When God re-organizes your schedule

September 23, 2010 by Leave a Comment

September 14, 2010

Minerva’s bumped into Clelia unexpectantly in the hospital hallway. Clelia is her neighbor, but neither expected to see the other at the hospital! Clelia was at work in focused on her medical rounds, and Minerva had just come from visiting her very sick father. Her heart was heavy and she explained to Clelia the scary situation with her fathers heart. He was “out of it” following his surgery, and his doctor’s report wasn’t encouraging yet.

Clelia invited the young woman to Wednesday night’s House of Prayer Experience. She wasn’t planning on attending: her list of to-dos had grown so long and she had been up since 5 in the morning. She was really tired and felt behind in her doctoral work, yet she hurriedly contacted Mae Feldman and Pastor Sabine arrange for a prayer quilt on behalf of Minerva’s father.

Minerva came up front flanked by Clelia and Wilson. She nervously came forward when Pastor Sabine invited them to stand by the red quilt bordered by pictures of tiny hearts. It was her first time at this prayer meeting, but Pastor Sabine reminded everyone and reassured her that the House of Prayer is a house of prayer for…all people. -Pastor Derek who had just returned from his trip to the Ukraine, watched Minerva and sensed a deeper need springing within her as she shared her request for prayer for her dad’s healing.

He got up and asked Minerva about what her deep prayer for her father was-…She didn’t hesitate. Yes, she was concerned about her dad’s uncertain prognosis. She understood that he might not make it out of the hospital whole or even alive. Her eyes brimmed with tears. Above all else, she prayed for his….salvation.

The focus of the evening was Jesus, the Way to life and Resurrection. Jesus is the door to new life and there is hope for everyone.

Clelia was pretty tired after her full day, but she felt she should accompany her friend to the hospital. She would catch up with her husband Wilson, later. She was so glad she did return to the hospital that evening, because she witnessed this father being alert and suddenly aware of his surroundings. Even better news:Right there and then, he said yes to the invitation to accept the salvation of Christ. Minerva’s prayer was answered that evening!

The House of Prayer will continue to remember Minerva and her family in prayer. Is there someone that God has placed on your path, and this person needs to know that there is more to this life than this life? That there is Life available through this powerful and mysterious being called Jesus? Are you one of these people who has heard of Him and has become curious about finding out more…?

This invitation is for you:

Please join us Saturday on September 25 via this LINK for the Radical Teachings of Jesus, and invite others, as the Spirit leads you.

Praying for our joy….and hope for the journey.
–Pastor Sabine🙂

Filed Under: Dr. Sabine Vatel, prayer meeting, the radical teaching of jesus dr. derek morris

I won’t let You go

August 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

August 25, 2010

I’ve been thinking and praying(!)…that prayer Pastor Derek pointed out to us last Wednesday. I know I am not the only one who has prayed, “Lord, Save me!” this week. There is another prayer that I has had new meaning for me over the years. It’s found in Genesis 32. This episode of Jacob’s life has always pulled me in. You can read the whole chapter, or at least verses 24 to 27. We focused on these verses tonight.

You see it? Jacob pleaded and declared: “I won’t let you until you bless me.” He asked God to bless him. Look up verse 3 of chapter 32: Jacob had a lot! He was so blessed with many things. I think that he was tired of “blessing” himself. It must have left him empty. He submitted to God and wanted God to bless him for a change (literally). God did by giving him a new name. A name that would remind everyone that” God rules”!

Surrendering to God means that we are allowing Him to rule. It’s accepting that God leads our existence and helps us find our way.

I had read the story behind one of the hymns we sometimes sing at the House of Prayer. I went to wikipedia to confirm it:)
George Beverly Shea was a renowned singing evangelist best known to have been-years ago- a member of Billy Graham’s ministry team. The words of “I’d rather have Jesus” were written by Rhea Miller. His mother was concerned about Mr. Shea’s direction toward distracting fame and fortune. She handwrote the poem and left the copy on the piano where she knew Mr. Shea would find it. Of course, he did and he was touched by its message. He put the words into music. Soon after that, he changed the direction of his life and decicated his life and talent to God. Here is the last stanza:

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

When we choose to ask God to bless us, we are asking Him to take the lead. We don’t come to God because we are changed. We simply come forward because of our hungering for more, and leave the miracle up to Him. God rules.

-Pastor Sabine

Filed Under: Bodil and Derek Morris, Dr. Sabine Vatel, george beverly shea, i'd rather have jesus, nbc, prayer billy graham