Note to self.

My friend, you left Him a long time ago.
You picked up your scorecard,
you carry your woe.

To others you seem so strong and intact,
but sarcasm reigns.
You’re bitter. That’s fact.

We bleed when we’re cut: What’s inside comes out.
I see you drip loudly, as if it’s a shout.

“I’m bitter and hateful and vengeful-so what?”
There’s a smile on your face, your ears tightly shut.

Unbelief is a sin that leads down to Death
which many regret with one long, final breath.

Think further of this and examine yourself,
it can’t be done for you by power or wealth.

Get onto the narrow path that leads you to Him,
and follow that clear light, now growing so dim.

Don’t sit with the scoffer or spend any time,
Playing ‘what if’ games, so deep in your mind.

Satan cares not what got you; hate, fear or dread,
He’s a liar and murderer, and he wants you dead.

If he can’t kill you, he’ll take your joy.
His purpose is now: steal, kill and destroy!

Don’t let this murderer reign in your head,
Fill it with scripture and stand firm, instead.

The Adversary will use whatever he can
To hurt you and wound you, even a man.

People with skin on are just tools to him,
He likes to use them-but he can’t win!

Whatever he’s driving, however she’s dressed
Just know that our battle is not with the flesh.

Please be aware as he watches you fall,
He hopes you’ll stay down-not answer God’s call.

Although those around you may give you good grounds,
Don’t take the bait, it only leads down.

Let Him Who is Faithful, Righteous and True
Be the One Who Judges, instead of you.

If you should think it revenge that you need,
Bless your enemies instead, in thought word and deed.

Let God alone Judge, He is Faithful and True
And He never forgets, what has happened to you.

PRAY

On Sunday it was a blessing to meet with the "Berean Class," a class filled with God's people that have been seasoned with many of the trials that we, the Sowers, are going through.
We were all given an opportunity to share some of the trials that are heavy on our hearts and KNOW that others WILL pray for us and encourage us!

-Please keep Earl and Carol in your prayers this week as Earl has cancer, is ready to go home to his Savior and Carol is saddened to be left behind.

-Pray for Amy & Bryan as they continue to go to the "Running of the Rapids" class as they go through guiding teenagers through the turbulent waters of adolescence.

-Lucille's son, Kevin, has prostate cancer and will have surgery this Wed. at St. Josephs.

-Keep Chris, Amy & their kids in your prayers. We are in the turbulent waters with adolescent children and hope to stay afloat during this time. May this time be filled with peace and respect.

-Don & Linda are such a blessing with their willingness to run Ministry & More. Pray for the direction that God wants you to go and be willing to serve Him! (Let Don know if you are being called into ministry.)

-Please keep dear Christine, Gio, and Isabel in your prayers as they miss their dear Emilio each and every day. Please give them comfort and peace throughout the rest of their lives, particularly March 5th, the date they will celebrate the time they had with their precious child on the day that he went home to be with his father in heaven.

-Phyllis had two sons that went through the academy and they have went into the completely opposite directions since then. One of them, Lee, is now clean and sober, has a wonderful wife, and has been called to preach. His wife, DeDe is sick and we pray that she is able to get through this difficult time with her health and not need a tracheotomy.
http://www.facebook.com/LeeMonical - check out Lee's facebook page

-Keep Bill & Karen in your prayers as Bill got laid off this week. Given them peace during this time and the right opportunity for Bill to come.

-Be with Mike this week as he was in the hospital with heart and health issues.

-Roy spoke out about his 4 girls and boy and how they had all went through the academy. Unfortunately, his children, as well as ours, didn't come with a manual and that all of their lives haven't been a fairy tale as three of them have been divorced.
Be with our families Lord. Keep them strong in you, Lord, and give Glory to You!

-the Morgan's told us that their son, Jason, is in the marines. May you keep your protection over all of your people, Lord!

-Joyce had 4 children and was widowed. The Lord has meet her needs throughout her life and even gave her a wonderful husband. She is now widowed again and serving the Lord.
May we be an encouragement to her and may she be an encouragement to others that have been widowed.

-May Amy continue to be able to talk with others at her school about Jesus and His saving grace.

-Please keep the doors open for all of us to tells others about our Lord and Savior who can take care of ALL of our needs!

1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

Psalm 5:3
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Psalm 25:1
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.

Psalms 145:18
The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Phillipians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

James 5:13-16
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

DO YOU LOVE THE PEOPLE THAT GOD HAS PUT AROUND YOU AND HIS CHURCH? PRAY FOR THEM!
Please keep those that are in Haiti in your prayers and may all that is done to help them, help show them about our saving Lord. Help us, through our thoughts, words, and deeds, bring them to YOU, Lord!

Lord, be with our church, our church leaders, teachers, and the entire Calvary family!

PEACE

*_PEACE_* - THE WORD PEACE CAN REFER TO TWO DIFFERENT STANDINGS OF THE
BELIEVER. THE FIRST HAS TO DO WITH PEACE WITH GOD, WHICH IS BROUGHT
ABOUT BY ONE PLACING THEIR FAITH COMPLETELY IN JESUS CHRIST FOR
SALVATION. WHEN WE ACCEPT THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST FOR THE PAYMENT OF OUR
SIN, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IS CREDITED TO OUR ACCOUNT; THEREBY
BRINGING PEACE BETWEEN GOD AND THE INDIVIDUAL. THIS IS SPOKEN OF BY PAUL
IN*/ /_ROMANS 5:1:_*/ “THEREFORE BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE
WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST:”/

HOWEVER, THE PEACE SPOKEN OF IN THESE SCRIPTURES SPEAKS OF A TRANQUILITY
OF THE MIND AND SOUL BECAUSE OF THE DOMINATING PRESENCE OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT WITHIN US. THIS GIFT OF PEACE, AS JOHN CALLS IT, IS THE RESULT OF
OUR YIELDING OUR LIFE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR HIM TO OCCUPY ALL AREAS.
THEREFORE WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT IS IN CONTROL FEAR CANNOT DOMINATE US
BECAUSE THE HOLY SPIRIT KNOWS THE OUTCOME AND COMFORTS US WITH GOD’S
LOVE, DOING WHAT IS BEST FOR US IN ALL SITUATIONS OF OUR LIFE. THAT IS
WHY PAUL COULD SAY THAT /“WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD
TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD”*_ _*/*_ROMANS 8:28_*. WHEN WE REST IN GOD’S
PROMISES, / “WE MAY BOLDLY SAY, THE LORD IS MY HELPER AND I WILL NOT
FEAR WHAT MAN SHALL DO UNTO ME”* */*_HEBREWS 13:6._* GOD’S PRESENCE OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ABLE TO MAINTAIN PEACE IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS
REGARDLESS OF WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND US. TO WORRY IS TO DENY THE HOLY
SPIRIT THE RIGHT TO FILL US COMPLETELY. WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED TO WORRY,
ASK GOD TO FILL THAT AREA OF YOUR LIFE WITH HIS HOLY SPIRIT AND YOU CAN
ENJOY THE POWERFUL FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. GOD HAS PROVIDED AN
ALTERNATIVE TO WORRY AND ANXIETY. IT IS THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
WHICH PRODUCES PEACE IN US.

DO YOU LIVE WITH THE ABIDING PEACE OF GOD? IT IS ONLY POSSIBLE THROUGH
THE FILLING OF THE SPIRIT. ARE YOU SPIRIT-FILLED? DO YOU WANT TO BE
SPIRIT-FILLED?

*“KNOW THYSELF”*

For the long-haul.

Walking to the doorway I noticed a man sitting in a wheelchair. From where I stood I could only see his bandage-covered legs. They looked so painful. As one of the nurses walked in to take care of him, she closed the door. When she did, I began to pray for this man. I didn't know what was wrong but I knew it was bad. I asked the Lord to give him conviction that would lead him to repentance.

After many minutes the door opened wide and the nurse wheeled her cart out into the hall. I asked her if I could talk to him for a few minutes. She told me it was a great idea.

When I first began visiting in this particular nursing home, the staff was wary of me. Being protective of the residents, they wanted to make sure I would not disappoint them. Many people come to visit the residents...once or twice. But most don't come back. I admit it is sometimes very sad, but when I think of these people not hearing the gospel, I am compelled to go.

I was told the situation was grave; he had cancer and would not be here for long. I introduced myself and confirmed his name as I had seen it on the door.

"Do you have a couple minutes to talk to me?" I asked him.

"Two minutes...two days, two weeks." he said.

"Oh, great! I would love to get to know you a bit. Where are you originally from?"

He tried to answer but was unclear. He tried again but I could not understand what he was saying.

The CNA who was now in the room told me he was from 'up north'. I asked him what he used to do for work. I finally heard him when he told me that he had been a long-haul truck driver for 48 years.

"I know that you understand me and I want to ask you some questions. Are you up to it?"

He nodded and said, "Yes."

I told him that I was going to use the 10 Commandments to see what God would say. He was very honest and listened carefully to each question. He admitted to being a liar, blasphemer and adulterer.

"Since the scripture tells us that man is appointed to die once and then the Judgment, we know we will all be judged by God when we die. If you stood before God tonite do you think He would say you are innocent or guilty of breaking His Law?"

"Guilty as sin."

"Would He send you to Heaven....or to Hell?"

"To Hell."

I paused to let this fact sink in a moment. R. let me know that it bothered him to think of spending eternity in that awful place. He told me that he had heard of Jesus and also that He had died 'for our sins'. But after talking about the difference between head knowledge and complete trust, he realized the difference. He also realized that saying, 'I'm sorry about that' to God was not the same as repentance.

"God says we have to leave it behind us. When you drop the load, then you move on. You don't reload it, right?"

"Right." he mumbled.

"Is this making sense? Have you ever heard this before?"

"Never." (That answer always takes my breath away.)

"Do you think it's important enough to take care of?" I paused.

"Yes."

"It can only be taken care of by you talking to God, and since only God knows the number of our days it's quite a gamble to let it go. Do you want to talk to God and get this straightened out?" I gently asked him.

"Yes, I do."

"You can pray if you would like to and then let me know when you're done and I will pray, ok?"

R. said 'OK' as he looked up at the ceiling. After a few moments he looked at me.

"Are you finished praying?"

"Yes."

"Jesus made a payment for us we could never make, Isn't that awesome?"

"Absolutely, I believe that!" The smile on his face was priceless.

Psalms 91

Prayer Warriors Needed

On Sunday it was a blessing to meet with the "Berean Class," a class filled with God's people that have been seasoned with many of the trials that we, the Sowers, are going through.
We were all given an opportunity to share some of the trials that are heavy on our hearts and KNOW that others WILL pray for us and encourage us!

-Please keep Earl and Carol in your prayers this week as Earl has cancer, is ready to go home to his Savior and Carol is saddened to be left behind.

-Pray for Amy & Bryan as they continue to go to the "Running of the Rapids" class as they go through guiding teenagers through the turbulent waters of adolescence.

-Lucille's son, Kevin, has prostate cancer and will have surgery this Wed. at St. Josephs.

-Keep Chris, Amy & their kids in your prayers. We are in the turbulent waters with adolescent children and hope to stay afloat during this time. May this time be filled with peace and respect.

-Don & Linda are such a blessing with their willingness to run Ministry & More. Pray for the direction that God wants you to go and be willing to serve Him! (Let Don know if you are being called into ministry.)

-Please keep dear Christine, Gio, and Isabel in your prayers as they miss their dear Emilio each and every day. Please give them comfort and peace throughout the rest of their lives, particularly March 5th, the date they will celebrate the time they had with their precious child on the day that he went home to be with his father in heaven.

-Phyllis had two sons that went through the academy and they have went into the completely opposite directions since then. One of them, Lee, is now clean and sober, has a wonderful wife, and has been called to preach. His wife, DeDe is sick and we pray that she is able to get through this difficult time with her health and not need a tracheotomy.
http://www.facebook.com/LeeMonical - check out Lee's facebook page

-Keep Bill & Karen in your prayers as Bill got laid off this week. Given them peace during this time and the right opportunity for Bill to come.

-Be with Mike this week as he was in the hospital with heart and health issues.

-Roy spoke out about his 4 girls and boy and how they had all went through the academy. Unfortunately, his children, as well as ours, didn't come with a manual and that all of their lives haven't been a fairy tale as three of them have been divorced.
Be with our families Lord. Keep them strong in you, Lord, and give Glory to You!

-the Morgan's told us that their son, Jason, is in the marines. May you keep your protection over all of your people, Lord!

-Joyce had 4 children and was widowed. The Lord has meet her needs throughout her life and even gave her a wonderful husband. She is now widowed again and serving the Lord.
May we be an encouragement to her and may she be an encouragement to others that have been widowed.

-May Amy continue to be able to talk with others at her school about Jesus and His saving grace.

-Please keep the doors open for all of us to tells others about our Lord and Savior who can take care of ALL of our needs!

1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

Psalm 5:3
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Psalm 25:1
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.

Psalms 145:18
The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Phillipians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

James 5:13-16
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

DO YOU LOVE THE PEOPLE THAT GOD HAS PUT AROUND YOU AND HIS CHURCH? PRAY FOR THEM!
Please keep those that are in Haiti in your prayers and may all that is done to help them, help show them about our saving Lord. Help us, through our thoughts, words, and deeds, bring them to YOU, Lord!

Lord, be with our church, our church leaders, teachers, and the entire Calvary family!