He That Abideth

This is the second entry in my continued study of the Book of John as it pertains to the Last Supper.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except you abide in me.

I had already planned this blog when something extraordinary happened Sunday morning. And, I felt like I needed to talk about it here for just a moment. 

I was praying before church Sunday morning when a dam of grief broke loose in me. Grief, so fluid and hot that I had no idea if I could stem it. 

Grief for a life that is lost to me now. Grief because in one moment everything I knew was effectively killed. Grief that I lost my career, my dreams for my future, my health, my means of transportation, my ability to care for myself, these and so many other things crashed around me with the crunch of metal, the shattering of bones and glass, the rupturing of muscles, the tearing of bowels. 

I don’t want anyone to think for one instance this is the beginning of some grand pity party. How on earth could I after all He has done for me?

But, although I had shed random tears during my recovery, never once had I been able to tap into the realization of how many things had changed. Not until that moment when I was praying for some other circumstances and my inability to rectify them, when the weight of it rolled through my spirit coming out in wails that had many crying with me without even knowing why. 

My life has changed but there is such a sweetness here on this side of it all. That sweetness comes from trusting Him with all of my circumstances.

John 15:1-2 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that bearers not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it  may bring forth more fruit. 

Jesus declared here He was the “I am” for the last time. He states He is the “true” or genuine vine and His Father is the “husbandman” or vinedresser (from the Premier Study Bible). 

Pruning is done to us spiritually as we are attached to the vine. When a vinedresser begins to prune during pruning season, they look at the previous year and how the vine performed during that time. Was the yield (of fruit) as expected? Did the fruit have the protection it needed to grow? Did the branch grow enough to protect the fruit from the summer heat and provide enough cover to allow the fruit to ripen? 

Another factor before pruning begins is to make sure the vine is in its dormant season and there are no longer any green shoots that would indicate the vine is still actively photosynthisizing. 

Only the vinemaster would understand where to prune. Pruning in the wrong place, at the wrong time would damage the vine and inhibit the production of fruit. And, as they are pruned, the dead branches are disposed of either by making them compost to fertilize the existing vines or by burning the dead branches. They will never again produce fruit as they have been severed from the vine. 

Once the vine comes out of this period of dormancy, leaving behind the winter season, it is ready to, once again, produce fruit. 

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except you abide in me.

Abide: to stay, continue, remain. To be present, be held and kept, or to live with. 

Greek=meno - to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy) - abide, dwell, ENDURE, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for). The relational element of abiding is still there, but as part of the concept of “staying.”

Hebrew=yashab - same as English but includes concepts of interpersonal relationships about being in a shared space, habitations, haunt, inhabit, make to inhabit, make to keep house, lurking, marry or marrying. 

ABIDE IN ME was His request. 

Stay in ME, remain in ME, make your life with ME. 

Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meakness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have CRUCIFIED the flesh with affections and lusts. 

Ephesians 5:8-10 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the LORD: walk as children of light. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 

These verses can lead some who do not adequately study the Word of God to think that if they are a nice person they have these fruits. But, if you look at these verses again you will see that is not the case. 

We are to crucify our flesh with its desires that are contrary to the Word of God. We are to rid ourselves of those “affections” for the things of the world. We are no more DARKNESS but we are now light and we are called to walk in that light. Because, it is these fruits that are apparent in our lives that prove “what is acceptable” to Him. 

When others look at our lives or interact with us, they should see what is “acceptable” to Him. Not, that WE accepted HIM, but that He has accepted us as indicated by our fruits. 

And, because we are producing fruits we have been through the pruning season. 

On November 13, 2023, the Lord began to prune me, cutting away the dead places in my life so that once my dormant period was passed, I could, once again, begin to bear fruit. 

And, just like with any type of grief, as the numbness of the cutting away began to disappear, the raw, hurt places were finally revealed. Those places of hurt, of loss, of “death” have brought me to a new place of life. 

The fruit produced in this season will be sweeter than before all because I stayed with Him and He stayed with me. 

He was there. He held me. He kept me. And I clung to Him knowing He had a plan in this season. He didn’t do any of this for my destruction. 

This is absolutely my favorite verse. I love this verse in the Message’s translation although I only use this translation for study. But, it is so beautiful here. 

Jeremiah 29:10-11 This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”

The future “I” hope for. 

The future. 

MY future. 

How do I grow, how do I prosper during this time? 

I abide. 

When it’s hard, I abide. 

When temptation comes, I abide.

When the flesh rises up, I abide.

When I’m lonely, I abide. 

When I feel afraid, I abide. 

I stay. 

I stay with the One who holds my future. I don’t throw my future away. I abide with Him. 

Are you feeling the weight of winter on your soul? Have you been looking for answers in the world only to feel more and more dead inside? 

The I AM is calling, He is ready to prune all the dead, and useless things from your life. He is waiting to rid you of the weight that is holding you down and keeping you from growth. 

Don’t be afraid of the pruning at the hand of the Master as He is preparing your life for things you could never imagine. 

The world will tell you you are free as you are, but He will show you true freedom and true growth. 

He is waiting to ABIDE in your life. 

I will continue this series in John soon as we delve further into the Last Supper. 

Thou Art There

Psalm 139:5-6 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

One year ago today I prepared to go to work. I was tired, weary to my bones, after weeks of preparation culminated in 3 weeks of celebrating the ministry of my Pastor, my brother, and my friend, along with his beautiful bride, the sister of my heart. 

It was such a wonderful time. Everything went according to God’s plan. Even 2 of the keynote ministers having the wrong dates for the services. Bro. Larry Booker and Bro. Wade Bass both arrived a week earlier than were planned but this gave our Pastor time to spend with them he would not have had. 

Sunday night ended in a wonderful meal for our church family as we celebrated thanksgiving together. 

The next morning I dressed and headed to the church where I had an office. Only I never made it. 

Around 10 minutes into my journey I was hit head on by a kid headed to school. He was on his cellphone and didn’t see the cars stopped in front of him until it was too late. 

Beginning a few weeks before this I had felt the tug of the Holy Ghost telling me something was coming. 

So, as I laid across the front seats after the impact, I knew this was what He had been preparing me for. 

Psalm 139:7-12 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:

if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

If I take the wings of the morning,

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Even there shall thy hand lead me,

and thy right hand shall hold me.

If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;

even the night shall be light about me.

Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee;

but the night shineth as the day:

the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

I remember vividly what happened. I remember crying out to You, asking You what was happening as I couldn’t see when the second car hit me. I remember seeing the lights begin to surround me as I knew You were there, ready to take me Home with You. I remember praying to You telling You I was ready to go, but if I could be there to see my babies grow up, I would like to. I remember as You lifted me to the top of the vehicle, I remember the glass crunching under my feet as I saw myself laying in the car and saw the truck that hit me head on. 

I remember the woman who opened my door and found my phone for me. I remember telling her to call my son and my brother and to tell them I didn’t think I would make it. 

I remember the paramedic and the other emergency personnel coming to my door. I remember telling them what I thought was wrong and that my seatbelt was still fastened but I couldn’t reach it because my arm was broken. 

I remember screaming out in pain as they pulled me out on the back board. I remember looking down and seeing the front of my dress torn out as they took me to the ambulance. 

I remember fighting to stay conscious as I determined if I was going to die I was going to die praying and speaking in tongues. I remember telling the paramedic I was having trouble breathing. 

I remember seeing the face of my son as they pulled me out of the ambulance, seeing the concern on his face. I remember meeting Dr. Timmer as he told me he would take care of me. 

And, I remember my son telling me everything was going to be alright. And, I believed him. 

That’s all I remember. 

As they took me to surgery they found my stomach muscles ruptured, my bowels severed and spilling out into my peritoneal cavity. They found my right leg broken in multiple places, my right ankle broken, my right forearm broken, my left ribs fractured, my left foot crushed. 

They lost me twice during the surgery and gave me 10 units of blood that day which is equivalent to the amount of blood in your body. 

They fought for me. 

Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvellous are thy works;

and that my soul knoweth right well.

I know very well. 

I remember and I know exactly what He did for me and the lengths He went to to keep me here. 

Psalm 139:17-18 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!

how great is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand:

when I awake, I am still with thee.

Three days later my eyes came open in ICU and saw my family surrounding me. I thought it was the same day and I was astonished to see my daughter standing there. I knew when I opened my eyes and saw all those I love and who love me He was going to honor my prayer. I would see my babies grow to men. 

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart:

try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

And as I sit here today, remembering again His mercy, His graciousness, His abundant love for me, I do so with a prayer in my heart and on my lips. 

Search my heart, look into my thoughts. I can’t fail You, for to whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48)

I want my story to be Your story. I want my presence to be overshadowed by Yours. 

One year ago today You filled me with life. You sustained me. Let my life be lived in praise to You. My Jesus. 

Remember My Bonds

There is an old song called "God on the Mountain." The very first line is "Life is easy when you're up on the mountain..."

That is so true, isn't it?

It is easy to give God the praise He deserves when everything is going your way.

But then you find yourself in the valley and the song changes, things aren't as simple anymore and it is MUCH harder to keep that positive attitude in times of trouble and heartache.

I bet all of us know someone that is always living in the valley, someone who you are afraid to ask, "So, how are you?" because you REALLY don't want to know.

Doom and gloom, trouble on every side, always in a crisis....

It is hard trying to see the positive side ALL of the time, I will admit it. There are times when I get my eyes off of Him and get them on my circumstances and when I do, I feel overwhelmed, even hopeless at times.

I have had to tell myself "NO, you are not doing this!"

I have had to rebuke negative thoughts and the one that brings the doubt and the fear into my life.

And I try to monitor what I say to people. I live for the Almighty, Omnipotent, All Powerful King of Glory, and that should be apparent by my actions, my speech, my life.

What am I telling the person that is looking for answers to the emptiness of their lives if all they hear from me are my problems? Do you think that will encourage them to seek Him for their own answers?

Please understand, I believe in prayer, I believe prayer changes things. NO, I don't just believe it, I know it without a shadow of doubt in my mind. He still moves stones, He still delivers, He still heals and He still hears. There is nothing too small and nothing too large for Him.

I do believe that when I am faced with problems I need to call on His Name and I need to seek other Saints to pray with me.

But I don't need to let my situations consume me. That "whoa is me" attitude has no place in my life. And I also don't believe that I need to use my problems to draw others attention to me, the kind of "Look at me, look what I am going through" mentality has no place in my life.

I have suffered, I have hurt, and I have longed for change in my life, but if at any time I have allowed my own problems to cause someone else to say "Man, I wish she would hush already," then I am truly sorry for that. I pray that is never the case, and if it is or has been, I pray that Jesus will change me, remove that attitude from my life.

Because, believe it or not, there are many things that go on in my life that only He knows about. And although you may never specifically know what they are, you know that I am a living, breathing person, therefore I have problems.

So, here is what you do: Know that life is not always easy for me, just as I know that about you, and PRAY for me. Remember me when you seek His face, call out my name before the throne. Remember my bonds.

I was struck by the words of Paul today in Colossians 4:18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

This is the very LAST verse in the Book of Colossians.

There are 94 other verses in that book alone. And in those verses Paul talks about thanksgiving, grace, joy and love.

But in only one verse, that very last verse does he mention it, the fact that he has a need.

A desperate need.

On four or more years during his ministry Paul was in prison, literally.

And while he was he wrote Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians.

While he was in bonds, he continued to work, he continued to exalt the church, continued to correct, to lead, to teach and to love.

It was during an imprisonment he wrote: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

While in bondage he continued steadfast in the work of the Lord. And instead of Epistles that paint a picture of how unfair and unjust life had been to Paul, we are painted a beautiful masterpiece of faith in the face of impossible circumstances.

That is the testimony I want to leave behind.

Not how bad my problems were, but how good my God was to me.

Are my problems gone? No.

Remember my bonds when you pray, as I will yours.

BUT....my bonds are NOT what I want you to remember about me....not what I want to fill up the pages of my life story.

Yes, they are there, but I want my life to tell the story of what I did in spite of the circumstances I may have found myself in. I don't want the problems of my life to be the plot...I want them to be a side note.

Let that be the closing line, not the opening one....

Oh, by the way....remember my bonds.

Amen.

Breaking Generational Curses

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Many years ago when my children were small we bought a home. It was a little place but I loved it because it represented permanence and stability. My husband and I had both grown up as “newspaper brats” and as such we moved frequently. We decided that was not the life we wanted for our family. We wanted a home base. 

My kids went to public school and were constantly having fund raisers. It was one of these fund raisers that I found a door knocker for our new home. 

Neither my husband or I were truly raised in church. We went sporadically while I was growing up and I am pretty sure he only went while staying with his grandparents. We went through some rough patches early on and it was during one of those rough patches we decided to change our direction and turn to God. 

We had no idea we had been worshipping the “gods of the Amorites.” We were caught up in worldly things, fleshly things. 

I think it’s interesting to note that Joshua, coming to the end of his life, noted that their fathers worshipped other gods “on the other side of the flood.” But once they came through that “Red Sea” experience and walked into the salvation from the their Egyptian captors, they left those “other gods” behind. 

While we were very young with a baby girl, we drove over an hour to attend the church my brother was attending in Westlake, Louisiana. It was there we received the revelation of Who God is and once we reached the other side of the flood through Baptism in Jesus’ Name and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost we committed to serving Him and raising our family to know Him. 

We strayed away for a time but once again we found ourselves at an altar making a commitment to Jesus and to our family. 

It was after this time I bought that door knocker. At that time I was very unhandy and I asked my husband to please hang it on the door. I wanted everyone who crossed that threshold to know, without a doubt, what and Who we stood for. 

He never hung it. I asked but there was always an excuse and he never found the time to do it. I repeated the request over and over until one day, years later in the midst of our broken family, I threw it away. 

Because, you see, it was not his declaration. 

As for him, he really didn’t want to serve the Lord. And he did not want that statement on the threshold speaking for him. 

Simply because he did not want to let go of the gods of his fathers. 

Even when it cost him everything, his family, relationship with his son, his health, he made a choice. 

Like those Israelites leaving Egypt, he was clinging to those things on the other side of that flood of grace that destroyed the enemies of his heart. 

When I talk to him he never fails to mention his father who has somehow become god-like in his life. That has become the standard he has set his goal of reaching. 

And he will reach it. 

It breaks my heart. 

Today is the day I realized just why he never wanted that door knocker on our home. He didn’t want that declaration to identify his family as serving God. And as he brought things in and came home surrounded in things he should have stayed clear of, he didn’t have to walk past that statement and be reminded of the lie his life was making it. 

Because of that choice, his own silent statement that I never heard with my heart, he has grandbabies he will never see. And, that is his choice, not his son’s. As for him, he wrapped the curses that had been applied to his family, a family that lost all but one member related to the iniquities of the flesh, around his shoulders like a banner, declaring to the world that he is supposedly his own man. 

But, through this he raised a son who has determined in his heart to leave behind the gods of his father. His babies go to sleep every night hearing their Daddy pray over them. 

He will be there as the Lord allows to see his own grandchildren live for God. 

And, although there is no door knocker on their door, there is a peace that only comes from the Presence of God, that fills their space. His beautiful wife serves with him and has confidence in who he is. 

I am thankful that my son and his house serve the Lord. I am thankful that curses that have plagued the men of a family for generations are gone. And, they are broken from the determination that the Lord WILL BE SERVED in that home. That is what it takes. 

The determination to live a life pleasing to God. Not your flesh.  Not this world or the gods of this world. Not caring one bit what anyone else thinks. And not wanting your children to be like their flawed parents or family members, but wanting them to grow in God. 

Write it on the doorposts of your heart so that whatever tries to come in, whatever your flesh tries to invite in, it will know where you stand. 

As for ME………

Singleness of Heart

NOTE: This is a Bible Study I wrote for our Single’s Group. 

I have been praying for and hoping for a Single’s group for a while, not because I am looking for a relationship but because I am looking for “relationship.” Something we don’t consider often enough as we walk through this life seemingly alone is how much Jesus wants relationship with us. The whole Word of God, every line, is a continuing love story between the Lord and His creation.

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

He longs for relationship for us. Surrounded by a spouse, children and all the trapping that come with married life and responsibility you have less time for introspection or to feel sorry for yourself. But when you sit alone at night with nothing but time and space it becomes easy to work yourself into situations and relationships that are not healthy and that lead you away from your purpose during these  days of singleness. 

And you seek to fix your own so called problem. 

One of my favorite section of verses is found in Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Listen to the same verses from the Message:

11: I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.

“When you come looking for me, you'll find me.

I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you" - God's Decree - "bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.

God’s Promise’s are “yea and amen.” If people have disappointed you, He won’t disappoint.  

Ephesians 3:20 AMP Dream big, and don’t be afraid to ask God for what seems impossible. People may let us down, but He will not fail us. He never disappoints when we ask in line with His Word

This is a wonderful opportunity for each of us. An opportunity to come together and do something for the kingdom. We have the message and we have the means to reach people that others cannot reach. But we have to have focus. 

That is what being “Single Minded” is all about.

Acts 2:42-47 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

There are four key points in verse 42 that will sustain us during this season. 

1. Continuing steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine
2. Forming bonds of Apostolic friendship (fellowship)
3. Eating together (breaking bread)
4. And praying together

1. We need to hold onto this message and not allow the temptations found in loneliness to sidetrack us. “Sin will take you farther than you ever planned to go.” The devil won’t ride up in a jalopy with rotten teeth and stinky clothes. It’s called temptation for a reason. The only way to make it is to resist it.

Don’t go out seeking relationships with the opposite sex in the world. You won’t win them, the world will win you. Hold onto the Word. Resist the devil and he will flee. Use the Word to fight temptation as Jesus did.

2.  Make an effort to be involved. We have a varied group here. Every person here has their own story and their own value. Young and old. Single, divorced, widowed. Being together will help us grow and will help us overcome. 

3. All of our major events surround food. There is an easiness when we break bread together and just be ourselves in a safe place where we are truly loved! This is a time to build godly relationships and glean from other’s experiences. It’s a time to build bonds and share struggles. 

4. And lastly, we need to pray together. To bear one another’s burdens. To pray for covering and protection and strength during this season of our lives. To pray for growth. To pray for evangelism. 

And as we continue to meet and enjoy each other we will realize our hearts are bound by this incredible faith and have become one beating heart of brotherhood and sisterhood in this time when we may long for a relationship, we will have found purpose through relationship with the true Love of our lives.

Singleness Of Heart: The Many Helping The One

Do you even see them anymore? Or, has it become easy to look over them or through them? 

She sits alone at the end of the pew each service. Once upon a time she was a young bride, full of love and the promises of life to come. She raised her children and served Him in every way she could. She was always there. Then her life shattered and every dream turned into a lie. Alone now, living a life she never prepared to live, she lies awake at night without purpose, wondering if it would be better if she were not even alive. She feels rejected and unwanted, and unworthy. Because of what she has been through she doesn’t even feel like she can be used anymore, and her once vibrant altar work has become shadowed by a past she didn’t ask for. 

Or the young woman who isn’t so young anymore. Who has watched all of her peers marry and start families while she still waits. She feels too old to be involved with the youth and cannot participate in the young married group where her lifelong friends are. She becomes a gopher, a babysitter, and a planner of showers for others who are celebrating. She has stood beside many other brides and years have slipped by and she still waits. Now those dreams have dulled and her hope of that “happily ever after” seems like an impossible dream.

What about the man with his two beautiful kids who did everything right. Met a beautiful young girl and courted her. Had the wedding attended by all of their family and friends, and slowly watched the dream turn into a nightmare as she spent more and more time away from her family. And then one day she packed her bags, pushed her children in the house and slammed the door on every promise she made. Now the young father is left to pick up the shattered lives of his children and himself and rebuild alone.

There is the mother facing middle age alone after a brief illness robbed her family of the leader of their home.

The man who turned his life around and began living for God with everything he had only to lose the wife of youth because she wants no part of who he has become.

Jeremiah 10:19 “Woe is me for my hurt! My wound is grievious: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.”

This world is full of lonely people. And, so are our pews. We have neglected these souls that are already neglected.

While your Christmas is full of gifts, your birthday is celebrated, your accomplishments are shared, these are left to just pass another day and pretend they don’t feel the emptiness. 

Job 17:11 “My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.”

 Apostolic Churches are full of singles. They are in every church. They are single, divorced, widowed, separated. They are alone. They are the third wheel on dinner dates. They are the afterthought of gatherings. They are buying their own birthday gifts, and talking to their dogs for company.

They are VALUABLE. 

Psalm 31:12 “I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.”

And, most of the time, they are broken.

There was a concept within the Japanese culture many centuries ago. That concept was wabi-sabi - an embracing of the flawed or imperfect. They valued those vessel that you could see the wear on, the ones that you could tell had been used. Those vessels were honored and treasured.

And when one of their vessels became broken they would use gold, silver or platinum dust to repair the damage. Whereas our modern culture sweeps up that broken thing in the dust pan and throws it away, allowing themselves only the memory of what the vessel once was, the Japanese would literally "highlight" the damage. This event in the life of the vessel became what made that vessel special.

It is stated that "the bowl had become more beautiful for having been broken. The true life of the bowl began the moment it was dropped." 

Realizing circumstances for each situation are different, the Singles in our midsts are searching for purpose and connection. 

Truthway Church in Pineville, Louisiana has formed a Single’s ministry at the urging of Pastor J. Tim Merritt. Bro. Cobin and Sis. Keesha Hebert have taken the helm to provide the group of members a safe environment and help these often forgotten to find purpose. To embrace this season as a season of growth instead of stagnation. The Mission of the group is to develop “A Singleness of Heart” (Acts 2:46 “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.”) 

The challenge is there. How do our churches serve this lost community of Saints? How can they be made a part of the body instead of feeling apart from the body?

There are broken people in our churches, on our pews. So, remember when you find someone with their lives in jagged shards around them YOU can respond to them. You can embrace them in their brokenness and help them to see the beauty in the life God has put back together. And you can help them to understand that their  life is not over and brokenness is not the end.

Healing for the Broken

Luke 4:18 “he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted”

In January of 2013 my 26 year marriage ended. And, with that end came an extreme season of heartache and pain. 

During that time I completely lost my purpose and my way. I found myself in a wilderness of pain and grief. Feelings of condemnation surrounded me and I would lay awake at night crying and begging The Lord to just take my life. 

The pain continued to build until it was crushing. And I blamed myself for every heartache. I felt completely unworthy and full of guilt and shame. I made a desperate mistake that continued to plague me and it felt like the talons of that mistake were dug in all the way to my soul. 

I only went to church sporadically during this time. I felt dirty like I didn’t  belong there any longer. It was a dark time for me. 

At the end of 2016 I decided to return to my True Love and my life took a complete turn as I repented and gave my life back to Him. 

Today, I can say there are scars that will always remain but He has truly healed me. 

I realize that divorce is common place these days but divorce was never my intention. Forever was. Two imperfect people said “I do” on that day in 1986. There were failings on both sides and I regret the pain of my trust in him being broken and  that I could not overcome that again. I regret a lot of things. 

There are people Iike me littering every Apostolic church. Whereas in the world at large divorce is not blinked at, the Apostolics realize keenly the beauty and sanctity of marriage. Divorce is not the norm in our ranks, but it is there. And as society continues to deteriorate it will increase. 

We need to be mindful of these broken people around us. Those, like me, who longed for that forever love, wanted to grow old with that person we had chosen to share our lives with, miss the little things about having a partner, and are now facing life alone. 

There has been a decrease in singles ministries in our ranks. I am not talking about a dating club, I am referring to a group of people we can spend time with who will help us heal and draw us into a closer, more purposeful life during this season we are in. 

He came to heal even us. Won’t you reach out today to someone who is facing life after marriage? Won’t you step into the gap and help your brother or sister find their purpose and place? They are facing things you don’t understand, I know. But your heart speaks their language. Love is universal. 

Our church has recently started a singles ministry led by one of our wonderful couples in church. We are all excited about all of the plans being made. I will be sharing more about this ministry and long to encourage others as we work toward being His hands and feet in this population. 

Stay tuned. 

So thankful I can write this today from a place of love and healing. God has been ever so gracious to me.