I've been praying specifically about a few things, including the direction of this ministry and what God wanted me to do regarding the kids, ladies' Bible study, etc. Even what to blog about. Boy, God sure does love a specific prayer!
Tonight, my neighbor across the street came to see me. I knew when I saw her she was special and God has knit our hearts together. She told me she had to speak with me and began to tell me how God was working in her heart and on her. She told me a wonderful story of a ministry God has laid on her heart and a specific way of funding it. I just grinned and told her to share that part again. It was confirmation of something God told me prior to the Easter Egg Hunt we had this year. Something specific about how something would work. I know what He said, Faye, my ministry partner was with me and said, "One thing at a time!", because I was so overwhelmed at what God was showing me He wanted to do! I saw the same look on my new friend's face tonight. I was very proud and excited.
This sweet soul is so new to the faith, just surrendering herself yesterday! God has brought her here for a specific purpose and she told me, "From the minute I got here He started speaking to me and He hasn't stopped yet!" We shared giggles and tears. Please pray for my friend.
This new ministry is just in the prayer stages and I ask you, in the Name of Jesus, cover us with prayer. God has something specific for this city. We've been faithful to pray and He is being faithful to answer. Now, stay the course and lets see what He will do! This lady has a testimony that will certainly change hearts and minds with God's help. He is bringing laborers for the harvest. Are you ready to receive them into the family?
If you haven't shared the gospel with anyone lately, I encourage you to study up! The Bible says that ,"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..." 2 Timothy 3:16, and use what you know-what God gave you. Your testimony. One of my pastors strongly recommends that you write out your testimony, or how you came to know Christ and what He's done in your life, and then try to condense it down to three minutes. That's about how long someone will listen to you.
If you've never shared the gospel but would like to there are many witnessing tools to try. You can try the ABC approach which is listed on this blog site-just click to see, or you can use the Roman Road or whatever you've been taught. I will list a few scriptures you can use below or feel free to call Green Acres Baptist or any other local Bible believing church. If the person answering the phone cannot tell you how to lead someone to Christ-try another church! Or you can write to me at the address on this blog or send me an email at jamiethompsonministries@yahoo.com and I will surely reply as quickly as possible. I check my email every day. Again, see the scriptures listed below and may God bless you in your efforts to "be always ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear..." 1 Peter 3:15.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Romans 3:23
Romans 5:8 Use all these scriptures in order, you can highlight them in your Bible with
Romans 6:23 colored pencils and have the person you witness to read them if you don't
John 3:16 want to read aloud. God's Word will not return void. You will plant a seed
even if they don't appear to accept it right away.
God Bless You!!!!!!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Growing Pains...
Do you remember being young and having growing pains? Your stomach or legs hurt for "no" reason? It was simply your body doing what it was supposed to do-grow. One of my favorite pastors, Johnny Ellison, Green Acres Baptist Church, said this about growth and rebirth, "In order for something to grow... something must first die. A seed has to break open to grow a tree. We must die to ourselves in order for spiritual growth to occur." Isn't that true!
I am seeing God bring a harvest of new, unchurched people and I don't have enough room in my apartment or car. My church is scrambling to absorb them with excellence, we are meeting to decide strategies for the new things God is doing. We are having to die to the old "way" of doing things, the old plans, the old thoughts we might have had. I need to die even more daily because I think I need a van and a two or three bedroom apartment and I still have no job and can't work because I can't walk due to my injury. I am only a spectator (remember my Shepard "broke" my leg...) watching God do His thing. I cannot see how the puzzle is going to fit together. But praise God- Matthew 21:44 says, "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken..." Break us again God! That was His plan all along! Help us to fall on You in dependence and humility.
Growth is such a blessing! The problem is in our limited vision of what God wants to do. We don't even have a firm grasp of what God has done in us yet, much less what He's willing to do through us for His glory. We just have to roll out the red carpet with Christ-like mercy and grace and then get in the position to receive orders, much like a catcher crouched with glove ready, on our knees reaching out.
Growth is not easy, please don't misunderstand me as though I am making light of all the concerns that come with the responsibility of new souls to guide and disciple. Oh no, quite the contrary! Again, Jesus shows us what this costs when He said at the last supper, 1 Corin. 12:24 "... this is My body,which is broken for you..." In order for us to live and grow and overcome sin, Jesus Himself was broken. What an amazing consideration! Let us meditate these next days on what growing pains really are-Jesus took them for us! Now we line up with Him in the death of our will, broken vessels, to intercede for these in fervent prayer that they come to know Him as Savior and Lord. Waiting for His instruction on the details.
Would you pray with us that God gives us instruction and wisdom to deal with the new souls we are entrusted with? Pray that we are all blessed in the reconstruction of ourselves! Grace and peace to you these next days.
To God Be the Glory,
Jamie
I am seeing God bring a harvest of new, unchurched people and I don't have enough room in my apartment or car. My church is scrambling to absorb them with excellence, we are meeting to decide strategies for the new things God is doing. We are having to die to the old "way" of doing things, the old plans, the old thoughts we might have had. I need to die even more daily because I think I need a van and a two or three bedroom apartment and I still have no job and can't work because I can't walk due to my injury. I am only a spectator (remember my Shepard "broke" my leg...) watching God do His thing. I cannot see how the puzzle is going to fit together. But praise God- Matthew 21:44 says, "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken..." Break us again God! That was His plan all along! Help us to fall on You in dependence and humility.
Growth is such a blessing! The problem is in our limited vision of what God wants to do. We don't even have a firm grasp of what God has done in us yet, much less what He's willing to do through us for His glory. We just have to roll out the red carpet with Christ-like mercy and grace and then get in the position to receive orders, much like a catcher crouched with glove ready, on our knees reaching out.
Growth is not easy, please don't misunderstand me as though I am making light of all the concerns that come with the responsibility of new souls to guide and disciple. Oh no, quite the contrary! Again, Jesus shows us what this costs when He said at the last supper, 1 Corin. 12:24 "... this is My body,which is broken for you..." In order for us to live and grow and overcome sin, Jesus Himself was broken. What an amazing consideration! Let us meditate these next days on what growing pains really are-Jesus took them for us! Now we line up with Him in the death of our will, broken vessels, to intercede for these in fervent prayer that they come to know Him as Savior and Lord. Waiting for His instruction on the details.
Would you pray with us that God gives us instruction and wisdom to deal with the new souls we are entrusted with? Pray that we are all blessed in the reconstruction of ourselves! Grace and peace to you these next days.
To God Be the Glory,
Jamie
Saturday, August 22, 2009
All Are Learning...
We did survive! We invited those who who we feared to gather with us around God's word. We waited and fellowshiped. We brought extra chairs and the pastor was ready to give his testimony, we opened the door for them and they did not come in. They turned and went back home.
Glory to God! If He wanted them to come in, they would've.
They, the dealers, intimidators and haters of God returned the next day. I invited them to leave three times, they did not. The children were afraid and would not let me help them. But the young men did hear several verses recited. Psalm 25:4 "Show me Thy ways, O Lord, teach me Thy paths." Romans 6:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." and several others. I was glad they heard, the seed was planted, but they insisted on interrupting and didn't receive the word.
They finally left after I had opportunity to share some from 1 John 4. I explained that God is love and if we don't have God we can't love. That love is a command, not a feeling. If it changes it is not real because God is love and doesn't change and He is most definitely real. They had been talking about falling in love with some of the girls in my home and didn't seem to like that although they did consider it. They weren't allowed in my home yesterday and didn't attempt to come today. I spoke with someone from my church who will talk to some men about trying to reach out to them. One young man did take a Bible. Pray he reads it and that God gets hold of them all. My priority has to be for the ones who will receive and those little ones God has charged to my care. I cannot manage those who would harm us in anyway or interrupt these kid's learning. It is not wise. I am still learning this ministry. God is helping me walk it out. I am reaching out for help from those who have more wisdom. Pray they school me in street knowledge.
Today was a sweet time with the kids. Several of the Next Door Bible Study Group came to see me to hang out and help with computer stuff. There was a little time before the others came. We had a very good time discussing verses and encouraging each other to learn them. We also had a very teachable moment. My older kids helped us to have a quiet time of prayer and reflection. We listened to music selected by the older and they led off in prayer. The younger kids bowed with us as we prayed for them each and their families and they in turn offered prayers as best they knew how.
I taught them that Jesus stole away to pray privately and that we should follow His example. They learned that God gave them each their own voice and that is how He wanted them to pray, in their own words and voice. We talked about learning scripture and praying back the promises God said we could have. We talked about meditating on scripture. We encouraged this small band of new believers to talk to God like you would your best friend. They seemed to take it all in.
What a sweet, unexpected and teachable moment! I know soon I will have to work out a schedule, it is going to be necessary. But right now, as exhausted as I am, I think I'll enjoy the ride. Please pray for The Next Door Bible Study as they learn to help minister and as they loose much time and fellowship with me to make room for others. I see their disappointment and I miss them as well. But I am proud of them for welcoming their new brothers and sisters. That is what I've been teaching them to do. Pray also for the little ones as they grow in their faith. We are making disciples. That's what we're called to do. To God be the glory!
In Christ,
Jamie
Glory to God! If He wanted them to come in, they would've.
They, the dealers, intimidators and haters of God returned the next day. I invited them to leave three times, they did not. The children were afraid and would not let me help them. But the young men did hear several verses recited. Psalm 25:4 "Show me Thy ways, O Lord, teach me Thy paths." Romans 6:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." and several others. I was glad they heard, the seed was planted, but they insisted on interrupting and didn't receive the word.
They finally left after I had opportunity to share some from 1 John 4. I explained that God is love and if we don't have God we can't love. That love is a command, not a feeling. If it changes it is not real because God is love and doesn't change and He is most definitely real. They had been talking about falling in love with some of the girls in my home and didn't seem to like that although they did consider it. They weren't allowed in my home yesterday and didn't attempt to come today. I spoke with someone from my church who will talk to some men about trying to reach out to them. One young man did take a Bible. Pray he reads it and that God gets hold of them all. My priority has to be for the ones who will receive and those little ones God has charged to my care. I cannot manage those who would harm us in anyway or interrupt these kid's learning. It is not wise. I am still learning this ministry. God is helping me walk it out. I am reaching out for help from those who have more wisdom. Pray they school me in street knowledge.
Today was a sweet time with the kids. Several of the Next Door Bible Study Group came to see me to hang out and help with computer stuff. There was a little time before the others came. We had a very good time discussing verses and encouraging each other to learn them. We also had a very teachable moment. My older kids helped us to have a quiet time of prayer and reflection. We listened to music selected by the older and they led off in prayer. The younger kids bowed with us as we prayed for them each and their families and they in turn offered prayers as best they knew how.
I taught them that Jesus stole away to pray privately and that we should follow His example. They learned that God gave them each their own voice and that is how He wanted them to pray, in their own words and voice. We talked about learning scripture and praying back the promises God said we could have. We talked about meditating on scripture. We encouraged this small band of new believers to talk to God like you would your best friend. They seemed to take it all in.
What a sweet, unexpected and teachable moment! I know soon I will have to work out a schedule, it is going to be necessary. But right now, as exhausted as I am, I think I'll enjoy the ride. Please pray for The Next Door Bible Study as they learn to help minister and as they loose much time and fellowship with me to make room for others. I see their disappointment and I miss them as well. But I am proud of them for welcoming their new brothers and sisters. That is what I've been teaching them to do. Pray also for the little ones as they grow in their faith. We are making disciples. That's what we're called to do. To God be the glory!
In Christ,
Jamie
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Spiritual Warfare
Thank you, God for all the blessing that flow! Praise Him, you creatures here below.
I was awakened this morning in real warfare with a sense of urgency that wouldn't stop. I prayed with just heartfelt cries to the Lord for my safety and protection. The dealers were to come to Bible study today. I felt as if God was telling me their motives were not good. I needed wisdom and safety immediately!
God brought to mind Psalm 23 which I am truly living out. Two sections stood out to me: verses 4 and 5, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest for me a table in the presence of mine enemies:Thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." and of course, I know goodness and mercy will follow me for God has been so good. God's righteousness and strength would protect me. I claimed these promises.
God has been overwhelming me with goodness and right in front of those who are my enemies. He has prepared a table for me, truly sending people from my church with food for me everyday! They have showered me with blessings and my enemies hate it and want to take my blessing from me! They hate me for how God has provided. It is in their face everyday and they want to control it or strip it from me. I called a friend after pleading God's Word for protection over me. She prayed my heart out to God as though she and I were one mind. Our hearts were in one accord. Then, God sent help. After putting in a call to the church for wisdom, one of my Bible study kids called to check on me and wanted to come fix lunch for me. She had to walk from home to do it but felt compelled to be with me. Then, God sent two women from my church to strengthen me and encourage me and who I knew would pray for me. My strength was returning.
One of my pastors called who had knowledge of the unseemly and began to question me about what these young men did when they came into my house, how they asked questions and what they said exactly and he confirmed that they were sizing me up for prey. They were finding out if I had money, checking my house for what they could steal and trying to intimidate me by telling me certain things. He instructed me on some real ways to keep myself safer. Some might have seemed simple to others but I can't think like my enemy. However, I need for God to give me some wisdom in these areas and I have asked for it. I asked for a fresh annointing. I have also asked for a love like I've never known to be able to consume me so that it reaches those I might never reach out to. One of my favorite songs is "Love Like Crazy." We have to. I have to. If I am to be usable God has got to break all my stereotypes and all my prejudices. I am not my own. Please pray that He accomplishes this in me, in us all.
The time came for Bible study, each young man and woman there knew that we might have company and they were determined to reach out in Christian love to these men, they even left to get extra chairs. My Pastor was here to give his testimony about the life he'd led prior to becoming saved. These men would've understood where he was coming from. They made it to the door-three of them from what I could see. One of my students opened the door for them and someone from their apartment called them back. They did not return as a very heavy rain began to fall. They did not return this night to this time, praise God! How I wished they would've heard the testimony, however, it surely was God's will that they didn't come tonight or they would've. There were too many saints praying for me to believe otherwise.
We had a wonderful time of exhorting one another and sharing. Some of the older met some of the new, younger kids and hung around to encourage them and get to know them. It was great! The older ones will be mixing CD's of Praise and Worship music for their new sisters and brothers. We agreed on times the kids would come and which days for safety's sake. We assured them this was not because they weren't wanted but for wisdom and they received it well, they chose the time to come. It was wonderful fellowship and encouragement. It was a forging of the group together. God is to be praised for how He works!
Thank you for praying and lifting up this group. I see God moving here and I see these kids growing. My absolute joy is to see them flourish in the Lord and to walk out the pages of the Bible and to carry God's message to others. It is NOT me, but God Almighty who is at work here. I am just a vessel. Pray that I am usable. Thank you again for your prayers.
In Christ,
Jamie
I was awakened this morning in real warfare with a sense of urgency that wouldn't stop. I prayed with just heartfelt cries to the Lord for my safety and protection. The dealers were to come to Bible study today. I felt as if God was telling me their motives were not good. I needed wisdom and safety immediately!
God brought to mind Psalm 23 which I am truly living out. Two sections stood out to me: verses 4 and 5, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest for me a table in the presence of mine enemies:Thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." and of course, I know goodness and mercy will follow me for God has been so good. God's righteousness and strength would protect me. I claimed these promises.
God has been overwhelming me with goodness and right in front of those who are my enemies. He has prepared a table for me, truly sending people from my church with food for me everyday! They have showered me with blessings and my enemies hate it and want to take my blessing from me! They hate me for how God has provided. It is in their face everyday and they want to control it or strip it from me. I called a friend after pleading God's Word for protection over me. She prayed my heart out to God as though she and I were one mind. Our hearts were in one accord. Then, God sent help. After putting in a call to the church for wisdom, one of my Bible study kids called to check on me and wanted to come fix lunch for me. She had to walk from home to do it but felt compelled to be with me. Then, God sent two women from my church to strengthen me and encourage me and who I knew would pray for me. My strength was returning.
One of my pastors called who had knowledge of the unseemly and began to question me about what these young men did when they came into my house, how they asked questions and what they said exactly and he confirmed that they were sizing me up for prey. They were finding out if I had money, checking my house for what they could steal and trying to intimidate me by telling me certain things. He instructed me on some real ways to keep myself safer. Some might have seemed simple to others but I can't think like my enemy. However, I need for God to give me some wisdom in these areas and I have asked for it. I asked for a fresh annointing. I have also asked for a love like I've never known to be able to consume me so that it reaches those I might never reach out to. One of my favorite songs is "Love Like Crazy." We have to. I have to. If I am to be usable God has got to break all my stereotypes and all my prejudices. I am not my own. Please pray that He accomplishes this in me, in us all.
The time came for Bible study, each young man and woman there knew that we might have company and they were determined to reach out in Christian love to these men, they even left to get extra chairs. My Pastor was here to give his testimony about the life he'd led prior to becoming saved. These men would've understood where he was coming from. They made it to the door-three of them from what I could see. One of my students opened the door for them and someone from their apartment called them back. They did not return as a very heavy rain began to fall. They did not return this night to this time, praise God! How I wished they would've heard the testimony, however, it surely was God's will that they didn't come tonight or they would've. There were too many saints praying for me to believe otherwise.
We had a wonderful time of exhorting one another and sharing. Some of the older met some of the new, younger kids and hung around to encourage them and get to know them. It was great! The older ones will be mixing CD's of Praise and Worship music for their new sisters and brothers. We agreed on times the kids would come and which days for safety's sake. We assured them this was not because they weren't wanted but for wisdom and they received it well, they chose the time to come. It was wonderful fellowship and encouragement. It was a forging of the group together. God is to be praised for how He works!
Thank you for praying and lifting up this group. I see God moving here and I see these kids growing. My absolute joy is to see them flourish in the Lord and to walk out the pages of the Bible and to carry God's message to others. It is NOT me, but God Almighty who is at work here. I am just a vessel. Pray that I am usable. Thank you again for your prayers.
In Christ,
Jamie
Monday, August 17, 2009
A Story in the Making
The Bible is full of many wonderful stories of forgiveness, grace, mercy and sometimes you just don't see it coming. The parable of the prodigal son, Abigail's rescue of Nabal and his death, so many stories! How about a King born to save the world who is born in a manger? God can spin a story like no one else.
I am living in an incredible time in my life, in my church, in my neighborhood. There is adventure and mystery, excitement and hair raising events. I know God is up there at His loom adding threads here and there, creating a living picture of Himself around and inside us. Right now in this ministry I see many things happening at once. Some are glorious and some give me very real reason for concern. I have no idea what God is doing but I know my role in it. Tell everyone I can that the Savior has risen and will be returning soon. It is my job to tell about the salvation of Jesus Christ and the life-changing, life-giving difference He makes and live it out before them to see.
God has put me in a very unique position of having to depend on Him. I must admit He is providing. He is giving time and comfort and love and my church is modeling what a church should be. People are watching. God is watching. When I couldn't go out, He brought people to me. Where I was afraid to go, He allowed them to come to my house. I must admit my life is interesting right now. I cannot hide. God has made me to be a light on a hill. My life is no longer mine but His. I must do what I am called to do. It is not a matter any longer of convenience but of urgency. I must do what it is He's called me to do.
Pray I would have the resolve of Daniel and his friends, of David facing Goliath, of Mordecai before Haman. That I would revere His name above the ability of His enemies to make me uncomfortable. God may not call me to this degree, but I need the readiness.
I am not a hero or some prophet of old, who were just real people by the way. Don't think I don't feel concern or wonder what I am to do. I know there is nothing but a door between me and the enemies of God. They've stared at it every day. Now they come in. No lock holds out my foe, My God holds my door shut! To get to me, they must come through Him. God is my shield and fortress! Pray He holds me. Pray this story has an ending of epic proportions, so great that we'd never see that coming....
In Christ,
Jamie
I am living in an incredible time in my life, in my church, in my neighborhood. There is adventure and mystery, excitement and hair raising events. I know God is up there at His loom adding threads here and there, creating a living picture of Himself around and inside us. Right now in this ministry I see many things happening at once. Some are glorious and some give me very real reason for concern. I have no idea what God is doing but I know my role in it. Tell everyone I can that the Savior has risen and will be returning soon. It is my job to tell about the salvation of Jesus Christ and the life-changing, life-giving difference He makes and live it out before them to see.
God has put me in a very unique position of having to depend on Him. I must admit He is providing. He is giving time and comfort and love and my church is modeling what a church should be. People are watching. God is watching. When I couldn't go out, He brought people to me. Where I was afraid to go, He allowed them to come to my house. I must admit my life is interesting right now. I cannot hide. God has made me to be a light on a hill. My life is no longer mine but His. I must do what I am called to do. It is not a matter any longer of convenience but of urgency. I must do what it is He's called me to do.
Pray I would have the resolve of Daniel and his friends, of David facing Goliath, of Mordecai before Haman. That I would revere His name above the ability of His enemies to make me uncomfortable. God may not call me to this degree, but I need the readiness.
I am not a hero or some prophet of old, who were just real people by the way. Don't think I don't feel concern or wonder what I am to do. I know there is nothing but a door between me and the enemies of God. They've stared at it every day. Now they come in. No lock holds out my foe, My God holds my door shut! To get to me, they must come through Him. God is my shield and fortress! Pray He holds me. Pray this story has an ending of epic proportions, so great that we'd never see that coming....
In Christ,
Jamie
Sunday, August 16, 2009
I wanna go to AWANA!
What a marvelous thing to be in Awana tonight! My first venture out since surgery. The kids met here, ate and played and then we loaded up the vans headed for church. They were awesome. The room was filled with 34 middle schoolers all for the purpose of learning God's word! Amazing!
I'm sure you are familiar with the scripture 2 Timothy 2:15 which says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." That's exactly what AWANA is meant to do. It stands for "Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed." These kids (and leaders) work hard to learn these verses to "hide thy word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm119:11. That requires at times memorizing a paragraph of scripture in an unfamiliar version of English, then understand and be able to explain the meaning of it. We teach them how those passages apply to everyday life-theirs. It's all about studying the word of God. Tough job-great payoff. I am so glad to be a part of such a great program and privileged to be teaching these incredibly hard working kids.
While I thought on the verse of studying to shew ourselves approved, I came upon another verse. 1 Thessalonians 4:10b-12 "But we beseech you, brethren that you increase more and more; and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." Study of the word of God gives you a quiet spirit. A contentment and peace. A willing spirit comes from the study of God's goodness and grace. I'm not willing to buy what I'm not familiar with. I'm not willing to believe the word of someone I don't know. Ah, there we are! Do you know Him? If you don't, you can by accepting Jesus as your Savior. Then you continue to know Him better by reading His word.
Good works follow true believers in Christ. You become aware of people who don't know Him and of people who have not. Then you begin to minister out of the well of grace God has given you. We are His witnesses. God in return promises we will not lack. I know that to be true.
God can be tested. He's not afraid of you "trying out" His word. If you have faith as a mustard seed God says you can move a mountain. So, study the Bible today and see what God teaches you!
In Christ,
Jamie
I'm sure you are familiar with the scripture 2 Timothy 2:15 which says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." That's exactly what AWANA is meant to do. It stands for "Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed." These kids (and leaders) work hard to learn these verses to "hide thy word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm119:11. That requires at times memorizing a paragraph of scripture in an unfamiliar version of English, then understand and be able to explain the meaning of it. We teach them how those passages apply to everyday life-theirs. It's all about studying the word of God. Tough job-great payoff. I am so glad to be a part of such a great program and privileged to be teaching these incredibly hard working kids.
While I thought on the verse of studying to shew ourselves approved, I came upon another verse. 1 Thessalonians 4:10b-12 "But we beseech you, brethren that you increase more and more; and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." Study of the word of God gives you a quiet spirit. A contentment and peace. A willing spirit comes from the study of God's goodness and grace. I'm not willing to buy what I'm not familiar with. I'm not willing to believe the word of someone I don't know. Ah, there we are! Do you know Him? If you don't, you can by accepting Jesus as your Savior. Then you continue to know Him better by reading His word.
Good works follow true believers in Christ. You become aware of people who don't know Him and of people who have not. Then you begin to minister out of the well of grace God has given you. We are His witnesses. God in return promises we will not lack. I know that to be true.
God can be tested. He's not afraid of you "trying out" His word. If you have faith as a mustard seed God says you can move a mountain. So, study the Bible today and see what God teaches you!
In Christ,
Jamie
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Anchored in Grace
Grace and peace to you! I have to ask, do you have peace now? Are you resting in God's grace? I am more of a "doer" than a "rester", so God fixed that. With my current situation, I can do nothing but rest in the grace of God. I don't recommend having your foot turned the opposite way and then having surgery. However, God has used this situation to make sure I rest in His grace. And He has supplied my every need. My God has so moved on the hearts of people in my church and God-fearing friends that I am being taken care of.
I have had my frigidaire filled twice and Mom's taken stuff home to store. Almost every sweet soul who's brought food brought money, or an appliance I needed. My family has cleaned my house and yard. My Mother has about cleaned herself to death. And the kids are checking on me continually.
One specific prayer request was for a rolling walker. There was some money in my account from donations, not much left, and a rolling walker was expensive. There would be no way I could make rent and buy this walker. I needed both. Yesterday a couple from my church paid my rent and this morning some representatives brought me money from a Sunday School class almost the exact amount for the walker. The grandmother of a young man I'd ministered to, who has become a friend stopped by with groceries, fellowship and the balance needed for a walker with a seat. My God is awesome.
It can be a scary thing to trust the Lord for your needs. He is God and can do anything. Sometimes it is easier to trust Him to do something supernatural that than to work through the hearts of people, like a husband who is straying or a child who chooses the wrong path. But I can testify that God can move hearts AND hands AND captivate the heart of a loved one. You can trust Him. So, get in the word, pray and lift up those you care about to Him, tell of His goodness, praise Him with your words and your life and watch this mighty Father move on your behalf for His plan. What a rush to see what He will do next! It's the wildest ride you will ever experience. You'll need to be anchored in His grace to keep from being blown away by His blessings! Then in the days when it is hard to lift your head or your voice He will keep you afloat on an ocean of mercy with undeserved and unexpected grace.
There is a song I love that is sung by several artists, one is Jesus Culture and it's called "How He Loves Us". Here are some of the words, I hope you'll listen to it and let it minister to your spirit:
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am the tree
bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.
All of the sudden I am unaware of my afflictions
eclipsed by Glory,
And I realize just how beautiful He is
And the affections He has towards me.
And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us so.
May the God who is jealous for you, shower you with grace as you keep your eyes on the prize of Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Jamie
I have had my frigidaire filled twice and Mom's taken stuff home to store. Almost every sweet soul who's brought food brought money, or an appliance I needed. My family has cleaned my house and yard. My Mother has about cleaned herself to death. And the kids are checking on me continually.
One specific prayer request was for a rolling walker. There was some money in my account from donations, not much left, and a rolling walker was expensive. There would be no way I could make rent and buy this walker. I needed both. Yesterday a couple from my church paid my rent and this morning some representatives brought me money from a Sunday School class almost the exact amount for the walker. The grandmother of a young man I'd ministered to, who has become a friend stopped by with groceries, fellowship and the balance needed for a walker with a seat. My God is awesome.
It can be a scary thing to trust the Lord for your needs. He is God and can do anything. Sometimes it is easier to trust Him to do something supernatural that than to work through the hearts of people, like a husband who is straying or a child who chooses the wrong path. But I can testify that God can move hearts AND hands AND captivate the heart of a loved one. You can trust Him. So, get in the word, pray and lift up those you care about to Him, tell of His goodness, praise Him with your words and your life and watch this mighty Father move on your behalf for His plan. What a rush to see what He will do next! It's the wildest ride you will ever experience. You'll need to be anchored in His grace to keep from being blown away by His blessings! Then in the days when it is hard to lift your head or your voice He will keep you afloat on an ocean of mercy with undeserved and unexpected grace.
There is a song I love that is sung by several artists, one is Jesus Culture and it's called "How He Loves Us". Here are some of the words, I hope you'll listen to it and let it minister to your spirit:
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am the tree
bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.
All of the sudden I am unaware of my afflictions
eclipsed by Glory,
And I realize just how beautiful He is
And the affections He has towards me.
And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us so.
May the God who is jealous for you, shower you with grace as you keep your eyes on the prize of Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Jamie
Friday, August 14, 2009
Left Behind....
Tonight was pizza and a movie. I am certainly learning these middle schoolers and I can tell you it is a shame the things they have learned. It is honestly hard for me to believe the amount of work this group is going to take. They will certainly be a challenge. Their idea of discipline and mine are two different things even in my own home. It will be a tough love situation.
It was my hope they would be interested in a movie, they even got to pick and it was Left Behind. It was interesting to see the completeness of ignorance and lack of respect of the things of God in some of them. I am picking out the handful who are serious at this time. However, when The Next Door Bible Study began, there were those who dropped in from time to time to socialize and eat. A couple of them were serious after a while and one of those "drop ins" is on fire for Christ now and if you give him 3-5 minutes he's going to tell you about Jesus and his testimony. It is unreal how God changed this young man, a local church has just invited him to come and work with their high school ministry. Another young man earlier this week told his parents he was going to become engaged, asked her parent's permission and then came to tell me. I was so honored to have that place of importance. What an awesome thing. God took time to mold these kids, almost four years now. It will take time for this new group of children.
Please pray that these children would hear God's words through me. Pray that they would return again and again and again, even if it is for the snacks because God's word will not return void. It took twenty-two years for me though I wasn't discipled. It will take time for them, some longer than others and some,unfortunately, will never come to the saving knowledge of Christ and they will be left behind. But their lives will not be on my hands, for I will teach the gospel of Christ.
Thanks to all of you who have supported me and those who have prayed and supported these children. There is much to do and there is such short time in these last days. Even so, Lord Jesus, come.
In Christ,
Jamie
It was my hope they would be interested in a movie, they even got to pick and it was Left Behind. It was interesting to see the completeness of ignorance and lack of respect of the things of God in some of them. I am picking out the handful who are serious at this time. However, when The Next Door Bible Study began, there were those who dropped in from time to time to socialize and eat. A couple of them were serious after a while and one of those "drop ins" is on fire for Christ now and if you give him 3-5 minutes he's going to tell you about Jesus and his testimony. It is unreal how God changed this young man, a local church has just invited him to come and work with their high school ministry. Another young man earlier this week told his parents he was going to become engaged, asked her parent's permission and then came to tell me. I was so honored to have that place of importance. What an awesome thing. God took time to mold these kids, almost four years now. It will take time for this new group of children.
Please pray that these children would hear God's words through me. Pray that they would return again and again and again, even if it is for the snacks because God's word will not return void. It took twenty-two years for me though I wasn't discipled. It will take time for them, some longer than others and some,unfortunately, will never come to the saving knowledge of Christ and they will be left behind. But their lives will not be on my hands, for I will teach the gospel of Christ.
Thanks to all of you who have supported me and those who have prayed and supported these children. There is much to do and there is such short time in these last days. Even so, Lord Jesus, come.
In Christ,
Jamie
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Pray My Friends, Pray
Today was an interesting day indeed. My younger ones, the Jr High kids came to see me. We pulled out beads, girls and boys were making bracelets and necklaces. We laughed and joked, studied some TREK verses and were just having a good time.
The doorbell rang and one girl said, "Ms. Jamie, there's some boys at the door who want to see you." I hadn't seen the look on her face before. I told her to invite them in. Another boy went to the door and told them I couldn't come to the door. I saw him speaking through a crack in the door, his behavior was odd. I told him to let them in. Four young men entered my apartment. They are the local drug dealers here. My friend and I had a run in with them earlier as we tried to give a Bible to one of the children.
One of the young men said, "Do you remember me?" I told him I did. He had dared me to have the courage to knock on his door and invite him to church that next Sunday. I told him I would, and I would have indeed had my leg not been broken rendering me unable to do so. He said, "You didn't come." I told him about my leg and asked him if he went without me. He said he didn't. I said, "You told me you would." He came up with the excuse that he didn't feel like walking. The church is not a block away. We just nodded at each other. I asked another of the young men if the situation we prayed about was better. He said it was.
As the four young men cased my apartment with their eyes I noticed that all the children were silent, playing with the beads with their heads down and eyes on the floor in front of them. A few more exchanges took place. One man asked what church I went to and I told him Green Acres Baptist. He nodded his head. They told me before they are familiar with it. I invited them to church and then to the Wednesday Bible Study and assured them we would feed them. They nodded. I asked them to excuse us to continue to study our verses and they did so.
As soon as the door closed the kids jumped up to lock it. They were all talking at once and completely terrified! Each one told me what they had experienced with this group. There were stories of the girls being harrassed as the walked to the bus stop, and just out of their doors. The boys talked about how they'd been threatened and questioned about gang membership. I felt the worst for the biggest boy there. I could tell that he felt a responsibility for the group, but he is just a boy of fourteen. He told me, "They almost jumped me and my cousin left me. I was scared. But if I have to fight I have to fight." They told me of the drugs they'd seen the boys do and told me they were "crazy".
I settled them down and we all gathered hands and prayed for our protection, for the young men's turning of heart and salvation, and for God to move them out if they wouldn't repent. When we finished the prayer, I asked if they prayed at home. They all said they did. I asked them if they talked to God like they did to me and each other. This was new to them. I assured them that they could talk to God like their best friend. We all settled down and agreed they should come tomorrow for pizza and a movie.
Sometimes we think God is blessing us and helping us just to show is His love. I can tell you God is providing for me to love and nurture and disciple these kids. My heart is already knit with theirs and they are so very precious to me. To see them silent with their heads down in fear gripped me with a love and and concern for them at a depth that surprised me. I didn't realize that I loved them that much already. I thought about how many children are trapped in their situations and cannot escape because they have no way out. They may have no way out, but God can move in this apartment complex like He moved into the prison with Paul and Silas and He can break the chains that bind these little ones too!
Pray for these and other children in other homes and countries where kids are trapped by war and cruel leaders where their lives are nothing.
Oh, if God loves the sparrows and sees each one fall, surely He loves them more. Oh that God would move and set them free! Pray for His mercy and protection and for the souls of the lost. It is not flesh with which we war but "against principalities against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenlies". Eph6:12. I know that to be true. We are at war, it is at your very door just as it is at mine. Be sure of that. We must pray!
In Christ,
Jamie
The doorbell rang and one girl said, "Ms. Jamie, there's some boys at the door who want to see you." I hadn't seen the look on her face before. I told her to invite them in. Another boy went to the door and told them I couldn't come to the door. I saw him speaking through a crack in the door, his behavior was odd. I told him to let them in. Four young men entered my apartment. They are the local drug dealers here. My friend and I had a run in with them earlier as we tried to give a Bible to one of the children.
One of the young men said, "Do you remember me?" I told him I did. He had dared me to have the courage to knock on his door and invite him to church that next Sunday. I told him I would, and I would have indeed had my leg not been broken rendering me unable to do so. He said, "You didn't come." I told him about my leg and asked him if he went without me. He said he didn't. I said, "You told me you would." He came up with the excuse that he didn't feel like walking. The church is not a block away. We just nodded at each other. I asked another of the young men if the situation we prayed about was better. He said it was.
As the four young men cased my apartment with their eyes I noticed that all the children were silent, playing with the beads with their heads down and eyes on the floor in front of them. A few more exchanges took place. One man asked what church I went to and I told him Green Acres Baptist. He nodded his head. They told me before they are familiar with it. I invited them to church and then to the Wednesday Bible Study and assured them we would feed them. They nodded. I asked them to excuse us to continue to study our verses and they did so.
As soon as the door closed the kids jumped up to lock it. They were all talking at once and completely terrified! Each one told me what they had experienced with this group. There were stories of the girls being harrassed as the walked to the bus stop, and just out of their doors. The boys talked about how they'd been threatened and questioned about gang membership. I felt the worst for the biggest boy there. I could tell that he felt a responsibility for the group, but he is just a boy of fourteen. He told me, "They almost jumped me and my cousin left me. I was scared. But if I have to fight I have to fight." They told me of the drugs they'd seen the boys do and told me they were "crazy".
I settled them down and we all gathered hands and prayed for our protection, for the young men's turning of heart and salvation, and for God to move them out if they wouldn't repent. When we finished the prayer, I asked if they prayed at home. They all said they did. I asked them if they talked to God like they did to me and each other. This was new to them. I assured them that they could talk to God like their best friend. We all settled down and agreed they should come tomorrow for pizza and a movie.
Sometimes we think God is blessing us and helping us just to show is His love. I can tell you God is providing for me to love and nurture and disciple these kids. My heart is already knit with theirs and they are so very precious to me. To see them silent with their heads down in fear gripped me with a love and and concern for them at a depth that surprised me. I didn't realize that I loved them that much already. I thought about how many children are trapped in their situations and cannot escape because they have no way out. They may have no way out, but God can move in this apartment complex like He moved into the prison with Paul and Silas and He can break the chains that bind these little ones too!
Pray for these and other children in other homes and countries where kids are trapped by war and cruel leaders where their lives are nothing.
Oh, if God loves the sparrows and sees each one fall, surely He loves them more. Oh that God would move and set them free! Pray for His mercy and protection and for the souls of the lost. It is not flesh with which we war but "against principalities against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenlies". Eph6:12. I know that to be true. We are at war, it is at your very door just as it is at mine. Be sure of that. We must pray!
In Christ,
Jamie
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Back In The Day...
What a wonderful day! The Next Door Bible Study met today and it was a pleasure as always to gather around the Word of God. If you have never joined a group for serious study I encourage you to. We exhort and encourage each other to get into the mindset of the text and to try to understand what these real people, God's saints and chosen, heard, smelled, felt and learned as they followed the I Am.
We studied Genesis 17 today. Abram and Sarai got new names today. They became Abraham and Sarah, the father and mother of nations, yet they had no children. We learned about the covenant God cut with Abraham and circumcision, Israel's responsibility of an outward symbol to identify themselves with their God. We compared this to the Baptism which is our outward way of identifying with our Savior.
I am so glad that God requires no more sacrifices such as circumcision.
We did discuss, however, the fact that God in the form of Jesus does bear painful marks for us, the nail prints. He also, according to Revelations, bears the marks of our names on His hands once we belong to Him.
We cost Jesus something in the form of suffering yet He wears us, our names, in the palms of His hands.
How I praise God for this!
We had a new young lady come today who is new to the neighborhood. She was welcomed and just fit like a puzzle piece. It wasn't long before she was answering questions from the text along with the others. We dug deep today into God's Truth and she said she enjoyed it! Praise God!
The younger kids were a little put out because in this particular group we don't allow anyone under 14 and they must be a mature 14 because we do discuss some real situations. Today's lesson required some explanation for some. I was never so glad that I stuck to this rule. I am happy that these kids want to understand the Word and what God was doing.
Tomorrow the younger kids and I will make salvation bracelets. They also want to do a "makeup" day. I thank God for these precious younger ones. One of the senior members of the Bible Study was watching the kids be kids. She just shook her head at them and commented on how they were loud, ate too much and were all over the apartment.
When I asked her if the scene looked familiar she shook her head. I said, "What about your first year at Bible Study?" She just smiled broadly and watched them play. These young ones are the next generation of the Next Door Bible Study-God willing. I am so thankful the Father has placed them in my home and in my life. Please pray that I will be a blessing and a help as we begin to organize and educate these little ones.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
We studied Genesis 17 today. Abram and Sarai got new names today. They became Abraham and Sarah, the father and mother of nations, yet they had no children. We learned about the covenant God cut with Abraham and circumcision, Israel's responsibility of an outward symbol to identify themselves with their God. We compared this to the Baptism which is our outward way of identifying with our Savior.
I am so glad that God requires no more sacrifices such as circumcision.
We did discuss, however, the fact that God in the form of Jesus does bear painful marks for us, the nail prints. He also, according to Revelations, bears the marks of our names on His hands once we belong to Him.
We cost Jesus something in the form of suffering yet He wears us, our names, in the palms of His hands.
How I praise God for this!
We had a new young lady come today who is new to the neighborhood. She was welcomed and just fit like a puzzle piece. It wasn't long before she was answering questions from the text along with the others. We dug deep today into God's Truth and she said she enjoyed it! Praise God!
The younger kids were a little put out because in this particular group we don't allow anyone under 14 and they must be a mature 14 because we do discuss some real situations. Today's lesson required some explanation for some. I was never so glad that I stuck to this rule. I am happy that these kids want to understand the Word and what God was doing.
Tomorrow the younger kids and I will make salvation bracelets. They also want to do a "makeup" day. I thank God for these precious younger ones. One of the senior members of the Bible Study was watching the kids be kids. She just shook her head at them and commented on how they were loud, ate too much and were all over the apartment.
When I asked her if the scene looked familiar she shook her head. I said, "What about your first year at Bible Study?" She just smiled broadly and watched them play. These young ones are the next generation of the Next Door Bible Study-God willing. I am so thankful the Father has placed them in my home and in my life. Please pray that I will be a blessing and a help as we begin to organize and educate these little ones.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Monday, August 10, 2009
Abounding, Astounding, My God!
It is so good to be held in the Mercy of the Savior! I am so very glad to be able to post this blog. The surgery went well and though I am not going to be able to minister as I had planned, God has me in the unique position of being ministered to by those whom I have ministered. I can honestly say I didn't see that coming.
Since the day I came home from surgery my neighborhood has witnessed my church bringing food and visiting. My church and my family has seen precious children from six years of age to fourteen come and visit. They come in for a snack and a smile. They touch my cast and ask if it hurts. They raid the candy bowl and play Yahtzee. They borrow movies and tell me about their day at school. The first day of AWANA at my church was yesterday, they nearly beat the door in to tell me about it. My Mother was stunned as the little living room filled with children. My church was OVERRUN by the number of kids that showed up. Every plan was scrapped as God brought so many in our nets were breaking. Praise God, I couldn't have been happier!
I am reminded of the Twenty-third Psalm, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..." Every, and I mean every, need I've had has been met so far through the generosity of my family, friends and church. I have had to send some food home with my Mom, the kids have plenty of snacks, my church paid for the materials to build a ramp and a man Baptized this Sunday built it for me in one day. My Mother has cleaned my apartment and she and my sister rearranged everything so I could reach things. People have given money as generously as the could because I cannot work for many months to come. I could go on and on.
God is faithful and true. He does not forget His children and through this injury He has provided for all. My needs are met, His Gospel is taught, the church is edified and encouraged by the fruit of our labor. Folks, this is it! We are seeing our Mighty God move! A bunch of folks who love Jesus got together to talk about Him, praise Him and tell kids and adults about Him and this is what happened. All I can do is watch and appreciate and adore Him. If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.
Stay tuned, God is not finished. I can hardly wait to tell you what He will do in the coming days. I can't wait to tell you how He's working in the lives of the people in my church, the Next Door Bible Study and King's Kids. "O Give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever!" Amen.
Since the day I came home from surgery my neighborhood has witnessed my church bringing food and visiting. My church and my family has seen precious children from six years of age to fourteen come and visit. They come in for a snack and a smile. They touch my cast and ask if it hurts. They raid the candy bowl and play Yahtzee. They borrow movies and tell me about their day at school. The first day of AWANA at my church was yesterday, they nearly beat the door in to tell me about it. My Mother was stunned as the little living room filled with children. My church was OVERRUN by the number of kids that showed up. Every plan was scrapped as God brought so many in our nets were breaking. Praise God, I couldn't have been happier!
I am reminded of the Twenty-third Psalm, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..." Every, and I mean every, need I've had has been met so far through the generosity of my family, friends and church. I have had to send some food home with my Mom, the kids have plenty of snacks, my church paid for the materials to build a ramp and a man Baptized this Sunday built it for me in one day. My Mother has cleaned my apartment and she and my sister rearranged everything so I could reach things. People have given money as generously as the could because I cannot work for many months to come. I could go on and on.
God is faithful and true. He does not forget His children and through this injury He has provided for all. My needs are met, His Gospel is taught, the church is edified and encouraged by the fruit of our labor. Folks, this is it! We are seeing our Mighty God move! A bunch of folks who love Jesus got together to talk about Him, praise Him and tell kids and adults about Him and this is what happened. All I can do is watch and appreciate and adore Him. If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.
Stay tuned, God is not finished. I can hardly wait to tell you what He will do in the coming days. I can't wait to tell you how He's working in the lives of the people in my church, the Next Door Bible Study and King's Kids. "O Give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever!" Amen.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
First Day After Surgery
Jamie's computer is temporarily down so she asked me (Amy Trosen) to write a little update on her situation. You can just never predict God's plan, can you? Jamie began thinking in earnest a couple weeks ago that God might be moving her into full time ministry. What was the first event in that plan? She broke her leg down at the ankle. Not just a simple break either. She had surgery the day before yesterday to anchor her foot back to her leg, a procedure requiring two plates and six screws.
After surgery she was released to recover at home so yesterday I got to stay with her for 24 hours straight. She had a steady stream of visitors and phone calls from 9AM until 9PM, and that was a good thing. The company kept her mind off her pain.
Yesterday was an eye-opening experience for me. I got a glimpse of her ministry, and friends, let me tell you, she has quite a ministry! Kids from her home Bible Study group stopped by to share a word of comfort with their teacher. A lady across the street stopped in to ask for prayer, to which Jamie stopped everything to minister the Word to her and to pray with her.
During our brief moments alone in between visitors, Jamie shared her heart and I came to feel her compassion for the lost and lonely people in her world. I have known Jamie for several years and I knew she ministered, but until yesterday I hadn't a clue as to the breadth of her influence on the people God brings across her path. She is a teacher of God's Word. She proclaims the gospel message boldly and effectively.
The doctor has ordered Jamie to put no weight on her leg for 10 to 12 weeks. Non-weight bearing for almost three months. What will that do to her ministry?
Before we went to bed last night, she remembered a verse from a recent sermon her pastor had preached:
"This is true," she said, and then she went on to tell me that if God has opened this door for ministry, nothing can shut that door until she has walked through it... not even a broken leg.
So many, many people have donated in the past couple of days to keep her ministry alive. Jamie asked me to thank you. Your generosity has been such an encouragement to her. She has much to tell you and can hardly wait until her computer is back on line so she can post about what the Lord is doing. In the meantime, please pray:
•for her speedy recovery
•for the Lord to bring to her house those he wants her to minister to
•for a new sense of nearness to Jesus
•for a fresh understanding of His Word
I'll close with a paraphrase (as best as I can remember it) from a note she got from a friend at church who lives in her neighborhood. "Don't get discouraged. In due time God will reward your labor." That goes for you too. God rewards all labor done for His Son's sake. Thank you, dear friends, for all you do for Him.
In Christ,
Amy
After surgery she was released to recover at home so yesterday I got to stay with her for 24 hours straight. She had a steady stream of visitors and phone calls from 9AM until 9PM, and that was a good thing. The company kept her mind off her pain.
Yesterday was an eye-opening experience for me. I got a glimpse of her ministry, and friends, let me tell you, she has quite a ministry! Kids from her home Bible Study group stopped by to share a word of comfort with their teacher. A lady across the street stopped in to ask for prayer, to which Jamie stopped everything to minister the Word to her and to pray with her.
During our brief moments alone in between visitors, Jamie shared her heart and I came to feel her compassion for the lost and lonely people in her world. I have known Jamie for several years and I knew she ministered, but until yesterday I hadn't a clue as to the breadth of her influence on the people God brings across her path. She is a teacher of God's Word. She proclaims the gospel message boldly and effectively.
The doctor has ordered Jamie to put no weight on her leg for 10 to 12 weeks. Non-weight bearing for almost three months. What will that do to her ministry?
Before we went to bed last night, she remembered a verse from a recent sermon her pastor had preached:
I know your works. See I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, and you have kept My word, and have not denied My name. (Rev. 3:8 NKJV)
"This is true," she said, and then she went on to tell me that if God has opened this door for ministry, nothing can shut that door until she has walked through it... not even a broken leg.
So many, many people have donated in the past couple of days to keep her ministry alive. Jamie asked me to thank you. Your generosity has been such an encouragement to her. She has much to tell you and can hardly wait until her computer is back on line so she can post about what the Lord is doing. In the meantime, please pray:
•for her speedy recovery
•for the Lord to bring to her house those he wants her to minister to
•for a new sense of nearness to Jesus
•for a fresh understanding of His Word
I'll close with a paraphrase (as best as I can remember it) from a note she got from a friend at church who lives in her neighborhood. "Don't get discouraged. In due time God will reward your labor." That goes for you too. God rewards all labor done for His Son's sake. Thank you, dear friends, for all you do for Him.
In Christ,
Amy
Monday, August 3, 2009
Remember Who You Are and Who You've Been
Surgery Day!!!
Once, about a year ago now, a young man began coming to The Next Door Bible Study. He was invited by a friend. Soon after, these two young men were involved in an altercation that almost cost both of them their lives. In fact, one young man was hit in the head with an axe. He was fine after a stay in the hospital and stitches. We made a visit to his home. God supernaturally supplied his need for food through our group. He apologized as soon as we walked up for his home and the fact that people were smoking. As we entered his house, beers went behind chairs, and the sarcastic grins appeared. They warned us about his mother. Too late! She got up, drunk, cussed us all out and retreated to the bedroom just in time for the police to arrive to see what everyone was doing there. We decided to leave. We made sure he had his birthday gift of a Bible. Then he and his pregnant girlfriend were thrown out of the house.
There was so much happening at once you could scarcely take it all in. The kids were awesome and never flinched. They stood by this young man and his girlfriend. I remember being afraid for them and questioning if I was right for this ministry. Maybe God intended for it to be a man. I remember that I had forgotten what it was to be lost and have the absence of Peace. They had no peace and no hope. They were miserable.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:1,5 that we were dead in our trespasses and sins but we were made alive in Christ. We WERE DEAD. You can't get clearer than that. These people were dead and I had been also. I suddenly remembered with clarity what my home was like before I knew Jesus. The opposite of what I had now even though I lived alone. I remember the fear and embarrassment in their eyes.
That moment I realized the importance of not forgetting where we came from. We are lavished with gifts from God but they are not to keep as our own. We are to share everything so that no one in the body has a need. Even our rights and our wills we are to surrender, how much more our possessions! If you cannot remember what it is to want and to need, friends you have too much. If your children cannot understand that they are blessed and have pity on those who are poor you do them a serious disservice. They have too much and THEY will be the poorer for it!
Sure signs of our downfall is that our love for one another will wax cold and we will forget the poor! It is not the governments' job, but ours to have charity or love. It is an action not an emotion. The complexes we will be going into are full of sweet people who need encouragement and fellowship. However, there will be some, and we have met some already, who are without Peace. They are angry and abandoned and without hope. They can be dangerous. So was I. They are the walking dead and without Jesus they will perish forever.
If you do not know Jesus, please know that you are that person. You need a Savior because your sin has come before a Holy God and He cannot tolerate it as the perfect Judge. Something has to die in your place. Jesus did that for you. He died for you so that you might live and He rose again to conquer that death so you can live forever, if you believe that He did this for you. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. All of us have to surrender to Jesus' authority by praying for forgiveness of sins and to make Jesus the King of our lives. Do this today and then tell someone you did. Then read your Bible and find a church where they actually use the Bible. If you need help, contact us. Jesus loves you, He wants to save you. I pray you will.
In Christ,
Jamie
Once, about a year ago now, a young man began coming to The Next Door Bible Study. He was invited by a friend. Soon after, these two young men were involved in an altercation that almost cost both of them their lives. In fact, one young man was hit in the head with an axe. He was fine after a stay in the hospital and stitches. We made a visit to his home. God supernaturally supplied his need for food through our group. He apologized as soon as we walked up for his home and the fact that people were smoking. As we entered his house, beers went behind chairs, and the sarcastic grins appeared. They warned us about his mother. Too late! She got up, drunk, cussed us all out and retreated to the bedroom just in time for the police to arrive to see what everyone was doing there. We decided to leave. We made sure he had his birthday gift of a Bible. Then he and his pregnant girlfriend were thrown out of the house.
There was so much happening at once you could scarcely take it all in. The kids were awesome and never flinched. They stood by this young man and his girlfriend. I remember being afraid for them and questioning if I was right for this ministry. Maybe God intended for it to be a man. I remember that I had forgotten what it was to be lost and have the absence of Peace. They had no peace and no hope. They were miserable.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:1,5 that we were dead in our trespasses and sins but we were made alive in Christ. We WERE DEAD. You can't get clearer than that. These people were dead and I had been also. I suddenly remembered with clarity what my home was like before I knew Jesus. The opposite of what I had now even though I lived alone. I remember the fear and embarrassment in their eyes.
That moment I realized the importance of not forgetting where we came from. We are lavished with gifts from God but they are not to keep as our own. We are to share everything so that no one in the body has a need. Even our rights and our wills we are to surrender, how much more our possessions! If you cannot remember what it is to want and to need, friends you have too much. If your children cannot understand that they are blessed and have pity on those who are poor you do them a serious disservice. They have too much and THEY will be the poorer for it!
Sure signs of our downfall is that our love for one another will wax cold and we will forget the poor! It is not the governments' job, but ours to have charity or love. It is an action not an emotion. The complexes we will be going into are full of sweet people who need encouragement and fellowship. However, there will be some, and we have met some already, who are without Peace. They are angry and abandoned and without hope. They can be dangerous. So was I. They are the walking dead and without Jesus they will perish forever.
If you do not know Jesus, please know that you are that person. You need a Savior because your sin has come before a Holy God and He cannot tolerate it as the perfect Judge. Something has to die in your place. Jesus did that for you. He died for you so that you might live and He rose again to conquer that death so you can live forever, if you believe that He did this for you. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. All of us have to surrender to Jesus' authority by praying for forgiveness of sins and to make Jesus the King of our lives. Do this today and then tell someone you did. Then read your Bible and find a church where they actually use the Bible. If you need help, contact us. Jesus loves you, He wants to save you. I pray you will.
In Christ,
Jamie
Grace and peace to you, as the great disciple Paul was fond of saying.
It never fails me the timing of God. He surely does give us the chance to test what we say we believe.
I can honestly say I believe God has my life in His hands. I know His mercy abounds toward us. My life verse if Jeremiah 29:11"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It came as a huge shock to me today that I, after having broken my leg, would have to have surgery and then hardware and not be able to bear weight on this leg for 10 to 12 more weeks. I am like most of you and have no time to be "down". I am very independent and now, I must rely on others to help me. Not only that, I am unable to even attempt to earn an income for another few months. If indeed he does use hardware as planned, I'll have to have another surgery to remove it once I heal. God's plan to prosper me is not clear at the moment. Have you ever had a time like that?
I admit that I cried and expressed my anxiety to my family. There were tense moments and even anger. Sound familiar?
I have church functions coming up and apartment complexes to visit and Bible studies to begin. Contacts that cannot go without notice. But I cannot go at this time. I have to wait a few weeks. I might not be able to sit on the ground with the kids or go visit a complex without help. I am not used to that. (Though I had great help for the Bible clubs!) I will have to be very planned and deliberate and rely on others for my success as far as is humanly possible.
I thought of a story one pastor told. Sheep (me and others of "my kind") are very stubborn and not so smart. If a sheep begins to wander the Shepherd will break his legs and carry the sheep around His neck until the sheep heals. That sheep is very close, so close he can hear and feel the heartbeat of the Shepherd. It hears every word spoken, gets up with the Shepherd, sits and sleeps with the Shepherd and when it heals it wanders no more because it is so dependent on the Shepherd and so close to the Shepherd.
Jesus told His followers that He didn't speak His own words but the words of the Father. Please be in prayer for me that during this time when I must slow down that I am that close to the Sheperd. My words can never save but God said His word would not return void. Oh, that I may make the most of this time, as my bones knit together again that my spirit would be knit with His in such a way that I would never wander and that I would speak only His words. That I be real and transparent before all who see me minister to others.
I truly hope you know what an honor it is to minister for Jesus. I pray you will have a blessed day.
Please pray for the Next Door Bible Study as I try to find a replacement teacher for this Wednesday on such short notice. We will be covering Genesis 17 this week. Also, please pray for Amy Trosen who spent the day with me Sunday trying to get this site up and other things going. She will be helping me with the site. Thanks to Faye, Donna, Anna, Jennie, Betty, Anna,Abby and Marisol and families along with Pastor Ben and Pastor Johnny for making the Bible Clubs such a success. Thank you!
In Christ,
Jamie
It never fails me the timing of God. He surely does give us the chance to test what we say we believe.
I can honestly say I believe God has my life in His hands. I know His mercy abounds toward us. My life verse if Jeremiah 29:11"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It came as a huge shock to me today that I, after having broken my leg, would have to have surgery and then hardware and not be able to bear weight on this leg for 10 to 12 more weeks. I am like most of you and have no time to be "down". I am very independent and now, I must rely on others to help me. Not only that, I am unable to even attempt to earn an income for another few months. If indeed he does use hardware as planned, I'll have to have another surgery to remove it once I heal. God's plan to prosper me is not clear at the moment. Have you ever had a time like that?
I admit that I cried and expressed my anxiety to my family. There were tense moments and even anger. Sound familiar?
I have church functions coming up and apartment complexes to visit and Bible studies to begin. Contacts that cannot go without notice. But I cannot go at this time. I have to wait a few weeks. I might not be able to sit on the ground with the kids or go visit a complex without help. I am not used to that. (Though I had great help for the Bible clubs!) I will have to be very planned and deliberate and rely on others for my success as far as is humanly possible.
I thought of a story one pastor told. Sheep (me and others of "my kind") are very stubborn and not so smart. If a sheep begins to wander the Shepherd will break his legs and carry the sheep around His neck until the sheep heals. That sheep is very close, so close he can hear and feel the heartbeat of the Shepherd. It hears every word spoken, gets up with the Shepherd, sits and sleeps with the Shepherd and when it heals it wanders no more because it is so dependent on the Shepherd and so close to the Shepherd.
Jesus told His followers that He didn't speak His own words but the words of the Father. Please be in prayer for me that during this time when I must slow down that I am that close to the Sheperd. My words can never save but God said His word would not return void. Oh, that I may make the most of this time, as my bones knit together again that my spirit would be knit with His in such a way that I would never wander and that I would speak only His words. That I be real and transparent before all who see me minister to others.
I truly hope you know what an honor it is to minister for Jesus. I pray you will have a blessed day.
Please pray for the Next Door Bible Study as I try to find a replacement teacher for this Wednesday on such short notice. We will be covering Genesis 17 this week. Also, please pray for Amy Trosen who spent the day with me Sunday trying to get this site up and other things going. She will be helping me with the site. Thanks to Faye, Donna, Anna, Jennie, Betty, Anna,Abby and Marisol and families along with Pastor Ben and Pastor Johnny for making the Bible Clubs such a success. Thank you!
In Christ,
Jamie
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Mercy Abounds: The Ministry Begins
To me, Mercy Abounds means that God's mercy is flowing toward you in abundance. It's not something that is pent up. It is like a dam removed where God's mercy rushes toward us like flood waters. Sometimes we think God's mercy is only available for us if we ask for it, or that it is only available at certain times, but actually it surrounds us, we are just in it. His mercy abounds, we see it when we least deserve it and it becomes apparent when we open our minds and our hearts to God. There is nowhere that we can go where His mercy is not. In fact, we are immersed in it all the time like a fish is immersed in water.
I think truly that my calling is to take the gospel to people where they are instead of people having to go look for it. Remember people don't seek God, that's why He commands us to go and make disciples. I want to take the Good News to people wherever they are. Right now, God has called me to do children's ministry in three apartment complexes. I have been at work in one for over three years, then another complex contacted my church, and I have had the honor of working there as well. With the story of Jonathan in mind where he decided to take on a camp and perhaps the Lord would be with him, I approached a third complex and they were excited to have a childrens' ministry. Two of the complexes have also requested Ladies and Men's Bible Studies. Eighteen children have already made professions of faith, but ministry doesn't stop with a simple profession of faith. I feel God has called me to disciple these children and hopefully adults into the kingdom, a task that fills me with joy, yet also keeps me up nights in prayer. God's Word is for everyone. We must be about the business of feeding His sheep.
It is amazing to me how many doors God has opened this past year for ministry in unreached areas. Apartment ministry! Who would have ever thought it possible? My church and The Next Door Bible Study (the first group God gave to me to minister to) have been diligent to pray for these areas. And apartment managers have offered rooms in their complexes if we will just come and minister to their tenants. What a joy to serve God in this way!
The biggest mistake we can make as Christians is to win souls to Christ and then drop them. Leaving them to try to figure out this Christian walk for themselves. It must not be so! I truly care about these individuals and feel that God has called me to take an interest in them, long term. To be available to them for questions and guidance. We must equip believers! Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." We must not live in churches but in families, in communities and truly live among the people. This is the desire of my heart. God placed it there and it will not die.
This blog is for the simple purpose of informing you about that ministry. I have experienced God's mercy abounding in my own life right up to the present moment. Jesus Christ is my Savior. He is my healer. He is the joy of my heart every day. His Holy Spirit is my constant Companion, my Comforter. And one day soon, we will rejoice to see Jesus Christ return to this earth as King. My joy is to share the good news that God's mercy is abounding to all who recognise their need of Him. Turn to Jesus by turning away from sin and ask Him to give you the free gift of salvation. Your life will never be the same. That is the message I will continue to bring to the world I live in.
The format of this blog is that of a personal journal. Sometimes I will share what I am doing among the neighborhood children. Sometimes I will write what is on my heart for the day. And sometimes I will just tell you how the mercy of Jesus Christ is abounding in my own life.
O give thanks to the LORD for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever. (136:1)
Jamie
I think truly that my calling is to take the gospel to people where they are instead of people having to go look for it. Remember people don't seek God, that's why He commands us to go and make disciples. I want to take the Good News to people wherever they are. Right now, God has called me to do children's ministry in three apartment complexes. I have been at work in one for over three years, then another complex contacted my church, and I have had the honor of working there as well. With the story of Jonathan in mind where he decided to take on a camp and perhaps the Lord would be with him, I approached a third complex and they were excited to have a childrens' ministry. Two of the complexes have also requested Ladies and Men's Bible Studies. Eighteen children have already made professions of faith, but ministry doesn't stop with a simple profession of faith. I feel God has called me to disciple these children and hopefully adults into the kingdom, a task that fills me with joy, yet also keeps me up nights in prayer. God's Word is for everyone. We must be about the business of feeding His sheep.
It is amazing to me how many doors God has opened this past year for ministry in unreached areas. Apartment ministry! Who would have ever thought it possible? My church and The Next Door Bible Study (the first group God gave to me to minister to) have been diligent to pray for these areas. And apartment managers have offered rooms in their complexes if we will just come and minister to their tenants. What a joy to serve God in this way!
The biggest mistake we can make as Christians is to win souls to Christ and then drop them. Leaving them to try to figure out this Christian walk for themselves. It must not be so! I truly care about these individuals and feel that God has called me to take an interest in them, long term. To be available to them for questions and guidance. We must equip believers! Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." We must not live in churches but in families, in communities and truly live among the people. This is the desire of my heart. God placed it there and it will not die.
This blog is for the simple purpose of informing you about that ministry. I have experienced God's mercy abounding in my own life right up to the present moment. Jesus Christ is my Savior. He is my healer. He is the joy of my heart every day. His Holy Spirit is my constant Companion, my Comforter. And one day soon, we will rejoice to see Jesus Christ return to this earth as King. My joy is to share the good news that God's mercy is abounding to all who recognise their need of Him. Turn to Jesus by turning away from sin and ask Him to give you the free gift of salvation. Your life will never be the same. That is the message I will continue to bring to the world I live in.
The format of this blog is that of a personal journal. Sometimes I will share what I am doing among the neighborhood children. Sometimes I will write what is on my heart for the day. And sometimes I will just tell you how the mercy of Jesus Christ is abounding in my own life.
O give thanks to the LORD for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever. (136:1)
Jamie
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