMEN’S PRAYER MEETING…One lady told of going into Walmart and sitting down because she was so short of breath and did not feel well. A tall man walked past her and immediately turned back and asked her, “Are you a Christian?” When she answered “Yes, I am,” he asked her, “Would you mind if I pray for you right now?” When she said she would be glad for his prayer he laid his hand on her and prayed out loud, right there in Walmart, for the Lord to touch and heal her of her distress.
If the Walmart greeter’s vest theme is “How may I help you?” how much more should it be ours?
That stirred my heart! Isn’t this what the disciples did? They took the Gospel to the marketplace. I believe that witnessing and soul winning are the indisputable responsibilities of every Christian. When the Lord said to His servant, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled,” I don’t think it was just a meaningless parable.
If we would focus on getting the church OUT to the people, maybe we would be more successful in getting the people INTO the church.
The prayer meeting ended. Women were moving about gathering song books, a speaker system and other necessities for a nursing home service. The church was about to go OUT to the people… to take the Gospel outside the four walls of the church.
I was excited about the opportunity and walked outside toward my car. After only a few steps I noticed a stranger, a young man walking on the parking lot in my direction.
“Hello! Can I help you?” I asked. “I need prayer,” he said, walking closer. “I want God to forgive me for my sins. I don’t want to be like this anymore.”
Can you imagine someone walking up to you and saying such a thing? Wow! What more could you ask for? This was a soul winner’s joy. This was an open door to quickly walk through.
“Well, you have come to the right place. Come with me. We’ve been in a prayer meeting. We will pray for you,” I told him as I directed him to the church door, but I found it already locked.
Without hesitation I said, “Well, we can pray here. Just kneel down right here…” and as he knelt on the parking lot blacktop I laid my hands on his head and began to call on the Lord to save him, to forgive him, to change him and give him a new life.” He was praying out loud too, asking the Lord to do it. By this time the ladies made their way outside and saw what was happening. They joined in praying as we witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit reaching down into the heart of a young man who has come out of a rough life in gangs, fighting and drugs.
Before we left him the youth pastor was sitting on the ground next to him, already doing some good follow up work.
How about it? Isn’t it time to get serious about touching lives for the Lord? When you meet someone at the gas station and begin to witness to them, look for the opportunity to say, “Would it be all right if I pray for you right now?” When that co-worker approaches you with his discouragements, reach for that moment to pray with him right there.
There is power in prayer. Sometimes the tears will come immediately when that troubled person senses that you care enough to pray for them right there. Prayer can bring conviction, and a tenderness that can lead to further dealing with their heart.
YOU CAN DO IT, IF YOU WILL.
The harvest is all around you. The mission field has come to America. Sometimes we feel like we are in another land when we walk the malls surrounded by what feels like a majority of people from different countries, speaking different languages. This is YOUR mission field NOW!
Oh, Lord, put the flame of soul winning fire into the heart of all who read these words. Let this be the day when they boldly step out to give the Gospel to someone “in the marketplace.”
Friend, will you make a commitment right now to look for that opportunity today? “Lord, as I venture out today, lead me to some needy soul. Let me be sensitive to the voice of your Spirit today.”
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February 4, 2021Gustav Bergstrom was only 7 when his drunken father divorced his mother. She could not afford to raise all of her 7 children, so they were sent to relative’s homes and Gustav was sent to work on a farm. Eventually his mother was able to take her family to America. Gustav was 16, got work digging graves, raking leaves, and finally became a boxer.
His life changed dramatically when his sister Anna got saved, and influenced Gustav to also come to the Lord. Shortly afterward he received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with 40 others at a prayer meeting in a Swedish Baptist church in Hartford, Connecticut. Because of their Pentecostal experience they were all asked to leave.
Gustav became part of a Pentecostal church and eventually felt a burden to reach the lost. God opened the door for him to go to Brazil where he evangelized by giving out Gospel literature. He was not much of a preacher, but his door-to-door distribution of tracts, and personal witness eventually led to the founding of churches in at least 250 cities in Brazil.
Whenever he was back in the United States his burden for souls kept him evangelizing. Each weekday he rose early in the morning and distributed tracts, door-to-door. During two of his furloughs from Brazil he distributed tracts to every home in Kenosha, Wisconsin, twice, a city of more than 80,000.
After suffering a stroke he relocated to America, and at the age of 82 he endeavored to complete his mission to reach every home in Kenosha for the third time. -Pentecostal Evangel
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February 4, 2021I WAS ON MY WAY TO SPEAK IN A CHURCH IN OHIO WHEN I SUDDENLY HAD THIS FEELING THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG.
My foot went to the brake to slow down, just as the minivan I was driving began to shudder and jerk and steer out of control.
“Jesus, help me!” I cried out, and struggled to guide the van past speeding vehicles to get to the side of the road.
When I was able to stop in a safe spot I sighed with relief and said, “Thank you, Lord!”
WHAT WAS WRONG? WHAT HAD HAPPENED?
I got out and saw a long rod protruding out of the rear wheel area and a wheel spinning around on the end of it. Not being mechanically inclined I had no idea what it was.
FOR THE MOMENT I WAS GLAD I WAS SAFE, AND THANKFUL TO THE LORD THAT JUST THE NIGHT BEFORE SOMEONE GAVE ME MY FIRST CELL PHONE, SO I WAS ABLE TO CALL FOR HELP.
It would be about an hour before my help could arrive at my location. There I stood on the side of the road on busy interstate seventy in Pennsylvania, all dressed up for church. There was no place to sit as the hillside rose straight up and I didn’t want to sit in the van with all the traffic passing so fast. So I stood there watching and waiting when the Lord spoke to my heart.
LOOK AT ALL THESE VEHICLES FILLED WITH PEOPLE… FLYING BY… MOST OF THEM SPEEDING ON THEIR WAY TO HELL.
“Lord,” I said, “I have a whole hour to wait. Send some people that I can witness to while I wait.”
I reached into the van and grabbed a handful of Gospel tracts, stuck them in my pocket, and situated myself in a visible spot, “looking as helpless” as I could look.
Well, it didn’t take long.
First a white van stopped. It was filled with ladies and they were concerned about my situation. I thanked them and told them help was on the way and gave Gospel tracts.
Next came a guy on a motorcycle who said he was a Marine. He said my axle had dropped and it looked bad. I thanked him for stopping and said, “I thank the Lord I am safe, and that He watched out for me, getting me my first cell phone just last night, so I could call for help. Do you know anything about a God like that? He mumbled something and I offered him the Gospel Tract that would tell him all about that God, and how He could give him Salvation and eternal life in heaven. He received it and went on his way.
Then a farm truck stopped and the kind farmer was worried about me waiting on such a dangerous highway. I assured him that help was coming and started to talk to him about the Lord. He was very receptive and also took the tract as he left.
GOD WAS ANSWERING MY PRAYER! PEOPLE WERE STOPPING! BUT THIS NEXT ONE WAS THE REAL REASON WHY THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED.
I will always believe that God planned it just for this person. He was travelling in the opposite direction and saw me standing there across the highway, drove down to the exit and came back on my side offering his help.
As he examined this fallen axle I began to tell him how the Lord was so good, that He had taken care of me, protected me, got me this cell phone just last night so I could call for help…”Do you know anything about this kind of God?” I asked.
He was a young man about 25 years old. He stood up and said, “Yes, I know about Him.”
“Really? What do you know about Him?” I asked.
“Well I used to go to church all the time.”
I COULD ALREADY SENSE THAT GOD WAS ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING GREAT.
“Where did you go?” I inquired.
“My father is the pastor. It’s a Pentecostal church.
“Well, I’m Pentecostal too. Don’t you go to church now?”
“No, I haven’t gone for a long time now.”
“You mean you are a backslider, drifted away from the Lord?”
“Yeah, I guess so,” he admitted. I was praying and could feel the Spirit of God stirring inside of me to reach this young man.
“OH, MY FRIEND, YOU ARE THE REASON THIS HAPPENED TO ME.
God allowed this so you would stop here and I could talk with you. He loves you so much that He has sent me to tell you it is time to repent and get back to God. You don’t need to continue down this road that leads to destruction. Right now you can come to the Lord and find forgiveness and a brand new start. Isn’t it time you made things right with God? ”
By this time things had become very serious.Tears were already whelming up in his eyes.He responded with his head bowed,acknowledging his need for God.
Right there on I-70 I laid my hand on his head and prayed earnestly for him, as cars and trucks speeded by.
He called on the Lord for forgiveness and made an altar right there, surrendering once again to Jesus.
With tears and thankfulness he finally went on his way to a new beginning with the Lord.
WOW! WHO COULD HAVE FORESEEN HOW THIS VEHICLE FAILURE WOULD TURN INTO A CAMPMEETING IN HEAVEN WITH ANGELS REJOICING! FOR THE BELIEVER, ALL THINGS DO WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD!
How great are the tender mercies of the Lord, ever reaching out for one more soul. I have no doubt that his Pentecostal father and mother had been praying, “Lord save our boy.”
It is amazing to see what great lengths God will go to in order to answer those earnest prayers, even letting an axle drop to make one more soul drop to their knees.
If you are praying for a lost loved one, don’t quit.
Keep on interceding. God will move.
IT IS HIS WILL!
He moves Red Seas, fish, and axles
to meet the needs of His children.
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July 4, 2020WHILE IN BRANSON, MISSOURI FOR A THREE DAY MINISTER’S CONFERENCE we took the opportunity to do some shopping. We were about to make a purchase when we discovered that a good discount was available if we obtained a free coupon book.
SO, WHILE MY HUSBAND WAITED, I headed down past several stores in this outlet mall to find the tiny specialty nut shop that provided them. Mouth watering aromas filled the place featuring still warm praline pecans, chocolate covered hazelnuts and giant cashews. However, my objective was to get a coupon book.
MY ENTRANCE DREW THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION of a decent looking young man behind the counter who was working on a computer. In just a minute I had what I came for, but I had a hope for something more. Could I somehow get an opportunity to witness to this college-student-appearing young man who seemed to be about twenty five years old, with neat brown hair, and a slight beard?
ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE HIM IN CONVERSATION I casually asked, “Have you worked here long?”
“Just a few months,” was his reply.
“It seems like a nice place to work. Do you enjoy it?” I continued.
“Yes, it’s quiet and I have time to do my work.”
“Are you doing school work?” I asked.
He looked up with a serious half grin and answered, “No. Actually I’m writing a book.”
I was immediately intrigued and inquired, “What kind of a book?”
His quick and excited response showed me he was more than ready to talk about it.
“It’s about culture and how it has affected various people groups historically.”
HE BEGAN TO BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE CULTURES of the Greeks and Romans, and others. He spoke of their religious cultures, their gods, and their society.
Meanwhile, my mind was spinning, and my heart was praying, “Lord show me how to break through to him with your message.”
“That is so interesting. I’ve written a book too.”
His eyes lit up. “Really! What is it about?”
“It’s about culture too, and how it has woven itself into the most intricate parts of people’s lives. It’s easy to see how the conditions of a culture can strongly influence people’s thinking, their marriage, their future and so much more,” I asserted.
He was alive with comments and agreement.
STILL PRAYING FOR THE LORD’S DIRECTION I CONTINUED. “I have written about people whose lives have been negatively affected by their culture, and my experiences in pointing them to help for their lives.”
“That’s incredible.” He was listening and interested.
“The Romans had their gods. The Greeks had theirs. India lists 330 million gods. Yet none of them could lift their devotees out of the mire of despair and hopelessness. I point people to Jesus as the Savior who can give them new lives.”
He was very receptive and immediately let me know that He is also going to include Jesus in his book as one who had a great influence on the culture and people of His day.
“HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HIM?” I ASKED.
To his weak reply I responded with conviction. “How can you write about Jesus unless you first come to know who He really is? Before you go very far you should at least read the Gospel of Saint John in the Bible. It is a true picture of who Jesus is. Do you know that He claimed to be God?”
He was nodding his head and hearing me, at least acknowledging Christ’s existence.
“IF HE KNEW HE WASN’T GOD and deliberately tried to deceive the people, then He was a deceiver and a liar. If He wasn’t God, but simply had delusions of grandeur, then he was a lunatic, not to be believed. But if what he claimed is true and He really is God, then we all need to hear what He has to say.”
I wanted so much to continue our conversation, but knew I had to leave. He had enjoyed the talk and thanked me for the insight as I left.
May God move this young man to inquire further and discover true salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It was time for me to return to my patiently waiting husband.
BY THE WAY, THE BOOK I HAVE WRITTEN is called REACH THEM ONE BY ONE. It is filled with witnessing and soul winning accounts that the Lord has blessed me to experience,
I told this young man,
“It’s about culture too, and how it has woven itself into the most intricate parts of people’s lives. It’s easy to see how the conditions of a culture can strongly influence people’s thinking, their marriage, their future and so much more.”
IT’S TRUE! The culture of this world is warped by sin. That sinful culture has pulled the multitudes into the devil’s trap.
I also told him:
“I have written about people whose lives have been negatively affected by their culture, and my experiences in pointing them to help for their lives.”
IT IS ALSO TRUE. For my book deals with lives sick with sin, who have been pointed to Jesus, the only hope for sinners. The apostle Paul said,
1Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
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