Wow. This is why we work so hard. There are so many like her who need to be reached and called back to Jesus. Heartland, we are entering our 7th year as a church fellowship! God has so blessed us over the years. I'm deeply thankful for the souls that have been saved and set free, the missionaries sent out, the power of the Holy Ghost that continues to fill the hungry, the maturing of believers through our discipleship process, not to mention the incredible presence of the Lord in our services.

All this, and more, makes me wonder, 'What does God have in store for Heartland?' Stick around, my friend. The best is yet to come! Jeri and I love you so much!

There was a conversation I had with an individual some time back who was expressing their strong desire to 'do something for God.'  This person had been enduring a season of uncomfortable circumstances that were causing him to deeply evaluate his life.  The result? He began seeking answers from His Heavenly Father; focusing his thoughts on what God wanted rather than what he wanted..

This reminds me of the activity of a mother eagle when building her nest. She builds her nest in the tallest trees on the highest mountain ledges. The nest is skillfully constructed by first laying down thorns, jagged stones and many sharp objects. Each of these materials seem useless in nest construction, but there is sound reason for this.

Afterward she covers it with a thick layer of wool, feathers and fur of animals she has killed. The rustic foundation of that nest becomes padded and comfortable, providing a perfect place for the baby eagles that will soon hatch.

Those eaglets will know delightful warmth and safety in that nest, but will not be allowed to stay there forever. The time will come when the mother eagle, who so diligently built that nest, will begin to remove the soft layers, causing her young to feel the jabs of the sharp rocks and thorns beneath. And those youngsters will no longer have their mother deliver their food directly to them, dropping it into their mouths. Their nest will be stirred up to the point that they are willing to evict themselves in order to find more comfortable surroundings. The mother eagle behaves in this manner, not to be cruel, but to stir them on to maturity and growth, equipping her young for future survival.

Be encouraged by this example from nature. Your present challenges might seem rough now, as with the young man mentioned above, but you can use these difficulties to become stronger. We are promised in God's Word that He will never leave us or forsake us, He will always be our refuge, our strength and joy. When we remain faithful to the Lord in testing, He rewards us. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2)

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Not one day passes that we don't receive feedback from those who listen to or view our sermons either by web or television. Oftentimes the notes are kind and encouraging, thanking us for preaching the Word with truth and clarity. Other replies are filled with angst, written by those who have been irritated by the Gospel message. Some simply write to argue, some to sincerely question because they're seeking. We welcome them all.

We recently received a response from a listener who does not claim to believe in God. This individual adamantly expressed his view that God is not the Creator of all that is; that idea is completely false in his mind. Instead, their faith rests in the fact that our billions of stars and planets 'simply happened.'

Our very own Al Roever stepped forward to respond. I figured that this man of God, who once lived life as an atheist, might enjoy sharing his thoughts with this person. He gave a great reply and so I'll share it here:
 "It's interesting that you would choose "the center of the universe" as your "creator" when science shows conclusively that there is no "center of the universe." It is definitely hard to understand given the "Big Bang" theory, but somehow the universe has no center - check it out for yourself. However, it is certain that the universe DID have a beginning. Out of no space and no time came both space and time. It is absolutely counterintuitive and foreign to our experiences that an event can happen without a cause. It is especially difficult to figure out how non- matter, non-energy, non-time and non-intelligence could bring about matter, energy, time and intelligence. The argument that the universe is eternal has major problems with the laws of physics and the evidence for the "Big Bang."

I have made a personal commitment to the premise: In the beginning, God! It has certainly proved to be more satisfying than: In the beginning, nothing. Especially since I have had a personal relationship with God for over forty years."

This is a great answer that blends science with personal experience. I remember a quote from my dear friend, Leonard Ravenhill, who beautifully stated, "The man that is intimate with God, will never be intimidated by man!" There's also a widely circulated quote that says basically, "The man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with only an argument."

Let me encourage you to live prepared to give an answer for what you believe as in 1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"

Each day brings fresh opportunity to let your light so shine before men so as to bring glory to the Lord. I pray that you be so full of His love and presence that you overflow to those around you.

With each passing day it becomes more evident that the church MUST rise up and answer the call to faithful, fervent and focused prayer. Our nation and culture as we know it has come under such attack. The Bible clearly tells us that we have an adversary; his goal is to steal, kill and destroy. We can be certain, that if anything is good, moral or righteous then prepare for the enemy's onslaught as he attempts to bring on its demise. While this may not sound very uplifting, I want to bring a tremendous encouragement to you today.

We as the people of God have at our disposal a fail- proof weapon that the forces of hell cannot overcome. We have God's faithful promises, given throughout His Word; IF we pray, then HE WILL answer.

As your Senior Pastor, I certainly welcome your prayers for myself, my family and our church. Attacks naturally increase when we take a strong, outspoken stand taken for righteousness. Please ramp up your prayers, each one of us has a vital role, and each one must take their post and be faithful to stand in intercession.

Below are just a few of the more popular scriptures regarding prayer. I urge you to take time today to go before the Throne of Heaven and verbally release the power of these scriptures through prayer. Now is the time for the church to rise up and call upon the Lord.

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place (2 Chronicles 7:14- 15).

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. (Philippians 4: 6)

Friends, these are the most exciting days of church history! Now more than ever we can be on the front lines of battle; best seat in the house to see the victory!

There's something on my heart today that I want to share with all who are feeling the pinch and pressure of this recession.  I know that financial concerns are on the increase and that can cause distress and lack of peace, so I want us to focus on what God's Word tells us about His faithfulness. Our Heavenly Father is steadfast, unchanging, and is always watching out for His children.  This brief passage appears in my devotional, Daily Awakenings. If you have been subject to the stress and uncertainty of these days, then let these words sink deep into your soul.

It is interesting to talk to people who once had the faith for God to save them, but now are lacking in faith for God to lead them, (or provide for them). Like a child, weeping tears of repentance, they once humbly received Jesus Christ as Savior and rose in newness of life. Without faith, this would have been impossible.
But now, years later, that same person who demonstrated saving faith in God is deficient in his keeping faith. Let's read the words of Charles Spurgeon on this matter:

Faith that refuses to obey the commands of the Savior is a mere pretence, and will never save the soul. When we trust Jesus to save us, He gives us directions as to the way of salvation. We follow those directions and are saved. Never forget to trust Jesus, and prove your trust by doing whatever He asks of you."

The One who mightily saved you can also guide and direct you (and provide for you). If you have trusted Him with your eternal life, is He not able to also care for this temporal life? Remember Psalm 37:25, 26; Matthew 6:25-29; and Philippians 4:19. My friends, we can trust Him!