I'm really blessed!

I was walking down the street earlier today, and ran into an old friend. We used to work together some, when my Dad had his business. He is the same age I am. Yet, his life has been very, very different than mine. He was raised in a really disfunctional family, and has spent most of his life smoking, drinking, taking drugs, and sleeping around.

I looked at him, and almost didn't reconize him, he looked so old. His hair was grey, faced wrinkled. He looked almost 20 years older than me. He spoke to me briefly, and soon was on his way. I could tell by his speech, he still was not saved. Raised Catholic, he always thought he was alright with God. My Dad and I had spoke to him, but Christianity had never been what he wanted. He was to busy...living fast. He didn't let me talk long enough to witness to him.

I looked at him, and then started taking inventory of my life. I never did drugs, drank, or smoked. I never had premarital sex. I was saved at 7 years old, baptized with the Holy Ghost and called to preach at 12. I worked in church all my life.
All I could think of was, I am not young, but I do not look 15 or 20 years older than I actually am. I thought, how blessed I am. Yet, there are times I grumble and complain.

I have been doing some real soul searching, lately. My pastor has been emphasizing having joy. I have been praying for God to rekindle, my joy. I am renaming my personal ministry...Oasis of Joy Ministries. We need to always remember the joy of the Lord is our strength.

That is all I could think about, when I saw my old friend. I had the joy of the Lord, and he did not. How different we are. I wouldn't change my life for anything he had done.

Always remember, God is faithful and he gives an oasis of joy,

Steve

Things our looking up!

No I haven't recieved any new word on Paula's condition. Yet, I have received major encouragement from the Lord. The Bible says David encouraged himself in the Lord. That's what I have been trying to do, since I resigned from the pastorate. I really didn't feel bitter or depressed, but after being attacked by people; I found my joy leaking out. Then a few weeks ago came this newest battle about Paula's health. When we got the news 3 years ago Paula only had a year to live. I had the biggest pitty party I could have. Then I decided...I was not going to live my life worrying is my wife going to die today. God has proven the doctors don't know it all.

Over the last two weeks, something has happen to me. I attribute this to my church, pastor, christian friends and family. We have brought the message of Paula's heart to everyone we know. People are praying for us all across the country. Believe me.....I can feel the difference. My spiritual desire has increased.

If you don't know what it is like to feel spiritually drained, then you are one of the bless one. I felt a few months back, like I was going through the motions of pastoring. What joy I had was gone...not with the people, but with certian staff members, that I found had major diffrences with my leadership and Biblical beliefs.
Let me stress, DO NOT listen to people who claim to believe the truth, but you find out don't believe the Word. I made this mistake (I thought I was being trustworthy, but I think I was being gulible).

Now though, God has really helped me. Please keep your self encouraged. Don't let people and life get you down.

God Bless,

Steve

Jesus is STILL ALIVe

He is not here he has risen. Thank God for the empty tomb. Thank God for our Savior's grace and mercy.

Let me wish everyone a Happy Easter. Like the old song says Jesus is alive and well. I hope everyone has a blessed Easter and remembers go to church Sunday. We are looking for about 500 at our home church. The kids are looking forward to getting candy and hunting for eggs. You may not celebrate the Lord's resurrection they way we do, but thats ok. We have 9 kids who look forward to Easter.

We found out today that we won't no anymore about Paula getting a transplant until after we see her cardiologist on May 8. Please keep her in your prayers.

I was able to attend revival at church this week, and I feel better. I needed God to really renew my strength this week, and he did. Even preachers get stressed and run down sometimes.

Until later,

Steve

Special Prayer Request

Today, we got some nerve wracking news. Paula's heart is not doing good, and we were told she needs a heart transplant. I ask for everyones immediate prayer for our family. We will know more about this next week.

Thanks

Steve