Tomato Salvation
When God calls us, He rarely considers our plans. Where He leads often makes no sense.
When I want to stay, He often says, "Go!" When I want to go, He often says, "Stay!" And the worst place on earth turns out to be a perfect place to advance God's Kingdom.
A few years ago, a husband and wife shared with me how they wanted to leave their small town in Texas. Darkness oppressed their town and oppressed them. God said, "Stay and plant a church!" Things were difficult and discouraging. A woman, actually the town drunk, kept
interrupting the services. She stomped her feet and gave mean looks. One Sunday, the pastor, while preaching, happened to mention how he loved tomatoes. The intoxicated woman spoke up with a loud voice, "Tomatoes? I grow tomatoes in my back yard. I will bring you some!"
The next service she brought the tomatoes. During the sermon, however, she came under conviction and gave her life to the Lord. Instant deliverance! The whole town was impacted by the
power of her testimony. Her drinking friends still ask her, "How long is this going to last?" She tells them, "Til Jesus comes and for all eternity. I am done with alcohol. I have no taste for it!" God had a plan and a place and a person in mind.
Be flexible, for the Lord of the harvest is calling us into uncomfortable places. I once ministered at a church in a drug infested area. Afterwards, I asked the Lord, "Why did you plant that church
in such a gross dark place?" He responded, "Because I couldn't find a darker one."
"Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising." Isaiah 60:1-3 (NKJV)
As we watch God's chosen people struggling under a fierce enemy, it's hard for us to understand, but His purpose remains unshakeable.
Psalm 77:19 (NKJV) tells us: "Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, And Your footsteps were not known." God's way was the unforeseen way. It was the unimaginable path. Israel could have never devised the plan He had known forever.
Pray for Israel. Pray for its leaders. Believe that God has a plan and He has chosen these people. He has a plan. We trust in Him.
Dear Friends,
Sooner or later we all
stumble upon an unpopular truth: "Sometimes life is hard." My ministry was forged by the hard times in my life that I now share with others. Nothing is wasted in the hands of our Redeemer. Often our suffering becomes our message to share the hope that is within us to a hopeless world. Be encouraged. Dark nights teach us what daylight can't. They bring the stars out. You are shining bright.
Ministry Update: Please Pray and Come Expecting!
* Harvest Christan Fellowship - Sunday, October 29th 10:30am
8707 Indian Springs Rd.
Frederick, Maryland 21702
Contact: (301) 662-0206
* God's Appointed Time Conference ( Ushakeable ) Nov. 3, 4 & 5
(
See dates and times of Conference speakers at the bottom of this newsletter. )
345 Main St.
Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650
* Zion Covenant Church -
Sunday, Nov. 12th 9:30am
1102 Locust St.
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania 17202
Phone: (717) 267-339
*** Your prayers and support are so appreciated. If you wish to donate to our ministry you can do so below.
or send a check to:
Blowing The Shofar Ministry
132 East North Ave.
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
