DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME

It has been quite some time since I have posted on my blog.  In fact this is my first post this year!  I have received messages from several of my readers asking if everything is ok and why haven't I blogged in a while?  I want to update you on how things are going with us and what we are doing.

The end of July I will be celebrating one year as a retiree from pastoral ministry.  I use the word "celebrate" because I do believe we have been celebrating since leaving the pastorate.  Now don't get me wrong, we do miss many of the people and the fun we had serving Jesus together.  However, just as surely as God led us in to the last pastorate, He led us out.  He emphasized to me that this would be a retirement from pastoral ministry as opposed to a mere resignation.

While I have retired from pastoral ministry, I have by no means retired from ministry!  I have had opportunity to fill in for pastors who are on vacation and even conduct the entire church services. Most excitingly, however, our gospel music group, New Jerusalem Singers, is busier than ever!  When I announced my retirement to the the church congregation last June, I prayed and asked God to keep us busy serving Him.  That He has!  He has opened doors that have not been open to us before, we have returned to places we have been previously and we have started what we are calling Gospel Music Gatherings with New Jerusalem Singers at various venues.  You can check out our singing schedule at www.newjerusalemsingers.org .  I would encouareg you to "Like" New Jersusalem Singers on Facebook, as well.  We will keep you informed of upcoming sings.

June 28th  of this month our group will be celebrating 25 years of gospel music ministry with an Anniversary Sing at Community Park in Jacksonville, IL.  Jacksonville, is where it all started for NJS so we thought it fitting to return for our 25th Anniversary Sing.  We will also be releasing our new project, LIfting Up Jesus For 25 Years on that day.  This is a two cd set . It is a compliation set of fifty songs.  We have taken songs off of every recording we have ever made and compiled them in to this two cd set.  There are many orginal songs that God gave to Cindy and I, as well as songs written by former members of our group.  There are some hymns as well as other songs that touched many hearts through the years.  We are praying this project will be a blessing and encouaragment to our brothers and sisters who are walking this journey with Jesus.

We will also have a reunion of most of our former group members with each doing a few songs with us as we tell the history of the New Jerusalem Singers.

If you are in the area we encourage you to come and join us for this exciting day of ministry.  Apparently we will have some doors to give away.  Cindy tells me we have some door prizes.  Sorry...I just couldn't resist!

The devil has tried to slow us down, with some health issues but he's under our feet and we are moving on with Jesus!

So as you can see, we are doing well and are busy about the Father's business. Hopefully, I can get back in the saddle and resume writing blogs more often then every five months.  Stay tuned!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

2013 - THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2013 - THE YEAR IN REVIEW

It's been quite some time since I posted a blog post.  I was hoping to have a year end post made before the year ended.  While I am writing this mid-day on December 31st, I'm not sure if I will have it posted before the year ends.  We'll see.

I would like to take a moment to look at some of the highlights of 2013, if I may.

As 2013 began I felt the Lord telling me that I would be retiring from pastoral ministry sometime in the coming months.  In my own heart I knew it was time.  Knowing it was time, however, did not mean it was easy.  Having been part of the lives of my church family for five years upon retiring it was hard to break the news to them.

The church building was literally moved from one location to another location.  It as about a three block move.  That was both interesting as well as challenging.  Due to several variables involved in that  community I do beleive this move was in the best interest of the church.  As you can imagine when you look at a task of this proportion not everyone will be in agreement with it.  The church survived the move.

What started out as a 2-3 week endeavor turned out being a 3 month endeavor.  We had our church meetings in the parsonage for about a month or so until it got to muddy.  We then met in the basement of a local bank  until we were back into our building  in late May.  

In June we marked five years of pastoral ministry at this local assembly.  This was five years of being intertwined in the lives of our church family - people we have grown to love.  I have never served a local church for this long of time as pastor.

The end of June, through tears I announced my retirement from pastoral ministry with Cindy standing by my side.  This was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  These are people we have rejoiced with, laughed with and cryed with.  We were part of their families as they were a part of our family.  Though diffifult, I know this was the right thing to do and the time to do it.

July 30, 2013 was my last day as pastor.  Since retiring from the pastorate I have felt such a freedom and liberty that only comes when one is in the center of God's perfect will.  I praise God for it!  

Since leaving the pastorate, God has been faithful and has opened so many doors for our gospel group, New Jerusalem Singers (www.newjerusalemsingers.org).  We have traveled places we have never been to and sang in venues we have never sang in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We realeased a new cd, REDEEMED! in the fall of this year.  It has been well received.  We give praise to Jesus for this.  Bob Moore, our lead guitar player, released his first cd, PICKIN' FOR THE LORD in November, as well.  We have been busy.

From November 9th - December 25th Cindy and I had the priviledge of continuing our Santa & Mrs. Claus work.  This was the best season yet for us.  We also had numerous requests for Santa to share the real Christmas story.  I had the opportunity to share the real Christmas story in a church, business and home.  It is such an honor to be part of so many families Chirstmas traditions.  Again, I say PRAISE GOD for His goodness.

While we normally don't sing in December, Janurary or February, we have sang once  earlier this month, we sing tonight and already have two scheduled in January.  We must give God praise for this, as well.

Tonight we sing at a church just outside of Grafton, IL for their Watch Night Service.  It promises to be a good time in the Lord.  

As you can see, 2013 had it's share of challenges, but through it all God was faithful.  Through it all God's hand and leading was evident.  Through it all we give God praise for His goodness.

We are approaching 2014 with great anticipation of what God has in store.  We believe it will be the best year we have ever had in regards to ministry.  We are not going to limit God by any means.  We know He has a plan and we are excited to see His plan unfold.  

From Cindy and I, we want to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward a link or use the icons below to repost this blog.

TOUCHING JESUS GET RESULTS!

NOTE:  My blog posts may become infrequent (as they have in the past month) as we enter in to a very busy time of year for us.  I will, however, make a blog post when I have opportunity.  I plan to resume blogging on a regular basis at the start of the new years.  Thanks!

Scripture Reading - Luke 8:43-48

"The hem of His garment". This is a phrase that has caught the attention of the world. Songs, poems and numerous sermons have been written and shared about touching the hem of His garment. This is the story behind those words. This is the story of a woman in great trouble – a woman in great need. Let's take a look at her desperation, her determination, her deliverance and her declaration. Let's look at how her experience relates to us today and what we can learn from this woman to better our own spiritual journey.

This woman was a desperate woman (Vs 43). Her problem was revealed in a single verse. She had an incurable blood disease (sickness). She had spent all her money on physicians. She was ceremonially unclean. According to Jewish law, a man who touched a menstruating woman became ceremonially defiled (Leviticus 15:19-28). This was true whether her bleeding was normal or, as in this woman's case, the result of an abnormal condition. Therefore, she was physically desperate – her health was gone. She was financially desperate – her money was gone. She was spiritually desperate – she couldn't enter the temple.

She is a type, or representation, of all people apart from Jesus. Physically – we are ever moving toward death. Financially – money can't buy what we need. Spiritually – our sin separates us from God.

This woman was determined. (Vs 44) She came behind Him, and touched the border (hem) of His garment. Now there were a number conditions to discourage her from coming to Jesus. The great crowd surrounding Him – it was going to be tough to get to Him. The attitude of the disciples - Lord the crowd was pressing and shoving.  Considering the importance of His mission she may have thought, “He's too busy to be concerned about me”.  Her own appearance – she was pale, poor and pitiful. Still she pressed through to Jesus! She was persistent – she was determined. If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole (Mark 5:28). Let's look at that word “whole”. It is the Greek word “soto” which means to save; to deliver or protect; heal preserve, save, do well.

Now let's take a look at this woman's deliverance ( Vs 45-46). Her deliverance came from contact with Jesus! That touch of His garment was a touch of faith. She exercised greater faith than healthy people around her. She exercised far greater faith than perhaps she thought she could.

Jesus responded to her faith. He asked, “Who touched Me?” - He was sensitive to her touch. “Virtue is gone out of Me” - This was a touch that made a difference. Today, many surround Jesus but never touch Him. What a difference between the crowds that are curious about Jesus and the few that actually reach out and touch Him. It is only faith in Jesus that releases God's supernatural healing power.

The woman declared that she was healed (Vs 47). We see her trembling...then her testimony. She shared her testimony. She told Him why she had touched Him. She declared to the crowd what had happened. Her words have endured. She was the only one in that crowd whose words are known today. In touching Jesus, she was able to touch others. Her testimony is still heard today.

I encourage you today to press through to Jesus. Don't try to make yourself perfect before doing so. Come as you are with all your needs. Don't pay any attention to the doubters or critics in the crowd. There will always be those who will doubt and criticize.

What if this woman had not pressed through? This woman received more than she anticipated – she got more than she came for. She was healed from her illness. She became a child of God: Jesus called her daughter (Vs 48). Jesus gives more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)! Are you just curious about Jesus, or do you reach out to touch Him in faith, knowing that His mercy will bring healing to your body, soul and spirit? Some things to ponder.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward a link or use the icons below to repost this blog.

ARE YOU LISTENING?

NOTE:  My blog posts may become infrequent (as they have in the past month) as we enter in to a very busy time of year for us.  I will, however, make a blog post when I have opportunity.  I plan to resume blogging on a regular basis at the start of the new years.  Thanks!

In 1 Samuel chapter one there was a lady named Hannah .  She was barren and had not given birth.  Hannah wanted a baby in the worst way.  So much so that she prayed to the Lord and told God if He would give her a baby - her heart's desire - she will in turn give him back to the Lord all the days of his life.  Wow!  Can you imagine making that type of a promise to God?  Sure enough, God granted her petition and a baby boy was born.  This baby boy was named Samuel.

Now as Samuel grew, Hannah did not forget her promise to God.   Once Samuel was weaned, Hannah took items for a sacrifice along with Samuel to Eli, the prophet of the day.  She made her sacrifice and then presented to Eli her baby, Samuel.  Samuel was very young at this time.

Now fast-forward to chapter three of 1 Samuel.  Samuel had grown some.  One night, as Samuel laid down to go to sleep for the night he heard a voice calling his name.  He got up and went to where Eli was laying down, thinking it was Eli who had called for him.  Eli, not having called for Samuel, sent him back to bed.  This happened a second and a third time.   The third time it dawned on Eli that it was the Lord who was calling Samuel.  He instructed Samuel to return to his bed and the next time he hears that voice to respond, "Speak Lord, for your servant hears!"  And that's exactly what Samuel did.

Reading Scripture we see God used Samuel in a great way.  When God called him He had a plan.  Samuel yielded to God's call and God's will and followed the plan God laid out for him.

I often wonder how many of us miss the calling of God because we do not recognize the voice of God?  How many miss the blessings of God because we do not recognize the voice of God?  Perhaps we are so wrapped up in the things of God that we miss the voice of God and thereby miss out on His leading, His calling and His blessings.   We get so wrapped up in doing that we neglect to listen, much like Mary and Martha when Jesus visited them.  We get wrapped up in the social club, that passes for today's church, and miss out on genuine fellowship, encouragement and a real walk with the Savior.

The reality is that church can happen anywhere!  It's not confined to a building or even a home.  We recently met with a couple at a restaurant for six hours.  Yes, that's right - six hours.  We ate, we fellowshipped, and we talked about God and His Word.  We shared what the Lord has been doing in our lives and what God is showing us.  We left there feeling like we were just in a New Testament Church gathering.  No one lead, there was no singing...church just happened!  We loved it!

I want to encourage you, in your walk with the Lord, to just let God be God!  Be real and genuine in your journey with Jesus.  Be attentive to the voice of God speaking to your spirit.  It may well be God has blessings to pour out on you.  He may be desiring to reveal His plan for your life to you.  Be real in your worship - wherever it may take place.  Let church happen anywhere!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray     

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward a link or use the icons below to repost this blog.

NO GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN IN HEAVEN!

NOTE:  My blog posts may become infrequent (as they have in the past month) as we enter in to a very busy time of year for us.  I will, however, make a blog post when I have opportunity.  I plan to resume blogging on a regular basis at the start of the new years.  Thanks!

The United States recently come out of a government shut down. While not unprecedented, it has been a while since the U.S. government had shut down.  This was the result of a budget dispute between both major parties.  While this government shut down did not literally shut down the entire government  it did shut down nearly 20% percent of it.  This shut down had a ripple affect on an already weak economy.  Many social services were affected resulting in government offices being closed.  Many employees deemed "non-essential" were sent home until the government budget dispute was resolved. Because of this, phone calls went unanswered, meetings were cancelled and programs were halted.

The resolution came around two weeks later and was a temporary resolution, at that.  There is no guarantee this won't happen again early next year when the agreed upon temporary budget runs out. 

I was thinking while all this was going on just how grateful I am that there is never a government shut down in heaven!  There never has been and there never will be!  Praise God!  As believers, we can rest assured when we pray, God hears!  Jesus remains at the Father's right hand making intercession for us - pleading our case!  There was no disruption of service.  Heaven's economy still thrives!   

It's exciting to think about what awaits us when we pass from this life.  I like how the Salvation Army looks at it when a believer passes from this life.  They believe (as do I) that person has been promoted to heaven!  Wow!  You talk about a promotion!  That's enough to get you excited!  And to think there has never been an interruption in heaven's economy.  Like the old song says, "Heaven's sounding sweeter all the time."

Until next time....enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward a link or use the icons below to repost this blog.

RESIST THE DEVIL

Scripture Reading - James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We, as believers, are called upon not only to contend with an evil heart and an evil world, but also with evil spirits. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”. These adversaries are banded together under one head – Satan. In speaking of the devil, we must include all his emissaries.

It's important to acknowledge right from the beginning we must be fully submitted to God if we are going to be empowered to make the devil flee from us. It all starts there. Without that, Satan can run all over us. We must fight him in our own power, but rather in God's power.

It's important to know your enemy. It's a mistake to underrate the importance of an enemy

Therefore, let's form a right assessment of our foe. Look at his power – Satan can inflame the mind and the evil desire of the soul. The reality is that while his power is enormous it is limited by the totality of the power of our God! Satan is diligent – Satan is described as continually “walking about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan is nobody's dummy. He's extremely diligent If he fails a hundred times, he only tries again. He is filled with malice. Satan envies every human happiness and seeks to undermine it. He can't stand for you to be happy. He's miserable and wants to spread his misery. He is sneaky. Satan is crafty and subtle. He is a hidden assassin rather than an open foe

He rarely attacks head on in the open. He has lots of experience at what he does. Satan has long studied human nature so he is very adept at deceiving mankind

We are called upon to resist rather than fight the devil. We are not to talk with him as a friend or compromise with him, but rather we are to resist him at every turn. We are not to give him a foothold in any way General Orders. Reading 1 Peter 5:8 we can get some instruction on dealing with this enemy. Be sober (sharp, alert) both physically and mentally. Be vigilant (keep awake; never off your guard). Be united – stand shoulder to shoulder with your allies. Weapons have been provide for us to face this enemy. These weapons are tried and true weapons. Of course the first weapon we have is the Word of God. It's important to know God's Word. Even Jesus, when He was tempted of the devil, quoted Scripture to satan. Past experience is a good weapon, as well. When Satan tries to tell you how little God will do for you, remind him how much God has already done for you. Earnest prayer is a very important weapon. I'm talking about the getting on your face and getting serious with God type of praying. Not this mamby pamby stuff that we see today. Allow God to become engaged in the conflict with you. 1 Samuel 17:47 “For the battle is the LORD'S” We also have impenetrable Armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness to spread the Good News, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Put these things in place in your life. We are equipped!

The Word says once we resist him “he will flee from you”. This may not happen at first for there must be real resistance to his power. Keep in mind in this life, the flight is temporary. Satan leaves only to return. Each time we engage Satan and resist him equips us more to stand fast the next time. In the future there will be a final flight. Satan will flee never to return

The Christian life is a life of conflict with Satan. We must endure hardness if we are to be victorious 2 Timothy 2:3 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”. A Christian's life is a blessed one for even in the midst of the conflicts we face there is a rest in God,

Armour up...submit to God...be prepared...stand fast...resist the devil...and he will flee from you!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward a link or use the icons below to repost this blog.

HE TOOK MY SINS AWAY!

Have you ever had a song on your mind or in your heart going over and over for a prolonged period of time?  I can see some of you now shaking your head in an affirmative way.  Well, for the last two weeks I have had a song in my heart.  It's not a song our gospel group sings.  It's an old song I used to hear growing up.  The old gospel song titled "He Took My Sins Away" has been reververating in my spirit for the last two weeks.  It's a song that excites me!  I find myself humming it and even singing the chorus at home, at work even in the car. 

As I look at the words I get even more excited.  Check out the words to this old song:

1)

I came to Jesus, weary, worn, and sad,

He took my sins , He took my sins away

And now His love has made my heart so glad, 

He took my sins away . .

Chorus

He took my sins away , He took my sins away away,

And keeps me singing every day!

I’m so glad He took my sins away,

He took my sins He took my sins away...

2)

The load of sin was more than I could bear.

He took my sins away, He took my sins away . . .

And now on Him I roll my ev’ry care, 

He took my sins away ...

Chorus

3)

No condemnation have I in my heart, 

He took my sins away, He took my sins away. . .

His perfect peace He did to me impart,

He took my sins away ...

Chorus

4)

If you will come to Jesus Christ today,

He’ll take your sins away , He’ll take your sins away ,

And keep you happy in His love each day

He’ll take your sins away ...

Chorus

Now  if that song doesn't make you want to shout your wood must be wet!  You need a touch from God.  You talk about a praise and worship song!  Wow!  This one has it all - the testimony of the believer and hope for the unsaved.

I pray this song, and most importantly, the reality of this song will be your testimony until we see Jesus.

I thought I would put on link on here to this song from You Tube.  If you would like to hear it it just click on this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iP7cEXDyXE 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward a link or use the icons below to repost this blog.