My Dinner Guest

Joseph: described Matthew "a righteous man".

I’d ask him how he felt when he found out that the girl he was engaged to was pregnant not by him

Humiliated?  Embarrassed?  Angry?

Did he have trouble believing Mary when she said God was the baby's father?

The Bible says he loved both God and Mary, and it seems he really struggled with the decision of what to do.  

he was a "good man" by his decidion to "divorce her quietly" rather than humiliate her publicly.

I admire his faith - come on think about it - to believe the message of a dream... that he should accept the baby in Mary's womb as the Son of God and share with her the humiliation and endure with her the small town gossip…..   take her into his home, protect her, care for her and her baby, and that he should raise "God's Son," as his own child.

Then I’d like to talk to him about the fact that their baby, was born in an animal shelter because "there was no room for them in the inn."

Why did he have to go to an inn in the first place?

After all, Bethlehem was Joseph's home town, why wouldn't he and Mary have been able to stay with family or friends?

What made them so unwelcome in their homes?    

· because the scandal of Mary's pregnancy?          

· because Joseph continued to love and care for her?

It seems Christmas cost Joseph his family and friends.

Then the fact that they had to flee for their lives to Egypt leaving behind their home, business everything they had!  

Think of Joseph having to take his family into a foreign country where they didn't understand the language or the culture.

I really respect Joseph being willing to pay the price of bringing Jesus into his world and for that matter into ours.

Joseph paid a price that actually relates to each of us as fellow believers. He cared for Mary while Christ was being formed in her.   He set aside his ambitions and desires in order to nurture, train, and develop this the child of God. His greatest task and his real success was not in how many tables and chairs he built, but in nurturing and developing Jesus so that He could fulfill His mission.

When I look at Joseph’s life (very few people do) I see that none of us have been chosen to do our own thing.  Rather we are to develop the Jesus-life in others.

Think about it, Joseph accepted the responsibility to care for, protect, and nurture the life of God's Son.

Is that not to be our primary focus - our life the task:

Developing, Disciplining, Influencing, Training, Protecting, Nurturing, Equipping ……. people for the kingdom of God.

Our life task is developing the Jesus-life in those with whose lives and futures we’ve been entrusted.

In closing please consider the Cost of Christmas... 

· What will it cost you to bring Jesus into your world?

· What will it cost you to bring Jesus into your family,  workplace, your circle of friends and acquaintances?

It may not involve public humiliation or relocating to another country, but than again it might!       

                                                                                                                       

It may involve some misunderstanding, some discomfort, some sacrifice, some changes in your life. Certainly it will involve less of you and more of God.

It may involve less of what you can do and achieve and more of what you can develop and nurture in others.

Once again God is looking for Josephs to accept the responsibility for nurturing, disciplining, and developing the life of Jesus in others.

I encourage you to do as Joseph did and give yourself to developing the Jesus life in others.

We Are Moving... to God knows where!

Due to the "sick air" in the building where we house our Ministry Offices we have concluded our lease. We are going to be completely out of there by the 12th of December. We will for a short time be using our home office on Sidley Mountain Road. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Our prayer is that we will be able to locate a building that will be able to not only house our offices but our Sunday meeting area as well.

"Where Does The Time Go?"

I'm working from home today (dial up)and things are a bit slow. However, we have been off line too long. It is already December and we are only 22 days away from another Christmas.

Our fellowship is entered in the Osoyoos Christmas Parade and we are anticipating an opportunity to witness for God, our God. On Sunday we are inviting folk to join us for a Christmas Continental Breakfast.

I'd really appreciate your prayers for a young man (16) Nathan who is in need of God's healing power. He has been diagnosed with cancer and is presently in Calgary Children's Hospital.

Sad News

We were sorry to hear that Pastor Wes Mohninger passed away yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

We're Back!

We are back at it! We've been very busy fighting the forest fires that raveged BC this summer. Sorry we've been silent on the blog.

We'll try to make up for it...

More CANADA DAY PARADE

A few more pics

CANADA DAY 2009

The Yard Sale Was Awesome!

We were blown away by the help from our fellowship. What an incredible bunch of people. Judi and I are blessed beyond words! We were able to raise over 690.00. Whow! Thanks again to the Gathering Place family.

Imagine

This past week has been very moving for me. It started out when Casey and I reviewed a little audio clip. I had heard this before but I found I was instantly in a state of weepiness.

I wanted more than anything to be the one preaching those wonderful statements. “Are you going to the revival?” “What church?” “It doesn’t matter.”

Imagine God moving in Osoyoos—not just in a church but in all of the town. I long for my sons and daughter to see—to experience—to be a part of a God ordained REVIVAL.

I am very excited about what God has done in the past and certainly as to what He is doing right now. However, I hunger for more! There has got to be more! This can’t be all that there is, God our God says He wants to do more than our minds can imagine.

Influenced By C.S. Lewis "Mere Christianity"

Those visiting our fellowship should be warned that we offer no help to anyone who is as they say, “church shopping”. If you are hesitating between two Christian "denominations", you will not learn from us whether you ought to become an Anglican, a Baptist, a Pentecostal or a Presbyterian. This is intentional (even in the list I have just given the order is alphabetical). We are not better or worse than any other Christian church in Osoyoos, just different.
There is no mystery about our own position. We are very ordinary people who are in relationship with an extra ordinary God. We are part of Life Church International, but we are not trying to convert anyone to our own position. We have the utmost confidence that God, our God is able to direct you to the fellowship of believers that will best suit your path in life.

Sad News

Our dear friends and co-pastors Keith and Lynne Jones have sold their home in Osoyoos and are moving to Greenwood. This is mainly for health reasons but I got to say they will surley be missed.

We are going to continue working together through The Gathering Place and Sidley Mountain Cowboy Church, but they were so involved in our Main Street mionistry that God will have to bring four people in to replace them. This is not a "blessed subtraction" this couple has won my heart and respect and I will miss my time with them.

We will have a "Going Away" get together for the Jones in late April.

Surprise Visit

Well today was just made a little brighter.... Ethan Wolfe brought his mommy in for a visit. It was a cool spring day and Ethan had taken his mom for a walk. No walk is really complete without \a quick stop in at The Gathering Place on Main. ;-)

Thanks little buddy.

Congrats!

Pastor Casey and Elizabeth got married March 21st. It was an awesome time. We really enjoyed visiting with friends and family. We are trusting God to watch over Casey and Liz.
Thanks to all of you who have been praying for them.

A Further Word by Dave Wilkerson

If the foundations be destroyed, what shall the righteous do?"Recently I felt compelled to send out an URGENT message warning of an impending great calamity - such that will cause even God's elect to tremble.One Bishop asked, "Is there no further word: How should the righteous respond to such a word?"

I can only answer by sharing what the Holy Spirit is speaking to my own heart and what I am to do. I shared that I was led in a practical way to lay aside a month's supply of food - because I have witnessed the panic in the wake of terrorism. That has to be a personal word for every individual.

This is what I hear the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart concerning my own spiritual response to impending calamity. It is simply this -"STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD."

And Moses said to the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show you today.The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace" Exodus 14:13-14

This is the attitude of faith in the face of calamity.

What could Israel do on the brink of the Red Sea? Pharaoh's army is pressing in, mountains are on both sides, and there is an impossible sea ahead. The flesh cries, "Do something!"The flesh cries hopelessness. Can God's people dry up the sea? Level a mountain? Fight a great army without having weapons? They are in what appears to be a dreadful, frightening situation. God's people tremble - and in this hour of trembling comes a word from God.

In essence:"Stand still. Fear not. This is the hour of salvation. You are going to witness the pulling down of the foundations of a world power. But in the same hour, I will fight for you. Hold your peace - be still and see my works."

Beloved, my warning is just one voice among many who are saying the same thing. We may all tremble for a season, but those who truly know God's Word will be quickly comforted by the Holy Spirit. We will be baptized with a great peace - a supernatural quietness - which will be a tremendous witness to the fearful multitudes.

In Christ, David Wilkerson Posted by David Wilkerson on 3/09/2009

Urgent Message from David Wilkerson

I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world. AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE - EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US.

For ten years I have been warning about a thousand fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience riots and blazing fires-such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles, years ago.There will be riots and fires in cities worldwide. There will be looting-including Times Square, New York City. What we are experiencing now is not a recession, not even a depression. We are under God's wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written,"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (v. 3).God is judging the raging sins of America and the nations. He is destroying the secular foundations.The prophet Jeremiah pleaded with wicked Israel, "God is fashioning a calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh, turn back each of you from your evil way, and reform your ways and deeds. But they will say, It's hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart" (Jeremiah 18:11-12).

In Psalm 11:6, David warns, "Upon the wicked he will rain snares (coals of fire).fire.burning wind.will be the portion of their cup." Why? David answered, "Because the Lord is righteous" (v. 7).

This is a righteous judgment-just as in the judgments of Sodom and in Noah's generation.WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO?

WHAT ABOUT GOD'S PEOPLE?
First, I give you a practical word I received for my own direction. If possible lay in store a thirty-day supply of non-perishable food, toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of an impending disaster.As for our spiritual reaction, we have but two options. This is outlined in Psalm 11. We "flee like a bird to a mountain." Or, as David says, "He fixed his eyes on the Lord on his throne in heaven-his eyes beholding, his eyelids testing the sons of men" (v. 4). "In the Lord I take refuge" (v. 1).

I will say to my soul: No need to run...no need to hide. This is God's righteous work. I will behold our Lord on his throne, with his eye of tender, loving kindness watching over every step I take-trusting that he will deliver his people even through floods, fires, calamities, tests, trials of all kinds.Note: I do not know when these things will come to pass, but I know it is not far off. I have unburdened my soul to you.

Do with the message as you choose.
God bless and keep you, In Christ,DAVID WILKERSON Posted 3/07/2009

Spiritual Health Check

Happy moments…..PRAISE GOD
Difficult moments…..SEEK GOD
Quiet moments…..WORSHIP GOD
Painful moments…..TRUST GOD
Every moment…..THANK GOD

You Gotta Love This Judge

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY
In Florida, an atheist created a case against the coming Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days.The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.'Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned.

You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture! (forwarded to us)

The Bible Does Not Say....

"Stay ye there for between the walls of this building and they will come unto your potluck dinner" … it says, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. (NIV) Mark 16:15

Be Real

The world is tired of hype. Set the standard high. Be genuine.
Someone wrote:

Do you know, do you understand
that you represent, Jesus to me?

Do you know, do you understand
that when you treat me with gentleness,
it raises the question in my mind
that maybe He is gentle too.
Maybe He isn't someone
who laughs when I am hurt.

Do you know, do you understand
that when you listen to my questions
and you don't laugh, I think,
"What if Jesus is interested in me too?

If you care, I think maybe He cares
and then there's this flame of hope
that burns inside of me, and for a while
I am afraid to breathe
Because it might go out.

Do you know, do you understand
that your words are His words?
Your face, His face to someone like me?

Please be who you say you are.
Please, God, don't let this be another trick.
Please let this be real.
Please

Do you know, do you understand
that you represent, Jesus to me?

What Is Inductive Study?

This study method is a method that anyone can use.
It involves three skills: observation, interpretation and application.

Observation teaches you to see precisely what the passage says. It is the basis for accurate interpretation and correct application.

Observation answers the question: What does the passage say?

Interpretation answers the question: What does the passage mean?

Application answers the question: What does it mean to me personally?
What truths can I put into practice? What changes should I make in my life?

My dear friend, when you know what God says, what He means, and how to put His truths into practice, you will be equipped for every circumstance of life.

As we go on this adventure together, remember that God can give you insight at any point in your study, so be sensitive to His leading.

Take the Word as He reveals it to you, eat it, every bit of it. Allow it to become part of you, for as James says, it is the implanted Word that is able to save your soul.

As you study the Bible chapter by chapter and book by book, you will grow in your ability to comprehend the whole counsel of God. The result of this is a "wholeness" of spirit, character and life.

The very heart of inductive study is: seeing truth for yourself, discerning what it means, and applying that truth to your life. In His inspired Word, God has given us everything we need to know about life and godliness. But He doesn't stop there. He gives every believer a resident teacher - the Holy Spirit - who guides us into His truth.

I remind you in this introduction that Prayer is a vital key. Far too often prayer is overlooked.

Certainly NO study method apart from the Holy Spirit will be effective.... therefore it is imperative that you begin with prayer. I remind you that it is the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides us in all truth. Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth would take the things of God and reveal them to us.

I cannot emphasize this point enough... ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you study the Word. Ask for open ears to hear, and open eyes to see.

Where Do We Get Discernment?

John reminds us that the Spirit abides in us in order that we might be empowered to distinguish truth from error.

"And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him (in context referring to the Holy Spirit) abides in you, and you have no need to have anyone teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him" I John 2:27

John teaches that the Spirit of God, Who lives in each believer, is our personal, private tutor.

To be sure, God has given us pastors and teachers for our edification
I Corinthians 12:28 but remember that they are in addition to and not a substitute for the Holy Spirit.

This allows the humblest believer in Christ may be taught of God through His Word, even when human teachers are lacking.

The Lord Jesus makes it abundantly clear in these words,

"When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you"
John 16:13-14

The apostle John quoted Isaiah 54:13 recording Jesus' promise that
"THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD”

The Holy Spirit has inspired the Word and He alone can bring illumination as we read the Word. When we devote ourselves to the study of His Word, with a keen awareness of our need to continually depend on our Teacher, the Holy Spirit, we will experience the joy of self, Spirit led discovery of God's Truth, Truth that will set us free so that we might be free indeed!

YBH Yes But How?

In terms of Bible study methods, you can study someone else's study or you can study the Scripture for yourself.

"Knowledge that is self-discovered is stored in the deepest part of the mind and remains the longest in the memory. There is no jewel more precious than that which you have mined yourself."

I hear and I FORGET

I see and I REMEMBER

I do and IUNDERSTAND

Inductive study focuses first upon the Bible. You need to be willing to lay aside your preconceived notions, pet interpretations, ready references, study notes, sermon tapes, etc, coming to the Scriptures as if FOR THE FIRST TIME.

Prayer: “Holy Spirit I welcome your leading. You have promised to bring me into all truth. Please find me willing to hear what you have for me to learn. Heal me of my pre-conceived ideas and opinions. Remove the wax of worldly knowledge from my ears. Heal me of dull hearing and open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your word.”

Try This...

In-duc-tion: (in-duk’shan) The bringing forward of separate FACTS as evidence in order to prove a general statement

Read the following scripture and underline the facts. There should be at least 8 seperate facts when you are done.

John 14:1-6
Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. “And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Got A Minute?

Before we begin may I ask you a few questions?

· Do you long to know God?

· Do you yearn for a deep and abiding relationship with Him?

· Do you want to live the Christian life faithfully – and know what He requires of you?

Most Christians have been encouraged to study the Word of God, yet many have never been shown how. The very heart of Inductive study is seeing truth for yourself, discerning what it means, and applying that truth to your life.

In His inspired Word, God has given everything we need to know about life and godliness. But He doesn’t stop there.

He gives every believer a resident teacher - the Holy Spirit - who guides us into His truth. Notice it says, “into, not up to”.

The Bible needs no other books or truths to supplement it.

In inductive study the Bible becomes its own commentary, and it can be understood by any believer.

We will begin each study with prayer.

Prayer is often the missing element in Bible study. You are about to learn the most effective method of Bible study there is. Yet apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, that’s all it will be - a method. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth, who takes the things of God and reveals them to us.

Always ask God to teach you as you open the scriptures.

Climb With Us.....

The Gathering Place is proud to bring you an instructional class on the Inductive Study Method. This little known study method is perhaps the best kept secret in God’s kingdom.

We have had the honor of seeing hundreds of people helped as they followed these three easy steps. It is our sincere belief that this method of study will revolutionize your spiritual life as well.

Our pastoral staff is praying that as you study God’s Word, you will get to know Him, for we have seen first hand that those who know God have great energy for God!

Matthew 5:1 (The Message) When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.

You are welcomed as a fellow climber as we travel to the High Ground of God’s Word!

This study method is intended to give pointers to help you in your “untried” faith, producing in you spiritual maturity and bringing you to a place of Abiding Faith.

So in faith, together we will climb up the mountain to a quiet place, under an open heaven, with an open Bible, and in the fellowship of the believers.

May God bless you with the understanding of His magnificent Word.

Pastor Ed

We love to talk. Nothing is opened more wrongly at the wrong time than our mouth. Our mouths get us into a lot of trouble. James in Chapter 3 says, If you can control your mouth, you're perfect…. literally "mature, healthy".

Three reasons we have to learn to manage our mouth.

MY TONGUE DIRECTS WHERE I GO: Our tongue is like a rudder that steers us. Don't like the way you're headed, change the way you talk. Some people think it may be best not to say anything. A guy joined the monastery. He was given a 3 year probation period where he was not to speak at all, at the end of each year he could say two words. At the end of the first year he said, "Bed hard." At end of the second year he said, "Food cold." At the end of the third year he says, "I quit". The head priest says, "Doesn't surprise me. All you've done is complain since you got here."

MY TONGUE CAN DESTROY WHAT I HAVE v. 5 James gives another illustration. Imagine a beautiful forest - tall beautiful trees everywhere. Now imagine it in one minute up in smoke, completely destroyed by a tiny match. A careless camper can destroy an entire forest overnight. A careless word can destroy a life overnight. Gossip like fire, spreads quickly and wrecks havoc.

Fire and words under control can give tremendous warmth and light, but fire and words out of control can be devastating. A couple comes in for marriage counseling. "I said this and then she said that, then I said this..." Then what happened? "All hell broke loose".

MY TONGUE DISPLAYS WHO I AM It reveals my real character. It tells what's really inside of me. James says, with the tongue we praise God and with the same tongue we curse men who've been made in God's likeness. From the same mouth come praise and curses. My brothers, this should not be. Cursing here means any kind of put down.

Have you heard someone say, "I don't know what got into me. It's not like me to say that. I don't know why I said that. It's totally out of character.” James would say, “No, that is exactly like you. Quit kidding yourself. What's inside is going to come out. What comes out of a well is what is inside of it.” Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Your tongue problem is more serious that you think… for it is heart related.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? Get a new heart Ezekiel 18:31 Rid yourself of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit! Painting the outside of the pump doesn't make any difference if there is poison in the well.

Ask God for help every day. Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips

As my old cowboy friend says, you don’t need to say everything you think.

So my tongue can direct where I go; it can destroy what I have; and most of all, it clearly displays my true character. Bottom line - don’t let your tongue lick you!

Our CAN DO GOD!

Jeremiah 32:17 - “Lord, You stretched out Your mighty arm and made the sky and the earth. You can do anything.”

Jeremiah 32:27 - “Jeremiah, I am the Lord God. I rule the world and I can do anything!”

Matthew 19:26 - “With God, all things are possible.”

Daniel 3:16-18 “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not worried about what will happen to us. If we are thrown into the flaming furnace, our God is able to deliver us and He will deliver us out of your hand, Your Majesty. But if He doesn’t, please
understand, sir, that even then we will never under any circumstance serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have erected.’

Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger - so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident.”

Daniel 6:16-23 “So the king gave the command and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Your God, whom you serve, He will deliver you.’ Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed. Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your
God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel said to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.’ Then the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they
should take Daniel up out of the den. Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury was found on him, because he believed in his God.”

I Kings 17:8-16 “Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.’ So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, ‘Please bring me a little water in a cup
that I may drink.’ And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said,‘Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.’ So she said, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.’ And Elijah said to her, ‘Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’ So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.”

Deuteronomy 29:5 “I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you and your sandals have not worn out on your feet.”

Exodus 17:5,6 “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.’ And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”

Preview of Sunday's Message

Deuteronomy 32:11 “As an eagle stirs up her nest, flutters over her young, spreads abroad her wings, takes them, bears them on her wings....”

Perhaps not very much of a Scripture reading, but it certainly is the Word of the Lord. There is enough here that God will,without doubt show us something. If we have the right attitude I know it will cause us to grow in Jesus.

My dear Climbing Compaions as we enter this new year, I need you to understand that the Word of God is...
· Healing to you if you receive it as healing
· Pardon to you if you receive it as a pardon
· Every blessing is yours if you receive it as God wrote it

“As the eagle stirs her nest, flutters over her young, takes them on her wings and bears them….” What a beautiful picture of how God deals with his people!

There are at least seven stages that a young eagle goes through when learning to fly. As we talk about them, see if you can find what stage you are at?

The seven stages are:
Demonstration
Discomfort
Danger
Decision
Direction Change
Doing
Deliverance.

Praise God For New Beginings

I realize it is just the turn of a page that seperates December and January, but it is significant just the same. I understand that we really don't get a clean slate because we enter a "new" year. However, with God, our God we can get a clean, fresh, brand new start any day of the year! For that I am grateful. Nevertheless, having said that, we humans do look forward to January 1st as a day to make new resolutions, new dreams and perhaps try to do a little better than the previous year.

I would like to start this year by saying - Thank You Lord!

The 2008 year was pretty good - I have no complaints. We even did a few things to bring honor and glory to His name. PTL

As we are entering the first week of '09 I pray that we at the Gathering Place will be "That Church". Although but a small part of the fellowship of the unashamed, used of God just the same. The Lord has heeded our prayers for the releasing of finances. It seems we may be able to enter '09 clear of debt. We just recieved word that a donation of $5000.00 is coming on Monday January 7th. God is so good - we can most likely get squared up with our salary and pay off a few small bills.

We continue to be hamstrung by the lack of cash flow - but we will press forward in faith, trusting in God, Our God! To Him be all Glory and Praise!