REMEMBER THE GAMES OF CHILDHOOD? Who knew that we could use them at some of our most intense times and put them to work spiritually? Well, I found out that we can … and it was one of the richest experiences I’ve ever had! Wanna hear about it? During one of my very long, intense days – fighting off sinus symptoms or allergies – both of which I hardly every have – I had fleeting moments of wondering if I was going to make it. When those rare times occur, I usually find myself quoting the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me,” from Philippians 4:13. This time, it was like I need to pull out all stops. And suddenly the childhood alphabet game came to me – and the idea was instantly there: begin with “A” and praise God for Who He is for each letter of the alphabet all the way through “Z”! There was no hesitation; no thoughts that this would seem silly. It seemed like the most logical thing in the world to do ~ honor God while drawing strength from the knowledge of Who He is! And so I began. A . . . Amazing, Awesome, Adonai, All. B . . . Bread of Life, Blessing-giver, Beautiful One. C . . . Christ, Creator, Comforter, Care-giver, Cross-bearer. Interruptions would come. The moment I could focus again on what I was doing, it came right back to me. D . . . Divine, Deity, Designer, Defender. E . . . Excellent, Eternal, Everlasting. F . . . Father, Friend, Favor-Arranger, Forever. Oh yes, I’m being paged – let me go and take care of that! Now, where was I: E, F, now G . . . God, Glorious, Giver of Life, Great. H . . . Heavenly Father, Healer, Holy Spirit, Helper. I . . . Inviting, Intimate, Idea-Giver, I AM. Wow, I could go on and on! The Names and attributes of my God are endless, and so descriptive! As I praise Him for each of these characteristics that remind me Who He is … I am aware that there is a warmth that is embracing me. A strength that is filling me. A joy that is infusing my spirit. I find that while I am praising my Lord, I am exhibiting greater productivity than normal. I can’t wait to go on. Alright, now I am to J . . . Jesus, Jehovah, Joy-giver, Justice. K . . . Keeper, King of Kings. L . . . Lover of my soul, Lord of Lords, Life-giver. The thoughts just keep coming! My heart is uplifted and my weakened body feels as if it is being carried. Lord, I know You’re right here beside me, with me, the Lifter of my head. And so I continue: M . . . Marvelous, Majestic, Master, Messiah, Miracle-giver. N . . . Name above all names, Newness of life, Never-failing. O . . . Overcoming One, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Only-begotten Son. Who else can say they have an “army of one” like this One? Any misgivings I have about anything should just melt away in the knowledge of Who my God is! I love this next letter: P . . . Personal, Precious, Provider, Priceless, Powerful, Prince of Peace, Promise-giver, Praise-worthy. Q . . . Quoter of Scripture, Quick to come to my rescue, Question-answerer, Quiet-place. R . . . Redeemer, Resurrection, Righteousness, Rock. Ruler. The hours of the clock are running around rapidly. That’s what happens when your mind is set on Christ. Everything seems to go smoother. And God is showing me wonderful favor today – in so many ways! This is so much more than a childhood game! Here I am already at S . . . Savior, Shed blood of Jesus, Sustainer, Solace, Supreme Sacrifice, Shepherd. T . . . Triumphant, Trail-blazer, Teacher. Tear-Dryer. U . . . Understanding One, Undergirder, Unifier, Ultimate Gift, Universe-Creator. This alphabet is drawing to an end – but I will have only scratched the surface when it comes to exalting my God for WHO He is and ALL He is! Here we are at V . . . Victorious, Vigil-Keeper, Vine-dresser, Vision-Giver. W . . . the Word, Wisdom, Wonderful, Warrior, Wind and Wave-Calmer. X . . . Xcellent, Xtravagant, Xtreme, Xalted, (just add an “e” in front of the “x” and it will make sense!) Y . . . Yoke-Lightener, and YOU, Jesus! I can hardly believe that I’ve come to Z ~ but what can I say for Z, Lord? It was like a Voice boomed silently inside of me: “I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.” A smile crossed my face. Oh yes, Lord, You always have the answer! In this case, Z equals Omega, the End! He is from eternity to eternity. From the beginning to the end. Long before my day came to an end, I realized afresh just how fully God was in every moment of my every hour. Childhood game? No, rather a spiritual weapon that won the war over fatigue and sickness, replacing them with unspeakable joy and power and favor! To God be the glory … great is His Name! The next time you’re facing overwhelming odds, remember the “Alphabet Names of Jesus”, and praise Him all the way through it! Your day will become extraordinary! Jesus … Jesus … JESUS!!!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- THERE’S NOTHING LIKE HAVING GOD MEET WITH YOU in the morning hours of HIS day! His Spirit was evident in the music, the message, and the testimonies of those who shared their heart with the family of God this past Sunday!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Jimmy for providing the fresh squeezed grape juice from his homegrown grapes for Communion. What an added blessing to a powerful time in the presence of our Lord!
- LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES to our son, D.J., who is celebrating on October 14th! Thanks for the blessing you are to us, D.J., and may God’s loving favor be evident in your life all year long! We love you, son!
- SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES go out to Lyndel on October 12th! May this be your best year ever!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10TH: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, focusing on the 8th fingerprint of God: “He Calms My Storms”. Don’t miss this message as preached by Pastor Doug, coming from personal experience and the Word of God! NEXT SUNDAY: Message – “He Prunes My Branches” from John chapter 15.
- THIS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13TH: 7:00-8:00 P.M. – ‘LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY at the home of Pastor Doug and Debbie! This is an exciting study for anyone desiring to learn more of God’s Word! Bring your Bibles … the notebooks and pens are provided!
- THIS SATURDAY: RE: FUEL YOUTH ACTIVITY – laser tag at the recreation center in Mankato! See Pastor D for times and costs!
- FELLOWSHIP/FAMILY/FUN SCHEDULE for the remainder of the year will be available at the end of this month … exciting things are being planned … and we want YOU to be a part of them!
- OCTOBER 22/23: WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE … and the ladies who are registered for this event, “Over the Top” will be receiving full details on Sunday, October 17th!
- OCTOBER 22: ALL ABOUT GUYS STEAK-FRY w/Pastor Doug; plan on a night of great food & fellowship!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAT GOD CANNOT DO! We see His hand at work in divine ways over and over! Just this week, we have witnessed two more miracles; how we praise God for His wondrous healing power! Continue to lift up Jimmy, LaFawn, Tina, Mary’s dad, Julia, Roger, Kay, and others! Let’s stand in the gap and never give up when it comes to trusting God for others, and even for our church building! God’s timing is perfect!
- REMEMBER . . . “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6, (NIV) Yes, He will! (Thanks for the reminder, Randy!)
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
