Openness with Trust
This morning in the early hours I have been praying – actually some of the time has been just sitting in God’s presence. Older folks used to call it “waiting on God”. At times words are used, other times it is simply listening to what God will have to say to me (to us).
As I sit here in God’s presence something unusual just happened. A street sweeper just passed our home. In fact there are two of these sweepers going up and down our street. They have passed by three times now. It is 5:00 AM and they were moving slowly down the street. It is very dark and yet the street is now clean – ready for the folks that will be moving on it in another hour or so. Wow – it is going to shine!
It is in these moments that a slow realization has penetrated my being again. He has shown another piece of the puzzle. Along time ago he told me something that was a special secret about our church… he said, “I will take care of it.”
God has been cleaning our church – preparing it for the next step.
The services each Sunday AM have been unusual in every aspect. There is a buzz of a certain kind as folks come in now. There is a happiness that is unique. There are changes happening all the time – but in a gradual way. In a way we are experiencing our own “revival” – a transforming of people.
In the following testimonial the words speak to this newness.
The following is shared from Diane King. – a member of Northview.
“I just want to thank everyone who spoke up on Sunday morning about the things they were thankful for. Most of us can identify with the good and positive things that we are all grateful for but being grateful for prayers answered in what appears to be less positive ways, brings a special sense of togetherness among the congregation.
Being able and willing to talk about the deep aches of our hearts and the wonderful yet unusual ways that God has answered our prayers demonstrates a trust not only in the integrity of the members of the congregation, but a deep and abiding faith that through whatever we face, the Lord knows best ‘what’ to do and ‘how’ and ‘when’ to do it. Such statements of thankfulness give me and everyone hope for the future regardless of what we are facing.”
God Bless us everyone.
Diane King (I know, it’s a bit early but maybe this saying is never out of season.)"
What Diane has shared is so true. God is moving and blessing his people. He has taken them through things that are amazing.
There has been a rich time of sharing in the services. Pastor Tim has conducted an open ‘Microphone’ encouraging folk to share what God has done for them. Each week we are all moved deeply as people have shared what God has done for them in the previous days. One notable thing is the testimonies are vibrant and as up to date as yesterday – or even that morning they were shared.
There has been a sense that people would like to applaud after each one shares. Perhaps that will begin soon… who knows?
Rising to preach in this atmosphere, following this time of sharing, is an absolute joy! Something is happening in a very deep way.
You may ask, “What?” – I hope you will.
God has been cleansing our congregation. Sin is being exposed and confessed. God has been dealing with hearts that are open to him. However in some situations sin has been covered in the past and present. But God still moved in some of these folk’s lives – he has moved them out to deal with it. Be sure you read this part – not every one has un-confessed sin. God knows and deals with it.
God is sweeping our ‘spiritual streets’ the way the street sweeper is doing our street this morning. It is thorough and complete. When He is done it will sparkle.
One of the clear indications of a ‘clean street’ – is new people want to move in. Recently that has been happening over and over again. As a pastor I want to shout “Glory” when I see what God is doing. I can hardly wait for next Sunday.
The story is not over yet. We are about to see God do something in our days, that if we were told what it was all about, we would simply not believe it.
I close this posting today with a note from Jeanette. I was invited into Jeanette’s family one very special day. The circumstances were very complicated.
A few years ago now, while I was serving our hospital as ‘On Call Chaplain’, I was asked to visit a young man that was dieing. This young man was Christopher. As we prayed there was a beautiful peace that flooded into his room that day. His mom and dad, uncle and cousin were there with him. It was a God moment to say the least. Later that week I was given the privilege to conduct Christopher’s memorial service with all his friends and family in attendance. Although I had just met these folks it felt like I had known them for along time.
Jeanette is Christopher’s mom.
Jeanette wrote the following note Sunday AM, November 12, 2006… in the church service…
Pastor Lincoln,
In September 1972 I came to the Peterborough area from Springdale, Nfld. where I was part of the church… raised in the Pentecostal Church…
After coming to Ontario I attended many churches but always felt like an outsider, even when I asked to join the church. After I attended a few times I would just try to find another one.
You know the story of how I met you. Thank God!
When I came into this building the first time I felt like I was coming home. Thanks to Darrel(my brother) I am part of it.
As I sit here listening to everyone give thanks I have to thank God for taking care of my son, Christopher, and for taking him home, relieving him of his pain.
When Pastor Tim asked what we are thankful for – How could I list them?! There are far too many… My Family… My Friends… My Life… You… This Church…. I could go on forever. You get it.
Thank you and your church family – I feel like I belong here.
Thank you,
Jeanette Wells
PS. Wouldn’t mom be upset if she knew I was writing notes in Church? J.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Oh… By the way… one more thing. In last Sunday morning's service another man came forward to confess his sin. His life has been broken over many years and as a result he has lost everything – his family, his friends, and was close to committing suicide many times. He asked Jesus into his heart and has begun a new walk with God now. I know his life story which is a twisted mess. This has to be one of the greatest miracles that I have witnessed in a long, long time.
Openness with Trust… WOW!
~ Pastor Murray ~
As I sit here in God’s presence something unusual just happened. A street sweeper just passed our home. In fact there are two of these sweepers going up and down our street. They have passed by three times now. It is 5:00 AM and they were moving slowly down the street. It is very dark and yet the street is now clean – ready for the folks that will be moving on it in another hour or so. Wow – it is going to shine!
It is in these moments that a slow realization has penetrated my being again. He has shown another piece of the puzzle. Along time ago he told me something that was a special secret about our church… he said, “I will take care of it.”
God has been cleaning our church – preparing it for the next step.
The services each Sunday AM have been unusual in every aspect. There is a buzz of a certain kind as folks come in now. There is a happiness that is unique. There are changes happening all the time – but in a gradual way. In a way we are experiencing our own “revival” – a transforming of people.
In the following testimonial the words speak to this newness.
The following is shared from Diane King. – a member of Northview.
“I just want to thank everyone who spoke up on Sunday morning about the things they were thankful for. Most of us can identify with the good and positive things that we are all grateful for but being grateful for prayers answered in what appears to be less positive ways, brings a special sense of togetherness among the congregation.
Being able and willing to talk about the deep aches of our hearts and the wonderful yet unusual ways that God has answered our prayers demonstrates a trust not only in the integrity of the members of the congregation, but a deep and abiding faith that through whatever we face, the Lord knows best ‘what’ to do and ‘how’ and ‘when’ to do it. Such statements of thankfulness give me and everyone hope for the future regardless of what we are facing.”
God Bless us everyone.
Diane King (I know, it’s a bit early but maybe this saying is never out of season.)"
What Diane has shared is so true. God is moving and blessing his people. He has taken them through things that are amazing.
There has been a rich time of sharing in the services. Pastor Tim has conducted an open ‘Microphone’ encouraging folk to share what God has done for them. Each week we are all moved deeply as people have shared what God has done for them in the previous days. One notable thing is the testimonies are vibrant and as up to date as yesterday – or even that morning they were shared.
There has been a sense that people would like to applaud after each one shares. Perhaps that will begin soon… who knows?
Rising to preach in this atmosphere, following this time of sharing, is an absolute joy! Something is happening in a very deep way.
You may ask, “What?” – I hope you will.
God has been cleansing our congregation. Sin is being exposed and confessed. God has been dealing with hearts that are open to him. However in some situations sin has been covered in the past and present. But God still moved in some of these folk’s lives – he has moved them out to deal with it. Be sure you read this part – not every one has un-confessed sin. God knows and deals with it.
God is sweeping our ‘spiritual streets’ the way the street sweeper is doing our street this morning. It is thorough and complete. When He is done it will sparkle.
One of the clear indications of a ‘clean street’ – is new people want to move in. Recently that has been happening over and over again. As a pastor I want to shout “Glory” when I see what God is doing. I can hardly wait for next Sunday.
The story is not over yet. We are about to see God do something in our days, that if we were told what it was all about, we would simply not believe it.
I close this posting today with a note from Jeanette. I was invited into Jeanette’s family one very special day. The circumstances were very complicated.
A few years ago now, while I was serving our hospital as ‘On Call Chaplain’, I was asked to visit a young man that was dieing. This young man was Christopher. As we prayed there was a beautiful peace that flooded into his room that day. His mom and dad, uncle and cousin were there with him. It was a God moment to say the least. Later that week I was given the privilege to conduct Christopher’s memorial service with all his friends and family in attendance. Although I had just met these folks it felt like I had known them for along time.
Jeanette is Christopher’s mom.
Jeanette wrote the following note Sunday AM, November 12, 2006… in the church service…
Pastor Lincoln,
In September 1972 I came to the Peterborough area from Springdale, Nfld. where I was part of the church… raised in the Pentecostal Church…
After coming to Ontario I attended many churches but always felt like an outsider, even when I asked to join the church. After I attended a few times I would just try to find another one.
You know the story of how I met you. Thank God!
When I came into this building the first time I felt like I was coming home. Thanks to Darrel(my brother) I am part of it.
As I sit here listening to everyone give thanks I have to thank God for taking care of my son, Christopher, and for taking him home, relieving him of his pain.
When Pastor Tim asked what we are thankful for – How could I list them?! There are far too many… My Family… My Friends… My Life… You… This Church…. I could go on forever. You get it.
Thank you and your church family – I feel like I belong here.
Thank you,
Jeanette Wells
PS. Wouldn’t mom be upset if she knew I was writing notes in Church? J.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Oh… By the way… one more thing. In last Sunday morning's service another man came forward to confess his sin. His life has been broken over many years and as a result he has lost everything – his family, his friends, and was close to committing suicide many times. He asked Jesus into his heart and has begun a new walk with God now. I know his life story which is a twisted mess. This has to be one of the greatest miracles that I have witnessed in a long, long time.
Openness with Trust… WOW!
~ Pastor Murray ~
posted by Murray Lincoln at
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
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