I'm Saved!

I have to tell you all about something.This June,my sister and I went to a Christian youth camp in Tennessee.I was really excited about it.I would get together with some of my friends,cousins,and meet new people.At one night service,a singing group from Penn View Bible Institute sang the song "Nail it to the Cross".It made me and lots of other kids just cry.They started to go to the altar.My sister went up too.I went to one of the benches up front,at the time to pray for my sister,but I started crying more about how my life had sin in it.My dad was there that night and he came up and prayed with me.When I got done,I testified.I felt so glad that Jesus forgave me.I still have a lot to learn and do,but God will help me.Almost every time I hear that song now,I cry.

In closing,I want everyone reading this to know,God can forgive all your sins and make you whole.You'll feel so much better.

♫ Song of praise

God has answered our prayers, he has healed Jonathan. And now he is safe in the arms of Jesus. I can see him now, looking at Jesus with his big smile, and knowing he is with Jesus. He is now in the best most optimal health ever. Praise God that Jonathan is healed. Alleluia what a Savior. And remember this! there will be times of sorrow and grief, and times of pain. And times of joy. But there is always JESUS!!!

Jonathan--With Jesus

Somewhere around 4:25 this morning, my brother Jonathan, who was to have his first birthday on Wednesday, passed away. Today was the day that all our friends and family were coming over to celebrate his 1 year milestone. But for whatever reason, God chose to bring him home. I am going to make a tribute to him on my personal blog soon. Please pray for our family, as this was completely unexpected.

In Christ,
Kevin

Center Of Focus?

When you wake up in the morning, what's the first thing on your mind? School? That video game you stayed up late to play last night maybe? As the day progresses, what do your thoughts consist of? Are they, for the most part, centered on spiritual things, or are you still thinking about that new movie you want to see? These thoughts entered my head last night as I lay in bed thinking. I kind of talked to my brother about them and we both thought of something else too. How much time do you spend in God's Word a day? Ok, fine how about a week? You say, "Oh, I didn't have time," but you know in your heart that you chose not to make it your time. That is an excuse I say to myself way to often. When I'm getting ready for work in the morning, I always find time to update my Facebook and Twitter, but no, I don't have time to read a chapter or two in the Bible. Baloney!!!!!! I had plenty of time, I just didn't use it for that. It...wasn't important enough...I guess. That HAS GOT to change! How on earth do we expect to grow closer in our walk with Christ? Let me ask you something. You're best friend...why is he/she your best friend? You know a lot about that person don't you? You feel close to them too. The same goes with Christ. The Bible says "...If you draw nigh unto Him, He will draw nigh unto you...". So I encourage you...spend time in God's Word! These things have really convicted me and I'm determined to do them. God Bless!

In Christ,
Kevin

Change Comes

Recently we have had some more people ask to join The Believer's Gathering. Thank-you. We appreciate your addition to the blog.

While I was on today, I thought that the blog needed a more lighthearted look to it. Bang! I hope you all like it!

In Christ,
Kevin

Praying for the Lost

In the Bible study that I am in on Thursday nights, we are learning about how to pray for the lost and even prodigals (believers who have turned away from the Lord). Our heavenly Father has given us the power and authority from the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name, to take authority over every thought the enemy trys to send to them; every reason, every excuse and every strategy and plan the enemy has to keep them blinded from the truth.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 it says the following, "For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."

God has given us, as His children, the authority to defeat those strongholds and lies the enemy places in their minds to not believe. And one of the big ones is pride. People think that they could just do it on their own; they do not need any help from God.

A few times, the Holy Spirit has revealed to me what people are experiencing in hell. I have heard the cries of the people asking for help. And at one time, I was literally crying, more specifically, sobbing over it, and so much so, could not even hear my crying out. That time was quite emotional.

Overall, God has given me a real heart for the lost and He showed that to me before I even started this Bible study and interceding for them. In the study, we watch a short DVD before discussing, and one of the sessions, the leader on the DVD called these people "pre-saved". So these people we are praying for are pre-saved. They are being called home!

So, if you know someone who is not a believer, and even one who has fallen away from the Lord, continue to be on your knees in prayer for them. Pray for the lies, pride, and strongholds to be removed from their lives, in the name of Jesus! Pray, dear brothers and sisters; pray.

In Him,
Rachel M.

(photo can only be used with direct permission)

Honor Thy Father and Mother

As everyone knows tomorrow is Mother's Day, we need to remember what a great blessing our mothers AND fathers are to us. In God's Word it says to honor our parents for this is the first commandment with a promise that it may be well with us and may live long on this earth. We need to remember the sacrifices they make for us each day, and we may not even know it. God tells us to respect our parents and obey them, and continue to tell them how much they are to us and how we love them.

So, as tomorrow comes and goes, just don't say "I love you mom" and "I love you dad" for tomorrow only; say it for the coming days, weeks, months, and years as well. I know personally that they love it when you do something special for them like writing a letter to them, talking about what a blessing they are from the Lord and thankful for parents like them who bring you up in the admonition of the Lord.

Thank you mom and dad for being that example. I love you!

In Him Alone,
Rachel M.