Additional Outreaches

Over the past few weeks, I have been sharing some outreaches of New Jerusalem Ministries. I shared about some changes that will impact this ministry this year as well New Jerusalem Singers and Happy Times Variety Show.  

In this blog post I would like to share a few other outreaches we have that many may be unfamiliar with. We will look at them one by one. 

Needless to say, if you are reading this you know I write a blog. Well, I have been on hiatus with some of these things for quite a while, but I am slowly making my way back to being active in these things as the Lord leads. I recently resumed blogging. My blog will consist of me sharing my thoughts on a variety of topics on, what I hope to be, a weekly basis. Be sure to check back and check out my blog. I would encourage you to take some time to go back in time to read some of my previous blog posts as well. 

I also started a Vlog some time back. I don't have many posts but I look to start posting more vlogs in the near future. I will be sharing thoughts on my vlog from time to time. I will share inspirational thoughts as well as words of encouragement. I would encourage you to subscribe to my vlog and you will be notified when I post a new vlog. 

Check out my vlog at www.youtube.com/@rayspellbrinkvlog9423 

My YouTube channel has my preaching and teaching in various settings such as churches, home, outside or even sitting my favorite chair. You can access my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@RaySpellbrink .

My podcast will cover a variety of topics and will include personal thoughts from my own journey as well as interviews with others on a wide variety of topics. You can access my podcast on a variety of platforms. You can check out my podcast using this link: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ray-spellbrink 

Another outreach of NJM is a ministerial fellowship. Our ministry motto is Encourage, Exhort and Edify. That is what we do with NJM Ministerial Fellowship. We work with ministers, ministries, churches, singers, organizations or anyone who may need encouragement, counseling or advise on the various aspects of ministry. This is a free service that we offer however there may be federal, state or county fees associated with legally setting up a Corportation or ministry. 

We host an online Bible Study every other week on Mondays at 7 pm. We host this via Zoom. This is an interactive Bible Study where we encourage everyone to participate and share. We generally go for an hour or so and this includes prayer time at the end of the Bible Study. If you are interested in receiving a link to the Zoom Bible Study, send us your email address and we will add you to our email list when a link is posted. This is also simulcast on my personal Facebook page.  

There is so much associated with ministry, and we try to be available as needed. We are able to serve communion to those who are shut in or may not have a church home. If a loved one is in a senior retirement environment, we can go to them. 

We are able to baptize those locally who have believed on Jesus as their personal Savior and desire to take that next step and be baptized. 

We also perform weddings as well as funerals. 

There may well be other things we do and other services we provide that escape my memory. We love God and love what He has called us to do. 

After reading the last several blog posts, you should have a pretty good understanding of what New Jerusalem Ministries is all about. In a nutshell...IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!

Please feel free to share this blog post with others who may be interested in NJM and what we offer. We stand ready to serve. 

Until next time, 

Enjoy the journey!

Ray

rayspellbrink@gmail.com

Feel free to friend me on Facebook

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Happy Times Variety Show

In this blog post I want to share a little about a newer outreach that is available. I firmly believe that Christians can have good clean fun. In fact, I had a pastor who would often say, "If Christians can't have good clean fun, then who in this sin-sick world can?" That always stuck with me. 

As a ministry, we believe the gospel is needful and relevant for all age groups. NJM since its inception has had a very strong emphasis on what we deem to be a forgotten segment of society - senior citizens. 

New Jerusalem Singers, our gospel group I shared about in my last blog post, play and sing old time traditional and country gospel music at many senior retirement facilities and senior groups. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we were not permitted to come and sing for quite some time. That left the seniors without a form of ministry or family entertainment. While we were eventually allowed to sing on a very limited basis outside and under limited circumstances due to COVID protocols, we seen the need for these seniors to be provided with quality family entertainment and interaction. 

As a result, we developed a program that would still give seniors who are shut in some entertainment. In 2020 we developed Happy Times Variety Show to fill this need. This includes, but is not limited to, playing songs and music from the 1920's - 1970's that seniors are familiar with. We play a variety of rhythm instruments along with the music. This has gone over very well. In fact, we are doing both a gospel program as well as Happy Times at some facilities on a monthly basis. God is using us to bring joy to and make a difference in the lives of seniors. 

We believe everyone needs to laugh from time to time. It does the soul good. Happy Times Variety Show will do just that. Seeing the smiles and sometimes even the tears as memories flood back from playing these old songs on the faces of the people we play to is so rewarding. We have found that is has become popular enough to offer on a larger scale. 

Happy Times Variety Show is a family friendly variety show consisting primarily of music (DJ style) that includes Country, Gospel, Folk, 50's Rock n Roll, Big Band, Cowboy, Pop and includes songs from the 1920's through the 1970's. We play a variety of rhythm instruments along with the music. Some of the instruments we play include washboard, cajon bongos, bones, sticks, tambourine, shakers, castanets, bells, cabasa, spoons, Chilean rain stick along with others too numerous to name. We are always looking for instruments to add. From time to time, we also utilize puppets, illusions and props. 

If you desire further information or desire to book Happy Times Variety Show for your facility or event, feel free to contact Cindy at 217 652-0423 or email us at happytimesvarietyshow@gmail.com and give us the pertinent information (Name, Date, Time, Contact Information) and we will check our schedule and get back to you as soon as possible.

There is a link to the Happy Times Variety Show website on our ministry page at newjerusalemministries.net . We encourage you to check it out. There are even a few photos on the Happy Times website. 

If you know of someone who may be interested in this post or interested in Happy Times Variety Show, please feel free to share this blog post with them. Thank you. 

Until next time, 

Enjoy the journey!

Ray

rayspellbrink@gmail.com

Feel free to friend me on Facebook

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New Jerusalem Singers

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some information regarding the part of New Jerusalem Ministries (NJM) that has been active the longest. In fact, this particular facet of our ministry is older than even NJM, itself.  

While Cindy and I have been singing all of our married life (and even before we got married), we didn't formally form the singing ministry until June of 1988. It was at this time we formed New Jerusalem Singers (NJS). We got our start singing in nursing homes, hi-rises, retirement homes, reunions and at just about any other event we were allowed to sing at. 

We started off as a quartet. My brother-in-law, Paul Summers, sang bass and played bass guitar with us. In fact, while trying to figure out a name for the new southern gospel group, it was Paul who suggested New Jerusalem Singers. We all liked it and it stuck. 

The group has been a quartet, trio and duet. We have utilized keyboard, and at time even two keyboards. We have utilized rhythms with the keyboards until I was able to learn how to play bass. Our son, Matthew, began singing at age 5 and played drums with us when he was 6 or 7 years old. We had electronic drum pads he played for some time. An older preacher friend told me, "That boy needs a drum set". He asked us to research how much a new drum set would cost. He generously purchased a drum set for Matthew to play. At another time we had a full band which included, keyboard, bass, rhythm guitar, lead guitar along with drums. The group currently consists of Cindy and me. Cindy plays rhythm guitar and piano/keyboard and I play bass. We do invite others to join us from time to time, as well. 

As previously mentioned, we started out singing southern gospel music. We have also sung country gospel music as well as traditional gospel music. Currently we are more of a blend of country gospel and traditional gospel music stylistically. We love singing old hymns and old songs of the faith whose messages have stood the test of time. These songs are never out of date. 

Without a doubt, we sing primarily to senior citizens. Even the churches we sing at are primarily attended by seniors. We travel thousands of miles each year singing and sharing the gospel message through word and song. Each song is a sermon, in and of itself. 

We recently purchased a new keyboard for the ministry and will begin bringing back some keyboard playing in some of the places we go. Cindy will also continue using her guitar at many of the places we sing. 

God has blessed us through the years as we have traveled singing for His glory. We continue to sing to seniors in various settings, churches of various denominations and affiliations, fairs, festivals and any other events where gospel music is desired. We rarely turn down an opportunity to share the gospel through song. We believe God will continue to open doors for us as we are faithful to Him. 

Our goal is to encourage, exhort and edify God's people where ever they may be or however they may meet. 

If you are interested in scheduling New Jerusalem Singers to come and sing at your church, facility or event give Cindy a call at 217 652-0423 or email newjerusalemsingers@gmail.com and give us the information regarding your event and we will check out schedule and get back to you. Check out our website at newjerusalemsingers.org for additional information about NJS.

I will share another aspect of New Jerusalem Ministries in my next blog post. 

If you know of someone who may be interested in this post or interested in New Jerusalem Singers please feel free to share this blog post with them. Thank you. 

Until next time, 

Enjoy the journey!

Ray

rayspellbrink@gmail.com

Feel free to friend me on Facebook

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A Couple of Changes

In my last blog I mentioned that some changes were on the horizon. I want to take a moment to share a couple of changes that have been made. 

One change we have made is I have shut down my personal website that I have had for many years. We have folded the things from my personal website into our ministry site at www.newjerusalemministries.net . I would encourage you to check out our ministry website. You will find the various ministries and things we are doing at the present time. You will also find some book recommendations (Good Reads) as well as some links that will not only encourage you but may very well challenge you, as well. I hope you will check it out. 

The second change we have made is we are cutting our travel. Please note, this does not include churches or church gatherings. We have sung for decades in retirement homes, supportive living facilities, and nursing homes. Some of our travel has taken us from Central Illinois to other parts of the state. While we are still traveling to some of these distant towns to sing in these facilities, we have cut back on the number of times per year we do this.  

It's not that we don't love doing this but through the years singing 20-25 times most months has taken its toll on us physically as well as vocally. These have not been easy decisions for us to make but we do feel they are necessary ones. These are not spur of the moment decisions but rather these are decisions we have talked about, thought about and most importantly prayed about.

We have found that as we are backing off some things that other doors are opening for us. We will continue singing and serving in whatever capacity God would have us to. Nothing has changed there. 

In upcoming blog posts I will share the various aspects of ministry and service we are involved in. The future is bright, and we remain excited for what God has in store for us. 

Until next time, 

Enjoy the journey!

Ray

rayspellbrink@gmail.com

Feel free to friend me on Facebook

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It's A New Season

Wow. It's been a long while since I made my last blog post. November 4, 2021 to be exact. It was my intent to resume blogging in January of 2022. Yet I did not do that. 

What happened, you may wonder?  In a nutshell it was due to health reasons as well as our schedule. Prior to that November, we were still in the COVID -19 Pandemic. Yet we carried a heavy schedule. In 2021 we sang 115 times, did 3 sings via Zoom, preached 14 times filling pulpits, conducted 2 church services at a supported living facility, sang with Cindy "Live from our Living Room" via Facebook Live 26 times, I taught a Fruit of the Spirit Series via Facebook Live that went 9 lessons, I taught a series on The Names & Character of God that went 14 lessons, I taught a series A Closer Walk With God that went 14 lessons, we jointly did a Bible Study via Zoom for a supportive living facility 19 times, we hosted a Zoom Bible Study 19 times, I blogged 44 times, did a vlog 3 times, did 40 podcasts, we did 12 variety shows, performed 4 baptisms and 1 funeral. Cindy and I did these things on top of the health issues we were dealing with. We remained busy in 2022 and added even more things in 2023. 

I didn't share all of this for accolades. Trust me we do not want, nor do we need them. We do what we do because we love to do it. However, at that time to be quite honest I was feeling overwhelmed. Something had to be put on the back burner for a while. 

Fast forward and here we are in January of 2024. Where did all the time go? We have taken some time to reevaluate the various things we are involved in. 

In the Bible, even Solomon (known as the wisest man to live) told us "To everything there is a season, and a time for to every purpose under the heaven". So, there are seasons for things. That is, some things run their course. They are a part of our lives for a season - for a time. After they have run their course or time and purpose then there comes a time to step back and reevaluate.

We are now in this phase. Some decisions have been made. Some changes are on the horizon. There is even a new ministry door that has opened for us to do some one-on-one ministry. 

One thing I felt strongly about was that I wanted to resume blogging. It is something I enjoy...even if no one reads these posts. I find that it is good for me. I hope to resume blogging once a week but if not, it will be every other week. 

We also feel at this stage in our lives we need to slow down on some things. Take time to smell the roses, so to speak. Slowing down and taking time for self could very well improve quality and longevity of life. 

There is always a need and there is much to do. We would love to see others catch the vision and get involved in serving. If you have a desire to serve let me know. Contact me and we can arrange to get together and share some opportunities that are open right now. 

As our season is ending in some things perhaps your season is about to begin. Serve strong. Serve well. The harvest is ready. Just need laborers. Will you be a laborer for Jesus?

Until next time, 

Enjoy the journey!

Ray

rayspellbrink@gmail.com

Feel free to friend me on Facebook

Six Reasons Why You Should Trust God

 

We often have difficulty trusting God. Sometimes we can trust Him for the little things. We say we trust Him for the things we control in our lives. It’s like we do things that are within our wherewithal and then give God credit for them. Here’s a news flash - God doesn’t need us to “fix” things for Him so He can have the credit. He doesn’t need us to make Him look good.

He simply wants us to trust Him. All we need to do is trust Him! And before you ask, yes it really is that simple. To prove this point let’s go over these “Six Reasons Why You Should Trust God”.

First, God knows you by name. How cool is that? The King of the universe - the God who created all there is knows you by name!   

Isaiah 43:1 CSB

Now this is what the LORD says- the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel- "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.

Second, God will fight for you. He doesn’t leave you to struggle on your own. He will fight for you if only we learn to let him. That includes keeping quiet at times. 

Exodus 14:14 CSB

The LORD will fight for you, and you must be quiet."

Third, God thinks about you often. He knows where you are. He understands what you are going through.

Psalm 139:17 CSB  

God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is!

Fourth, God has plans for you. I have said for years that God has a plan for each of us whether we are young, old or anywhere in between. Sometimes it’s hard for us to see and understand how God can and will use us. However, rest assured, God has a plan for you - and His plans are good. In fact, they’re the best!

Jeremiah 29:11 CSB 

For I know the plans I have for you"- this is the LORD's declaration - "plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Fifth, God is your refuge - your shelter in the time of storm. The storms of life will definitely come. Even as a Christian you will face these storms. But like the old hymn says, “The Lord’s our Rock in Him we hide, a Shelter in the time of storm”. As a believer, you have assurance God is there for us no matter what comes our way.

Psalm 62:6-8 CSB

[6] He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. [7] My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. [8] Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge. Selah

Sixth, Jesus is always with you. Once you believe on Jesus He has promised to be with you until the end of the age. I’d say that’s a pretty good promise from a reliable source - Jesus, Himself. What more could a believer ask for?

Matthew 28:20 CSB

…And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Now take and reread these reasons why you should trust God. Become familiar with these Bible passages. They will come in handy in the future. Feel free to come back and reread this blog post during those trying and challenging times you face in your life. Learn to trust God more each and every day. Doing so will change your life forever.

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 or forward this blog.

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My Foot Is On The Rock!

 A number of years ago there was a popular southern gospel song. While I do not remember who sang it or even the words or tune to the song I do remember a line that I believe was the main thought behind the song. That line is, "My foot's on the Rock and my mind's made up!"

As that line just came to me as I begin writing this blog post a passage of Scripture came to me, as well. It is a psalm of David. It reads like this:

Psalm 40:1-3 CSB - I waited patiently on the Lord, and he turned to me and heard my cry for help. He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and they will trust in the Lord.

Life is full of twists and turns. Oftentimes things take us by surprise. I'm thankful to know that God is never taken by surprise. We can cry out to God in our despair and He will hear us. Here's the kicker though - we must wait patiently on Him. Quite honestly that is a "p" word we don't like. Patience can be a difficult thing for us to learn. I wonder if we face the things we face and go through some of the things we go through, in part, to learn patience. We know God is faithful to us. We know He is well aware of where we are and what is going on in our lives. He also knows each of us need to learn patience and we all learn in different ways. 

God will bring us up out of the pit of sin and set our feet on the Rock! Folks, you can't get any more secure than that. Of course, we know that Rock is Jesus!

After learning the lesson of patience, after having been pulled from the pit and set on the solid Rock you can't help but have a song of praise in your heart. David said God would put a new song in our mouth. 

Another benefit of all these things is that others will see and trust in God. Think about that the next time you are going through something. Others may be watching to see how you respond to what you are going through. Our responses are important. If they see us respond with our focus on Jesus and see how God brings you through it they are going to want what you have. What a great opportunity to share your faith with them. 

If, on the other hand, you have a "woe is me" attitude and you gripe and grumble...well, who is going to want that? More than likely that is how they would respond anyway. 

We need to make sure our foot is on the Rock and our mind is made up that no matter what we face we are going to serve God. No matter how long you are going through the problems you are facing you have a made up mind that you are going to serve God. Even if God doesn't respond to you the way you think He should...you have a made up mind that you are going to serve Him no matter what. That is what we need today.

No matter where you are - no matter what you are facing - no matter what you are going through stay determined. Stand and say, "My foot's on the Rock and my mind's made up!" 

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 or forward this blog.

Check out my website at www.rayspellbrink.com

 

 

Don't Be Discouraged - God Needs You

Have you ever felt like your contribution to God doesn't really matter? Have you ever felt like you don't make a difference? Have you ever felt like God doesn't need you? After all, He has so many gifted preachers and so many "big" ministries that He doesn't really need you or me. 

Several years  back, I began to wonder if our ministry was really making a difference. It seemed that we were always on the go, but not seeing anything accomplished. I almost felt that God didn't really need this ministry. He has so many other wonderful ministries that are eminently more qualified and, in fact, do a far better job than we do. Does God really need us?

I then  realized that each and everyone of us has a nucleus of individuals we touch and influence on a daily basis. It may be family members, friends, co-workers or mere acquaintances. We have an opportunity to make a difference on a one-on-one basis in the lives of these individuals. 

In many cases we are the only Jesus these people will ever see. Many of these people seldom, if ever, grace the door of an institutional church. Many times they lump all Christians in the same category. If they have ever been wronged by someone professing to be a Christian they have the attitude that all Christians are like that. If they see the lifestyle of a professing Christian to be that of the world then they reason in their minds, "Why should I become a Christian? What's the difference? I'm living as good of a life as they are."

God doesn't have any "big" or "small" ministries or preachers. God doesn't have any "big" or "small" children. All God has is ministries, preachers and children. My point is those who are involved in what most would consider a "small" ministry are just as important in the eyes of God and in the plan of God as those involved with a large mega ministry.

You see, if you are called of God to do a particular task, no matter what that task may be, then there is no greater ministry you could be involved in. I don't care if you feel called to clean the church, preach the gospel, feed the hungry, clothe the poor or to do anything in between, there is no greater ministry than the one God has called you in to. The important thing is that we be obedient to what God has called us to do. 

I want to encourage you to keep on serving God in the capacity He has called you in to. Remember, there are no big "I's" or little "you's" in God's work. It's all important. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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God Has A Plan

It is comforting to know that no matter what we face on our journey we can rest assured that God has a plan. Sometimes the plan is obvious while other times the plan appears to be hidden, at least from us. But God has a plan. 

God has a plan for every trial, sorrow, heartache and difficulty we face. It may not seem like it when we are going through the difficult times but we can rest assured that our infinite God has a divine plan.

There are those who do not think God's plan is fair to them. Let's face it, life is not always fair. But God has a plan.

Some do not like God's plan as it pertains to them. Others simply reject God's plan out of hand. But, still, God has a plan. 

We don't always understand God's plan. Let's look at what God spoke through Isaiah the prophet:

Isaiah 55:8-9 (CSB) - "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways." This is the Lord's declaration. "For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

So you see God's plans and ways are far bigger than ours. He sees the big picture. We see but a snippet of the picture. God is working His will out in our lives. Why are you facing what you are facing? Because God has a plan!

The world may be in a mess. But God has a plan. The church as we have known it is in disarray but God has a plan.

Some things will never the same as a result of the COVOD 19 coronavirus. I'm okay with that. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps God is wanting believers to get out of the rut they've been in for so long. Perhaps God wants to use this to get us outside the four walls of the building we meet in. I submit God is using this time to move His people "outside the box" of organized religion or religion as we know it today. 

We can choose to get lost in fighting the political battle for a land we are just passing through or we can allow God to use us to affect eternal change in the lives of people as we move "outside the box" of organized religion. Which will you choose?

Remember, God has a plan!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray


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God's Direction

Over the months and years I have heard many Christians say they wish they could know God's direction or will for their life with certainty. Several have even said they sometimes wish God would write His direction or will for them via a "handwriting on a wall" so as to make it plain to see, read and understand.

You may recall the one time the Bible speaks of "handwriting on the wall" was in the Old Testament under the old covenant. It was a message of judgement to King Belshazzar. With that in mind, I must say I am not the least bit interested in receiving a "handwriting on the wall" message from God. Besides, this was the Old Testament.

We are New Testaments believers living under a new and better covenant. Praise God for that! As believers, we are to be led by the Holy Spirit. He indwells the believer and will lead us and guide us in to all truth. This sure beats a handwriting on the wall, in my opinion.

Too often, believers fall into the trap of looking for a "sign". Jesus said signs are for unbelievers. We don't need a sign when we have the Holy Spirit. Again, God has provided a much better way for us.

In my personal life, God's direction or will has always been clear. I knew when to step out in faith and do something. I would sense His leading, I would pray about it and then step out and do it. We've been on some great adventures with God by following His direction and will for our lives. Fortunately, God gave me a wife who is the perfect ministry partner for me. Don't get me wrong, not everything went smoothly and without issues. Satan won't allow that. But God is greater! He has always seen us through when we follow His direction and will.

I think its important to point out one other thing that is equally as important as God's direction and will. His timing. This often takes just as much prayer and discernment as determining His direction and will. God's timing is of paramount importance. Timing is everything in the spiritual realm.

Let me give you an example of God's direction and timing in my life. God led us to pastor a little country church that had undergone a great deal of difficulties. After just over five years, He led me to "retire from pastoral ministry". I didn't retire from ministry, just  pastoral ministry. Just over two years later the church suffered a bad split. God led us to return to the church. I knew it would not be a long term situation for us. God sent us back there for the healing process and to love and encourage the people. We did this. God began preparing me to once again leave the pastorate. In fact, I knew seven months before I even announced I was leaving. I knew God's direction and will in this matter. However, I had to wait on His timing to make my announcement. Once I announced it was another five months before I preached my final sermon as pastor.

While God's direction is always clear, it takes discernment to know His timing. I can't stress this enough.

Even now God is opening new doors and leading down a path I've never gone before. Its a path I could never have imagined. It's exciting. It's exhilarating. I'm confident His direction, as well as His timing, will be made clear...in His 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 or forward this blog.

The Simple Things

In the midst of the COVID 19 coronavirus pandemic, life has been turned upside down.  Illinois, as most other states, has a Shelter In Place order in effect mandating people to stay home unless they have to go out for food, medicine, medical appointments or are deemed "essential workers". There have been many restrictions placed on businesses (who can and who cannot be open) as well as individual rights. Many agree with the mandates and restrictions while others do not. Arguments abound.

My wife, Cindy, has been very compliant in regards to not going out. She has stayed in due to underlying respiratory medical issues that have been ongoing for years. The time or two she has gone out she has worn a mask for her own personal protection. I, on the other hand, look for reasons to go out and go somewhere - anywhere! I often ask if we need anything from anywhere. I am the one who does the shopping at this point in time. It gets me out of the house. I think Cindy likes for me to get out of the house so I get out of her hair for a bit. But that's another story.

We are accustomed to being on the road singing twenty times or more a month So this has been a huge change for us. Admittedly, the first week was rather enjoyable. We caught up on rest and relaxed. Now, I'm over it. I'm ready to get back to doing what we love to do and what God has called us to do. Don't get me wrong, we are still doing ministry. We have found other ways of doing ministry. We are doing a gospel sing live from our living room weekly on Thursdays via Facebook Live as well as online church on Sunday mornings on Facebook Live. I am doing a weekly podcast and weekly blog post, as well.

Due to ongoing health issues Cindy and I have, late last summer we purchased two mobility scooters. Let me tell you this was a life changing purchase. These allow us to be mobile and to get out and about without hurting our bodies. We used them a few times locally last year and even took them to the St. Louis Zoo last fall. I would never have been able to walk the zoo so these scooters were a blessing.

Earlier this week I charged the batteries, inflated the tires and got them ready for the year. We took them out and went to our son's house and visited for a bit. we took a ride around town before stopping to grab a sandwich. Then we came home.

That's a simple sounding thing but it meant so much to us. This was the first time Cindy had been out in weeks. She enjoyed it very much, as did I.

Sometimes it's the simple things that mean a lot. We have some friends we haven't seen in over two weeks due to illness. We hope to see them Sunday. It will be great to see them and fellowship with them. Of course, there will be food involved. Again, the simple things mean a lot.

I think sometimes we take the simple things in life for granted. When you find yourself under a Shelter In Place order and you don't get out and go like you are accustomed to doing, you don't see friends like you usually do, the restaurants are closed for dining in and some stores are not even open you begin to appreciate the simple things.

I encourage you not to take life for granted. Thank God every day you wake up. Don't take the little or simple things for granted either. The simple things are just as important to our quality of life as the "bigger" things.

Keep your chin up. Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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So Much To Praise God For

We sing a song that says in part:

I am blessed, I am blessed
Everyday that I live I am blessed.
When I wake up in the morning
'Til I lay my head to rest
I am blessed, oh, I am blessed!

This has been on my heart and in my spirit the last few days. In the midst of this COVID 19 pandemic that has been declared, I am blessed!

We have had 37 singings cancelled so far since all this started last month and likely more to cancel early next month. Yet, I declare and believe I am blessed!

While I do not like this down time I have no choice but to accept it. Or shall I say make some adaptations to how we do ministry. We are not on the road singing but we are still ministering. We have just gone virtual. We host a gospel sing live from our living room every Thursday afternoon at the present time and online church every Sunday morning. We are reaching more people doing this than we were when we were on the road. When one door closes God opens up other opportunities we had not even considered. Yes, I am blessed!

With this downtime I am getting on schedule to blog once a week as well as do a podcast once a week. Two more outreaches on a more consistent basis. Yes, I am am blessed.

I have the opportunity to post what I call "Something To Ponder" as well as "Thought For The Day" brief videos on Facebook. Yes, I am blessed.

I truly do have so much to praise God for. There are so many opportunities and doors God has opened for us during this "down time".

You know what? I've even started taking naps almost every day. Yes, I truly do have so much to praise God for.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Nothing We Do For God Is Insignificant

Have you ever thought that what you have to offer to God doesn't amount to much? Have you ever thought why would God even bother with you? Have you ever thought you have few, if any, talents or abilities God can use? 

Consider the poor widow and what little she had to give.

Mark 12:41-13:1 (CSB)
41 Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. 43 Summoning his disciples, he said to them,“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had ​— ​all she had to live on.”

I remember a chorus we used to sing in church titled "Little Is Much When God Is In It". How true I have found this to me in my service to God. I grew up poor. I didn't have much to give and never thought what I had would matter much to God in the large scheme of things. I still have few talents or abilities but what I have I want to give to Him. 

There are so many areas we can give to God. It's not always all about money. Many are prayer warriors and they can give to God this way. Many have time they can give to God in doing things God has called them to do. Many are Aarons who can stand with others God is using. Some may be like Barnabas and be encouragers. There are some who have the financial means to help and that is much appreciated and needed. 

I believe everyone can give something to God - little or much. Let it come from the heart. Do what you can for the cause of Christ. Do keep in mind nothing we do for God is insignificant.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Church Visit - Southern Baptist Church

Since leaving the pastorate earlier this year, we will be visiting various churches as we have opportunity and will, once again, blog about our experience. I did this one other time before getting involved in another church. 

This is my ninth blog post in a series I am doing on our experience visiting churches of various denominational labels, sizes and different styles of services. It is not my intent to be critical, but rather to be real and honest in our experiences. We have established criteria we are looking for at all of the institutional churches we are visiting. I do not intend to mention the church specifically by name.

I have blogged in the past about Christians who have left and are leaving the institutional church in large numbers. They are leaving for their own spiritual welfare. Most still love God but have become disillusioned or fed up with the institutional church today. I believe this is a timely series. May it open our eyes and our hearts to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

CHURCH CRITERIA

~DENOMINATIONAL LABEL - Southern Baptist Church in a small community south of Springfield, IL 

~TYPE OF SERVICE

*Traditional XXX

*Contemporary

*Blended 

~SIZE OF CHURCH - There were 35-40 present in this service

~FRIENDLINESS - This was a very friendly church. We were greeted by a greeter and given a bulletin upon entering. Several greeted us once we were seated. 

~AVERAGE AGE OF CONGREGATION - Based on my observation I would say 65-70 on average

~DRESS ATTIRE - Mostly casual

~GREETING - No formal greeting time during service

~MUSIC - The music consisted of a keyboard. There was a song leader along with three others in the praise team.

~BALANCE OF MUSIC VS WORD - There were four congregational songs, in all, before the sermon. Pastor preached for 37 minutes.

~TECHNOLOGY UTILIZED - They utilized PowerPoint. You also have the option for online giving.

ALTAR CALL/INVITATION - This is one of the few churches we have visited where there was an altar call/invitation at the end of the service. 

~ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS OFFERED - Sunday School, nursery, TeamKid and Youth IGNITE

~BIBLE VERSION USED-NIV 

~PREACHING STYLE - Pastor's preaching style was fairly monotone. There were points when he did get a little excited. Overall, he was not able to keep my attention.

~USE OF SCRIPTURE - Very good. This was an expository sermon so he expounded upon the passage he was preaching on.

~RELEVANT MESSAGE - Very relevant passage of Scripture and he had some thoughts that were pretty good.

~LENGTH OF SERVICE - 1 hour 20 minutes

~OBSERVATIONS/COMMENTS - This was a traditional church that was very friendly. People continued to trickle in as the service went on.  

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Church Visit - Non-Denominational

Church Visits

Since leaving the pastorate two weeks ago we will be visiting various churches and will, once again, blog about our experience. I did this one other time before getting involved in another church. 

This is my fifth blog post in a series I am doing on our experience visiting churches of various denominational labels, sizes and different styles of services. It is not my intent to be critical, but rather to be real and honest in our experiences. We have established criteria we are looking for at all of the institutional churches we are visiting. I do not intend to mention the church specifically by name.

I have blogged in the past about Christians who have left and are leaving the institutional church in large numbers. They are leaving for their own spiritual welfare. Most still love God but have become disillusioned or fed up with the institutional church today. I believe this is a timely series. May it open our eyes and our hearts to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

CHURCH CRITERIA

~DENOMINATIONAL LABEL - Non-Denominational

~TYPE OF SERVICE

*Traditional 

*Contemporary

*Blended xxxxx

~SIZE OF CHURCH - 50 in this particular service. We attended the second of two services on this Sunday morning

~FRIENDLINESS - We were greeting by a few people in the church - not a lot of people, but a few people.

~AVERAGE AGE OF CONGREGATION - Late 30's - Early 40's

~DRESS ATTIRE - Definitely casual

~GREETING - There was a brief greeting time. I'm not certain if this was a planned thing as they were having some confusion at this point of the service regarding announcements, etc

~MUSIC - The church had a five piece band consisting of drums, bass, rhythm guitar, lead guitar and piano. Music was a bit loud for my taste so I turned down my hearing aid (yes, I do wear hearing aids). I do like that in addition to contemporary praise and worship they included a hymn at the onset of the service as well as at the conclusion. 

~BALANCE OF MUSIC VS WORD - I would say the balance was good. 

~TECHNOLOGY UTILIZED - I loved the technology utilized. They had two screens in the front and utilized Power Point. That's always a plus for me. They even put the Scripture on the screen. They also have a website you are encouraged to go to where you can follow the outline of the pastor's sermon. Yes, they actually encouraged you to utilize your cell phone during the service! I always thought that would be a great idea. You can also give online. Guests (visitors) can complete a hardcopy visitor card or complete a card online, which is what I opted to do. 

ALTAR CALL/INVITATION - There was no formal altar call given but music was played at the end that would encourage you to pray. 

~ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS OFFERED - They have a medical mission trip coming up, Men's Bible study as well as Connect Groups (cell groups). They do have a youth pastor coming on staff soon.

~BIBLE VERSION USED- NLT

~PREACHING STYLE- Conversational

~USE OF SCRIPTURE - Good

~RELEVANT MESSAGE - It was Palm Sunday when we visited. Pastor was concluding a sermon series "Words From The Cross". Good solid message. 

~LENGTH OF SERVICE - 1 hour 15 minutes or so.

~OBSERVATIONS/ I enjoy the use of technology. I heard some praise and worship choruses that are new to us. That doesn't make them wrong it just means there was a learning curve for us. The words of these songs were very biblically solid and encouraging. 

For first time guests (visitors) they offered a gift bag at their visitor center. This bag contained a travel cup, mints & chocolate, a resource book for the Christian life, an invitation card to invite someone else to church, a welcome brochure along with a page of their core doctrine and beliefs. 

We also received an email from the pastor Monday afternoon acknowledging our visit and inviting us back. He also asked to let him know if we had any specific prayer requests. 

Overall, attending this church was a good experience and we would visit again. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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A New Day Is Dawning

It's an exciting time for Cindy and me. It truly is a dawning of a new day! Out ministry is changing and God is opening new doors for us. 

First, we left the pastorate of the church we were pastoring. Our last Sunday as pastor was this past Sunday. We love the people and wish them the best. God brought us back there just over three years ago to help with a transition. We accomplished what God brought us there to accomplish and now its time to move on to the next phase of ministry.

God really began preparing us for this transition last year as He opened doors for our music ministry, New Jerusalem Singers, more than ever before. Last year was the busiest year of music ministry we have ever had. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart last year letting me know He was going to be leading us out of the pastorate, once again. 

It's an exciting time as well as a big step of faith for us. We are excited that God continues to open more and more doors for us. I have no doubt we will be singing more this year than even last year. We praise God for His faithfulness and His leading. We know if we follow the plan He has laid out before us we will be blessed tremendously - or as I like to say, "He will bless our sox off!"

We ask for your prayers as we walk this new journey God has called us to. Prayers that doors will continue to open, new doors will open that have never opened before, doors will reopen that have been closed in recent years, for our health needs as well as our financial needs. I have no doubt God will meet every need we have - He always has. Above all, we ask for prayers that Jesus would be lifted up in what we say and do and that others would be won to Him and Christians would be encouraged through this ministry.

We invite you to come and join us whenever we are in your area. You may check out our schedule by going to our website at www.newjerusalemsingers.org and clicking on "Schedule".

If you would like to have us come and sing at your event, group or church please contact Cindy at 217 652-0423 or email us at newjerusalemsingers@gmail. com and let us know what date and time you are looking at. 

We also have a Facebook page. Just search for New Jerusalem Singers (it will have a picture and Cindy and me for the profile picture). Be sure to go to our Facebook page and "Like" us to stay in the know. 

We look forward to seeing our many friends in our travels. Between now and the next time our paths cross...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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