Around the Campfire.

(The little girl in the picture isn’t me)

Laughter fills the air as the birds, squirrels, and maybe even a bear or two sleep. “Shhhh,” Mrs. B. puts her finger to her mouth and looks around at us conspiratorially.

Yes! It’s story time.

Sitting near the fire with a marshmallow jutting off the end of a long stick I can’t wait for it to brown just right so I can stick the oh so sweet gooey gob in my mouth.

A hush falls around the campfire with only the crackling of the fire as the flames lick the log in the middle of the circle of big rocks. All of us girls quietly eat our marshmallows.

In a hushed tone Mrs. B. begins to tell us how Jesus probably sat at a fire just like this one and talked to his disciples. Then she goes into a story that leaves us hanging on her every word.

It’s church camp and I never want to leave!

I’ve never been to church camp before. I’ve wanted to come so bad. I had to attend Sunday school long enough to meet the requirements to be able to come and Mama and Daddy argue a lot because Daddy doesn’t like that, but he finally gave in.

Today was so much fun! We gathered around a big table and I got to pour some white thick stuff into a mold. Mine says, “God Bless this House.” I can’t wait for it to dry so I can paint it.

We got to swim in the big lake today, too. I like that because I can go under the water and nobody can see me. It’s quiet, serene, and I can hold my breath a long time. I wish we had a lake at home so I could go under the water and Daddy couldn’t find me.

We have to memorize a short scripture in the Bible and when we do we get a reward. I haven’t been able to remember to many but I’m sure proud of the felt sticker I got for the ones I did remember. And we got to color pictures of Jesus. I’m having so much fun!

Mrs. B. seems to like me I think. When she sees me off by myself she’ll come and sit beside me and we talk. Of course I can’t tell her the secret Daddy said not to tell anyone but I like her and when she tells me Jesus sure does love me, tears spill down my cheeks.

These past two weeks have been heaven for me. I feel freer than I have ever felt and there’s no arguing or fighting or trying to hide from Daddy. God? Why can’t I stay here forever?

Arriving home I’m so proud of my plaster of Paris “God Bless this Home” and want to hang it on the wall. Mama helps me. I show everyone my rewards and the pictures I colored of Jesus and the small stick figures we made of lambs. I can’t stop telling everyone at dinner all about what I learned and how much fun I had.

Mama and Daddy don’t say anything as I expound on all the wonderful things I experienced but now my sister wants to go. A big argument breaks out and ruins all the good feelings I have.

That night as I lay in my bed with tears soaking my pillow I remember Mrs. B’s words…

Jesus sure does love you.

I was never allowed to go back to church camp again but the seeds were planted.

Proudly made in 1951 and hangs today on my wall.

 

http://www.elahministriesinc.com

http://www.facebook.com/elahministries

Blessings to you.

 

Don’t Give Up…

By Patrick Hawthorne

stony path

 

This post is out of the norm for me.  I prefer to stay with teaching the Word but I feel that a little edifying is needed.  I sense weariness within the Body of Christ and just want to offer a bit of encouragement.

To begin, I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  I have been tempted on numerous occasions to quit.  “Quit what?” You might ask.  Well… to quit blogging, to quit teaching the Word, to quit caring about living holy and pure before the Lord… to just quit life and live the remainder of my life as a hermit out in the woods away from people.

Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. (Galatians 6:9 Amplified)

I don’t know if you are aware, but Satan is a very real enemy who knows that his days are limited.  As such, he is doing his best to cause discouragement among the Body of believers.  Just as he tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he is even so tempting us.  He is tempting us to quit, to give up, and to throw in the towel.

What is the solution?  That is simple… keep your eyes on Jesus.  Look away from all the distractions of the world.  No matter what may come your way, refuse to take your eyes off Jesus.  Consider Him…meditate on Him, talk to and with Him.  (Hebrews 12:1-3.)  Before you know it, the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will encompass you completely.  Suddenly, you will find the urge to quit has been replaced by a second wind so that you may continue your race.

Now, for a little exhortation.  “Shut the blasted news channels off!”  Most – not all mind you – of the major media personalities would not know Jesus even if He walked up, tipped His hat, and said, “How do you do?”  Quit meditating on the words of unbelievers who are promoting their own agenda or fears.  You are not of fear but are of faith.  Act like it!  Keep your eyes on Jesus and quit opening the door to discouragement.

As always, this advice is just as much a pep talk for me as it is encouragement for you.  Be blessed.

Rejoice for the Lord is Near

“Come all ye who fear the Lord. Rejoice in all He has for you. Heaven and earth shall shake and roll, rejoice for the Lord is near. Call out to God for His mercy and grace, repent of all your deeds. Those forgotten are covered in grace. Those remembered are remembered no more.

Speak truth to all, do not compromise for those who are deaf. For they care not for your words. Woe be to those who turn a deaf ear for their Salvation is lost and those who speak are magnified in heaven.

Take up your swords, put on your armor for the battle of all battles is near. The sun shall set over all the land and darkness will engulf. Yet the Light of the world will sound the trumpet and all knees will bow.

Let the earth rejoice, let the people sing. Dance O’ children of God for your joy is in the Lord. Let not your troubles hinder your ways for your path if before you. Stand tall in adversity for it is only a moment. A moment in time is as the whirlwind on the desert floor. Here, then gone, with only the clarity above as blue skies cross the horizon.

Make haste O’ children of God, repent, forgive, so that your transgressions are not held against you. The Mighty One desires your heart, soul, and mind. Set aside those inconsequential matters for they are of no use in the kingdom of God. Unity among My people puts aside all that is not eternal. Unite O’ loved ones for heavens rejoice.The King is coming and let not the blemishes of time hinder your way.

Look up, look up, O’ children of God, for your destiny is near. Call the guards of the gates to open its doors, put aside your differences and unite in Him who brings forth life.”

By the Holy Spirit – 8-28-06

Scripture ref’s: Mk. 9:35 – Joel 2:7-9 – 1Chr. 16:10  Ps. 10:53  Lk. 21:28

http://www.elahministriesinc.com

http://www.facebook.com/elahministries

A True Story

Image may contain: fire

Samson Komati

A True story….
A man from Norfolk VA, called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001.
His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:
A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said ‘amen,’ we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently.. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight.. both very upset, we drove home..
I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife’s flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight.
My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. ‘This is not something I can’t just sit by for; I have to do something.’
I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, ‘take good care of my grandchild. Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort.
My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say good-bye.
Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn’t expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child.
The man looked at me and asked if my father’s name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, ‘I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.’
He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, ‘there is something else you need to know.’
His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.
Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves ..
When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live. This story should help us to realize this: God is always in control.
We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.
Please take time to share this amazing story. You may never know the impact it may have on someone… God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures Forever. Psalm 136:1

(Copied from Face Book)

 www.elahministriesinc.com

He Shall Call You with a Trumpets Cry

“The jackal is a predator with only one purpose, kill. It has no value to the human race other than to weed out the weak. Christians, believers of the truth and Salvation that Jesus Christ offers, is the Highest Power and all who accept it are blessed with the rewards of eternal life.

Those who scoff, who want only those things the world offers are the delights of the jackal. He sniffs the air and hones in on the smell of the weak and defeated. For the world is defeated! It shall go by the wayside as a bone thrown from the meat into the garbage can of hell.

Fire shall consume those who live by the false dictates of those who think they are wise for their wisdom shall prove them fools. It is only through the wisdom of the Most High God that any shall receive redemption for their souls.

The Spirit of the Lord shall swoop down as an eagle with its sights on the fish and catch those who trust in the truth and cast aside the lies spoken in the times of upheaval. Lies versus truth set the saints spinning and weaken the truth by receiving the lies.

Stand firm My children, the saints of My kingdom, for peril is in the bushes of deceit. The coming of the Lord is soon to be apparent as the clouds burst open with the Light of the God from above. He shall call you with a trumpets cry and all who walk in His truth shall see His face through the Light of His eyes.

He shall beckon His children and all who stand in their way shall be trampled by the feet of His glory. The time is short, the wars of time shall send those who mock reeling as a tumble weed in high winds.

Stand firm My children for your time of standing before your God is closer than you think.”

By the Holy Spirit – 10-16-08

Scripture ref’s: Heb. 6:8 – Rev. 19:20

http://www.elahministriesinc.com

Like us: http://www.facebook.com/elahministries

http://www.cybersupportgroup.org