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

www.facebook.com/rayspellbrink

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

www.facebook.com/rayspellbrink

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

Quit Beating Yourself Up Over Your Past

One thing many people have a difficult time doing is letting go of their past. Most of us have made mistakes in the past we wish we hadn’t. We’ve done things, perhaps, we were not proud of. Many have a hard time moving on from those mistakes.

We pray. We ask for forgiveness. We put it under the blood. Yet we have a difficult time leaving the past behind.  

Too often we continue to beat ourselves up over our past. Even though God has forgiven us we haven’t forgiven ourselves. We must accept God’s Grace and mercy regarding our past. If we fail to do this we will never walk in the victory and have the joy God intends for us to have.

Not only does Satan throw our past in our faces there are people who will bring our past up to us. However I believe the most detrimental one who throws our past in our face is self. We just have a hard time forgiving ourselves.

Talking to people through the years I am genuinely amazed at the sheer number of people who battle not forgiving themselves. It is astounding. 

Let’s take our past sin, failures, trials and heartaches to Jesus. Leave these burdens at the feet of Jesus. Don’t pick them back up. You will feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from your shoulders. 

We sing a song that I really like. The chorus really has a good message. 

Leave it there, leave it there

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there

If you trust and never doubt He will surely bring you out

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there 

Don’t carry the burden from your past. Don’t allow Satan, anyone else or even yourself to discourage you or bring you down because of what you did or didn’t do in your past.

Walk and live in the victory God intends for you. Turn it over to Jesus and smile the rest of the day.

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

 

 

 

Life Is Only Found In Jesus

People, today, are searching. They are searching for something that is true and genuine. They are searching in many different places and through many different means.

Many are searching for truth. They are searching in books, religious teachings even in institutional church services. Oftentimes they look to the Bible as a text book to find truth instead of looking to the One who is truth.

John 14:6 CSB

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

We must keep the Main Thing the main thing. While there is nothing inherently wrong with authors who write about Jesus, books written about Jesus, speakers who speak about Jesus and Bibles that point you to Jesus we must keep in mind these things are not Jesus. 

There is but one Jesus and He is the Living Word. 

John 1:1-2 CSB

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning.

John 1:14 CSB

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

As I have said often in my blog it comes down us having a relationship with the Living Word - Jesus. Relationships take work. Communication is a huge key to all successful relationships. We speak to Him in prayer and He speaks to us through the Bible as well as by way of the Holy Spirit who indwells believers.

Of all the relationships we cultivate none is more important than our relationship with Jesus. As important as our relationships are with our spouse, children, extended family and even friends there is no relationship more important than the relationship between us and Jesus. 

Jesus loves us unconditionally. He laid down His life for us. That’s love! The very least we can do is live for Him. 

It’s all about Jesus!

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

 

Times Of Uncertainty

We all face times of uncertainty in our lives. If you have not you will. That’s life. 

There will be times someone we count on let’s us down. There will be times when someone you love hurts you and it will cut deep. Sickness will take it’s toll and you will lose someone you love.  

Thankfully, if you will allow Him,God will show Himself faithful through the darkest of nights and toughest of times. His love is unconditional. There are no strings attached. Absolutely nothing can separate you from the love of God.

 

Romans 8:38-39 NLT

[38] And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. [39] No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The outcome of Paul’s search is that he can find nothing that can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. This is exciting to know there is nothing - absolutely nothing - that can separate us from the love of God. 

Stand on this Word. Embrace it. Let it sink in to your spirit. God loves you and is faithful.

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

You Can’t Hide Sin From God

We have a tendency to want others to perceive us in a certain way.  For example we often don’t want others to know the struggles we have in our lives with sin. We do our best to cover up these things. As far as other people are concerned we try to “pull the wool over their eyes”, as the old expression goes. 

While we may be able to hide sin from others and live each day as if all is well with us spiritually, the truth is we know better than that. More importantly, God knows better than that. 

There are times we may even try to convince ourselves that everything is fine with us. Sometimes we even try to justify the sin in our lives. The fact is, deep down in our heart we know better. As the above picture shows, it is ridiculous to even think we can hide sin from God. 

There are many Scriptures that deal with sin. One that comes to mind really encapsulates the thoughts in this blog post.

Numbers 32:23 CSB

But if you don't do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD; be sure your sin will catch up with you.

Whether or not others discover your sin, your sin will catch up with you. Don’t even consider the possibility of dabbling in sin. Sin cannot be tamed, outrun or shaken off. No matter how well you think you are hiding sin in your life your sin will catch up with you.

If you have sin in your life there is forgiveness. Isn’t that great to know? Let me share a couple of Scriptures about that.

1 John 1:9 CSB

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 2:1-2 CSB

[1] My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ the righteous one. [2] He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.

The only one who wins when we attempt to hide sin is the one who tempts us to sin - old smutty-face himself - the devil. 

We should not give the devil a foothold in our lives in any way, shape or form. Give him an inch and he will take a mile. Paul, the apostle, when writing to the church at Ephesus instructed them not to give the devil an opportunity (Ephesians 4:27). Don’t even give him a chance  

If you are a Christian you are on the winning side! God has provided for us everything we need to walk in victory and live a victorious Christian life. Let’s do it.

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

Rock Bottom

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when you feel you have hit “rock bottom”? It seems everything you set your hand to do falls apart? Your life is a mess. Maybe you have even asked yourself, “What else could go wrong?”  

I do believe there is often a purpose for these times. None of us likes going through these severe times. I know I have been at this point in my own life in the past. Not a fun time.

Maybe you find yourself at rock bottom now. You feel like you are at the end of your rope. You might be facing serious trials or heartache. You may feel no one understands what you are going through. Perhaps you feel unloved. Maybe you feel you don’t deserve to be loved by anybody - even by God. 

I once heard someone say, “When you get to the end of your rope tie a knot in it hold on tight and swing.” You see, God does love you. You have worth. There is a way out. 

Remember, sometimes God let’s you hit rock bottom so that you realize that He is the Rock at the bottom. Stand on Jesus, the Solid Rock! Build your faith on Him. It’s about a solid relationship with Jesus firsthand foremost. Everything else is secondary. 

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

Messed Up People

Have you ever crossed paths with someone professing to be a Christian who thinks they are better than others? Yeah, me too.

They don’t want to be bothered with “messed up” people. They are “religious” people who often look down their noses at these “messed up” people. They tend to only want to be around people much like themselves.  

It makes you wonder what Jesus would say about this behavior. Well, actually, we do not have to wonder. Jesus took on this subject head on.

There is a great analogy of this found in a New Testament parable Jesus shared.

Luke 10:25-37 CSB

[25] Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" [26] "What is written in the law?" he asked him. "How do you read it?" [27] He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind," and "your neighbor as yourself." [28] "You've answered correctly," he told him. "Do this and you will live." [29] But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" [30] Jesus took up the question and said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. [34] He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him. When I come back I'll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.' [36] "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" [37] "The one who showed mercy to him," he said. Then Jesus told him, "Go and do the same."

Here we see Jesus illustrates this quite simply. The religious leaders crossed over to the other side of the street to avoid having to deal with a “messed up” person. They didn’t want to take the time or put forth the effort to deal with this messy situation. In essence, they did not want to get involved. 

It was the Samaritan who had compassion and stopped to help the distressed man. Keep in mind Samaritans we’re considered “half-breeds” and were looked down upon by the Jews of the day. Yet it was the Samaritan who seen a need, stopped to help plus payed what was considered two months wages to the innkeeper. Upon his departure he told the innkeeper to take care of the man and he would settle up any other expenses when he came back through  

How about us? Do we take time for “messed up” people? If our paths crossed someone in need will we stop and tend to them? Will love them and be Jesus to them? It brings to mind a chorus to a song:

Oh to be His hand extended

Reaching out to the oppressed

Let me touch Him, Let me touch Jesus

So that others may know and be blessed 

  

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

 

 

 

Is It Time To Move Forward?

So often we fail to move forward or even move on to things God has in store for us. As a rule, many people don’t like change. We are comfortable with the way things are. We don’t want to have to step outside of our comfort zone even if we know we should.

It’s very possible God will close doors that we are trying our best to keep open. He wants to move us onto bigger and better things but He knows until the current door closes we won’t budge. The bottom line is the current door must shut if we are going to move forward with God. 

If you find yourself in this situation today allow God to close the current door and move on in Him. The next door - the next opportunity - God has in store for you will amaze you. Everything God does is amazing and will have amazing results if we walk through the door He is opening for us. I know these things to be true as I speak from personal experience.

While the transition may be challenging for those who resist change, the reward and outcome will be worth it all. God knows what He’s doing. Trust Him!

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

God Has A Plan

I’m a firm believer that God has a plan for every individual. I have believed this for many years  I have shared this with many people.   

I think many of us often have preconceived notions of what that plan looks like God has for us. We attempt to confine God to a box of what we think He wants for us. By doing so we limit God’s ability to fully reveal His plan for us. You see, we can limit what God does in our lives. We see examples of that in the Bible. 

We serve an “outside the box” God. We look for Him to reveal His plan for our lives in conventional ways. We don’t look outside the box. By doing this we can miss God’s leading, will and plan for our lives.

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.

God knows the plan He has in mind  for each of us. It’s a plan taylor-made for us. God is well aware of our gifts, personality traits and our quirks. In fact He often uses these things to accomplish His plan and purpose in our lives.

It doesn’t matter how young or old you are. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, educated or uneducated, an extrovert or an introvert, have good health or bad health - God has a plan for you!

The plan God has for each of us is for our own well being. His purpose is to give us a purposeful future that is full of hope.

I encourage you to look “outside the box” and see what God has for you. Embrace God’s plan for you. You will find no greater joy than knowing God’s plan and being in the center of His will.

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

Leave The Drama Behind

 We live in a day of division.  Bitterness and anger run rampant among friends, families, co-workers, churches and even countries. We are certainly seeing more than our share of it in the USA. I have never seen a more divided time than what we are experiencing today. It’s heartbreaking and sad to see what is going on and how this division is impacting all those involved.

People and people groups get their feelings hurt far too easily these days. Political correctness is running amuck. It’s crazy! Everywhere you look there is drama. Sometimes it even turns dangerous and deadly.

I do agree with the above. I have never been one to like drama. I don’t like it in families, work places, churches or my country. Frankly, I don’t see the point. I am aware of the old adage, “The squeaky wheel gets the greased”. Many start drama and carry on until they get their way. How sad. What a miserable life they must have.

I learned a long time ago to walk away from drama and the people who start it. I still love and care about these people but I want no part of the lifestyle of drama they have chosen for themselves. 

I choose, rather, to be around people who are a positive influence. People who bring a smile to my face. People who make me laugh. People who are there to lean on when times are tough. You know, people you enjoy being around.

As for the drama queens, I will certainly pray for them that they, too, will be free from their self imposed bondage. If you are one of them, come and walk with me - away from the drama. Life is, indeed, too short to be anything less than happy. 

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

Modern Religion Vs The True Gospel

There is much emphasis on numbers these days. This is especially true in churches. Actually, it has been this way in institutional churches for as long as I can remember. It’s all about the numbers. If a group of pastors gather at a meeting or conference it’s going to come up in conversation in short order. “How large is your church?” Or “How many do you have in your church?” I’ve been asked this question every time I attended a pastor’s meeting. 

We like to say numbers are important to the extent that each number represents a soul who will spend eternity in heaven or hell. I agree wholeheartedly with this statement. However, I do not believe I was asked this question, at least in most cases, for such a noble reason. My observation was more along the lines of importance and ego. The more people a particular pastor has in his church the more important he is and the greater his ego. The fewer people you have the less important you are to the work of God.  

I like what AW Tozer said here. I believe he hit the nail on the head. Today’s modern religion has been brought down to mere numbers. Oftentimes in order to get the big numbers it entails a watered-down version of the gospel, worldly music and antics and celebrities. By compromising they can fill a building. 

Preaching and teaching the true gospel to receptive hearts will fill people with God. This is substance for tough times. This will give them victory. This enables them to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. This looks different than the “big worldly churches” that so many flock to. 

I so enjoy the free expression of God’s church in whatever shape or form it takes and wherever it happens. Remember, WE are the church. When we gather, wonderful things happen. It matters not if you gather in a dedicated building, a park, a restaurant, someone’s home or backyard. It’s also important each person gathering has the opportunity to have input should they so desire and be moved by the Holy Spirit to do so. 

I believe, without a doubt, God’s church is an “outside the box” group of believers who love God and love one another. This group of believers desire more of God and to grow in His grace. This group of believers has the true gospel that emphasizes filling others with God. 

Don’t be fooled by modern religion. Don’t become complacent by the modern gospel. Rather, let’s make Jesus the center of all we do. Let’s give Him place to work on us and through us. Let’s put forth the true gospel and see others filled with God. Let’s do it for the glory of God. 

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

From One “Bummer” Sheep To Another

      This was posted on a group I belong to  it was verified by several who are shepherds or who work with sheep. There is nothing more for me to add. Please read the story and see the beauty of our relationship with Jesus, the Great Shepherd.

***

    Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. If the lamb is returned to the ewe, the mother may even kick the poor animal away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind.

     These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with its neck. Their spirit is broken. These lambs are called “bummer lambs.” 

    Unless the shepherd intervenes, that lamb will die, rejected and alone. So, do you know what the shepherd does? He takes that rejected little one into his home, hand-feeds it and keeps it warm by the fire. He will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to his chest so the “bummer” can hear his heartbeat.

     Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock. But that sheep never forgets how the shepherd cared for him when his mother rejected him. 

    When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess who runs to him first? That is right, the “bummer” sheep. He knows his voice intimately. It is not that the bummer lamb is loved more, it just knows intimately the one who loves it. 

      So many of us are “bummer” lambs, rejected and broken. But He is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heart beat. We may be broken but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd.

From one bummer sheep to another… I love 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 or forward this blog.

Check out my website at www.rayspellbrink.com

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.

Check out my website at www.rayspellbrink.com

Jesus Gives A Fresh Start

My path has crossed people who are discouraged and down on themselves for something done in the past. They have prayed to God and asked for forgiveness. Based on the promises of God they are forgiven!  You see, when you come to Jesus things change. You are forgiven. God removes your sin as far as the east is from the west. We are new creations. How cool is that?

2 Corinthians 5:17 CSB

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!

The problem is we sometimes have a difficult time accepting we are forgiven. We cannot let the past go. Some tend to dwell on the past and become obsessed with what God has forgiven and removed. Why put yourself through that? Is that God’s intent? Is that God’s best? Absolutely not!

Sometimes we have so-called “friends” like job had who, after he lost all his possessions, his family and even his own health, stood with him to accuse him of sin. Job knew he had not sinned. Hear this, once sin is confessed it is forgiven and forgotten by God. It’s as if you never committed it. The blood of Jesus is powerful!

There are times, of course, when Satan or one of his demons will throw things up in your face from your past. If it’s under the blood simply rebuke him or those thoughts in the name of Jesus. 

Refuse to entertain these things from your past. They will bring you down and steal your joy and victory. We know it’s God’s will to live and walk in victory.

 

Thank God for a fresh start. Because of His love, His mercies are new every morning! Praise God for that! We all need His grace and mercies renewed every morning. We can shout to God, as Jeremiah did, “Great is your faithfulness!”

Lamentations 3:22-23 CSB

[22] Because of the LORD's faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!

This post seems to go hand in hand with last weeks blog post. If you missed it I encourage you to check it out. God laid these thoughts on my heart three weeks ago so I know they are meant to encourage someone on their journey.

Keep your head held high. Know who you are in Jesus. Know that you know you are the King’s kid. Do not, by any means, allow the enemy to defeat you in any way. Look to Jesus for that fresh start each day. 

 

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

Sometimes We Just Need To Be Comforted

 

We don’t always feel like we are on top of the world. There are times when we feel down. Perhaps we lose someone close to us through death. Maybe you are facing challenges in your family or at work. The bottom line is, right or wrong, life’s circumstances can bring us down.

In the Bible you might recall a man who faced some very serious challenges in life. The man’s name was Job. Job was a righteous man whose life had been abundantly blessed by God. Then came the tough times. In a very short period of time Job lost everything he owned. He next received word each of his children had died. Job even lost his own health. He had three friends and his wife left. These so-called friends told him he must have sinned against God and was being punished. In fact they hounded him about this and wouldn’t let it go. His own wife told him he would be better to curse God and die. He refused to do so  and was willing to accept the bad along with the good God had given him  

What Job really needed was words of comfort as opposed to words of condemnation. There was no one there willing to offer him these words of comfort. Instead, his “friends” and even his wife judged him on the circumstances he found himself in and condemned him. How sad.

Even the great prophet of God, Elijah, found himself down and out facing depression. This happened after a great victory. God used Elijah to challenge the prophets of Baal and the prophets of the grove to pray down fire from heaven. God answered Elijah’s prayer and this resulted in a great number of people turning to God. It also resulted with Elijah receiving a death threat from Jezebel. This caused Elijah to run. At this point he was depressed and feeling sorry for himself. God sent an Angel with some wonderful words of comfort. God gently reminded Elijah He was still there and he wasn’t alone. God even provided food and water for Elijah. I would encourage you to read 1 Kings chapters 17-19. 

Perhaps you have been facing some down time in your life - a period of depression. If you are a Christian, be encouraged! Let me leave you with some Scriptures to meditate on. You should find great comfort in these verses  

Hebrews 13:5-6 CSB

[5] Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. [6] Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

1 Corinthians 10:13 CSB

No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.

1 Peter 5:7 CSB

Casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

2 Timothy 1:7 CSB

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

Hebrews 4:16 CSB

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

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