6/18/97 Good or God?
(If it is welcome and a blessing, send it on to others,Lee)
Did you ever wonder if you were in the will of God? Perhaps not even lifestyle, but on issues or an action you are contemplating.
This daily letter is a good example. When I began, it was to a handful of friends, but as it crept over hundreds, I still wondered. Many times this list has gone over the 1,500 person mark. And yet I have been guilty of good things when God things were the issue. I have missed the mark for trying.
I don't want a good thing, but a God thing.
And with summer, many people don't get the opportunities to read. So, this week I have been pondering the value of this letter. In selling my business, I had a lot of time added to my life. Now I am looking to do websites for Christians and Christian businesses. I am 42 (July 3) and tend to be looking at my life more seriously. Everything has to be for God without question, but what do I do?
I love being a pastor, despite the early am phone calls, the troubles that people get into. I love Jesus, the worship, the praise, even the down and dirty stuff. I don't mind cleaning the church and do it quite often.
But yesterday I really asked the Lord about this letter. And yesterday I went to see some people. One said, sometimes I don't get to it for days, and then I read and read and read!! He said it encouraged him. Another I know very little and yet he said it provides a window for him to get away from the business he owns.
And I realized that just because I don't hear from someone, that if I am doing this as unto the Lord, testifying of His awesomeness, His goodness, that it really matters little where I am at. Being a pastor, does leave much room for growth if you can't handle rejection. And there are some pastors on this list, who know me and if I have offended you, I ask forgiveness for ever thinking this was easy.
I came from a family that didn't encourage much (let's not lie, not at all!).
I grew up thinking my name was anything but Lee and fought most of my life to overcome. Then I met the equalizer, His name was Jesus. I realized every one isn't as tenacious as I and people needed encouragement.
So when the letter began to go out it was to encourage my friends. Now apparently it encourages many. There are many business people out there who need some Godly encouragement. Perhaps you could use this letter to help. But more importantly, be a Barnabas. Encourage someone. A family member, a friend, the waitress where you have lunch.
Someone needs you! I need you. Your family needs you. Jesus needs you. Without you and your prayers, God's power is delayed. When you encourage you set people free. That's spiritual warfare. When you pray, the heavens move.
Get a look at yourself through the eyes of Jesus. He says He loves you, that He will never leave you or forsake you. Do you believe that? He will not leave you. He says you are the apple of His eye. Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure I am...Did you miss that? Go back and read it again. The apple of His eye. He looks at you with love. When your spouse has walked out the door, you are the apple of HIS eye. This must be for someone on this list. I can feel it. God wants you to hear this. Do not go to the depths the enemy has planned. Begin to praise God. Go to a quiet place and make some NOISE for the Lord. Praise Him that He sees you as worthy of this encounter and the victory He has planned. Do you know someone discouraged, pray for them. God placed them on your heart so your prayers can set them free, that's why He gave them to you. Praise God today.
How do you praise God? Let's ask Him.
Psalms 150
1 PRAISE ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Works for me. Especially verse 6.
Dear Friends:
2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
Selah.
Shalom.
We pray for you, each and every day. If this is an encouragement to you. Please tell us, and please email it to someone else. If you have a prayer request, please mail it to us. We want to stand with you, battling spiritual wickedness, seeing people made free. We want to serve our brother and sister.
In the Service of Christ for His Glory,
Lee Johndrow
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please mail us at:
154 Paddock Road
Springfield, Vermont 05156
For those who support us in prayer and deed we appreciate it.
Thank you,
Lee & Tina Johndrow
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