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Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Theology of suffering as presented by Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:3-12. Some thoughts God gave me this morning.
In our experiences of hardship and suffering God remains the Father of compassion and the Father of all comfort, according to Paul. God promises to comfort us in “all of our troubles”. Not one is left out!
These troubles, which represent our hardships and sufferings, are part of life. We need to see them as part of our existence and journey with God. Paul states that we can expect comfort to overflow our way just like the sufferings of Christ “flow over into our lives”. God has setup these two realities—sufferings that flow into us and the comfort we receive.
So what can we expect God to do through our suffering? At least four things are explicit in this passage and one is my own inference.
1. God allows suffering to flow into our lives so that after receiving His comfort in all our troubles we can become instruments of comfort to others.
2. Somewhere in suffering or in observing the suffering of others we develop “patient endurance of the same sufferings”. In a way, we could say that the sufferings of others are our blessing. My sufferings become a blessing to others.
3. Through suffering we are placed in situations where we realize that “we are not to rely on ourselves but on God”. Paul qualifies our God as someone who is able to “raise the dead”. So if our God can do that what then are our sufferings to Him? If God plans to redeem our immortal bodies which are perishable how much more would He not redeem our suffering experiences for the good of our spirit?
4. As the Body of believers participates in prayer in the suffering of others praises and thanksgiving are offered to God on behalf of those suffering because of the ways in which God comforts and delivers.
5. The inference I make from this passage is that through suffering we come to know things we would not otherwise come to know. We come to know God as the Father of compassion and the God of comfort. We come to know who we really are and who God can be to us. We experience the blessing of unity in prayer in the presence of hardship. We learn to praise God. We learn to hope in HIM!
May our Father of compassion and God of comfort help us to lean o Him as we face our daily hardships. He will comfort us “in all of our troubles”!
Diego Cuartas
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
In March of 2008, I was born again. I frequently look back on this day as the ‘brightest light’ day of my life. I would not have made it to today without much prayer. When I first started my new journey, I was intrigued on how to pray but really did not know how. When I came to LFA (then CMA) in that spring of 2008, a new group of prayer meetings started.
My first answered prayer.
Well, I went to my very first prayer meeting at 6:30am on a Thursday. I knew no-one. I was a newbie. Fresh and new, still smelling like baby powder. There were many people – dozens upon dozens (ok, not really – maybe 10 or so).
My mind was racing. I thought they were all looking at me and were thinking:
“Who is this guy?”,
“I’ve never seen him before”,
“Is he a member?”,
“Why doesn’t he have a Bible?
And
“Why does he smell like baby powder?”
As you can imagine, my thoughts were non-stop asking myself never ending questions like:
What was this going to be like?
What am I supposed to say?
How am I supposed to say it?
How come there are no pews, where is the cross and Holy Water? help!
[For those of you who do not know the basics of the prayer groups, in the course of the whole hour, we may discuss a topic and then 10 minutes of prayer and then a bit more discussion and back to 10 minutes of prayer.]
So we get to our theme (I was so stressed at the time so I don’t remember the theme) and then we were each offered the opportunity to pray. What does that mean? Am I supposed to say something or not? Do we go in order? Who leads? How do you know when a person is finished? What if two people start at the same time – does someone apologize? What’s the order – age before beauty? Oh! I was so, so confused – I was shaking.
We seemed to invest what appeared to be about 10-20 hours in prayer. Everyone in the group was going, taking turns with a focus on the topic, so I thought. You see, sometimes someone takes the prayers off topic or theme. Well, this is when I really started to panic.
Listen to a typical conversation I had in my head while prayer was going on:
- Uh oh, What was that topic again?
- Should I put me head down or up?
- Why is she on the floor? Look at him! He’s walking around…
- Whew, good thing someone went first, it should be easy from now on.
- Wow, nice words… well put…buddy!
- Interesting, does God really answer that kind of prayer?
- Wait a second, that wasn’t part of the topic? Can you do that? Can you change right in the middle? Someone stop her!
- Now what? I was prepared. I rehearsed, laid out this beautiful well-placed prayer on the topic. Maybe we will go back. Lets see…
- No, No – go back to the topic. Go back, go back, nooo…
- Ah, man – (now I start to sweat – profusely)
- This is not ok, I can’t relate to the new topic – what do I do? How embarrassing!
- Ok, I thought of something, let’s see…
- Wow, am I sweating or what? I am soaked. And it’s not even hot out…
- I hope no-one sees me sweating like this… hey, I can leave now while everyone’s eyes are closed and maybe they won’t see me.
- Hmmm! If I get caught looking around while we pray will someone point me out…?
- Great! Back to discussion – whew. Now I can breathe.
- Oh! Man, the baby powder is not working…
Needless to say, I did not get to pray. In fact, I went back three times before I actually said a prayer. And yes, it was a well laid out grammatically correct prayer with complicated, special words that sounded real pretty. And I think I did a spell check in my head – just in case.
Well, I did it, I said it, I prayed in front of other people.
Yet, it was all wrong. It did not come out the way I rehearsed – but it was ok. Yeah… it was ok.
Do you want to know what was really nice, pleasant and wonderful – the people – the people actually spoke to me after prayer and wanted to know a little bit about me. Even though in my mind, I thought I messed up.
You see, my purpose for writing this self-parody, however true, is to thank God for Living Faith Alliance Church and for starting the prayer groups. Even though I was not a regular, I did pray on many of the mornings throughout the two years, especially during a very deep valley that could have been disastrous if God was not in my in my life. I made friends in Christ as I grew. I grew in confidence and humility, strength and wisdom to stand firm with a full body of armor, shield in hand fighting in God’s army – with our greatest weapon – prayer. You know what else I found out – guys, men, dads – it’s ok to cry in front of others. For all of my teen and adult years, I never cried. Now I cry at the drop of a hat… go ahead, drop one.
Today, July 14, 2010, I found out that the prayer group was cancelled after two years. It is my desire that LFA, it’s leaders, especially the prayer group leaders, and the community to know that for me and my relationship with Christ, the prayer groups single handedly helped me to grow in Christ and with His people both in the LFA community and the world.
As a result, I am now volunteering with two local hospitals, one being a hospice center, praying with, for and over people on a weekly basis, as well as praying in the local community. Prayer is a regular part of every part of my day. With no rehearsals, no specific words – only special words for special people, God’s people – and it all comes from a servants heart, lightly coated in baby powder.
I thank God for pointing me to Living Faith Alliance Church – without whom I would not be the servant I am today. Praise Jesus Christ whose blood washes away my pride so I can see the true light of the cross in every one I serve.
Oh, the baby powder thing…
I renew everyday like a newborn child:
Mathew 19:14,
Mark 10:15
and a beautiful verse: 1 Peter 2:2
My next piece is on the growth of my singing – Charlie and Lois move over ….
With Peace and Love In Christ To All
Christopher Smith
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
We are exhausted this week. last week brought these incidences to our block: a stabbing and shooting, a productive visit from the U.S. Marshals, a drug raid, and multiple minor unrelated arrests.
Do you know Isaiah 43:1-2? It is part of a passage of scripture that I first remember reading at a time when fear filled my being like I’d never imagined it could. These words of promise washed me then, and over the years I’ve looked back on that gift of peace through easy and difficult times alike. it reads:
But now, this is what the LORD says—
He who created you, O Jacob,
He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Since all that occurred last week, two or three people have mentioned these verses to me on separate occasions. Through the bit of shock, I am realizing I have never felt so close to the kind of overwhelming danger described in Isaiah, even as I recall other moments from the past where I truly have escaped peril. What may be the most risky place I have ever lived is likely among a thousand other places I have been where destruction or death was at my door and I was simply unaware.
Oh, praise God, who has named me! I am his and he is ever my Savior! Bullets were fired in front of my porch, more than grazing my car. neighbors witnessed me give information to the police. A drug raid happened right outside my window. I’ve seen many frightening events, yet my kids have missed them all. In the course of theses events, among other merry things, we as a family have played on our sidewalks, met new neighbors, put plants in our yard and welcomed more first-time visitors to our home.
I may be tired and a little disoriented, but the Hand of peace guards me. My sheltered heart can live with joy and find rest in the midst of this torrent.
Cheri Atkinson
Saturday, June 12th, 2010
There is a grassy lot next to our house at 5th and Pine St. in Millville. We have been using it for some of our community events. Our neighbor on the other side of the lot has been kicking us off the lot claiming its her land and we can’t use it. Recently with the help of our Realtor Rick Gullo we found out who the real owner was. I called him just to get permission to use the land for our community events. To my amazement he said he would sell it to me for $500. After Renee Gould at Landis Title looked into it for us we found it was free from any liens or judgments. Today we had Settlement of the property and we thank God for how he is furthering His Kingdom in Millville by giving us this land for our community events. Praise be to God.
Steve Schalick
Monday, May 17th, 2010, submitted by Lois Robinson
God has done such a work in my heart throughout my life in the area of worship. Growing up, I never really was taught about the act of worship. Yes, I was asked to play the piano or organ at a young age but it was just my “job” to be there every Sunday to play. Worship was not a part of my vocabulary at all. As God unfolded His divine design on my life, He took me from a Presbyterian church to a Baptist church. From there to a traditional Methodist church. Each place I was to be the musician, but it was simply my “job.” It was at the Methodist church that I became a student of worship! A new pastor came into the church and really shook things up. He had long hair and had a “surfer dude” personality! 
The members were quite concerned to say the least! He introduced the concept of a Praise team and I jumped at it. I watched him raise his hands while he worshiped and thought he was crazy. What in the world was he doing? I then began to seek God on this whole worship thing and boy did He do a radical work in my heart! Jesus was changing me!!!! As I began to lift my hands, my heart began to lift as well! As I became a worshiper, my life began to transform. There was a direct correlation. I then was led to a Pentecostal church where the worship was radical. Wow! What a beautiful learning experience that was. Worship has become my lifestyle. I now praise God that He has led me to LFAC and I am so honored to serve on the worship team. As we have moved locations now, it can be a tough transition and distracting to our worship. But, I want to encourage you all my brothers and sisters, thus the church, to worship Him no matter what. He is desiring to transform us and I believe we must learn to worship Him in all circumstances. No matter how we feel or think. No matter what the lighting is, the sound is, the floor slant is, the seats feel like. One of my favorite worship songs says this “To worship You I live, To worship You I live, I live to worship You.” Do you live to worship Him? There was a long time in my life that I didn’t, but I praise Him that He allowed my heart to learn how to worship Him and my life as dramatically transformed through the work of His Spirit and my response of Jesus Only! Blessings to you all.
- Lois Robinson
Friday, March 12th, 2010
My name is Connie Campbell, and I have been going to this church (inconsistently) for almost two years now. God has really sent me on a journey. I starting going to LFAC in the spring of 2008 after my dad resigned from being the senior pastor at Calvary Bible Church (in Deptford) after over 22 years. He and my mom were embarking on a full-time counseling ministry. I already knew a few people who were going to LFAC, and I really wanted to visit the church after hearing from them how much they loved it. I have never felt so at home in a church. I was excited to know I could be part of another church after going to the same one my entire life. In August (2008), my dad went into the hospital because of a massive heart attack. Over the course of seven and a half weeks of fighting truly unbelievable medical hurdles, God called my father to be home with Him. It has been incredibly hard to worship God through the pain… Through the questions. After losing my father… I just felt as though my entire foundation crumbled beneath my feet. The story is long, but that is the short end of it. In recent months God has made it apparent that He is not letting go of me (not that I believed He was, but it is hard to see the Love of God when He has allowed such pain). I have had the pulling on my heart to do more. To get involved in Church and rebuild my relationship with God because He is who He says He is… and because He has not changed.
Through this journey, I have moved with my Mom to Pennsville, which is about an hour drive to Church. I have tried other Churches, but I do feel as though LFAC is where God wants me to call home. That is why I am writing this email. Obviously, being an hour away keeps me from being involved in the church in a traditional sense. I do not want to be a Sunday morning only Christian. So after having this ministry in the back of my mind for a few years, I have decided to join the Saints Prison Ministry women’s volleyball team. I am so excited to be part of a ministry (this ministry), and share what God has done for me… and share the love of God. It is an amazing ministry that really focuses on reaching inmates with the Gospel and love of Christ… and then sets them up with discipleship through a Bible correspondence course so that when they are released, they might beat the odds and not be rearrested. I sat in the first meeting last week to go over what is expected for me as a “Missionary Athlete”, and part of that is being involved in a Church, and sharing with the church this ministry and my involvement in it. I am excited because I think that this is what I need in order to get to know the people in this church, and for them to get to know me.
So thank you for letting me share this with you. I didn’t know how else to go about getting more involved.
Thank you,
Connie Campbell
Monday, January 25th, 2010, submitted by Rocco Pizzo
January 20, 2010
Dear Pastor Howard,
All of us here at Mission Teens want to say “Thank you” for your support over the past several years. All of you at Living Faith have been gracious to us in your sponsorship during the Christmas season. You folks have made sure that all our staff and residents had plenty of gifts to open on Christmas morning. Christmas is always special. For some of the residents it has been years since they opened a present and were of sound mind, out of harms way, and had hope. Because of the love of Christ that is alive and well at Living Faith, Mission Teens is able to continue to give help to the desperate, lost, and broken hearted. Thank you all for your prayers, support, and most of all for showing us the love of Christ.
Your Brother in Christ,
Rocco Pizzo
Resident Director
Monday, November 30th, 2009
Money has been tight for us the last couple of years. I’m sure a lot of you can relate to that. One thing I felt called to do was tally up all our bills and expenses for the month and start tithing on that amount. Not the amount we were actually making but on the amount we needed to make. Since we started doing this over a year ago every bill has been paid on time and we even have had a little extra to put in savings. Praise God.
Steven
Thursday, November 26th, 2009
Just wanted to add a hearty “Amen” to Pastor Nate’s message on tithing. I began tithing on my first earnings – babysitting- at age 12. Tithing has been part of my Christian walk ever since. I then felt led to tithe an additional 5% to missions, besides my yearly pledge to the Great Commission Fund. God has been so faithful in providing for all my needs. I’m debt-free and I’ve had the joy of partnering in God’s work, both in our LFA church and in missions around the world, through tithing and giving. This testimony is being given only for God’s glory and to encourage you that tithing works.
From a long-time LFA member
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009, submitted by Pete & Karen Martine
Pete calls them God sightings! We had made a detailed list of the numerous God sightings experienced in Ecuador. For us, the mission started well before we left Vineland. As a couple, we continue to receive as God changed our hearts through sharing in this experience together. As a result of living with our loving host family & being with an incredible mission team, our journey continues as we listen to God to open our home & hearts for others to receive like we did. We have very limited space in our home for guests but God does not limit our territory. After praying about taking in youths from Australia, God spoke a clear “yes” to us. We trust He will take care of the minor details such as room by November. We have been blessed by a broadened view of mission! We recommend couples “go together” as it really is not about what we do, but what He wants to do IN us! Dios es grande!