Be Still and Know. . . .

There is much noise in this world today. Television, radio, computers, cell phones, automobiles, airplanes, and other technological things of our day create noise and activity. Is it any wonder that we do not hear from God as we should? No, we cannot go back to the middle ages or even the 1800's but we can find that place and time with God to be still and silent and wait to hear His voice and fellowship with Him.

In a recent Bible College course, one of the professors (who is also a pastor) stated that one of the greatest needs for ministers today is to get alone with God and to be still and silent before God - not just a few minutes but for long quality times. This spoke to my heart and I have repented and have been seeking those times with the Creator.

My mind goes back to my early days as a Christian. I was in my late teens (18-19) and had been renewed with the Lord in youth camp after being away from him for several years. I was working in a printing shop in West Nashville, TN. There is much noise and activity in a print shop. Besides that, most of the men and women who worked there were not Christians and there was smutty talk and filthy joking. I had made my commitment to the Lord and was following Him daily but temptations were crowding in on me heavily. The men and women there could not accept that I, who used to be involved in their frivolity, was now transformed. I felt that I must find the time to be alone with God during the day. I only had 30 minutes for lunch. I begin to seek for that place to be alone with God.

Out behind this large printing company was a very small wooden structure. I noticed it one day when I was eating my lunch outside. It was about 50 feet from the back door and close to a railroad track. There was little to no traffic and the tracks were only for unloading the train cars. I went over to this very small structure and the door was ajar. I opened it and there was nothing in this structure of about 4 by 4 feet. The floor was dirt and there was no windows. I opened the door wide enough to see that the area was clear of any creatures. I went in and closed the door behind me. There in a little wooden structure, I found my place and time during the day to be alone, still and silent with my Creator. Many days I went to that place. Sometimes it was for 10 minutes. Sometimes it was for almost 30 minutes. It was the place where God came to me, strengthened me and spoke to me.

O yes, I found other places near my home but that is one place that will always be in my memory as the place where God sustained me, delivered me and simply loved me and fellowshipped with me during some of the most trying and tempting times of my Christian walk. May we find the time, the place and the determination to be alone, be still and silent before God.

The following link goes to a Youtube site that speaks more of this need in our lives. I borrowed it from a friend (Peggy Bell) who posted it on Facebook.

Click on the link below.

Clear The Stage

Blessings. . .

Blessings! What a great word to consider. Christians should be about blessings. There are enough negatives in this life, we need more positives - blessings. Jesus admonishes his disciples to have a spirit of compassion and blessing, not a spirit of cursing. Even when the world or those whom we reach out to do not accept our ministry we are to bless them.

What would happen if we blessed all those we know - even our enemies or those who despitefully use others. Yes, bless, bless, bless and look to God for all the rest. He will pour more into our lives than we could ever pour out as we bless, bless and bless some more. We are blessed to be a blessing. Our blessing should go upward as well. The Psalmist David declared, "Bless the Lord. . ."
As we bless Him with our lives and praises, he pours into us so that we can bless others. What an awesome, mighty God we serve.

Reader, I bless you today in Wonderful, Powerful, Glorious name of Jesus Christ!

Update -- Upcoming Events

Some time has past since my last post. Snows have come and gone and weather is seeming to moderate some. Karen and I continue to serve the church at Waverly and we are enjoying the work there. God is blessing us and we continue to seek his face and favor.

Below are upcoming local church and state events.

March 5-6 Youth Training Event at Camp Hickory Hills
Friday: 7:00 PM with Bishop Randall Howard, General Overseer, With Reception Following the Service

Easter Revolution Resurrection Revival at the Waverly Local Church of God of Prophecy.
This Revival will include Four Sundays - Two Before Easter Sunday and Two After Easter Sunday (March 21 & 28, 11 am and 5 pm and April 11 & 18, 11 am and 5 pm) Guest Ministers include, Chris Bohannan (March 21, both services), Bishop Eugene Weakley (March 28 both services), Todd Turpin and the Portland COGOP Youth Drama Team, John Cope, Speaker (April 11, 5 pm service). Other ministers will be announced as information becomes available.

State Men's Retreat: April 16-17 at Camp Hickory Hills, Dickson, TN, Go to the Tennessee State Web Site for more information or for application or call the State Office ((615) 824-3563).

State Ladies Retreat: April 30 - May 1 at Camp Hickory Hills, Dickson, TN, Go to the Tennessee State Web Site for more information or for application or call the State Office ((615) 824-3563).

Snow, Snow, Snow

On the NBC news tonight a report stated, "there was snow in 49 of the 50 states of the United States. Hawaii was the exception. Here in Middle Tennessee, more snow and cold weather has been our lot than in many years. The last large snow I remember her was in 1993 and it was somewhat larger than the one a couple weeks ago.

Our local assembly had to close for two Sunday's in January. That is a very unusual happening for any of our local churches. Being in a rural area contributed to the closing since there are hills and curves on the back and side roads where our people travel.

Weather predictions continue to show snow and cold weather in our future but as children of God we know that God has all things in the palm of His hand. We take courage and move forward in the power of God's command to reach out and make disciples of those who yet do not know our Savior and Lord.

The Waverly Church of God of Prophecy is becoming more focused and passionate about our Lord's passion - to seek treasures (lost ones) for Him to save and disciple. The Holy Spirit and the Bible is leading us onward and we are following.

Great Time In The Lord

We are thanking the Lord for a great time in our Sunday School and worship yesterday.

God blessed greatly.

We are also thankful for the Gene Hill Family who have been attending regularly and supporting the church for the past four months. He plays piano and they worship in special song. Their grandson Zachery also comes with them.

We are praying and thanking the Lord for His blessings and favor on the Waverly church. We do so much desire to see others come to know Jesus and join us on our journey to be with Him throughout eternity.

We are also thanking the Lord for $780.00 dollars that our small group totaled in giving to the Haiti relief effort.

Update

Karen and I have enjoyed the past couple weeks with the snow, cold weather and being together.

I enjoyed the Youth Harvest Training this past Thursday through Saturday. Karen went some in the evening.

Yesterday was a great day for worship. The presence of the Lord was great and the flow of the Spirit was awesome. We are thankful for the faithful ones that are coming.

We continue in the 21 day prayer and fasting intensive. We began on Jan. 4th so our time will continue through the 25th. Karen and I are doing the Daniel fast of eating no meat, no sweets (sugar) and no refined grain. We are following the Lord the best we can in this time of focusing on Him and seeking Him.

Death in Stephenson Family

Brenda, the youngest Sister of David, Leon, Linda and Glenda Stephenson, lost her husband yesterday to a long bout with cancer.

The family requests prayer for Brenda, the children and family and for safety on their five hour travel to the funeral in Arkansas.

Addendum: I failed to mention the other siblings. (Dewey, Francis and another brother in Florida)

David and Linda are members of the Waverly COGOP.